In the current crisis, it is especially important to look ahead, remember one’s own strengths and drive innovation. That is exactly what SMM, as the leading international maritime trade fair, stands for – whether digital or analogue.

I was impressed with the excellent execution of the event, its careful and considerate planning, the rich content, and the successful feeling of a ‘real’ conference you managed to create despite holding it virtually.

The SMM Conference was very useful to learn about key issues and opportunities in the maritime world, including issues of seafarers' welfare. The digital conference format allowed us to share the livestreams of panels with our members who would not have been able to take part in the regular conference in person. The online format of the conference allowed participation in ways that an in person meeting would not.

It’s great that technology is allowing us to continue holding industry conferences and discuss our future despite the ongoing travel restrictions. While virtual conferences can’t quite replace direct human interaction, they do give us the flexibility to join these discussions directly from our office or our home, so it even has a very positive side despite the circumstances. I’m happy that SMM has adapted to the current environment and gone ahead as planned, although I very much look forward to it returning to an in person format in the future.