What awaits us in this season of nautical fairs

• 22.08.2023.
• News, Marketing

It seems that there are fewer and fewer nautical fairs and events in our country every year. But we still have the European boat shows as an opportunity to network in the nautical industry or just to see what's new.

Nautical fairs have always been places where the latest trends, technology and design meet a public eager to discover new things. There are also yacht charters that want to show their fleets, as well as agents that visit. Each specific in its own way, any boat show or event is actually an opportunity for socializing and networking.  
  
We assume that this season will not be an exception either.   
  
Therefore, let's plan a set route for this season of nautical fairs.  
  

Nautical fairs on home terrain  

Croatia has a rich nautical tradition; boat shows have contributed significantly to that reputation.  
  
Some of them are "must visit" on the list of all boaters, which is understandable.  
  
Domestic fairs represent a combination of tradition and innovation, offering a place where manufacturers can show off their novelties but also show how they have interpreted global trends.  
  
Unfortunately, there seem to be fewer and fewer of them every year.  
  
Although they may not have been as famous as the European or world ones, they were particularly interesting because they often provided a unique insight into the nautical industry.  
  
In any case, those who still remain connect nautical companies from the region and beyond, but also local producers and craftsmen. They still give interested visitors a unique insight into the "who's who" of boating and yacht charter.  
  
We will mention two that are relevant in Croatia and which still have a certain "weight" in the nautical sector, as well as excellent attendance.

 

Biograd Boat Show, 25 - 29 October , 2023  

Biograd Boat Show is known for its wide range of exhibitors, including leading global and regional boat manufacturers, equipment suppliers, service companies and numerous other participants in the nautical industry.  
  
In addition to the exhibition part, Biograd Boat Show also offers many accompanying events, such as workshops, expert lectures and panel discussions where key issues and trends in the nautical industry are discussed.  
  
In addition to all that, BBS provides an exceptional networking opportunity. The very fact that this fair is held in Biograd na Moru, a city with a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea and a rich cultural and historical heritage, makes this event even more attractive.

 

International Charter Expo ICE'23, 6 - 8 December   

The International Charter Expo (ICE) represents a unique platform for the meeting of the world's nautical charter industry. The fair, which is held every year, brings together numerous yacht charter companies, shipyards and equipment suppliers with the aim of networking, learning and exchanging ideas.  
  
The central part of ICE is B2B meetings, made possible by a sophisticated software platform. These meetings provide an opportunity for direct business conversations and making connections.  
  
In addition, ICE offers a variety of lectures and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including marketing in the yacht charter industry, safety issues, sustainability and more. All this makes ICE an unmissable event for everyone involved in the industry.  
  

Expand your horizons: this year's boat shows in the region  

Boat shows in neighbouring countries are not only an opportunity to get acquainted with the nautical scenes of other countries but also a place to exchange ideas and practices, connecting the nautical community.  
  
But the real adventure begins "over the border". Boat shows in European countries offer creativity and innovation, providing insight into the latest trends and technologies shaping the global nautical industry.  

HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show, 30 August - 3 September  

The Dutch boat show is one of the largest events of this type in Northern Europe. The HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show is being held in Batavia Haven Lelystad, and like every year, it aims to present a wide range of vessels, nautical equipment and services.

Hamburg YACHTFESTIVAL, 8 - 10 September   

Known as the leading nautical fair in Northern Europe, the Hamburg Yachtfestival is a place that attracts thousands of visitors and exhibitors from all over the world every year. With the motto "Boating! Live!", offers plenty of content for exhibitors as well as visitors. Its location in Hamburg, one of Europe's largest port cities, further strengthens its reputation as a key event for all nautical enthusiasts.  

Cannes Yachting Festival, 12 - 17 September  

The Cannes Yachting Festival is considered one of the most important events in the nautical calendar. This boat show is held every year in September in the heart of the French Riviera, Cannes, at two locations. The Vieux Port is entirely dedicated to motor vessels, while the other location, Port Canto, is reserved for the brokerage sector and water sports. So, we could say - something for everyone.

Southampton International Boat Show, 15 - 24 September  

Located in the heart of one of Great Britain's most famous port cities, the Southampton International Boat Show proudly holds the title of the largest and most prestigious boat show in Britain. With hundreds of exhibitors, this boat show presents the latest vessels, equipment and technological innovations. Visitors cannot only view impressive yachts and vessels, but also participate in various interactive workshops and events.  

Salone Nautico di Genova (Genoa Boat Show), 21 - 26 September  

One of the largest outdoor fairs in the world, Salone Nautico di Genova, held in Italy, represents the best of the best in the nautical world, according to them. They call themselves nautical ambassadors of the "Made in Italy" brand. This year too, we can expect a lot of exhibitors with different types of boats, including dinghies, sailboats and motorboats.  

Monaco Yacht Show, 27 - 30 September   

The Monaco Yacht Show is one of the world's most prestigious fairs where superyachts and their luxury and design creativity are displayed.  
It is held every year in Port Hercule, and you can participate as an exhibitor or, if you don't have a luxury super yacht, as a visitor. This superb fair is also expecting many amazing "super vessels" this year.  

Barcelona International Boat Show, 11 - 15 October  

Located along the beautiful coasts of Barcelona, the Salón Náutico de Barcelona is one of the leading nautical events in Spain and beyond.   
It provides a comprehensive overview of the nautical industry, from luxury yachts to innovative accessories and equipment. While manufacturers from all over the world present the latest trends and technologies, visitors have the opportunity to get to know the latest products. And not only that, but also to enjoy the atmosphere of the Mediterranean city and its rich nautical tradition.  

Boot Düsseldorf, 20 - 28 January, 2024  

The boat show season is actually opened (or closed) by the world's largest boat and water sports fair, Boot Düsseldorf.   
Boot Düsseldorf exhibits a huge number of various vessels, but the emphasis is on water sports and innovations in that area. It covers a wide range of topics, from shipbuilding to sustainability in nautical, but it is strongest in networking. This is understandable because, after all, this is the world's largest nautical fair.  

Boot Tulln, 29 February - 3 March, 2024  

Boot Tulln, also known as the Austrian Boat Show, is the largest nautical fair in Austria and is held every year in the city of Tulln an der Donau. The city is also known for its rich history and beautiful nature.  
The show offers an opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the nautical sector, including vessels, nautical equipment, water sports and more. Exhibitors are a mix of local and international manufacturers and retailers, and the offer is very wide.  
  

Predicted hits of the nautical season  

The nautical world is dynamic and constantly changing, especially with new trends and innovations constantly emerging.  
 
There is an increasing focus on sustainability and ecology from year to year.  
 
Regarding new boat models, we see that speedboats, powerboats, sailboats, catamarans and luxury yachts are still popular. Still, there is an increasing interest in simple and multifunctional boats.  
 
When it comes to equipment, the popularity of "smart" equipment is expected to grow.  
 
From "smart" watches allowing you to connect to the boat, navigation apps, to automatic anchoring systems - these are all innovations that improve navigation's safety, comfort and efficiency.  
 
The nautical industry cannot and must not remain immune to global environmental challenges. More and more manufacturers are investing in developing hybrid and fully electric vessels.   
  
Boat shows are an ideal opportunity to connect and share experiences and knowledge. They are also an ideal place for networking, learning and discovering new things and making new contacts.

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