Talks

KEYNOTE: Inside the mind of tomorrow’s billionaires: ‘Gen Z whisperer’ Jenk Oz on the future of luxury

A historic shift is underway: for the first time, significant global wealth is rapidly moving into the hands of younger ultra-high-net-worth individuals, with forecasts suggesting that 2030 will see the largest movement of wealth in human history. But what does that really mean for the future of the superyacht industry? Enter 'Gen Z whisperer' Jenk Oz, the 20-year-old entrepreneur and cultural analyst who has become the go-to advisor for some of the world’s biggest brands trying to understand the next wave of luxury consumers.

As the founder and CEO of Thred Media, Jenk leads an award-winning Gen Z–focused social enterprise whose platform reaches more than 350,000 young people across 220+ countries each month. Through his consulting practice, he advises global heavyweights including Google, Ford, Coca-Cola, Hilton, Vodafone, Meta, Snapchat and Ogilvy on youth culture, emerging behaviours and future luxury trends. He also sits on the Google Z-Council, works with Oracle for Start-ups and Microsoft Surface, and is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree.

In this session, Jenk will cut through the myths and misconceptions surrounding Gen Z to explain what this generation actually wants, how their values differ from previous UHNW cohorts and what older generations consistently get wrong about them. Expect sharp insights, data-backed trends and a clear view of how the superyacht world must evolve to stay relevant to tomorrow’s most powerful buyers.

How AI will shape yacht design

AI is transforming yacht design at an extraordinary speed. From rapid concept generation and advanced hull optimisation to immersive interior visualisation and seamless client customisation, it has the power to enhance every stage of the creative process - sharpening workflows, unlocking bolder ideas and accelerating true innovation. In this session, we will explore where AI delivers the biggest gains in next-generation yacht design, the creative challenges it introduces, the tools designers are adopting now and the areas where the human touch still reigns supreme. Joining the discussion are Jim Dixon, studio principal of yachts and aviation at Winch Design; James Roy, managing director of Lateral Naval Architects; Maurizio Minossi, founder of Videoworks and Rob Armstrong, co-founder of ThirtyC. Moderated by Lucy Dunn, content director at BOAT International.

Safer, smarter, greener: The evolution of yacht power

As the yachting world accelerates toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient future, the race to advance battery technology is heating up. In this session, two pioneers in energy storage explore what’s next for onboard power. John Marsischky, co-founder of MC Renewables Inc., will discuss breakthroughs in graphene supercapacitors - a technology promising ultra-fast charging, extended range and unprecedented energy efficiency. Liam Phelan, head of business development at HPB, will share insights into next-generation solid-state battery technology, highlighting how it enhances safety, durability and sustainability for modern superyachts. Together, they’ll explore how these innovations could transform yacht design, enable new levels of autonomy and performance, and redefine what’s possible at sea.

The state of the superyacht market

Join Gabrielle Lazaridis, business editor of BOAT International, as she shares a forward-looking analysis of the global superyacht fleet. Drawing on the latest data and market intelligence, Lazaridis will explore which builder nations are gaining momentum and the emerging trends in build activity. This talk offers designers, owners and industry professionals a unique opportunity to understand the trends shaping the future of superyacht design, helping you anticipate market movements and stay ahead in an evolving and competitive landscape. 

The biology of joy: Why play matters in yacht design

Play isn’t just for children - it’s a fundamental human need that is hardwired into our brains. In this session, Mia Sundstrom from the National Institute for Play discusses the science behind play and why it remains essential throughout our lives. Building on the work of her grandfather, Dr. Stuart Brown, whose research established the Institute, she explores how play influences emotional health, collaboration and problem-solving, supporting wellbeing, boosting creativity and unlocking human connection. For those involved in superyacht design, prioritising play can not only unlock creativity but also bring valuable new perspectives to how yachts are designed. Sundstrom will share how a playful approach can transform environments, ultimately improving how people experience life on board.

How brain science can transform a luxury yacht

Join renowned neuroarchitect and TedX speaker Fiona Beenkens for an illuminating exploration of how neuroscience could redefine the future of yacht design. A trained architect and leading voice in the emerging field of neuroarchitecture - the science of creating spaces that enhance human emotion and wellbeing - Beenkens bridges scientific insight with refined design sensibilities. Having collaborated with neuroscientists and psychologists, Fiona draws on research into how our brains respond to different spaces, light and texture - revealing how thoughtful design can shape emotions and wellbeing. Through her pioneering work, she examines how neuro design can not only elevate architecture, but the way we feel within it.