BOAT is pleased to announce that the next edition of the Superyacht Design Festival will return to the alpine town of Kitzbühel. The 2024 edition is set to take place on 28-30 January and tickets are available to purchase now. The event will see some of the biggest names in design come together with experts from the wider luxury community for two days of exciting discussions, plus a social programme, the Design & Innovation Awards, the Young Designer of the Year Award, in association with Feadship, and the famous Ski Cup. BOAT International also announced the addition of the new BOAT Artistry and Craft Awards, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship in the superyacht industry, which will also take place at the Superyacht Design Festival 2024.
The location
Known for its charming medieval town centre, fantastic slopes and vibrant nightlife, the Superyacht Design Festival was first held in Kitzbühel in 2016. Following previous successful editions, the event is returning to the Austrian town by popular demand. It will take place across multiple venues within the town centre to create an informative, diverse and entertaining event, with many recommended hotels nearby.
Ticket information
The standard ticket price is €1,449 plus VAT and includes access to the whole programme: a two-day conference as well as all social events and the Ski Cup.
BUY A TICKETThe conference
The themes and topics for the conference and debate will include the following:
Is it time to embrace AI? This year, generative AI has burst from the fringes to become a topic that can no longer be ignored. As technology develops at breakneck speed, and with talk of AI killing creativity and threatening jobs, there is one burning question: how can designers embrace AI and make it work for them?
Neil Leach is an architect and writer with a special interest in AI and digital design who has taught at leading design schools all over the world, including Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, SCI-Arc and the AA. He has also worked for NASA developing 3D printing technologies for the Moon and Mars. He is currently Professor at FIU in Miami, where he directs the Doctor of Design program. He has published over 40 books, including most recently Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Introduction to AI for Architects (2022) and Machine Hallucinations: Architecture and AI (2022).
How to grow your own superyacht interiors: Biodesign is about harnessing the power of nature in design and incorporates the use of living materials, or ‘moist media’, such as fungi, algae, yeast, and bacteria, into installations and artworks. We talk to the key protagonists behind this exciting new medium to find out why and how these materials could become commonplace on board superyachts.
Beyond teak: Teak decking has long been steeped with controversy. Is there really a way to use it ethically? And of the many new alternatives that are flooding the market, where does the future really lie? Our expert panel present the most stylish, sustainable and viable options for the decking of the future.
Welcome to the Glass Age: Glass technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, but what is coming around the corner? Experts will reveal some of the next decade's most exciting new glass technologies that could change how yachts are built in the future.
The social programme
Sunday 28, January
Pre-registration
Location: TBC
Time: 10:00–15:00
We encourage guests to pre-register ahead of the main event to collect event badges and wristbands, and download the event app which will keep you up to date with the latest information.
BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards
Location: K3
Time: 17:00–19:00
Dress code: Business, jacket no tie
This year’s achievements will acknowledge everything from the naval architecture, styling, innovation and engineering of today's superyachts, to the changing demands of owners and the increased portfolio of technology. There will also be the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring a designer who has made an indelible impression on the industry.
Celebratory cocktail
Location: TBC
Time: 19:00-21:00
Finalists will be welcomed to a cocktail party to celebrate their incredible achievements.
Monday 29, January
Full-day conference with lunch
Location: K3
Time: 08:00-17:00
Dress code: Business casual
Festival Social
Time: 19:00-00:00
Dress code: "Alpine chic"
The Festival Social will bring guests together after the first day of the conference. The party will include a dinner and entertainment. Dust off your finest alpine chic and catch up on the day's events with old and new friends.
Tuesday 30, January
Half-day conference
Location: K3
Time: 08:00-12:00
Dress code: Business casual
Ski Cup and Après Ski Party
Time: 12:00–16:00
Dress code: Business casual, those participating in the Ski Cup need to ensure they have their skiing equipment and clothing with them
If you would like to partake in the Ski Cup, pre-registration is essential. To complete this, please login here to modify your original registration and complete the questions in the 'options' tab.
Travel information
The Superyacht Design Festival will be held in Kitzbühel, which is easily accessible from Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich airports. There are many direct flights to these airports at the height of the ski season. Booking your flights early and any additional required transportation is encouraged to secure the best rates and guarantee availability.
Travelling by road to Kitzbühel
74 km from Salzburg Airport, approximately 1hr 10mins drive.
97 km from Innsbruck Airport, approximately 1hr 20mins drive.
174 km from Munich Airport, approximately 2hr 5mins drive.
We strongly recommend you book ski transfers with Ski Lifts—a world leader in ski resort transfers—that is known for its reliability, punctuality and excellent customer service. Able to get you to and from Kitzbuhel safety and on time, BOAT International has negotiated discounted prices for all your ski resort transfer needs.
Recommended hotels
BOAT International has secured a number of preferential rates at partner hotels for attendees of the Superyacht Design Festival. All of the selected hotels are within close proximity to the event locations in Kitzbühel. Click here to view the rates.
If you have any questions about the Superyacht Design Festival 2024, please don't hesitate to contact the events team.