ICOMIA Podcast

Cannes Yachting Festival Show Director Constance Brément joins Ben Taylor to discuss the role major international boat shows play in supporting the global leisure marine industry.

The conversation explores exhibitor ROI, product launches and innovation, changing customer expectations, and why Cannes is focusing on the quality and diversity of its offer rather than simply increasing the size of the show. Constance also explains the festival’s decision to join IFBSO and the importance of greater collaboration between international boat shows.

Key Points

• Why major boat shows remain commercially important for manufacturers and the wider marine industry
• How Cannes Yachting Festival is prioritising quality, diversity and customer experience
• Why collaboration and knowledge-sharing between international boat shows matters

The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by Elite Marinas.

Ben Grigg, Programme Director at ICOMIA, previews the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 and why Shanghai matters for the global marina industry.

Taking place from 30 March to 2 April 2027, the conference will bring marina leaders, developers, investors and suppliers together as Asia-Pacific waterfront development accelerates. Ben explores the shift from marinas as places to berth boats towards integrated waterfront communities that deliver economic, social and environmental value.

The episode also examines sustainability, emerging marina projects and a stronger commercial focus for 2027 - including business matchmaking and opportunities to understand where investment and development are moving across Asia.

Key Points

• Asia-Pacific is becoming a strategic marina growth market.
• Modern marinas must create wider community and economic value.
• Shanghai offers direct access to emerging commercial opportunities.

The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by EliteMarinas.

In this ICOMIA Podcast episode, Peter Wallbank of August Race explains why MARPOL matters for the recreational marine and superyacht sector. The conversation explores how boat cleaning products, marina operations and supplier choices can create compliance risks when discharged into the marine environment. Wallbank highlights the gap between commercial maritime practice and leisure marine awareness, calling for fact-based sustainability, clearer marina guidance and stronger supplier accountability. For marina operators, boatyards, chandlers, yacht managers and marine product manufacturers, this episode offers a practical view of environmental regulation, operational risk and responsible product selection. Peter Wallbank is listed by August Race as Co-Founder and Technical Director, leading MARPOL guidance work for leisure marine. 

Key Points:

• MARPOL awareness remains low in leisure marine. 
• Marina operators can drive practical compliance. 
• Product claims need evidence, not greenwashing.

The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by EliteMarinas.

ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch and ICOMIA Marinas Group Chair Jon White discuss the official launch of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027, which will take place in Shanghai, China, from 30 March to 2 April 2027.

The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by EliteMarinas.

This episode explores how the ICOMIA Asia Working Group is addressing fragmentation across Southeast Asia’s yachting ecosystem. Wade Pearce shares insights on aligning marina standards, improving cross-border collaboration, and strengthening industry communication. With infrastructure largely privately owned and regulatory frameworks inconsistent, the discussion highlights the need for unified data, standard operating procedures, and stronger government engagement. Ahead of the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2026, the conversation underscores how collaboration, market education, and shared platforms can unlock sustainable growth, improve client experience, and accelerate investment across emerging Asian marine markets.

Key Points

• Fragmentation limits growth across Southeast Asia marine markets 
• Standardisation and data-sharing key to industry maturity 
• Collaboration drives long-term commercial and ecosystem value

EliteMarinas supports the marina series on the ICOMIA Podcasts.

In this ICOMIA Podcast episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Robert Parton, owner of Aqueduct Marina and President of British Marine, about the evolving economics of inland waterways. From building a 150-berth marina into a fully integrated, one-stop canal boat hub, to successfully lobbying government on business rates reform, this conversation explores the commercial realities behind UK inland marine infrastructure.

They address funding pressures on the Canal & River Trust network, the impact of canal closures on tourism and boat sales, and why industry associations remain critical for policy influence. For marina operators, investors, and marine trade leaders, this is a timely discussion on resilience, investment strategy, and protecting a national leisure asset.

Key Points:

• Marinas must diversify to remain commercially resilient.
• Collective lobbying protects marine businesses from policy risk.
• Canal infrastructure funding underpins long-term industry growth.

EliteMarinas supports this series of ICOMIA Podcasts.

From superyachts in Palma to traditional fishing boats in the Balearics, Spain’s marine landscape is diverse and world-class - yet its nautical culture is still evolving. In this episode, Fernando from ANEN shares why hosting the ICOMIA Congress is a milestone for Spain’s marine sector, and how the organisation is working to make boating accessible beyond the millionaire stereotype. We explore strategies to attract new audiences, particularly younger generations seeking experiences over ownership, and how charter, boat clubs, and flexible access models can fuel industry growth. With unmatched cruising grounds, strong connectivity, and a global spotlight, Spain is positioning itself for a more inclusive and vibrant marine future.

Key Points

• Shifting boating from ownership to experience-based access.
• Positioning Spain as a global marine destination.
• Building nautical culture to drive long-term participation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.

The ICOMIA World Marina Conference returns for its 14th edition - this time in Venice. In this episode, organisers Roberto and Alberto explain why this three-day event is regarded as an accelerator for the global marina industry. With over 500 delegates, it offers a rare opportunity for decision-makers to gain strategic insights on sustainable infrastructure, technological innovation, market trends, and regulatory adaptation. Beyond the conference hall, attendees will tour marinas across the Venetian lagoon - a UNESCO site - to see best practices in action. Whether your focus is investment, operations, or policy, this event provides the platform to build partnerships and access the latest thinking shaping marina development worldwide.

Key Points

• Global collaboration drives sustainable marina growth and investment.
• Networking sparks high-value partnerships and industry innovation.
• On-site marina tours deliver real-world operational insights.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.