Gold Coast to host Marine15, ASMEX lineup, Couran Cove open for boats

by Jeni Bone, editor on 3 Dec 2013 Some many happenings, launches and reports as we wind up the year for Christmas, and in our hemisphere, summer holidays. There is nothing better than the festive fare, flavours and yes, a few extra tonics this time of year, especially if you can be on or near the water.

It seems insane to speak about 2014 and the calendar of events scheduled so far, so announcing the venue of the BIAA and Marina Industries Association conference, Marine15 seems premature. At least it gives companies, speakers and guests plenty of time to plan ahead of ascending to the Gold Coast in 2015.

The superlative and newly renovated RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland's sunny Gold Coast will host Asia Pacific’s biggest recreational marine business and safety conference and associated trade exhibition 3-5 May 2015. We will be bringing you all the details, from speakers to special registration incentives, over the next few months as they come to hand. Meantime, get your diaries out and flick forward a year and a bit to make sure you're down for it.

Other important events on the radar include Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which is receiving a steady stream of exhibitor applications each week and will have news of the 2014 program shortly.

Coinciding with SCIBS, in fact preceding it, is the 2014 ASMEX conference, which will feature a massive lineup of exceptional speakers, drawn from marine, manufacturing, trade and superyacht sectors, among them Ron Japinga - West Marine, John Lu - Horizon Yachts, Farouk Nefzi – Feadship, Erwin Bamps – Gulf Craft and Carlos Vidueira - Rybovich Superyacht Marina & Refit.

The ASMEX Conference is the only platform providing opportunities for industry to gain up to date information on the state of the industry and where current opportunities lie to drive business. The conference held at the 5 star Intercontinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove, Queensland runs over 2 days, 20-21 May and includes a welcome function and the prestigious 2014 Australian Marine Export and Superyacht Awards Gala Dinner.

Also on the Gold Coast (no bias, it's just all happening here), news that the friendly new people at Ramada Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island are welcoming back boaties to their protected marina.

If you know this hallowed little stretch, you will be glad to hear you can now pull in and enjoy resort facilities with just a simple phone call and a casual visit fee, some of which is redeemable on food and beverage at the resort.

The 7th Yacht & BoatKorea has just been held Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December at the impressive Changwon Exhibition and Convention Centre, Changwon in Gyeongsangnam Province, South Korea.

We are awaiting a report on this significant regional event for an update on this emerging market and opportunities for Australian and NZ companies.

Standby for that and much, much more over the next few days!

Until then, pleasant boating.