After a great success of the Marine13 conference, the industry organising committee announced today, on May 28, 2013 that Western Australia as well as Queensland were leading contenders to play a host to the next multi-stream international boating industry conference and trade exhibition in 2015.
Marine 13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition held at Darling Harbour convention centre
Marine13 Organising Committee Chair Jeff d’Albora said the date and location for Marine15 would be announced by the end of August 2013.
“The event in 2015 is likely to be held in a similar time window and that is the end of April or early May,” Mr d’Albora said. “We will also explore opportunities to build on partnerships with other industry associations.”
Mr d’Albora said more than 450 attended the event this year and many had commented positively on the breadth of the conference content and its quality. “The highlight for many was the excellent networking opportunity and the extensive information gained through more than 45 sessions at the conference”.
The Organising Committee met in Sydney this week to conduct a preliminary review of Marine13. Analysis of the feedback from delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers has indicated a high level of satisfaction.
Ken Evans, representing the Outboard Engine Distributors Association, commented “there were so many useful sessions that it was impossible to attend them all. The networking opportunities were excellent and while we would have liked to see more marine dealerships attending, Marine13 was good for the industry as a whole”.
The 51 exhibitors were in general agreement that Marine13 provided ample opportunity to meet with a very appropriate and well-qualified target audience. Simon Cook, CEO at IC Frith Insurance Brokers and a Marine13 platinum sponsor and exhibitor said “we found Marine13 an excellent environment in which to conduct business and we will be increasing our investment in Marine15”.
According to Andrew Chapman, President of Marina Industries Association, Marine13 has realised its potential to provide leadership for the marine industries in the Asia Pacific region. Boating Industries Alliance Australia Chairman Darren Vaux said “the very positive feedback from participants in Marine13 has confirmed the importance and value of this event being an integral part of the industry calendar”.
Howard Glenn, Chair of the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee, said Marine13 provided an excellent opportunity to share knowledge across a wide range of safety subject areas, from boating weather through to volunteer marine rescue. “The conference also presented an ideal opportunity to stage several supporting events during the remainder of that week including a series of safety workshops for Pacific Nations and the successful International Lifejacket Forum.”
