The Fédération des Industries Nautiques announced that the Paris Boat Show has been canceled. The event was scheduled for Dec. 5-13.
With 800 exhibitors and more than 200,000 visitors expected, the federation had planned on setting up three events that would have allowed for controlled crowd flows within the 5,000 visitor limit. However, more restrictive measures put forth by the Minister of Health allows for 1,000 people at major events.
“The new measures hasten our decision and leave us no choice. The consequences will be serious, especially for all SMEs for whom trade shows are key moments for their turnover,” said Yves Lyon-Caen, president of the Fédération des Industries Nautiques, in a statement. “The fall and winter fairs are real places of business where 70 percent of annual orders are processed.”
Organizers plan to launch a virtual event in an effort to offset the impact of the show’s cancellation.
“Nothing can replace a boat show today. However, until the situation improves, FIN is determined to develop all solutions that can reduce the economic impact of the crisis on businesses,” Lyon-Caen said. “We will do everything we can to continue to provide the best possible assistance to all companies in the French nautical sector to get through this new ordeal and to prepare for the future for 2021.”
