Spain

I-Deal Consulting

As the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Superyacht Forum - 2026">Mediterranean Superyacht Forum</a> (MSF) returns to Palma de Mallorca next week, its evolution reflects a wider shift in how the superyacht industry approaches collaboration, strategy and long-term growth. Hosted by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7977" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balearic Marine Cluster (Company)">Balearic Marine Cluster</a> (BMC), the forum continues to move beyond the traditional conference model, placing meaningful interaction at the centre of its agenda.At the core of this transformation are the small group sessions (SGS), a structured and highly participative format designed to turn industry expertise into tangible outcomes. Bringing together around 20 professionals per session, these discussions are not simply about exchanging ideas, but about building frameworks, strategies and shared understanding that can actively shape the future of the Mediterranean yachting sector.“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Superyacht Forum - 2026">Mediterranean Superyacht Forum</a> was never conceived as another conference,” says Pedro Suasi, Cluster Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7977" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balearic Marine Cluster (Company)">BMC</a> and Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Superyacht Forum - 2026">MSF</a>. “It was designed as a space where the industry can slow down, listen to itself, and work collectively on the challenges that truly matter.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388016/image/large-b0117b9d605c5e2721837f76721aebf6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388016">From conversation to actionable insightThe introduction of SGS reflects a deliberate move away from passive formats and towards a more engaged, outcome-driven structure. Each session is carefully curated around one of three strategic pillars: 1. Destination Strategy, 2. Business Strategy and 3. Commercial Strategy. These three pillars help ensure that discussions remain focused on the most pressing issues facing the industry today.Unlike traditional panel discussions, these sessions are designed to foster genuine dialogue. Participants are encouraged to challenge assumptions, share first-hand experience and collectively develop structured conclusions. With up to three hours dedicated to each session, there is both the time and the space to explore complex topics in depth.“Panels inform, but interaction transforms,” Suasi explains. “This year’s Forum is designed to ensure that every voice in the room can actively shape the discussion.”The outcome of each session is not left abstract. Instead, every group works towards a defined result, whether that is a strategic framework, a diagnostic tool or a roadmap for future action. These outputs are then fed into the Forum’s Think Tanks on Day 2, where insights are synthesised and expanded upon at a broader, industry-wide level.This structured approach ensures that ideas generated within smaller groups do not remain isolated, but contribute to a collective narrative capable of driving real progress.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383493/image/large-c123f173504eb91125282cbb660aba1d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383493">Tackling the industry’s most pressing themesAcross the three strategic pillars, the SGS programme addresses a wide spectrum of topics, reflecting the complexity and interconnected nature of the superyacht ecosystem.Within Destination Strategy, discussions range from analysing the true economic and social impact of yachting , led by Kerry Allerton, Business Development Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evolution Yacht Agents (Company)">Evolution Yacht Agents</a>, to rethinking how destinations can evolve into fully integrated yachting hubs, led by Isabel Martínez, Commercial Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IPM IMG Marine Group (Company)">IPM-IMG Marine Group</a>. Sessions will also explore long-term preparedness through forward-looking exercises such as “Designing for 2036”, led by Camille Lopez, the Founding President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="HY-Plug (Company)">Hy-Plug</a>, as well as the importance of strengthening collaboration across Mediterranean destinations to create a more cohesive regional network, led by Jessima Timerberlake, Senior Sales Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>.These conversations are particularly timely. As regulatory pressures increase and public scrutiny around yachting intensifies, destinations are being challenged to clearly articulate their value proposition while adapting to future demands. By developing structured narratives and readiness frameworks, participants can contribute to a more unified and credible positioning of the sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383495/image/large-e8d771f80e4a062edb85e7416701ee0c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383495">The Business Strategy pillar shifts focus towards the operational backbone of the industry, with a strong emphasis on the refit ecosystem. Topics include building a connected digital culture, which will be led by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7941" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MB92 Group (Company)">MB92</a>’s IT and Digitalisation Director Rubén Carmona, addressing talent management in labour-intensive environments, led by Paul Grüni, Production Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros de Mallorca S.A. (Company)">Astilleros de Mallorca</a>, and ensuring business continuity beyond founder-led structures, led by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8216" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautipaints Group (Company)">Nautipaints</a>’ Deputy General Manager, Joan Salom.These discussions recognise a critical reality: sustainable growth in the superyacht