Conference 2025
Presentations
Missed a session? Want to revisit the insights? Download all presentations from our speakers below.
State of the Industry
ALDERMAN JAMES VOS
Alderman Vos will share about the importance of the boatbuilding and marine sector in South Africa and the role of government in supporting an industry.
Review of Global Markets
ED SLACK
A big-picture view of global trends shaping the recreational boating industry, with insights into superyachts. Ed draws on IBI’s market intelligence to highlight key drivers, innovations, and opportunities—connecting global developments to lessons and relevance for emerging markets like Africa.
The Future Boater: Why the Next Generation Matters Now
KEVIN M WILLIAMS
Adapt or Decline—Businesses and Industries That Win, Evolve with Consumers, Technology, and Market Shifts. Those That Don’t, Disappear. How to get younger generations and previously excluded communities excited about and involved in boating.
Africa’s Economic Outlook: Opportunities & Challenges
STEPHAN CLASSEN
This session will provide a pan-African perspective on policies, partnerships, and innovations that are enabling progress in the blue economy, offering a forward-looking vision of how banks, investors, and entrepreneurs can collaborate to position Africa as a global player in the marine and boating sector.
Risk & Resilience in Marine Insurance
MARTIN BAUM
Climate change, geopolitics, and new regulations are reshaping marine insurance. Martin Baum explores evolving risks, rising costs, emerging liabilities, and the vital role of crew training—offering strategies to protect yacht owners, charter operators, and marine businesses in a time of change.
Madagascar: The Next Frontier for Superyacht Discovery
CYRIL MAHFAHANA & CHRISTOPHE CAUMES
The session will spotlight Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region as emerging destinations for superyacht exploration, luxury travel, and conservation-led tourism.
Designing Destination Marinas: Unlocking Africa’s Marine Tourism Potential
PAUL DARROUZET
In this keynote, Paul Darrouzet shares how strategic marina development can drive job creation, attract tourism investment, and stimulate local supply chains. Drawing on his transformation of Coral Sea Marina into a global superyacht destination, he offers insights on how Africa can harness its coastline to build thriving marine economies and sustainable waterfront communities.
Infrastructure Development in Cape Town: Future-proofing our industry and marina
ANDRE BLAINE
A strategic overview of the V&A Waterfront’s development plans and infrastructure investments designed to strengthen Cape Town’s position as a premier marine destination and support the growth of South Africa’s boating industry.
Boatbuilding in the African Context
THEO LOOCK
Unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of manufacturing in Africa. Global trends in the charter business and how companies can take advantage of them. This session will also explore opportunities to engage with African boatbuilders.
Navigating New Waters: How Boat Clubs Can Revolutionize Africa’s Marine Economy
ARTURO GUTIERREZ
Freedom Boat Club’s shared economy model makes boating accessible to broader audiences, driving tourism growth. Learn how boat clubs create economic multipliers through bulk purchasing, strengthen supply chains, and transform marinas into vibrant hubs—unlocking Africa’s marine tourism potential for manufacturers, suppliers, and operators.
Steering Toward Sustainability: Leading the African Boating Industry into a Greener Future
ANDERS KURTEN
Learn actionable strategies for aligning commercial success with environmental responsibility. Anders Kurten will share practical approaches from his pioneering sustainability work—demonstrating how to reduce environmental impact while driving profitability in Africa’s emerging blue economy.