That would be a fantasic idea, i live close to the NEC, and i contacted the boat and caravan show people about having a stand, the min size is 9 sq m at about £300 per sq m. + VAT (last min smaller stands can be done, after i went nnnnnnn down the phone) i have to sell a lot of soltron to make that up! i know its peanuts for large boat selling companys, but it aint for small ones! but if it only cost me £250 i would more than likely be there.
I think the venue is fine - lacks a bit of atmosphere but ok.
Many of the peeps I know attended did not venture outside to the pontoon - so I guess in many ways having boats on the water is not really a crowd puller. It makes the makers life easier for transport of the 50ft+ stuff.
I think the getting there is the issue. Its regal PITA. Tried by car, by tube /DLR.
My vote is to return to Earl's Court. Much more boaty feel.
or......scrap ExCel and just do S'hampton which is what i think I will do in future.
A well known builders "new boat" price increased by over 200k between Jan and Sept last year... one of the reasons I was given, was the cost of attending shows throughout Europe..and in particular LIBS and SIBS
Pity builders don't have to make DTI returns... then it'd be easy to find out.