6 August 2024
by British MarineThe Southampton International Boat Show is delighted to announce the panellists for the panel and networking event on Women in Marine Day, sponsored by DF Capital, which returns to the show on Thursday, 19 September 2024. This day-long celebration highlights the significant contributions of women in the marine industry and provides a platform for networking, inspiration, and professional growth.
The highly anticipated panel discussion and networking session is the cornerstone of Women in Marine Day. Entitled ‘Empowering Tomorrow: Inspiring the Next Generation and Shaping Our Future,’ the panel will discuss how gender diversity can drive better decision-making and innovation, highlighting successful case studies where female leadership has made significant impact. Additionally, the session will explore effective strategies for mentoring and supporting women at various stages of their careers, from students to top executives, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent and leadership for the future of the marine industry.
Hosted by Hollie Smith, Operations Director at Navis Consulting, Founder of Boatbuilding News and host of the popular Boatbuilding News: The Podcast, our esteemed line up of panellists includes:
Debbie Hood – CEO, Enigma Power Boats
Debbie is the CEO and Founder of Enigma Powerboats Ltd, based in Portsmouth, manufacturing 38-45 ft Super Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for the luxury leisure, commercial, and military sectors. Debbie's visionary leadership, alongside her business partner Phil, is propelling the company to revolutionise the RIB market by merging supercar design principles with marine engineering. This innovative approach has resulted in the creation of Enigma RIBs, renowned for their exceptional safety, comfort, and cutting-edge aesthetics.
With a career deeply rooted in the UK's powerboat racing scene, Debbie’s passion extends beyond mere design to focus on the end-user experience, ensuring that each Enigma boat delivers beyond its aesthetic appeal. Her commitment to excellence in British manufacturing is evident in her efforts to support local suppliers, collaborate across diverse industries, and champion apprenticeships and British exports. Beyond her professional pursuits, Debbie is a professional ice skater.
ill Rodrigues – Director at International Partnerships, International SeaKeepers Society
Gill has been with The International SeaKeepers Society since 2013, first based in Miami and now London. With over 20 years' non-profit experience across ocean conservation, environmental research, and education, her skills include academic research initiatives, relationship building, and stewardship. Working closely with the private international yachting community, Gill is Director of International Relations for SeaKeepers and heads up the UK/European office in London. Her focus is on growing SeaKeepers’ existing relationships, creating new partnerships, and expanding SeaKeepers’ international reach. Previously, Gill worked with Florida International University within the College of Arts Science and Education and the ANGARI Foundation.
Abby Emery – Project Manager, Oyster Yachts
Abby has a wealth of experience within the marine industry having started her career as a deckhand on superyachts at just 19. Despite the challenges and a few setbacks, Abby’s hard working and dedicated approach saw her rise through the ranks to become a captain of 80ft+ yachts at just 26. After 12 adventurous years at sea, sailing over 120,000 nautical miles, it was time for her to set down some roots, so Abby transitioned to life on land. Now a Project Manager at Oyster Yachts, she loves being able to use her extensive maritime knowledge and her exceptional people skills to help guide clients through the process of building their dream yachts. Abby is a staunch advocate for equal opportunities in the marine industry and has mentored and supported many women and minorities in pursuing similar goals.
Angela Goulding – Managing Director – Powersports, DF Capital
Angela brings over 18 years of experience in the financial and banking sectors to her role. She is responsible for the division’s full accountability and the management of relationships with dealer and manufacturer partners. Prior to joining DF Capital, Angela was a Strategic Relationship Manager for the European marine business line at Wells Fargo and previously served as Head of Marketing for GE Capital’s inventory finance division in Europe. Her extensive background includes various roles in sales, strategy, and marketing.
“We are delighted to have such a diverse and experienced group of women leading this year’s panel discussion”, commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show. “Their collective expertise and insights will undoubtedly inspire and empower the next generation of marine industry professionals and is testament to the significant strides we are making towards greater gender diversity and inclusivity within the sector.”
Immediately following the panel, there will be the opportunity to enjoy a glass of fizz and some nibbles and continue the conversations and connect with industry peers in an inspiring networking session. It’s the perfect chance to mingle with top professionals and emerging talent in the marine sector.
This year the panel discussion and networking session, which is open to all, will take place onboard Blue Funnel’s mini cruise ship, the ‘Ocean Scene,’ offering a unique and inspiring setting.
- Date: Thursday, 19 September 2024
- Venue: Southampton International Boat Show, Ocean Scene, Berth M382
- Time: Boarding 16.00 | Cast off for panel discussion and start of networking event approx. 16.15 | Return to berth for approx. 17.15 | Networking event ends 18.00
Register today to secure your place at this empowering and enlightening event, visit: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/women-in-marine/
Tickets to the show are sold separately.
Throughout the day, Hollie with also be hosting a series of engaging talks from leading industry figures on the Foredeck Stage. The lineup already includes four-time Paralympian (Sailing), Triple World Champion, Motivational Speaker and Coach, Hannah Stodel who will be sharing her personal sailing experiences and her thoughts on inclusivity in boating.
Sophie Horne, Founder and Chair at SeaBird Technologies and head designer of the RaceBird, the race boat of electric powerboat championship E1 Series, about her journey with Seabird and the launch of E1.
Rowan Wood who by the age of 18 has sailed over 20,000 sea miles with her family, from the Greek Islands in the Mediterranean to Raja Ampat Islands in the Indo Pacific Region. Rowan will be speaking about why it’s so crucial we encourage the next generation to embrace the cruising lifestyle and how we can make it happen.
Join us at the 2024 Women in Marine Day for a celebration of learning, professional networking, and empowerment. Open to all, this is a unique opportunity to connect with pioneers and peers in the marine industry.
For more information, updates on speakers, and registration details, please visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/women-in-marine/
Women in Marine is sponsored by DF Capital and supported by Marine Industry News, Barrus, Barton Marine and Haven Knox-Johnston.
About Southampton International Boat Show
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Don’t forget, with every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus new for 2024, Young adults aged 18-21 also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children's Hospital, one of the top children's hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children's hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show updates.