Helsinki International Boat Show
21 January 2005 - 17:15
Finlands largest boating industry event in terms of physical size and number of visitors, the Helsinki International Boat Show 2005, takes place once again in mid-February. On display will be a comprehensive range of motorboats, yachts, wooden boats, canoes, and boating, electronic, fishing, diving, and other water sports equipment. All the major boat manufacturers and importers will be there, as will other key companies, organisations and official bodies associated with the industry. There will be a full programme on offer, including special and novelty items, and visitors will be provided with entertainment and useful information.
Show dates 12 - 20 February 2005
The fair in February will be an impressive show. It will be the biggest exhibition yet in terms of floor space. There is a clear trend that companies are also producing bigger boats than ever. The boat industry is doing very well, and that will also be very obvious at the exhibition. We and the exhibitors are offering visitors so much to see, it is well worth the admission charge, says Exhibition Manager Hakan Lofgren.
The biggest event ever held will prove a source of useful information and inspiration for both experienced yachtsman and beginners.
Apart from novelty and special products, visitors will be lured by other events in the show, such as information sessions, courses and special displays and demonstrations. Events are held throughout the day in the exhibition area and the Ballroom lecture halls. Topics include boating culture, nostalgia and history, boating skills and safety, diving, and food associated with island life. There are two Theme Days: Wednesday 16 February is Sailing Day, and Friday 18 February is Boating Safety Day. The show will host a total of more than 250 events in collaboration with businesses, organisations and official bodies. Most of the events are held in Finnish or Swedish. For more information please visit www.venemessut.fi.
Island, lake and river tourism: a potential European attraction.
In conjunction with the boat show, on 15 February there is to be a seminar entitled Island, lake and river tourism: a potential European attraction. The intention is to promote networking between island, lake and river tour operators, and product development and marketing. The seminar is the work of the island and waterways tourism networking project, jointly organised by the Finnish advisory committee on island affairs and the Ministry of the Interior. Minister of Regional and Municipal Affairs Hannes Manninen will speak at the seminar, and there will be nine presentations by key companies and representatives of events and regions in the island and waterways tourism sector. The seminar will be in Finnish and Swedish and is intended for tour operators. There will be an information session afterwards, when journalists will have the chance to interview the guest speakers.
Going back a long way The Boat Show at Pasila celebrates 30 years.
The Boat Show will open its doors in February in a festive spirit, celebrating 30 years since the event was first held at the Helsinki Fair Centre. The boat show was the first event ever organised at the Centre when it opened in 1975. Over the years the Helsinki Fair Centre has grown and the boat shows have become larger and more varied. The very first boat show, the Boat Construction Show and International Aquatic Sports Exhibition, was held in Helsinki back in May 1931.
The Helsinki International Boat Show 2005 is open to the public 12 20 February 2005 at the Helsinki Fair Centre, Monday Friday 10 am 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 am 6 pm. Friday 11 February 10 am 6 pm is reserved for professionals in the boating industry and the media.
Price of admission: Adults 12 Euro , children (7−15 years), senior citizens, students and those doing military service 8 Euro, groups (minimum 10 persons) 8 Euro per person, family ticket (2 adults and children under 16) 25 Euro .
For further information on the show:
Finnish Fair Corporation, Communications Officer Johanna Askolin, tel. +358 9 150 9380, johanna.askolin@finnexpo.fi
For further information on the Finnish Boating Industry:
Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat, Managing Director Jouko Huju, tel. +358 9 6962 1610, jhuju@finnboat.fi
For further information on the seminar:
Jorma Leppnen, secretary general of the Island Committee, Ministerial Advicer, Ministry of the Interior,
tel. + 358 9 160 44513 or 0400 744 900, jorma.leppanen@intermin.fi
