The 2014 edition of the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and BC Hunting Show saw record-high attendance and very well-attended seminars, making it another successful year for these two long-standing shows. The shows took place March 7-9, at TRADEX in Abbotsford.
The BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show celebrated its 23rd anniversary; while the BC Hunting Show had its 11th edition. Between the two shows, the combined total of visitors for 2014 was just over 34,600 – an increase of approximately three per cent over last year.
“The BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show/BC Hunting Show is like a candy store for sportsmen and sportswomen enthusiasts – all under one roof,” said Show Manager Les Trendall.
More than 275 exhibitors and seminars were showcased, and visitors were impressed with the tremendous displays of boating, fishing and hunting supplies. Exhibitors remarked on this increase in traffic, along with the fact that the audience was there to shop. Reports of brisk sales and solid leads abounded:
“This is the third year that the BC Camping & RVing Coalition has exhibited,” said Anne Philley, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association.
“The show is a tremendous success for us as we distribute over 5,000 camping packages to attendees. With record-breaking attendance each year, we always look forward to participating in the next show.”
“The show was very busy – it seems to grow in numbers every year,” said Victor Camele, Italian Sporting Good Ltd.
“I noticed people spent more money this year; I definitely had more buyers, which was nice. Overall I think the show was very well promoted.”
“As first-time exhibitors, we were pleasantly surprised at the high attendance levels,” said Josh Littler, Artisan Custom Log Homes. “Our log home booth stayed consistently busy throughout the weekend with a number of very promising leads and we plan to return to the show next year.”
The 2014 seminar series included more than 50 seminars on the Rapala Pro-Fishing, 2014 Pro-Hunting and Toyota Trucks World of Fly Casting Stages, which were entertaining, informative, and well-attended. A particular highlight of the weekend was Wayne Carlton (Montrose, CO), who presented “Game Calling at its Best”.
Justin Desnoyers of Surrey was the grand prize winner. He won a 2014 Sea-doo Spark, provided by Greater Vancouver Powersports & BRP.
Other winners were:
· Jason Pearson of Male Ridge, BC, winner of a Stoney Creek Fishing Adventure on Douglas Lake Ranch;
· Anna Larsen of Langley, BC, winner of an Osoyoos Weekend Adventure at NK'MIP RV Resort;
· Seth Nussbaum of Chilliwack, BC, winner of a Vancouver Island Getaway, courtesy of Camping & RV BC;
· Michael Dubeau of Langley, BC, winner of the Gold Panning with Yukon Dan prize; and
· Pete Peters of Chilliwack, BC; William Dunn of Chilliwack, BC; Jonathan Kick of Delta, BC; and Cathy Gordy of Prince George, BC; winners of Chylan Outdoor Survival Packs.