Program announced

On day one, the program starts with an economic overview and forecast from National Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland and moves on to opportunities for the marine industry in Australia and the broader Asia Pacific Region that will emerge by 2032.

Delegates will receive the findings of the 2023 Health of the Australasian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS), which for the first time, included New Zealand. This data provides an overview of the historic trends and key industry benchmarks. The MIA will share how it supports the industry and its long-term strategy.

Topical operational matters will be tackled in the afternoon, including a session on managing lithium, boatyard operations, recruitment and retention, and marketing, as well as the innovation showcase and lessons and learnings panel.

The North Harbour happy hour will give delegates a relaxing conclusion to the day.

On day two, visitors can enjoy breakfast with the exhibitors – bacon and egg rolls will be served between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. to delegates who are up early to join the exhibitors to start off the day.

James Tuma of Urbis will chair the designing marina precincts session, which will bring together a panel of experts, including Greg Shaw, CEO of Mulpha (Sanctuary Cove and Hayman Island Marinas), North Harbour’s CEO Bryan Finney and Bellingham Marine CEO and owner of Dana Point Marina in California, Joe Ueberroth.

MIA’s new climate-ready guideline material, which will help marinas navigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change, along with the likely risks and regulations ahead, will be launched.

Guidance on managing energy and compliance obligations will be provided, and preparing for alternative marina power systems will be explored. MIA’s insurance and legal partners will provide guidance and information about the most topical issues marinas face and how to mitigate the associated risks.

After lunch, the focus will shift to increasing profitability, with presentations on both maximising yield and increasing profit through shared boating clubs.

The closing keynote this year will be delivered by Rodney Longhurst, who will share the story of the rebirth of Riviera. Afterwards is the Superior Jetties gala dinner at Howard Smith Wharves on the edge of the Brisbane River.

“This will be one of our best speaker lineups yet,” says Marinas24 chair, Mike Harvey. “The sessions will deliver relevant, timely and thought-provoking content designed to inspire delegates to capitalise on the strength of the industry.”

Early-bird registration for Marinas24 is available until 15 March 2024.

marinas-24.com