Displaying items by tag: boot Düsseldorf

On 4 November, boot Düsseldorf held a digital media conference where the upcoming edition of boot was presented, and which included various discussions with stakeholders from the recreational boating industry.

Following introductory remarks from Stephan Keller (mayor of Düsseldorf) and Wolfram Diener (CEO of Messe Düsseldorf), boot Project Director Petros Michelidakis took the floor to describe the seventeen exhibition halls that visitors will be able to explore in January. He also described the stringent safety measures that have been put in place against COVID-19.

Then, EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill led a discussion about the trends and challenges of the boating industry with Robert Marx (President of BVWW) and Maud Dugourd (Secretary-General of FIN). They pointed out the initially bad situation in March and April as a result of COVID-19, which was followed by an impressive boom in the industry from May onwards, although without reaching pre-crisis levels. The challenges mentioned were the absence of trade shows in many countries due to COVID-19 restrictions, as well as the industry’s digital and sustainable transformation.

This was followed by a number of panel discussions with company representatives, who talked about some of the boat models they will be launching at boot 2021. The discussion about sailing, motorboats and chartering involved representatives from companies such as Bénéteau Group or Bavaria Yachts. The next discussion on luxury yachts included representatives from Azimut Benetti Group and Princess Yachts, among others. There were also conversations on the topics of diving and surfing.

The full recording and more information can be found on the boot Düsseldorf website.

EBI and boot Düsseldorf are extending their partnership by a further two years. Philip Easthill (EBI Secretary-General) and Petros Michelidakis (boot Düsseldorf Project Director) signed the agreement in September 2020.

The partnership between EBI and boot Düsseldorf includes the annual Breakfast Meeting of the industry at the trade fair as well as the provision of comprehensive advice about specific industry issues. The association also helps to establish key contacts to the industry and European political bodies.

Easthill: “Extending the partnership with boot Düsseldorf is an important contribution to the strengthening of the European boating industry. boot will be playing a major role in the ‘rebooting’ of the industry in these difficult times. The boating industry will finally have an opportunity to present its innovations and technical developments to the international boating community again. We are delighted to be able to continue working with Petros and his team.”

Michelidakis explains: “The ongoing co-operation with EBI is crucial to boot Düsseldorf’s continued international success. It enables us to maintain effective contact with the industry between the trade fairs on-site in Düsseldorf and to remain constantly on the ball where the latest issues and questions are concerned.”

The partnership also represents a strategic relationship for boot. The aim of the co-operation is to safeguard the future of the water sports industry in Europe by focussing on its growth and needs.

The “International Breakfast Meeting” (IBM) at boot 2021 on 26 January is an important event in this context. This is where representatives of manufacturers, the EU institutions and the media as well as trade visitors will be coming together for an intensive dialogue about the upcoming water sports season.

“boot Düsseldorf has been a strong supporter of EBI for many years now and we are very proud to be able to call ourselves a boot partner”, explains Easthill, while Michelidakis adds: “Close co-operation with the European association is extremely important in this special situation. Together we will succeed in overcoming the present difficulties and stimulating the water sports industry.”

The first-ever Economist Sea Tourism Summit was organised ahead of boot Düsseldorf with around 200 participants discussing the future of nautical tourism. Speakers included industry leaders, policy-makers and other high-level participants. The event stood under the theme of “Navigating a sea of opportunities”. It provided many interesting panel discussions and presentations on the future of nautical tourism and the role that industry and policy-makers, as well as the positive impact of the industry. EBI was one of the sponsors of the event.

EBI President Jean-Pierre Goudant gave a keynote at the Summit, highlighting the importance of nautical tourism for economies, employment and in particular coastal and peripheral regions. He highlighted some key challenges for the industry, namely economic turbulence, adaptation to climate change, changing consumer demand and increase in sharing economy.

In his remarks, he also highlighted the key measures that can ensure a sustainable growth and increase employment in the recreational boating industry. This requires industry adaptation to solidify the existing interest in boating among younger generations, as well as innovation, digitalisation and a strong environmental perspective.

He emphasised the role of the EU institutions in supporting industry through: 1) Positive EU agenda towards promotion of nautical tourism , 2) Level playing field in tourism sector in regulation and taxation, 3) Research and innovation funding, 4) Stronger Single Market and 5) Mutual recognition of skipper licenses.

Several speakers provided their perspective on the future development of the nautical tourism industry. Robert Marx, President of BVWW underlined that boating tourism does not just refer to mega yachts, but the huge number of smaller boats that have a share of more than 80%. The smaller boats, especially as charter boats, have a substantial impact on the tourism economy. He called for an alignment of VAT rates for campsites and mooring berths. Yves Lyon-Caen, President of the French Leisure Marine Industry Federation FIN underlined the importance of environmental challenges and ensuring that the pleasure of being on the sea is the focus in engaging a new generation of customers.

Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Düsseldorf underlined the importance of having a strong future perspective for the indsustry. A key aspect to consider is that even though nautical tourism is a small part of the overall economy, is does not appear as small if one looks at the positive impact for society, economies and people benefiting from the sector.

