Former NATO Secretary General to open 2026 edition of The Superyacht Forum with significant keynote
Dutch Minister of State Jaap De Hoop Scheffer will explore salient geopolitical influences, and the importance of leadership to set the scene at the superyacht sector’s unrivalled annual gathering of minds on 16-17 November 2026.
Thursday, 10 September 2026
Building on the tightly focused two-day format introduced to great success last year, the 2026 edition of The Superyacht Forum at RAI Amsterdam is driving forward again under the theme ‘Accelerate the Evolution’. Its agenda recognises the need for the industry to move from ambition to implementation and to explore new perspectives by challenging conventional thinking.
Content and discussions covering in-depth topics at the core of superyacht construction, operation and marketing will be complemented by keynotes, breakouts and brainstorms that range further afield to acquire intelligence and best practice from the wider world. The programme is curated in close collaboration with the Superyacht Industry Advisory Council (SIAC) in which key associations (SYBAss, MYBA, IAMI, ICOMIA, PYA and IYBA, under the Superyacht Alliance umbrella) work together to ensure the programme closely matches the needs of the industry).
His keynote will explore the topic of geopolitics and leadership in times of uncertainty, delivered from a politically neutral standpoint. Delegates will learn about the relevance of governments, organisations and global markets on the health of the superyacht industry from this well-respected politician, diplomat and leader.
De Hoop Scheffer represented his country and international organisations in the highest circles globally, working with significant global leaders including George W Bush, Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, Nicolas Sarkozy and Ban Ki-moon. He developed a reputation during his service as Foreign Minister for the Netherlands and then NATO’s chief as a consummate professional, effective negotiator and diplomatic tightrope walker who built valuable bridges within Europe and across the Atlantic. He is a firm believer in the power of personal relationships and is still active following retirement, as a statesman for his country and as a guest lecturer at academic institutions including his alma mater, Leiden University College where he holds the honour of being a Distinguished Fellow.
Floor will match these broader economic and wealth trends to the history and current performance of the superyacht market, examining the relationship between billionaire growth, superyacht ownership, new-build activity and the development of the global fleet. His keynote will offer both a macroeconomic perspective and a practical view of what these trends mean for the industry’s future, including how to accelerate the evolution of yacht ownership beyond the superyacht sector’s traditional markets.
These headliners are just one part of a rich two-day programme featuring presentations, discussions and break-out sessions. Plus, four highly interactive brainstorms over the two days that will be carefully produced and moderated to produce realistic deliverables on how the superyacht industry can attract, develop and keep its future talent while retaining knowledge, skills and experience. Think Tanks from the Superyacht Alliance will work with these outputs throughout the year to help shape industry thinking and strategy.
“Whilst the knowledge and wisdom of decades provided by many of our speakers is highly valued, we’re particularly pleased this year to place fresh impetus on engaging the next generation. Our ambition is to include at least one young professional on every discussion panel, and we’ll be providing other opportunities for emerging talent to help shape the future of the industry.”
“All of this activity will of course be interleaved with generously timed networking opportunities for delegates to greet industry friends and connect with new contacts. Look out for further announcements on our programme in coming weeks.”
Please visit our Programme page on The Superyacht Forum website to view the emerging full agenda.
Applications are also still being invited for the Crew Voices programme. This offers captains and senior crew who are accepted a free all-inclusive ticket to The Superyacht Forum on 16-17 November, VIP access tickets to Metstrade on 17–19 November 2026 and a €200 travel voucher, provided by ATPI and sponsored by members of the Superyacht Alliance Think Tank. See our Crew Voices press release to learn more about the benefits and application process for this scheme. Please apply as soon as possible as only 100 people will be accepted.
We are pleased to partner with The Superyacht Group (founding partner), Akzo Nobel (exclusive partner), Cayman Registry, CMC Marine, Volvo Penta and Wright Maritime Group (sponsors) and Boat International, Superyacht Times and The Superyacht Group (media partners).
Content and discussions covering in-depth topics at the core of superyacht construction, operation and marketing will be complemented by keynotes, breakouts and brainstorms that range further afield to acquire intelligence and best practice from the wider world. The programme is curated in close collaboration with the Superyacht Industry Advisory Council (SIAC) in which key associations (SYBAss, MYBA, IAMI, ICOMIA, PYA and IYBA, under the Superyacht Alliance umbrella) work together to ensure the programme closely matches the needs of the industry).
Must not miss keynote
Examples of why we must develop greater understanding of the inescapable influences surrounding the superyacht sector will be presented by Dutch Minister of State and former NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.His keynote will explore the topic of geopolitics and leadership in times of uncertainty, delivered from a politically neutral standpoint. Delegates will learn about the relevance of governments, organisations and global markets on the health of the superyacht industry from this well-respected politician, diplomat and leader.
