Petros Michelidakis

director, boot Düsseldorf

What sets boot apart from other boat shows?

The magic. You will find all types of water sports and vacation destinations in one place. The atmosphere makes visitors dream about their next vacation on, in or close to the water. There’s a dive center designed like a real dive base; a big, flat-water pool with tow-in, windsurfing and wakeboarding challenges; and the nearly 30-foot-wide, 5-foot-high Wave. Superyachts are in hall 6, with almost all the leading producers in the sailing halls.

Do you consider boot Düsseldorf a destination show for people from around the world?

Boot is certainly a destination show. North-Rhine Westphalia is the most populous state in Germany. Düsseldorf is part of Europe’s center. It is a city with a lot of history and tradition. A walk by the Rhine River is relaxing, even in January. Then you can enjoy a traditional glühwein at one of the stands at the Ferris wheel in the picturesque Old Town.

Why would an American visit boot when most major brands are at boat shows in Fort Lauderdale and Miami?

Boot convinces with its variety and the importance of the exhibits: 2,000 exhibitors from 68 countries in 16 halls showing 1,500 boats and yachts. Held in January, it is the first show of the year. You will have boats that will be shown for the first time in public.

How do you expect global trade and tariff issues to affect the 2019 show?

To date, all U.S. exhibitors, except one, will be back in Düsseldorf in 2019. With this number of 19 companies, the United States will have the largest participation from non-European countries. The boating business will stay very important.