The Eikon Exhibition Centre was transformed into a haven for boating and watersports enthusiasts on the 4th & 5th March, with products and services of the highest quality on display.
From a lure to a kayak, a rib to a houseboat, the very first Ireland on the Water Expo offered visitors the opportunity to purchase everything they needed for the season ahead under one roof.
Living on an island that is famed for its lively seas, rugged coastline and scenic waterways, it is no wonder that there has been a huge surge in marine leisure in recent years and this was clear to be seen at the show.
With exhibiting companies from across Ireland and the UK, the exhibition was the perfect platform to conduct business. Offering face to face interaction with new customers and providing networking opportunities between businesses within the industry, many of the exhibitors noted their success in securing new trade over the weekend.
Barry Flood of Flood Marine Services noted, “As this was the first year of the show, we were very pleased with the number of enquiries we had at both our boat display and watersports pop up shop.
“The industry has been crying out for an event like this. Not only does it give companies the opportunity to meet new customers, it also gives businesses a chance to network with one another.
“We even sold several boats over the course of the weekend!” said Barry. “We will definitely be back next year!”
The Flood Marine Services Team had a successful show and look forward to next year
From Olympic Champions to Big Wave Surfers, Ireland on the Water Expo had a great line-up of guest speakers across the two days, with TV & Sports Presenter, Stephen Watson leading the interviews on the main stage.
“The talks and demonstrations were a great addition to the event,” remarked Ireland on the Water Show Organiser Hugh Bonner.
“There’s no better way to develop your passion for a sport than to hear from those at the top of their field. The talks gave visitors a deep insight into their unique journeys and what motivated them to become involved in their respective watersports.
The show was the perfect platform to meet new customers and network with other businesses
“Big Wave Surfer, Al Mennie, Champion Ice Swimmer Grace Mc Laughlin, Olympic Rowing Champion Fintan McCarthy and Ballyronan Bluetit Founder Mary O’Hagan were among the guest speakers and we also had a casting pool, air sea and rescue helicopter and Water Safety Ireland Buggy as added attractions for families to enjoy.”
With lots of exciting plans in the pipeline to grow the show in the future, Ireland on the Water Expo 2023 promises to be the perfect day out for the entire family to enjoy.
Follow Ireland on the Water Expo on social media or check out the website www.irelandonthewaterexpo to check out the announcements for next years show.
From L-R Ireland on the Water Expo organiser Hugh Bonner with Olympic Rowing Champion Fintan McCarthy and Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh Scott Carson