On Saturday, January 21, 2023, the new sustainability forum opened at the world's largest water sports show. To kick off the nine-day series of events, organiser Philip Easthill (European Boating Industry (EBI), Secretary General) and host Petros Michelidakis (boot Düsseldorf, Director) welcomed, among others, Felix Leinemann (European Commission, Directorate-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and Mona Neubaur (Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and Deputy Minister President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia).
Climate change and environmentally sustainable production are also becoming a challenge for the maritime business and boating industry. Thus, on the very first day of the new forum, the pathway to zero emissions and strengthening of #MadeInEurope were discussed with guests from the top management of the industry.
Over the next few days, more than 110 speakers from various sectors such as politics, industry and sports are expected. Throughout the nine days of the fair, a total of 24 hours of programme on important aspects of sustainability and innovation in the boating industry are planned. The blue innovation dock (bid) in Hall 10 will feature a different theme for each day of the fair.
boot director Petros Michelidakis: "In order to drive sustainability forward, communication and trust are needed above all. It is therefore essential to create such a platform to talk about the opportunities of innovation for a sustainable future."
