EOI's still open - Upcoming MIA Study Tours - Queensland & Thailand
by Marina Industries Association 30 Sep 16:11 PDT
5-6 November 2026
Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast © Marina Industries Association
Study tours give marina industry professionals a first-hand look at how other operators, manufacturers and infrastructure providers do things, and the chance to bring those ideas home.
Over the next 6 months, the MIA is running two opportunities to do exactly that — a Manufacturer and Marina Infrastructure Tour and a Thailand Study Tour — each designed to connect participants with real-world sites, systems, and people shaping the industry.
Expressions of interest are now open for both.
Manufacturer and Marina Infrastructure Study Tour
Thurs 5 - Fri 6 November 2026 | Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast
In partnership with PIANC AU-NZ, we invite members to a two-day study tour through South East Queensland's marine infrastructure and manufacturing sector.
Purpose-built for marina operators, engineers, designers, contractors and suppliers, the tour offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the facilities and factories that shape Australia's waterfront. Delegates will move from working commercial wharves to award-winning marinas, and from the berth to the factory floor — seeing first-hand how pontoons, piles and berthing systems are engineered, fabricated and delivered.
It is a genuine blend of marina, wharf and facility visits, manufacturer factory tours, and structured networking and engagement with the people who design, build and operate these assets.
Tour highlights
- Commercial wharf and cruise terminal access on the Brisbane River
- Factory tours with two of the region's leading marine structure manufacturers
- Four Gold Coast marinas in a single morning, including superyacht and mega yacht berthing
- Networking drinks and canapés with delegates, hosts and industry partners
- Direct engagement with facility managers, engineers and manufacturers throughout
- All coach transport, catering and tour materials included
Participation cost
$380 per person
Flights and accommodation are not included and are to be individually. The Pullman Brisbane Airport is the departure and return point for both days and is recommended for delegate accommodation.
Registration and more information
2027 Thailand Study Tour - 21 to 25 February
Thailand offers something few destinations can: mature superyacht refit yards, high-density dry stack operations, resort marinas, river-based facilities and a major greenfield marina development, all within a compact touring distance and all operating under a very different cost, climate and regulatory model to Australia and New Zealand.
Across the four days delegates will visit eight marina facilities, four dry stacks and six boatyard and lifting operations - including straddle carriers up 120 tonnes, Roodberg trailer systems, large-scale hardstands and a working solar rooftop installation. It is an unusually direct opportunity to benchmark equipment, layout, staffing and operating models against your own facility.
The tour is co-hosted by the MIA and Scott Finsten CMM, Harbour Master at the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum marina Ocean Marina Jomtien.
Tour Details
Dates: Sunday 21 to Thursday 25 February 2027 (arrival Sunday 21, tour starts Monday 22)
Duration: Four days / Five nights
Start Location: Bangkok
Finish Location: Bangkok
Regions Visited: Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket
Includes: Accommodation, ground transport, lunches and dinners
Excludes: International flights to and from Bangkok, and the two internal flights (flight numbers will be provided so the group travels together)
Participation cost
AU$1,900 per person + flights
Expressions of interest close Friday 18 December 2026 - Places are limited
Registration and more information