Leading Australasian marine distributor BLA wrapped up a highly successful BLATS’25—its 10th annual trade show—at Brisbane’s new Star Casino in July, cementing the event as a must-attend on the industry calendar.
Spanning three days, the show brought together a dynamic mix of boat builders, dealers, OEMs, and service technicians from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. BLA, which stands for Boating, Lifestyle and Adventure, is a major force in the marine sector, supporting all levels of the supply chain with a diverse product portfolio and strong supplier partnerships.
Now firmly established as a premier B2B marine event, BLATS’25 offered an invaluable platform for BLA’s global suppliers to engage directly with the local market and unveil the latest marine innovations. The event featured an extensive product showcase, networking opportunities, and interactive experiences designed to deepen industry collaboration.
Over the last decade, we’ve built a strong platform for this unique event—one our supplier partners embrace with enthusiasm. This year, we introduced new partners, launched exciting products, and rolled out several new engagement initiatives. The attendee response has been incredible. - BLA General Manager Chris Soeters
A standout moment of the show was the gala dinner and expert panel discussion, featuring industry heavyweights Wes Moxey (CEO, Riviera), Andrew Scott (CFO, Boating Industry Association), and Giles Truscott (Director of Sales, OceanLED). Their insights into market trends, business resilience, and innovation captivated attendees.
Wes Moxey – CEO Riviera
Andrew Scott – CFO, Boating Industry Association.
BLATS is also an opportunity to recognise excellence across BLA’s stakeholder network. This year’s award winners were:
- Dealer of the Year: Northside Marine
- Service Dealer of the Year: Barji Marine
- OEM of the Year: Cruisecraft
- Supplier of the Year: Scanstrut
- Most Innovative New Product: Humminbird – Mega Live 2
Details on the 2026 edition of BLATS are expected to be announced soon.
