BREAKING BARRIERS AT 2024 FLIBS

Breaking Barriers: Allied Marine and Yacht Femme Empower Women in Yachting at FLIBS Exclusive Networking Breakfast

In a pioneering moment for the yachting industry, Allied Marine and Yacht Femme hosted a highly successful and empowering Women in Yachting Networking Breakfast on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). This event marked a milestone in uniting the most influential women across the industry, setting the stage for building new relationships and collaboration.

Amidst the buzz of the world’s largest in-water yacht show, with Andrea Tagliaferro, Founder of Yacht Femme as the event presenter and Allied Marine as Hosting Partner, the event created a dedicated platform for approximately sixty women leaders, innovators, and rising stars from all sectors of the yachting world.

The Yacht Femme is a global community dedicated to empowering women in the yachting industry, serving as more than just a professional networking opportunity. It sparked conversations on mentorship, leadership, and creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for the next generation of women in yachting. From seasoned yacht brokers and captains to forward-thinking designers, shipbuilders, and marketers, the breakfast showcased the strength and diversity of female talent driving the future of yachting.

The morning gathering, set against the backdrop of the prestigious Allied Marine display at Bahia Mar at  FLIBS, offered a unique blend of informal networking over coffee and pastries with significant exchanges. Attendees celebrated one another’s successes while discussing ways to innovate and push the industry forward. It was not just a meeting of minds but the creation of a community—a powerful force that will shape the future of yachting.

To the guests’ surprise, several women—who have emerged as rising stars or have long been dedicated pillars of the yachting community but working behind the scenes—were recognized for their exceptional contributions and passion in front of the audience. Among them were:

Nada Serafini, Head of Sales & Marketing for Pershing Yachts.  Nada is a visionary leader who has transformed the yacht industry. She started her career thirty-five years ago from humble beginnings in a small Italian town, she rose from making coffee at Pershing to leading the company’s global success. Through hard work, multilingual skills, and relentless dedication, Nada helped shape Pershing into a world-renowned brand. A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she is an inspiration to women and a driving force behind innovation, sustainability, and excellence in yachting. Today, she continues to break barriers and redefine what’s possible.

Lori Wheeler, Vice President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. This remarkable woman in yachting needs no introduction. With 17 years of leadership at the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, she has shaped the industry as Vice President and Director of Operations. A dedicated community leader, she serves on several influential boards, including the Workforce Development Board, Habitat for Humanity of Broward, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Her impact spans both the marine sector and the local community.

Erica Di Giovancarlo, Senior Trade Commissioner for the U.S. and Director of the Italian Trade Agency. Erica di Giovancarlo has just been appointed Senior Trade Commissioner for the U.S. and Director of the Italian Trade Agency in New York. With a distinguished international career across Rome, India, Brazil, and Japan, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As Italy’s first female in this position and a passionate sailor, Erica is committed to helping the Italian yachting business, expand in the U.S. 

Erin Ackor – President of the ISS – International Superyacht Society. First Ever Female President in this prestigious role Mrs. Ackor has brought society to an unparalleled stage of success.

Keara Bell – Marketing & Events Manager at Nautical Ventures. Keara is truly a remarkable professional, known not only for her exceptional expertise in our industry but also for her incredible generosity and unwavering support of others. She has a heart as big as her talents, balancing her role as an amazing mother with being a dedicated leader in her field. Keara never hesitates to share her knowledge, offer valuable insights, or open doors through her vast network. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a colleague, providing advice to a friend, or sharing contacts without hesitation, she embodies the spirit of mentorship and selflessness. Her willingness to uplift other ladies and her genuine desire to see those around her succeed set her apart as a true champion of both professional excellence and personal kindness.

Anne Avery – Charter Broker at Northrop & Johnson. “Annie” Avery, seasoned Yacht Broker at Northrop & Johnson, passionate about helping people live their dream life on the water. Eight-year board member of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) and a three-time IYBA Sailboat Broker of the Year, she specializes in yacht sales, particularly sailboats, and advocates for progressive design and eco-friendly technologies. Her love for sailing led her to a career as one of the few female yacht captains in the Caribbean and Europe, before transitioning into yacht brokerage. She is dedicated to ocean conservation, sustainability, and empowering women, and she supports two philanthropic organizations, IONS and the Pachamama Alliance, both focused on global consciousness and preserving the environment. Her motto is” Smile!”

