From team leadership to eco-friendly innovation, Gaëlle Tallarida discusses her role in shaping the Monaco Yacht Show into a world-class event and how it continues to redefine luxury yachting.
Established in 1991 as a broker-focused event, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) has grown into one of the world’s premier superyacht showcases. It returns to Port Hercules from 25th to 28th September for its 33rd edition.
Gaëlle Tallarida, involved with MYS since its early days and managing director since 2010, has been instrumental in its success. Under her leadership, the show attracts over 27,000 visitors annually, including top industry figures and enthusiasts.
The total value of yachts at MYS 2023 was around €4.3 billion, showcasing 117 yachts, with nearly half brand new. This year, over 120 superyachts and 60 tenders will be displayed, with more than 20 entries over 50 meters.
The global superyacht market, valued at USD $19.44 billion in 2024, is forecasted to reach USD $40.17 billion by 2031. The rise in high-net-worth individuals worldwide has driven the industry’s growth, as superyachts symbolize the ultimate status for luxury-seeking consumers.
Monaco Life’s Features Journalist, Celina Lafuente de Lavotha, spoke to Gaëlle Tallarida about her career, her impact on MYS, and the show’s future.
Monaco Life: What attracted you to work in event management?
Gaëlle Tallarida: My passion for organising events began at a very early age, with a memorable experience in business school where I organised a national theatre festival for students from business and engineering schools. This initial thrill for event coordination naturally led me to extend my ambition to work for a world-class event. I joined the Monaco Yacht Show in 1998 after completing my master’s in business and marketing at Skema Business School. Becoming Managing Director in 2010 allowed me to channel that passion into making the Monaco Yacht Show the leading event in the superyacht sector. I’m proud to combine my love for event planning with the dynamic world of yachting.
What are your primary responsibilities?
Since my early days at the Monaco Yacht Show and my subsequent appointment as Managing Director in 2010, my primary responsibility has been to oversee the entire event. Organising such a prestigious show demands meticulous planning and execution. I work closely with our dedicated teams to ensure every detail is carefully considered and every aspect of the event meets our high standards. Our constant communication with exhibitors, partners, and local institutions ensures a seamless experience. Our focus is on maintaining the show’s position at the forefront of the yachting industry, ensuring it evolves with the market while consistently delivering the best quality.
They say you’re only as strong as the team around you. Please tell us about the people in your squad.
Our team, consisting of 20 dedicated professionals, each brings unique expertise to different areas. What unites us is a shared vision for the Monaco Yacht Show. We are grouped into specialist teams, who work seamlessly together to ensure every aspect of the event is meticulously planned and executed. Each member’s crucial role in delivering an exceptional experience, from logistics to marketing, strengthens our team, and the Monaco Yacht Show is the world-class event it is.
How did you help increase the show’s success and growth?
Our team contributed to the Monaco Yacht Show’s success by maintaining constant communication with exhibitors and partners throughout the year. By listening to their needs and understanding their goals, we refined the event, offering a platform that aligns perfectly with the growth and development of their activities. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the MYS remains relevant, innovative, and valuable, driving its continued growth and reinforcing its position as the premier event in the yachting industry.
What changes have you introduced while at the helm of MYS?
Since I took over as Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, I have introduced many new features to enhance the overall show experience. One of these is the Upper Deck Lounge, an exhibition and lounge space dedicated to showcasing major luxury brands in a sophisticated and exclusive setting. Another highlight is the luxury car exhibition in the Adventure area, which beautifully integrates the world of yachting with other high-end markets, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
In 2022, we launched the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, a dedicated space to showcase cutting-edge yacht design and technology, providing a platform for industry leaders to present their latest innovations and for visitors to experience the future of yachting. The same year, we created the Sustainability Hub to promote environmentally friendly practices and underline Monaco Yacht Show’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This hub features a range of initiatives and exhibits that highlight the importance of sustainability in the industry and inspire positive change.
What are your ongoing goals for an eco-responsible MYS?
We continuously work to reduce our environmental impact by implementing more eco-friendly practices across all aspects of the event. We also use the show to promote sustainable solutions and innovations within the industry. We aim to drive positive change and contribute to global conservation efforts by partnering with key organisations and supporting environmental initiatives. This commitment to sustainability is critical to our ongoing goals for the Monaco Yacht Show.
What are the demands of organising such a show on land and water?
