Nice Boating Tomorrow is set to become a must-attend event, say organisers the Grand Pavois Organisation at the close of the inaugural event dedicated to sustainable boating.
Exhibitor satisfaction was high and those taking part appreciated an event dedicated to environmentally friendly solutions say organisers as they announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for two additional editions.
Set against the backdrop of the new Oceanice Convention Centre in Nice, France – the location for a two-day forum featuring a range of conferences – the exhibition village was located along the pontoons, showcasing boats, catamarans and jet skis alongside sea trials.
The international event was entirely dedicated to sustainable boating and responded to a strong market demand.
The show attracted 81 exhibitors – 40% of whom were from across Europe – from a wide range of sectors with a common goal to steer the boating industry towards an eco-responsible future together with around 30 boats in water.
Our aim was also to engage all audiences — boaters and non-boaters alike, young and old-in order to raise awareness as widely as possible.”
Anaïs Lheureux
“The boating industry is undergoing a major transformation: decarbonisation, technological innovation, new forms of mobility, ecosystem preservation, sustainable ports and responsible tourism,” said Anaïs Lheureux, general commissionner, Grand Pavois Organisation.
“These developments — and the responses from industry stakeholders — require platforms for exchange, demonstration and international cooperation capable of bringing together professionals, startups, regions, institutions, experienced boaters, newcomers, and the public.”
And she added that the ambition of the Grand Pavois Organisation and the objective of Nice Boating Tomorrow was to unite all stakeholders and dedicate a specific event to them.
High level of exhibitor satisfaction
“Our aim was also to engage all audiences — boaters and non-boaters alike, young and old-in order to raise awareness as widely as possible.”
And she explained that while the economic climate and the timing — particularly with the second round of municipal elections — were not ideal in terms of overall visitor numbers, the first key takeaway is the high level of the exhibitor satisfaction.
In addition, the exhibitors appreciated having an event entirely dedicated to sustainable boating.
“Some noted that it was the first time they had been brought together in one place, rather than being scattered among other exhibitors, as at traditional shows,” she said.
International forum
This first edition of the Forum featured 48 international speakers and 189 participants, with a diverse range of nationalities represented.
The speakers represented the different sectors of recreational boating, maritime innovation, the energy transition and new technologies applied to the boating industry.
Speakers included representatives from government, ICOMIA and industry associations plus CEOs from established and emerging brands, with the aim of creating cross-sector connections with other industries.
