2017 Skipper Expo Int. Galway Feedback Report
Click on the image below to view full report
2017 Visitor Testimonials
Kevin O Donovan, Co. Cork
An excellent event excellently organised yet again. Well worth the trip to Galway. Always something new and always great to meet friends from around the country.
Sean McKinley, Co. Antrim
Interesting show!
Jacqueline Hogan, Co. Waterford
Attended the show as a social occasion as my father is a marine refrigeration engineer. Met some new people and caught up with old faces. Main reason was to attend the LAST AGM and show some support for the committee as they launch the Charity as an all island support service.
Trudy McIntyre, Co. Waterford
The Galway Skipper Expo is for fishermen what the ploughing championships are to farmers! Something for every size vessel in the fleet.
Shane McIntyre, Co. Waterford
Good business experience, meeting old friends and socialising whilst doing the show, wouldn't miss it for the world a great weekend for anyone in the industry. I highly recommend anybody to go and take in the experience.
Ben Mc Donagh, Co. Galway
Keep up the good work, you're doing a great job.
Stephen Ryan, Co. Tyrone
The show was great, everything you need inside which is handy with the Irish weather.
Thomas O Sullivan, Co. Clare
As a community, Search/ rescue unit we get local fishermen to attend your show. I am 55 years fund raiser with RNLI, and a member of IWS. We learn from what we see at your boat show, and get value for money in purchases also.
2017 Exhibitor Testimonials
Emma Moore, AIB
Skipper Expo Int. Galway is a great place for AIB to network and engage with the fishing sector. As the leading bank in the industry, we are delighted to be involved in the show. We hope that our fishing customers, and non-customers alike, enjoyed the show and if they didn't get a chance to drop by our stand at the show, they are welcome to drop in to one of our branches or alternatively contact me on emma.k.moore@aib.ie and we would be happy to help with any queries or requests.
Art Kavanagh, Art Kavanagh Marine Finance Consultant
Great Show which has become an important element of my Business.
Leanne, IFM Ltd
Excellent show and service from everybody involved. Thank you very much.
Andrew Rooney, Rooney Fish
I would like to thank the crew of The Skipper for putting on once again a great show. Cannot wait until 2018. See you all soon.
Sam Pearson, Barrus
Awesome show. Will be back next year!
George, Scanmar
The years of ongoing "sell outs" says it all, and a true testament to the dedication of a highly motivated team.
Tricia Gilshinan, Prolines Naval Architects
As always a good mix of everyone involved in the fishing industry.
Bobby Nash, Latitude Kinsale
A well run show that is a great opportunity for networking in the fishing industry. Thank you all involved in the organising.
Alex Firth, R & D Marine Ltd
This was our second year at Skipper Expo Int. Galway and for us it has only improved compared to the 2016 show. The quantity and quality of visitors were excellent, with a lot of positive enquiries placed with our Irish distributor (T. M. Marine). We will almost certainly plan to exhibit in 2018.
Ed & Alan Russell, Fairwater Fishing
The Show was again very good & helps in promoting our business.
Tom Clarke, Michigan Marine Propulsion
Excellent show with good quality leads and sales generated.
Tom Hand, Tom Hand Electronics
This show gets better every year. This year was probably the busiest show we ever had with quite a few good sales and leads to be followed up. Stand already booked for next year.
Paul Quinn, South Shore Marin & Diesel
Very good show with all the right people in the one place, good for doing business.
Leo Humston, Ch Marine Ltd
Skipper Expo Int. Galway brings the Sea to the Land for the Weekend.
Gerard Sullivan, Bere Island Boat Yard
Beneficial to the business. Nice to meet all customers both current and future under one roof.
Andy Banting, CA Clase U.K. Ltd
This was our third year and what a great show! Look forward to exhibiting again next year.
Andrew Cossar, Certas Energy Lubricants
We wished to announce the arrival of Certas Energy Lubricants in Ireland. This was our first event and has proved without a doubt a great investment to push our company forward. Looking forward to 2018.
Jamie Curran, Curran's Hooks
Great opportunity to meet new and old customers.
