BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2023

boot Düsseldorf is the world's largest and internationally most important boat show. Around 237,000 visitors* and 1,500 exhibitors* were present this year, including us from Sharkproject.

In the last two years, fairs and organizations worldwide had a difficult time due to the pandemic. So it was even nicer to finally be on site again and to be able to get in direct contact with the people. Of course, our activists who represented Sharkproject at the booth also noticed that.

"Finally being at the boot again felt great. Seeing all the familiar faces from the diving and conservation scene again was fantastic," reports Thomas Gahr, Sharkproject International Cooperation and Campaigner Deep Sea Mining.

"It was fun to be able to meet so many people again. Especially to talk in person again and to get into conversation about sharks, marine conservation and diving," Greta Szavay, Campaigner Sharkproject Germany, enthuses.

Children and adults were invited to learn more about marine conservation from various organizations at the diverse "love your ocean" theme area. Our interesting presentations on species and marine protection and the exciting workshops especially inspired the younger generation. Our speakers also took the opportunity to inform the visitors up close and personal with impressive speeches about sharks and our voluntary work.

How important such events are for organizations like us and our work was shown in the many personal conversations with visitors* from all kinds of backgrounds. "Not every diver is automatically a shark lover and also not every boat enthusiast is against shark or ocean protection. Therefore, boot is overall a very good platform to educate as many, different people as possible about sharks and to inform them about shark conservation," says Thomas Gahr. And after all, this educational work is one of the most important aspects of our activities.

Besides the excitement of finally informing so many people about shark conservation, the team and also the cooperation with the other organizations was a very important aspect. Tina Reiterer, Sharkproject project manager of Fly Without Fins, among others, said: "My highlight was that I could talk live again with so many dear "ocean protecting" people".

Other organizations also found it hugely important. The German Ocean Foundation thanked us for the joint cooperation: "Thank you very much for this great cooperation - your team and your commitment inspired everyone!" We also thank you for this unforgettable and great teamwork in Düsseldorf. Especially to all helpers, active people and sponsors who made our work at boot Düsseldorf 2023 possible. With many great memories and positive conversations, we are already looking forward to boot 2024!

For all those who already want to make a note in the calendar:

boot Düsseldorf 2024 à 20-28 January