Intense activity at the AENIB/ANEN booth, a highlight of the 40th Palma International Boat Show

The association has its own booth at the show, shared with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), of which it forms a part. Various initiatives have been undertaken in this space to further promote companies in the archipelago's nautical sector, including meetings, talks, and presentations.

On Friday the 26th, the booth hosted the presentation of the Teconaut Project, a European initiative led by Jordi Carrasco, Director of ANEN, and Christian Esteva, project manager of Sea Tech, supported by prominent partners, aimed at promoting the use of disruptive technologies to facilitate the ecological transition of the nautical sector. Specifically, the goal is to cultivate a new generation of skilled workers connected to boat builders, medium-sized companies, or startups that are implementing innovative solutions to improve sustainability in the shipbuilding sector. "It's a very ambitious project with eleven European partners, including universities, shipyards, repair companies, and industry associations, with the aim of building the nautical industry of the future," Carrasco noted. "The first step is to train professionals in the use of sustainable materials for boat repair and construction. Therefore, we are now focusing on developing that training in institutes and universities, as well as demonstrating to the industry that this technology and these materials already exist and are being applied in boats, with all the guarantees in terms of strength and durability," he added.

The presentation was followed by a discussion panel with invited representatives from the Centre de la Mar, a nautical training school under the Balearic Islands Employment Service (SOIB) and the Integrated Vocational Training Centre (CIFP), specialized in the nautical sector. During the discussion, the activities of this sector-specific training center were detailed.

Integrated into the Network of National Vocational Training Reference Centers, it offers regulated training in the maintenance and repair of sports and recreational boats, as well as various training options for employment: dual training, professional certificates, and specialized training. "We are in contact with nautical companies to understand the training needs of the sector. We are here to explain how we work and to ask how we can help entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector," explained Joan Florit, director of this center, whose activity extends beyond the Balearic territory to carry out significant work at the national level. During the discussion, he particularly encouraged participants to share their ideas for content to be featured in future training sessions focused on technologiesthat the center will be hosting. Finally, he thanked companies and the association for their collaboration. "Menorca is just 20 minutes away. We would like to invite you to come and visit us at the Centre de la Mar," he concluded.

At 13 hours, the association served a vermouth as an appetizer with local cold cuts and cheeses, allowing attendees to interact and share experiences in a more relaxed and playful atmosphere.

Through its active involvement, AENIB reaffirms its commitment to the show as a key meeting point for the Balearic nautical sector, a cornerstone of the islands' economy. Moreover, besides encouraging industry players to participate, it extends an invitation to the public to explore the show and uncover the wealth of opportunities offered by the nautical industry to the Balearic Islands, being one of the vital economic engines for the region.

Throughout the show, the booth has received numerous visits from professionals and entrepreneurs in the nautical sector, interested in learning in detail about the work of AENIB/ANEN as the leading industry association. Moreover, space at the booth has been available to all professionals and member companies to hold their meetings. Also, associated exhibiting companies have been able to collect a distinctive quality seal provided by the association, accrediting their industry collaboration, thus reinforcing the sector's unified image.