A t boot Düsseldorf 2026, the Blue Innovation Dock returns as Europe’s leading platform where policy, industry and innovation converge to drive a more sustainable, competitive and future-focused maritime sector.
From 17 to 25 January 2026, Hall 10 will host the new edition of the bid, jointly organised by boot Düsseldorf and the European Boating Industry (EBI). Building on the success of last year, the platform continues to elevate discussions around the sector’s strategic importance for Europe’s climate, industry and tourism policies.
The 2026 programme focuses on the most far-reaching topics shaping the boating industry today:
sustainability and decarbonisation, innovations in marinas and nautical tourism, circular materials and composite recycling, design and retrofitting, digitalisation, AI, and high-performance competitive sailing. Through panels, keynotes, interviews and innovation showcases, the bid reveals how industry, academia, politics and new-generation changemakers are collectively building a future-proof #MadeInEurope maritime landscape.
This year, the bid’s international reach is further amplified by its main strategic partners — Beneteau Group, Brunswick Corporation and Sanlorenzo. Their involvement underscores advances in sustainable propulsion, materials research, digital tools and marina development, helping create a unique environment where the transformation of the maritime sector becomes visible, accessible and actionable.
The 2026 edition brings together an exceptional line-up of speakers from EU institutions, national governments, industry, academia and sport.
High-level political participants include Members of the European Parliament Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Andreas Schwab, alongside European Commission representatives such as Andreea Staicu, Head of the Tourism Sector. The opening address will be delivered by David Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation, with a live on-stage interview by Marcus Krall.
Additional speakers include Dr. Prof. Phil Klaus (International University of Monaco), Prof. Felix Leach (University of Oxford), Lea Jordan (travel and hospitality), and Julia Minici (Afterwind). The B2C programme will feature influential marine personalities and activists such as Emily Penn, Lukas Haitzmann, Boris Herrmann and André Wirsig, together with leading organisations such as SailGP and GEOMAR, recognised for their impactful storytelling and ocean advocacy.
As boot Director Petros Michelidakis emphasises, the Blue Innovation Dock has evolved into a central stage for the maritime sector:
“The blue innovation dock is the established presentation and networking platform for the maritime industry. It shows that boot brings together all the trades responsible for a functioning economy and an agile water sports industry at one time and in one place.
This is where demands on European politics are manifested, visions are presented and exciting technologies are showcased.
We can look forward to nine days of intensive knowledge and expertise transfer in Hall 10.”
EBI President Robert Marx reinforces the importance of this collaborative effort:
“The blue innovation dock has become a strategic platform where the most important discussions in our industry take place. Together with boot Düsseldorf, we are strengthening the bridge between industry and politics and helping to lead the European boat industry on a more sustainable, competitive and future-proof path.
This collaboration enables us to showcase innovations, strengthen the industry’s priorities at European level and ensure that the voices of businesses, marinas, manufacturers, water sports enthusiasts and environmental leaders are heard.
By bringing all these players together under one roof, we are shaping concrete solutions that will shape the development of the boating ecosystem for years to come.”
The full Blue Innovation Dock 2026 programme will be published in early December at boot.com.
