IFBSO Congress 2026 - Sessions
Interactive Event Redesign Lab
Tuesday 26 May | 9:30–11:00am
This isn't a lecture — it's a live redesign lab. Working through real event challenges in real time, attendees will dissect where energy, engagement, and sponsor value leak out of their events, and leave with a practical redesign framework they can apply immediately. Expect hands-on work, not slides.
Speaker: Dahlia El Gazzar
Dahlia El Gazzar has spent over a decade in the meetings and events sector, working across professional planning and association collaboration. She is known for hands-on, practical workshops that cut through theory and deliver tools event professionals can use immediately — focused on event design, experience architecture, and engagement strategies that move the needle.
Insights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
Tuesday 26 May | 2:30–3:30pm
A conversation with John Kelley, Vice President at the Consumer Technology Association and Show Director for CES — one of the world's most influential trade events. What does it take to run an event that genuinely sets the agenda for an entire industry? This session draws on lessons from the biggest stage in consumer tech and asks what they mean for boat show organisers.
Speaker: John Kelley
John Kelley is Vice President at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and Show Director for CES, where he oversees sales, operations, and conference programming for one of the world's most recognised trade events. He previously directed CES Asia from its launch through 2019 and has led numerous internationally focused initiatives at CTA.
Strategic Outlook: Economic Drivers Influencing Recreational Boating Growth Worldwide
Thursday 28 May | 9:00–10:00am
Leading economist and futurist Dr. Shawn DuBravac delivers a forward-looking analysis of the global forces shaping recreational boating. From consumer confidence and market dynamics to demand patterns across mature and emerging markets, this session provides timely, data-driven insight to inform strategic planning.
Speaker: Dr. Shawn DuBravac
Dr. Shawn DuBravac is a NY Times bestselling author, economist, and futurist. As President of the Avrio Institute and former chief economist for the Consumer Technology Association, he has advised Fortune 100 companies, startups, and government agencies on emerging trends and strategic transformation. He is recognised as one of the world's leading futurist speakers.
Steering Toward Tomorrow: Insights from North America's Leading Boat Builders
Thursday 28 May | 11:30am–12:30pm
An engaging conversation with leading North American boat builders on their global outlook for the recreational marine industry — covering emerging trends, growth opportunities, and the forces shaping the future of boating worldwide. Moderated by Robert Newsome, Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations, NMMA.
Panellists: Peter Barrett (Smoker Craft)
Smoker Craft Peter Barrett is Chief Executive Officer of Smoker Craft, Inc., whose brands include StarCraft, Sylvan, Sunchaser, and Starweld. A fourth-generation member of the founding family, he has spent more than three decades in senior roles across sales, marketing, manufacturing, and product development. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
James Heintz — Product Strategy Director, Sea-Doo & Vehicle Connectivity, BRP
James Heintz leads global product strategy for Sea-Doo and Connected Vehicle Technology at BRP. His career spans aluminium fishing boats, pontoons, outboard motors, and personal watercraft, with a focus on bringing new boaters into the sport. He is a recipient of the Boating Industry 40 Under 40 award.
Brenna Preisser — EVP, President, Brunswick Boat Group
Brenna Preisser is Executive Vice President and President of Brunswick's global portfolio of 18 boat brands. She previously led the acquisition and expansion of Freedom Boat Club, growing membership by more than 50,000, and has held senior roles across strategy, HR, and enterprise transformation at Brunswick.
Bryan Seti — Vice President, Yamaha Boat Business Unit
Bryan Seti leads Yamaha's boat business in the U.S., overseeing WaveRunner, Yamaha jet boats, G3 Boats, and Skeeter Boats. He serves on the boards of the Water Sports Industry Association, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, and NMMA's Boat Manufacturers Division, and previously chaired Discover Boating.
Event Trends Every Boat Show Producer Should Be Watching
Thursday 28 May | 2:00–3:00pm
The same macroeconomic, geopolitical, and societal trends reshaping the marine industry are also transforming the events industry. In this session, Freeman Chief Strategist Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes shares 10 insights from recent industry research and what they mean for producers keeping their events relevant and growing.
Speaker: Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, Freeman
Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes drives participation strategy and event future-proofing for Freeman clients. With over two decades in the industry — including building mdg into a leading events agency before its acquisition by Freeman — she brings deep expertise in event marketing, strategic planning, and organisational design. She is a CEM faculty member and has been recognised by IAEE as both Educator of the Year and Woman of Achievement.