Superyacht Australia and ASMEX shine spotlight on Australian industry

by Jeni Bone on 2 Apr 2012 Two days prior to the 24th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which runs 24 to 27 May, is the second annual 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX), hosted by AIMEX and Superyacht Australia.

This year’s event has attracted speakers and delegates from around the globe – the US, Netherlands, UK, New Zealand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates – which will not only add international clout to the boat show, but also extend the opportunities for brands doing business at the boat show.

The International Business Lounge is conducted by the Queensland Government, Business Gold Coast, Austrade, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, operating during Show hours from 9am to 5pm for bona fide members.

'AIMEX members are able to arrange meetings with visiting delegates from all over the world,' explains MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of AIMEX and Superyacht Australia. 'That’s the real value of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to exhibitors – exposure to the public, trade and international visitors and guests.'

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is also the final opportunity for judges of the 2012 Export Awards to see entrants’ products in situ. The 2012 judging panel comprises five key industry identities; Barry Jenkins, Dugald Anthony – Austrade Trade Adviser, Ian Murray – Executive Director of the Australian Export Institute, John Savage - J.J.Savage & Sons and Ken Evans – previously Mercury Marine and now branding consultant.

In their fourth year, these awards provide significant recognition to Australian Marine Industry exporters’ commitment to excellence. For the first time in 2012 AIMEX has also incorporated two awards specific to the superyacht sector.

Now under the umbrella of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia has significant lobbying power.

'This is the first time there has been a true national framework for the superyacht sector with representation across all states,' says MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of Superyacht Australia and AIMEX. 'The ASMEX conference will shine the spotlight on the Australian superyacht industry and demonstrate its international prominence.'

With a new Queensland government, continues Edwards, there is more scope to lobby for amendments to legislation to remove some of the barriers and to progress and develop the potential of the superyacht industry, both in terms of infrastructure, manufacturing and destinations.

During the election campaign in Queensland, new Premier, Campbell Newman stated that the LNP realises the potential of the marine industry and superyacht sector, promising to commit as much as $80m to developing infrastructure, management of marine assets and support for manufacturing.

More at www.superyacht-australia.com