sector depends not only on market demand, but also on the industry’s ability to professionalise, innovate and attract skilled talent. By examining areas such as digital integration and workforce strategy, the SGS aim to provide practical tools that businesses can apply directly within their operations.The influence of external capital is also a key theme, and will see Gloria Fernández, the M&amp;A Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8800" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="I-Deal Consulting (Company)">i-Deal</a> lead the discussion. As private investment continues to reshape the yachting landscape, understanding how to balance growth, control and long-term value creation has become increasingly important. Through structured analysis, participants will explore how companies can adapt to this evolving financial environment while maintaining strategic clarity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383494/image/large-933b1bdbd29e539d81081d33fddef330.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383494">In the Commercial Strategy sessions, attention turns to how companies position themselves within the superyacht value chain. These discussions aim to demystify the commercial process, from defining the true ‘product’ of marinas and shipyards to understanding the complex decision-making dynamics between owners, captains and management companies, led by Antonella della Pietra, Managing Partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BWA Yachting (Company)">BWA Yachting</a>.Equally important is the focus on sales strategy, a session that will be led by Ione Astondoa, COO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>, as well as owner experience, led by Francisco Villalobos, VCP Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="D-Marin (Company)">D-Marin</a>. By identifying high-impact actions and clarifying who shapes perception at each stage of the yacht lifecycle, participants can develop more targeted and effective approaches to growth. The result is not only stronger commercial performance, but also improved alignment across stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the owner journey.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/340801/image/large-05c98524da27c7331a578995c9bf1670.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/340801">A format built on listening and collaborationOne of the defining characteristics of the SGS programme is its foundation in industry input. Rather than imposing topics from the outset, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7977" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balearic Marine Cluster (Company)">BMC</a> has worked closely with stakeholders across the Mediterranean to identify the issues that matter most. “Rather than imposing topics, we listened to the industry first,” Suasi notes. “The agenda is a direct reflection of real concerns coming from the Mediterranean superyacht ecosystem.”This consultative approach reinforces the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Superyacht Forum - 2026">Forum</a>’s role as a platform shaped by its participants. It also ensures that discussions remain grounded in real-world challenges, increasing the likelihood that proposed solutions will be both relevant and implementable.By bringing together a diverse mix of professionals - from shipyards and marinas to designers, brokers, investors and owner representatives - the SGS create an environment where multiple perspectives can converge. This diversity is essential in an industry where decisions are rarely made in isolation and where collaboration often determines success.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/340809/image/large-4dfc84a13dc25589b7ab130636880e51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/340809">Building momentum for the MediterraneanThe emphasis on interaction is not simply a matter of format; it reflects a broader recognition of what the industry needs at this moment in time. Faced with evolving regulations, sustainability pressures and shifting client expectations, the superyacht sector must move beyond fragmented thinking and towards greater alignment. “The Forum exists because the industry needs a place where dialogue is not performative, but productive,” Suasi adds.By creating structured opportunities for collaboration, the SGS aim to bridge gaps between different segments of the industry and foster a more cohesive approach to shared challenges. The expectation is that this will lead not only to stronger strategies, but also to new partnerships and initiatives that extend beyond the Forum itself.As the Mediterranean continues to position itself as a leading global yachting hub, this kind of collective thinking becomes increasingly important. Strengthening the region’s competitiveness requires more than individual excellence; it demands coordinated effort, shared vision and a willingness to engage in open, constructive dialogue.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303470/image/large-5caff6355fcf4c8bb5fe159ca515b061.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303470">Looking aheadThe Small Group Sessions represent a significant step forward in how industry events can deliver value. By combining focused discussion with clearly defined outcomes, they offer a model for turning expertise into action.As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Superyacht Forum - 2026">MSF</a> continues to evolve, its commitment to participation, relevance and tangible results sets it apart within the superyacht calendar. For those attending, the opportunity is clear: to contribute not just to conversation, but to the frameworks and strategies that will shape the future of the Mediterranean yachting sector.In Palma this April, the message is simple: the future of yachting will not be decided on stage, but around the table.

Mediterranean Superyacht Forum small group sessions

The Mediterranean Superyacht Forum returns to Palma next week, hosted by the Balearic Marine Cluster.