The yachting industry is full of events. Symposiums and Conferences, Boat Shows and Cocktail Evenings, Sponsored Parties and Private Forums; there is so much available for people to attend if they wish to learn about yachting and to network.

Last week I attended the Genoa MYBA Show, an event where some of the world’s best charter yachts are on display. I changed my schedule so that I could attend simply because I had been invited to film a yacht called “Carinthia VII”, one of the world’s largest charter yachts, I couldn’t resist the temptation, even though it meant flying back early from another event in Poland where I attended a new yacht christening party. 

As soon as my team finished filming they headed off to Nice Airport to catch a plane so that they could attend the Palma Boat Show...meanwhile a separate team have been providing video coverage of the Newport Beach Boat Show. It really is never ending, and to be frank can become quite exhausting.

When you first start to work as a yacht broker it is great to attend as many of these events as you can. You will meet Superyacht Captains, lawyers, surveyors, other brokers, a whole list of folk who will become valuable connections for you.

With time though it is better to be VERY selective about the events that you choose. The problem is that they can actually be great fun, you will eat and drink on superyachts, mix with like-minded folk, and quite likely be invited to even more events while you are there. They are not always productive though, especially not if you don’t have a plan.

In my experience it is better to be highly selective about the events you choose to attend. Be aware of the reason that you are going there, is it to check out a yacht that you have a potential buyer for? Do you particularly want to strengthen your network of marine lawyers? Is there a presentation of a product or service that could benefit you?

If you don’t do that, you can be in danger of running from one event to another like a headless chicken. You’ll feel like you are working hard, because Boat Shows and events can be quite tiring, but you will be a busy fool. Eventually you will be talking to the same group of people, possibly other busy fools, covering the same ground over and over again. It’s a real danger...and a pitfall I see brokers fall into from time to time.

Using your time wisely is one of the challenges that successful brokers seem to conquer. The Yacht Broker Master Class can give you all of the tools you need to sell super yachts, but a healthy dose of common sense and a great work ethic are essential ingredients too.

Rather than taking the headless chicken approach to networking, my advice is to take an eagle-eyed view of the world of yachting events. Decide which one you want to swoop down on, be aware of your objective, and then fly out of there with a plan for your next steps.