Industry panels and breakout sessions form key part of ASMEX

ASMEX 2017 - Roland Briene, Damen Shipyards Group © Sheree Burke

Responding to industry feedback from 2017, ASMEX will this year have a revised 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 2 hour breakout sessions for export, superyacht and commercial defence issues.

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.

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 etc.

The Commercial session will include presentations by key stakeholders in the defence and commercial marine space. This session will give delegates first hand opportunity to listen to Luerssen Australia's presentation of their successful SEA1180 tender to build 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).

Forgacs Civmec - photo © AIMEX

Mike Deeks CSC, Managing Director of Forgacs Marine & Defence, will give delegates an insight into their construction of Australia's largest ever shipbuilding hall. Jamie Bruce, CEO of Birdon Marine will provide an overview of their innovative design and tendering strategy that led them to winning a tenders like the US Army contract to build 374 bridge erection boats in the USA, and other significant recent contracts.

There will be panels involving superyacht captains, international stakeholders such as Pantaenius, Arrow Services Monaco, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, government representatives and Australian export, superyacht and commercial marine personalities. These panels will tease out issues facing both the Australian and global industry across all sectors and allow sufficient time for interaction with delegates.

All panels are designed to inform, debate and develop feedback for government to ensure the industry continues to grow and develop.

Tourism Australia will have a strong presence discussing the value of marine tourism and the opportunities for Australia to attract more export dollars. There will be a presentation on "Beds on Board" the new concept designed to drive more business across the industry.

Hillary Buckman, Ocean Media will talk about the latest addition of the Great Southern Route with the exciting news that Tourism Australia alongside Superyacht Australia are foundation partners of the valued publication designed to showcase the route from north to south, focusing on the signature experiences Australia has to offer.

Richard Chapman, President of AIMEX stated: "This year we have listened to members and will be providing a comprehensive programme designed to educate, support and inform delegates about opportunities to grow their business".

ASMEX is a must attend event for those businesses serious about being players within the marine industry and participating in global supply chains. Where else do you get all the key players under one roof, where else do you get to network with icons of industry and learn from the best? Once again we have kept the registration fee at a minimum to allow each and every business the opportunity to attend. Given many will be coming to Sanctuary Cove Boat Show this is an opportunity to come a few days earlier and maximise the opportunity. The rate at the Intercontinental for the conference is fantastic and offers the opportunity to stay onsite."

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