MINNOWS to make waves in the industry

by Jeni Bone on 26 May 2009 A new faction of the marine industry was launched pre-boat show, with the aim of lobbying for issues of concern to its members, raising funds for a suitable industry charity and dressing up for socializing and a pre-dawn champagne (or two)!

The first Ultimate Boating & Lifestyle magazine event for MINNOWS, a loose acronym for Marine Industry Networking Organisation for Women - small fish in the pond - went ahead at the salubrious Palazzo Versace hotel with 45 industry women.

Numbers were slightly down, thanks in part to the cancellation of the opening day of SCIBS, Thursday 21 May, and the added workload some of the guests were committed to.

Attendees came from all sections of the marine industry: boat building, brokerage, recruitment, AIMEX , a marine artist, marketing managers, product managers, sales reps, boat owners and sailors.

Guests were treated to speakers Jo Wooler, a sculptor who works with marine grade stainless steel and has projects commissioned internationally for superyachts, galleries, marine museums and various collectors; and Lady Jane Edwards, the PR and media doyenne whose prowess, contacts and hard work attracted more than 18 million people to Brisbane’s Expo 88.

Publisher of Ultimate Boating & Lifestyle, Deb Montgomery said the marine industry was awash with talented women, who together could achieve things that would benefit the entire industry.

“We do bump into each other here and there, but it was time to organize our numbers and form a networking organization to harness our strengths and use our initiative as a group to get things done.”

Along with the inspiring presentations and a superb 5-star breakfast, complete with views to the Broadwater of clearing skies and ideal boat show conditions for the rescheduled Day 1, guests received pampering hand treatments from La Mer (surely one of the most luxurious ways to wake up, ever!)

Gift bags were also well received, replete with Versace fragrance, oils (edible and massage), VIP offers and the most recent edition of Ultimate Boating & Lifestyle.

The charter of MINNOWS is being established in the next few weeks. There will be a similar event breakfast event organized for the Sydney International Boat Show in July. Membership details and benefits will be announced post-SCIBS. For women in marine or any related industry interested in joining, email deb@ublmedia.com