ExCeL extension
Blog: ExCeL extension
tour
It was great to be able to show a number of
exhibitors and journalists around the new 
extension at ExCeL, London last week. While graphics
and artist’s impressions of the structure have long been published,
it is not until you step into the vast new area that you get a true
feeling for what it will really mean for the 2011 Tullett Prebon
London International Boat Show.
As most of you will know, the extension being
built at the east end of ExCeL will increase the size of the venue
by 32,000sqm, increasing its total floor space to over
96,000sqm. For the 2011 Show, NBS will take over 60,000sqm of
the space and will begin building at the eastern end to make use of
all the Phase II development benefits. During the tour, exhibitors
were able to converse with members of the NBS team and get an idea
of where their new stand might be located. An all new floorplan
will feature all boats in the South Hall, while the North Hall will
feature product sectors such as ‘Equipment and Fitting’, ‘Marine
Services’, ‘Retail Village’ and ‘Holiday and Watersports’
areas.
Groups were guided to the eastern end of the
North Hall to view the space that is due to hold an all new
Watersports Activity Pool. This attraction will feature both ‘come
and try’ sessions as well as demonstrations from professionals and
is set to be a real pull for the crowds.
Those in attendance were also keen to view the
dropped floor area in the South Hall that will house a Boardwalk,
designed to allow both power and sail boat companies to exhibit at
the Show cost effectively. The space, which features a head height
of 15 metres will cover an area of 4,500sqm and will allow the
sails and masts of a number of boats to be in position.
Boardwalk space comes complete with carpet and a 16 amp c-form
power supply, meaning exhibitors need only pay for the required
space. For more information on the Boardwalk, please
click here.
I was pleased to see some positive coverage in
both the enthusiast and consumer press, some of which can be seen
here:
http://www.mby.com/news/472335/london-boat-show-extension-see-the-photos
http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/news/472320/the-shape-of-boat-show-2011
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20100508130013ibinews.html
http://www.boatingbusiness.com/news101/new-look-excel-shows-lots-of-promise
NBS is considering running a second tour of
the extension for those who were unable to attend last week.
If you are interested in this opportunity, and would like the
chance to discuss space allocation with the sales team, please
register your interest with Adeline Pilfold on apilfold@britishmarine.co.uk.