Marinas22 the Hon. Michael Healy
Marinas22 International Conference and Trade Exhibition opened yesterday on the Gold Coast by the Hon. Michael Healy, Queensland Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, to a sell out audience of 320 attendees.
Reaffirming its place as one of the largest Marina industry conferences in the world the conference was enhanced by over 50 exhibiting industry businesses.
The trade exhibition had sold out six months prior and the exhibition floor was a hive of excitement, with Marina Industries Association CEO Suzanne Davies saying, “We have received some great feedback from exhibitors already about the business deals being signed and new relationships being developed.”
Marinas22 Tapas Strickland NAB
Following the traditional Welcome to Country, delegates received an economic overview and forecast from Tapas Strickland, NAB Chief Markets Economist, and the changing consumer and demographic trends and the opportunities ahead for the marina industry were presented by Ashley Fell, Demographer and Social Researcher and Director of Advisory at McCrindle Research.
Andrew Chapman, MIA President released the findings of the 2021 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS) and compared against the decade of data since the study commenced.
Making the trip from the United States, investor, entrepreneur and President and owner of Bellingham Marine Industries, Joe Ueberroth provided a thought-provoking presentation on how marinas can maximise their returns and had many in the room re-evaluating their current business practices and taking on board some of the ideas presented.
Lorraine Yates, General Manager of Sydney Harbour Boat Storage commented, “It was so great to see the industry sharing ideas, reconnecting and reuniting long friendships after a three-year gap between the last Marinas conference. It was an inspiring first day and the program tomorrow looks just as good.”
The day ended with the innovation showcase, where five new products were showcased to delegates. Following the session delegates were asked to vote for the product they think will have the most opportunity. The closely run contest will be announced at the lunch break on Tuesday.
About the Marina Industries Association (MIA)
The MIA is the peak body representing the interests of club, recreational and commercial marinas, boatyards, and industry suppliers in Australia & the wider Asia-Pacific region. Working closely with other marina associations around the world, the MIA works in support of developing sustainable marina industries through the delivery of strong leadership, industry guidance, education, accreditation, and research. The MIA has over 300 corporate members and connects over 2,000 industry leaders and decision makers. 75% of members are marinas, clubs, and boatyards and over 80% of larger marinas (over 100 berths) in Australia are members of the MIA.
Marinas International Conference & Exhibition
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) hosts a biennial Marina Conference and International Tradeshow which brings together 300 – 400 delegates comprising the region’s leading marina and club operators, owners, and vendors along with related government agency representatives. The conference is informative and motivational and tackles some of the big issues and opportunities through presentations and interactive sessions. The trade exhibition brings together a wide range of industry vendors who showcase the latest products and services specifically for marinas including clubs, boat yards and dry stacks event. The exhibition provides vendors and delegates with the most efficient and cost-effective way to meet face to face. The 2021 event was postponed to 23 – 24 May 2022 and will be held at the JW Marriott Gold Coast. Given the buoyancy of the industry, record numbers are expected.
