SMI Convention 2027

The SMI Annual Conference becomes the SMI Convention. Join us in Liverpool on 1 and 2 March 2027, where we’ll be hosting:

• an SME innovation showcase and networking reception
• a single-track conference on growth, investment and re-industrialisation
• an exhibition
• a gala dinner

The overall theme for 2027 is growth, investment and re-industrialisation. The UK is asking how it rebuilds industrial capability, and maritime has a direct answer. Across the daytime conference agenda, we want to show what is already working, where the opportunities sit, and how civil and defence capability, major programmes and the wider supply chain can be joined up more effectively.

The four themes of the conference will be:

• Growth, Investment & Reindustrialisation
  How maritime contributes to the Government's growth mission, industrial strategy and regional economic development, and what conditions are required to unlock further investment in industrial capability. 
• Delivery of the Shipbuilding & Maritime Technology Action Plan
  What the emerging National Shipbuilding Office agenda means for industry in practice. 
• Industry-Led Growth in Practice: Innovating While Delivering
  How UK companies are winning work now whilst preparing for what comes next.
• Security, Sovereign Capability & Resilience
  The industrial base required to support the Royal Navy, national security and critical maritime infrastructure

SMI Convention 2027: Liverpool Programme

Monday 1 March

• 1800- 2100  - Welcome Evening – innovation speed pitch and networking event

Tuesday 2 March

• 0900 - 1700 - SMI Convention 2027 at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
• 1900 - 2000 - SMI Convention 2027 Drinks Reception at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool - Rum Warehouse
• 2000 - 2300 SMI Convention 2027 Gala Dinner at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool - Rum Warehouse

Wednesday 3 March 

Optional visits to local maritime sites. At this stage, this is strictly indicative and to be confirmed. During the ticket checkout process, you can express interest in hearing more about potential tours. Once tour details are confirmed with host sites, we will then contact those who have opted in to receive updates to book your place. 

Accommodation and Amenities 

The Titanic Hotel is a 16-minute taxi journey from Liverpool Lime St station and 40 mins by car from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. 

In addition to the Titanic Hotel, other local accommodation options include:

• • Radisson Blu Hotel, Old Hall Street - 6 min drive to Titanic Hotel
  • INNSiDE by Meliá, Old Hall Street - 7 min drive to Titanic Hotel
  • Malmaison, Princes Dock - 7 min drive to Titanic Hotel
  • Crowne Plaza City Centre - 8 min drive to Titanic Hotel
  • Hilton Liverpool City Centre - 12 min drive to Titanic Hotel

Contacts

Contact the SMI Convention & Events team at tide@maritimeindustries.org.

SMI Conference 2026 Highlights

Check out the video below from this year's SMI Conference 2026, at the University of Strathclyde Technology & Innovation Centre.  

Terms and Conditions

1. Receipt by the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) of a properly completed booking form signed by a delegate is contractually binding irrespective of whether payment has been received. Where payment is not made by credit card at the time of receipt of the booking form, it must be made within 30 days of receipt of an invoice from SMI.
2. If you wish to pay by invoice, payment must be received before the event.
3. Due to SMI commitments with the venue and caterers, we are not able to provide a refund after 3 months prior.
4. Changes of delegate names can be made up to 14 working days before the event, but fees cannot be refunded.
5. It may be necessary to substitute different speakers from those advertised or to amend the contents or timing of parts of the programme but fees due cannot be refunded.
6. If, for reasons beyond SMI’s control, it is necessary to cancel or postpone the event or change it to another date or venue, the fee paid will be held as a credit for the delegate’s attendance at future SMI events of his choosing and a credit note to this effect, valid for one year only from date of issue, will be dispatched to them.
7. SMI is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration, postponement, or cancellation of the event due to causes beyond its control including but without limitation natural disasters, sabotage, accident, trade or industrial disputes or hostilities.
8. Filming will take place throughout the event and therefore it is likely that attendees may appear in the background of footage. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to be filmed as part of the event. Should you wish to withdraw consent, please contact a member of the SMI Convention event team.