Marinas22 launches Inspiring Conference Program

Trade Exhibition © Marina Industries Association

The program for the Marinas22 International Conference and Trade Exhibition has been announced and a great line up of speakers will deliver relevant, timely and thought-provoking content designed to inspire delegates to capitalise on the strength of the industry.

The Marina Industries Association's (MIA) key biennial event, originally planned as Marinas21 was postponed by a year and will now be held at the newly refurbished JW Marriott Gold Coast, 23-24 May 2022, conveniently timed to follow the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Conference Chairman Mike Harvey said, "We were a long way into the program planning when the event was postponed, but rather than just roll over that content, we took a fresh look at it to ensure it addresses the issues and opportunities that have presented in the last 12-18 months."

The 24 conference sessions incorporate plenary addresses which tackle broader industry issues, workshops that focus on specific operational matters and sessions that will explore and showcase the opportunities and innovations of the future. The full program can be viewed at www.marinas22.com, topics include;

• Economic Review - updates, forecasts, opportunities
• Now and Towards 2031 - demographic, consumer and behavioural trends
• Health of the Industry - a decade of trends and benchmarks
• Maximising Marina Returns
• The Greener Marina - Decarbonisation of the Marina Industry
• Marina Events and Tourism
• Marina Boatyard Issues and Innovations
• Branding and Marketing for Marinas
• Boating Beyond Covid
• Industry Support Initiatives
• Insurance and Legal Questions Answered
• People and Culture - Creating an Engaged Workforce
• Lessons from other Industries
• The Big Boats are Coming - Being Superyacht Ready
• 2032 Olympic Games
• Inspiring Success

The Exhibition component provides delegates with the most efficient and effective way to keep abreast of the products and services available on the market. With exhibition space close to sold out, there will be around 40 industry suppliers available to showcase and discuss their product offerings. A list of exhibitors confirmed to date can be found at www.marinas22.com.

The event incorporates plenty of time to network. In addition to the extended breaks where delegates can meet with the exhibitors, three social events provide time for industry to reunite old friendships, make new connections and celebrate the growing success of the industry.

The Welcome Reception aboard the superyacht venue YOT Club and proudly supported by the City of Gold Coast, will be the best welcome ever! Departing from Southport Yacht Club's new superyacht berth on Sunday evening 22 May, delegates will enjoy a light dinner and cruise along the Broadwater. This will be a great opportunity to inspect this fabulous new facility.

At the conclusion of the first full day of conferencing, delegates will have time to relax and mingle with the exhibitors as they enjoy the North Harbour Happy Hour!

The event will close with the Gold Coast Waterways Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening 24 May. It will be a great celebration of the industry's achievements and will recognise a few special contributors. This will be a fun evening and will provide maximum opportunity to network and enjoy the company of other delegates.

The optional Study Tour on Wednesday 25 May is expected to sell out quickly and will take in three of the country's finest marine facilities, including Sanctuary Cove Marina, The Boat Works and Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard. Transfers back to the hotel and to both Brisbane & Coolangatta airports will be provided following the tour.

MIA CEO Suzanne Davies commented, "The theme for Marinas22 is Inspiring Business Success and I believe that this is exactly what this program will deliver."