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alt="Petros Michelidakis on Boot Dusseldorf, Blue Innovation Dock (Pt 2)"/>
The 2023 edition of Boot Dusseldorf (January 21-29) will include the first Blue Innovation Dock forum, which will be held in Hall 10 across all nine days of the show.
From the opening Saturday on January 21, the forum will address the following topics: Leaders dialogue – business meets politics; Sustainable propulsion; Financing innovation and start-up disruption; Future fuels; Circular materials; Sustainable nautical tourism and water sports; Innovation for sustainability; Engaging NGOs and all players; and Engaging citizens and boaters.
Free for Boot Düsseldorf visitors and exhibitors, the Blue Innovation Dock has strong support from the yachting industry, with Groupe Beneteau as Performance Partner, Sanlorenzo as Project Partner and Pool Partners including Azimut, Bavaria, Brunswick, D-Marin, ePropulsion, Fabiani, Greenline, Princess, Sunreef and Torqeedo.
Following is the second part of an interview with Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Dusseldorf. For part 1 of the interview, please click here.
What are you hoping for after nine days of the Blue Innovation Dock?
That the information we’ve conveyed about our sector to political decision-makers was sufficient to speed up developments in terms of sustainability. Although our watersports only account for 0.1 per cent of EU-wide emissions, it’s important we contribute to keeping our destinations clean and making them cleaner.
The Blue Innovation Dock will be held in Hall 10
It would be fantastic if we could create a framework that is cross-sectoral and EU-wide. Why do Spaniards and Germans protect seaweed in their respective ways and Greeks don’t? And I am Greek. We must enter into dialogue. It’s not about who’s right but about conserving our destinations for generations to come.
What do you tell young people who are concerned about this very topic?
That the water sports industry is dependent on a clean climate and waters. As a networking platform, Boot will continue to raise awareness among society, young and old alike. Above all, we will promote dialogue with decision-makers in politics to ensure the necessary transformation and create the appropriate framework conditions.
Will NGOs also have a say?
Yes. All NGOs that are represented at boot – such as WWF, Greenpeace, NABU or Deutsche Meeresstiftung – are called upon to get involved and join the discussion. ‘Engaging NGOs and all players’ on Saturday, January 28 has been scheduled for this.
What discussions are you most likely to be attending?
I would very much like to participate on the first day when politicians will discuss with shipyard representatives. Quite prominent guests have announced their participation. Furthermore, each day of the Blue Innovation Dock is an innovation driver for the industry, which is why I’ll try to follow all subjects addressed.
Let’s talk about the boat show itself. After two cancelled editions, will Boot return to its old strength and size?
We are very satisfied with bookings received so far, which are on par with 2019, and will present watersports in their entirety on a huge exhibition area measuring 31 football pitches in total.
How many exhibitors will there be?
We expect around 1,500 exhibitors – a fantastic number in the history of Boot. Unfortunately, many small family-run businesses in the diving segment have not survived the Covid crisis, so we’re missing these exhibitors along with direct sales operations that have completely gone online. Nevertheless, there’s no other trade fair in the world with such extended ranges and, what’s more, in such an international setting.
Incidentally, the first admission ticket was sold to Iceland. This visitor will travel to Boot because he offers whale watching and intends to gradually renew his fleet.
Sunseeker 95 Yacht
Can you share some highlights you’re looking forward to?
It’s always difficult to pick some brands because they are all near and dear to my heart. The biggest yachts will come from Sunseeker (95 Yacht) and Sanlorenzo (SD90), both being about 30m LOA. In Hall 17 we will be showcasing – with celebrity support – wing surfing and wing foiling on a 60m long pool and in Hall 12 the new diving tower will be inaugurated. This is also where the opening of Boot will take place.
Halls 13 and 14 seem to be halls that also target visitors who don’t own boats.
Exactly. The Destination Seaside halls are designed to reflect the versatility of holidays by the sea; they focus on activities and regions. Coastal tourism here will be represented by the Lübecker Bucht, Portugal and Croatia as exhibitors. In future, these will probably be very important halls to win over new watersports enthusiasts.
To conclude, will Covid still be an issue at boot?
Boot will be held under completely normal conditions, the way we know and love. We’ve installed 3,000 Hepa filters in the exhibition halls to filter 99.99 per cent of all viruses out of the air, so the indoor air is constantly purified. This allows us to reduce energy consumption by not having to supply as much fresh air.
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