ICOMIA Podcast

ICOMIA Head of Partnerships Romina Bompani joins Ben Taylor to discuss her role in strengthening ICOMIA’s international network, creating value for members and connecting businesses across different marine markets.The conversation explores Romina’s international background, the cultural and commercial differences between markets, and how ICOMIA can help members build stronger connections around the world. Romina also looks ahead to the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Shanghai and explains why China and the wider Asia-Pacific region could represent a significant opportunity for marina development and investment.Key PointsHow ICOMIA is strengthening partnerships and creating greater value for its global membershipWhy understanding cultural and commercial differences is important when operating across international marine marketsWhy China and the wider Asia-Pacific region are a major focus ahead of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in ShanghaiThe marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by Elite Marinas.

ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch joins Ben Taylor to discuss the organisation’s evolving three-year strategy, its role as the unified voice of the global leisure marine industry and the priorities shaping its work.The conversation covers ICOMIA’s three core areas of focus - global collaboration, industry data and harmonised standards - as well as its role representing the industry to organisations such as the IMO. Joe also looks ahead to the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Shanghai and explains why Asia-Pacific represents an important growth opportunity for the marina sector.Key PointsICOMIA’s three-year strategy and its role as the unified voice of the global leisure marine industryHow collaboration, industry data and harmonised standards underpin ICOMIA’s workWhy the World Marinas Conference in Shanghai will focus on marina development, investment and Asia-Pacific opportunityListen to the full episode of the ICOMIA Podcast to hear Joe Lynch discuss ICOMIA’s priorities, its role in representing the global industry and what delegates can expect from the next World Marinas Conference.The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by Elite Marinas.

Metstrade Show Director Niels Klarenbeek joins Ben Taylor to discuss what the global marine industry can expect from Metstrade 2026 and the wider role major industry events play in supporting the sector.The conversation explores Metstrade’s continued growth, its long-standing strategic partnership with ICOMIA, the importance of the DAME Design Awards and the wider programme surrounding the show. Niels also discusses his role as President of IFBSO and why greater collaboration between boat show organisers helps strengthen the global leisure marine industry.Key PointsWhat to expect from Metstrade 2026, including more than 1,700 exhibitors and an expanded programmeWhy the DAME Design Awards remain an important platform for recognising marine innovationHow IFBSO helps boat show organisers share best practice and tackle common industry challengesThe marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by Elite Marinas.

Cannes Yachting Festival Show Director Constance Brément joins Ben Taylor to discuss the role major international boat shows play in supporting the global leisure marine industry.The conversation explores exhibitor ROI, product launches and innovation, changing customer expectations, and why Cannes is focusing on the quality and diversity of its offer rather than simply increasing the size of the show. Constance also explains the festival’s decision to join IFBSO and the importance of greater collaboration between international boat shows.Key PointsWhy major boat shows remain commercially important for manufacturers and the wider marine industryHow Cannes Yachting Festival is prioritising quality, diversity and customer experienceWhy collaboration and knowledge-sharing between international boat shows mattersThe marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by Elite Marinas.

Ben Grigg, Programme Director at ICOMIA, previews the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 and why Shanghai matters for the global marina industry.Taking place from 30 March to 2 April 2027, the conference will bring marina leaders, developers, investors and suppliers together as Asia-Pacific waterfront development accelerates. Ben explores the shift from marinas as places to berth boats towards integrated waterfront communities that deliver economic, social and environmental value.The episode also examines sustainability, emerging marina projects and a stronger commercial focus for 2027 - including business matchmaking and opportunities to understand where investment and development are moving across Asia.Key PointsAsia-Pacific is becoming a strategic marina growth market.Modern marinas must create wider community and economic value.Shanghai offers direct access to emerging commercial opportunities.The marina series of the ICOMIA Podcasts is supported by EliteMarinas.