December 2025 WATERLINE | 19 MARINAS26 FUTURE SMART WHY MARINAS26 IS LOOKING AHEAD By Chris Stone, Operations Manager MIA Every two years, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) brings together marina owners, operators and suppliers from the Asia-Pacific and beyond, for its flagship conference and trade exhibition. The next event, Marinas26, will be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 25–26 May 2026, immediately following the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. More than 400 delegates are expected to attend. For those making the trip or contemplating it, why is “Future Smart” so important to next year’s Marinas26? Smarter by design - The theme reflects how rapidly technology is reshaping marina and boatyard operations. No longer just berthing facilities, marinas are becoming connected service hubs that merge digital systems, sustainable design and customer-centric management. A “future smart” marina uses data, automation and connected devices to create seamless experiences for boaters while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Conference Chair, Karen Baldwin, CEO Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, says “the theme showcases where we are heading as an industry and the opportunities created by emerging technology innovation and long-term planning”. Networks that talk - Across the world, marinas are embedding intelligence into their infrastructure. Smart dockside pedestals now house sensors that monitor power and water use in real time, feeding information into cloud dashboards for automated billing and maintenance alerts. This technology allows managers to understand consumption patterns, identify faults and optimise operations while giving boaters more control and transparency over their usage. Beyond utilities, new wireless sensor systems can monitor vessel conditions, tracking battery charge, bilge water and temperature, to help prevent damage and improve safety. These advances not only enhance the boater experience but also strengthen relationships between marinas and their customers. Data, AI and the human touch - Artificial intelligence is already being used to forecast berth demand, detect maintenance needs and streamline resource allocation. When combined with Internet of Things (IoT) networks, AI enables the creation of a digital model of the marina environment, providing real-time insight into occupancy, energy use and equipment performance. For the marina and boatyard sector, Future Smart isn’t just a slogan, it’s a roadmap to connected, efficient and sustainable operations that balance innovation with the personal touch that makes boating special. Join us at Marinas26 and find out what being Future Smart can do for your facility. www.marinas26.com International Conference & Trade Exhibition Sunday 24 May 2026 08:00 - 23:59 13:00 - 17:00 18:30 - 20:30 Exhibitors Bump In Certified Members Meeting Marinas26 Welcome Function RoyalPinesResort - Poolside Marinas26 Study Tour Marinas26 Conference & Exhibition Happy Hour Monday 25 May 2026 Tuesday 26 May 2026 Wednesday 27 May 2026 08:30 - 17:00 17:00 - 18:30 08:30 - 14:00 08:30 - 17:00 17:00 - 22:00 19:00 - 22:00 Tennis Courts Exhibition Halls Marinas26 Conference & Exhibition Exhibitors Bump Out Gala Dinner marinas26.com
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