The 2011 ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress in Rotterdam – International Council of Marine Industry Associations

The 2011 ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between 8-11 June. The successful congress took place at Inntel Hotel situated by the famous Erasmus Bridge in the sparkling centre of the city. It was co-organised by Dutch marine industry association HISWA and Amsterdam RAI.
Starting on Wednesday 8 June, the first day of congress consisted of various committee meetings and a welcome reception in the beautiful City Hall of Rotterdam. The committee meeting progressed on the second day of congress. The delegates and their partners spent the evening on an extravagant dinner cruise going down the River Maas.
The annual ICOMIA/IFBSO Joint session was held on the Friday morning. The key note speakers included Mr. Gerard Dijkstra (Founder of Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects) who spoke about Trends and Developments in Superyacht Design, Mr. Anton Nieland (Commandant of Amsterdam Naval Base) who told the audience about the upcoming SAIL Amsterdam 2015 and Mr. Jempi Moens (Partner Fresh Forward) who shared his views on consumer behaviour and trends.
The last day of congress consisted of the ICOMIA Annual General Meeting and a Working Session, where Mr. Nico van Lamsweerde from Dutch Recreational Waterways spoke about Governance of European Regional Inland Waterways and Mr. Farouk Nefzi, Director of HISWA Multimedia, talked about the next level of the Amsterdam in-water Boat Show. The Working Session was brought to a close with HISWA’s Manager for Public Affairs Mr. Geert Dijks shared a strategy on how to organise and finance water sports.
The congress ended with a spectacular Gala Dinner in the stunning Royal Yacht Club de Maas, where the entertainment included more than a few surprise elements.
A partner’s programme, including an architectural walking tour and a museum visit, was offered to the delegates’ significant others during the course of the congress.
Next year’s ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress will be held in the breath-taking city of Cape Town in South Africa.