If you’d have told us, three months ago, that our April newsletter would open with words about the show’s cancellation, we would have had trouble believing you. However, the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to call off this year’s event, as inconceivable as this may have sounded way back when we were still enjoying office meetings and after-work drinks. Our sense of responsibility to the nautical industry as a whole and, of course, concerns for the health and safety of our visitors, partners and exhibitors, were the main reasons behind our decision to shelve the 2020 Palma Superyacht Show.
As deeply disappointing as our cancellation may be, we’ve already got our teeth into the organisation of next year’s Palma Superyacht Show. From rolling over reservations and (virtual) brainstorming sessions to increasing online communications, the team is working hard towards the show’s next edition and is confident the show will return stronger than ever, in 2021.
Our bumper edition will take place from the 30th of April until the 4th of May, 2021 and will serve as a unique celebration of the show’s growth and place in the local and global yachting community. What’s more, charter brokers will be pleased to know that they won’t have to juggle two sets of dates next year as there will be no calendar clash with the MYBA Charter Show.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to our partners, exhibitors and friends for their loyalty and support during this challenging period. The huge number of industry professionals who have reached out to us shows a real sense of community. Many new and returning exhibitors have either confirmed their participation next year and/or rolled over funds towards our 2021 edition, not to mention lifted our spirits with empowering words of support. A few examples of these uplifting messages include the following:
“Please count us in for next year. We want the show to come back with a bang.”
“It is disappointing that the show will not be happening this year but we are looking forward to next year’s event.”
“It’s such a pity because there’s a big organisation behind a show like this… but cancelling is probably the best way to ensure the 2021 show will be as excellent as always!”
“I don’t think you will have any disagreement or push back on this decision. If you do, just let me know who and I will have a little chat with them!”
As we face this challenge together, we hope you continue to stay safe and take care of yourself. We look forward to seeing you next year – in the meantime, we will keep you up to date with our latest news and developments and will be looking out for your news so we can highlight and share it where we can!
Photography: Stuart Pearce & Sofia Winghamre
