From 25 to 29 September, the latest boats, yachts, trend sports equipment, accessories and maritime fashion were once again presented at the Friedrichshafen exhibition centre. "For the first time in a condensed form, this year's edition of Interboot was a complete success," summarised Exhibition Director Klaus Wellmann. "The mood among the exhibiting companies was predominantly very good. Many were able to conclude business deals and are expecting good post-fair business." Project Manager Felix Klarmann also added with satisfaction: "The efforts have paid off. We have made a lot of changes to the concept and are happy that the new format of Interboot has been so well received."
Taster courses, test drives and workshops
There was a lot on offer over the five days in eight halls and on the open-air site. The combination of the admission ticket with the InterDive diving and travel trade fair ensured a lively flow of visitors between the two water sports exhibitions. There were various hands-on activities on the exhibition lake and in the Interboot harbour: From taster pump-boating and test drives in the harbour to joyrides on Lake Constance. Stage presentations in the Travel & Sailing Centre attracted a large audience, while some of the workshops and seminars at the Interboot Academy were fully booked before the start of the trade fair.
Exhibitors are satisfied
As far as the shorter duration is concerned, the exhibitors and companies represented at the trade fair are positive: "We are very satisfied with the new trade fair duration of five days. We have never experienced a trade fair day like Saturday in all our time as exhibitors. It was unbelievable what was going on here from 10 a.m. until the end of the trade fair. We have already achieved 81 per cent of last year's turnover in four days. We are truly speechless," says a delighted Sonja Meichle, Managing Director of Ultramarin Meichle & Mohr. Michael Zupritt, Managing Director of MIZU Marine, is also completely delighted. "The trade fair was mega successful for us, we sold both trade fair boats. There was a really good audience at our stand on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - knowledgeable and really interested in buying boats. We have already booked for next year." Karsten Baas, Managing Director of Hanse Vertriebs GmbH & Co KG, has long been an advocate of the compressed runtime. "The visitors are more focussed and we have many intensive discussions about our new Hanse yacht."
Customers appreciate the location and the expanded trade fair programme of Interboot and InterDive
In addition to the reduction in the duration of the trade fair, the merger of Interboot and InterDive was rated positively by customers: "The exhibitions complement each other very well," says Anke Heesen, Account Manager of the British Virgin Island Tourist Board. "Many of our customers are divers and appreciate the expanded trade fair programme." Many exhibitors confirmed that the location was another plus. Beat Plüss, Managing Director of SNG: "Friedrichshafen as a location is of course good for us Swiss. We can acquire the southern German region and thus tap into new markets and customers." Jens Falkenberg, founder and owner of Stoked Zone, is also particularly fond of the trade fair location. "The proximity to Lake Constance, i.e. to surfing, is great. It's a good opportunity for us from Hamburg to present ourselves in southern Germany."
About the Interboot
Every year in September, Interboot focuses on the latest trends in water sports. Numerous exhibiting companies present their innovations in the areas of sailing boats, motorboats and fun sports. There is also a wide range of products and accessories to purchase. The international water sports trade fair is where the community meets to exchange ideas. In addition to forward-looking topics such as sustainability, alternative forms of propulsion and e-mobility, Interboot also comprehensively showcases the travel and charter sector. Furthermore, lectures, practice-oriented seminars and a varied supporting programme are offered. Other important components are the exhibition lake and the Interboot harbour. Test drives can be undertaken and trend sports equipment tested at both locations.
