Abbotsford, BC – TRADEX was filled with outdoor enthusiasts as far as the eye could see throughout this past weekend – March 3rd to 5th – for BC’s largest boating, fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s event: the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and the BC Hunting Show.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year for outdoor enthusiasts from across the region,” said Show Manager Les Trendall. “These two long-running events are fan favourites, and this year’s edition once again welcomed tens of thousands of show visitors!”
Attendance at this year’s shows was on par with previous editions. A total of 33,117 combined visitors came to shop, attend educational sessions, and take in all the exciting features, including a fly fishing film screening, fly tying and casting demos, and more than 40 free seminars, along with great promotions and show-only specials.
Sales are typically strong at this event, which has an impressive retail component. Approximately 75% of show visitors make a purchase! Feedback from exhibitors indicates that shoppers were again out in full force for 2017:
“What a great show!” said James Allen, Suzuki Canada. “Our dealers noted lots of interest both at the show and immediately afterwards. We’re already looking forward to 2018.”
“As a new exhibitor, we used this year as a way to judge the value of the show… to see if made sense for us to be involved in a bigger way in upcoming years,” said Jodi Green, Banner Recreation. “The show team made the experience easy and enjoyable and the show was very well organized and attended. We’ll definitely be back next year with a bigger space and more product!”
“The BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show is one of the best shows we attend. It is well organized and attendance is great. People who attend this show are ready to buy,” said Mary Bayes, Western Canoeing & Kayaking Inc.
“I always really enjoy the show; I feel at home and you guys are so helpful and great with the exhibitors,” said Elaine Ness, African Dreams Hunting & Photo Safaris. “I do a lot of shows all over and this is one of my favourite ones, so thank you for having me! Overall, I think this year was great – it felt busier than last year and we were super busy at our booth and on our feet the entire time.”
“Congrats on another fantastic show!” said Scott Strack, Knight EZ Dock. “We had a tremendous amount of interest in EZ Dock and expect to sell quite a bit as a result of taking part in the show again this year.”
One of the elements that show visitors get particularly excited about is the fantastic door prizes. Congratulations to the following winners:
- Jordan Pringle of Mission, BC, winner of an Outlander 450 ATV courtesy of Can-Am BRP and Greater Vancouver Powersports
- Tim Grandy of Coquitlam, BC, winner of a MICRO 335 Realtree Xtra Camo cross bow, courtesy of Excalibur Crossbow
- Mike Stewart of Chilliwack, BC, winner of a fishing weekend experience courtesy of Stoney Lake Lodge at Douglas Lake Ranch
- Mike Muyshondt of Vancouver, BC, winner of a trip to pan for gold on the Fraser River courtesy of Yukon Dan
Thanks to everyone who attended this year’s shows and best wishes for the upcoming fishing, hunting and boating seasons!
Stay tuned to www.BCSportsmenShow.ca and follow Facebook and Twitter for details on the 2018 editions of the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and the BC Hunting Show.
Media Inquiries:
Les Trendall, Show Manager
Master Promotions Ltd.
Tel: 604-864-6800
Email: ltrendall@mpltd.ca
Kate Stilwell, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Master Promotions Ltd.
Toll free: 1-888-454-7469
Email: kstilwell@mpltd.ca