The most groundbreaking boot Düsseldorf ever – industry highlights advanced technologies at trade fair by boot Düsseldorf 8 Dec 07:51 UTC 18-25 January 2025 blue innovation dock © boot Dusseldorf As it gears up for its upcoming edition from 18 to 26 January 2025, boot Düsseldorf is poised for success. It embodies the global landscape […]
The most groundbreaking boot Düsseldorf ever – industry highlights advanced technologies at trade fair
by boot Düsseldorf 8 Dec 07:51 UTC
18-25 January 2025
blue innovation dock © boot Dusseldorf
As it gears up for its upcoming edition from 18 to 26 January 2025, boot Düsseldorf is poised for success. It embodies the global landscape for sailing vessels, motor yachts, surf gear, and diving supplies, along with the latest technological advancements in the sector.
To facilitate dialogue among professionals from business, society, and government, boot Düsseldorf, along with the European Boating Industry (EBI), has gathered a range of international experts at the blue innovation dock (bid), sponsored by Beneteau Group and supported by Sanlorenzo Yachts, in Hall 10. The agenda for trade attendees and eager water sports fans kicks off on 18 January at 11:00 a.m. with an inaugural session featuring German and EU officials discussing the significance of boating and water activities for the economy. Keynote speaker Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of the French Beneteau Group, will shed light on the challenges currently faced by boat manufacturers with innovative solutions. His topic is ‘Sustainability will only succeed if it enhances customer experience’. Following this, a panel will explore the economic and political objectives for the European Union and boating industry leading to 2030, articulating specific demands.
On the second day of boot 2025, 19 January, keynote speaker Emily Penn, a marine ambassador known for her heartfelt and motivating appeals, will converse about sustainable futures alongside young industry professionals.
On Monday, 20 January, the bid will entirely center on nautical tourism and marinas. The keynote address will be delivered by renowned Swedish professor and researcher Stefan Gössling, who examines the environmental implications of tourism and transport through extensive research. His findings will provide valuable insights for fostering sustainability in the marina and nautical tourism arenas.
On January 21, the bid will spotlight young startups that will present their innovative sustainability projects to a panel of industry experts and investors. This segment will be moderated by Gabbi Richardson, founder of the startup network Yachting Ventures. boot Director Petros Michelidakis expresses keen anticipation for this session and its keynote speaker: “Luca Bassani represents a forward-thinking approach to yacht and industrial design and interior architecture. I have no doubt he will captivate the audience with his ideas. His company Wally exemplifies modern and innovative boat design in Hall 6 at boot.”
Wednesday, 22 January, will focus on design, yachts, and superyachts within the bid. Moderator Marcus Krall will host keynote speaker Professor Fernando Fastoso. The Uruguayan-born academic specializing in ‘Management for Luxury and High-Class Brands’ at Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences will explore the evolving luxury market. He will highlight the rising significance of sustainability in luxury brand development and demonstrate how today’s consumers seek not just exclusivity but ethically and ecologically responsible products. The trending topic of foiling will also feature prominently in a panel discussion.
On Thursday, 23 January, bid speakers will tackle the challenges of the future. Keynote speaker Anna Goldhofer will discuss the significance of the circular economy principles across various industries, including boat manufacturing. Drawing from her experiences at BMW and CRITICAL FRIENDS, she will provide strategies for lessening environmental impact.
The relationship between digitalization and innovative technologies will be examined by Italian engineers Francesco Belvisi and Marco Calatroni, who will serve as keynote speakers on 24 January with their project Nugae. Additionally, Luca Rizotti will represent cutting-edge technology in water sports with his Foiling Organization on Friday. Attendees at boot Düsseldorf can delve deeper into this innovative technology and its evolution in Hall 15 at the new ‘Foiling World’.
For dedicated boaters and water sports aficionados, ocean protection is paramount. Consequently, boot Düsseldorf and EBI have invited extreme swimmer and ocean ambassador André Wiersig to present the keynote at the panel on Saturday, 25 January. His advocacy for ocean conservation is illustrated through his initiative theBlueHeart. Wiersig will share invaluable experiences and insights with attendees, inspiring them to engage with and advocate for ocean preservation. Actor and environmental activist Hannes Jaenicke, along with the EU4Ocean Coalition, are expected to participate in the panel discussion that follows.
The closing day of the bid, 26 January, will once again cater to water sports fans. Investigative photographer and author York Hovest will deliver the keynote address. He journeys across the globe seeking to highlight pressing issues threatening the survival of our ecosystems and cultural heritage. For each of his projects, he ventures into some of the most treacherous and remote locations on earth to reveal what society can no longer afford to overlook. Martin Fischer, chief designer of the successful Americas Cup Team Ineos Britannia, will also be present to share his sailing expertise live with attendees.
The blue innovation dock stage will welcome audiences daily starting at 1:00 pm. The latest schedule can be accessed at www.boot.com/en/Visit/B2B_Section/Professional_Program/blue_innovation_dock
Tickets for both trade and private visitors are available online in the ticket shop
Tickets for boot 2025 can be purchased online for trade visitors, who can access the fair and trade visitor lounge starting at 9:30 a.m. for €26.00. The most affordable admission for private visitors is €19.00 through a membership in boot.club, granting access for two days of the event. Children aged 12 years and under may attend boot without a ticket when accompanied by their parents.
www.boot.com/en/Visit/Tickets_Vouchers
The largest yacht and water sports exhibition worldwide
With over 200,000 attendees from more than 100 countries and 1,500 exhibitors filling 220,000 square meters across Halls 1 to 17, boot Düsseldorf, from 18 to 26 January 2025, stands as the largest yacht and water sports fair globally. Both sailors and motor boaters can explore a diverse array of boats, dinghies, super boats, and luxury yachts. Popular water sports such as diving, surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, skimboarding, and canoeing will be presented at boot in all their varieties with the corresponding gear. Captivating stage events featuring industry luminaries, the latest trends, and a high-profile mix of workshops and hands-on experiences for both recreational sports enthusiasts and professionals make this fair unparalleled worldwide. Moreover, marine conservation and pioneering sustainable technologies will be spotlighted at boot 2025. In collaboration with the European Boating Industry (EBI), the blue innovation dock will provide a distinctive dialogue format combining political, economic, technological, and media expertise in Hall 10. Additionally, two initiatives focused on ocean protection will be featured: the esteemed “ocean tribute” award in partnership with the Prince Albert II Foundation and German Ocean Foundation, as well as the “love your ocean” campaign with its booth in Hall 11.
