Monaco Yacht Show (‘MYS’) is the perfect place to catch up with old colleagues and friends, a great platform to meet new contacts and not to mention, a great opportunity to get up close to the yachts, toys and tenders that we assist our clients with all-year round.
However, as one of the biggest events in the yachting calendar, it welcomes a vast number of exhibitors and attendees every year, making it a very busy and fast-paced show, which can be somewhat overwhelming for those that don’t know what to expect or have never visited before.
As seasoned Monaco attendees, we have come to learn the dos and don’ts for MYS (unfortunately some first-hand) so for those about to experience MYS for the very first time, here is our mini MYS Survival Guide.
Plan ahead
Before you drop your anchor at the Monaco Yacht Show, it is important to plan ahead to ensure that you give yourself ample time to catch up with old colleagues and friends and make new contacts. Give yourself time to walk the show but schedule meetings, lunches or dinners with those you really want to meet with whilst there.
Exhibitors List
Make sure you look at who is exhibiting and identify those exhibitors most relevant to you or your business. Try to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet and chat with them, be it on their stand or in a local café or restaurant or be sure to stop by and introduce yourself.
Practical Attire
Pack comfortable clothing. The weather is usually warm and humid so dress appropriately. The evenings can be slightly cooler so having a layer like a pashmina or a jacket that you can put on later is often useful.
Sensible Footwear
Comfortable shoes are an absolute must! For those who do not feel suitably dressed without heels, take flats in your bag so that you can change them if needed. If you are nipping on and off the yachts and using the connecting launch service, make sure you can easily slip your shoes on and off. There is nothing worse than trying to wobble on one leg to undo/do up any buckles or awkward zips.
Lifts & Escalators
Monaco is full of hills and slopes, some of which can be painful to climb, particularly when you have been on your feet all day. Make use of the public lifts and escalators – some are hidden away but they are there, you just need to find them. Use this map to help. https://guidemapsonline.com/monaco-city-map/
Take a break
As one of the most prestigious events on the yachting calendar, the show can be very busy, and can be quite overwhelming for first time visitors. In such a fast-paced environment, it is easy to forget to eat and drink but it is important to stay hydrated and fuel your body with energy to last what can be an extremely long day. Make sure you plan lunch into your schedule.
Enjoy the show
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and liveliness that a boat shows brings, but don’t forget to take a step back and actually enjoy the show. Take a walk round, talk to vendors, find out as much information about the industry. Monaco Yacht Show is not just about buying and selling yachts. There are sports cars, helicopters, water toys as well as a huge range of luxury goods on show too.
Socialise
There are often a range of events held during the Monaco Yacht Show, including exhibitor demos, stand presentations, conferences drinks receptions, lunches, gala dinners and of course the infamous parties (some even on the yachts). Many of these will be invitation only but some are open to all and free to attend so if you are available be sure to stop by them – you never know who you will meet or what you will learn.
Work, Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Know where the nearest bars/restaurants are. At the end of the show day, if not attending a specific event, many clients and exhibitors will head to one of the local bars and restaurants to debrief and/or wind down. Some even say that they have made some of their best contacts and even deals during this time.
Here are some great venues in and around the show: Buddha Bar, La Rascasse, Stars’n’Bars, Gerhards Café, Brasserie De Monaco, Sass Café, Quai des Artistes, Nikki Beach, Café de Paris, Le Note Bleu, Jack Monaco, McCarthys.
