The importance and success of a trade fair cannot always - and certainly not exclusively - be measured by its size or the amount of exhibition space it covers, nor by the number of visitors and exhibitors. If it is possible to present the diversity of water sports in a clear and compact way on around 10,000 square metres or even less, to get people excited about this form of leisure activity and to inspire even experienced boaters, then even an event lasting just three days with a good 80 exhibitors and around 6,000 visitors can maintain its regular place in the German boat show scene.
The 22nd Magdeboot, which ended on 12 March 2023 in the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is a prime example of this. It is regarded as the most important water sports trade fair in Central Germany. And the region in which it takes place offers the "ideal basis for a wide range of water sports activities", says Steffen Schüller, Managing Director of Messe- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Magdeburg (MVGM). Europe's largest inland area for water sports lies between the Elbe and the Baltic Sea - with 5000 lakes and 3600 kilometres of continuously navigable waterways.
Water tourism an important economic factor
The importance of the Magdeboot and the significance of water sports - both for the federal state and personally - became clear in the three opening speeches. MVGM Managing Director Steffen Schüller, for example, outed himself as a proud holder of inland and sea sports boat licences. He passed the examination last year. On the same day as Lydia Hüskens, Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs in Saxony-Anhalt. "For Saxony-Anhalt, tourism around the waters is an enormously important economic factor," emphasised the FDP politician. Thorsten Kroll, Councillor for Finance and Assets of the state capital Magdeburg and representing Mayor Simone Borris at the lectern, focussed on paddling. An exhibition area at Magdeboot and "a wonderful sport", but one that can also be challenging. "I know what it means to paddle from Magdeburg to Schönebeck," said Kroll, recounting his experience of the traditional Advent paddle with icy sports goggles.
The latest edition of the Magdeburg trade fair for boats, outdoor and water sports boasted a fine mix: whether inflatable boats, canoes, sailing dinghies, small and medium-sized motorboats or comfortable yachts, there was something for almost every taste and budget among the boats on display. But water and fun sports were also in demand, according to the closing press release for the 22nd Magdeboot. The spectrum ranged from canoes and inflatable boats to diving, stand-up paddling, camping and caravans. "Magdeboot has traditionally stood for this mix and is therefore successful. For many visitors and exhibitors, it is the unofficial kick-off to the new water sports season," says Magdeboot project manager Johanna Buhrke.
Successful world premiere of the Neptun 21
"The world premiere of the Neptun 21 sailing boat was a resounding success," said the organising team at Messe Magdeburg. The Neptun Yachts GmbH from Rheda-Wiedenbrück presented the latest model from the family shipyard, which is well known among sailors, to the public for the first time at a trade fair after four years of development. "We sold it several times here at the trade fair straight away," said Managing Director Pascal Ernst with corresponding satisfaction. With the Deltania Mini he had also brought what he described as "probably the smallest sailing boat in the world" to Magdeburg as an entry-level model - and also met with great interest in the state capital. Two brand new fishing boats from the Ukrainian shipyard Finval celebrated their world premiere at the same time. They are very compact and lightweight, which makes them particularly practical and easy to handle - while still offering a high level of comfort on the water.
Expectations fulfilled
Meanwhile, Frank Schaper, Managing Director of Bootscenter B1 from Werder (Havel), has been a familiar face at Magdeboot for many years. "It's a nice, harmonious trade fair with a relaxed atmosphere. Our expectations have once again been fully met and we already welcome some regular visitors," he summarises. He was also able to make many new contacts.
Marion Hanisch and Roland Delater even spoke of an "overwhelming response". With their houseboat Rollyboot Max they had set up a real eye-catcher in the exhibition hall. This was their first time at Magdeboot. Their boats are built in the family's own shipyard in Brandenburg an der Havel. "The feedback from the trade fair has been consistently positive. We were able to make a lot of appointments for the boatyard. We'll be back next year," says Marion Hanisch.
Marcel Ranke, Managing Director of Allert marin GmbH from Werder (Havel), has the same plans. Together with his team, he mainly presented boats from Bavaria at Magdeboot. Ranke attaches great importance to the trade fair presence, even in times of the internet and social media: "Visitors can touch the boats here, go on board and get a feel for them. With such a large purchase, this is essential for our customers."
- The next Magdeboot will take place from 8 to 10 March 2024.
