Following a strong relaunch edition at Le Bourget, the Paris Nautic Show is approaching 2026 with clear ambition. Appointed Managing Director of M2 Organisation last January, Guillaume Verbrugghe outlines the show’s strategic priorities: strengthening its marketplace role, structuring dedicated professional moments, and supporting the major transformations shaping the nautical industry.
You have taken over the general management of M2 Organisation after serving as the show’s Commercial Director. How do you look back on this first edition?
This first edition marked a real turning point. Bringing the show back to Le Bourget was a significant challenge, and the results met expectations. We recorded strong attendance, genuine business momentum, and, above all, substantial sales completed on site.
This confirms the strategic importance of the Paris region: more than one-third of boating enthusiasts live in the Île-de-France area. It is a powerful and structuring market for the entire industry.
What is your ambition for the 2026 edition?
Our ambition is clear: to make the show a showcase for the future of boating.
This means placing innovation, environmental transitions, new uses, and new forms of navigation at the forefront. The nautical sector is evolving rapidly, and our role is to reflect these changes in a dynamic and authentic way.
We are working towards gradual growth and increased international openness. Le Bourget supports this ambition through its capacity to host large units, efficient logistics, and easy accessibility.
Is the show evolving in terms of positioning?
Yes, it is becoming more refined.
We are clearly strengthening the B2B dimension. The show is a marketplace, and we will further structure dedicated professional moments: networking opportunities, exchanges between industry stakeholders, and partnership development.
At the same time, we aim to bring
watersports and outdoor activities back to the forefront.
These practices are experiencing strong momentum and fully contribute to the sector’s dynamism.
Finally, our work around destinations and new modes of navigation is expanding. Today’s boaters want to project themselves into future experiences — to explore, travel, and imagine new adventures.
What relationship do you maintain with the offshore racing world?
Offshore racing is an integral part of French nautical DNA and plays a structuring role in the sector’s technical and technological evolution.
It is a true innovation laboratory: materials, performance, and energy solutions. Advances developed for competition ultimately benefit the entire industry.
We continue to strengthen close relationships with major race organizers and key stakeholders in this field.
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What importance do you give to the visitor experience?
It is essential.
A show is no longer just an exhibition space; it is an immersive environment. We are working to enhance the overall experience through space design, curated content, encounters, destination storytelling, and innovation discovery.
Our objective is twofold: to inspire dreams and to generate business. The two are not opposed — they complement each other.
A message for exhibitors who are still hesitating?
The Paris Nautic Show is built for the long term. We are developing a strong marketplace rooted in a major economic basin, with progressive international ambitions. The first edition at Le Bourget demonstrated the show’s commercial potential. The 2026 edition must confirm and amplify this momentum.
We invite industry stakeholders to take part in this development now. Early registrations benefit from particularly attractive conditions, and joining the project early allows companies to optimize both visibility and commercial strategy.
We are moving forward with determination. The nautical world is evolving — and so is the show. Join us!
