August 06, 2026
- Change of leadership to take place after the 2026 edition
- Outgoing Project Manager Felix Klarmann will focus on managing the Aqua-Fisch project in future
- Seamless handover ensures continuity for exhibitors, partners and the industry
Friedrichshafen – Messe Friedrichshafen is setting the course for the future of Interboot in terms of personnel: Felix Klarmann will be stepping down as Project Manager of the international water sports trade fair after the upcoming edition for personal reasons and will focus on managing the Aqua-Fisch project in future. He will continue to oversee this year’s event in his current role before Zuzanna Sroda takes over. By planning this handover well in advance, Messe Friedrichshafen is prioritising continuity and a seamless transfer of knowledge. As a long-standing Project Manager, his future successor has played a key role in shaping Interboot over many years. She knows the exhibitors, partners and the requirements of the water sports industry inside out and will use her experience to further develop the trade fair in the future.
“Interboot has been part of my life for almost ten years”
Zuzanna Sroda is looking forward to her new role with great anticipation: “Interboot has been part of my life for almost ten years and is far more than just a project to me. I’m very much looking forward to taking over as Project Manager after the upcoming event and actively shaping the future of the trade fair together with the team.” Felix Klarmann looks back positively on his years as Interboot’s Project Manager: “The upcoming edition will be a special one for me once again. The past few years have been incredibly exciting, instructive and enriching. Together with my dedicated team, our exhibitors and partners, we have been able to continuously develop the trade fair and provide fresh impetus. I am very grateful for that. I am delighted to pass the baton to Zuzanna Sroda and to be able to devote myself fully to Aqua-Fisch in future.”
Continuity as a key to success
For Klaus Wellmann, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen, the change represents continuity and the consistent continuing development of the event: “Interboot has been a key meeting place for the water sports industry for decades. By planning this handover well in advance, we are ensuring a smooth transition and providing our exhibitors and partners with planning certainty. I would like to thank Felix Klarmann warmly for his commitment over the past few years. At the same time, I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Zuzanna Sroda, an experienced colleague from within our own ranks, to this responsible role. I am confident that, with her expertise and passion, and in close consultation with the industry, she will lead Interboot into a successful future.”
Tickets and opening times
Interboot 2026 will take place from September 23 to 27 and will be open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closing at 5 pm on Sunday. During the week, there is also a discounted afternoon ticket available from 3 pm, and from Sunday afternoon, a discounted ‘Last Chance Ticket’ is available from 2 pm. Parking is free.
Further information is available online at www.interboot.de and on www.facebook.de/interboot or www.instagram.com/interboot.friedrichshafen.
Press contact:
Mirja Raff, Deputy Head of Communications, Deputy Press Officer
Tel.: +49 7541 708-318
Email: mirja.raff@messe-fn.de
About Interboot
Every year Interboot serves as the central platform for the industry in the DACH region, with a focus on the latest trends. Numerous exhibiting companies present their latest innovations in regard to sailboats, motorboats, and recreational water sports. There is also a wide range of products and accessories available for purchase. The community gathers at the international water sports exhibition to share ideas and insights. In addition to forward-looking topics such as sustainability, alternative forms of propulsion, and e-mobility, Interboot also comprehensively showcases the travel and charter sector. The offerings are complemented by informative lectures, hands-on seminars, and a wide range of supporting activities. Additional key features include the Fair Lake and the Interboot Marina. Boats can be taken for a spin and trend sports equipment can be tried out at both locations. No other water sports show provides such a unique blend of exhibition space and opportunities to actively try things out.
About Messe Friedrichshafen
Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies and is located at the scenic meeting point of four countries along the shores of Lake Constance. Founded in 1950 to bolster the region’s economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade exhibitions. Its extensive portfolio includes congresses, corporate and sporting events, television productions, and live concerts. Each year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. With a total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space, the venue features twelve exhibition halls, two multifunctional foyers, and two outdoor areas in the inner courtyard measuring 15,500 m². Additionally, the Static Display area spans 20,000 m² and provides exceptional opportunities for engaging and dynamic trade fair experiences. The exhibition grounds, which are compact in design and include the Fair Lake adjacent to the airport as well as halls equipped with hangar doors, can accommodate a wide range of possible uses.
Note to Editors: Characters (with spaces): 5900
