From 18 to 20 May 2026, the Teatro Civico in La Spezia will host the third edition of the Blue Design Summit (BDS26), an event dedicated to the superyacht sector and, more broadly, to the relationship between design and water: from cruises to resorts, from waterfronts to marinas and yacht clubs.
The title chosen for this edition, The Next Wave Now, expresses a clear vision: the future of design is already here, already in motion. The Summit is conceived as a space for reflection and discussion on the creative moment in which ideas turn into innovation, redefining languages and design rules. At its core remains the connection between water and design, capable of translating lightness, strength and dynamism into forms in constant evolution.
In this context, La Spezia further strengthens its role on the international stage by obtaining the UNESCO Creative City of Design title, a permanent recognition that enhances the excellence of the territory, particularly in the field of nautical design. The Blue Design Summit fits naturally into this path as a privileged platform for dialogue and for enhancing the value of the supply chain.
Promoted by the Municipality of La Spezia and organised by the Maritime University Campus of La Spezia together with Clickutility Team, the Summit confirms itself as a key event for leading players in high-end design at both national and international level, addressing strategic and innovative themes for the sector.
The market context confirms the strength of the industry: Italy consolidates its global leadership with 53% of the worldwide order book, despite a reduction in total units from 1,138 to 978, according to early data from the Global Order Book 2026. In this scenario, the superyacht sector closed 2025 with 50% of companies expecting growth in their turnover.
For three days, the Summit will bring together designers, shipyards, owners, companies from the supply chain and international stakeholders, through a programme structured around conferences, meetings and networking opportunities.
The third edition of the Blue Design Awards also returns, celebrating the projects, companies and key figures of 2025 that have stood out in the nautical and design sectors. The award categories include: Italian Yacht Ambassador, Lifetime Achievement Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Motor Yacht over 24 metres, Best Motor Yacht under 24 metres, Best Sailing Yacht, Best Refitting Project, Best Exterior Design over 24 metres, Best Exterior Design under 24 metres, Best Interior Design, Building on Water, Best Cruise Design, Innovative Design, Heritage Award and Architectural Testimonial.
Among the new features for 2026 is the Designing for Exploration contest, which launches a design challenge aimed at students of design, architecture and naval engineering: to imagine an Explorer yacht (42–67 metres) capable of navigating every sea in the world while ensuring constant comfort. The key concept is Leave No Trace: the vessel should not only navigate, but also be able to remain within the most fragile ecosystems while minimising its environmental impact, balancing luxury and responsibility.
The best project will be awarded within the Blue Design Awards with the special “Next Wave Designer” prize, creating a direct link between the present and the future of the sector.
The Blue Design Summit thus confirms itself as an event capable of bringing together operators, designers and shipyards, offering a rich programme of content in which sustainability and innovation are at the centre of the discussion, exploring the new frontiers of yachting: from sailing superyachts to advanced materials and the latest green propulsion solutions, with a focus also on residential yachting, cruising, waterfronts and marinas.
For more information, visit www.bluedesignsummit.it
