European Boating Industry (EBI), in partnership with boot Düsseldorf, is thrilled to announce the 10th edition of the Breakfast Meeting, set to be an exceptional event bringing together leading voices from across the boating industry. This high-level gathering will take place on 21 January 2025 in a new, exclusive venue in Hall 1 of boot Düsseldorf.

Picture taken at the 9^th Breakfast Meeting - © Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann. All rights reserved.

The 2025 Breakfast Meeting, themed "The New Generation of Customers" will explore the industry’s most pressing question: What does the future customer look like, and how can the boating sector evolve to meet their needs? At a time when the industry is facing pivotal shifts in demographics, preferences, and lifestyle trends, it represents both the biggest challenge and opportunity for the industry’s future.

The distinguished Adjiedj Bakas, trendwatcher and thought leader known for his insights into global shifts and consumer behaviour, will deliver the keynote, offering invaluable perspectives on how to adapt to emerging customer needs and expectations, blending market knowledge with a bold look into the future of boating.

Adding further depth to the programme, Brenna D. Preisser, Brunswick Executive Vice President and President, Brunswick Boat Group, will share her expertise on connecting with tomorrow’s customers through innovative product offerings and business strategies. Speaking about the significance of boot Düsseldorf, Preisser noted:

"Düsseldorf is the largest marine trade show in Europe and an important event for Brunswick Boat Group and many of our award-winning brands. With 200,000 visitors annually, it provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with our global consumers and launch many new industry-leading products."

The programme will continue with Jörg Müller-Dünow, Managing Partner at the marketing agency Markenzeichen, as he will examine the future of social media and its implications for reaching new generations target groups. The event will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion with other industry leaders.

The Breakfast Meeting enters its second decade with a new format, extending networking possibilities and in a new location integrating it closer with boot Düsseldorf. The breakfast and network will take place in room 15 in Hall 1 at 8:00, followed by the event itself in room 15 from 9:00 until 10:30.

Attendance is limited. Reserve your seat early at the link to secure your place at this prestigious event.

The Women in Nautica (WIN) Conference brought together leaders, experts, and advocates from across the nautical industry to discuss the pivotal role of women in shaping a sustainable future for maritime sectors. This event featured contributions from various industry figures who shared insights into fostering inclusivity, professional growth, and sustainable practices.

EBI was represented by Secretary-General Philip Easthill, who contributed to the closing discussion, emphasizing the importance of engaging the next generation and the need to strengthen industry skills and knowledge, particularly with a focus on sustainability, to equip young professionals for emerging roles. Participating in-person for EBI was Marina Palumbo Cardella. For more information, please click here.

Nine industry associations, including EBI, commissioned SGS INTRON to prepare a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report exploring the environmental impacts of treating End-of-Life (EoL) composites by co-processing in a cement facility.  

The independent and peer-reviewed LCA report confirms the positive environmental impact of this end-of-life solution for glass fibre reinforced thermoset composites which are used in various applications, including the automotive, construction, wind and recreational boating sectors. 

The report reveals that each ton of EoL composite waste treated in a cement facility saves up to 1 ton of CO2 compared to traditional waste incineration methods. In addition to CO2 savings, cement co-processing of composites offers two other significant benefits that lower the environmental footprint of the cement industry:

• Reduced need for virgin raw materials by recovering the glass fiber fraction of EoL composite. 
• Reduced need for fossil energy sources by the efficient recovery of the energy content from the resin fraction.

With the publication of this report, the nine associations call on decision-makers to recognize cement co-processing as recycling process for its mineral fraction. This recognition would be highly beneficial, accelerating the adoption of this existing solution to process EoL composites and fostering the development of a sustainable waste collection system for EoL composites. Having such a collection system in place will pave the way for other circular technology solutions that currently lack the necessary waste stream visibility to attract the public and private investments needed for expansion. 

EBI and the other eight associations continue to collaborate in support of all sustainable recycling solutions for EoL composite materials. Together they call on EU policymakers to help build a supply chain for circular solutions to treat EoL composites.

A summary of the report can be found under this link. The full report and LCA software import files will be available to stakeholders on request by contacting EuCIA (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

YACHT-POOL, a pioneer in charter insurance, has long supported safe chartering with the Faircharter Contract, developed over fifteen years ago to balance the interests of charter companies and customers.

Building on this foundation, ICOMIA and EBI, in association with YACHT-POOL and a working group of industry experts, have now launched the International Standard Charter Terms and Conditions. This set of terms provides a uniform and legally compliant framework for charter contracts worldwide, aiming to support charter providers and agencies while ensuring a fair balance between all parties involved.

