Impressions INTERBOOT
For the 48th time, INTERBOOT is inviting water sports enthusiasts to Lake Constance. Along with Hanseboot, the exhibition is one of Europe’s oldest boat shows. Project director Dirk Kreidenweiss talks about the strengths of INTERBOOT and ventures a look into the future.
From your perspective, what are the strengths of the INTERBOOT water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen?
Kreidenweiss: With our efficient organisational structure, decisions are made quickly, so we can flexibly meet the demands of the market. Everything on our exhibition grounds is close to everything else, and we present the water sports in a comprehensive, yet easily accessible way. Our physical location on Lake Constance provides us with a unique opportunity to allow visitors to experience the many facets of water sports in the INTERBOOT Harbour and along the entire boardwalk. Since the water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen will take place in September, the weather conditions will be just right to catch the water sports fever. Not to mention the relaxing atmosphere of our sunlit halls, where exhibitors and visitors alike feel at home.
What are the aims of INTERBOOT 2009?
Kreidenweiss: We’ve made it our mission to bring the pure pleasure of water sports directly to every visitor through, among other things, trial excursions with exhibitors on their yawls, canoes and inflatable boats, and through events like the Liquid Quarter Mile. As an organiser, we feel we have a certain obligation to the industry, and so it is especially important for us to promote the growth of water sports through programmes like our youth camp and activities on Trade Fair Lake. INTERBOOT has always been a trendsetter. Many things that are popular today at many water sports trade fairs got their start in Friedrichshafen. An example of this is our comprehensive Active Programme. We’ll continue to identify trends and present them in an aesthetically pleasing way.
What are the prospects for the international water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen?
Kreidenweiss: In the current economic situation, it can be perilous to make predictions. However, our location in Friedrichshafen definitely plays to our advantage. We have a thriving economic environment here. The whole Lake Constance region is a growth area with a strong economy. So I think, business in the tri-country region will continue to flourish. Getting people to experience water sports is a key to our success at INTERBOOT, and we’re going to make this experience even more immediate in the future.