6 | WATERLINE July 2026 MARINAS26 DELIVERS ANOTHER STANDOUT INDUSTRY EVENT Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the global fuel crisis, the Marinas26 International Conference and Trade Exhibition has concluded its strongest edition yet, with 385 delegates and over 50 exhibitors converging on the Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, 24–26 May 2026. The biennial event — themed Future Smart — brought together marina owners, operators, developers, suppliers and industry leaders from across Australia, the Asia Pacific and internationally to receive presentations on demographic changes, the economic outlook, the health of the industry sector and how technology is impacting the future of marina operations. Speaking on the event’s success, MIA President, Andrew Chapman AM CMM said, “We are very proud of the continued success of this event and the value it provides the industry. The record attendance of both delegates and exhibitors is testament to its value to the industry.” Marinas26 kicked off on Sunday with a spectacular ‘Miami style Cocktail Party’ sponsored by Pelagic Risk Services, and, despite the occasional shower, was still held poolside, albeit undercover. Delegates took advantage of some early networking opportunities and there was plenty of fun to be had with the on-site photo booth. The two-day program featured an excellent line-up of speakers who inspired delegates to capitalise on the industry’s strength through relevant and thought-provoking content. After a moving and reflective Welcome to Country, delivered by Aunty Erica, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Mayor Cr Tom Tate, one of the Gold Coast marine industry's greatest champions, officially opened the conference with a welcome address reiterating the industry’s value to the region, before delegates settled in for a packed first day of plenary sessions. Geoff Brailey Social Researcher and Demographer of McCrindle Research delivered a data-driven and compelling exploration of the demographic forces reshaping Australia and the Asia-Pacific region — and what they mean for marina owners and operators over the coming decade. Drawing on the latest Census and population data, Geoff mapped where growth is occurring, how generational and lifestyle shifts are evolving, and how changes in household formation, wealth distribution and leisure behaviour are likely to influence demand across the marine sector. Delegates left with a clearer picture of the consumer trends driving the future of boating — from the ageing of key ownership cohorts to the emergence of new participant groups — and with Future Smart practical insights to inform strategic planning and future-focused decision-making through to 2035. NAB Senior Economist Taylor Nugent followed on providing delegates with a clear-eyed view of the macroeconomic conditions shaping the operating environment for Australian and Asia-Pacific marina businesses. The session covered the key drivers of the economic outlook — including interest rates, consumer spending trends, housing and wealth dynamics, business investment conditions, and the broader regional economic picture — and what these forces are likely to mean for marina operators in the years ahead. Delegates gained a grounded understanding of both the financial headwinds and the tailwinds on the horizon, and how shifting economic conditions are likely to influence capital investment decisions, customer demand patterns, and the overall operating context for marina businesses over the coming years. MIA President Andrew Chapman AM CMM then presented the key findings from the 2025 Health of the Marina Industry Survey "Well done on Marinas26. Best one so far! " - ALISTER COPLEY, CMP – COPLEY MARINE GROUP L-R: Mayor Cr Tom Tate, Geoff Brailey - Social Researcher and Demographer McCrindle Research, Taylor Nugent - NAB Senior Economist, Gihan Perera - Futurist SETTING THE SCENE FOR A FUTURE-SMART INDUSTRY WAS THE FOCUS FOR DAY 1
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