Artificial intelligence, superyacht strategy and infrastructure renewal will dominate the agenda at Marinas26, as the Marina Industries Association (MIA) gathers Asia-Pacific marina and boatyard leaders on Queensland’s Gold Coast in May 2026.
MIA has released the full program for Marinas26, to be held 24–27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Billed as the leading conference for the marina and boatyard industry in the Asia-Pacific region, the programme brings together a solid-looking exploration of the trends, technologies and opportunities shaping the future of the marina and boatyard sector.
Business strategist Gihan Perera will deliver the first day’s keynote address: AI Future in Marinas & Boatyards. Perera will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping operations, customer experience, asset management and workforce capability across the global marina sector. His keynote will challenge operators to look beyond automation and consider how AI can drive genuine strategic transformation across marina and boatyard businesses.
AI takes centre stage at Marinas26
Perera returns on day two to moderate the AI – Practical Applications for Marinas panel, featuring industry leaders already implementing AI-driven solutions. The session is designed to move beyond theory, providing delegates with practical tools and immediate opportunities to integrate AI into day-to-day marina and boatyard operations.
“The Future Smart theme reflects where our industry needs to be heading,” says MIA CEO Suzanne Davies. “Having Gihan Perera anchor our AI content across both days ensures delegates leave not just inspired but genuinely equipped to act. Marinas26 is about providing practical insight, global perspective and meaningful connections that help our industry evolve.”
Organisers say that the Marinas26 programme addresses the full spectrum of strategic, operational and commercial issues facing marina and boatyard operators.
Social researcher Geoff Brailey of McCrindle will present the latest demographic, consumer and behavioural trends influencing the boating and waterfront lifestyle market, followed by a tailored economic outlook from NAB senior economist Taylor Nugent.
Redeveloping ageing marina infrastructure
MIA president Andrew Chapman will discuss key findings from the 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS), while Davies will outline the association’s performance and strategic priorities for the years ahead.
A plenary session will examine lessons learned from the redevelopment of ageing marina infrastructure, a critical issue as many facilities constructed in the 1980s and 1990s approach end of design life. There are also session on lessons learned in development in the Middle East and a marina maintenance panel.
Day two will shift into practical application and specialist insight, delivering a full day of content designed to equip delegates with tools, strategies and ideas they can implement immediately within their own facilities.
A marina panel will offer insight into what makes modern marina developments succeed. The full itinerary of speakers can be found on the conference’s website.
Positioning marinas for superyacht growth
There will be a session on what marinas must do to position themselves to attract and service superyachts, and a session examining the risk landscape facing marinas today, including regulatory compliance, environmental obligations, insurance market trends and emerging legal exposures, plus an innovators and startup showcase.
Running concurrently, there will be a discussion on boatyard management, emerging technologies and equipment, and how facilities must adapt to changing vessel profiles and customer expectations.
The conference concludes with a headline address from boatbuilder and ocean racer Mark Richards. Richards will speak to leadership, innovation and success.
The post Marinas26 puts AI, superyachts and future strategy in the spotlight appeared first on Marine Industry News.