Marinas21 Conference & Trade Exhibition postponed, the Marina of the Year Awards to continue

Marinas21 International Conference & Trade Exhibition held aboard YOT Club © Marina Industries Association

Recreational boating is experiencing a boom right around the country with increased participation across all forms, power, sail and paddle. It is leading to growth in the industry, providing social and economic benefit and driving employment increases in the sector.

Despite the industry buoyancy the Marina Industry Association (MIA) regrets to announce that the continuing uncertainty around border closures and lockdowns has led to the postponement of the Marinas21 International Conference & Trade Show scheduled for May 24-25 May 2021. It will now take place 23-24 May 2022.

Mike Harvey, who has chaired the conference organizing committee since 2007 said, "We are very disappointed to be postponing as all in the industry were really looking forward to catching up in person. Following long border closures throughout 2020, the last few months has seen snap lockdowns and regional closures and demonstrates the uncertainty that we are likely to face until the vaccination roll out is well under way. We believe that it is in the best interests of the Association and exhibitors, who will invest significant resources in preparing for the event, to defer to a time when we believe there will be greater certainty and confidence around attendance and travel."

Marinas22 will continue to follow the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The new dates will be 23-24 May 2022 with a Welcome Reception on Sunday 22 May and a Study Tour on Wednesday 25 May. The event will remain at the JW Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort.

Andrew Chapman, MIA President commented, "We are very proud of the events we have run over the years and believe we have always delivered a great outcome for our members, delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and event partners. The Board believes that deferral of the event will give us greater confidence in delivering a high quality, disruption free event and one where we can maximise delegate attendance."

MIA sponsor and regular exhibitor, John Spragg who is President Australasia & Middle East of Bellingham Marine said, "This is the key event for Bellingham in this region, and while it is disappointing that the event will not take place in 2021, it is the right decision. We put a lot of work into these shows and my preference is to exhibit at an event where we know attendance will be strong, so we look forward to 2022."

The Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards will continue and will be held on Tuesday 25 May as planned. Suzanne Davies, MIA CEO said, "We are working on a format for the Awards where we hope to co-ordinate meetings in various regions before beaming everyone together virtually for an Awards presentation over a few drinks. Keep the afternoon and early evening free and we will be in touch soon with detail."

The MIA understands members will be disappointed and we remain committed to keeping the industry connected and informed throughout 2021.