Martin Cookson, Whispaire
Great show as always. We were busy over both days and spoke to many, many new and potential new customers. We sold product off the stand as well as taking orders. The phone started ringing the following day with customers wanting to place orders.
Mark Pullinger, Selva Marine
Skipper Expo Int. Galway brings together people and companies from all aspects of the commercial fishing and wider boating communities. It provides Selva Marine a unique and fabulous opportunity to promote and speak directly to end users. Skipper Expo Int. Galway clearly demonstrates The Skipper's central role in bringing the fishing industry together from across Ireland and the British Isles.
Peter Mallon, Westward Scania
We have exhibited for a number of years at Skipper Expo Int. Galway, it has been a great event to meet end users, suppliers and customers. The Skipper staff are helpful courteous and professional. It is a brilliant show.
John Ashworth, Bison Engineering Ltd
The location and venue provides probably the best exhibition you will find anywhere in relation to atmosphere, which is relaxed, informal and a joy to partake in.
Roger Betts, UNION CHANDLERY
My first time exhibiting at this show, it was well laid out and organised, very friendly and laid back atmosphere and definitely a favourite with the punters also. I highly recommend attending.
Christopher, Craemer UK
Hurricane Doris tried to spoil the show but didn't. It was a great success with the Irish Fishing industry coming together commercially as well as socially, a lot of happy and some tired faces.
Frankie Horne, RNLI Fishing Safety
This show is a vital part of our year in promoting safety to the fishing industry. Mara Media have actively helped RNLI deliver safety training and advice to the fishing industry through their monthly paper and shows.
Julian Osborne, Mermaid Marine
Another great Skipper Expo Int. Galway, thank you for your efforts. We felt that the show was a great success and we met a large number of quality customers which resulted in plenty of orders and leads to follow up. Look forward to the same next year.
Breda Hennessy, EMFF 2014-2020, Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine
The show worked well in the promoting of the EMFF 2014-2020 and it was an excellent event to show case what schemes we have on offer.
Lee Mooney, Mooney Boats Ltd
It was a great show & great people and I would like to thank Sharon and The Skipper crew for another good year in Galway. It’s always a pleasure meeting you all.
Stephen Buchan, Jackson Trawls
Great show in a friendly setting, organised very professionally.
Damien Fegan, Globeweigh
Once again The Skipper show exceeded expectations. Great location, amazing staff and well worth attending.
Martin Jackson, ASAP Supplies
Making the decision to return to the show ASAP Supplies was pleased with the chance to meet up with existing customers and the chance to meet a good number of new customers. The quality of each visitor was impressive as was the overall feeling of optimism for the future.
David THEPAUT, BOPP Treuils JEB
Very good show for us.
Yvonne James, SIRM UK
An excellent exhibition! Very well supported by the fishing community, with lots of exciting new builds under way and lots of customers placing orders, it was a very successful exhibition for SIRM UK. Thank you to the Skipper team for a fabulous exhibition.
Adrian Towey, Mullion Survival Technology
Skipper Expo Int. Galway is the standard bearer for the industry in showcasing the very best in international products and services to the Irish Commercial Fleet. This is a must on everyone's annual calendar to participate or attend.
2016 Visitor Feedback:
2016 Exhibitor Show Experience:
2016 Visitor Testimonials:
The Skipper Expo is the one stop show for commercial fishermen from the shore to rockall and beyond!
Trudy McIntyre, Co. Waterford
Great weekend, highly recommended.
Domhnall Greene, Gweedore, Co. Donegal
Found the show very useful loads of new ideas and met some new suppliers, great day out.
Patrick O'Sullivan, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
I return to the Galway Show each year as it’s an event in the fishing calendar I thoroughly enjoy. The exhibition & exhibitors always remain at a high standard. Excellent worthwhile show.
Norman McBride, Kilkeel, Co. Down
Great cross section of stands from all parts of the industry.
Pete, Kilkeel, Co. Down
Great, great, great, gets better every year!