The 2020 edition of the International Breakfast meeting, co-organised by boot Düsseldorf and EBI on 21 January focused on the topic of sustainable boating. The European Green Deal, which has the ambition to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent was at the centre of the discussions followed by talks from electric, hybrid, hydrogen and digital innovators.

Drawing a record crowd of over 180 participants, the International Breakfast Meeting placed sustainability at the heart of the discussions. Welcoming participants, Petros Michelidakis (Director, boot Düsseldorf) said “Over 10 percent of the EU’s population participates in water sports and they want this to take place in a clean environment. The International Breakfast Meeting is the ideal location to discuss the key trends for our sector and proactively develop the future of sustainable boating.”

In his remarks, EBI President Jean-Pierre Goudant highlighted that “For our sector, moving towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is crucial. As EBI, we see this as one of our key challenges for the coming years that we will advocate for. The International Breakfast Meeting clearly shows that our industry is innovating and proceeding on the right path.”

The keynote speech was given by Dr Artur Runge-Metzger (Director, European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action). He presented the European Green Deal, which strives to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 through a transformation towards environmental sustainability and tackling climate change. He highlighted the growth opportunities that this offers across all industries, including upcoming funding opportunities.

Laurent Perignon (Energy Observer Developments) presented the Energy Observer project, which uses a vessel as a test case to study various innovative technologies based on hydrogen. These have been tested, optimised and validated on its global travel. He also addressed upcoming bans of diesel engines in parts of Europe and the growth of marine protected areas as reasons for needing to focus on carbon neutrality in the marine sector. Energy Observer Developments has implemented several hydrogen solutions, including electro-hydrogen gensets for marine use with power ranging from 30 to 100 KVA running exclusively on hydrogen.

Vladimir Zinchenko (CEO, Greenline Yachts) presented the company, which produces vessels with hybrid, electric and Diesel engines. The aim is to shape the future of responsible boating through hybrid engines and ensure that the boats are easy to use for customers and provide the necessary comfort. He underlined that hybrid propulsion has the potential to attract boaters through the comfort of silence, constant power supply and cost savings.

Marteen Bernhart (Founder, La Bella Verde) presented the company, which runs catamaran day charters on Ibiza with new franchises in Brazil and Sidney. The catamarans are autonomous and use solar power and hydro-generation. A new area of their work are sustainable materials for the building of boats to address end-of-life recycling concerns, which La Bella Verde is doing through the development of a fully recyclable boat. In addition, their day-charter catamarans clean the oceans through nets that can be lowered into the water.

Simon Bühl (Founder & CEO, BrandUp Factory) provided an overview of the cross-over between digitisation and sustainability and the need for companies in the marine sector to move towards a big data-driven business model. The aim should be a structured collection and retention of data and a business model based on collaboration and adapted business culture.

Concluding the event, EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill said “We are convinced that the environmental transformation of our industry will create new opportunities for growth in our sector. This must be based on three key pillars: Industry innovation, research and innovation funding, as well as policy that promotes sustainability. These are among the key topics for EBI in the coming years. We want sustainable boating to be made in Europe.”

To receive the presentations from the event, please contact the Secretary-General (pe(at)europoeanboatingindustry.eu).

The 2020 edition of the International Breakfast meeting, co-organised by boot Düsseldorf and European Boating Industry on 21 January focused on the topic of sustainable boating. The European Green Deal, which has the ambition to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent was at the centre of the discussions followed by talks from electric, hybrid, hydrogen and digital innovators.

Drawing a record crowd of over 180 participants, the International Breakfast Meeting placed sustainability at the heart of the discussions. Welcoming participants, Petros Michelidakis (Director, boot Düsseldorf) said “Over 10 percent of the EU’s population participates in water sports and they want this to take place in a clean environment. The International Breakfast Meeting is the ideal location to discuss the key trends for our sector and proactively develop the future of sustainable boating.”

The keynote speech was given by Dr Artur Runge-Metzger (Director, European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action). He presented the European Green Deal, which strives to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 through a transformation towards environmental sustainability and tackling climate change. He highlighted the growth opportunities that this offers across all industries, including upcoming funding opportunities.

The trends in transforming the boating industry were at the core of the discussions with a variety of speakers showcasing innovation in the boating industry. These included hybrid, hydrogen and electric propulsion, as well as digital technologies presented by Laurent Perignon (Energy Observer Developments), Vladimir Zinchenko (Greenline Yachts), Maarten Bernhart (La Bella Verde) and Simon Bühl (BrandUp Factory).

In his remarks, EBI President Jean-Pierre Goudant highlighted that “For our sector, moving towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is crucial. As EBI, we see this as one of our key challenges for the coming years that we will advocate for. The International Breakfast Meeting clearly shows that our industry is innovating and proceeding on the right path.”

