Can visitors of boot attend the bid without any registration?
Yes, definitely. They can simply take a seat, listen and be inspired. We will make some 40 to 50 seats available and have already enlisted 60 speakers and panellists who will appear on stage. Right on the first day there will be a session involving policy makers and business so the initial course can be charted. The daily updated programme can be found on our website and will additionally be featured on boot’s social media channels.
What would be the ideal case after nine days of blue innovation dock?
That the information we have conveyed about our sector to political decision-makers was sufficient to speed up developments in terms of sustainability. Although our watersports only account for 0.1% of EU-wide emissions, it is important that we contribute to keeping our destinations clean and making them cleaner.
It would be fantastic if we could create a framework that is cross-sectoral and EU-wide. Why do Spaniards and Germans protect seaweed in their respective ways and Greeks – and you know, I am Greek – not at all? We have to enter into dialogue. It is not about who is right but about conserving our destinations for generations to come.
What do you tell young people who are concerned about this very topic?
That the water sports industry in particular is dependent on a clean climate and waters. As a networking platform, boot will continue to raise awareness among society, young and old alike. Above all, we will promote dialogue with decision-makers in politics to ensure the necessary transformation and create the appropriate framework conditions.
Will NGOs also have a say?
Needless to say. All NGOs that are represented at boot – such as WWF, Greenpeace, NABU or Deutsche Meeresstiftung – are, of course, called upon, to get involved and join the discussion. 28th January has been scheduled for this.
What discussions are you most likely to be attending?
I would very much like to participate on the first day when politicians will discuss with shipyard representatives. I hope I will make it. Quite prominent guests have announced their participation. Furthermore, each day of the bid is an innovation driver for the industry, which is why I will try to follow all subjects addressed.
Let’s talk about the trade fair itself. After two cancelled editions – will boot return to its old strength and size?
We are very satisfied with bookings received so far, which are on par with 2019, and will present watersports in their entirety on a huge exhibition area measuring 31 football pitches in total.
How many exhibitors will there be exactly?
We expect around 1,500 exhibitors – a fantastic number in the history of boot. Unfortunately, many small family-run businesses in the diving segment have not survived the Covid crisis – so we are missing these exhibitors. Just like the direct sales operations that have completely gone online. Nevertheless, there is no other trade fair in the world with such extended ranges and, what’s more, in such an international setting.
Incidentally, the first admission ticket was sold to Iceland. This visitor will travel to boot because he offers whale watching and intends to gradually renew his fleet.
Can you share three highlights with me you are looking forward to?
It is always difficult to pick some brands because they are all near and dear to my heart. The biggest yachts will come from Sunseeker and Sanlorenzo, both being 30 m LOA. In Hall 17 we will be showcasing – with celebrity support – wing surfing and wing foiling on a 60 m long pool and in Hall 12 the new diving tower will be inaugurated. This is also where the opening of boot will take place.
I would like to briefly come back to Halls 13 and 14, which you already mentioned. These seem to be halls that also target visitors who do not own boats?
Exactly. The Destination Seaside halls are designed to reflect the versatility of holidays by the sea; they focus on activities and regions – coastal tourism here will be represented by the Lübecker Bucht, Portugal and Croatia as exhibitors. In future, these will probably be very important halls to win over new watersports enthusiasts.
To conclude: will Covid still be an issue at boot?
boot will be held under completely normal conditions, the way we know and love. We have installed 3,000 Hepa filters in the exhibition halls to filter 99.99% of all viruses out of the air. So the indoor air is constantly purified. This allows us to supply less fresh air and reduce energy consumption.
December 2022
Home port for international watersports
boot Düsseldorf will again drop anchor on the Rhine from 21 to 29 January 2023 boot Düsseldorf has been the home port and driving engine for international watersports for 54 years now. From 21 to 29 January 2023 it will present all facets of boating with all top-notch brands on board. Both yachtsmen and powerboaters will find a comprehensive line-up here ranging from small entry-price boats and dinghies to luxury yachts. Also in focus at boot will be diving, surfing, SUP and angling. Due to the exhibitors’ innovative and technically sophisticated products boot is the international innovations platform of its industry kicking off the new watersports season every year in January. The extensive tourism ranges for holidays and sports on, by and in the water presented at the “Destination Seaside” attracts all those wishing to spend their leisure time by the seaside, riverside and lakes. Attractive stage programmes with interesting interview partners from the sector, the latest trending sports offered and a high-calibre blend of workshops and meetings both for leisure sportspeople and experts make this trade fair unique the world over. This will also make boot Düsseldorf the No.1 destination for both family watersports fans and international experts again in 2023.
Admission tickets at www.boot.de
Tickets for boot Düsseldorf 2023 are available at www.boot.de with immediate effect. The regular online admission price is € 19.00. For ADAC motor club members discounted tickets are offered at € 17.00. Afternoon admission tickets from Monday to Thursday from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm are available for as little as € 10.00. At the ticket offices on site admission is € 27.00. Bargain overnight stays for all boot and caravanning enthusiasts are offered in January by the Caravan-Center of Messe Düsseldorf (€ 25.00 per night, arrival from 4.00 pm, departure until 6.00 pm of the following day). Find a wide range of hotel rooms with the travel agency bcd travel (Tel.: +49 30 40365 2117, e-mail: 347.01@bcdtravel.de) For all current information on boot and its accompanying programme please visit www.boot.de.
