Informa, a FTSE 100-listed company and one of the world’s leading events, exhibitions and publishing groups, will enter the Australian boat show market with the launch of the Australian International Boat Show in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, opening on 29 July 2027.
The new event will combine Informa’s extensive global boat show experience, international marine industry connections and local Australian expertise to create a major boating and lifestyle showcase for both the public and the marine sector. Staged across ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay, the show has secured dates for the next five years. Indoor exhibits will feature trailer boats, smaller craft, engines, marine technology, accessories, equipment and lifestyle products, while Cockle Bay will host larger vessels on the water.
The launch follows an extensive feasibility study and the development of a five-year business plan. Informa identified a significant opportunity to support Australia’s recreational marine industry and re-establish a major international-standard boating event in Darling Harbour. Informa’s marine portfolio includes some of the world’s best-known boating events, including the Monaco Yacht Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Newport International Boat Show and the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show. The company also owns leading marine media and industry platforms such as BOAT International Media, BOATPro, Dockwalk, International Boat Industry and the World Superyacht Awards.
Informa Australia Managing Director Spiro Anemogiannis said the company aimed to combine its international resources and event expertise with strong local partnerships to deliver a world-class event for Sydney. “We see a genuine opportunity to create an event that serves the boating public, supports exhibitors and contributes to the long-term growth of Australia’s recreational marine industry,” he said.
To support the project, Informa has appointed a specialist delivery team with a combined 60 years of Australian marine industry and boat show experience. The company has consulted widely with industry stakeholders and says that collaborative approach will continue as planning progresses.
Australia’s recreational marine sector includes more than 2.6 million boat licence holders and over 900,000 registered boats, alongside hundreds of thousands of non-registered craft such as kayaks, sailing dinghies and paddleboards. The Australian International Boat Show aims to reflect that diversity, catering for families, first-time boaters, experienced owners, marine professionals and industry decision-makers. The event is also expected to provide a significant platform for manufacturers, dealers, distributors, service providers and suppliers to connect with consumers and trade buyers.
The initiative has received strong support from government and industry leaders, including NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, ICC Sydney CEO Adam Mather-Brown, Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou and AIMEX and Superyacht Australia CEO David Good, all highlighting the economic, tourism and industry benefits the event is expected to deliver.
