Assomarinas confirmed as Strategic Partner of Balkans Sea Fair 2026

Assomarinas reconfirms its role as Strategic Partner for the second edition of Balkans Sea Fair. The continuous support and strategic guidance of President Roberto Perocchio have been fundamental in preparing the boat show and the highly anticipated 1st Balkans Blue Economy Summit.

As preparations move forward for the event taking place from October 16 to 18, 2026, at the stunning Marina Orikum in Vlora, the partnership with Assomarinas (Italian Nautical Ports Association) serves as a vital pillar to strengthen cooperation between the Italian marina network and Albania's emerging maritime ecosystem.

The Fundamental contribution of Assomarinas and President Perocchio

The development of the second edition of Balkans Sea Fair has benefited immensely from the vision, experience, and leadership of President Roberto Perocchio. Assomarinas' strategic guidance has facilitated a high-level institutional and industrial dialogue, directly connecting European marina experts with regional authorities and developments in Albania.

Friday, October 16: Assomarinas International Conference Opens the Summit

The opening day of Friday, October 16, 2026, will feature Assomarinas taking center stage to inaugurate the 1st Balkans Blue Economy Summit in the elegant conference halls of the magnificent Safin Hotel at Marina Orikum.

PROGRAM PREVIEW - DAY 1 (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 | 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM)

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: "The Future Role of Albania in the Mediterranean Marina Market"

• Promoted by: ASSOMARINAS (Italian Nautical Ports Association)
• Moderator & Keynote Speaker: Roberto Perocchio (President of Assomarinas)

Currently Confirmed Panels & Speakers:

• Network Models in the Mediterranean: Roundtable among national nautical associations featuring interventions by Ana Čalić representing EBI (European Boating Industry), representatives from the Croatian Marina Association, and Fiorenzo Lupieri (SMIA - Slovenian Industries Association).
• Regional & Port Authority Stakeholders: In-depth contributions from the CEOs of Marina Orikum, Marina Limion, and Vlora Marine, alongside the Durrës Port Authority and the Vlora Port Authority. (Official names for government officials and coastal municipal representatives will be confirmed in the final schedule).
• Green Transition & Innovation in Port Services:
  • Perspectives for nautical tourism in Albania: Heiner Haas
  • New sustainability trends applied to marinas: Udo Kleinitz (Amorim)
  • Evolution of service equipment and facilities: Andrea Cuoghi (Ascom) and Roberto Zago (Ingemar)
• Adriatic Market Analysis: "Marina and Nautical Tourism Trends in the Adriatic" by Francesco Di Cesare (Adriatic Sea Forum).

The Summit continues on October 17 & 18 with Industry Top Players

The Balkans Blue Economy Summit will continue on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, featuring roundtables and keynotes led by prominent international experts from logistics, maritime infrastructure, and academia:

• Saturday, October 17: Institutional Conference promoted by The International Propeller Clubs - Port of Rome, focused on Corridor VIII, intermodality, infrastructure, and strategic connections between Italy, Albania, and the Balkans.
• Sunday, October 18: Trans-Adriatic Cooperation Roundtable centered on Human Capital, Research, Blue Careers (in partnership with the University of Durrës and CEMA), concluding with the international "Women at the Helm" panel on female leadership in the maritime sector.

Free attendance with Mandatory Online Registration

To ensure maximum participation across industry operators, students, authorities, and the public, access to the Balkans Blue Economy Summit is completely free of charge. However, due to venue capacity limits at the Safin Hotel, online pre-registration is required, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until fully booked.