boot Düsseldorf and European Boating Industry announce that the sixth edition of the annual International Breakfast Meeting will move to a digital format. On 20 April, high-level panellists from business and politics will discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the recreational boating industry, how the industry can recover and new trends and opportunities.

Every year, the International Breakfast Meeting (IBM) held at boot Düsseldorf offers trade visitors, industry, and journalists the opportunity to exchange information on the latest market trends, regulations, and innovation, as well as to develop new contacts and networks.

This year, the co-organisers of the annual International Breakfast Meeting, boot Düsseldorf and European Boating Industry (EBI) took the decision to move to a digital format despite the cancellation of the trade show. The aim is to continue to provide market intelligence and connect business and politics at a crucial time for the industry. The sixth edition of the IBM will be under the theme of “A Corona reboot of tourism and recreation – What future for boating?”. It will take place on 20 April from 10:00 – 12:00 (CEST).

At the centre of the 2021 IBM will be the presentation of an EBI study on the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and outlook of the industry, which presents new industry data based on a survey of companies. Presentations on new trends in travel and tourism will follow alongside a discussion of the future EU tourism strategy and how to build momentum for boating in 2021 and beyond.

Confirmed as speakers are Petros Michelidakis (Project Director boot Düsseldorf), Amelie Cesar and Natascha Zwenke (Study leaders, Jade University Wilhelmshaven), Lyublena Dimova (Research Manager, European Travel Commission), Ismail Ertug (Member of the European Parliament) and Gianguido Girotti (Deputy CEO Brand & Product Strategy, Groupe Beneteau).

Announcing the 2021 IBM, Petros Michelidakis said: “The International Breakfast Meeting is the leading forum to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues. While boot Düsseldorf 2021 has had to be cancelled, we are delighted to host experts and policy-makers for a highly relevant exchange in a digital format. It promises to be insightful as we look back at 2020 and take a glance into the future for the boating and water sports industry. We look forward to welcoming the industry back to boot Düsseldorf 2022 with an IBM taking place in-person.”

Philip Easthill (Secretary-General, EBI) commented: “We are delighted to again co-organise IBM with our partner boot Düsseldorf, who we thank for their support to industry in these difficult times. We are witnessing the rapid development of new consumer trends. IBM will be an anchor point to look at these trends and opportunities that will define 2021 and beyond, as well as the EU’s future approach to tourism and the blue economy.