01 Oct Toronto International Boat Show Canceled for January 2021
Industry Update
Toronto International Boat Show Canceled for January 2021
The 2021 Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS) is officially canceled. Find out more about the future of this North American boat show and new opportunities on the horizon by Executive Yacht.
The largest indoor Boat Show in North America, the Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS), initially scheduled for January 15 – 24 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, has been canceled.
Announced earlier this week, the organizers reached the decision due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time in its 62-year-old history, that the Toronto Boat Show will not take place. However, the organizers affirmed that the health and safety of everyone involved with the Toronto Boat Show is of the utmost importance and has heavily informed this tough decision.
Every year, Executive Yacht has participated and supported the Toronto Boat Show. Today, we side with the organizer’s decision and invite Ontario’s yachting enthusiasts to explore a large selection of new and pre-owned yachts for sale at the secure and private environment of our waterfront Head Office & Design Center in Toronto – by appointment only.
A New Reality for Boat Shows in Canada
“Despite our extensive efforts and multiple plans to provide a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors, we did not feel comfortable proceeding having the current information from public health and cases heading into the fall,” explained Linda Waddell, President & Show Director.
“Our primary concern has always been safety. Every exhibitor who has worked with us in the past has experienced our culture of prioritizing a safe environment above everything else,” she added.
Canadian Boat Shows, who owns and organizes TIBS, initially envisioned and planned a “COVID-Free” show. Each boat show attendee, exhibitor, supplier and staff member would have a Rapid Test taken before entering each day. The idea of creating this “daily bubble” was praised and positively received by various stakeholders. However, it became apparent that the approval of these tests by Health Canada and availability would not meet the TIBS timeline or planning criteria, even if the show was pushed to a later date. While large indoor gatherings still face restrictions in Ontario, which are expected to be in place for the foreseeable future, giving sufficient notice to exhibitors was also factored in the decision.
The Executive Yacht team takes all precautions to continue delivering face-to-face value in this virtual-first new reality. In recent months, our team has made private visits to shipyards and showrooms internationally with our clients on a one-to-one basis. We have turned the restrictions challenge into an opportunity to spend quality time together, and forge even more meaningful connections with our highly respected clientele.
The Toronto Boat Show is now exploring online and virtual alternative, instead of an in-person 2021 experience. The organizers are placing a strong focus on looking to the future, expanding digital and unifying the virtual and in-person experiences to add even more value to the Toronto Boat Show. More details on these initiatives are expected in the next few months.
The Toronto Boat Show is regarded as an important economic indicator for the boating industry in Canada. More boats are sold as a result of TIBS, than at any other similar event in the country. The boat show features over 1,200 boats on display, 550 exhibitors, 300-plus seminars and workshops, as well as thousands of accessories and services in the marine marketplace. The Toronto Boat Show generates annually more than $354 million in economic impact to the region.
The boat show is also home to the world’s largest indoor Lake, which is constructed exclusively every year within the TIBS venue and hosts ten days of special programming including:
- Indoor Wakeboard Championships,
- Water ski shows,
- Free boat rides,
- Wakeboarding lessons,
- Sea flea races,
- Canoe, kayak and paddleboard happenings,
- Remote control boat races, and
- Sailing regattas.
At the moment, the next in-person Toronto Boat Show is on schedule for January 2022.
Executive Yacht is committed to serving Canada’s luxury yachting and recreational boating industry at the highest level. Despite the cancelation of yachts shows worldwide, the Executive Yacht team continues to pursue private meetings, small-scale bespoke events, new partnerships, shipyard visits, and expansive dealership plans. These initiatives ensure a unique and safe journey for our clients while providing them with the luxury yacht experience they deserve.
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