This year will be marked by the launch of the all-new initiative: Asia Boating Forum, unveiled by the organizer of the Singapore Yacht Show and the Singapore Boating Industry Association. The event is scheduled to take place on the second day of the Singapore Yacht Show on April 24, 2015.
2014 Asia Pacific Yachting Conference – Photo Credit to Kenneth Lee
Asian markets are at varying stages of development. While countries such as Singapore & Hong Kong are further up the evolutionary ladder, others are at an embryonic stage. The Forum aims to get decision makers and key players in the region together, to share experiences and discuss the best ways to develop boating in the region. Each country has its own policies, regulations and practices relating to boating, based on its own needs and circumstances.
In spite of this, there is much commonality and lessons to be learnt and shared. For boating to grow regionally, all countries have to level up and develop best practice. The Asia Boating Forum is a platform for just that – getting the foundation and policy framework right for growing the boating industry.
The inaugural Asia Boating Forum 2015 (ABF) will be a strategic meeting of industry professionals and regional authorities. This select group will gather to present and share insights on the issues and challenges in the development and sustainability of the boating business in Asia.
Singapore Yacht Show – Photo credit to YachtsXL – Michael Denker
Themed “ESSENTIALS OF EMERGING MARKETS OF ASIA”, the ABF 2015 will be chaired by Tim Coventry, an independent business consultant with extensive experience in the Asia leisure marine markets. Tim is engaged as Special Advisor to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Korea on the development of leisure boating.
The ABF 2015 Programme comprise the following panel presentations and discussions:
THE BUSINESS OF BOATING: Market dynamics of Asia, trends and developments in sales, brokerage and charter, customer profiles, positioning and marketing, superyacht charter, manpower development
ACCESS TO WATER; INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES: Asia business models: public and private models, investment and development – waterfront developments, marinas, beach clubs, moorings
CREATING A LEISURE MARINE POLICY FRAMEWORK: Economic impact evaluation – impact on local business and communities, pro-boating policies, pro-business policies, development aid and support, security, engagement of government and industry in the development of the recreational sector
FINANCIAL STRUCTURES AND SOLUTIONS: Market assessment and regimes, access to commercial/consumer financing and insurance solutions, risk assessment and asset protection
To be held on Friday 24 April 2015 over a half-day session, the ABF will take place at ONE°15 Marina Club, concurrently with the Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) held from 23-26 April.
SYS showcases leading yacht brands and service providers from around the world, and from 2015 onwards will offer a potent combination of a classic car showcase and fine art exhibition, held alongside Asia’s premier yacht show. Over the four Forum and Show days, delegates will have the opportunity to network with the Show’s exhibitors, sponsors and visitors.
