26 SHOWTIME
Inspiring program for Marinas22
T
he program for the Marinas22 International Conference and Trade Exhibition at the newly refurbished JW Marriott Gold Coast from 23-24 May, 2022, has been conveniently timed to follow the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. 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 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
Face-to-face at METSTRADE 2021
This year saw the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems reinforce its pivotal role as the beating heart of the industry by bringing to the RAI in Amsterdam 11,936 industry professionals for effective meetings, research and networking. The show simultaneously served its wider audience by launching the METSTRADE Connect virtual platform and METSTRADE TV channel. The show assembled a total of 1,105 exhibitors from 44 countries covering every facet of marine equipment. This was just 13% down on the originallyexpected exhibitor total, following the choice of some businesses to withdraw in the immediate days before the doors opened due to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic. Three busy days of METSTRADE saw 14,065 visits registered by 8,459 unique visitors spanning 63 nationalities, accompanied by 3,477 exhibitor personnel. Of particular importance to the future of the industry, nearly onequarter of all visiting professionals were in the 18-35 age bracket. Their presence was once again encouraged and supported through METSTRADE’s unique Young Professionals Club, with its dedicated lounge, industry ‘meet and greet’ sessions and show tours.
METSTRADE’s Covid-19 precautionary measures included compulsory vaccination or test checks in a dedicated entry marquee, wide airy corridors on the show floor, controlled refreshment areas and encouragement to wear masks. Attendees welcomed the measures as a pragmatic approach for the essential resumption of face-to-face business research, networking and sales pipeline generation. There was a common expression of relief and pleasure to be back. The one-off show layout spanning eight halls this year encouraged many visitors to explore companies they had not spoken with before. Exhibitors consistently reported good business enquiries from new contacts, combined with a celebratory atmosphere as people met up with those they had not seen for a long time. Speaking after the show closed, Niels Klarenbeek, Maritime Director of METSTRADE, reflected: “Best of all was to see the thrill that was evident on the faces of exhibitors and visitors, thanks to the facility of being able to meet each other in person again”. In 2022, METSTRADE will take place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre from 15-17 November. METSTRADE metstrade@rai.nl www.metstrade.com
MARINA INDUSTRY • DECEMBER 2021
the future. The full program can be accessed by visiting the website given below. The event incorporates plenty of time to network. In addition to the
extended breaks where delegates can meet with the exhibitors, three social events will provide time for the marina industry to reunite old friendships, make new connections and celebrate its growing success. Suzanne Davies, CEO of the Marina Industries Association, commented: “The theme for Marinas22 is ‘Inspiring Business Success’ and I believe that this is exactly what this program will deliver”. Marinas22 conference@marinas22.com www.marinas22.com
Thailand postpones show for a year On 2 December, 2021, following consultation with industry stakeholders, exhibitors and sponsors, the organiser of the Thailand International Boat Show has announced that the planned 2022 event will be postponed for a year. The new dates for the show to be held at Royal Phuket Marina are 12-15 January, 2023. “Having discussed with our partners, exhibitors and industry stakeholders, we have taken the decision in the best interests of all to postpone the show until January, 2023,” explained David Hayes, CEO of JAND Events. “It’s clear from the positive feedback we have had to date that there is an appetite for our show concept. However, due to a combination of factors, we feel hosting it in 2023 will ensure a better return of investment for our sponsors, partners and exhibitors, and will ensure a more visitorfriendly show. “JAND Events is known for delivering high-quality events and that is our goal for the Thailand International Boat Show – to create an event the likes of which Phuket has never seen before. While Phuket is open to the world and Thailand is leading the way in reopening its borders to
international travellers, people remain cautious about travel and large gatherings, especially with the concern of a new coronavirus variant appearing.” As there is another new boat show scheduled to take place in March, 2022, at Ocean Marina in Pattaya, the organiser of the Thailand International Boat Show has set its new dates to avoid any clash and to support the industry across Thailand and throughout the region. “The support we have received has been extremely positive and our plans for 2022 will be carried over to 2023. We are also in discussions with a number of global brands that are aligned with our vision for a boat show in Phuket and who are interested in sponsoring the Thailand International Boat Show in 2023 and beyond. Working with these brands will support our efforts to put Phuket and Thailand’s marine tourism front of mind amongst global travellers,” added Hayes. Thailand International Boat Show info@thailand internationalboatshow.com www.thailandinternational boatshow.com
