WOMEN IN MARINE INDUSTRY INTERNATIONAL INSPIRES AT METSTRADE 2024 WITH VISIONARY PANEL AND NETWORKING BREAKFAST

25 November 2024

by British Marine

The Women in the Marine Industry International Panel and Networking Breakfast returned to METSTRADE 2024 with resounding success, delivering an inspiring morning of thought-provoking discussion, invaluable networking, and shared insights from some of the most influential female leaders in the global marine industry.

Held on Wednesday, 20 November, in the METSTRADE Theatre at RAI Amsterdam, over 150 attendees gathered to explore the theme "Visions of the Future: The Impact of Technology, AI, and People on the Future of Work."

The panel, moderated by Michele Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of Soundings Trade Only Group, delved into the dynamic intersection of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the critical importance of talent and diversity in shaping the marine sector’s future.

“The Women in the Marine Industry International event is an annual opportunity to gather, learn, share experiences, find inspiration and ask questions in a safe environment. This year’s panel featured visionary female leaders from diverse experiences, skillsets, sectors, geographic and cultural areas. Not only did they share their personal journeys but also how they are utilising cutting edge technologies including AI to push progress in their businesses and the industry. As ever, we want the audience to walk away better informed, digesting new information that may help them in their own businesses and inspired to carve their own path in this industry”, commented Michele.

This year’s esteemed panel featured:

Anne Dunbar, Executive Director of IBEX
Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures
Rhoda Schnitzer, Leadership & Culture Director at Lippert EMEA
Helena Lennerstedt, CEO of Humphree
Jemma Lampkin, Global Business Director at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings

The panellists shared their unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of the marine industry, highlighting how innovation, emerging technologies, communication, leadership and a focus on people-centric strategies are driving change and creating new opportunities.

Speaking of the session Anne Dunbar commented: "This event was fantastic for bringing women in the marine industry together. As we discussed during the session, women are still a minority in this sector, so the more we can get together and empower each other the better. The discussion on AI was particularly relevant, as understanding how to use it effectively and grow businesses is crucial. AI is the next big thing, and companies that embrace it and leverage its potential will move forward the fastest. For the marine industry, this means using AI to build better boats and inspire more people to get out on the water."

While Helena Lennerstedt added: "I was really delighted to be part of this panel. When I was invited to participate, I immediately saw how important it was to showcase the presence and perspectives of women in the marine industry. Discussing topics like AI and leadership while demonstrating that there are senior women making an impact in this field is vital. It’s about inspiring others and showing what’s possible."

The event drew a large crowd of both women and men, who were eager to engage with industry leaders and peers, further enhancing the collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. Many participants expressed their appreciation for such a stimulating event and the opportunity to connect and share experiences during the relaxed networking breakfast session.

"Another great event, as always. Michele consistently brings together a diverse group of women with intelligent insights on what needs to be done for women in the industry. It's fantastic to see so many men in the room because this work is about collaboration, not competition. Men and women must work together, as diversity brings so much more to the table when we combine our unique ideas and perspectives. It’s wonderful to see this event grow. I always enjoy reconnecting with women from last year, and it's a privilege to be connected to so many incredible people in the industry. I truly enjoyed it.", commented Nicky Vaux, The Boat Princess - Podcaster and Advocate for Women in Boating and the Boating Industry.

"I really enjoyed the event. While it’s a shame that we still need demographic-focused events, hopefully, there will come a time when this is no longer the case. The ideas shared for bringing young people into the industry were great, but I believe we need even more initiatives to make this happen. It’s also important to focus on social demographics—those from less privileged backgrounds may face even greater challenges in navigating the industry. We need to ensure young professionals feel they have a place at the table and that there's a seat waiting for them. Overall, it was a fantastic discussion, and I’m excited for next year”, commented Sarah Wallbank, CEO of August Race Worldwide Ltd.

The event also provided the perfect opportunity to introduce ‘Room to Read’, the charity that Women in the Marine Industry International will be supporting throughout 2025. Suzanne Blaustone, CEO of Barton Marine, who spoke about the initiative, shared the charity’s vision for empowering young women through literacy and education, aligning perfectly with vision and mission of Women in the Marine Industry International, of empowering women and providing opportunities to inform, inspire and connect.

Reflecting on the event’s success, British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson concluded by saying: "The Women in the Marine Industry International Panel at METSTRADE has once again demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse voices to discuss the future of our sector. This event not only provides a platform for showcasing the incredible achievements of women in the industry but also offers fresh insights into how technology, AI, and people are reshaping the future of work. It was fantastic to see such high engagement, and I look forward to seeing this event continue to grow year on year. I’m also delighted that we will be supporting Room to Read and their work in empowering young women through education in the year ahead."

Women in the Marine Industry International is hosted by British Marine, Soundings Trade Only, METSTRADE, and Marine Industry News and supported by Barton Marine. For enquiries, please contact: mets@britishmarine.co.uk.

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