The MIA team has announced that internationally recognised futurist and keynote speaker Gihan Perera will lead two standout sessions at Marinas26.
Meet Gihan Perera
Gihan Perera is one of Australia’s leading business futurists, a speaker, researcher and author with more than 30 years’ experience helping organisations navigate rapid change. With a background in science and artificial intelligence from the University of Western Australia, he combines deep expertise with practical insight.
Recognised in 2025 as a Top 30 Global Futurist and named by Forbes as Australia’s #1 social media influencer in his field, Gihan is also a Certified Speaking Professional and 2024 Educator of the Year. Author of more than a dozen books, he delivers engaging, future-focused keynotes that leave audiences informed, inspired and ready to act.
CLOSING KEYNOTE – Monday 25 May
AI Future in Marinas & Boatyards
Closing Day 1 under the conference theme Future Smart, Gihan Perera challenges us to look beyond today and consider where our industry could be in 5, 10, and 20 years if we fully embrace artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation, and the Internet of Things.
From marina facilities that anticipate customer needs before they arise, to AI systems that autonomously manage energy, maintenance and resourcing in real time. The future is closer and more transformative than most expect.
This session will explore:
- How data ownership and intelligence will define competitive advantage
- How AI-powered energy systems and smart infrastructure will reshape sustainability
- How hyper-personalisation and predictive service will transform the customer experience
- How the workforce of the future will look, think and lead differently
- How generative AI and connected infrastructure will shift marinas into fully integrated experience ecosystems
Inspirational and thought-provoking, this keynote will challenge you to imagine what your business could become — and give you the clarity to start building that future now.
PANEL SESSION – Tuesday 26 May
AI Practical Applications: What’s Working Right Now
AI isn’t a future concept, it’s a business reality. The real question is no longer “Should we adopt AI?” but “Where do we start, and what will it actually deliver?”
Chaired by Gihan Perera, this practical panel brings together four industry leaders tackling real-world AI adoption in marinas and boatyards.
Together, they’ll explore:
- What data is already flowing through marina facilities — and how to turn it into insight
- How leading marina management software is embedding AI today
- How predictive maintenance is reducing failures, extending asset life and protecting budgets
- What operational changes can deliver measurable gains right now — from scheduling to back-office automation
Delegates will leave with a clear and practical understanding of where AI is already delivering real value, where the hype stops, and how to lead their business confidently through this next wave of change.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading futurists.
Secure your place at Marinas26 today and save $400 with Early Bird pricing, closing 16 March.
Register Here
