66th Genoa Boat Show — Registration and Program Highlights
Alexandra
Registrations for exhibitors at the 66th Genoa International Boat Show (1–6 October 2026) are open, with stand allocations being organised around the new Waterfront di Levante layout and five macro-areas; last edition’s operational footprint recorded 124,248 visitors, 1,000+ boats on display and 45 countries represented, which sets clear logistics and staffing expectations for participants.
Key figures and venue logistics
Organisers are building on concrete attendance and display metrics from the previous edition to size berths, exhibition plots and visitor flow. The show’s location at the Waterfront di Levante — the part of the port masterplan signed by Renzo Piano — offers direct water access, simplifying launch and boarding operations for brokers, charter companies and rental fleets.
| Item | 2025 figures (benchmark) |
|---|---|
| Visitors | 124,248 |
| Boats on display | 1,000+ |
| Countries represented | 45 |
| Accredited journalists | 1,245 |
| Event dates | 1–6 October 2026 |
International outreach and stakeholder support
Confindustria Nautica has flagged the show among the top three worldwide for industrial relevance; President Piero Formenti emphasised its role as a global crossroads where industry excellence meets market direction. To boost international buyer attendance, the organisers are continuing a structured incoming programme in collaboration with ICE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, focusing on professional operators, buyers and media from key markets.
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Event structure: five macro-areas
The multi-specialist format remains central to the show’s identity, splitting the offer to reflect the full marine supply chain:
- Yachts & Superyachts — full displacement and planing models, brokerage and luxury services
- Sailing World — sailboats, racing tech and cruising gear
- Boating Discovery — tenders, inflatables and entry-level boats for rental fleets
- Tech Trade — components, propulsion, electronics and suppliers
- Living the Sea — lifestyle, services, marinas and shore-side partners
Program highlights and B2B focus
The editorial and event calendar has a clear industry bent. Standouts include the Design Innovation Award, the World Yachting Sustainability Forum and the second edition of the TechTrade Days, a dedicated B2B window for components and suppliers. For charter and rental operators, TechTrade Days are a prime opportunity to source parts, propulsion upgrades and crew services.
Why this matters for charters and boat rentals
For companies in the charter and hire market, Genoa functions as a one-stop shop: new hulls and tenders to refresh fleets, contacts with captains and crew agencies, and marinas scouting for partners. Expect targeted meetings between manufacturers and buyers, which can directly impact fleet procurement cycles and rental offerings for the coming season.
Practical tips for exhibitors
- Confirm berth and stand type early — waterfront access spots are limited and in high demand for demo sailings and sea trials.
- Book B2B meeting slots during TechTrade Days to maximise buyer access.
- Coordinate logistics with marina operators ahead of time: fuel, provisioning and tender berths need to be pre-arranged.
- Engage with incoming buyer programmes via ICE to attract international charters and superyacht brokers.
| Exhibitor category | Recommended stand/berth |
|---|---|
| Superyacht brokers | Large waterfront berths + private meeting rooms |
| Charter companies | Demo-capable berthing + clear signage for booking desks |
| Accessory suppliers | Tech Trade stands with logistics access for heavy kit |
On-the-ground realities — a quick aside
Walking the piers in Genoa during the last show felt like watching a busy marina compacted into a few city blocks: brokers hustling, captains swapping leads, and rental skippers checking engines. If you’re a small charter operator thinking “I’ll wing it,” don’t — get organized. The networking done here turns into bookings, sales and long-term partnerships.
Registration and next steps
With registrations open, exhibitors should prioritise berth requests, tech trade applications and participation in the sustainability forum. Early sign-up increases visibility in promotional materials and access to the structured incoming buyer programme.
Wrap-up: The 66th Genoa International Boat Show on 1–6 October 2026 opens exhibitor registrations with a clear industrial focus: a Waterfront di Levante layout, five specialist sectors, reinforced international incoming efforts with ICE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and targeted B2B initiatives such as TechTrade Days. For the yacht and charter world—brokers, boat rental firms, captains and marinas—this event is a practical marketplace for fleet renewal, sales and partnerships. Takeaways: register early, plan waterfront demos, and use the show to grow charter offerings and sales channels across destinations, superyacht services, yachting activities and boating networks covering sea, ocean and gulf waters — whether you're pitching a Sunseeker, seeking fishing charters, or expanding rent options on lakes and clearwater beaches.