“This was the first time, since becoming President of Allied Marine, that I’ve been quite literally asked to leave my booth during a private event at our boat show display!” said Jon Burkard, President of Allied Marine. “That being said, witnessing such a powerful group of women in one room, each sharing their stories and visions for the future, was nothing short of inspiring. We are fortunate to have so many incredible women at Allied Marine, and I truly believe that the company’s success would not be possible without their dedication and support.”

Silvia Nordio – Allied Marine Head of Partnership & Events expressed: “It was a true privilege for Allied Marine to be the hosting partner for this event and cooperate with the Andrea Tagliaferro, the Yacht Dame, to honor exceptional women in yachting, whose achievements, passion, and commitment have set new standards in the industry and inspired us all. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every woman who participated. A special note of appreciation goes to those who took time out of their busy schedules at different areas of the boat show to join us. Your presence and contributions were invaluable!”

“This is a major milestone for both my platform, Yacht Dame, and for me,” said Andrea Tagliaferro, Founder of Yacht Femme. “The event’s success is one thing, but the real highlight is the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a leading force in the U.S. market Allied Marine and their incredible Events & Partnerships team as well as their Marketing Team. I am truly grateful to Silvia Nordio for opening doors to this wonderful cooperation.”

Attendees walked away with new professional connections, actionable insights, amazing gifts, and a shared determination to continue advocating for greater representation and opportunity in the industry. Thanks to the generous event’s sponsors, several of the guests were presented with unique gifts.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our esteemed partners whose contributions helped make the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show an unforgettable event.

Admiral Canvas, South Florida’s premier choice for marine canvas and upholstery, ensured vessels exuded elegance and quality. Angela Horton unveiled her collection, with models capturing the spirit of life’s journey, travel, and oceanfront resort living. As they moved through the crowd, each piece showcased her dedication to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance. CAT – California Audio Technology, set the standard for exceptional sound, delivering a state-of-the-art audio system that provided flawless acoustics and uncompromising sound. Cotes de Femme offered guests a refreshing respite from the Fort Lauderdale heat, while La Scolca, Gavi dei Gavi, Italy’s most iconic white wine from Piedmont, elevated the experience with thoughtfully curated wine tastings. Kimberly Pucci, with her luxurious lifestyle brand, brought a touch of American luxury infused with Tuscan heritage, embodying the art of travel and living at Allied Marine Patrons of the Yacht Femme like Robert Allen Law, Shipyard Supply USA, Laila Merchant Realtor, and Vuliwear were also in attendance contributing to the success of the event. Miele, the global premium brand, kept everyone energized with first-class coffee throughout the show. Lastly, Poliform captivated guests with an exclusive selection from their latest Outdoor Collection, seamlessly bridging the worlds of luxury furniture and prestigious yachting for both international and local enthusiasts. Together, these distinguished brands helped create extraordinary experiences that will be remembered for years to come.

ABOUT ALLIED MARINE:
A global leader in luxury yacht sales and brokerage, Allied Marine has been shaping the yachting industry for over 70 years. Committed to exceptional service, innovation, and supporting industry growth, Allied Marine remains at the forefront of creating a more inclusive yachting landscape.

Allied Marine Media Contact:
Silvia Nordio – Head of Partnerships and Events
Email: silvia.nordio@alliedmarine.com

ABOUT YACHT FEMME:
Yacht Femme is a platform that celebrates and empowers women in the yachting industry by increasing their visibility and showcasing their expertise. Through impactful projects and events, we create opportunities for women to grow professionally and gain recognition across the industry. Our in-person events foster collaboration and lasting connections among remarkable women, helping them build a strong network and thrive in their careers.

Yacht Femme Media Contact:
Andrea Tagliaferro  –  Founder
Email: yachtdame@gmail.com