The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced the full program for Marinas26, its flagship biennial conference and trade exhibition, scheduled for 24–27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The Marinas26 program, shaped by the Future Smart theme, features an impressive lineup of global industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders who will discuss trends, technologies, and opportunities impacting the marina and boatyard sector across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Opening the event is a Welcome Cocktail Party sponsored by Pelagic Risk Services, providing delegates a first chance to connect and engage with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders.
Day 1 highlights include a keynote address titled AI Future in Marinas & Boatyards by renowned futurist Gihan Perera. He will delve into how artificial intelligence is transforming operations, customer experience, asset management, and workforce capability within the global marina sector, challenging operators to consider AI as a driver for strategic transformation.
On Day 2, Perera will moderate the AI – Practical Applications for Marinas panel, offering an interactive session that provides practical tools for integrating AI into daily operations.
MIA CEO Suzanne Davies commented, “The Future Smart theme reflects where our industry needs to be heading… Marinas26 is about providing practical insight, global perspective, and meaningful connections that help our industry evolve.”
In addition to AI, the agenda covers a broad range of strategic, operational, and commercial issues relevant to marina and boatyard operators.
Day 1 features social researcher Geoff Brailey of McCrindle, presenting the latest demographic, consumer, and behavioural trends in the boating and waterfront lifestyle market, followed by an Economic Outlook from NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent. MIA President Andrew Chapman AM CMM will present key findings from the 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS), alongside a strategic overview by MIA CEO Suzanne Davies.
The afternoon session will focus on Redevelopment of Ageing Marina Infrastructure, addressing the challenges faced by many facilities approaching their design life. Chaired by James Burbury of Burbury Consulting, the session features contributions from Brett James of Southport Yacht Club, Jayson McDonald CMM of Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, and representatives from d’Albora Marinas.
Delegates can choose between two concurrent sessions: Lessons Learned – Development in the Middle East, chaired by Farrokh Golchin, and the Marina Maintenance Panel, led by Les Binkin CMM, focusing on marina asset maintenance best practices.
Day 2 promises practical applications with specialised insight. It starts with the Marina Panel, which gathers experienced designers and operators to share insights on the key components of successful marina precincts.
Chaired by Perera, the Practical AI Applications in Marinas panel leads into concurrent streams including Superyacht Ready, presented by David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, and Risk on the Waterfront, featuring MIA’s insurance partner, Nautilus Marine Insurance, and legal partner, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, who will discuss the complex risk landscape for marinas.
After lunch, The Innovators & Start-Up Showcase will feature five live pitches focused on operational improvements, followed by The Future of Boatyards discussion led by Andrew Chapman AM CMM and Lorraine Yates CMP on adapting to changing vessel profiles and customer expectations.
Concluding the conference, Mark Richards, a well-known maritime leader and ocean racing legend, will deliver the Line Honours session on leadership, innovation, and success, sharing insights from his extensive experience in marine design and sailing.
The event will culminate with the Marine Structures Marinas26 Gala Dinner, celebrating achievements and fostering connections from the two days of learning and collaboration.
Marinas26 aims to bring together marina owners, operators, designers, government representatives, and suppliers globally, solidifying its status as the leading conference for the marina and boatyard industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Full program details and registrations can be found at: marinas26.com
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