ICOMIA World Marinas Conference will Set Sail  for Shanghai on 30 March to 2 April 2027, marking its debut in China 

SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTER Hosted an Exclusive Industry Launch Event on 29 March 2026

The global marina industry is charting a new course towards the East. Following its successful 2025 edition in the historic city of Venice, the prestigious ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) has officially announced Shanghai, China, as its host city for the 2027 edition. This landmark decision marks the first time the Conference will be held in mainland China, signalling a pivotal moment for the rapidly expanding Asian leisure marine economy.   

Organized by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the World Marinas Conference has been the premier global forum for marina development since its inception in Amsterdam in 1993. Over the years, the Conference has visited renowned waterfront cities such as Genoa, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, and the Algarve, continually shaping the industry’s vision for long-term success and sustainable growth. 

By moving from the historic waterways of Venice to the dynamic Huangpu River in Shanghai, the 2027 edition of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference will serve as a vital bridge between East and West, offering unparalleled access to one of the world’s most vibrant and fast-growing markets for marina and waterfront infrastructure development. Shanghai’s strategic location at the crossroads of global trade, combined with its rapid waterfront transformation and world-class port facilities, uniquely positions the city as an ideal meeting point for industry leaders from both hemispheres. This setting not only facilitates cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, but also enables innovative partnerships that drive the future of the marina sector worldwide.

A Strategic Gateway to the Asian Waterfront Economy 

The selection of Shanghai underscores the international community’s strong recognition of China’s market potential and its burgeoning marine sector. The 2027 Conference is poised to inject significant momentum into the Asian marina industry, fostering international collaboration and showcasing the immense opportunities within the region. 

Global Connection. Waterfront Community. Economic Growth 

Shanghai itself stands as a living testament to the Conference’s theme of the strategic development of waterfronts to create vibrant hubs for community, social and economic activities. Indeed, the city boasts a diverse waterfront ecosystem, blending industrial heritage, tourism, public spaces, and recreational boating. With world-class port infrastructure and its strategic location at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai provides the world a direct gateway to Asia’s most promising marina markets. Delegates will witness first-hand how green practices are shaping the future of marinas and experience a thriving consumer market driven by yacht tourism, water sports, and the evolution of a sophisticated coastal lifestyle. 

IWMC 2027 will highlight vast opportunities in China and the broader Asia region. Delegates will hear from subject experts and industry leaders about the latest market trends and research. The Conference programme will include expert presentations and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, such as marina development, waterfront planning, feasibility studies, design, and construction. In addition, technical sessions will provide in-depth exploration of operations, sustainability, and the latest developments in smart technology designed to enhance user experience. 

ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 – Shanghai Launch Event 

29 March 2026  

To provide the global industry with a comprehensive overview of this historic event and its opportunities, a dedicated launch ceremony took place in Shanghai on March 29, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC) in the heart of Pudong’s international business district.  

Industry leaders, marina equipment suppliers, manufacturers, service providers, hospitality and tourism agencies, and key stakeholders from Asia and around the world are invited to join ICOMIA and the IWMC 2027 host, Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets, for this exclusive preview.  

The event launched a global conference focused on the growth potential of the Asian marina market. It will feature world-class expertise, case studies, and showcase the latest technology and know-how.  

IWMC 2027 delegates will gain exclusive insights into emerging trends, network with industry pioneers, and discover actionable strategies to drive growth in their respective sectors. Key sessions will address sustainable marina development, policy challenges in Asia, innovative marina technologies, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. IWMC 2027 will also explore how international cooperation can link global resources with local expertise, offering delegates valuable perspectives on navigating complex policy landscapes with practical strategies for capitalizing on the region’s dynamic water economy.  

IWMC 2027 Event Details: 

• Date: IWMC 2027 Shanghai will take place 30 March to 2 April 2027. Starting on 30 March with an evening reception. 

• Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC)  

• Link: https://coming-soon.worldmarinasconference.com/ 

Shanghai: A Global Hub for the Waterfront Economy 

Joe Lynch, ICOMIA CEO remarks, “Shanghai is the ideal stage for the 2027 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference. It is the premier gateway for international capital entering China and a strategic springboard for Chinese enterprises going global. The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference will be a powerful catalyst for aligning Asian marina standards with international best practices, driving the entire region’s economic growth.” 

Jeff Feng, of Shanghai SinoExpo Informa Markets adds, “Shanghai is a city where the vision of a ‘symbiotic marina’ is becoming a reality, with large-scale integration of commercial, touristic, and public waterfront spaces. Hosting the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference will significantly elevate Shanghai’s status on the global yachting map.”

About the International Council of Marine Industry Associations

ICOMIA brings together a wide range of national marine industry associations into one global organisation and represents them at an international level, presenting a strong and united voice when dealing with issues challenging the industry. ICOMIA has been an active advocate for the international marine industry since 1966, working with authorities, regulatory bodies and related organisations to facilitate and encourage the growth of the worldwide recreational marine industry whilst keeping on top of policies and guidance to ensure the promotion, protection and growth of the industry.

About Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets

As host of the IWMC 2027, Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets brings decades of unparalleled experience in China’s exhibition and trade industry. Established in 1998 as a joint venture between Informa PLC (UK) and Shanghai Hua-Zhan International Exhibition Co., Ltd., the company is a pioneer in the Chinese MICE sector. With a rich portfolio of over 70 annual events serving 1.31 million global buyers, Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets possesses the deep local knowledge and professional expertise to connect international brands with the Chinese market effectively. The company’s involvement ensures that the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 will be the ideal platform for global businesses to successfully enter and expand within China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.