Hamburg Messe und Congress has an established portfolio of maritime events, including SMM – the world’s leading maritime industry event, MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security and Defence, and the new international conference all aboutports. While these events focus on industry-specific perspectives, GSIS addresses related issues within a broader geopolitical, technological and innovation policy context.
New Partnership Strengthens the Strategic Profile of GSIS
GSIS is designed as a strategic conference platform at the intersection of security policy, technology and innovation. The cooperation with DMZ is part of a strong “Team Hamburg” approach that continues to develop GSIS as an international platform and firmly anchors maritime future topics within its programme. A key element of the partnership is a dedicated maritime side event, which will be held for the first time as part of GSIS 2026. Curated by the German Maritime Centre, the format will focus on resilience, critical infrastructure and technological development. The cooperation will also include additional formats such as roundtables and briefings that will extend the dialogue beyond the Summit itself.
Voices on the Partnership
“Maritime issues are becoming increasingly important in the context of global resilience and technological development,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS. “With the German Maritime Centre, we are gaining a partner that brings deep expertise to the strategic dialogue of GSIS and further strengthens the connection between technology, industry and security.”
“GSIS offers a unique international platform to place questions relating to the maritime industry, security and infrastructure into a broader strategic security and technology policy context,” said Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre. “Together, we are increasing the visibility of maritime innovation and connecting relevant stakeholders from government, industry and academia.”
“The cooperation with the German Maritime Centre is also a starting point for the stronger integration of maritime topics within GSIS,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “From 2027 onwards, the MS&D Conference & Expo will further strengthen GSIS in the years when SMM does not take place, expanding the Summit’s security and defence profile.”