Organising the world’s greatest on-land and in-water superyacht event in the heart of one of the tiniest countries presents unique challenges that require unparalleled logistical precision. Coordinating such a massive event in Monaco involves close collaboration with local institutions, port authorities, and event suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly, from the setup of the exhibition space to the management of visitor flow. Our goal is to deliver an extraordinary show while ensuring that the daily life of Monaco’s residents remains as undisturbed as possible. This delicate balance demands meticulous planning and a strong partnership with the local community, making the Monaco Yacht Show a remarkable feat of coordination and excellence.
What makes the show in Monaco unique and special?
The Monaco Yacht Show is like the horological equivalent at sea, where each detail, much like the intricate gears of a high-precision timepiece, is meticulously crafted. This iconic event brings together the industry elite in the opulent setting of Monaco, perfectly blending business, innovation, and prestige. With an exclusive programme of events, global promotion, and flawless organisation, the MYS is not just a show—it’s the beating heart of luxury and excellence in the yachting world.
Which are the top superyachts expected to participate in 2024?
The 2024 Monaco Yacht Show will feature 120 superyachts, including eight vessels over 70 meters and 48 brand-new deliveries. The largest yacht, Kismet by Lürssen, measures an impressive 123 meters. With such a diverse collection of 120 unique and remarkable models, it’s challenging to single out a definitive top list of yachts. These figures emphasise the exceptional quality of this year’s exhibition and reflect the ongoing evolution in yacht design. The participation of 48 new deliveries underscores the industry’s recognition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) as the premier platform to showcase their masterpieces to the world.
What are your job’s toughest challenges and most rewarding aspects?
The most difficult challenge in my job is balancing the complex logistics of organising such a high-profile event while ensuring that every detail aligns with our vision of excellence and meets our clients’ expectations. Coordinating with numerous stakeholders and managing the requirements of the Monaco Yacht Show is very complex. However, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the event come to life and the positive impact it has on the yachting industry. Seeing the hard work of our team result in a successful show where innovation, luxury, and sustainability come together makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Can you share some novelties expected during this 33rd edition of MYS?
The 33rd edition of the Monaco Yacht Show consolidates its thematic exhibitions—the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub and the Sustainability Hub—for the third year, underscoring our commitment to groundbreaking design and eco-friendly solutions. We’re also introducing a series of conferences focused on design, innovation, and sustainability, providing valuable market intelligence and insights into how the yachting industry addresses environmental responsibilities.
On the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show, you’ll co-host the 2nd edition of The Honours with Superyacht Life. What is the role of this event?
The Honours event, co-hosted with the Superyacht Life Foundation, plays a pivotal role in celebrating and recognising individuals in the superyacht industry who are driving positive change. It honours those who have significantly contributed to sustainability, diversity, innovation, and philanthropy, showcasing the industry’s potential to inspire and impact the world positively. This event highlights the industry’s commitment to progress and the broader good beyond the primary perception of a lifestyle industry.
Please tell us about the Sapphire Experience and the Captain’s and Crew Lounge.
The Sapphire Experience at the Monaco Yacht Show provides VIP guests exclusive access to various luxurious services, including private tours of the most stunning yachts, personalised concierge assistance, and a dedicated lounge with premium amenities. Guests can enjoy bespoke hospitality in an elegant setting, ensuring a unique and memorable experience.
The Captain’s and Crew Lounge provides a stylish retreat for yacht captains and crews, offering relaxation, networking opportunities, and specialised resources to support their professional and social needs. Both enhance the Monaco Yacht Show experience with tailored, premium services.
Where do visitors come from? How do you measure activity at MYS?
Visitors to the Monaco Yacht Show come from around the world and include ultra-high-net-worth individuals, yacht owners, and industry professionals. While we track attendance numbers (27,223 participants in 2023), our focus is on the quality of attendees rather than just the quantity. We aim to connect exemplary visitors with the right exhibitors, ensuring meaningful interactions and valuable opportunities. We emphasize the profiles and interests of our guests to foster productive relationships and enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees.
What is your vision for MYS going forward?
My vision for the Monaco Yacht Show is to solidify its role as the premier marketplace for the super yachting industry, where innovation and excellence are showcased and celebrated as the driving forces for the sector’s future. We aim to elevate MYS as an educational hub offering market intelligence, helping industry leaders and newcomers understand the proactive role of yachting in addressing global challenges, particularly sustainability. By fostering a culture of collaboration and forward-thinking, MYS will continue to be at the forefront of shaping the future of yachting.
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Main photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life