Amsterdam, 19 November 2025 – The 2025 edition of the Women in Nautica Conference
concluded today at RAI Amsterdam during the Metstrade show, bringing together boating
professionals from across the globe to address the future of the boating and wider
maritime industry through the lens of inclusivity, innovation and sustainable growth.
The half-day conference gathered leaders and decision-makers from boatbuilding, charter,
boating associations such as the European Boating Industry and ICOMIA, marine services,
technology and related sectors, with participants representing companies of varying sizes,
from SMEs to global corporates. The program combined high-level presentations with a
strategic panel discussion and dedicated networking opportunities.
The conference opened with registration and an official opening ceremony, followed by
three core presentations and a panel:
- Presentation 1: “Cradle to grate: Electrification as a diversification strategy”
Delivered by Kristina Blašković, Director at TEMA, this session explored how
electrification can serve as a key diversification pathway for maritime businesses,
addressing both environmental expectations and new market opportunities. - Presentation 2: “The Money on our minds: How angel investors are shaping the
landscape of today’s boating industry”
Jelte Liebrand, CEO & Founder of savvy navvy, examined the growing role of angel
investors in the boating industry, outlining how investment trends are influencing
innovation, product development and the competitive landscape. - Panel Discussion: “Empowerment at the forefront of global business
development”
The panel brought together:
o Dr. Gonca Aslan, Board Member and Director of Business Development
and Corporate Affairs at Asmira Group
o Laurie Louvier, Global Vice President Marketing at Dometic
o Michele Durkin, Global Marketing Manager at Yanmar Marine
International B.V.
o Monica Fonseca, Sales Director in Yachting
The discussion focused on how empowerment, diversity and inclusive leadership
are shaping global business development strategies in the marine sector, with
panellists sharing practical examples from their organizations and international
markets. - Presentation 3: “Connectivity amongst stakeholders leading blue, sustainable
development”
Co-presented by Dr. sc. Tamara Aleksandrov Fabijanić, Director at CTT, and MSc
Anouk Riffard, Researcher on zero-emission vehicles for maritime transport at
CTT, this session addressed the importance of collaboration and stakeholder
connectivity in driving blue, sustainable development and zero-emission solutions. - The program was moderated by Ana Čalić, Founder of Women in Nautica, who guided
the audience through the sessions and facilitated connections between speakers,
panellists and participants. The formal program concluded with closing remarks, followed
by a business lunch that provided additional time for networking and exchange. - “Women in Nautica was created to demonstrate that inclusivity is not only a social
imperative, but a strategic advantage for companies,” said Ana Čalić, Founder of Women
in Nautica. “The insights shared today on electrification, investment, global business
development and sustainable innovation show that when we bring diverse voices to the
forefront, we accelerate progress for the entire industry. Community is something that is
being felt, and that’s what we are achieving through our building-bridges concept.” - Women in Nautica announced three new project tiers, its mentorship program,
ambassadorship program and the WIN retreat. While all attendees gathered the initial
scope, additional information can be followed on social media or by reaching out directly
to the team via email on women@innautica.com. - Professionals and organizations interested in engaging with or supporting upcoming
activities are invited to visit the official website at https://womeninnautica.com, follow
Women in Nautica on LinkedIn and Instagram, or subscribe to the newsletter. - About Women in Nautica
Women in Nautica is a conference, podcast and magazine platform dedicated to
advancing inclusivity in the boating and wider maritime industry. By showcasing the
strengths, experiences and visions of women leaders, Women in Nautica creates spaces
for learning, networking and collaboration that help companies build more diverse,
resilient and future-ready organizations, while joining men who are supportive of women as
well.