National 4x4 show exceeds exhibitor expectations

The show included a special AAAA 4WD Industry Council breakfast to present landmark research

The National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo made a triumphant return to the Brisbane Showgrounds in mid-March, with the event surpassing the expectations of exhibitors who reported record sales and smashed budgets. After the postponement of the 2020 event due to the pandemic’s outbreak, the country’s leading outdoors lifestyle show was repackaged in a COVID-safe format, with many initiatives replicable for future events. One of the primary changes was the move to entirely online-ticketing, with patrons able to book in pre-defined entry time slots. 25,000 attended over the three days, making it one of the most significant events to happen in the COVID era. “Following 12 months of planning, we couldn’t be happier with how the event went, the weather held out, and it was a great family day out,” Event Director, Jon Perry, said. “The initial response from exhibitors was outstanding; people were out buying, with pent up demand over the last year seeing hundreds of bargains being snapped up. “What we proved with the 4x4 Show was that large scale events could happen, and happen safely. The venue was spacious enough to allow for social distancing, and importantly, make a great atmosphere to do business. “Confidence in the marketplace has well and truly returned; while some interstate exhibitors understandably had their reservations, those nerves quickly subsided, to the point where we have received a record number re-sign for next year, as well as for the upcoming Melbourne 4x4 Show.” As always, the Show featured the latest and greatest from the 4x4 aftermarket, along with leading displays from camping and the outdoors, fishing and boating, as well as tourism and apparel. The Outback Stage played host to the biggest celebrity names from the off-road world, while the Action Arena witnessed a non-stop program of thrills and spills, and the inaugural Rig Gallery Show’ N’ Shine saw some fantastic 4WDs and SUVs battle it out for prizes and bragging rights in multiple categories. The Proving Ground, presented by Motorama 4x4xMORE moved to a new, larger undercover area, with demonstrations complemented by the latest vehicles being made available for off-road tests, including the Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50 and Jeep Gladiator.

L to R – Nigel Bishop, 4WD Industry Council Convenor, Lesley Yates – Director of Government Relations and Advocacy at AAAA, Andrew Mahon, General Manager Land Transport and Safety Regulation for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Ben Lavis, Chairman of the 4WD Industry Council.

4WD Industry Council Breakfast presents key insights to showgoers

The sold-out 4WD Industry Council Breakfast was a true stand-out feature of the show, celebrated as a resounding success by all in attendance. Held on the Friday morning of the show, the Breakfast treated attendees to a delicious meal accompanied by presentations from guest speakers. AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates and 4WD Industry Council Convenor, Nigel Bishop, presented the findings of the AAAA 4WD Industry Research Report. This landmark research was undertaken in late 2020 to quantify the size of the Australian 4WD aftermarket, unpacking key trends and the behaviours across the manufacture, distribution, sale and fitment of 4WD parts and accessories. The economic value of this industry is remarkable, and the results of this survey support the collective view that this industry makes a significant contribution to Australia’s economy, exports and product innovation. Those in attendance at the Breakfast learned more about market size, business prospects, product origins and key export markets and most importantly, the identified opportunities for growth. AAAA members who were not in attendance at the event are able to access the report by contacting info@aaaa.com.au Also speaking at the event was Andrew Mahon, the General Manager Land Transport and Safety Regulation for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, who shared his support for this important industry sector.

For more information about the National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo, visit www.4x4show.com.au For more information about the 4WD Industry Council, visit www.4wdcouncil.com.au