This article was also published in issue 152 of Marina World magazine. Click here to read the online version.
The North American marina and boatyard industry’s premier annual event is just around the corner. The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) has set the stage for the 2026 Conference & Expo, to be held on 2-4 February 2026 at the Ocean Center in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida, with the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort serving as the host hotel.
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As the international media sponsor of the event, Marina World presents a preview of what to expect: the trends that will dominate the show, the highlights and practical take-aways for marina professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Why this event matters
For marina owners, operators, managers, dockmasters, harbourmasters, boat builders, designers, engineers, consultants and suppliers in North America and further afield, this event remains the go-to gathering.
The 2026 edition will feature an exhibition hall with over 170 booths, showcasing cutting-edge products and services tailored for marinas and boatyards. More than 25 educational seminars and workshops will take place, covering a range of topics including leadership, operations, design and engineering, human resources and industry trends. The event is complemented by a broad networking and social schedule, the CMM/CMO awards presentation, and a marina and boatyard tour available at an extra cost.
Sunday 1 February will see pre-conference workshops begin, which are also available at extra cost, before the official start on Monday 2 February with workshops, the marina and boatyard tour and an evening reception. Tuesday and Wednesday will see the full industry exhibition, keynote speeches, breakout sessions and the awards ceremony. Convenient accommodation for attendees is available at the host hotel, Hilton Daytona Beach Resort.
What’s new?
While much of the AMI Conference & Expo format remains consistent year-to-year, a few new or growing trends for 2026 are especially worth noting. This year features increased emphasis on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, complemented by a greater booth count and vendor diversity than in previous years.
There will be an expanded focus on operations, leadership and HR, as well as stronger emphasis on resilience, sustainability and risk management through the additional Clean Marina course and tours of local sites.
Meanwhile, the first media partnership between the 2026 AMI Conference & Expo and Marina World under SuperYacht Times ownership will elevate coverage and knowledge of the event beyond traditional audiences so that participants may gain broader global exposure.
With a rich program, expanded exhibition hall, new partnerships and a host of evolving industry themes, the 2026 AMI Conference & Expo will be another milestone event for the marina and boatyard industry. Marina professionals from North America and further afield should come prepared, engage fully, connect broadly and translate learnings into actionable change. Marina World is looking forward to meeting you in Daytona Beach, Florida, in February.
