A few weeks before the opening of the world’s leading superyacht event, Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, emphasises the role of the event in the growth of the sector
by Andrea Dini
The MYS 2023 is expected to be a historic edition in terms of numbers and participation. How do you live this moment? What are your expectations? As Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, I am particularly excited about the 2023 edition, in terms of our dedication to sustainability. We are fully committed to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of the show, and this has become a cornerstone of our event. Our expectations for the 2023 edition include showcasing innovative solutions and technologies that promote sustainability in the yachting industry. We aim to raise awareness about environmental challenges and inspire positive change within the sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, exhibitors, and attendees, we have a unique opportunity to drive the conversation around sustainability and shape the future of yachting.
MYS is an event that is constantly growing and evolving. How has it changed and transformed over the last 10 years? In recent years, the Monaco Yacht Show has undergone significant changes in its overall strategy to attract end clients to the yachting industry. We have introduced initiatives such as a dedicated day for private clients, on Wednesday, and developed new thematic exhibition areas to offer more immersive and personalized experiences that are more focused on their needs and interests. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability demonstrates our concern for preserving the environment and encouraging responsible practices within the yachting industry.
«OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY IS AN EXPRESSION OF OUR CONCERN FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE PROMOTION OF RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES WITHIN THE YACHTING INDUSTRY».
GAËLLE TALLARIDA
photo by Valeria Maselli.
What are the main projects for the 2023 edition? What is the news? The main highlight of the 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show is the exclusive world premiere unveiling of the latest superyachts. It is the only international event where private clients can discover and visit these new superyachts first-hand. Alongside this, the show will continue its commitment to sustainability through the Sustainability Hub and Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, showcasing eco-friendly solutions and innovative yacht designs. The event will also feature conferences, workshops, and interactive sessions, providing valuable insights into design trends and technological advancements. Overall, the 2023 edition offers a unique opportunity for private clients to explore new superyachts and experience the pinnacle of the yachting industry.
«THE PRESENCE OF YACHT OWNERS, BROKERS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTION. YACHTS CAN BE DISPLAYED, SPECIFICATIONS DISCUSSED AND RELATIONSHIPS BUILT».
Will there be any major sustainability initiatives in this edition? Which ones? What’s new? The Monaco Yacht Show continues to prioritize sustainability initiatives for this edition, with a strong focus on promoting eco-friendly practices. Exhibitors are actively encouraged to align with the show’s commitment to sustainability by embracing eco-friendly technologies, materials, and practices. The Sustainability Hub, launched last year, serves as a platform to showcase sustainable solutions and innovations in the yachting industry. By highlighting these advancements and encouraging exhibitors to participate, the show aims to inspire and drive positive change within the industry. The commitment to sustainability relies on the collective responsibility of exhibitors to follow and support the show’s environmental initiatives, fostering a more eco-conscious future for the yachting industry.
What is the composition of the MYS team and how many people are involved in the operational phase? The Monaco Yacht Show’s work team is composed of approximately 20 dedicated individuals who work year-round in the preparation of the event.This team is responsible for the strategic and operational phases of the show, ensuring its smooth execution and successful implementation. Their expertise and collective efforts contribute to the seamless organization and management of the Monaco Yacht Show, making it a world-class event in the yachting industry.
The last edition saw 117 superyachts exhibited, 19,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors.
«THE MONACO YACHT SHOW IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO, COMPARABLE
TO THE F1 GRAND PRIX».
MYS is one of the most important events for the Principality of Monaco, comparable to F1GP, as a showcase and also in terms of economic impact. What kind of support do you get from the Monegasque government and how does the population of the Principality react to this event? The Monaco Yacht Show is indeed one of the most significant events for the Principality of Monaco, comparable to the Formula 1 Grand Prix. We receive strong support from the Monegasque Government, which recognizes the economic and promotional value of the event. The government provides various forms of support, including logistical assistance, security measures, and facilitating collaborations with local businesses. The population of Monaco generally welcomes the event with enthusiasm, as it brings international attention to the principality and boosts the local economy.
The yachting industry is one of the Principality’s main economic drivers, how important is MYS to the various yachting companies based in the Principality? The MYS holds great importance for the numerous yachting companies based in the Principality of Monaco. It serves as a global platform for these companies to showcase their products, services, and expertise to a highly targeted audience of yacht owners, buyers, and industry professionals. The event offers unparalleled networking opportunities and facilitates business transactions at the highest levels. It helps establish Monaco as an international hub for the yachting industry and contributes significantly to its economic vitality.
In order to make the sector even more environmentally friendly, the Monaco Yacht Show is dedicating an area to sustainability, the Sustainability Hub.
Over the years, MYS has evolved from a pure B2C superyacht show to a showcase and B2B event linked to luxury, where the superyacht sector has become a platform for all companies and industries involved to interact at the highest level. How are you managing these two different phases of MYS? B2C and B2B at the same time. What are you doing to keep both at the highest level? The dual nature of the Monaco Yacht Show as both a B2C and B2B event is indeed a unique aspect of our approach. To maintain the highest levels in both segments, we adopt a comprehensive strategy. For the B2C aspect, we focus on creating an exceptional experience for yacht owners, enthusiasts, and the general public. We curate an impressive fleet of superyachts, offer exclusive events, and provide opportunities for direct engagement with the exhibitors. For the B2B component, we organize dedicated programs, conferences, and networking events that cater to industry professionals, fostering collaboration and business development.
Superyachts are still sold on the spot at boat shows or events, as the MYS is used to activate or conclude the long negotiations that are normally required for yachts of this size. The sale of superyachts at yacht shows like the Monaco Yacht Show is still prevalent. While long negotiations and finalizations may not always occur on-site, yacht shows serve as a crucial platform to initiate and advance such negotiations. The presence of yacht owners, brokers and industry professionals provides a unique opportunity for face-to-face interaction to showcase yachts, discuss specifications and build relationships.
Thanks to the Sea Index, the Principality aims to become a centre of excellence and innovation for the luxury hull sector, encouraging the industry to research and propose solutions to reduce the environmental impact of XXL boats.
How has the participation of charter and brokerage companies changed, given the increasing difficulty in making superyachts available for the show due to increased private use by owners? The participation of Charter and Brokerage companies at the Monaco Yacht Show has adjusted due to increased private usage of superyachts by owners. While yacht availability may pose challenges, the number of yachts presented by brokerage firms has remained stable. These companies now emphasize their expertise, services, and industry relationships. The event serves as a platform for showcasing their capabilities, establishing valuable connections, and highlighting their unique value proposition. Despite evolving circumstances, Charter and Brokerage companies adapt their approach to actively participate in the show, engage potential clients, and contribute to the dynamic yachting industry showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show.
(Gaëlle Tallarida, Drive for innovation – Barcheamagazine.com – August 2023)
