European Boating Industry at boot Düsseldorf 2026: Key events and opportunities to meet

European Boating Industry logo © European Boating Industry

European Boating Industry (EBI) is organising two major events at boot Düsseldorf with outstanding speakers and key topics that will advance the industry on major issues. Both events are organised as part of the partnership between boot Düsseldorf and EBI, which will be renewed until 2028 at boot Düsseldorf. Representatives of the media are invited to join both events.

The EBI Team and leadership is attending boot Düsseldorf throughout the show and available for meetings on-site.

International Breakfast Meeting | 20 January | 08:00 - 12:00 | Hall 1, rooms 14-15

Under the theme "Future-proofing boat manufacturing in Europe" the 11th Breakfast Meeting will deliver a focused, high-level forum for manufacturers and the wider value chain to take stock of where the market is heading and what it will take to keep European production competitive.

A key highlight will be the launch of the EBI Economic Index 2026, presenting updated market intelligence, data and trends, alongside economic and policy insights from Brussels that are directly relevant to strategic planning for the year ahead. The programme also features a keynote by Constantin Buschmann (CEO, Brabus), bringing an external perspective from the premium automotive and mobility sector, followed by a CEO discussion with Erna Rusi (Saxdor Yachts), Fabio Planamente (Cantiere del Pardo / EBI Special Representative for the Large Yacht Sector) and Norbert Leifeld (Bavaria Yachts) on how to reinforce Europe's manufacturing strength and position yards for long-term success.

Seating is limited, register here.

Blue Innovation Dock | 17 - 25 January | Hall 10, G66

For the fourth time, EBI is organising the Blue Innovation Dock (BID) at boot Düsseldorf. It is a forum combining thought-provoking keynotes with panel discussions and presentations on sustainability and innovation. It brings together industry leaders, investors, policy-makers and stakeholders. Throughout the nine days, it offers exciting B2B and B2C content and opportunities to engage with industry leaders. The full programme can be found here.

The BID kicks-off with the welcome from Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism followed by a political dialogue on "Boosting competitiveness and innovation in Europe's boating industry" on Saturday, 17th January from 11:00 with distinguished speakers including Petros Michelidakis (Director, boot Düsseldorf) Robert Marx (President, EBI), Felix Leinemann (Head of Unit, DG MARE European Commission), Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Members of European Parliament), Salvador Malheiro (Portuguese Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs), Bruno Thivoyon (Group CEO, Beneteau), and David Foulkes (CEO, Brunswick Corporation).

The following days see several highlights not to be missed:

• Panel discussions on alternative propulsion, electrification, sustainable fuels, sustainable marinas and charter, circular economy, data and certifications, design & Superyachts, AI and digitalisation, new materials, diversity and many more
• Keynotes and interviews with Dave Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation, Prof. Felix Leach, University of Oxford, Prof. Dr. Phil Klaus, International Univerisity of Monaco, Julia Minici, Co-founder Afterwind, Lea Jordan, Independent Travel Industry Expert, Lukas Haitzmann, Guinness World Record holder, Andre Wiersig, Extreme swimmer and many more
• Beneteau Group CEO Bruno Thivoyon, Ocean Race Sailor Rosalin Kuiper, Actor Hannes Jaenicke, Tyde Co-Founder Christoph Ballin, and many more
• Presentation of EBI Roadmap on fuels' infrastructure
• Pitching competition for start-ups and pitches by public and private investors to the industry together with start-up network Yachting Ventures

EBI will be hosting its General Assembly on 20th January and a press release announcing its new strategy and growth in membership will be issued afterwards.