white sailboat in body of water during daytime

Conference Program


Sunday, May 26th, 2024

16:00pm – 6:00pm

Exhibitors to bump in

12:00pm – 5:00pm

Certified Members Meeting, Rydges Hotel

4:00pm – 5:30pm

Registration Open – Get your lanyard early!

This is optional to miss the Monday morning rush

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Welcome Reception

Early evening drinks on the forecourt of the Royal International Convention Centre amongst some impressive displays from Marinas24 key exhibitors. These striking exhibits will remain on the forecourt for your viewing during the entire conference period. 

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Casual Dining

Enjoy a casual dinner after the Welcome Reception at the Bellingham Bar or explore the King Street dining precinct.

Monday, May 27th, 2024 – DAY 1

7:45am – 8:30am

Exhibition & Registration Opening

8:30am – 8:40am

Welcome to Country

8:40am – 8:45am

8:45am – 9:05am

Welcome Address

The Honourable Michael Healy MP, Minister for Tourism and Sport

9:05am – 9:50am

Economic Forecast

Tapas Strickland, Director of Economics at NAB will outline the economic and financial forecasts and impacts for the marina industry.

9:50am – 10:45am

Leveraging the Olympics

A panel of experts will discuss the impacts of the 2032 Olympics on tourism, boating and opportunities for the broader marine industry in Queensland, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Brett Bolton of Coriolis Marine will lead the panel which will also include; David Good, CEO Superyacht Australia, Dr John Cowie, General Manager of Investment Attraction BEDA, Andrew Sly, Deputy Director-General Department of Tourism and Sport and Robert Brown, Business Development Manager RQYS.  Read More 

10:45am – 11:30am

Morning Tea with Exhibitors
Sponsored by

11:30am – 12:00pm

MIA Industry Research – Health of the Australasian Marina

Industry Survey & Salary Survey

MIA President Andrew Chapman will deliver the key findings of research conducted by the MIA. Read More

12:00pm – 12:25pm

MIA Supporting Future Industry Needs

Suzanne Davies, CEO will provide an update on the MIA strategy, performance, programs and the Marina Training Institute. Read More

12:25pm – 1:40pm

Lunch with Exhibitors

Sponsored by

1:40pm – 2:40pm

Lessons & Learning

Jayson McDonald CMM will bring together a panel of experts to share their successes and discuss what we can learn and apply to our own businesses. Read More

The Art of War: Win and retain your people

William Farmer, Dale Carnegie will look at essential strategies to unlock the secrets to fostering a highly engaged team and tactics for sustaining motivation and engagement amongst your workforce. Read More

2:40pm – 3:25pm

Managing Lithium

Are you across the latest developments with Lithium batteries? Hear from battery experts and insurers to ensure you are understand the risks, safety considerations and how to manage your response. Read More

Marketing Marinas

Karen Baldwin CEO RQYS leads a panel of marina marketing experts including, Social Media expert, Adventures Sailor Girl Nic Douglass; communications guru Zoe Hawkins of Wilde Media and Marketing & PR Strategy professional, Andra BiteRead More

3:25pm – 4:10pm

Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors

Sponsored by

4:10pm – 5:05pm

Innovation Showcase

Five new solutions for marinas of the future. Participants to be announced shortly.

Chaired by Phil Wardale, Wardale Consulting.

Business of Boatyards

Lorraine Yates CMP of White Bay 6 leads a panel which will discuss issues around boatyard management, changes in technology and boatyard equipment. Read More

5:05pm – 6:30pm

North Harbour Happy Hour
Canapes & Drinks with Exhibitors

Evening at Leisure

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 – DAY 2

7:30am – 8:30am

Breakfast with the Exhibitors

Get your free Bacon & Egg Rolls between 7:30am – 8:00am only

Sponsored by

8:30am – 9:40am

Designing Marina Precincts

Hear from the global leaders in integrated resort operations.

