September and October have been busy months for the PME Power Systems Group team, with marine industry shows and conferences taking us across Germany, France and the UK.
Across the autumn, we have attended events covering a broad range of the marine industry, from pleasure and commercial marine through to emergency services. We have spent time alongside both MAN marine engines and Nanni, meeting customers, dealers, suppliers and industry contacts along the way.
For us, marine trade shows are about much more than simply being present on a stand. They provide an opportunity to reconnect with existing customers, build relationships with new contacts and stay connected to the wider marine community.
Three shows, three very different experiences
With Cannes and Southampton taking place so close together, it is difficult not to compare the two. However, they offer very different experiences.
The Cannes Yachting Festival has an unmistakable sense of luxury. Set against the French Riviera, with beautiful weather, international visitors and an impressive collection of superyachts, it is an aspirational event that brings the wider pleasure marine and yachting industry to life.
Southampton International Boat Show offers something rather different. With a broad mix of vessels, from larger yachts through to dayboats and smaller craft, it is a more accessible event and provides a valuable opportunity for those looking to explore the UK pleasure marine market.
Despite the very different setting, Southampton continues to attract a strong audience. The move from ten days to eight for next year’s show will be an interesting change, potentially creating a more concentrated event and making every conversation and interaction count.
SMM in Hamburg was a completely different proposition again. With a strong commercial marine focus, it provided an excellent opportunity for our sales team to reconnect with existing customers, suppliers and dealers and strengthen relationships across the industry.
For PME, attending these events is about being part of the marine community. Building relationships takes time, and being present allows us to listen, learn, share experiences and support the people and businesses we work with.
Thank you to all the organisers, exhibitors, customers and visitors who made this year’s events such a valuable part of the marine calendar. We look forward to seeing where the next show season takes us.
