Ocean has cancelled its February 2012 Boat and Caravan Show at The NEC in Birmingham, citing a lack of support from caravan manufacturers and their dealer community.
The exhibition has been running for more than 50 years and was due to return from 21 to 26 February 2012. Ocean has also cancelled the Outdoor Leisure Show, which debuted in 2011 alongside the Boat and Caravan Show.
NCC’s Events division ran its first Motorhome and Caravan Show at The NEC last month after assuming control from Clarion Events. The association made the decision to re-enter the exhibition organising market after several of its key members opted to stop supporting third-party events. The NCC’s first Motorhome and Caravan Show reported a record 22,000 visitor increase year-on-year.
Last year’s Boat and Caravan Show attracted 87,000 visitors. Although Ocean initially endeavoured to continue with its own show against NCC’s London launch, the lack of support from caravan manufacturers and their dealers now made this unviable.
Despite their enthusiasm, these dealers latterly felt unable to participate in the show, which undermined one of the main pillars of the show and renders it no longer viable, Ocean CEO Trevor Barratt stated.
“Loyal exhibitors, including a number of caravan dealers and the show’s many visitors, will feel sorry that due to a lack of support from one element of the industry, the 2012 show has cancelled aftermore than 50 years,” Barratt said.
I thought this might happen and think I mentioned it earlier on. I know some will not like it, but I can understand where the Caravan industry are coming from. A show south of Watford Gap might just capture sales from those who just wouldn't venture this far up.
It will be interesting to see if Norfolk Line/DFDS will still have their deal for ferry tickets transferred to Excel?
What about us down south that always have to make the trek to Birmingham. Nice to have something a bit closer to home. Looking forward to show at Excel next month.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: 2012 NEC Boat and Caravan Show Cancelled
