ASMEX 2013 – industry luminaries speak about industry issues

by Jeni Bone on 12 Feb 2013 Featuring speakers and delegates from all over the world, ASMEX is the key Australian marine industry conference for those focused on export, the superyacht sector and those wanting to understand where the real opportunities lie for their business in the future.

The ASMEX Conference provides a platform to ensure industry is kept well informed and given the opportunity for valuable networking with colleagues.

The two day conference, 20-22 May 2013, will be staged immediately prior to the 25th anniversary of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and boasts a program featuring high profile national and international guest speakers who will address many of the current issues.

The primary focus of the conference is to provide a platform where the superyacht and broader marine industry can join together to be updated on the business opportunities, be reinvigorated and tackle the issues and assess the opportunities that the Australian marine industry is facing and to learn and develop skills for growth and innovation via extensive networking opportunities and invaluable informative conference sessions.

According to organisers, what makes ASMEX the ‘must-attend’ event for 2013 is the calibre of key note speakers and networking opportunities.

The ASMEX organisers have taken a focused approach to developing the 2013 schedule ensuring a relevant, robust program of key industry speakers sharing their successes, challenges and experiences in the marine export and superyacht industry.

Some of the speakers featured in the programme include: Ed Slack of IBI, Horizon Yachts founder John Lu, Martin Baum of Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Erwin Bamps of Gulf Craft, New Zealand Marine CEO Peter Busfield, Bryan Jones from Fairline, Craig Davidson from Tourism Australia, Mick Kinley from AMSA and Helen Cripps, an academic who has recently undertaken a study on the industry in WA and the broader nation comparing us to other key players in the world.

The program will cover topics as diverse as the developments and updates since ASMEX 2012, Global economic overview and outlook for the future, the Tourism Australia strategy is to target HNWI; How does this strategy support the focus of the superyacht and marine export sector, understanding the partnership with Austrade and why the focus on inward investment, an overview of the European marine sector, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain what does the future hold for these established markets; Are there opportunities in Turkey, Croatia and other Eastern European markets. Where does Russia fit in? The impact and opportunities as a result of Australia being regarded as number one in the world for sailing; the Asian/Pacific market, a close look at what is happening in this ever growing part of the global economy- what are the issues and opportunities, is Asia going to become the manufacturing hub, how can Australian businesses and our equipment manufacturers get aslice of the action; and New Zealand Marine Industry overview, the synergies with Australian and where we can work together to drive business down under, as well as many more over the two days.

MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of AIMEX/Superyacht Australia stated: 'Attending the ASMEX conference will equip you with first hand industry information and experience straight from some of the leading businesses and identities in the industry including Horizon Yachts, Favoriza, Sorgiovanni Designs, Gulf Craft, Fairline, AMSA, IBI’s Editor Ed Slack, Ronstan, NZ Marine, Tourism Australia and Pantatenius Insurance.

'This conference is for the industry, by the industry, and presents an amazing opportunity for business and an outstanding source of information.'

Those who will benefit from the information and contacts at ASMEX include equipment manufacturers, boat builders, marine exporters, superyacht service providers, agents, distributors, buyers, charter brokers and anyone keen to do business and learn about business opportunities and wanting to engage with industry, key players and decision makers from the marine export and superyacht sectors.

On the first night of the conference, Tuesday 21 May, the ASMEX Gala Dinner will be the venue for the announcement of the 2013 Club Marine Australian Export and Superyacht Awards, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sanctuary Cove.

This new venue and date to coincide with ASMEX and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will ensure optimal exposure for award recipients, participants and sponsors.

The Gala Dinner is expected to host up to 200 key industry stakeholders including the international buyers, distributors and industry contacts attending including the broader international media, among them IBI, The Superyacht Report and Boat International.

This gala dinner is the only formal industry dinner of the year and an unrivalled opportunity for businesses to host a corporate table, with their partners, colleagues and clients joining them to celebrate the industries successes of 2012/13.

Organisers of ASMEX 2013 have a number of international buyers and distributors confirmed for attendance, from South Africa, Asia, the US and Europe, seeking opportunities for distribution of new products in their regions.

If results are anything like 2012, those involved will reap the benefits. Just one month after ASMEX 2012, the businesses who attended the conference from the Gold Coast City Council area alone reported of $1.5m in sales with further quotes following in subsequent months.

The ASMEX registration fee once again reflects the desire of AIMEX to ensure every business has the opportunity to attend. $395 (inc GST) for non-members and $285 for AIMEX & Superyacht Australia members represents exceptional value.

Registrations can be completed via the Superyacht Australia website www.superyacht-australia.com and the AIMEX website www.aimex.asn.au