The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference is a much-anticipated date in the boating industry calendar with delegates eager to hear from the experts on a host of topical issues. Taking place in the sunny Algarve, from the 9th – 11th October, the organisers are now busy confirming speakers and preparing for an excellent event ahead.
Good governance is one of the topics of Day 1, entitled “Operations and sustainability”, covering risks, resilience, company culture and lessons learnt from extreme weather events. The keynote speaker for the opening day is the award-winning and renowned industry doyen Bill Yeargin, CEO of US company Correct Craft. As to be expected, sustainable innovations will offer further welcome content, with presentations from academia and SMEs discussing accessible solutions.
Day 2 will feature visits to three of the top regional marinas (Vilamoura, Albufeira and Lagos) focussing on how success is achieved in each, by way of individual case studies.
The evening’s Gala Dinner, a fantastic opportunity for networking, is set to include entertainment and prize-giving, including the Golden Cleat and PIANC awards, and diplomas for those marina professionals who have attained the top certification level in the industry.
The final day, billed as “Technology into the smart future” will be intense and high-level, with the keynote given by naval architect and marine engineer Yiannis Kalogerakis. Commencing with the Smart agenda and continuing to explore tech and start-up needs, allowing for the necessary level of development required for the digital transition. Tourism, communication, marketing and destination management come next, as key components of the nautical sector, with a deep-dive into the cultures of larger chains of marinas versus the model of the boutique marina.
A considerable concern for many managers, the afternoon’s programme includes a good look at alternative propulsion and the infrastructure required to support it. Finance, tax regimes and marina concessions wrap up a rich and rewarding day.
For more information on the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference, visit the website: https://www.worldmarinasconference.com/
