The Business of Pleasure

Princes Wharf Shed 1- The focus for Commercial Exhibitors

Most of of the people who attend the Australian Wooden Boat Festival do so purely for pleasure. But there are many others who will be in there, because their livelihoods rely on the opportunities that arise form conversations and interactions with the community that flocks to Hobart for the four day festival.

The best things about the Commercial Exhibitors area on Princes Wharf is that it’s a win for everybody. The public get to experience the latest offerings of the marine industry, filtered through a wooden boat lens, and the businesses get to speak directly to a crowd that is engaged, knowledgeable, and the right demographic.

Inside Princes Wharf Shed 1

It’s a very different vibe to the big, broad spectrum boat shows in Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne. No one’s trying to sell you stubby holders for jet skis.

But for many marine industries it’s where meaningful and effective public engagement takes place.

Not only is the AWBF the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere, its also Tasmania’s largest free event. It attracts 60,000 visitors over four days, with 50% of the attendees coming from overseas or other states in Australia. It’s become a pilgrimage for maritime culture enthusiasts from around the globe.

The theme for the 2025 Festival is The Pacific, showcasing the cultural and historical significance of this vast ocean region, and including content from Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Japan, and the US West Coast.

Apparently there are only a few places left for commercial exhibitors, but if you are in an industry that might benefit from putting your product or service in front of some of these 60,000 visitors then get in touch with JESSE at the AWBF.

And if you are in any doubt as to whether its worth it here are a few stats

• 12,000 interstate and overseas visitors came to Tasmania specifically for the Festival.

• Attendees stay at the Festival for an average of 4.5 hours, showing deep engagement with the event.

• 60,000 visitations across four days.

• 10,000 attendees on site at any moment.

• 11 tall ships

• 450 wooden boats

• 60+ maritime business exhibitors

• 20+ distinct activities and programs

• National and international media coverage

• 2,000 symposium attendees.

• Festival spans 1 km along the waterfront + additional venues.