The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and conference host Sinoexpo Informa Markets are pleased to announce the official theme of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 (IWMC2027), which will take place in Shanghai, China, from 30 March – 2 April 2027.
Table of Contents
Connecting Globally to Develop Marinas that Enhance Waterfront Communities and Drive Economic Growth
The theme reflects both the current priorities and future direction of the global marina industry, recognising the increasing importance of international collaboration, sustainable waterfront development, and the vital economic contribution marinas make to communities around the world. It establishes a forward-looking framework for the continued development of marinas as catalysts for connectivity, community enhancement and economic prosperity.
IWMC 2027 will become the first ICOMIA World Marinas Conference to be held in Mainland China, reflecting the growing influence of the Asia-Pacific region within the global marina and waterfront development sectors.
Established in 1993 and held every two years across leading marina markets in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference is widely recognised as the marina industry’s premier international gathering. The previous event in Venice 2025 attracted 650 participants including marina owners and operators, waterfront developers, investors, planners, architects, engineers, tourism professionals, government authorities and marine industry leaders from around the world to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the sector.
A Theme Built Around Three Strategic Pillars of Connection, Community and Growth
Global Connection: Building International Partnerships
The first pillar of the conference theme reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the marina and recreational marine industries. As markets expand, technological innovation accelerates and investment flows across borders, international cooperation has become fundamental to sustainable industry growth.
IWMC2027 will bring together delegates from more than 30 countries to exchange expertise, share operational best practices, explore emerging opportunities and strengthen international partnerships. The Conference will provide a platform for marina operators, investors, technical specialists, supply chain partners and policymakers to discuss global trends, support industry knowledge transfer and foster greater alignment across the marina sector.
By facilitating cross-border collaboration and connecting established marina markets with rapidly emerging regions, the conference will help shape a more connected and resilient future for the global marina industry.
Waterfront Communities: Creating Places People Want to Live, Work and Visit
The second pillar recognises the evolution of marinas from traditional boating infrastructure into integrated waterfront destinations that support a wide range of economic, social and environmental objectives.
Today’s marina developments increasingly combine recreation, tourism, residential living, hospitality, cultural activities and environmental stewardship. As a result, marinas are playing an increasingly important role in shaping vibrant waterfront communities that connect people to the water while enhancing urban and coastal environments.
Conference sessions will explore how innovative planning, sustainable design, low-carbon development principles and community engagement can help create inclusive, multi-functional and resilient waterfront destinations. Through the presentation of leading international case studies and development concepts, delegates will examine how marinas can deliver social and environmental benefits alongside commercial success.
Economic Growth: Unlocking Opportunity Through Marina Development
The third pillar focuses on the substantial contribution marina infrastructure and waterfront economies make to local, regional and national development. Investment in marinas supports tourism, stimulates marine businesses, creates employment opportunities and acts as a catalyst for wider waterfront regeneration and economic activity.
Particular attention will be given to opportunities emerging throughout China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, where growing investment in leisure boating, waterfront infrastructure and marina facilities is generating significant potential for long-term economic growth.
The Conference will explore how strategic policy frameworks, government-industry collaboration, infrastructure investment and private-sector partnerships can unlock new opportunities while supporting sustainable development. By bringing together global expertise and investment with emerging regional projects, IWMC2027 aims to help accelerate the continued growth of waterfront economies throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Shanghai: Gateway to the Asia-Pacific Waterfront Economy
Shanghai has been selected as the host city due to its position as a global financial centre and a gateway to the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific waterfront economy. The city sits at the heart of a region experiencing substantial investment in waterfront regeneration, marina development, marine tourism and recreational boating.
Hosting IWMC2027 in Shanghai will provide delegates with direct access to regional decision-makers, emerging marina projects and the stakeholders shaping future policy, investment and infrastructure development across Asia-Pacific. It also reinforces the conference’s role as a truly global platform for leadership, innovation and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Rooted in its three central pillars of Global Connection, Waterfront Communities and Economic Growth, the 2027 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference will serve as a unique platform to connect international expertise, elevate waterfront development and strengthen the marina sector’s contribution to sustainable economic and community development.
As the first edition of IWMC to be held in Mainland China, the conference represents a landmark occasion for both the global marina industry and the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific market. Through thought leadership, technical excellence, networking and business development opportunities, the event will help define the next chapter of marina and waterfront development worldwide.
ICOMIA and Sinoexpo look forward to welcoming the international marina community to Shanghai in March 2027 for what promises to be a truly global forum dedicated to shaping the future of marinas, waterfront communities and sustainable economic growth.
www.worldmarinasconference.com
About ICOMIA
ICOMIA is an international non-profit membership organisation serving the recreational boating industry. ICOMIA works to connect the industry, host groups and committees, provide technical guidance, collect data, statistics and trends, share market intelligence advise on compliance and safety.
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) is the global organisation representing the recreational marine industry through its national member associations and sustaining members. ICOMIA works to advance sustainable growth, innovation, safety and responsible boating worldwide.
About Sinoexpo Informa Markets
Sinoexpo Informa Markets is one of Asia’s leading exhibition and conference organisers, delivering internationally recognised events that connect businesses, industries and investment opportunities across key sectors throughout the region.
Media Contacts
Sinoexpo Informa Markets
Allen Zhang
Sales Manager
ICOMIA
Ben Grigg
Programme Director
