British Marine has now announced that the Southampton Boat Show will be postponed to 2021 in September in light of the ban on large gatherings. Due to a socially distanced boat show simply not being possible, the organisation are looking towards a smaller-scale outdoor only event to take its place this year.
British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson commented, "We're naturally very disappointed that we cannot run the event this year in its usual magnitude and format."
"The world is in an unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and public health is everyone’s priority. Annually Southampton International Boat Show attracts an attendance of over 100,000, with over 430 exhibitors. An event of this size and format is simply not possible this year and as such, we have made the decision to postpone it until September 2021.”
“As government guidance on COVID-19 evolves, British Marine will continue to work with both exhibitors and key event stakeholders to explore all other opportunities, including an alternative smaller scale outdoor event to support the leisure marine industry and its members. British Marine are encouraged by today’s government announcement that they will be setting out a timetable for getting events as COVID-19 secure as possible next week.”
There are no confirmed details as of yet in regards to the smaller scale event, however BM has stated that all current exhibitor bookings for SIBS 2020 can be transferred automatically to next year's show. "We will ensure that we make the 52nd edition one to remember."- Lesley Robinson.
