blue innovation dock

boot Düsseldorf and the European Boating Industry (EBI) have confirmed details of the 2024 Blue Innovation Dock show stage line up, which returns for a second year after a successful inaugural edition in 2023.

This year the stage is conducted in partnership with Beneteu and with Sanlorenzo as ‘performance partner’.

Over the nine trade fair days – 20 to 28 January 2024 – everything at the Blue Innovation Dock (BID) in Hall 10 will revolve around innovative technologies, alternative drives and materials, and the sustainable management of marinas and moorings.

European and national policymakers will also be on board. The BID will be opened on 20 January at 11am am by Dieter Janecek (Bündnis 90/The Greens), the coordinator of the federal German government for maritime economy and tourism, and Kestutis Sadauskas, deputy secretary general for maritime affairs at the European Commission.

The BID programme will then kick off with a panel discussion on the topic of “Mission Net Zero: Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Boating”.

All discussions and lectures will be in English.

Another highlight is the pitching competition on 23 January 2024, where startups introduce themselves to a Lions’ Den-style panel of investors and industry experts. The winning startup will receive a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2025.

boot director Petros Michelidakis is pleased at the launch partnership with Beneteau and Sanlorenzo. “Both companies are considered pioneers and innovation drivers in the industry,” says Michelidakis. “They were already the principal sponsors at the BID debut in 2023, and we are very excited to see which innovative projects they will present us with in 2024.”

Michelidakis advises visitors to register online and thereby secure a place for a BID session as well as other exclusive benefits on the day they spend at boot. Participation in the lectures is included in the admission ticket.

Over the two weekends of boot Düsseldorf 2024, the BID programme will address trade visitors, private boaters, and water sports enthusiasts. Held in a town hall format, it will also involve spectators who are invited to ask the lecturers questions on the spot.

On 20 January 2024, talks will revolve around the topics of e-drives for boats and the development and use of sustainable fuels.

“Our exhibitors are highly committed to offering their customers a high degree of sustainability,” says Michelidakis. “I am very pleased that with the blue innovation dock we have succeeded in also getting policymakers on board for the interests of water sports. With this we have – jointly with the European Boating Industry – established a well-functioning link between the industry and political decision-makers in the EU.”

The organisation of BID at boot Düsseldorf is supported by the Brussels-based EBI association and its secretary general, Philip Easthill.

“With the Blue Innovation Dock, we are creating a unique discussion forum for industry, policymakers and the water sports community,” says EBI president Robert Marx, who also acts as President of boot Düsseldorf.

“I think this offer allows us to address innovative topics and raise awareness among the public and in the political sphere for the interests of the sector.”

The following speakers have been confirmed for the 2024 BID programme:

  • Jose Ramon Bauza Diaz MEP & Karlheinz Jungbeck (vice-president tourism, ADAC) – Panel discussion on “Mission Net Zero: Reducing the Footprint of Boating and Nautical Tourism” – 20 January
  • Christoph Ballin (serial founder, Tyde, Torqeedo, Sea.AI) – Keynote on 21 January on marine propulsion
  • Elke Dens (Travel Foundation) – Keynote on 22 January “Achieving Respectful and Regenerative Tourism”
  • Emily Penn (sailor and ocean advocate) – Keynote on 23 January “Is this our Shift Moment?”
  • Gabriella Richardson (founder and CEO, Yachting Ventures), Celine Schulze (co-founder and CEO, Narwhale Ventures), Nele Dageförde (CEO Transmartech), Dr. Clyde Hutchinson (general partner, Team ABC Ventures) as panel members for the Pitching Competition on 23 January
  • Benedikt Huber (Critical Friends) – Keynote on 24 January “Sustainable Supply Chain & Materials”
  • Marieke de Boer (Impacd boats) in panel discussion on 24 January on “Towards a Circular Boating Industry – What are the Latest Innovations?” Boat Builder Award 2023 winner
  • Lea Jordan (head of marketing and co-founder techtalk.travel) Keynote on 25 January “Digitalisation of Tourism and Travel”
  • Interviews with Hannes Jaenicke (actor, environmentalist and sailor) on 27 January and Rosalin Kuiper (sailor) on 28 January

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