Organisers of boot Düsseldorf have revealed details of the Blue Innovation Dock (BID), which will be presented at boot Düsseldorf from 17 to 25 January 2026.
BID is billed as a platform bringing together policymakers, industry bodies, researchers and water sports participants to examine developments in the maritime sector. The programme, jointly organised by boot Düsseldorf and the European Boating Industry (EBI) since 2023, will take place in Hall 10 and is designed to reflect the sector’s role in European climate, industrial and tourism policy.
The 2026 edition builds on last year’s event and introduces a programme covering sustainability, decarbonisation, marina infrastructure, nautical tourism, circular materials, composite recycling, design, retrofitting, digitalisation, AI and competitive sailing.
Speakers will include representatives from EU institutions, national authorities, the private sector, research bodies and sport. Confirmed attendees include Members of the European Parliament Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Andreas Schwab, along with Andreea Staicu, head of the tourism sector at the European Commission.
It also features panel discussions, keynote interviews and presentations involving organisations and individuals working across the European maritime landscape.
Support for the initiative comes from partners including Beneteau Group, Brunswick Corporation and Sanlorenzo.
David Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation, will deliver the opening remarks in an interview with Marcus Krall. Other expected contributors include Dr Prof Phil Klaus of the International University of Monaco, Prof Felix Leach of the University of Oxford, Lea Jordan and Julia Minici of Afterwind. The consumer-focused programme will feature Emily Penn, Lukas Haitzmann, Boris Herrmann and André Wirsig, alongside organisations such as SailGP and Geomar.
“The Blue Innovation Dock is the established presentation and networking platform for the maritime industry,” says boot director Petros Michelidakis. “It shows that boot brings together all the trades responsible for a functioning economy and an agile water sports industry at one time and in one place. This is where demands on European politics are manifested, visions are presented and exciting technologies are showcased. We can look forward to nine days of intensive knowledge and expertise transfer in Hall 10.”
EBI president Robert Marx adds: “The Blue Innovation Dock has become a strategic platform where the most important discussions in our industry take place. Together with boot Düsseldorf, we are strengthening the bridge between industry and politics and helping to lead the European boat industry on a more sustainable, competitive and future-proof path.
“This collaboration enables us to showcase innovations, strengthen the industry’s priorities at European level and ensure that the voices of businesses, marinas, manufacturers, water sports enthusiasts and environmental leaders are heard. By bringing all these players together under one roof, we are shaping concrete solutions that will shape the development of the boating ecosystem for years to come.”
The full programme for the 2026 edition will be published in early December.
boot Düsseldorf records more than 200,000 visitors from over 100 countries and around 1,500 exhibitors across 220,000 square metres in Halls 1 to 17. It showcases a range of boats, equipment and water sports disciplines alongside workshops, demonstrations and conservation-focused initiatives. The next edition will take place from 17 to 25 January 2026.
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