Korea International Boat Show(KIBS), Asia's top three boat show, began at its biggest size this year. It is running from May 19 to 22 at KINTEX, and the boat, fishing, and marine and leisure industries are focused on this show.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Nam Kyung-pil, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province and 200 other marine and leisure industry leaders. As a way of showing the importance of safety, the guest appeared wearing life vest.
Governor Nam said, "With its being as one of Asia's three largest boat shows, KIBS has taken an important role in Korea's marine leisure industry. This year, Gyeonggi Province is going to train human resource for marine leisure, expanding the platform of marine leisure industry."
He also appeared on the donation ceremony of outboard motors and rescue boats from Yamaha-kor, OMK, Estec Marine, and SDN to encourage them.
Hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Gyeonggi Province and organized by KINTEX and KOTRA, KIBS is one of the largest festivals for the marine and leisure industries, providing the latest information and technology to the participants. It started in 2008 in a small port called Jeongok Port, and created 63,000 USD worth of economic benefit in just nine years.
It has certified by UFI, the best trade show certification in the world, and also earned certificates from IFBSO and the Department of Commerce. In Korea, it has been selected as an internationally approved trade show from MOTIE.
This year, Asia Marine Conference will be held concurrently with KIBS, making a true leading platform in the marine industry. It's the largest show to be held since the beginning. A total of 253 companies are taking up 1,565 booths, which is a 33% increase from last year. Easily put, it is the size of five soccer fields.
In this year's show, super-size boats like a 65-feet Fishing Boat from Dae Yeong Shipbuilding and a 52-feet Bavaria Sail Yacht from Hyundai Yachts are expected to draw attention from the visitors.
There are a total of eight sections for this show: Yacht & Boat, Canoe and Kayak, Sports Fishing Show, Water Sports Show, Korea Diving Expo, Marine Parts, Safety and Marina Industry Show, Boating Lifestyle Show, Gimpo Aramarina Marine Exhibition
There will be a lecture from Captain Kim Seungjin, who's famous for travelling around the world with a yacht for 209 days. It's going to provide a variety of lectures, tryouts, concerts, market, and sweepstakes for everyone to enjoy. There will also be lectures on professional subjects like Kayak paddling and engine maintenance to basic subjects like marina humanities, kayak experience, ocean fishing, and raw fish filleting techniques.
In taking the social responsibility as an organization that represents the marine industry, KIBS is planning on training the public schools about marine safety to increase the public awareness.
The other important aspect to look for in KIBS is the "Product of the Year Award." Judging in categories including technology, representation, superiority and global competitiveness, a total of five companies will be selected. This year's winner will be specially displayed at the show, and receive 50% discount on exhibiting on the next year's show.
On its ninth show, KIBS has become the major show in the marine and leisure industries, and a total of 149 buyers from 28 countries are coming to discuss business contracts.
For more information, visit the KIBS official webpage(www.kibs.com).