Seatec – the 9th International Exhibition of technology, subcontracting and design for boats, mega yachts and ships organised by CarraraFiere – is the most important trade fair in the industry in Europe. Seatec is part of the IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organizers).

Just three months from the event, there are many signs that lead us to believe that we are witnessing an economic recovery worldwide. On 18 November the BCE adjusted the expected growth rates for 2011 with a slight increase for all countries in the EU, including Italy which it increased by a full half point. The nautical industry is beginning to see the first signs. The leading, most well-known Italian shipyards are optimistic about the near future and now more than ever are interested to see what happens at SEATEC 2011, (this year held together with COMPOTEC – in its 3rd year – the only international event in Italy focusing solely on composite materials.

SEATEC 2011 16 – 18 February 2011 – Marina di Carrara

We met a few leading names in the Italian nautical industry to see how they “see’ SEATEC

Alfonso Postorino ISA Yacht: “It has become important to visit Seatec to meet up with suppliers, old and new, and look for and find out about new technologies and materials for our production processes. We expect to see something new from the Exhibiting Companies and above all to establish contacts with the managers. This is most important to then develop working relations afterwards. Seatec is an interesting opportunity not only for Italian shipyards buts also for foreign ones. Certainly foreign operators should visit Seatec. And not only for our technology and design, a large number of top level foreign companies exhibit at SEATEC too”.

Carla Demaria Montecarlo Yacht: “Our Design and buying departments shall be visiting SEATEC 2011 because it showcases a wide range of new products, from new technology to design, from accessories to new materials for nautical applications. One of the driving forces of our company is innovation and we hope that SEATEC will show really innovative ideas and food for thought to be able to think “out of the box”, i.e. away from the conventional, mainstream approach. SEATEC is held in the country “par excellence” for the world nautical industry. I like to say that Italy represents for the nautical industry what Switzerland represents for watches. The country is a brand in its own right, an added value. Not only are excellent ships built in Italy but the entire industry boasts high level performance from accessories to design as well as the trade fairs”.

Domenico Pirazzoli Feretti Group : “SEATEC has grown a lot over the last 3 years and has become an important reference point for all companies in the shipbuilding industry both in Italy and abroad. It is also the only national trade fair focussing entirely on sub supplies which is not part of any other nautical event and therefore it is very specialised and full of opportunities. The number of exhibitors has grown as well as the quality of the products and the new features. The aim of our visit to SEATEC is to contact new suppliers and sub suppliers and to see what is new (as regards products and technological innovation). We expect to see a good range of products from the exhibitors (in terms of new concepts, technologies, materials) and a further development in the products presented last year. The main reason why foreign operators should visit SEATEC is that they can find the best suppliers and sub suppliers in the Italian industry, one of the industries for which Italy is a world leader, as well as foreign companies that show excellence in specific segments.”

Stefano De Vivo Benetti Yachts: “The head of the purchasing department and the technical managers of the two Business Units of Benetti and others working in the technical and production departments will most certainly be visiting SEATEC as they will be able to meet up with many of our suppliers as well as develop contacts with new companies. Since it began each year SEATEC has been able to bring suppliers showing avant-garde technological innovation and product developments. The conferences are another focal point of this exhibition and the general consensus from all the participants from our company is that they are among the most interesting in the world. What we expect from exhibitors is a continuous effort in innovation of the products presented and new proposals that may contribute to the creation of our yachts, thereby consolidating our position as a market leader every year. Personally, travelling the world, even though I am Italian I have an international outlook. This is why when I meet foreign operators I encourage them to forget other fairs and take part in or visit SEATEC since its organisation is impeccable and it is by far the best event in terms of quality both for exhibitors and visitors and the issues dealt with during the conferences”.

Eng. Francesco Maestrale Leopard Yacht: “I take part in SEATEC to meet new suppliers and find out what is new on the market. I expect innovation from the exhibiting companies. What I say to foreign operators is to visit SEATEC because it is one of the most complete Italian trade fairs in terms of technology and design”.

Elisa Leopardi, Tecnomar marketing department confirms what the shipyard managers believe: “SEATEC has become an important international event showing the best Italian companies in nautical accessories and design. We expect exhibitors to keep us up to date on what is new and find interesting solutions for our business. At SEATEC you can see all the naval products “Made in Italy” and establish excellent business relations”.

Arch. Federica Bertolini Azimut Style office: “The main reason for visiting SEATEC every year is to keep up to date on what the market has to offer and nautical component suppliers. It also means taking part in conferences on specific issues regarding the industry. What we really want to see from the exhibitors are new products that aim to improve life and comfort on board. In some cases this means solving any critical points found in the product range with developments in terms of the look and technology of products. For foreign operators SEATEC is certainly a good showcase of nautical products characterised by Italian design. There are also international companies present though that are quality, consolidated companies in the industry”.

We are confident that, also and above all in 2011, SEATEC shall not let operators in the Italian and foreign shipbuilding industry down. The exhibiting companies, all-important in the industry, shall once again live up to expectations. They are small, medium and large companies and for the most part are typically Italian in their approach, rational management criteria, making research, technology, design and the people that accompany them the centre of the “mission”

SEATEC 2011: 16 – 18 February 2011 – Marina di Carrara