The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has released the full program for Marinas26, its flagship biennial conference and trade exhibition, to be held 24–27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Shaped by the forward-looking Future Smart theme, the Marinas26 program brings together an exceptional lineup of global industry professionals, innovators and thought leaders to explore the trends, technologies and opportunities shaping the future of the marina and boatyard sector across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
A Welcome Cocktail Party sponsored by Pelagic Risk Services, hosted poolside at Royal Pines Resort kicks off proceedings. The event marks the first of many opportunities across the two-day conference for delegates to connect, exchange ideas and engage with peers, suppliers and industry leaders from across the marina, boatyard and marine services sectors.
A standout feature of this year’s program is the inclusion of renowned futurist and business strategist Gihan Perera, who will deliver the Day 1 keynote address, AI Future in Marinas & Boatyards. In what promises to be both thought-provoking and highly practical, Perera will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping operations, customer experience, asset management and workforce capability across the global marina sector. His keynote will challenge operators to look beyond automation and consider how AI can drive genuine strategic transformation across marina and boatyard businesses.
Perera returns on Day 2 to moderate the AI – Practical Applications for Marinas panel, a dynamic and interactive session featuring industry leaders already implementing AI-driven solutions. The session is designed to move beyond theory, providing delegates with practical tools and immediate opportunities to integrate AI into day-to-day marina and boatyard operations.
“The Future Smart theme reflects where our industry needs to be heading,” said MIA CEO Suzanne Davies. “Having Gihan Perera anchor our AI content across both days ensures delegates leave not just inspired but genuinely equipped to act. Marinas26 is about providing practical insight, global perspective and meaningful connections that help our industry evolve.”
Beyond AI, the Marinas26 program addresses the full spectrum of strategic, operational and commercial issues facing marina and boatyard operators.
Day 1 opens with social researcher Geoff Brailey of McCrindle presenting the latest Demographic, Consumer and Behavioural Trends influencing the boating and waterfront lifestyle market, followed by a tailored Economic Outlook from NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent. MIA President Andrew Chapman AM CMM will present key findings from the 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS), while MIA CEO Suzanne Davies will outline the Association’s performance and strategic priorities for the years ahead.
The afternoon turns to real-world experience with a plenary session examining lessons learned from the Redevelopment of Ageing Marina Infrastructure, a critical issue as many facilities constructed in the 1980s and 1990s approach end of design life. Chaired by James Burbury of Burbury Consulting, the panel features Brett James of Southport Yacht Club, Jayson McDonald CMM of Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, and Nick Smith and Julien Pouteau of d’Albora Marinas, who will share candid insights into what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently.
Delegates will then choose between two concurrent sessions: Lessons Learned – Development in the Middle East, chaired by Farrokh Golchin, drawing on the rapid evolution of world-class marina infrastructure across the region; or the Marina Maintenance Panel, led by Les Binkin CMM, which explores best practice in maintaining marina assets, utilities and landside infrastructure to protect long-term value.
Day 2 shifts firmly into practical application and specialist insight, delivering a full day of content designed to equip delegates with tools, strategies and ideas they can implement immediately within their own facilities.
The day begins with the Marina Panel, bringing together experienced designers, developers and operators to share the realities behind successful marina precincts. From stakeholder engagement and market positioning to delivering infrastructure and service standards that meet the expectations of future customers, the session provides valuable insight into what makes modern marina developments succeed.
Chaired by Perera, the Practical AI Applications in Marinas panel will follow. Delegates move into concurrent specialist streams. In Superyacht Ready, David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, will outline emerging opportunities in the rapidly growing superyacht sector and what marinas must do to position themselves to attract and service this high-value market. Running alongside, ‘Risk on the Waterfront’ sees the MIA’s Insurance partner, Nautilus Marine Insurance, and the MIA’s Legal partner, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, examine the complex risk landscape facing marinas today, including regulatory compliance, environmental obligations, insurance market trends and emerging legal exposures.
After lunch, the program turns to innovation and operational excellence. The Innovators & Start-Up Showcase will see five pitches live on stage, each demonstrating how their product or service can deliver meaningful improvements to facility operations and management. Delegates will vote for the solution with the greatest commercial potential, with the winner announced at the Gala Dinner.
Running concurrently, The Future of Boatyards brings together Andrew Chapman AM CMM and Lorraine Yates CMP of White Bay 6 Marine Park for a forward-looking discussion on boatyard management, emerging technologies and equipment, and how facilities must adapt to changing vessel profiles and customer expectations.
The conference concludes with a headline address from renowned maritime leader, boatbuilder and ocean racing legend Mark Richards. In his Line Honours session on leadership, innovation and success, Richards will share insights drawn from decades at the forefront of marine design, competitive sailing and marina ownership. His perspective on leadership, resilience and the evolving needs of boaters promises to leave delegates both inspired and challenged.
After two days of learning, collaboration and industry discussion, delegates will gather for the Marine Structures Marinas26 Gala Dinner, to celebrate the sector’s achievements and the connections formed throughout the event.
Marinas26 will bring together marina owners, operators, designers, government representatives and suppliers from across Australia and around the world, reinforcing its position as the leading conference for the marina and boatyard industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Registrations and full program details are available at: www.marinas26.com/speakers
