Leading international industry champions headline the 2017 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX).
Organisers of ASMEX 2017 have confirmed the first high-calibre keynote speakers and special guests, guaranteed to inform and inspire delegates from the manufacturing, superyacht and commercial segments.
Carla Demaria, President of Monte Carlo Yachts, heads a stellar line-up which covers every facet of the global marine industry. Ms Demaria speaks with the authority of 30 years in the boating business, 20 of those working her way through the ranks of the Azimut Group to head up the Atlantis brand. In the middle of the GFC, she launched Monte Carlo Yachts with the full support of Bénéteau’s Annette Beneteau-Roux, who has been running one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world since 1964.
Kevin Merrigan, CEO of Northrop & Johnson and President of the Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and France offices, will also share his knowledge and insight gleaned from his 30-year superyacht career.
Farouk Nefzi, Feadship’s Marketing and Brand Director makes his return to ASMEX, praising the event’s value as a means of forging strong bonds among industry players.
Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft is another return speaker, citing the conference’s in-depth industry analysis and forecasts, plus quality of networking as its main appeal.
Martin Baum, son of company founder and Managing Director of the Pantaenius Group since 2006, will shed light on the key theme of staying relevant in today’s global environment. Pantaenius is major sponsor of ASMEX 2017 and Martin is proud to return in 2017.
A presenter in 2016, Paul Archer, CEO of independent superyacht management company, Arrow Services Monaco, will be back in 2017 as a special guest and delegate. Paul was impressed with the quality of leads and actual business that emerged from the conference.
“Having attended many of these events over the years in different parts of the world, your Superyacht Conference was the best,” he said of ASMEX, adding that Australian products are in demand for their quality and innovation, and Australia is proving a fertile market for superyacht ownership.
Joining ASMEX ahead of the 2017 ICOMIA conference to be held at Sanctuary Cove concurrently with the 28th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, is Jouko Huju President of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations). Jouko is Managing Director of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation, Finnboat, and will share ICOMIA’s current data on global trends and opportunities.
With the theme: “STAYING RELEVANT IN TODAY’S GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT”, the 7th edition of ASMEX will return to Sanctuary Cove, hosted by the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, in the lead up to the 28th Sanctuary Cove International Boat show.
CEO of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia, MaryAnne Edwards is thrilled with the line-up so far and with the early take-up of registrations. “The first wave of registrations is well ahead of 2016, which is fantastic. The conference will be held in the larger venue of MacArthurs Ballroom, with a capacity for up to 300 guests.”
Announcing the speakers confirmed to date, Ms Edwards said delegates can be assured of the value for money and opportunity for networking with guest speakers.
“As well as hearing first-hand from these CEOs, owners and senior management of the world’s leading superyacht and supplier companies, delegates have several opportunities to discuss the issues during social events and informal networking. We can also arrange one-on-one meetings with these industry leaders, all of whom realise the potential of the Australian market and with to discover more about all aspects of the Australian industry from our innovative products to our infrastructure and ability to service the global marine sector.
“Attending ASMEX 2017 is a great investment in your business,” she continued. “Thanks to our sponsors, we can offer Member registration at $395 excl GST, while non-members pay $595 excl GST. Accommodation at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort from Sunday 21 May to Wednesday 24 May has been secured at the special conference rate of $199 inc GST per night.”
Registration includes the two days of the conference, all social and networking events, and the Gala Dinner incorporating the 2017 Australian Marine Industry Awards, Tuesday 23 May.
Another drawcard in 2017 is the presentation of the most significant piece of research for the Australian superyacht industry: the independent Economic Impact Study, funded with the support of the Queensland Government, which quantifies the actual value of the entire industry and importantly, its untapped potential.
ASMEX 2017 is relevant for manufacturers, exporters and suppliers to the recreational, superyacht and commercial marine sectors such as: Agents, Boat Builders, Brokers, Captains, Equipment manufacturers, Government, Marina Developers, Marina Managers, Marine Insurers/Brokers, Port Operators, Refit & repair yards, and other relevant stakeholders.
To book your place for ASMEX 2017, visit www.aimex.asn.au/events/asmex-conference
For all enquiries, please contact Emily Simpson on Tel: 03 9867 6625 or email esimpson@aimex.asn.au
