Organisers of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show are betting on a new badge system to better connect visitors and exhibitors and take the flagship event to another level.
After a forced hiatus due to Covid last year, the Informa Group, owner of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), says it has made good use of the time and is looking at the yachting industry and where it is headed with fresh eyes.
In a statement released this week, the group says that it has decided to redesign the event to “rise to the commercial and marketing challenges facing the market.”
In order to make the overall experience clearer to visitors and professionals, a new three-category system is being introduced. There will be a Discover badge for yacht clients, an Advise badge for their advisors and consultants, and a Connect badge for trade visitors.
The badges will show the profile of each visitor so that the right people can connect on sight.
Buyers can therefore suss out designers and builders at a glance, whilst their captains and reps can readily find equipment manufacturers, for example.
“On Wednesday 22nd September, the Dockside Area will be open to Discover and Advise badges only, so that these categories of visitor can meet with shipyards, yacht brokers, designers or tender manufacturers in a more intimate and personalised environment,” indicated the organiser in a press statement. “From Thursday onwards, the Dockside Area will be open to all participants.”
The system will help visitor flow and reduce crowd sizes, an important requirement in the current times.
Meanwhile, in an effort to include more personalised experiences, Informa will introduce the ‘Sapphire Experience’, a VIP programme which includes activities at both the show and in the city for superyacht owners, charterers and potential clients.
Another upgrade is being made to the exhibition areas, which will be renamed to make it easier for visitors to find their way around. They are also adding new sections dedicated to innovative projects and trends in sailing, design and exploration, with the idea that the programme will grow over the coming years to include a range of activities that reflect life on board a superyacht.
The group said that it’s main priority is to safeguard the health of participants, therefore it will implement all necessary health measures, guided by its AllSecure programme and health regulations issued by the Monaco’s government.
The Monaco Yacht Show will run from 22nd to 25th September.
 
Photo by MYS