Marine15 expands trade, networking and B2B opportunities

by Jeni Bone on 12 Aug 2014 Planning for Marine15 is well underway and as organisers fill the program with a mix of high calibre international and local speakers for three strands: Boating Business, Boating Safety and Marinas, they are confident there will be even more for industry at next year's event.

Combining a three-day conference, 3 to 5 May, with added networking, social functions and technical tours of local marine infrastructure and the Coomera precinct, Marine15 will also have a trade show component known as MarineX@marine15, the opportunity for suppliers to the marine industry to showcase their products and services.

Marine15, just nine months away, will be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland's Gold Coast. 'The advantage is that we will practically have the resort to ourselves,' explains Nik Parker, BIAA General Manager.

'Delegates can stay in what is a beautiful resort setting, enjoy all the facilities including a Championship golf course, and the newly developed convention and exhibition facilities which are ideal for Marine15. The Gold Coast is at the heart of the marine industry and boating lifestyle and delegates, sponsors and exhibitors will be able to really immerse themselves in the event which aims to deliver 'Information, Education and Inspiration' to all those who attend.'

There are likely to be around 52 sessions, as well as specialist workshops and several networking events, including a Gala Dinner.

Parker says organisers are hopeful of attracting 500 to 550 delegates for next year's event. '451 delegates attended Marine13. From their feedback, we have streamlined the format, created a more varied program and will increase the trade show element, MarineX@marine15.'

It is envisaged that exhibitors will come from 'across the board', and will be on show during the three days of the event, open to non-delegates as well as those attending Marine15. 'We want to give sponsors and exhibitors maximum value, so we are opening it up to local people in the industry who perhaps cannot attend Marine15 but who would benefit from visiting the MarineX@marine15.'

In the lead up to next year's event, there will be a myriad of additional sponsorship opportunities for brands and organisations to support the event and reach this valuable professional market. The Marine15 Sponsorship and Exhibition prospectus is now available online at www.marine15.com

Parker says Early Bird Registration will come online in early October, following the announcement of keynote speakers, topics and other aspects of the program. Early Bird registration will start at $880 for members and additional registrations will be available at a 10, 20 and 30% discount.

The Marine15 Organising Committee comprises members of Boating Industries Alliance Australia, Marina Industries Association and the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group. Partners onboard include Gold Coast Waterways Authority, Gold Coast Tourism, AMSA, ARBSC and Transport for NSW MMC. Sponsors include Bellingham Marine, IC Frith and Superior.



More at www.marine15.com