LIBS again

[Sailfree]

Went last night.

Numbers seem low but salespeople state quality of attendies was high with serious interest (less tyre kickers)

but selection of sailing boat appeared to be only the mass producers and Oyster (Moody stand eclusively Elan!).

Can't help think that this show/venue is doomed in the long term.

 

[bedouin]

I was also there last night. Thurs pm is my usual time and I felt that there was a lot more buzz there than there had been in the last couple of years.

As you found the exhibitors said that the numbers had been well down monday and tuesday but that sales were better than last year.

I think the LIBS is strategically placed both in terms of location and the time of year. I go because it plays an important part in my planning of the next season - and for people looking to buy boats the beginning of the season is a better time to buy than the end

 

[Sailfree]

[ QUOTE ]

I think the LIBS is strategically placed both in terms of location and the time of year. I go because it plays an important part in my planning of the next season - and for people looking to buy boats the beginning of the season is a better time to buy than the end

[/ QUOTE ]

I think last year was disasterous for other reasons, travel etc.

I agree we need a show at this time and don't mind where it is but would really like to see more attractions and many more & variety of boats.

Disappointed that I could not get onto any of the boats outside as all shut up or had a function on board by 20.00

 

[Toutvabien]

I was there last evening and towrds the end of the evening, at about 8pm, I could not help noticing how many of the staff on the stands were quite drunk. On at least two stands I visited the place was littered with beer bottles and the staff had obviously been responsible for emptying them.

Far fewer chandlers seem to be there this year, presumbaly due to people buying on the net, and far less discount clothing and string sellers. I can see how they are trying to move it on to become more interactive and would appreciate the point of that myself. But I am intrigues as to why the exhibitors and show organisers do not work together a little more to present a greater number of learning events/master classes. I assume that exhibitors must get browned of with answering the same question 100's of times so why not undertake more presentations to a larger audience on topics of interest E.g. Icom on HF and SSB Radio, a seminar on self steering by Raymarine and Hydrovane. Many of the staff on the stalls have great technical expertise that could be shared more effectively in a way that I assume would be of benefit to their companies.

 

[MarkG]

I went when it first opened and decided that I wouldn't bother again, b ut having read your response, those sort of activities might entice me back....interesting