The Biograd Boat Show opened with more exhibitors and a new exhibitional hall
by Robert Pirovic 18 Oct 2019 03:44 PDT
17-20 October 2019
The Biograd Boat Show © Biograd Boat Show
- The Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic opens the Biograd Boat Show, heading a large list of dignitaries from the Maritime and Tourism Ministries as well as the Croatian Chamber of Economy and local politicians. The Croatian President is in the top 50 of Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful Women.
- For the 21st straight year, another record show was achieved, with approximately 400 registered exhibitors and 350 boats on display. The opening day saw record attendance, up more than 20% from the previous year's record attendance under sunny skies and warm temperatures.
- A fourth exhibition hall (Hall D) has been added to accommodate the new Croatian Charter Expo, a two-day business to event for the yacht charter industry to be held from 17-18. 10. 2019. The first day recorded more than 110 participating companies, and 600 scheduled meetings on the new Biograd B2B software platform. The exhibitors unanimously stated that this new event exceeded their expectations, which is very important as Croatia has by far the largest number of charter yachts in the world.
- The Croatian Chamber of Economy is host its third annual Croatian Nautical Days, with a rich Congress Program to serve the nautical industry. Highlights of the program include meetings and presentations of the following associations: Tour Boat Operators, Marina Operators, Boatbuilders, Nautical Harbours, Yacht Charter Operators, Adventure Tourism Agencies.
- The legendary entertainment program will include seven bands and three DJs as well as a large fireworks display scheduled for Saturday Otober 19th at 21:30 in front of marina Kornati West.
Central Europe's in-water show
This year the Biograd Boat show celebrates its 21st show, after a successive run of 20 straight record shows. This is Central Europe's in-water show attracting many visitors and exhibitors from neighbouring countries, and the biggest meeting point for Croatia's nautical industry, marking the end of the boating season and the start of a new business year.
Another record show expected
The show continues to gain international popularity among both exhibitors and visitors due to the Croatia's importance as a boating destination, and Ilirija's well managed facilities including Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Favourable pricing for all adds to the leisurely atmosphere, while a pontoon bridge links the main marina with Marina Kornati West, offering a unique and attractive in-water exhibition. Due to the waiting list of exhibitors, Ilirija is working to include more space to accommodate additional exhibitors to provide a better visitor experience. This year, a 4th exhibition hall will be added near the show, to accommodate a new business to business (B2B) event for the yacht charter industry.
The boat show experience
Sunset marks the end of the exhibition day and the beginning of an on-site evening program offering great food and live entertainment each night, continuing into the town centre until the late hours. It is the many side events that take place in this intimate, pedestrian friendly, seaside town that creates the unique BBS Experience. This is the key to the show's success, visible in the eyes of the locals as well as many affluent visitors from Central Europe that make a holiday of the event. As usual, expect some new surprises.
Central Europe's gateway to the sea
The event attracts more visitors and exhibitors from neighbouring countries each year. Many people are introduced to the show while visiting Biograd throughout the year, as it is one of the world's largest yacht charter destinations, or through its world class calendar of regattas and events, or as one of the busiest marine transit destinations in Croatia. Regardless, the international reputation of the event improves each year.
The Biograd Boat Show is a Gold Member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers, adopting the high standards of the organization and participating in its further development by sharing its unique business model, and innovative touches such as the 360 degree virtual reality tour, and Biograd B2B.
Biograd B2B
As we have reached the limits of exhibition space, we have developed Biograd B2B, a business to business event within the show allowing business visitors to register, participate and schedule meetings with exhibitors and other B2B participants during the show.
Biograd B2B includes a strong congress program run by the Croatian Chamber of Economy and numerous networking social events, such as the Friday B2B Bash.
Croatia Charter Expo
This year, at the request of a large group of Croatian yacht charter companies, we will add the Croatia Charter Expo, a new 2-day business to business event as part of Biograd B2B, to be held in a new Exhibition Hall D located just outside the fairgrounds from 17.-18. 10. 2019. Charter fleet providers will meet with agents, brokers and suppliers, supported by an active charter congress program. All participants wil be registered on the Biograd B2B platform, and will be able to take part in the boat show during its entire duration. The event has received generous support by the Croatian Tourist Board, the Chamber of Economy, and the city of Biograd.
For more information, follow links below: