SMI Annual Conference 2022

The UK Maritime Enterprise: Time For Action – Decarbonising Maritime and Offshore Renewable Energy

8th-9th March 2022, Sage Gateshead, Newcastle. 

We invite our members and the wider maritime industry to join us at our 2022 Annual Conference. This year's conference will take on an in-person format and will be held at the prestigious Sage Gateshead venue in Newcastle. 

The conference will take place over two days, with a packed roster of speakers from Government, regulators and industry to explore the opportunities for collaboration in decarbonising maritime and offshore renewable energy. With the refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy expected early in the new year, this will be one of the first (if not the first) major industry events following its publication, where we can also debate the broadening of the strategy to encompass the commercial, workboats and leisure sectors. 

The Sage One Auditorium boasts world-class audio-visual facilities, offering delegates a fully immersive experience. Over two days, we will host speakers and panel discussions covering four main themes: 

• Offshore Renewable Opportunities - identification of the opportunities for maritime engineering and marine science and technology in the offshore renewables market.
• Decarbonising Maritime - identification of the challenges of maritime decarbonisation and the opportunities for collaboration.
• The Role of Technology and Marine Science - identification of the wider requirements for offshore renewables and the role of technology and marine science
• Creating the Conditions for Success - identification of the enabling factors for decarbonising maritime and offshore renewable energy

Conference Reception and Dinner

Delegates will be greeted with a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal, entertainment and of course, plenty of opportunities to network. All with fantastic views over the River Tyne! 

New for 2022

This year, we will also be offering attendees the chance to exhibit at our Annual Conference in our specially designed break out and catering space, The Concourse Room which overlooks the River Tyne. Exhibitor packages include a 3x2 stand, inclusive of build and graphic printing plus electric outlets across both days of the conference - including during our dinner and reception. Exhibitions have been planned to attract maximum foot traffic during catering and networking breaks. Exhibition space is limited. If you are interested in exhibiting at the event, please contact our conference team here. 

There are a number of exciting sponsorship packages available to member companies. Please e-mail our conference team here if you are interested and would like to learn more. 

We are planning for success and hope to be able to hold this conference in person in the spacious and well-ventilated venue with the necessary measures in place. However, should the ongoing pandemic intervene and a ban on indoor gatherings or events be introduced then we will revert to a virtual-only conference with a half-price ticket refund for all those who have signed up.