British Marine postpones 2023 national conference

The board of British Marine has postponed the planned British Marine national conference, due to take place in February 2023. The next edition will now take place in February 2024.

The inaugural British Marine national conference took place in March 2022, with top decision-makers from across the marine industry coming together with speakers from both within and outside the marine sector. Plans were underway to deliver the 2023 conference in February.

In a statement, British Marine says the decision to postpone by a year has been taken “after much deliberation.”

The board says the decision results from “recent political and financial upheaval, challenging short-term financial constraints, pending cost of living crisis, skills shortage and supply issues [which] are all affecting the sector.”

The statement continues: “This, in turn, may find many organisations tightening their belts, thinking more carefully about events they attend, the functions they run or what the ‘must do’ activities are for the coming year. With this in mind, the 12-month deferment will ensure the delivery of an uncompromised event, with strategic long-term planning and in a hopefully more optimistic financial climate.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, and there is obvious disappointment, but we would prefer to make this decision now rather than hosting a watered-down event which would not be as successful and highly regarded as the 2022 conference.”

British Marine stresses there is still a strong appetite from all to see this event succeed moving forward. The next national conference will take place on 27-28 February 2024 at the ICC in Wales.

There is said to still be a desire to offer a 2023 event for the marine trade, and several options have already been suggested and discussed. Further details will be confirmed when available.