Dear Exhibitor,
We are following up on last week’s announcement that the in-person Toronto International Boat Show has been cancelled for 2022.
This scenario was not the outcome we expected. However, like you, we knew it could be a remote possibility. As you are aware we had a contingency plan in place since the beginning of the application process. Included in each exhibitor’s space is a digital space that would move forward, if the in-person show was cancelled.
This email and the attachments will provide information for your next steps as the show transitions from in-person to virtual.
We want to re-assure you that it is not urgent, and you do not need to do anything now, or during the holidays. Everything related to virtual can wait until January. This will not be an overwhelming process for exhibitors to undertake, it will be simple and mindful of the efficiencies of your time and the holiday season for everyone.
Space Refund Process:
All Exhibitors will receive a refund, less the digital fee according to the size of your in-person space. For exhibitors that are upgrading to a higher level package or adding on, the additional cost will also be deducted from your payment and the balance refunded to you.
There is no need to request a refund, we will automatically be processing them around mid-January, following confirmation of your participation level.
Here is a reminder of the digital space fee retained according to the square footage of your space, as confirmed for the 2022 show. Please see attached for what is included in each category package.
Virtual #5 level: 100-499 square feet: $500
Virtual #4 level: 500-2000 square feet: $1000
Virtual #3 level: 2001 square feet and over: $1500
Virtual #2 level: available for upgrades: $2500
Virtual #1 level: available for upgrades: $5000
Process and Timeline:
Please Review the Virtual Space Packages, in the attached brochure. If you have any questions please let us know.
Exhibitors who are “upgrading or adding on”: Please complete the attached application. This will help us amend your space by identifying what level you would like to upgrade to, and add-on’s.
Exhibitors who are staying at the package level included with your in-person space: No need to do anything. You will receive access to Unity and the features of your space according to the square footage of your original space.
Working Dealers who are interested in booking their own virtual space, please see use the attached brochure and application.
Access for Exhibitors in Unity:
Unity is the name of the platform the Show will be using again for the 2022 show. Several improvements and modifications have been made to the Unity platform for TIBS since the 2021 show, based on feedback from exhibitors and attendees last year.
Unity access will be opened for Exhibitors on Tuesday, January 4. On this day you will have access to the Space Builder, and able to modify/update your platform.
Unity access that includes Exhibitors seeing all of the content, including other Exhibitors information: Monday, January 10
All Exhibitors that participated in the 2021 Virtual Show – your information is already in the platform. You will be able to revise and add to the content.
For new/first time Virtual exhibitors – we will provide you with help. The platform is not difficult. It is simple to use and does not require an advanced level of technical ability.
If you are an exhibitor with Boat Inventory, this year your products will be displayed on the BoatDealers.ca platform (and this will be integrated with Unity). There will be no need to add your inventory separately into Unity, as the process was last year. If you are not currently using BoatDealers.ca, assistance will be provided to have your boats listed.
Virtual Show Dates:
5 days: January 26 – 30, 2022
Virtual Show Hours for Attendees to Connect with Exhibitors (email, phone):
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Additional Background on TIBS Virtual:
The 2021 Virtual Toronto Boat Show attracted more than 35,000 registrations made up of returning boat show patrons, new boaters, and first-time show attendees from the Greater Toronto Area, regionally across Ontario, and as far reaching as British Columbia.
- 76% of online attendees had visited the Toronto Boat Show in-person in the past
- 24% of attendees were new to the Toronto Boat Show
- 45% of attendees came to the show with the intention of shopping for accessories and services
- 44% of attendees came to the show with the intention of a boat purchase in the future
- 17% of attendees came to the show with the intention of purchasing a boat
- 15% of attendees came to the show to learn about boating
Consumers flooded to the 2021 Virtual Toronto Boat Show to connect and shop at Exhibitors spaces, attend Seminars and TIBS TV. An extensive marketing plan will again be targeted to attract boaters and potential boaters to the Virtual Show.
We look forward to working together with you as the Show transitions to providing an alternative way for attendees to connect.
For any questions, please contact us:
Miscellaneous Non-Virtual Show Updates:
Services ordered in advance from Enercare Centre, ShowTech, or GES (electrical, sign hanging, parking passes, carpet, furniture, etc): If you ordered any services, there is no need to contact the venue or suppliers. Their refund process is underway and you should expect to see your credit processed in 5-15 days.
Hotel Reservations at the Sheraton Centre Toronto and Westin Harbour Castle: The official hotels for the Show have requested that any Exhibitors with reservations that have not been cancelled yet – to please advise them if you would still like to use them. Please contact them as soon as possible. They will be cancelling the blocks of reservations so that exhibitors who have reserved will not be charged in January, unless you would still like to keep your room booking for other purposes.
Thank you.
