Shanghai will host the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference from 30 March to 2 April 2027, marking the first time in the event's 34-year history that it will be staged in Mainland China. The decision comes as China places increased emphasis on leisure yachting and marina infrastructure as part of its wider economic development strategy.
In January 2026, China's State Council issued its Work Plan for Accelerating the Cultivation of New Growth Points in Service Consumption, identifying high-quality leisure yacht consumption, marina infrastructure upgrades and regulatory reform among national economic growth priorities.
The policy follows 2022's multi-ministerial Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Cruise and Yacht Equipment and Industry, which established a roadmap for marina construction and opening up the country's recreational marine market.
Several marina facilities have since been completed or are under construction, and delegates at the 2027 conference will hear directly from project owners on developments in China and the wider region.
Asia's Expanding Marine Market
"As the marina sector evolves at pace, driven by innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer expectations, the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing has never been greater," ICOMIA chief executive Joe Lynch said. "Shanghai provides a compelling backdrop for the upcoming conference. Positioned at the centre of Asia's rapidly expanding recreational marine market, the city represents both opportunity and ambition."
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has staged its World Marinas Conference since 1993, bringing together marina operators, developers, investors, regulators and marine industry representatives.
The 2027 conference will be held under the theme Connecting Globally to Develop Marinas that Enhance Waterfront Communities and Drive Economic Growth, with senior decision-makers expected from more than 30 countries.
Organisers say the Shanghai edition will give international delegates access to regional developers, port authorities and project investors alongside the conference's established programme of technical presentations, regulatory updates and industry networking.
Marina And Waterfront Tour
The four-day programme will include networking receptions, an official gala dinner and a Marina & Waterfront Site Tour focused on marina development and supply chains in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Conference sessions will cover marina operations, waterfront planning, capital project delivery and environmental, social and governance performance through case studies, technical briefings and policy discussions.
Early-Bird Registration Opens
Early-bird registration for IWMC2027 is open until 30 September 2026.
The full conference pass costs €550 and includes conference sessions, the marina tour, the welcome reception, the gala dinner, conference materials, lunches, and coffee breaks.
A single-day pass costs €300, while the Marina & Waterfront Site Tour is available separately for €150. Gala dinner tickets cost €250.
Tickets are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with standard pricing applying after the early-bird deadline.
