Tickets selling out fast for ASMEX conference and industry awards gala dinner

by Kristiina Lumeste 1 Mar 2018 22:22 PST 14-16 March 2018

AIMEX have received an overwhelming number of registrations as industry get set for the largest conference yet. 2018 ASMEX conference is attracting national and global attention with more registrations received at this time of year than ever before.

Why should you attend?

Once again there is an extremely high calibre of both Australian and International speakers attending Australia's key marine conference to be held 21-23 May at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sanctuary Cove immediately prior to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

There is currently considerable interest in Australia with so many Australian manufacturers exporting award winning products and services, with significant investment in defence spending, and with the opportunities emerging in the superyacht sector. The global marine industry is keen to understand the Australian market, its capability and hear about the latest innovations.

Responding to industry feedback from 2017, ASMEX organisers have revised the format to include more industry panels and breakout sessions for each industry sector. With so much to discuss specific to each industry sector there will be separate two-hour breakout sessions for export, superyacht and commercial defence issues.

Still not convinced?

The export session will include discussions on Asian export market strategies, government support for exporters, Free Trade Agreements, manufacturing and go to market distribution strategies.

Top Australian boat builders with the biggest brands in the Australian market will be taking center stage at ASMEX. Wes Moxey, CEO Riviera and Bill Barry-Cotter, MD Maritimo will speak candidly with ASMEX MC Martin Redmayne about their views on the current market in Australia, the issues boat builders face, the export opportunities, the availability of skilled labour, how they see the future and what they believe state and federal governments need to do to ensure boat building thrives and survives in Australia.

The superyacht session will cover the latest report from AEC on a strategy for the superyacht sector, issues facing the industry i.e. consistent approach by Australian government representatives to ensure a warm welcome to visiting superyachts, crew visas, quarantine issues, access to the GBR, charter regulations and much more.

Peter Mahony, GM of Benetti Asia will speak on "The Value of Alliances in a Global Market", particularly relevant with many international companies having recently developed alliances with key Australian companies in the commercial defence sector and AIMEX is very conscious of alliances currently being formed in the superyacht and manufacturing sectors.

Vasco Buonpensiere, Marketing and Sales Director for Cantiere delle Marche, Italy, a world leader in the build of explorer yachts, will discuss CDM's focus and what has led to their success. He will express his view of the global marine market and what Australia needs to do to attract more vessels down under and ensure Australian products and services are considered when building new vessels.

The commercial session will include presentations by key stakeholders in the defence and commercial marine space. This session will give delegates the opportunity for quality time with commercial content presenters, as they share project strategies and updates with the group. We can lift the vail and reveal the industry heavyweights – Thales Australia, Birdon Marine, Forgacs Marine & Defence and Luerssen Australia will hit the stage at ASMEX 2018.

How about now?

The anticipation builds with only 3 weeks to go until submission close for the prestigious 2018 Australian Marine Industry Awards. To add to the fantastic line up of award categories Superyacht Australia have announced a new award for 2018, sponsored by Captain Carl Brandes and his wife Melanie Brandes – the Australian Voyage Award.

Some of Australia's most experienced marine industry figures will join the judging panel in 2018:

• Ken Evans (Chair Judge) – Marine Consultant;
• Barry Jenkins – Government, Industry and International Relations, Mulpha Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show;
• John Zammit – Founder and Publisher, Shipmate Marine Directory;
• Joe Akacich – Managing Director, Blackpond Marine Consultants;
• Michael Taylor – Trade Adviser, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Austrade;
• Steve Mitchell – Naval Architect/ Marine Consultant.

Richard Chapman, President of AIMEX stated "The 2017 ASMEX conference was a highly attended event with the Awards night gala dinner completely sold out. We expect with this year is going to be bigger than ever. The line-up of speakers and government representatives attending is sure to impress and we have ensured this year that there are more panel and breakout sessions so we can really tease out the key issues facing our industry.

Tickets for the ASMEX conference and industry Award Gala Dinner are now on sale at www.asmex-conference.com.au/registration