Exploring possible futures for Australia’s maritime sector.
📅 Friday, 18 September 2026 at the Sydney Showgrounds, NSW, Australia
Program In Development
About the Event
MERC’s Discover Maritime Futures is a half-day conference focusing on three main themes:
Future Boats
Future Infrastructure
Future Crew
Key Features
The event will be held at the Sydney Showground alongside the Everything Electric Sydney show.
Earlybird tickets $195 (inc GST) - before 31st July
General admission tickets $275 (inc GST)
Attendees will also receive a free pass to the Everything Electric Show for the day (value $40).
Program
8:00 - 8:30
Registration
Delegates will get early access to the Everything Electric Sydney venue to register for the event, pickup your name badge and get a coffee.
8:30 - 8:35
Welcome - Conference Begins
Kickoff of the formal event proceedings.
8:35 - 8:40
Australian Government Address
Welcome remarks from an Australian Government representative.
8:40 - 9:00
Keynote
Keynote from an international speaker.
9:00 - 10:00
Future Boats - Panel
Presentations from a panel of expert speakers on the future of boat design in the era of maritime electrification.
10:00 - 10:15
Morning Tea
10:15 - 10:20
Sponsor Intro
Some brief remarks from one of our event sponsors.
10:20 - 11:20
Future Infrastructure - Panel
Presentations from a panel of expert speakers on the future of marine infrastructure that supports maritime electrification.
11:20 - 11:25
Sponsor Intro
Some brief remarks from one of our event sponsors.
11:25 - 12:25
Future Crew - Panel
Presentations from a panel of expert speakers on the future of crew training and recruitment for businesses embracing maritime electrification.
12:25 - 12:30
Close - Wrapup
Some brief remarks from one of our event sponsors.
12:30 - 13:30
Networking Lunch - Marine Pavilion
A light networking lunch will be put on for delegates in the Marine Pavilion on the floor of The Dome.