What does your role involve?
I handle the ACYM accounts primarily, but I also get involved in a range of other show requirements too. These include assisting with the organisation of the show itself, and promoting ACYM at other boat shows around the world such as Monaco, Newport and Barcelona. I usually get to visit these shows once or twice a year, which is great.
When I attended the Newport International Boat Show recently, I was walking the docks, meeting people, handing out flyers and just getting to know people in the business. My focus is on getting as many brokers interested in attending ACYS as I can, as well as attracting yachts to come along. Getting people interested in sponsorship opportunities is important too, so these chances to network are vital.
What's your career background?
I’ve always worked in accounts, for various different companies, across a range of industries.
What do you love about the yachting industry?
I love the opportunities to network with people all over the world, it’s such an experience! It’s a huge industry, and each time you interact with someone new, you learn a whole host of new information, which is both enjoyable and educational.
What part of the role do you enjoy most?
I love meeting new people and liaising with them to learn about their interests and their businesses.
What challenges do you face?
Every year we look forward to large numbers of yachts attending the show, so if yachts cancel at the last minute it can present challenges and be a little stressful. We work to ensure this doesn’t happen, but yachts can get waylaid in other locations meaning they’re unable to make it to the show on time. That said, we had over 70 yachts in attendance last year which was fantastic, with even higher numbers expected this year!
What are the best bits of the show?
All the different elements are great - the social events, the huge array of yachts, the informative hour sessions, the Concours de Chef. The social events are geared towards giving the attendees a good time and they’re the key factor for many people. It’s really great to see the attendees enjoying themselves and we always receive good reviews from everyone who attends - it really makes people's experiences.
Why is the Antigua Charter Yacht Show a great show to attend?
The obvious answer to this is our location! Antigua is absolutely beautiful and really is the place to be. It’s a real hub for the Caribbean yachting industry. In addition to that, the show gives clients the opportunity to network with each other, which can be invaluable. The other advantage we have over other shows is that we have three marinas, which is very different to the set up of most other shows who have one large marina. Our set up gives attendees the chance to view different yachts in three different locations which is really quite unique.
Find out more about our show and book your place today!
