METSTRADE, British Marine and Soundings Trade Only announce the panelists for the new ‘Women in the Marine Industry International’ event at METSTRADE 2022

Published on: 03 November 2022

Plus, British Marine member, Barton Marine, has been a key planner for the WIMI Event at METS; CEO Suzanne Blaustone tells us more about the value of Women in Marine events and why it is a subject close to her heart.

METSTRADE, British Marine and Soundings Trade Only are joining forces to create the first event of its kind at METS focused on female professionals working in the recreational marine industry, ‘Women in the Marine Industry International.’    

The event will include an industry panel comprised of exceptional female leaders from across the globe. The panelists are Malin Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Volvo Penta, Nona Pedersen, General Manager, Propspeed, Delphine Planes, Vice President of Purchasing, Groupe Beneteau, Boat Division, Barbara Amerio, CEO PerMare Group, Leontien Moulijn, Franchise Development Manager EMEA, Freedom Boat Club a division of Brunswick.

In speaking with Niels Klarenbeek of METSTRADE, Lesley Robinson of British Marine, and Soundings Trade Only publisher, Michele Goldsmith, all expressed their enthusiasm for the event as a first at METS and appreciation for the panelists.  “The panel includes an outstanding group of female leaders from across the globe who work in a variety of marine sectors with a wealth of experience and expertise. We look forward to an empowering, informative, and engaging conversation,” they said. 

One of the key planners behind the event was Barton Marine, CEO, Suzanne Blaustone.  We caught up with Suzanne, to find out more about the value of Women in Marine events and why it is a subject close to her heart. 

“Presenting WIM events allows women in the trade to meet and gain insight from each other.  When we plan these events, we spotlight women who have a story, they have insight on how their career developed and they share awareness of how women in the marine trades can grow and have a robust voice in the companies they work for.  

“Lately the question arises:  do we still need to provide these networking events for women, or has the industry risen to a level where the glass ceiling does not exist?  Actually, we hear that limits indeed still exist in marine circles, and our response is: if we have exceeded the hinderances of the past that is great – but still there is an advantage for women to meet each other and build a solid network to draw from in their careers.  So, it’s right and important that we provide these opportunities at trade events and exhibitions for women in the trade to meet each other and hear of other marine careers and opportunities.  

“Those of us who sponsor and plan Women in Marine events are passionate about providing a forum for networking.  When my husband died, leaving Barton Marine to me, most of his colleagues and friends felt I should sell the company even though I had a strong background in the steel and chemical coating industries.  They thought I could never step into his shoes and take the company forward.  Meeting other women in the trade gave me the confidence, support and boldness to move on, improving the company on many fronts, and expanding our sales, R&D, marketing and turnover.  I stand on the shoulders of those women who came and succeeded before me and I salute them for helping me see through the fog of indifference in our industry. Barton is stronger than it has ever been and much of that is owed to my husband’s solid foundation left to me, the few colleagues who believed I could take the company forward, and certainly the vote of confidence I received from other women in the trade. I want other women to have that same confidence boost that I found from women in the trade. 

“Finally, I think it’s important for women to focus on their professionalism and excelling at their work instead of emphasizing hinderances they may encounter.  There are roadblocks for everyone – so get up and get on with it.  Have persistence and let your successes tell your story…and find a warm network of colleagues who provide support, insight, strength and laughter….always laughter!”

The Women in the Marine Industry International event will take place Wednesday 16 November, 9:00 – 10:30am, during the 2022 METSTRADE show at the RAI Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the Elicium Theatre. The doors will open at 8:45am for attendees with a METSTRADE badge. It will kick off with an opportunity to network and light breakfast followed by an industry panel discussion.

The Women in the Marine Industry International event is open to all METSTRADE attendees and exhibitors. To register for METSTRADE, please visit www.METSTRADE.com/tickets. 

To RSVP for the Women in the Marine Industry International event, please complete the online registration form here. This is a free event, and all genders are welcome. 

The Women in the Marine Industry International event is supported by Marine Industry News.

For more information or questions about this event, please contact mets@britishmarine.co.uk.