Blue Design Summit 2026: La Spezia to host the international forum dedicated to superyachts, waterfronts and blue lifestyle

From 18 to 20 May, the Teatro Civico in La Spezia will host the third edition of the Blue Design Summit (BDS26), an event dedicated to design connected with the sea and water, with a particular focus on the superyacht sector, waterfronts, marinas, yacht clubs and cruise design. The theme chosen for the 2026 edition is "The Next Wave Now", a claim intended to express the idea of a future that is already present and actively reshaping the industry. The Summit aims to explore the point where design research, innovation and industry converge, redefining the languages and models of contemporary design linked to the blue economy.

The event forms part of the path that led La Spezia to obtain permanent recognition as a UNESCO Creative City for Design, particularly in relation to the nautical sector. This role is further strengthened by the presence of the Miglio Blu district, which concentrates a significant share of the global superyacht industry. According to Mayor Pierluigi Peracchini, 26% of the world’s yacht and superyacht production is concentrated in the La Spezia area, thanks to the presence of major international brands and a supply chain integrating design, technology, manufacturing and advanced services. Over its first three editions, the Blue Design Summit has recorded steady growth in terms of participation, number of speakers and companies involved. As highlighted by Economic Development Councillor Patrizia Saccone, the number of speakers increased from 56 in the first edition to 90 in 2025, while participating organisations grew by more than 30%.

Over time, the Summit has broadened its focus beyond nautical design alone, incorporating themes related to waterfronts, hospitality, cruise design and new blue lifestyle models. Designers and studios involved in previous editions include Francesco Paskowski, Luca Dini, Tommaso Spadolini, the Zuccon family, Mario Pedol, Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia, Zaha Hadid Architects, Tillberg Design and De Jorio Design.

Promoted by the Municipality of La Spezia and organised by Fondazione Promostudi together with Clickutility Team, the Summit positions itself as a platform for dialogue among shipyards, designers, owners, supply-chain companies and international stakeholders. Market indicators also confirm the central role of the sector. According to previews of the Global Order Book 2026, Italy has strengthened its global leadership, reaching 53% of the worldwide order portfolio despite a reduction in the overall number of orders, which fell from 1,138 to 978 units. At the same time, 50% of companies operating in the superyacht sector expect revenue growth during 2025.

Among the key themes of the 2026 edition will be technological innovation, sustainability and long-term-oriented design. The session scheduled for 19 May, titled "Future-proof: today’s design for tomorrow’s superyachts", will focus on solutions aimed at developing yachts capable of integrating future energy technologies, alternative fuels and next-generation propulsion systems. Significant attention will also be dedicated to the interaction between yachting, waterfronts, architecture and hospitality, analysing how blue lifestyle spaces are evolving towards increasingly integrated models combining marinas, resorts, hotels and entertainment.

The final day will instead focus on the relationship between yachting, cruising, interior design and onboard systems, with discussions centred on new approaches to marine-space design and the teamwork behind yacht construction. The third edition of the Blue Design Awards will also return, recognising projects, companies and professionals who distinguished themselves in the nautical and design sectors during 2025. Award categories include Best Motor Yacht over and under 24 metres, Best Sailing Yacht, Best Refitting Project, Best Interior Design, Innovative Design and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Among the new features introduced for 2026 is the "Designing for Exploration – Leave No Trace" contest, aimed at students of design, architecture and naval engineering. The challenge asks participants to imagine an explorer yacht between 42 and 67 metres capable of operating within the planet’s most fragile ecosystems while minimising environmental impact, balancing autonomy, luxury and sustainability. The winning project will receive the special "Next Wave Designer" award as part of the Blue Design Awards, with the objective of creating a direct link between younger generations and the professional world of nautical design.

©PressMare - All rights reserved