As part of Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026, organised by GRAND PAVOIS ORGANISATION (GPO), the Forum Days held at the OcéaNice Congress Centre brought together international leaders to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: how to transition towards a more sustainable, innovative, and future-ready model of nautica.

Over two days, the Forum established itself as a key platform for dialogue, combining roundtables, expert testimonies, and in-depth exchanges with a carefully selected group of global speakers. The format encouraged both strategic reflection and practical discussion, positioning the event as more than a conference, but rather as a working space for the future of the sector.

A global stage for industry transformation

From regulatory frameworks to technological innovation, the Forum covered a wide spectrum of topics shaping the evolution of yachting and boating.

High-level contributions included Eric Banel, Director General of DGAMPA, addressing regulatory developments, while Patrick Hemp, Technical Director of ICOMIA, explored decarbonisation pathways. The future of propulsion was examined through interventions on electric and alternative energy solutions, with speakers such as Adria Jover (IEMA), Yannick Wileveau (AFBE, Naviwatt), and Camille Lopez (Hy-Plug).

The discussion extended to infrastructure and ecosystem transformation, with Christophe Piana (FFPP, UPACA) focusing on ports and marinas, and Ivana Lazarevic (APER) addressing end-of-life boat deconstruction.

Innovation remained a central theme throughout. Entrepreneurs and industry leaders including Guillaume Jacquet-Lagrèze (SeaZen), Chloé Zaied (Ephyra), Gilles Wagner (Sea Loop, UPtoSEA), and Marcus Schlichting (Bavaria Yachts) shared insights into new business models and emerging solutions. Contributions from companies such as BlueNav, Mobyfly, Elvene Boats, and K-Challenge highlighted the acceleration of technological development across the sector.

Adding a strategic perspective, keynote speakers and “Grand Témoins” Vincent Wauters (Rossignol Group) and Marc Van Peteghem provided broader reflections on leadership, innovation, and cross-industry transformation.

From innovation to implementation

One of the defining characteristics of the Forum was its ability to connect visionary thinking with tangible initiatives.

The “Pitch ton projet” sessions showcased emerging concepts ranging from hydrogen-powered vessels to floating port infrastructures. These presentations reflected a broader shift within the industry, where experimentation and rapid prototyping are becoming essential to address environmental and operational challenges.

At the same time, the presence of over 45 international speakers highlighted the growing need for collaboration across disciplines and geographies. Engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, as well as industry experts shared a common objective: redefining the foundations of nautica in response to evolving environmental and market expectations.

Sustainability as a collective responsibility

The overarching message of the Forum was clear: nautica is entering a phase where adaptation is a must, as it is being reshaped by sustainability imperatives, new consumption models, and technological disruption.

Nice Boating Tomorrow aims to accelerate this transition by fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and creating visibility for pioneering initiatives in eco-navigation.

Beyond the conference rooms, the Forum was complemented by networking moments for a more informal exchange, reinforcing the importance of human connection in driving industry change.

With 80 committed exhibitors, 30 boats on the water, and a strong programme of demonstrations and sea trials, Nice Boating Tomorrow combined exhibition and thought leadership into a single platform.

By bringing together expertise and dialogue, the Forum Days have laid the groundwork for what could become a defining meeting point for the industry in the years to come.

As echoed throughout the discussions, the sector stands at a critical moment. It is never too early to act, yet often too late to delay.

Rebecca Gabbi