James Tuma, Managing Partner at leading planning and design consultant Urbis, will bring together a panel of experts who believe that marinas aren’t just a place to park and maintain a boat, they are lifestyle precincts that can return considerable value to all stakeholders. 

This panel brings hands on experience in delivering some of the most successful marina precincts in the country and globally.  Back by popular demand, Joe Ueberroth, creator of Dana Point Marina, California, will join Greg Shaw CEO Mulpha, developer of Sanctuary Cove and Hayman Island and Bryan Finney, CEO of the greenfield development North Harbour in Burpengary.   Together they will share how marina precincts can drive profitability by increasing land use efficiency and deepening customer engagement by creating a harmonious blend of integrated services that considers functionality, aesthetics, sustainability and a broad market.

9:40am – 10:10am

Introducing Climate Ready

The MIA’s new Climate Ready Program will be presented by Greg Fisk of BMT after an introduction to the program by sponsor Chris Derksema CEO GCWA. Read More

10:10am – 10:55am

Morning Tea with Exhibitors

Sponsored by

10:55am – 11:45am

Compliance Obligations and Energy Services for Marinas

A presentation & discussion panel on Embedded Networks in marinas, covering compliance requirements, management and providing sustainable & cost-effective electricity. Facilitated by Energy On, with insights from Choice Energy, the panel offers a platform to exchange ideas and identify challenges. Read More

Insuring Marina Businesses

Lyndon Turner, CEO at Nautilus Marine Insurance will highlight what all marinas need to know in order to protect their business. Read More

11:45am – 12:35pm

Alternative Marina Power Systems

Are you prepared for vessel electrification? Hear from marina electrification specialists, suppliers and marinas that have implemented electrification infrastructure on site. Read More

Legal Marina Matters

Tim Smith, is a Principal at McInnes Wilson Lawyers, MIA’s Legal Partner. Tim will host a session where he will cover some of the common legal questions and issues that marina owners and operators are facing. Read More

12:35pm – 1:45pm

Lunch with Exhibitors

Sponsored by

1:45pm – 2:25pm

Increasing Profitability through Shared Boating Clubs

David Kurczewski – Freedom Boating Club, will discuss how marinas can benefit from shared boat clubs and how these clubs are bringing new boaters to the market. Read more

Maximising Yield

Learn yield management techniques from Steve Sammes – General Manager Sanctuary Cove Marina & Country Club to help you optimise revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency. Read more

2:25pm – 3:00pm

Afternoon Tea with Exhibitors

Sponsored by

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Riviera Rebirthed

Wes Moxey, CEO Riviera Australia will share the inspiring story of the rebirth of Riviera. From how the business was turned around, to the brand leveraging relationships with owners to form long term connections, what their customers are looking for from marinas and where Riviera sees the boats of tomorrow going.

3:45pm – 4:00pm

Conference Close

6:10pm

‘Airbus by AirBerth’ buses depart the Rydges for the Superior Soiree at Howard Smith Wharves

6:30pm – 10:00pm

Superior Soiree at Howard Smith Wharves

Gala dinner dress code: Cocktail

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 – Study Tour

8:30am

Departing aboard the “Marine Travelift Transporters”

Buses will depart the forecourt of the RICC at 8.30am sharp!

8:45am

Passing the Northshore Hamilton Olympic Village site.

As we pass the Hamilton area we continue to explore the impact marine opportunities of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

9:00am

The Yard Brisbane Site Tour

10:00am – 10:15am

Transfer by bus to Rivergate

10:15am – 11:15am

Rivergate Site Tour

11:20am – 11:40am

Transfer by bus to d’Albora East Coast Marina

11:45am – 12:30pm

d’Albora East Coast Marina Site Tour

Refreshments provided to celebrate ECM joining the d’Albora Group

12:45pm – 2:00pm

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Site Tour

RQ welcoming Study Tour delegates with a XXXX

2:00pm – 2:30pm

Returning to the RICC aboard the “Marine Travelift Transporters”

Red Dog Group are providing this years conference App – details about the App and how to login can be found here!