The 57th edition of Boot Düsseldorf opened this past weekend. Düsseldorf Mayor Stephan Keller, trade fair managing director Marius Berlemann, State Secretary Christian Hirte and European Boating Industry president Robert Marx inaugurated, underscoring the show’s role as a global stage for innovation and an economic engine for the region. Hirte noted that Germany benefits from more than 10,000 kilometers of federal waterways, reinforcing the importance of boating and water sports.
The boat show runs through Jan. 25 and showcases many segments of the blue economy, from powerboats, sailboats and yachts to diving, surfing, paddling, fishing, watersports and tourism. It spans more than 1 million square feet and includes 1,500 exhibitors, with 200,000 attendees expected.
Day one included the launch of the Blue Innovation Dock, organized by the European Boating Industry, with support from Groupe Beneteau and Brunswick Corp. Programming began with a discussion between Marcus Krall, founder of Krall Media, and Brunswick CEO David Foulkes. Their session ranged from the implications of global tariffs and the integration of AI to Brunswick’s presence at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and expectations for 2026 and beyond.
The program continued with a panel examining competitiveness, innovation and the policy conditions required to strengthen Europe’s marine sector. Panelists included Foulkes, Groupe Beneteau CEO Bruno Thivoyon, Portugal Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea Salvador Malheiro, European Parliament member Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, and Felix Leinemann, head of unit for blue economy sectors at the European Commission.
The day concluded with “The Year Ahead,” a session featuring leading voices from the global marine media, including Andrea Dini, managing director of Investor Media Monaco; Jochen Reiker, editor-at-Large of Yacht magazine; and Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group. Discussions focused on innovation, appealing to the next generation, industry challenges, the outlook for the year, and the future of the media landscape.
Programming at the Blue Innovation Dock will continue throughout the show, with insights into the future of the boating industry.
Next year’s Düsseldorf show is scheduled for Jan. 23-31.
