on 9 Mar 2023
The new Superyacht Technology Show gathers tech leaders and owner reps to focus on the engineering side of the superyacht lifestyle
One of the world’s newest superyacht events is the Superyacht Technology Show, hosted by the Superyacht Technology Network, founded by Jack Robinson, a long-time superyacht industry and media veteran. Robinson and his team are now working on the third edition of the show.
Robinson wanted to create an event and a network that focused on the engineering, IT, and audio-visual technology behind superyachts. Finding that shows like the Monaco Yacht Show and METS in Amsterdam didn’t do enough for the tech side of superyachts, Robinson set out to create a dedicated event and community on the subject.
The Superyacht Technology Show brings together everyone interested in the tech that supports the superyacht lifestyle
Behind the luxurious looks, superyachts are very technical creations, with state-of-the-art naval architecture, huge IT and satcom requirements and, thanks to the growing trend in low emissions yachting, complex engineering rooms. Superyacht owners are also becoming more interested in the technical and engineering side of their yachts, many having made their fortunes in the technology industry.
Robinson initially planned for a small, 200-person superyacht technology event just before the onset of Covid. The show was relaunched in January 2022 as an event backed by a network of professionals, owner’s reps and according to Robinson, owners themselves. The most recent event was October 2022 and featured speakers from a range of tech industries, as well as chief representatives from Feadship and Lürssen Yachts. The 2024 show will quadruple in size to 150 stands and include a dedicated VIP hospitality area, VIP dining and two networking lounges.
Robinson and his team at the Superyacht Technology Network have therefore created an event to be held every year in the World Trade Center Barcelona, which overlooks the marina. Over two days, guests can tour an indoor exhibition featuring superyacht technology companies, with access to private meeting rooms, long lunches and dinners. There is also a programme of TED-talk style presentations (referred to as “TECHtalks”). The show focuses on providing guests and exhibitors with an intimate setting to discuss the technical requirements of refit or new build projects at a time of year when project tenders are still under consideration.
Superyacht Technology Network recently secured investment from Will Faimatea, founder of Bond Technology Management, an audio visual, IT, and communications systems company focused on the superyacht industry. Robinson says that the new funds will be used to quadruple the size of the next Superyacht Technology show, scheduled for March 2024. The expansion will include a 500-delegate conference room for technology talks and presentations.
The Superyacht Technology Show features a more intimate setting for superyacht industry insiders
Robinson says there are now 28,000 members in the Superyacht Technology Network. From a European-US base, Robinson says he is hopeful to expand into Asia next, where he thinks excitement and adoption of new technology is more prevalent.
The third edition of the Superyacht Technology Show will be taking place at the World Trade Centre in Barcelona on the 20th and 21st of March 2024.
superyachttechnologynetwork.com