April 2026 WATERLINE | 11 MARINAS26 SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS GEOFF BRAILEY PLANNING FOR 2035: DEMOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BOATING - DAY 1 Geoff Brailey will explore key demographic trends reshaping Australia and the Asia-Pacific - and what they mean for marina owners and operators over the coming decade. Geoff Brailey is a social researcher, strategic advisor and Director of Solutions at internationally recognised McCrindle. As an experienced researcher, Geoff understands how evidence-based insights can inform strategy and help organisations to thrive amidst change. From his experience in solving business problems using research, Geoff has assisted organisations to identify new target markets and improve engagement levels with staff, donors and customers. Geoff integrates research statistics with visualised storytelling in his highly engaging presentations. As a gifted communicator and passionate researcher, Geoff brings positivity, curiosity and strategic insights from the latest trends impacting Australia and provides practical ways to respond to the trends at an organisational and individual level. TAYLOR NUGENT ECONOMIC FORECAST – DAY 1 Taylor Nugent NAB Senior Economist will outline the economic & financial forecasts and impacts for our industry. Taylor is a Senior Economist in NAB’s Global Markets Research team, providing clients with insights on the Australian economy, labour markets, inflation, and financial market trends. He is a regular contributor to the NAB Morning Call podcast, helping interpret daily market developments. Taylor previously worked as an Economist and Analyst at the Reserve Bank of Australia, bringing strong macroeconomic and financial markets expertise. He holds an Honours degree in Economics from the Australian National University, with earlier studies at Monash University. GIHAN PERERA AI FUTURE IN MARINAS & BOATYARDS - KEYNOTE DAY 1 Gihan Perera will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping operations, customer experience, asset management and workforce capability across the global marina sector - challenging operators to think beyond automation and toward strategic transformation. Gihan Perera is a business futurist, conference speaker, AI researcher, and author who shows you how to be fit for the future in a fast-changing world. For more than 30 years, he has worked with organisations and leaders throughout Australia and the world, helping them to lead in uncertainty and act with clarity and confidence. He was recognised as one of the Top 30 Global Futurists in 2025. Gihan is the author of Disrupted, Disruption by Design, The Future of Leadership, and ten other books. Through his keynote presentations, interactive masterclasses, and in-depth leadership programs, he shares future trends and thought-provoking insights – delivered with interaction, engagement, and humour – that leave people feeling positive, empowered, and optimistic about their future. Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise. MARK RICHARDS LINE HONOURS – LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION & SUCCESS - KEYNOTE DAY 2 Renowned maritime leader, boatbuilder and ocean racing legend Mark Richards shares unique insights from decades of leadership in marine design, innovation and competitive sailing — and how marinas need to evolve to deliver the best services to future boaters. Mark will inspire and challenge as he provides unique insights drawn from decades of leadership in marine design, innovation and competitive sailing on how marinas need to evolve to deliver the best services and facilities to future boaters. One of Australia’s most accomplished ocean-racing sailors, a highly respected boatbuilder and marine industry leader, Mark is Founder and CEO of Palm Beach Motor Yachts and the long-time skipper of the legendary 100-foot maxi Wild Oats, now reborn under his ownership as Palm Beach XI. His sailing journey began at age six in Newport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, racing Manly Junior dinghies before progressing rapidly through competitive sailing. By his early teens, he was working as a dock attendant at the Royal Motor Yacht Club on Pittwater, driving the club tender, berthing member vessels, pumping fuel and supporting dayto-day marina operations. Those formative years provided practical seamanship, strong boat-handling skills and a firsthand understanding of how marinas and boatyards function. After commencing a boatbuilding apprenticeship at Sydney Technical College, Richards combined hands-on craftsmanship with elite sailing, launching a professional racing career that included two America’s Cup campaigns, World Match Racing victories, an Admiral’s Cup win, and unparalleled offshore success. As skipper of Wild Oats XI, he led the yacht to nine Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race line-honours victories, establishing one of the most dominant records in offshore sailing history. In 1995, Richards founded Palm Beach Motor Yachts, applying race-derived thinking to powerboat design: lightweight construction, structural efficiency, balance and performance without compromise. What began as a small Australian boatbuilding operation has grown into a globally recognised luxury motor yacht brand, now operating as part of Grand Banks Yachts, with Richards serving as CEO, chief designer and a major shareholder. Today, Richards leads an international yacht-building group spanning advanced manufacturing, design and owner services, while continuing to campaign Palm Beach XI as both owner and skipper. Reflecting his deep operational roots in marinas, the group has recently acquired Casey’s Marina at Spring Wharf in Newport, the historic heart of American sailing and a former America’s Cup venue. To be reimagined as the Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts Marina, the facility will offer reserved berths, haul-out and service capabilities, and private owner amenities, making the company the only yacht builder to own and operate a brand-specific marina in Newport Harbor. Whether on the racecourse, in the shipyard or on the waterfront, Richards remains focused on one objective: delivering excellence through disciplined operations, high-performing teams and an uncompromising owner experience.
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