TEDx Forte dei Marmi wins over the yachting industry

Forte dei Marmi has once again confirmed its vocation as a cultural and creative crossroads for yachting. On Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August 2025, the third edition of TEDx Forte dei Marmi—of which PressMare is a media partner—brought together a significant representation of the Italian and international yachting industry around its stage, offering insights and networking opportunities in a unique setting where sea, territory, and innovation converge.

The format, born in the United States and now widespread worldwide, carries themes related to the hosting community to each city. In Forte dei Marmi, the heart of Versilia and a strategic hub for the nautical industry, the connection with the sea and yachting took center stage. The participation of companies, associations, designers, and yacht owners showed how this event has also become a reference point for the sector. Alongside architect Luca Dini and Annalisa Tarquini of IUM Monaco—both speakers who elevated yachting with their TED talks—many other industry figures joined this year’s edition, both in the audience and at the gala dinner.

Sponsors and companies

Key supporters included NEXT Yacht Group and Quick Group, both in their second year of partnership with TEDx Forte dei Marmi. Their presence at the highest level was clear: Giorgio Mattei, Vice President of NEXT, and Michele Marzucco, CEO of Quick, took the stage to explain their commitment, underlining the importance of open dialogue between business, culture, and innovation. Both companies also animated the gala evening with tables full of guests, confirming their intention to invest in relational capital.

Equally relevant was the participation of Stefano De Vivo, who presented the vision of the Superyacht Life Foundation (SYLF), of which he is President. The foundation, dedicated to spreading a positive culture linked to superyachts, recognized TEDx Forte dei Marmi as an ideal partner to share its values. De Vivo also represented Wosa Yacht Refit Group, a first-year sponsor of the event.

Among the “new entries” was Versilia Supply Service, a Viareggio-based global leader in yacht supply, which supported the event by bringing international guests. Representing the company locally was Stefano Tomei.

Designers, owners, and brokerage

The gala dinner confirmed the growing appeal of TEDx for the yachting world. Guests included designer Giorgio M. Cassetta, highlighted by Radio Banchina as a potential speaker for the 2026 edition. The guest list included Italian and foreign owners and, for the first time, representatives of international brokerage, exploring possible future involvement.

In the charter and fiscal sector, the presence of Susanne Storåkers stood out. Now a long-time Versilia resident, she manages communication for SOS Yachting, which operates a network of seven offices across the Mediterranean.

Among the designers, in addition to Cassetta, were Gian Paolo Nari, author of Rossinavi’s M/Y Akula, and Daniele Mazzon with his new company, present with Danilo Magnisi and at the center of industry rumors. Mirco Oprandi, for Bluegame, co-designed the hydrogen tender developed for the American Magic team in the last America’s Cup, also adopted by the French Orient Express team. Also present was Sara Torrini, Marketing and Communication Specialist of Luca Dini Studio, who helped make this opportunity possible and personally attended TEDx.

From Viareggio came engineer Silvia Fogliuzzi, involved in projects for VRS Srl, the new metalworking workshop of Paride Rossi. Also present among the guests was Antonio Luxardo, Chief Engineer of Optima Design and a key figure in the relaunch of Cantieri di Pisa.

Yacht Femme and associations

This edition also saw the entry of new networks and associations. The International Superyacht Society (ISS) confirmed its partnership, represented by its Italian ambassador Filippo Ceragioli, a Versilia native and active member of the organization.

Generationally, Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) Italy was represented by Stefano Pozzi (naval architect and designer), Lorenzo Biancalana, Junior Project Manager at Mangusta Yachts, and Nicole Cescutti, active in PR and communications.

A highlight was the European debut of Yacht Femme, a global platform celebrating women’s achievements in yachting and fostering an international community. For the occasion, Andrea Tagliaferro from California sent Clarissa Androsoni from Germany and Elisa Vagnetti from Monaco, strengthening the network’s visibility.

PR, communication, and media

Communication professionals were widely represented. Marianna Ferrante, formerly of Italian Sea Group, attended alongside Signe Putna, Digital Manager at Pulina Yacht Interior. Other PR professionals included Isabella Picco, now at Tankoa, one of the first to choose TEDx for yachting communication.

From Benetti, Barbara Papini and Francesca Venditti returned after their first participation in 2024. Also significant was the role of Stefania Del Miglio (NEXT Yacht Group) in media relations. Both trade and mainstream press, Italian and international, attended in large numbers, confirming the initiative’s appeal beyond regional boundaries.

Cross-industry presence and local connections

Not only yachts and design: other sectors connected to yachting were also present. NC Marmi, a Friulian company collaborating with leading Ligurian and Tuscan shipyards, was represented by owners Edi and Nicole Cescutti (also a YPY Italy member), along with Natascia Bosco. Consultant Rosanna Capitani, known for her broad activity in the nautical sector, and Marina Gridelli of Marevivo Toscana also attended, the latter potentially reinforcing the sustainability link with TEDx for 2026.

A growing success

The third edition of TEDx Forte dei Marmi confirmed its status as an essential event in the yachting sector calendar. The formula that combines culture, territory, and business continues to attract consensus and create new connections.

With the presence of leading companies, renowned designers, international associations, and new networks such as Yacht Femme, Forte dei Marmi is confirmed as a privileged stage not only for the launch of ideas but also for building relationships that will shape the future of yachting.

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