Sydney Boat Show event delivery partner announced - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 9 Apr 14:00 PDT
Sydney Boat Show © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) announced Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) have been appointed as the event delivery partner for the Sydney Boat Show 2026, bringing more than three decades of experience in delivering world-class exhibitions and conferences.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said ETF had stood out in a strong field of event organisers competing for the opportunity to deliver industry boat shows. "We were impressed by the quality team at ETF who have an outstanding pedigree in event delivery led by Managing Director Kieron Haycock," Fielding said.
Asian news involves the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) who have announced that the World Marinas Conference will be held in Shanghai from 30 March to 2 April 2027. As a proud member of ICOMIA, the BIA welcomes this inaugural event in China, which was officially launched during an exclusive industry gathering at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. This landmark conference represents a significant opportunity for the global boating sector to engage with the growing Chinese market.
Also, Maritimo has appointed Primus Marine as its authorised dealer for Asia, marking a strategic move to strengthen the Australian luxury motor yacht builder's presence across Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. This latest appointment is the 4th location in Southeast Asia for Maritimo Luxury Motor Yachts with dealerships in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, now and Thailand. Built on proven shaft-drive platforms and developed for extended time on the water, Maritimo Luxury Motor yachts are known for their reliability, range and practical onboard living.
Back in Australia, the BIA last week appeared as a witness before the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry regarding the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority (SCWA) Bill. They raised significant concerns regarding the need to avoid unnecessary duplication, confusion and costs. While streamlined processes are vital, effective boating management and infrastructure development will rely on deep collaboration with agencies like Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) — responsible for the rules and requirements for safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.
The BIA has also formally advocated for a comprehensive review of the AUR30520 Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology syllabus to benefit the industry nationwide. This review is possible because the BIA now has a seat at the table to influence the Jobs & Skills Council responsible for the national mechanical syllabus. The Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia (OEDA) fully supports the BIA submission on this review. OEDA represents all outboard engines imported for sale into Australia comprising: Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Tohatsu.
Sponsorship news includes Palm Beach Motor Yachts. Following a successful partnership of the 2024 XS 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Trophy and the Rolex TP52 World Championship held in Newport, Rhode Island, America - Palm Beach Motor Yachts has proudly committed to all five regattas of the 2026 52 SUPER SERIES as the circuit's official Destination Partner, including providing the exclusive use of the company's Supermaxi luxury spectator motor yacht for exclusive use in all the 2026 events.
The Whitsunday Sailing Club is pleased to present Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week, as Jeanneau, presented by Mooloolaba Yacht Brokers, joins last year's naming rights sponsor, 74 Islands Distillery to deliver an unforgettable program of racing and social activities for the Club's signature event to be held from 6-13 August.
The Marine Structures Tropical Gala Dinner will send off Marinas26 delegates after two full days of conferencing and exhibition. Following the success of the Superior Soiree at Marinas24, Marine Structures, formed through the merger of Superior Jetties and The Jetty Specialist, returns as sponsor of the closing dinner, ensuring the conference once again finishes on a high.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania from the largest boating news network.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media