4 | WATERLINE July 2026 CEO UPDATE July 2026 At the same time as I reflect on the extraordinary level of activity, connection and achievement that has characterised the past few months, I am looking ahead with real excitement to what is still to come. MIA members began the quarter with a strong showing at the Singapore Yachting Festival at the end of April, where nine MIA Members joined the MIA’s group stand to showcase their products and facilities to marina operators, boat captains and consumers. It is a reminder of the growing global footprint of our membership and the growing interest in boating tourism for the Asia Pacific region. May then delivered what I can only describe as a season of celebration for our industry. Before the main event, ASMEX brought together marine industry professionals for an informative conference and a wonderful awards dinner in Surfers Paradise — congratulations to all finalists and award winners, including the many MIA Members recognised for their outstanding contributions. You can read all about the winners on page 38. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show followed, blessed with a fortunate weather window that made for a spectacular event. And then, fittingly, we kicked off Marinas26 in style with a poolside cocktail party at the Royal Pines Resort — the perfect way to bring our marina industries together before what would prove to be a truly outstanding conference. The Marinas26 International Conference and Trade Exhibition exceeded all expectations. Attracting a record number of exhibitors and delegates, the event demonstrated the immense appetite within the Asia Pacific industry community for connection, learning and business. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our event sponsors whose generous additional financial support ensured delegates experienced the very best the conference had to offer. To our exhibitors — every one of you I spoke with was delighted with the business you conducted, and your enthusiasm and professionalism made the trade exhibition a genuine highlight. And to every delegate who made the journey and contributed to the energy and dialogue of the event — thank you for your support. A conference of this scale does not happen without an exceptional team behind it, and I want to acknowledge the MIA team, Lily, Chris and Silvia for their extraordinary work in bringing Marinas26 to life. I will pay tribute to Kellie McMillan, whose dedication and attention to detail was exceptional as was her liaison with exhibitors to ensure every one of them had the best possible experience. Thanks also to the Marinas26 Content Committee who pulled together an outstanding conference program, our panel chairs who brought the sessions together with such skill, and every speaker who generously shared their expertise and insights. The quality of content at Marinas26 was a testament to the depth of knowledge within our industry, and delegates were the beneficiaries. Of course, thanks again to Andrew Chapman AM CMM for yet again, expertly taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies. Looking ahead, I can confirm that Marinas28 is already shaping up to be yet another record-breaker. We will be announcing the location and venue before the end of this year — watch this space. Q3 will be another full and productive quarter, with our education program taking centre stage. The focus turns to Perth, where our Intermediate Marina Management Course in July has proven so popular it will be delivered across two simultaneous classroom streams to accommodate demand — a sold-out event with just over 30 participants. A Straddle Carrier Operations and Management course will follow, and between the two programs, a two-day study tour will take participants through some of Perth's finest marina facilities, including The Boathouse, Blue HQ, Port Coogee Marina, Cockburn Powerboat Club and the newly redeveloped Swan Yacht Club. It promises to be an exceptional learning experience. The Advanced Marina Management Course will follow in August and there are only a few places left. In between times several short courses are scheduled, along with webinars and of course the online anytime courses can be undertaken any time. We are very pleased to welcome Ros Lindsay to the MIA team as our new Administration and Membership Coordinator. A lifetime boater and sailor, we are excited to have Ros on board and look forward to the contribution she will make in supporting our members and strengthening engagement across the industry. You can read more about Ros in Industry Moves. Finally, I am delighted to welcome Peninsula HR as the MIA's official HR Partner from 1 June. This partnership strengthens the support available to members in managing their workforce with confidence, ensuring compliance obligations are met and that our member businesses are well-equipped to attract and retain the talent they need. It has been a remarkable few months, but we are only halfway through the year, so there is still plenty more to come!! C M Y CM MY CY CMY K MarinaMaster_Final-print.pdf 1 9. 6. 2026 10:05
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