ASMEX 2012 confirms Thom Dammrich as keynote speaker

by AIMEX/SYBA on 13 Feb 2012 The 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) programme is taking shape with industry heavy weights confirming their attendance.

The ASMEX organizers announced today that Thom Dammrich, NMMA President will be addressing the conference as a keynote speaker providing a current overview of the USA Superyacht and recreational boating industry.

Dammrich is an excellent presenter and will attract considerable interest from marine industry stakeholders who will be keen to hear what is happening in the US market and predictions for the future.

Mr Dammrich assumed the role of president with the National Marine Manufacturers Association in November 1999 and is a current executive member of ICOMIA. Under Dammrich’s leadership, NMMA has bolstered industry advocacy at the state and federal level as well as expanded industry and consumer-related research, and statistics efforts.

NMMA represents more than 1,600 members that produce 80 percent of the recreational boating products currently sold in North America.

Dammrich furthers his involvement and commitment to recreational boating interests by serving on several industry boards. They include the American Sportfishing Association; the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation; the International Council of Marine Industry Associations; the International Marine Certification Institute, and as Chairman of the American Recreation Coalition. In addition, he was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to serve as Chairman of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of the Interior).

Dammrich’s academic accomplishments include an MBA and MS in accounting, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

ASMEX organizers are also pleased to announce that The Superyacht Report will be presenting the results of their ‘State of the Industry’ paper, giving an overview of the fleet, order book, and market activity, and highlighting the situation and the potential for Australia as a part of this. Plus Marco Struik, Managing Director of Struik & Hamerslag; a significant and well known European Yacht Interior and Refit company has confirmed his attendance at the conference and will speak about the refit and repair industry globally.

Other significant topics of discussion will be the positive progress with policies and regulation surrounding the Superyacht industry in Australia, particularly developments with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Australian Customs and GBRMPA.

Further international and Australian speakers will feature in the programme which will be out shortly.

The social programme for ASMEX 2012 will be a highlight again with Sevenstar Yacht Transport sponsoring the Welcome Registration by the ‘Poolside’ at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove where guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, fine food and wine by the candle lit lagoon. ASMEX organizers have also advised that the Conference Dinner will be at one of the Gold Coast’s well known venues and intimating an exciting night has been planned.

ASMEX is the key Australian marine industry conference and provides a platform to ensure industry is kept well informed and given the opportunity for valuable networking with colleagues. The ASMEX registration fee once again has been kept to a minimum at $350 (inc GST), AIMEX and Superyacht Australia members and SCIBS exhibitors are entitled a discounted registration fee of $275. Registrations can be completed via the Superyacht Australia website www.superyacht-australia.com and the AIMEX website www.aimex.asn.au