Marinas 2011 - International Conference and Exhibition

Marinas 2011, hosted by the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA), is the pre-eminent international conference and trade show for members of the marina industries community. Held for the first time in Melbourne, this is the "must do" event that combines business and pleasure in a dynamic, informative and entertaining format.

The theme "new horizons", provides the framework to chart what lies ahead and, to analyse and to plan how our industry will flourish into the future. Delegates will have access knowledge and resources vital to anticipate and meet the needs of customers and stakeholders as our industry rises above recent economic challenges. For marina operators, developers, consultants, suppliers, service providers, government agencies; in-fact everyone seeking to broaden knowledge and networks in this sector this event is a must.

Delegates at the last Marinas 2009 event rated it very highly and Marinas 2011 is expected to again be very well received by delegates. Marina manager Steve Newbury from East Coast Marina in QLD said: “Marinas 2009 met and exceeded my expectations. It was very informative and I got a lot out of it. Our owner and I are committed to attend Marinas 2011 in Melbourne”. John Tissott from East Fremantle Yacht Club said: “from Marinas 2009 I took a number of ideas back to apply within our club’s business. I’m sure Marinas 2011 will be equally as valuable.”

The two day conference program includes both plenary and breakout sessions. A mixture of Australian and international presenters have been chosen to best meet the needs of the Australian marina industries. Two of the keynotes speakers are the US based Joe Ueberroth, President Bellwether Financial Group Inc. Joe succeeded early by applying the hospitality model of management to the marina industry. His company Bellport soon managed yacht clubs and resort marinas worldwide. As CEO of the public travel company Ambassadors International, he guided a successful expansion via acquisitions including cruise lines, Bellport and Bellingham Marine.

Another of the keynote speakers is Trevor Rowe AM, Chairman Rothchild Australia Limited. Trevor has been awarded the Commonwealth of Australia Centenary Medal for “distinguished service to the finance industry”.

Some of the many topics covered include economic and business forecasts for the marinas sector; successfully dealing with government; social media: is it for me?; using events to build marina business, boatyard/workshops and the national OHS standard; club marina management and case studies in creating new revenue streams

Running alongside the conference will be the exhibition which attracts around 50 domestic and international exhibitors. Delegates have plenty of time to meet one on one with the exhibitors. Again this part of the event is highly rated with both delegates and exhibitors who find that real business can be done. Marinas 2007 and 2009 exhibitor Alice Sirey from PK Putt in NZ said “this will be our third Marinas Conference in Australia. We display our Waubaushene vacuum sewage pumps and have had great interest shown at each conference. We believe it is a great investment and certainly gets our product out to a large group of marina people. Alice said she had just had a call from a Fijian operator interested in purchasing a product; some 21 months after they had met at Marinas 2009.

One the third day of the event delegates and partners will enjoy a guided tour by water and land of Melbourne’s key marina facilities. The informative field trip is also a great networking opportunity. The Marinas 2011 dinner is another event highlight. As well as the Marina of the Year presentations this year’s dinner guests will be entertained by Matt Hollywood with this action packed comedy magic show. Matt’s worked with everyone from Jerry Lewis, through to Seinfeld and Robbie Williams.

Marinas 2011 also includes a partners program including sightseeing, shopping, history and food and wine options. Marinas 2011 is being held 20 – 22 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Delegates and exhibitors can find all the latest information including accommodation options on the Marinas 2011 web site www.marinas11.com The special early bird registration price ends 15 April.