Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
BEST 2026 is the first international summit dedicated to the Blue Economy, taking place in Genoa, Italy. This biennial event will gather experts, institutions, and companies from around the world for four days of conferences, panels, and workshops.
The summit aims to foster dialogue and create new business opportunities within the maritime economy, showcasing innovations and sustainable practices. BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show takes place in Genoa, Italy.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: BEST 2026 takes place from November 16 to 19, 2026, at Padiglione Blu in Genoa, Italy.
- 2Scale and Focus: This inaugural summit will feature over 250 companies and a 20,000 square meter exhibition space.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Blue Media, a company focused on the Blue Economy.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include maritime operators, technology firms, and government authorities.
- 5Entry: Registration is free but required via the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in the Blue Economy, network with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions shaping the future of maritime industries. Attendees include maritime operators, technology firms, and government authorities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their innovations to a targeted audience, enhance brand visibility, and connect with decision-makers in the maritime industry. This is an ideal platform for companies looking to establish new partnerships and expand their market reach. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Companies in maritime transport and logistics, Environmental technology firms, Shipbuilding and repair companies. Position your offer across marine technology and equipment,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Maritime operators seeking new technologies
Government authorities focused on maritime policy
Environmental organizations promoting sustainability
Investors looking for opportunities in the Blue Economy
Academics and researchers in marine sciences
Tourism agencies interested in maritime tourism
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies in maritime transport and logistics
Environmental technology firms
Shipbuilding and repair companies
Energy providers focusing on renewable sources
Tourism and hospitality businesses
Research institutions in marine studies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Marine technology and ocean observation: autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar, oceanographic sensors and seabed survey systems
Sustainable shipping and green ports: shore power, alternative fuels, emissions monitoring, hull coatings and port decarbonisation services
Port infrastructure and logistics: terminal equipment, cargo handling, digital port community systems and intermodal connections
Blue renewable energy: floating wind, wave and tidal components, offshore substations and marine energy test services
Aquaculture and fisheries technology: recirculating aquaculture systems, feed technology, cold-chain handling and vessel monitoring
Coastal resilience and environmental protection: flood defences, oil-spill response, marine litter recovery and habitat restoration
Maritime tourism and superyachts: marina equipment, charter services, refit and repair, and onboard hospitality technology
Blue finance and professional services: maritime insurance, project finance, classification societies and legal advisory services
Ocean data and digital twins: metocean data, vessel tracking, port cybersecurity and decision-support platforms
Marine research and education: research vessels, laboratories, training simulators and ocean-literacy programmes
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Padiglione Blu
Padiglione Blu
Padiglione Blu, Genoa, Italy
Facilities
Parking
Padiglione Blu in Genoa typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Padiglione Blu in Genoa typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Padiglione Blu for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
New this edition
- 1
—
Italian maritime press coverage describes the 16-19 November 2026 Genoa gathering as the first edition of the international blue economy summit; no completed prior edition exists to report on.
Source
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Genoa, Italy
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in the Blue Economy, network with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions shaping the future of maritime industries. The event offers a unique opportunity to engage with key players and institutions driving the sector forward.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
BEST: November 16-19, 2026 Italy takes center stage in the Blue Economy
ReadBEST: dal 16 al 19 novembre 2026 l'Italia sarà la protagonista della ...
ReadThe BLUE ECONOMY SUMMIT & TRADE Show 2026 - Genova Congressi
ReadThe BLUE ECONOMY SUMMIT & TRADE Show 2026 - Genova Congressi
ReadBEST: Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show
ReadBEST - The Blue Economy Summit & Trade Show 2026
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Home Grifondoro
4-star
Near Padiglione Blu4.6
Google Hotels result for Padiglione Blu dates, listed about 310 m from the venue with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and parking.
THE MOON GENOVA - Suites & Rooms
Guest house / suites
Genoa4.8
Capture row lists free cancellation and pet-friendly policies.
Genova 46 Suites & Rooms
4-star
Genoa4.5
Capture row lists free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.
Bed and Breakfast Genova Centro
1-star
Genoa centre4.8
Capture row lists free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.
RED AND BLUES MUSIC HOTEL GENOVA
2-star
Genoa3.5
Capture row from Google Hotels for Padiglione Blu dates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport shuttle (Volabus)
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forGenoa Christopher Columbus Airport (GOA) to Padiglione Blu
City bus and metro (AMT)
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forGenoa city centre and hotels to the fairground district
taxi
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forGenoa Christopher Columbus Airport
Weather
November 2026 in Genoa: expect mild but unsettled conditions. Daytime temperatures typically range from about 12-17 C, with cooler evenings and a higher chance of rain. Coastal humidity can make the air feel damp. Check the local forecast in the week before travel and pack a waterproof jacket.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Italy.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business language
Italian is the local working language; many blue-economy exhibitors and venue staff speak English, but technical meetings may benefit from an interpreter or translated materials.
Meeting style
Relationship-building is important in Italian maritime and port sectors. Confirm appointments in advance and allow time for introductions before commercial discussions.
Dress and practicalities
Smart-casual business attire is typical at Genoa trade fairs. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between halls and the Padiglione Blu waterfront area.
Food and scheduling
Lunch in Genoa often starts after 12:30 and can run longer than in northern Europe. Book restaurants for groups and confirm whether service is included.
Tipping
Service may be included in restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving about 5-10% for good service is customary.