De Hoop Scheffer represented his country and international organisations in the highest circles globally, working with significant global leaders including George W Bush, Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, Nicolas Sarkozy and Ban Ki-moon. He developed a reputation during his service as Foreign Minister for the Netherlands and then NATO’s chief as a consummate professional, effective negotiator and diplomatic tightrope walker who built valuable bridges within Europe and across the Atlantic. He is a firm believer in the power of personal relationships and is still active following retirement, as a statesman for his country and as a guest lecturer at academic institutions including his alma mater, Leiden University College where he holds the honour of being a Distinguished Fellow.
Latest data to authentically inform the debate
Further informing The Superyacht Forum’s discussions about vital global trends, former Boston Consulting Group analyst and current ANWB CIO, Erik Floor, will deliver a data informed keynote highlighting critical facts from the latest edition of his SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association) Annual Economic Report. Previously produced exclusively for SYBAss members, this well-respected report provides a detailed assessment of the global economy, the evolution and geographic distribution of global wealth, and development of the ultra-high-net-worth population.Floor will match these broader economic and wealth trends to the history and current performance of the superyacht market, examining the relationship between billionaire growth, superyacht ownership, new-build activity and the development of the global fleet. His keynote will offer both a macroeconomic perspective and a practical view of what these trends mean for the industry’s future, including how to accelerate the evolution of yacht ownership beyond the superyacht sector’s traditional markets.
Proven reputation attracts excellent talent
Conference Manager Patricia Becker states: “It’s a measure of the proven reputation and continual improvement of The Superyacht Forum that we can attract speakers of such a high calibre as Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and Erik Floor. Their keynotes form cornerstones that are worth the price of admission of this year’s event alone. We have three further high value keynotes to announce, but that’s just the start of the story.These headliners are just one part of a rich two-day programme featuring presentations, discussions and break-out sessions. Plus, four highly interactive brainstorms over the two days that will be carefully produced and moderated to produce realistic deliverables on how the superyacht industry can attract, develop and keep its future talent while retaining knowledge, skills and experience. Think Tanks from the Superyacht Alliance will work with these outputs throughout the year to help shape industry thinking and strategy.
“Whilst the knowledge and wisdom of decades provided by many of our speakers is highly valued, we’re particularly pleased this year to place fresh impetus on engaging the next generation. Our ambition is to include at least one young professional on every discussion panel, and we’ll be providing other opportunities for emerging talent to help shape the future of the industry.”
For the industry, by the industry
“Audience-specific content tracks will address all groups involved in the full lifecycle of superyachts, including captains, buyers, sellers and the advisory network, Becker continues. “We are delighted too that this really is an industry event, tailored by the industry, with many of the sessions adopted by the Superyacht Alliance and chosen topics shaped and supported by its members. The Alliance will also have a presence at the conference to showcase its key milestones and achievements from the past year.“All of this activity will of course be interleaved with generously timed networking opportunities for delegates to greet industry friends and connect with new contacts. Look out for further announcements on our programme in coming weeks.”
A taste of what else to expect
The break-out programme will cover far-ranging topics of keen interest to delegates: From driving safer yacht designs by learning from operational experience and using technology to reduce operational complexity; to securing the people that the industry needs in coming decades and addressing the essential need for improvements to crew welfare. Plus, much more besides.Please visit our Programme page on The Superyacht Forum website to view the emerging full agenda.
Secure your ticket today
New for 2026, The Superyacht Forum has introduced a simplified ticket structure with a single all-in delegate ticket, priced at €675 ex VAT. It provides full access to the complete programme and includes networking drinks at the end of both days. We are expecting a sold-out event so early purchase is recommended to avoid disappointment.Applications are also still being invited for the Crew Voices programme. This offers captains and senior crew who are accepted a free all-inclusive ticket to The Superyacht Forum on 16-17 November, VIP access tickets to Metstrade on 17–19 November 2026 and a €200 travel voucher, provided by ATPI and sponsored by members of the Superyacht Alliance Think Tank. See our Crew Voices press release to learn more about the benefits and application process for this scheme. Please apply as soon as possible as only 100 people will be accepted.
Endorsements and partners
The Superyacht Forum 2026 is proudly endorsed by The Superyacht Alliance, together with its member associations: SYBAss, MYBA, IAMI, ICOMIA, PYA and IYBA.We are pleased to partner with The Superyacht Group (founding partner), Akzo Nobel (exclusive partner), Cayman Registry, CMC Marine, Volvo Penta and Wright Maritime Group (sponsors) and Boat International, Superyacht Times and The Superyacht Group (media partners).
