20 January 2022
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.
This year’s theme is “Inspiring Business Success”. 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 to 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 past 12 to 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 online.
Economic Review – updates, forecasts, opportunities
Now & 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 & Tourism
Marina Boatyard Issues & Innovations
Branding and Marketing for Marinas
Boating Beyond Covid
Industry Support Initiatives
Insurance & Legal Questions Answered
People & 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 online.
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 and 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.”