The British Marine Federation (BMF) is currently hosting delegates of the ICOMIA and IFBSO 2013 Congress, taking place at Devonport House, positioned in London’s historic Royal Greenwich. The annual event is organised by a different ICOMIA member-nation each year and this week is being hosted by the BMF as part of their Centenary Celebrations. The Congress will come to an end today, on June 14, 2013.
The Congress is being attended by over 90 delegates from more than 21 countries, counting numerous marine industry associations and boat show organisers among the attendees. The forum is an opportunity to discuss the latest developments and best practice within the sector. For example, two new ICOMIA committees are holding their inaugural meetings at the event – ‘Grow Boating’ and ‘Exporters Committee’ – which look to expand worldwide recreational boating and unlock export markets; meanwhile IFBSO is focusing on exhibitor needs and new developments for shows.
A number of experts attending the event, with a strong emphasis on developing markets for international expansion, are:
– Mark Pragnell, Head of Commissioned Projects at Capital Economics – The global economy and its impact on future industry prospects
– David Pegler, CEO of Excel London – London and the development of a major international exhibition centre
– Helena Gao, China Boat Show – Trends in China: the market and consumer activity
– Jorge Nasseh, ACOBAR – Understanding the Brazilian market
Further speakers from the industry include:
– Andy Claughton, Wolfson Unit at Southampton University – Advanced Design Technology
– Josh Hall, Race Director at Global Ocean Race – Global Ocean Race and the development opportunities it provides
– Alex Mills, 5 Degrees West – An insight into event sponsorship
Alongside the meeting schedule, the Partners’ Programme is offering delegates the chance to visit some of London’s most famous sites. Trips to The Shard, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square and Kensington Palace have been organised as well as a River Cruise Dinner on the Thames sponsored by IBI Plus.
The congress culminates with the Gala Dinner at the Houses of Parliament, sponsored by Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
Howard Pridding, Chief Executive of the BMF, said: “The BMF is pleased to welcome delegates to the ICOMIA and IFBSO 2013 Congress in London. This will be a dynamic forum focused on a number of the current issues impacting the leisure marine industry. We are delighted to host the event in Royal Greenwich, a place synonymous with Britain’s rich maritime history, and we look forward to addressing some of the industry’s biggest challenges over the next few days so as to maintain a thriving industry for many more years to come.”
