boot Düsseldorf draws up to 250,000 visitors over nine days to the show to see exhibitors as diverse as yachts, boats, diving, tourism, surfing, fishing and much more. It draws ocean enthusiasts, industry professionals, and B2C visitors from Germany and around the globe.
It is a celebration of the rich tapestry of activities and industries linked to the world of water, including the latest innovation and sustainability initiatives. It has also grown to be a key contributor to ocean literacy by making the ocean accessible far away from the ocean through initiatives such as the “maritime class room” to involve local schools and initiatives such as ‘love your ocean’ together with the German Ocean Foundation.
boot Düsseldorf also provides a platform for eco-friendly innovations, showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and new propulsion through the Blue Innovation Dock organised together with European Boating Industry.
Some notable highlights from 20-28 January 2024 include:
- Love Your Ocean (Hall 11) with more than 800 square meters and 80 Partners from science, society and industry endorsed for the UN Decade for Ocean Science for sustainable development;
- Blue Innovation Dock – industry forum for discussions about sustainability of the boating and nautical tourism (Hall 10);
- Announcing the young winning team of the national ocean science contest 2024 – research items: PFAS and oxygen deficiency (21 January, 14:30);
- Official launch of the EU-funded course for Environmental Officers in Nautical Tourism (22January from 15:30 at the Blue Innovation Dock in Hall 10);
- Award for the Ocean Tribute Award given out by the German Ocean Foundation, Prince Albert II Foundation and boot Düsseldorf (22 January at 19:00 at the Blue Motion Night Gala Event);
- Launch of Europe’s biggest Ocean Citizen Science Project (DG MARE – EMODnet - SSI - German Ocean Foundation – German Sailing Association, Rotary) (23 January at 16:30 at the Blue Innovation Dock in Hall 10);
- Ocean Forum – opening by DG MARE’s Andreea Strachinescu and Silvia Earle (23 January from 17h00).