Trade Tuesday is set to return to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) for its fourth year, bringing together marine professionals for a morning of industry discussions, expert presentations and networking opportunities.
The event will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during the Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from September 18 to 27, 2026.
A Morning Focused on the Marine Industry
Trade Tuesday will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the British Marine Trade Lounge in the New Wave Hall, followed by a networking lunch.
The free event will bring together professionals from across the marine sector to discuss important business topics, including sustainability, exporting, insurance and claims, business practices and industry challenges.
The programme will begin with a networking breakfast alongside the British Marine South and Isle of Wight Annual General Meeting and the British Marine Trades Association AGM.
Industry Leaders and Expert Speakers
The formal programme will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome from Ben Taylor, chair of the Marine Trade Association and founder and director of Taylor Media.
Attendees will also hear from Earle Stanner, the new CEO of British Marine, who is expected to introduce himself to members and discuss the opportunities for collaboration and engagement across the sector.
One of the highlights of the programme will be a keynote presentation from Alex Krol, an Invictus Games gold medallist. The session will focus on perseverance, resilience and overcoming adversity.
Sessions Cover Insurance, Regulation and Sustainability
Trade Tuesday 2026 will feature a range of presentations designed to provide practical insights for marine businesses.
Representatives from Sedgwick will discuss good business practices related to insurance policies and claims. Phillip Easthill of European Boating Industry will provide an update on upcoming UK and European Union regulatory changes that could affect marine businesses.
Sustainability will also be a major focus. Tom Dowdell, head of marketing at Williams Jet Tenders and Evene Jet Tenders, will present a case study exploring how businesses can incorporate environmental objectives into their operations.
The programme will conclude with a networking lunch, giving attendees an additional opportunity to connect with industry professionals and discuss the topics presented throughout the morning.
Trade Tuesday 2026 Programme
- 8:00 a.m. – Networking breakfast
- 9:30 a.m. – Welcome to Trade Tuesday with Ben Taylor
- 9:40 a.m. – Meet British Marine’s new CEO, Earle Stanner
- 10:00 a.m. – Keynote address on perseverance with Alex Krol
- 10:30 a.m. – Coffee and networking break
- 10:45 a.m. – Insurance policies and claims session with Sedgwick
- 11:00 a.m. – European industry session with Phillip Easthill
- 11:30 a.m. – Sustainability case study with Tom Dowdell
- 12:00 p.m. – Networking lunch
How to Attend Trade Tuesday 2026
Trade Tuesday is free to attend, although spaces are limited and advance registration is recommended. Attendees will also need a valid ticket for the Southampton International Boat Show.
The event takes place at Mayflower Park, where the wider Southampton International Boat Show will feature businesses, products and activities from across the marine industry.
Separate admission tickets are available for the show, including standard day tickets and Marine Trade Tickets. The Marine Trade Ticket provides weekday access, entry through the Trade Gate and access to the British Marine Trade Lounge.
Why Trade Tuesday Matters for Marine Professionals
Industry events continue to play an important role in helping businesses build professional relationships, share knowledge and stay informed about marine industry developments and innovations. Professionals interested in the latest developments across the sector can also explore 47 innovations selected for the Cannes Yachting Festival, offering another perspective on how new ideas and products are shaping the marine industry.
Trade Tuesday provides a focused opportunity for professionals to discuss issues affecting the marine sector while connecting with business leaders, suppliers, industry organizations and fellow professionals.
The combination of presentations and networking also allows attendees to gain practical insights while exploring potential partnerships and business opportunities.
Conclusion
Trade Tuesday 2026 is expected to be an important networking and knowledge-sharing event for professionals attending the Southampton International Boat Show. With sessions covering resilience, insurance, regulation, sustainability and business practices, the programme offers a broad overview of topics relevant to today’s marine sector.
For marine professionals visiting SIBS, the event provides an opportunity to hear from industry experts, meet sector leaders and build valuable connections in a dedicated trade-focused environment.
FAQs
Trade Tuesday will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during the Southampton International Boat Show.
Yes, Trade Tuesday is free to attend, but places are limited and advance registration is recommended. Attendees must also have a valid ticket for the Southampton International Boat Show.
The programme will cover topics including perseverance, insurance and claims, UK and EU regulatory changes, sustainability, business practices and networking opportunities.
