Showing the way forward

The Dubai International Boat Show will continue to enjoy international acclaim as Project Manager Helen Wynd explains.

What does your year between shows involve?

As soon as the gates close on the last show we literally begin work on the next. Throughout the year we visit many other shows for market research and to collect ideas.

Amongst those we've visited in the last year are Dusseldorf, Cannes, Monaco, Southampton, METS in Amsterdam and the IFCSO Conference. As the show approaches we also embark on a tour of promotional press conferences around the GCC.

In terms of physical work on the venue, the building of the site commences in January. The show is expanding so fast our biggest problem is accommodating everybody in the current venue.

Not only are we trying to put together a 700 piece jigsaw in which the pieces constantly change size and shape, but we also start with a location with no infrastructure in terms of halls, electricity or plumbing.

We extend the available marina facilities to accommodate the boats; it would be nice to be able to do the same for the parking!

Apart from air miles, what ideas have you been collecting at other shows?

We note the general aesthetics, atmosphere and associated events; we also look at ways of improving our own professionalism. What is satisfying is this year organisers from other shows around the world are coming to see what we are doing.

It's a real compliment, a stamp of approval and testimony as to how DIBS is perceived internationally.

Will other GCC shows dilute DIBS or draw more attention to the region?

Dubai is a regional hub and people come from around the world to experience this extraordinary city.

This is reflected in the international content of our show and is something others can't currently replicate; so I don't believe they will have significant impact on DIBS.

Where other events in the GCC may be national shows, the fact that manufacturers show a fuller range of products is one of our show's key strengths and why people travel to Dubai for it.

Is DIBS nearing its plateau in terms of size?

For 2004, 2005 and 2006 we enjoyed 100% growth year on year. Last year we grew another 30 per cent and a further 20 per cent for this year.

Development of marinas and new waterfront in Dubai is unprecedented anywhere in the world, what's happening now is very special and I'm sure contributes to our growth.