Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Milan Sangulin, director of the Biograd Boat Show, to explore how a small Croatian town of just 5,000 residents became home to one of Europe’s most successful international boat shows and a major gateway to the world’s yacht charter industry. Milan shares the show’s remarkable growth from a modest open house in 1999 to a record-setting event that has thrived through economic downturns and the pandemic by prioritizing exhibitor partnerships, simple logistics, and meaningful networking opportunities. Kristina and Milan also discuss the unique atmosphere that blends business with a festival-like experience, where Croatia’s renowned hospitality and vibrant nightlife become an extension of the show itself, fostering lasting relationships long after the exhibition halls close. They conclude with a look at the future of marine events, including expanded B2B opportunities, enhanced meeting programs, and technology designed to connect exhibitors and attendees more effectively year-round.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Anne Dunbar, Executive Director of IBEX, and Mary Vallen, Show Director, to explore why the International BoatBuilders Exhibition and Conference has become one of the marine industry’s most important B2B events. They discuss how IBEX brings together more than 700 exhibitors, technical education, and industry experts to address real-world challenges in boatbuilding, manufacturing, certification, and emerging technologies. Kristina, Anne, and Mary examine how AI, robotics, and connected systems are beginning to reshape marine design, production, and onboard experiences, while helping industry professionals separate practical innovation from hype. The conversation also highlights the broader issues affecting boating’s future, including water access, environmental stewardship, and the industry’s role in supporting smart, sustainable regulations.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Patricia Becker (Metstrade Exhibition Manager) and Sarah Wallbank (August Race and Co-Chair of the ICOMIA/IFBSO Diversity Committee) at the ICOMIA IFBSO Congress in Washington, D.C., to explore what truly attracts new talent to boating and marine industry careers. Their conversation highlights why workforce development must begin long before university, emphasizing early exposure to maritime opportunities, hands-on STEM education, and visible role models who inspire the next generation. Kristina and her guests also discuss practical recruitment strategies, including student-focused trade show programs, mentorship initiatives, and removing socioeconomic barriers that limit access to marine careers. The episode concludes with a look at the Global Women’s Walk supporting Room to Read, upcoming diversity initiatives at Metstrade and Boot Düsseldorf, and what it will take to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the boating industry.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert talks with Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boating and Watersport Events at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, from the ICOMIA IFBSO Congress in Washington, D.C., about how Boot Düsseldorf became the world’s largest indoor boat show and a global winter destination for boating and watersports enthusiasts. He shares the strategy behind creating a seamless visitor experience through 17 well-organized halls, digital planning tools, B2B matchmaking, and hands-on attractions that turn attendees into active participants. The conversation also explores the resilience of the marine leisure industry through economic and global challenges and why getting people on the water remains vital for connection, freedom, and wellbeing. Host Kristina Hebert and Michelidakis also discuss sustainability initiatives such as the Ocean Tribute Award and Love Your Ocean, highlighting Boot Düsseldorf’s commitment to ocean conservation and environmental education.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

From the ICOMIA and IFBSO Congress in Washington, DC, Host Kristina Hebert talks with NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer about the true scale of the recreational boating industry and its impact on the U.S. economy, jobs, and communities. Frank explains how NMMA drives growth through advocacy, standards and certifications, major boat shows, and Discover Boating, while addressing key challenges such as workforce development, trade, regulations, and water access. The conversation also explores boating’s connection to health, wellness, family life, and the growing challenge of finding time to get on the water in an increasingly overscheduled world. Finally, they discuss NMMA’s nonpartisan advocacy approach and how global collaboration through ICOMIA helps advance industry standards, best practices, and ocean stewardship worldwide.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

At the ICOMIA Congress in Washington, D.C., Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Sarah Wallbank, CEO of August Race and co-chair of ICOMIA’s Diversity Committee, to explore an often-overlooked challenge in the marine industry: neurodiversity at boat shows and events. Kristina and Sarah discuss how sensory overload, constant networking, masking, and social fatigue can impact both attendees and exhibitors, and why traditional accommodations may not always be the best solution. They also share practical, easy-to-implement ideas—from quiet hours and adapted VIP spaces to walking meetings and better break culture—that can make events more accessible and inclusive. The conversation highlights how addressing neurodiversity can improve mental health, workforce retention, and the long-term sustainability of the boating and yachting industry.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert records from the ICOMIA IFBSO Congress in Washington, D.C., with Niels Klarenbeek, President of IFBSO and Director of Metstrade and The Superyacht Forum, and Teo Petricevic, CEO of Capax and Founding Partner of Adria Docks, to discuss Croatia’s growing influence in the global marine industry. Together, they explore the momentum behind the Croatian National Pavilion at Metstrade and the continued success of Croatian Yachting Night as a platform for industry connection and visibility. The conversation examines why Metstrade’s country pavilion model helps marine businesses present a stronger collective presence while making it easier for buyers to discover trusted partners. Kristina and her guests also discuss how collaboration, long-term planning, and relationship-building are helping Croatia strengthen its position as a leading force in boating and yachting.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Boats don’t stop at borders, and in this episode, Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Joe Lynch, President of ICOMIA, to explore the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the global boating industry connected. Joe explains how ICOMIA helps harmonize standards, regulations, and best practices across international markets, making it easier and safer for marine businesses to operate worldwide. The conversation also examines global challenges such as water access, environmental pressures, and the industry's need for credible data to support smart policy decisions. Joe shares new insights from ICOMIA’s evolving research, including surprising findings about boat usage that could reshape how the industry approaches emissions and sustainability.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75