For more details or to apply to use the document, visit the ICOMIA website.

The EU-funded WIN-BIG project, focused on promoting gender inclusivity in the European blue economy, has launched the Women in the Blue Economy Survey. This initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps on gender issues within marine-related industries and enhance the role of women, especially in emerging, high-tech sectors.

The survey seeks insights from individuals at all organisational levels within the blue economy. Responses will contribute to shaping policies and programs for a more inclusive and sustainable sector. All perspectives are welcome, regardless of gender, with responses contributing directly to advancing gender equality. It will provide specific information for sub-sectors of the Blue Economy, including water sports.

The survey, currently available in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, takes less than 12 minutes to complete. To participate, please click here.

EBI participated in the presentation of the Blue Manifesto at the European Parliament, a roadmap created by Seas At Risk and other environmental NGOS aiming for a sustainable and healthy marine environment by 2030. The manifesto outlines critical targets for restoring marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, transitioning to sustainable fishing practices, and establishing marine protected areas.

The Blue Manifesto calls on policymakers, industries, and the public to commit to bold actions that address the growing pressures on marine ecosystems.  More information can be found at this link.

The EU Commission has proposed the ‘EU Digital Travel application’ to simplify and secure travel across Schengen area borders. This initiative aims to digitalise passports and ID cards, enabling travellers to store digital travel credentials on their devices for quicker, more efficient border checks.

With nearly 600 million Schengen border crossings recorded in 2023, the current system of physical checks can be time-consuming. The proposed digital travel application would allow both EU and non-EU travellers with biometric passports or EU ID cards to submit their travel details in advance, reducing wait times and increasing security. Digital credentials will store essential passport or ID data, including the traveller’s photo, and will be available free of charge. This optional, digital alternative also enhances document security, making it more challenging for fraudulent documents to pass through undetected.

Set to launch by 2030, the EU Digital Travel application will include strict data protection measures, requiring user consent and comprehensive training for border authorities on data security.

In support of this transition, the EU Commission has opened a public feedback period, inviting input on the proposal’s goals and expected impacts. The consultation is open from 24 October to 30 December 2024 and welcomes perspectives from individuals, organisations, and industry stakeholders. We encourage members to participate in this consultation to ensure the boating industry’s needs are well represented.

For more details or to provide feedback, visit the EU Commission’s consultation page.

Yachting Ventures and European Boating Industry (EBI) are excited to announce the expansion of their successful partnership at boot Düsseldorf 2025, with the introduction of a full ‘Startup Day’ on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. This dedicated day will provide an unparalleled platform for innovative startups to showcase their solutions to key players in the leisure marine industry.

boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest yacht and watersports exhibition, attracts more than 214,000 visitors and hosts over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 exhibition halls. The Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a key sustainability forum launched in 2023 by EBI and boot Düsseldorf, has quickly become a focal point of the event, promoting advancements in innovation, sustainability, and ocean protection within the leisure marine sector.

Building on Previous Successes

Following the overwhelming success of pitch competitions at the Blue Innovation Dock in 2023 and 2024, Yachting Ventures and EBI are responding to industry growth by expanding the program into a full-day event. This expanded collaboration aims to offer more opportunities for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, emphasizing the growing importance of innovation and sustainability in the yachting sector.

The Blue Innovation Dock brings together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainability in boat building, propulsion systems, marina management, and marine tourism. With the full-day ‘Startup Day,’ Yachting Ventures and EBI are further committed to supporting emerging businesses and fostering cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of the industry.

Startup Day Program Highlights

The 2025 edition of ‘Startup Day’ will begin at 1:00 PM with a keynote address, followed by the highly anticipated Startup Pitch Competition from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Five startups will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of industry experts and investors. Investors will also engage in reverse pitches, offering startups unique insights into investor priorities, helping them tailor their approach and better align with what investors seek. 

The program will conclude with a panel discussion on current investment trends and challenges. Afterward, participants can join the “Startup Happy Hour” at the BID Lounge, offering valuable networking opportunities and a prime opportunity for connecting with investors, founders and key players in the leisure marine startup ecosystem.

Call for Startups to Apply to Pitch

Yachting Ventures and EBI invite startups to apply for the pitch competition, where they will be judged on criteria including uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and sustainability impact on the leisure marine industry. 

The winning startup will be awarded a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026, providing increased exposure and brand recognition. Additional benefits include extensive media coverage through Yachting Ventures and Boot Düsseldorf’s channels.

Startups are defined as companies that have been operating commercially for less than five years and/or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million. Interested startups can apply here. The deadline to apply is the 4th December, 2024. Applications open today, Monday 4th November. Interested startups can apply here.