Marine Tech Expo returns to Plymouth in 2018

Following its huge success in 2016, the Marine Tech Expo is returning to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, on Thursday 21 June at the Roland Levinsky Building on the University of Plymouth campus.

The event programme features 34 high profile, inspiring speakers, including international keynote Ralph Rayner, non-executive chairman of Sonardyne International; Michael Jones from USA’s biggest Marine Cluster, The Marine Alliance; and Chris Langford of Thales Group, which recently relocated Plymouth for its unrivalled location for deep water access.

The Marine Tech Expo, part of the Mayflower 400 programme to showcase business, is expected to see senior decision makers involved in the latest marine innovations in ocean technology congregate under one roof.

Organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with South Coast Marine Cluster, Plymouth University, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Babcock International, Destination Plymouth, Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS), The Marine Biological Association, Department for International Trade, Sonardyne International, MSubs, Pixalytics, Thales UK, Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Network and Devon Chamber of Commerce, the expo is designed for professionals working in marine related businesses and organisations, including manufacturing.

Programme director, Professor John Chudley, said: “Plymouth’s first Marine Tech Expo in 2016 was a huge success and this year will be no different, with the event programme specifically designed to support marine businesses to innovate, create a competitive edge and ultimately grow; creating high value knowledge-based jobs. It provides a real opportunity to network with other key decision makers and keep up to date with the latest industry innovations.”

Anthony Payne, strategic director for place at Plymouth City Council, said: “As Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth plays a hugely important role in the marine business sector. The Marine Tech Expo gives the city’s businesses the opportunity to showcase the breadth of innovation and development on offer, as well as collaborate and network together.”

Exhibitors from across the South West will showcase the latest in marine autonomy and a ‘Question Time’ event will also take place, looking at autonomous platforms and their impact on workforce and skills, technology and the physical impact on ocean landscape.

In the evening, attendees will be able to join industry experts on a cruise tour of Plymouth Sound and a networking dinner.

The following day, Plymouth’s marine community will open its doors to offer an exclusive behind the scenes tour for Marine Tech Expo attendees, offering a unique insight into the leading tech and science being developed in the city. This will include live water demonstrations and a visit to the country’s first marine enterprise zone, Oceansgate.

Earlybird tickets are on sale now for £50 + VAT, which includes the behind the scenes tour on 22 June. Tickets for the evening cruise and dinner are also on sale at £25 + VAT. Register now on the Marine Tech Expo website: www.marinetechexpo.co.uk