Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition, held in Australia, ended with a very positive mood and the attendees rating the event highly. The three day event had a great success, with delegates, exhibitors, speakers and industry media all appreciating the strength of the program, the value of the trade exhibition and the benefits of networking with more than 450 proactive industry and government personnel from 15 different countries.

Marine13

At the concluding plenary session Marina Industries Association President Andrew Chapman said the event, built on the foundations of previous marina and safety stream events has fulfilled expectations and provided exceptional networking opportunities.

Howard Glenn, Chair of the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee said the event provided the ideal platform for government to strengthen its partnership with industry. He specifically highlighted the collective challenge in bringing down the number of accidental drownings in small recreational boats and role that life jackets can play in preventing downing. “A small change in behaviours such as putting on a modern comfortable life jacket has enormous benefits in preventing downing”.

Marine 13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition held at Darling Harbour convention centre

Boating Industries Alliance Australia Chairman Darren Vaux said the event had highlighted the opportunities for the recreational boating industry to address challenges including economic and demographic change. “The event has delivered on its promise to provide the ideas, information and inspiration that a united industry needs to confidently move forward”.

Delegate Ben Schooley from The Yard in Brisbane said the event was exceptional. “The biggest challenge was choosing between so many sessions I wanted to attend”. Exhibitor and Superior CEO John Hogan said the event was excellent and his best marketing investment in the past two years. Speaker Trevor Fong from Keppel Land Hospitality Management in Singapore said it was a truly international event and very important for regional development.

The Marine13 Organising Committee will be meeting 27 May for a detailed review of the event and to map out plans for Marine15.