Women in Marine announces 2025 panel and theme for Southampton show
Women in Marine has announced the theme and speaker line-up for its 2025 panel and networking event, scheduled for Wednesday 24 September at the Southampton International Boat Show.
The session, which is sponsored by DF Capital, LA Marine and Haven Knox-Johnston, returns this year with a new time and location. The 2025 event will take place from from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Quarterdeck Bar & Restaurant. The event, which is held annually at SIBS, has attracted increasing attendance in recent years.
This year’s theme is “Diverse Talent in Action: Leadership, Representation and Career Progression in the Marine Industry”. The panel discussion will focus on leadership pathways, sector representation, and confidence-building. Panellists will also explore the topic of imposter syndrome, discussing whether it is a real or learned experience and sharing practical suggestions for addressing it.
The 2025 Women in Marine event at SIBS will be chaired by Nicky Vaux, known as The Boat Princess. She is a podcast host, international speaker and co-owner of Australia’s Empire Marinas Group. Vaux will moderate a discussion with five panellists from different segments of the marine industry.
Captain Claire Thompson, commanding officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, will share her experience in leading operational missions and shore-based appointments during a Royal Navy career that includes an OBE awarded in 2022.
Sarah Donohue, a former European powerboat champion, commercial diver and marine conservationist, will contribute her perspectives from stunt work in film and television, ocean advocacy and her role with the Union Internationale Motonautique.
Claire Abraham, HR officer at Navico Group (Brunswick Corporation), will speak on workplace inclusion. Abraham co-leads the company’s Women on Water employee group and received the WoW Inspiration Ambassador Award in 2022.
Kate O’Sullivan, joint managing director and owner of PR agency ADPR, will offer insight on leadership, coaching and communications. She is a qualified personal performance coach and was recognised by Southwest Business Insider in its ’42 Under 42′ list.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, which owns and operates the Southampton International Boat Show, says:
“Our 2025 panel brings together an exceptional range of voices who will not only share their personal journeys, but also offer practical insights — from tackling imposter syndrome to building lasting confidence — that attendees can take away and apply in their own careers.
“Whether you’re new to the sector or already on your leadership journey, this is a great opportunity to be inspired, share experiences and grow. The conversations will be open, thought-provoking and empowering – and we hope everyone leaves with fresh ideas, renewed self-belief and valuable new connections. I encourage everyone, whatever their role or gender, to come along and be part of the conversation.”
The event includes a panel discussion, followed by a Q&A session and a networking session with drinks.
This year, the event will collaborate with Women in the Marine Industry International to support Room to Read, a non-profit organisation focused on literacy and gender equality.
Attendance at the SIBS Women in Marine event is free, although registration is required via email. A valid ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show is also needed. Marine industry professionals can access discounted Trade Tickets.
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