It is only three months to go until BoatLife – Powered by Suzuki opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham. Running from 15-18 February 2024, now is time to mark this prime boating event in the calendar!
Entering its third year, following impressive growth in 2023, BoatLife is established as a targeted community event that kicks off the boating season with an unforgettable mix of boats and products under one roof. Industry support for this early season show continues to be significant, with BoatLife welcoming headline sponsor Suzuki as well as partners Elite Dynamics and SBS Trailers to name but a few.
Set to fuel the boating adventure, the outstanding line-up of powerboats and RIBs is set to be over 100 models, all catering to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. Exhibiting companies displaying some top names will include Idealboat, Boatpoint, TBS Boats, Offshore Power Boats and many more. For visitors this is a prime buying opportunity to become fully immersed in quality brands offering a superb choice in size, design, style and equipment plus a chance to get on board and gain guidance from professionals, without the purchase pressure often experienced at shows. Within this BoatLife sector there will also be a number of UK debuts and launches announced that are not to be missed!
A perfect companion to the powerboat sector, and following on from its successful launch last year, the dedicated boat angling zone will be back in force! This sector will showcase vessels ideal for fishing such as Tracker Boats, Smartliner & IBF, alongside products and equipment for the angling sector including On Top Angling, Penn and Cox & Rawle. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, this is the place to obtain expert advice and embrace the joys of boat and kayak fishing, where like-minded individuals with a shared passion connect.
Mirroring the exceptional enthusiasm for this sector, there will be a great line-up of angling ambassadors at the show, with meet and greet as well as stage talks planned. These include: John Locker – The Fish Locker, Squidward 3 – Fishing Adventures, Mark Fairhurst – Manic Fishing, Adam Jones – London Perchfinder, Jamie – Shaky Angler and Will Parkinson – Smartfish.
Evergreen in popularity, the inland waterways zone will be expecting a host of superb brands, all exuding inimitable style. Well-known ambassadors Adam Lind from Floating Home and David Johns from Cruising the Cut will be flying the flag in this favoured sector. Whether visitors are looking to maximise recreational fun, explore a liveaboard lifestyle, considering purchase or looking for a water-based break, this is the spot to find it all! Top brands such as Tingdene, ABC Leisure Group and Midland Chandlers amongst others will be exhibiting.
A huge belief for BoatLife is that the chance to get out on the water should be accessible to all, and the vibrant watersports sector is often a place from which passion grows. The popular activity pool zone, sponsored by GJW Direct, will offer kayak and paddleboard demonstrations by Rockley Watersports professionals and the visitor have-a-go sessions return, with options to try new activities and promote the fun of watersports. Last year this was a particularly well-received opportunity by families and those new to boating.
Supporting these areas will of course be a number of relevant equipment suppliers, manufacturers and green tech businesses. The likes of Torqeedo, Beta Marine and Seadek will rub shoulders with Ship Shape Bedding, Navico Group and Sleipner on the NEC Floor.
To heighten the visitor experience and further mesh these marine sectors together, the 2024 event will see the introduction of four unique themed days to redefine the boat show journey. Innovation Day on Thursday highlights cutting-edge technology and pioneering trends, while Friday is Wellness Day, offering a focus on relaxation and wellbeing activities. Saturday brings Discovery Day, perfect for newcomers to discover boating, and finally, Sunday champions Sustainability Day, with a spotlight on eco-friendly practices and responsible boating.
Richard Dove, Director at BoatLife Events said, “We are delighted with the interest for the third BoatLife show, which has certainly been embraced by the UK boating community. Last year proved a highly popular event, with exhibiting brands remarking on the great atmosphere, promotional opportunities and quality customer interactions. As the show is bigger and better than before, we’d encourage any marine brand to quickly reserve their space and take advantage of the fantastic potential our marketing programme offers.”
As well as the focus on boats, boats and more boats, a superb list of familiar faces and marine professionals with great stories to tell will take to the vibrant BoatLife Stage. The much-loved inland pub again provides a perfect meet-up spot to enjoy live music with a drink. With even more competitions, exclusive show deals, children’s activities and lots of interactive fun, the 2024 show will offer something for everyone to enjoy.
BoatLife has also announced that for the 2024 show they will be supporting the Fire Fighters Charity as their chosen cause.
