LIBS Attractions - Any suggestions?

snooks

snooks

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Wondering around the attractions at this years LIBS. Two of us got thinking about what they could do for next years hands on distractions.

My favourite idea was bumper cars in the dark!

All the cars have their own nav lights (all different, some under sail, some big ones, some restricted by draft or fishing etc), think of is as a 5 min channel crossing! It would be a case of missing who you can and or maybe getting into a harbour or summut like that. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Another idea that came up was some sort of foggy ghost train, but instead of ghosts popping out it could be buoys, rocks and the bows of a big ship coming out of the fog infront of you!

So what are the other attractions that the LIBS lot could do for your entertainment???

btw they've already thought of cramming as many people into the irish embassy as possible so you'll have to think harder! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I like the suggestions you make.....

.. however since such a free for all will attract every yobbo who has come in out of the cold to cause mayhem, it would only fuel the arguement for compulsory licencing.

Steve Cronin
 
I like the ideas Graham!

I would be up for colregs, in the dark with lights! And when the cars 'Bump' an electric shock could be passed to the helm/driver, just enough to make them bleed!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Any practical demonstration's are worth their weight in my view.

Al.
 
or 'reduce the cost's to stands so that a lot more interesting (but boaty) exihibitors attend' and the (increased) entrance fee appears better value............

quite frankly most people will have paid more to travel to the show that the entry fee; many will spend more in the guiness bar than the entry fee; anyone that plays golf will pay more for 4 hours than a whole day at the show..........if you want a day's entertainment be prepared to pay a realistic price for it!
 
[ QUOTE ]
anyone that plays golf will pay more for 4 hours than a whole day at the show..........

[/ QUOTE ]

I can play a round of golf on a choice of courses for less than the LIBS entry fee, never mind the parking charges ... and like cycling and sailing it doesn't add much to global warming!
 
Its not so much the cost, although one might ask why one has to pay so much to be sold products, In any other circumstance entrance would be free. All the other trade shows I visit are free access & often free parking.

What I object to is being asked to travel to such an ill conceived unpleasant venue. Hence I don't. I avoid the place like the plague.

As resident of Hampshire I can get to the NEC Birmingham quicker & with less discomfort than the awful journey to Excel.

To summarise "Leaving Earls Court was the biggest mistake ever."

Martin
 
For me it would be an increase into the number of saily boats on show - I'd go along with the removal of "not in the slightest bit connected to boats" stands....
I'm not worried about the location - it's the quality of the content that would entice me back. That and the discounts available that you couldn't get online.
 
Totally agree, Excel just does not have the same appeal as Earls Court even though the journey to Excel is easier for me and I get free tickets!!

The layout of Earls Court with all its nooks and crannies meant there were still smaller exhibitors. Also miss the upper floor full of chandlers terribly!!
 
But the boatshow is not really supposed to be "entertainment" - or if it is they fall woefully short of providing any!

There are a lot of people - like myself - who can get to the boatshow for free but get put off by being asked for such a hefty entrance fee
 
I agree too.

We did Earl's Court every year in the '90's. Used to look on it as an after-Christmas present to ourselves. Even splashed out on the hotel deal for the weekend and booked the car into the EC underground carpark for about £5.50. It was a pleasurable way to see the show and have a bit of a weekend break, and part with a few £'s on what took your fancy.

Did the 1st Excel show the same way. Found the car park was exhorbitant; got ripped off in the hotel by the West entrance and didn't really enjoy the show venue. Not been back since - could go this year as we're only 30 minutes from London at the mo but I can't be arsed.
 
Did anyone read the first post post?

Sorry...erm...did anyone with the exception of Al_Jones and Steve Cronin actually read my post?

It was about the attractions, the practical demonstrations, not about the location of LIBS the pricing, the transport or the food! READ MY FIRST POST AGAIN and maybe this thread could actually start off on topic and stay there.

Or was it just a case of LIBS bashing, so as soon as LIBS appears in the subject it's a free for all to complain endlessly about the London boatshow without reading what the original poster was trying to get from the forumites?

I was after quirk suggestions of things that could be fun and informative and making it more than just a soulless display of boats and electronics.

I'll try again
So what are the other attractions that the LIBS lot could do for your entertainment???
 
Howsabout a race to see who can dice the most carrots in 30 seconds?

A waterfall, under which punters can test the efficacy of wet weather gear, waterproof chartplotters, etc

A jacuzzi-installation seminar.

Lectures on how to avoid bumping into rocks while bonking in the back bedroom, sponsored by the event sponsors.

A guess-the-weight of MDL's wallet competition.

A blue-water cruising symposium on how to keep your rudder in the boat.

Potty training for next year's youngest milk-converter to cross the Atlantic.

Live missile firing from the grey funnel liner. Targets supplied free, courtesy of London City Airport.

MOB recovery demos in the dock, using TV celebrities and politicians as the MOBs.

How to cook at sea demos, sponsored by Fray Bentos.

All boat exhibits to be mounted on hydraulic rams which simulate going to windward in a force 6. Salt water hosing optional.

S'at enuff?
 
Re: I like the suggestions you make.....

Seems that most of the ppl on here are complaining about the prices, so it might price yer average east london yobo out of it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Seriously tho if the attractions were educational - like the fog tunnel, anchoring and the engines, it might teach people how to deal with situations in a practical manner....I can remember going round the science museum as a kid and spending ages playing with archimedes screws, pressing buttons and building arches, all of which was fun at the time and educational.

I s'pose I was thinking about an electronic interactive version of flip cards /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
And howzabout an internet cafe that people can use to log on here and moan about Fred Drift! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Re: Did anyone read the first post post?

Well if thats what your after why not hold a Pancake race or a Worlds Strongest Man competition. Either would be about as relevant to what I want from a Boatshow as what they provide now.

It seems that the organisers will do anything to attract people to LBS except listen to the punters who are voting with their feet.

I do not go the a Boat show to be entertained. I go to research information relative to my hobby.

Martin
 
I might have missed something here

How can you compare and anchoring demonstration, or a practical engine part replacement as the same as a pancake race or strongest man comp?

Do you use an anchor?

Do you have an engine?

Have you been to this years show and had a play with the Radars in the fog tunnel?

It seemed busier this year than last so I guess you're right, people are voting with their feet
 
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