Leslie Dickie, Belfast, Co. Down
No.1 the car park and stewards were tops. The help from your stand was great to us to know what was on and where to go. It was so easy, friendly and comfortable for us all, Well done! I have been to all these expos Galway and Dublin also UK and still find the show here Great so well done to you all.
Thomas O'Sullivan, Lahinch, Co. Clare
The perfect show to meet people involved in the fishing industry, suppliers and fisherman.
Klaas Hoekman, Flevoland, The Netherlands
We have never been to a Skipper Expo and we and in honesty only attended as i was in galway on other business, but i must say it was well worth it as we meet and done deals with skippers we would otherwise have had no contact with.
Nicholas Lynch Ltd, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
The show this year was very good considering that it only runs for 2 days. But I would suggest that it might be beneficial to have more small boats i.e. Half-Deckers on show, even second boats. I think that it would attract a particular clientele.
Ben Mc Donagh, Co. Galway
I really enjoyed it!
Frank Fleming, Schull, Co. Cork
This is a great show where visitors are able to view new equipment, to network and to meet friends and vendors from previous exhibitions.
Sean Cunningham, Newry, Co. Down
2016 Exhibitor Testimonials:
Alex Firth, R & D Marine Ltd.
This was our first time exhibiting at the show and we were impressed. The event is well thought through, implemented and also most importantly attended.
Our location as a first time exhibitor was an initial concern but we actually felt really happy with it both during and after the show. We felt that people noticed us, showed interest in our products and wanted to talk, having people visit our stand from start to finish.
This all provided plenty of leads for us directly or to our Irish distributor, T. M. Marine to follow up. Overall we were very happy with the show and intend to return in 2017.
Sarah Clarke, Marine Institute
Skipper Expo Int. Galway is a very valuable forum for the Marine Institute to meet with members of the fishing industry and the public, to explain the work the Marine Institute is carrying out and also to discuss or advise on any queries members of the fishing industry or public may have in relation to the marine resources and ecosystems around the Irish coast.
Izabela Rzaczkiewicz, AJ Group
Great Show! Good opportunity to promote Oilskins and meet potential customers!
Robert Few, Rustbullet Irelsnd LMS Ltd
The only Irish marine show.
John Ashworth, Bison Engineering Ltd
A fun exhibition with a serious potential business side. You can be very proud of what you have all achieved, and thanks for all your help, best wishes John
Peter Mallon, Westward Scania
Skipper Expo Int. Galway is a great event to meet customers both established and potential.
Isi Fish
It was the first time for our company at Skipper Expo Int. Galway. Visitors were quite curious about our products.
Stuart Curtis, Houdini Marine Windows Limited
Excellent show in pleasant location. Good business to be done.
Frankie Horne, RNLI Fishing Safety
RNLI Fishing Safety have always had great success at this show. Having use of the Hotel pool to demonstrate safety equipment to the fishermen attending the show is unique to the Galway Expo. The stand is busy all day even with the extra hour on Friday. Well Done Mara Media.
Andrew Rooney, Rooney Fish
Once again the Skipper team excel themselves and put on a Top Show.
David Middleton, Solent Engineering
We had a great show all Mara Media staff were excellent and very helpful throughout.
Leanne, Industrial and Farm Machinery Ltd
The Skipper show is an important part of our sales and marketing in the marine industry and therefore essential for us to show we are present in this industry. We find it a great networking show and very well run. Well done to all involved.
Nicholas Bendon, CH Marine Ltd
This show has become a focal point for the Fishing Industry in Ireland and is the perfect platform for creating business, meeting new people and seeing old friends. Can't afford to be missed!
Mark Pullinger, Selva Marine
Skipper Expo Int. Galway gives us a unique and fantastic opportunity to present our products to the Irish fishing community and speak to valued visitors directly.
Sean Loughran, Grainne Na Mara
The show has the potential to generate positive interest to all Mariners including seaweed products.
Kieran Ward, Drawm
Another vibrant show in Galway. Put us down again for next year.
Paul Quinn, South Shore Marine & Diesel
Very good show, good business contacts made & sales increased.
