Next February, the marina industry converges on Daytona Beach for what has become an unmissable event on the marina industry calendar: the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo 2026. From 2-4 February at the Ocean Center, with the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort as host hotel, this conference is not just a gathering. It’s the fulcrum where careers, innovation and the business of marinas pivot for the year ahead.
The AMI Conference & Expo stands out for its balance of education and trade engagement. Attendees will find over 150 vendors with over 170 anticipated exhibit booths bringing the latest in docks, haul-out systems, software, pump-out technologies, electrical systems and more. AMI 2026 is your opportunity to come face to face with the suppliers who can transform your operations.
But the Expo is only one anchor. Backed by a robust lineup of more than 25 seminars and breakout workshops, you will have the chance to engage deeply with themes reshaping the industry: resilience in the face of climate challenges, management best practices, electrification of marina infrastructure and business innovation. Meanwhile, intimate, hands-on workshops create the space for nuance, experimentation and real dialogue.
The two keynote sessions presented by leading experts in their fields will focus on: “The power of presence: Unlocking peak performance and transformational leadership in the modern era”, and “From overwhelmed to hopeful: Building a culture of hope, health and happiness”. The keynotes will be followed by breakout sessions and workshops that will drill down into the keynote presentations, providing attendees with clear strategies and takeaways to improve both their personal and professional lives and performance.
Examples of the breakout session topics to be covered include but are not limited to:
- Marina messaging makeover: AI for smarter community connections;
- Activating purpose-driven vision & heart-centred leadership;
- Breaking down the buzz: Understanding today's drystack delivery systems;
- Comparing today's leading drystack systems and what sets them apart;
- The hidden cost of changing nothing: Innovation, data and strategies driving marina success;
- Futureproofing the waterfront: Marina development in a changing world.
The educational component kicks off on day one with two pre-conference workshops focusing on Marina 101, entry level marina training and artificial intelligence followed by a marina and boatyard tour.
Every year, attendees report that the conference pays for itself many times over. From discovering cost-saving technologies and learning smarter operational systems, to meeting new suppliers that improve margins or service quality, the tangible return on investment of participation is undeniable. One conversation in the exhibit hall can uncover a vendor who streamlines maintenance. A single session might reveal strategies to reduce liability or boost occupancy. Networking with peers often sparks partnerships that open entirely new revenue streams.
Beyond the immediate gains, the long-term return is even greater: better-informed decision-making, a stronger professional network and insights to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace. If you are in the marina industry, this is not an event to be missed.
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