| Due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Boat Shows has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Toronto International Boat Show, that was scheduled for January 15 – 24 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. As the largest indoor boat show in North America that annually attracts more than 70,000 visitors, the event has never been cancelled in its 62-year history. The next in-person show is planned for January 21 – 30, 2022.
“The health and safety of everyone involved with the Toronto Boat Show is our primary concern, and has led to the contributing factors in making this decision,” said Linda Waddell, President and Show Director. “Despite our extensive efforts and multiple plans to provide a safe environment for staff, attendees and exhibitors, we did not feel comfortable proceeding having the current information from public health experts and the number of rising cases heading into the fall.”
“Every exhibitor who has participated in our show has experienced our culture of prioritizing a safe environment above everything else,” adds Waddell. One of the plans included a COVID-FREE Show, where each attendee, exhibitor, supplier and venue staff member would have a Rapid Test prior to entering each day. The concept of creating a “daily bubble” was applauded and well received by exhibitors; however, it became apparent that the approval of tests by Health Canada and the availability would not meet the Show’s timeline or planning standards, even if the show dates were postponed.
While large indoor gatherings remain prohibited in Ontario and restrictions expected to be in place for the foreseeable future, prioritizing sufficient notice to exhibitors was also a factor in the decision. |
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| More boats are purchased annually at the Toronto International Boat Show than any other event in Canada. |
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The Toronto Boat Show has been exploring online/virtual options, in place of the in-person 2021 Show. There will be a focus on looking to the future, expanding digital offerings and unifying the in-person experience to deliver even more value to the Toronto Boat Show community. Details will follow in the coming months on these initiatives.
The Toronto Boat Show is highly regarded as the flagship economic indicator for the boating industry in Canada. More boats are sold at the show than at any other place or event in the country; occupying one million square feet of venue space, with 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 Show also includes the World’s Largest Indoor Lake, which organizers build exclusively each year for the event and offers hands-on experiences, demonstrations and entertainment including: the Indoor Wakeboard Championships, Water Ski Shows, free boat rides, wakeboarding lessons, Sea Flea races, canoe, kayak and paddle board events, remote control boat races and sailing regattas.
Visit www.TorontoBoatShow.com
@TorontoBoatShow on Facebook
@TorontoBoatShow on Twitter
@TorontoBoatShow on Instagram |
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