Tony Hiney, RNLI
Brilliant event, excellent organising.
Peter Jones, Crown Marine Seats Ltd
We met people from all over Ireland and beyond. The show was well organised and the venue excellent.
Andy Banting, CA CLASE UK Ltd
Great show, well organised and attended. Will definitely be back next year.
Charles Cleghorn, Charles Cleghorn Ltd
Skipper Expo Int. Galway is very evidently the premier meeting place for industry professionals. The "buzz" is palpable - when, in addition to anticipated visitors, long-retired skippers travel some distance to renew acquaintances, you know for sure that the event is secure for years to come.
Jim Reardon, Riverdale Mills Corp.
The Skipper crew just keeps on improving. Congratulations on your great team. We are grateful you are on our team. Onward! Thank you
Bobby Nash, Latitude Kinsale
Excellent show, very friendly, home away from home!
David Ash, Mantsbrite
One of the best shows we have exhibited at, if only all shows could be this good!
John Gallagher, McDonnells
We found the Exhibition very well attended and well organised. We had a lot of interest in our Products and good Sales.
Liam Grealy, Mactex Oil, Oranmore
My company Mactex Oil exhibited at Skipper Expo Int. Galway for the first time this year and must say that it was one of the best run trade fairs we have attended. The venue and the hotel staff and the organisers should be very proud. The visitors were interested and willing to spend when they saw value. Thanks again to Sharon and the gang.
Art Kavanagh, Art Kavanagh
Great show for us and delighted to be involved. Put me down for the same stand again next year.
Noel, Promara
The most important social and trade event in Irelands fishing industry.
Nigel Kehoe, Kehoe Marine
Great for meeting people you spend all year talking to on the phone.
Alfonso Campos, ASTANDER
First time at the show and impressed about the number of visitors. We managed to meet a number of potential customers that exceeded our initial expectations.
2015 Exhibitor Testimonials
Craemer UK
"The team at the Skipper have created a show which has become a successful social network for the Fishing Industry, which incorporates the serious side of business and brings all related trades together. It's special, and Irish."
Art Kavanagh Marine Finance Consultant
"The Skipper Expo has become a pivotal part of the Year for both Providers and Industry and the mention of the simple expression "Galway" has become a by word for the Expo. I couldn't consider not attending."
Jackson Trawls
"It was great to meet old customers and get the chance to catch up and have the oppertunity to meet new customers, who were very interested in our products."
South Shore Marine & Diesel Ltd
"This was our first year as an exhibitor at the show and we had great success, we have had 3 engine sales on the back of the show as well as various other items such as our marine turbo's etc. Will be there next year no doubt."
Promara
"I have taken a stand an every show in Galway and it gets better and better. This year I got new business, new clients and I got my message across to a huge number of people."
Westward Scania
"The Skipper has been the ideal event for us to meet new potential customers and also to catch up with out existing clients."
CH Marine Ltd
"Great show in 2015, Very well attended with a good demographic spread of visitors. Galway is a great location and this show is the perfect annual event for the Fishing and Commercial Boast Industry in Ireland."
A.S.A.P Supplies Ltd
"As expected another good show for us. We had the chance to speak to many existing and also met, a good number of, new customers in a relaxed and well run event. Keep up the good work. See you in 2016"
2015 Visitor Testimonials
"Brilliant very informative" Ben Mc Donagh, Claddagh, Galway.
"Great range of products on display and on sale" Fintan Harrington, Beara, Co. Cork.
"A great annual show that most vessels like to attend. A great chance to catch up with old fishing friends we only get to see at the show." Michael and Angela Crossan, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.
"I really enjoyed the show always something new on display to aid fisherman and always has a friendly and lively atmosphere, well done to the organisers" Kevin O'Donovan, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
"It's the highlight of our year, it's great to meet and chat to suppliers of gear and the people we supply fish/shellfish to. Fair play to Hugh, Sharon Declan, Niall and the team who put on a fantastic show, Well done." Shane McIntyre, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.
"Great Show and very well organised" Danny Farren, Malin, Co. Donegal.
"Excellent, a good days craic"