IFBSO enjoyed a record attendance at its annual ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress in Gdansk from 9th - 12th June 2015 and concluded the event on a high note after having achieved all of the objectives it set itself at the start of its re-structuring process in early 2014.
Since the introduction of different membership levels last June, IFBSO has recruited new candidate members and matched them with mentors for a 3-year mentorship scheme. This scheme allows new shows to join whilst providing them with advice and guidance which will ensure that at the end of their mentorship they comply with either the basic standard or full IFBSO Code of Excellence.
Other new members include BPA Wordwide who, as IFBSO’s preferred media and show assurance agency, provides its members with a competitive show audit package. IFBSO’s latest Honorary member is Tony Rice, who retired last week from his long standing position as Secretary General of ICOMIA and this signifies the friendship and close co-operation that now exists between both organisations.
The delegates enjoyed a lively presentation and workshop programme from amongst their own ranks, our Polish hosts and two outstanding keynote speakers. Mark Gallagher, Formula 1 Industry Executive, gave a fascinating insight into the world of Formula 1 and explained how experience gained in F1 can be applied to other industries and how creating world class teams will help achieve ambitions goals. Mikael Jansson, CEO of Fairlink, mesmerised the delegates with a very lively presentation on how events can be turned into “super novas” with plenty of practical and relevant examples and recommendations.
IFBSO has successfully confirmed new members to its Executive Committee at the AGM on 11th June which is now made up as follows:
- Goetz Jungmichel (boot Düsseldorf) – President
- Irene Dros (METS-Amsterdam RAI) – Vice President
- Bengt Wallin (Gothenburg Boat Show) – Treasurer
- Adrian Danson (London & Southhampton International Boat Show) – Member
- Jerry Flaxman (Atlantic City In Water Power Boat Show) - Member
- Helena Gao (China Shanghai Intl Boat Show) - Member
- Dirk Kreidenweiss, (Interboot Friedrichshafen) - Member
- Roy Privett (BIA – Sydney International Boat Show) - Member
- Hanse Thorslund (Stockholm International Boat Show) - Member
Having finalised the initial restructuring programme, the major goals for the coming year are further membership expansion, consolidation of the activities of the regional groups and further improvement in the services offered to members. IFBSO will also work on greater brand awareness, especially amongst exhibitors, and will communicate this by introducing a new logo in due course. This should make it easier for exhibitors to recognise that IFBSO member boat shows are exercising leadership within their markets to distinguish themselves from non IFBSO members and that they are providing direction and guidance for the boating industry, are influential in their business environment and are LEADING their exhibitors to success!
Renate Maddocks-Born