Local transport etiquette
Validate AMT tickets on board and keep them until the end of your journey. Taxi ranks are common at the airport and main stations; confirm the meter is running.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Genoa; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Entry rules depend on nationality: EU/EEA and many visa-exempt nationals can enter Italy for short business travel without a visa, while other nationalities need a Schengen short-stay visa. Verify your case with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal and your local Italian consulate.
Business travellers should confirm the purpose-of-travel category, required documents and appointment lead time with the Italian consulate or visa centre serving their place of residence before booking travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Genoa; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Padiglione Blu: Near Padiglione Blu: Home Grifondoro; Genoa: THE MOON GENOVA - Suites & Rooms; Genoa: Genova 46 Suites & Rooms.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Genoa; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Genoa public transport is operated by AMT, covering city buses, the metro, funiculars and lifts; use AMT routes and the Visitgenoa public transport guide to plan journeys toward the Padiglione Blu district.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Padiglione Blu; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 9-16 C (November average; check the forecast before travel)
Seasonality: November is one of Genoa's wetter months; rain showers are common, and coastal humidity can be high. Pack a waterproof layer and allow indoor backup plans.
Packing: Approx. 9-16 C (November average; check the forecast before travel) November is one of Genoa's wetter months; rain showers are common, and coastal humidity can be high. Pack a waterproof layer and allow indoor backup plans. November 2026 in Genoa: expect mild but unsettled conditions. Daytime temper
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration and badge type with the organiser; check whether any sessions require separate sign-up.
T-2
Book accommodation near Padiglione Blu or in Genoa city centre; confirm cancellation terms for the 16-19 November 2026 dates.
T-3
Map your route from Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport (GOA): Volabus to the city centre, then AMT bus or metro toward the fairground.
T-4
Download the AMT public transport app or buy tickets in advance; validate tickets on board and keep them for the journey.
T-5
Check the event schedule and shortlist sessions on blue tech, green shipping, port decarbonisation and blue finance.
T-6
Request meetings with exhibitors in your target categories such as marine technology, port infrastructure and ocean data.
T-7
Prepare a one-page buyer or partner profile to share during introductions and follow-up meetings.
T-8
Check the weather forecast for Genoa in the week before departure; pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
T-9
Bring business cards and a digital copy of your passport or ID for venue security checks.
T-10
Confirm whether your hotel offers parking or whether you will rely on AMT public transport and taxis.
T-11
Save the venue address and emergency contacts; share your itinerary with colleagues before you travel.
T-12
Review the organiser's visitor terms and photography or data policies before arrival at Padiglione Blu.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Padiglione Blu
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show registration concourse
Padiglione Blu
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Padiglione Blu
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your remit covers maritime decarbonisation, port infrastructure, shipbuilding capacity or blue economy finance.
Best for
Shipowners, port and terminal operators, maritime logistics buyers and blue economy investors evaluating the BEST conference and trade floor in Genoa.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before 16 November 2026 for registration and Genoa hotel booking.
Risks
Session timings are not yet fully published on the official agenda - confirm before booking travel.
exhibit
You have a concrete product launch or lead-generation target among Italian and Mediterranean maritime operators.
Best for
Maritime technology suppliers, shipbuilding and port equipment firms, logistics and environmental services companies seeking Mediterranean blue economy buyers.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight to Padiglione Blu and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Stand pricing is not published in captured sources - request the exhibitor pack from the organiser.
skip
Your 2026 travel budget is committed elsewhere and the BEST programme does not match your sector plan.
Best for
Teams with no Mediterranean maritime exposure or whose products fall outside the blue economy scope.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Blue economy
- Economic activity that uses ocean and coastal resources while aiming to protect marine ecosystems. At this Genoa event, sessions and exhibitors connect shipping, ports, fisheries, tourism and marine technology under that umbrella.
- Blue tech
- Technologies for ocean observation, marine energy, clean propulsion, port digitalisation and coastal monitoring. Look for AUVs, ROVs, sensors and data platforms on the show floor.
- Shore power (cold ironing)
- Land-based electricity supplied to ships at berth so they can switch off auxiliary engines. Port decarbonisation exhibitors and green-shipping sessions often feature this infrastructure.
- Green shipping corridor
- A route between two or more ports where operators, fuel suppliers and authorities cooperate to deploy low- or zero-emission vessels and fuels. Relevant to the event's sustainable shipping and port tracks.
- Blue finance
- Investment, insurance and lending products that fund ocean-related projects and marine conservation. The show connects project developers with banks, insurers and public funders.
- Ocean observation
- Collection of physical, chemical and biological data from buoys, vessels, satellites and autonomous vehicles. Marine technology exhibitors at Padiglione Blu show sensors and platforms for this work.
- Port community system
- A digital platform that exchanges cargo and vessel data among ports, customs, terminals and logistics operators. Part of the port infrastructure and logistics category at the fair.
- Marine spatial planning
- A public process for allocating ocean space among conservation, energy, shipping, fishing and tourism uses. It shapes coastal resilience and offshore energy discussions at the event.
- Coastal resilience
- Measures that help coastal cities and habitats withstand flooding, erosion and storm impacts. Exhibitors include flood-defence, monitoring and habitat-restoration specialists.
- Aquaculture 4.0
- Digitally managed fish and shellfish farming using sensors, automatic feeding and health monitoring. It appears within the event's fisheries and blue-food technology scope.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- BEST 2026
- sustainability events 2026
- BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show 2026
- BEST - The Blue Economy Summit and Trade Show Genoa
- BEST Genoa 2026
- The Blue Economy Summit 2026
- The Blue Economy Summit Genoa 2026
- Genoa Italy
- Maritime Industry
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Blue Economy
- event_website
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