Closer connections
Rivergate-AIMEX VIP Dinner emphasises the value of industry connections
La Luna on the shimmering Gold Coast Broadwater was the captivating backdrop for the 2025 Rivergate AIMEX VIP Dinner, held on the final evening of the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX).
On a brilliant, balmy Gold Coast evening, 40 guests enjoyed the incredible views over Marina Mirage, and enjoyed the Mediterranean setting of La Luna, with delectable dishes to match the ambience.
“AIMEX-Superyacht Australia has chosen a new venue for the Conference, being The Langham Hotel on Broadbeach, so it’s only fitting that Rivergate select a new venue for the VIP Dinner,” commented Tom Hill, Director at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard.
“We are thrilled to co-host this event each year with AIMEX-Superyacht Australia, bringing together key industry colleagues to relax and celebrate the ongoing success and collaboration within the superyacht and marine sector,” he added.
While guests grazed on appetisers of charcuterie, salmon sashimi, baby squid and lamb kofta, Tom paid tribute to Steve Fisher, who recently retired after close to 20 years with Rivergate and many more working in the superyacht and marine industries, along with Board positions within AIMEX-Superyacht Australia and the Australian Commercial Marine Group.
Steve was honoured with the highest recognition in the Australian marine industry at the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards, the 2025 Marine Industry Champion, which spans all segments from commercial and recreational to superyacht and refit.
“Steve has been the mainstay of Rivergate and the Australia superyacht industry for close to 20 years, and his influence has made a lasting impact. Steve has been instrumental in positioning Australia as a world-class refit destination and cruising ground to rival the Med and Caribbean. We owe Steve an industry-wide debt of gratitude.”
Judy Brinsmead, owner of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard spoke after Tom, welcoming guests and adding her endorsement of the value of the event.
“Tonight’s dinner at La Luna is the 19th event Rivergate has hosted during ASMEX and leading into the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and we are delighted to continue to host this key event.
The venerable Steve Fisher with Judy Brinsmead, Rivergate Director, enjoying the camaraderie and accolades and sharing memories of 40+ years in the industry.
“Our first event was a cocktail function poolside at the Hyatt as it then was at Sanctuary Cove. It was Steve Fisher’s first year as CEO of Rivergate. The events were quite a party back then, with live music, kaleidoscope lighting in the pool and more.
“Although we are a little more formal these days, the significance of this event endures as does Rivergate’s strong support from colleagues, captains and clients in our industry. We are very grateful for your support.”
Main course choice of eye fillet or herbed chicken, with plentiful and tasty sides were followed by desserts of pavlova with fresh berries or chocolate brownie, leaving guests content and replenished to continue the camaraderie until late into the evening.
Jeremy Spear, founder of Spear Green Design and President of AIMEX, was thrilled with the Dinner and mentioned some of the topics of discussion during the evening.
“Drawing from the Conference, people were keen to lend their thoughts on the application and potential of AI, the state of the global economy, consumer confidence, and innovation in the industry. It was extremely interesting to hear from Chris Blackwell about progress on what will be the world’s largest sailing catamaran at 57-metres, being built at Echo Yachts in WA.
“These dinners are a delightful way to end ASMEX and look ahead to Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, follow up with new contacts and wind down with old friends.”
Chris Blackwell, Sales & Marketing Manager at Echo Marine Group said, “This year’s ASMEX provided a superb setting and occasion for our industry and overseas industry professionals to meet, learn and network.
“It was also a great honour for Echo Yachts to be recognised at the Australian Marine Industry Awards evening with our apprentice of the year awarded the West Australian marine apprentice of the year, and Echo Yachts awarded the 2025 Superyacht Australia ‘Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year’ accolade for the extensive world-class refit performed on M/Y Just B.
“The owners and management team at Rivergate once again hosted a superb networking dinner, attended by many senior industry leaders and overseas industry guests. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with such a fantastic group of people that all share a common desire to promote and grow our amazing Australian superyacht industry here and abroad.
“Thanks again to Rivergate Marina & Shipyard owners Bob, Judy, Tom, and management team for their hospitality.”
For AutogenAI APAC CEO, Emma Crichton who was an ASMEX speaker with a presentation on how AI is transforming business, it was her first foray into the marine industry. Emma said she was impressed with the level of Aussie ingenuity in the manufacturing and superyacht refit sectors.
“ASMEX was a really invigorating conference. It is a supercharged global industry and that suits a global company like AutogenAI, with offices in UK, USA and APAC. The high security requirements needed for high-net-worth owners confidential information, sits well with AutogenAI’s bid and proposal writing software with as we have the highest level of clearance as we deal with defence across the three continents.
“The Rivergate dinner was a great evening, with brilliant guests. I thoroughly enjoyed it!”
Matthew Walford, Benetti Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, was an ASMEX speaker and shared insight into the Italian builder’s focus on steel-built custom yachts, delving into innovation, design and sustainability.
Attending his first AIMEX Rivergate VIP Dinner, Matthew affirmed, “It’s a great way to appreciate guests and speakers from ASMEX. For Benetti, it’s a way to nurture relationships and renew contacts.”