Concluding the event, EBI Secretary-General Philip Easthill said “We are convinced that the environmental transformation of our industry will create new opportunities for growth in our sector. This must be based on three key pillars: Industry innovation, research and innovation funding, as well as policy that promotes sustainability. These are among the key topics for EBI in the coming years. We want sustainable boating to be made in Europe.”

boot Düsseldorf will be hosting the “Sea Tourism Summit: Navigating a sea of opportunities” event. It will take place on Friday, 17 January 2020 and will cumulate in a celebratory gala dinner where former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will give the keynote speech. Eminent leaders from politics, business, the EU and international institutions will participate in this dialogue on maritime tourism.

More information and tickets here.

Speakers have been announced for the 2020 edition of the International Breakfast Meeting (IBM) featuring the topic of sustainable boating. They include the European Commission, as well as innovators and entrepreneurs from the fields of hydrogen, digitalisation, electric and hybrid. IBM is organised by boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest boat show and EBI, the voice of Europe’s recreational boating industry.

Growing to over 150 participants in 2019, the conference will provide high-level discussions and thought leadership on the issue of decarbonisation. IBM 2020 takes take place on Tuesday, 21 January 2020 from 8:30 until 10:30 in the Congress Center East at boot Düsseldorf.

The following speakers have been confirmed

• Petros Michelidakis (Director, boot Düsseldorf)
• Robert Marx (President, boot Düsseldorf & President BVWW)
• Jean-Pierre Goudant (President, European Boating Industry)
• Dr. Artur Runge-Metzger (Director, European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action)
• Representative of the Energy Observer team
• Vladimir Zinchenko (CEO, Greenline Yachts)
• Marteen Bernhart (Founder, La Bella Verde)
• Simon Bühl (Founder & CEO, BrandUp Factory)
• Philip Easthill (Secretary General, European Boating Industry)

To register free-of-charge, please click here (and to register in German here). For more information about the IBM, please click here.

Sea tourism has always been a significant part of the tourism industry as well as an engine of growth, innovation and extroversion for the coastal countries. Certain aspects of globalisation, such as the liberalisation of transport and communication along with the digital revolution and the increased interest in travelling abroad have favoured the sector, resulting in new, innovative services and infrastructures. On the other side, the aftermath of the last global recession, fears of a new recession, tight government budgets and the ageing of population have raised new concerns and challenges. In times of environmental crisis, the sustainability issue is of critical importance; enhancing environmental awareness is not just a necessity but also an opportunity.

Within this context, The Economist’s Sea Tourism Summit entitled “Navigating a sea of opportunities” is organised on 17th January in Düsseldorf. Distinguished leaders from government, politics and business, as well as prominent officials from the EU and the international institutions will take part in this stimulating dialogue covering a wide range of issues related to sea tourism.

EBI is a proud sponsor of The Economist’s Sea Tourism Summit. More information and registration here.

Speakers have been announced for the 2020 edition of the International Breakfast Meeting (IBM) featuring the topic of sustainable boating. They include the European Commission, as well as innovators and entrepreneurs from the fields of hydrogen, digitalisation, electric and hybrid. IBM is organised by boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest boat show and EBI, the voice of Europe’s recreational boating industry.

Growing to over 150 participants in 2019, the conference will provide high-level discussions and thought leadership on the issue of decarbonisation. IBM 2020 takes take place on Tuesday, 21 January 2020 from 8:30 until 10:30 in the Congress Center East at boot Düsseldorf.

The following speakers have been confirmed

• Petros Michelidakis (Director, boot Düsseldorf)
• Robert Marx (President, boot Düsseldorf & President BVWW)
• Jean-Pierre Goudant (President, European Boating Industry)
• Dr. Artur Runge-Metzger (Director, European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action)
• Representative of the Energy Observer team
• Vladimir Zinchenko (CEO, Greenline Yachts)
• Marteen Bernhart (Founder, La Bella Verde)
• Simon Bühl (Founder & CEO, BrandUp Factory)
• Philip Easthill (Secretary General, European Boating Industry)

To register free-of-charge, please click here (and to register in German here). For more information about the IBM, please click here.

The 2020 edition of the annual International Breakfast meeting (IBM) will feature the topic of sustainable boating with a focus on alternative fuels and engine systems. The European Commission, as well as innovators from the fields of electric, hybrid, digital and hydrogen will contribute to an exciting discussion on a key topic for the recreational boating industry.

IBM is organised by boot Düsseldorf and EBI. The theme follows the cross-sectoral developments towards decarbonisation and will bring together high-level experts to provide thought leadership on a key issue for industry, governments and the wider public. It will take place on Tuesday, 21 January 2020 from 8:30 until 10:30 in the Congress Center East at boot Düsseldorf.

Topics taking centre-stage will be the European Union’s strategy towards decarbonising Europe’s industry and the ambition to develop a carbon-neutral continent in the coming decades. The alternative solutions that will be presented and discussed in IBM’s interactive format are expected to be hydrogen, hybrid and electric engines.

To register, please click here. For more information about the IBM in general, please click here.