LATEST UPDATES FROM STRICTLY SAIL PACIFIC

The 2010 Strictly Sail Pacific, April 15-18, 2010 at Jack London Square is moving forward at full sail. According to show organizers, contracts are in and the show is shaping up to be a good one.

The recently announced four-day format has been positively received by exhibitors, along with the new show hours including a 10 a.m. daily open with 6 p.m. close on Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Another big plus is the move to the new 30,000 square foot exhibit hall, the former Barnes & Noble bookstore which will accommodate approximately 150 indoor booths.

Also new for 2010 is the addition of premium pre-owned and brokerage boats in the in-water section of the show which is designed to enhance the show by providing attendees with a wider selection of boats to view. Brokerage boats will have a dedicated in-water location, and dealers exhibiting new boats are able to showcase brokerage boats next to their new boats. The primary restriction is that brokerage boats may not be the same model as a new boat that is exhibiting at the show.The small boat section will also be expanded to include affordable dinghies, trailerable boats and one-design classes.

In addition, seminar topics and presenters are currently being confirmed and programs will be held in enhanced facilities. Special events are also on tap including the popular Latitudes & Attitudes Cruisers’ Bash, local regattas, youth activities and the Discover Sailing free sailboat rides, all of which are being coordinated by the local show committee. In addition, a VIP Preview Night for all in-water exhibitors on the evening prior to the show opening is being discussed.

Sail America has been working closely with the management of the Waterfront Hotel to offer “added value” to exhibitors and attendees.

The city room rate has been reduced by $10 to $149. Anyone who has aleady booked at the $159 rate will have their rate lowered.

The Waterfront Hotel is offering a 20% food and beverage discount in the restaurant, bar and for room service.

The overnight valet parking rate will be $12 instead of the normal $20.

Another new announcement is the appointment of Kenton Smith Marketing to handle public relations for the show. President Wanda Kenton Smith is a veteran, award-winning marine industry marketer and publicist, having handled boat show publicity for multiple clients including the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show the past two years, the first year which saw a rise in attendance of 35 percent. Kenton Smith will oversee show PR strategy, communications and marine trade press. She has subcontracted with a local PR practitioner and sailing enthusiast, Amy Cunha of Big Picture PR, to handle local PR initiatives, under her direction.

In addition, Sail America has retained a social media specialist, Will Collins, to manage Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn activities, while national media buyer Ad Strategies will handle the media plan. Collins will reach out to all exhibitors to encourage them to join Sail America’s social media efforts to maximize the show’s viral impact.

“From the show site, to the enthusiasm of our exhibitors, to our media, PR, marketing and communications program, the stars are aligning for a positive Strictly Sail Pacific,” said Jonathan Banks, Sail America show producer. “Our local committees are hard at work planning some fantastic events which we believe will be a big draw to sailors and prospective show-goers.”

Show Details at a Glance:
Location:	Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Dates:	Thursday, April 15 – Sunday, April 18, 2010
Times:	Thursday: 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm
	Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
	Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
	Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission:

$12 – Thursday and Friday (Adults)
$15 – Saturday and Sunday (Adults)
$24 – Two-Day Adult Pass
$40 – Five-Day Pass (Available Online Only)
FREE – Children 15 years and under (when accompanied
by a paid adult)

Contacts:
Sales – Mitch Perkins (mperkins@sailamerica.com)
Show Manager – Jonathan Banks (jbanks@sailamerica.com)
Show Chair – Sean Svendsen (sean@svendsens.com)
Operations Manager – Jorgen Bateman, NCMA (jorgen.bateman@sbcglobal.net)
Seminars – Patty Lawrence (seminars@sailamerica.com)
Public Relations – Wanda Kenton Smith (wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com)
Social Media – Will Collins (willcollins1234@gmail.com)

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