5 Questions to… Cheri Arvonio, portfolio director, Ocean Business

With Ocean Business 2025 almost upon us, Cheri Arvonio, its portfolio director, finds the time in her busy schedule to answer five questions from Hydro International.

What are you most looking forward to?

What’s not to look forward to? Ocean Business is the highlight of the year! Going into its 18th year, OB is one of the industry's premier events, bringing together over 5,000 professionals from more than 60 countries, all committed to shaping the future of ocean science and technology. What makes OB truly special is the dynamic, hands-on environment – it’s a place where companies can connect, collaborate and do real business. There’s nothing like seeing class-leading equipment in action, learning from experts and forming valuable new relationships that are driving this industry forward. 

Is there a common theme for this year’s Ocean Business edition, and how would you characterize it?

With Ocean Business covering every aspect of ocean science and research, it’s difficult to highlight just one theme. However, what immediately comes to mind is the remarkable pace of technological advancement. The industry is evolving rapidly to meet the ever-changing needs of its clients, and the level of innovation on display from our 350+ exhibitors is truly unparalleled. I strongly encourage attendees to explore as many stands as possible over the three days – it’s an incredible opportunity to witness cutting-edge solutions first hand.

Another exciting trend is the growing emphasis on collaboration. More companies are forming strategic partnerships, signing MOUs and even engaging in acquisitions to expand their capabilities. It’s clear that businesses are recognizing the value of working alongside complimentary technologies to enhance their offerings.

This year’s Ocean Business conference themes reflect this forward-thinking approach. We’ll be exploring Future Skills for the Next Generation of Ocean Technologists and Space in the Marine and Maritime Environment, and dedicating a full day to The Future of Our Ocean. Each session is carefully designed to provide attendees with fresh insights, opportunities to learn from industry leaders and ways to actively contribute to the future of ocean technology. 

Are there any unexpected or perhaps less obvious aspects you would like to highlight for visitors?

It’s a jam-packed few days, with the exhibition at the heart of the show. The Ocean Business Conference, Ocean Careers and the Training & Demonstration Programme are our regular fixtures, but we also have exciting new additions this year:

• Women in Marine Networking Lunch: We’re delighted to be hosting the Society for Underwater Technology’s new Women in Marine Networking Group lunch on Day 2 from 11.45.
• B2Match Matchmaking Event: We have the B2B Matchmaking event being run by Innovate UK Business Growth, which is a great opportunity to meet potential business partners during pre-arranged 20-minute meetings and create real business development opportunities with exhibitors but also visitors active in the maritime sector.
• Doing Business with Defence in collaboration with the Royal Navy and the Society for Underwater Technology: Against the backdrop of the Strategic Defence Review, the Procurement Act and fast-changing geopolitics, speakers will highlight how collaboration in innovation supports national security.

Who is Ocean Business aimed at? Is it focused on the hydrographic sector and adjacent fields, or is it broader?

Ocean Business brings together a dynamic and diverse community from across the entire ocean industry. Our visitors range from oceanographers pushing the boundaries of marine research to ports and waterways authorities shaping the future of maritime infrastructure. We welcome experts in defence and maritime security, environmental monitoring, pollution control, offshore and coastal surveying and marine engineering. You’ll also find specialists in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, geophysics, GIS and mapping and hydrographic surveying.

What makes Ocean Business truly unique is the incredible mix of professionals – from government organizations and research institutions to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle operators and marine biologists – who all come together to explore the latest innovations, share expertise and drive the industry forward. It’s a meeting point for everyone passionate about the ocean and the technologies that help us understand, protect and utilize it. 

What is your vision on how the field of hydrography is currently evolving, and how do you ensure Ocean Business aligns with these developments?

That’s a tricky one for me to answer as I’m not in the field of hydrography. However, as one of the editors of Oceanbuzz, our bi-weekly newsletter sent to over 8,000 readers, I am hearing daily about the demands for faster and more precise data and imagery. The use of autonomous vehicles and vessels for hydrographic data collection has increased tenfold and is improving efficiencies and reducing costs across the board.

There are a number of companies on the show floor who can offer higher-resolution multibeam and synthetic aperture sonar for ultra-detailed seabed imaging. And satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) and Lidar advancements are enabling authorities and organizations to map shallow waters more effectively so they can make better informed decisions.

It is essential for Ocean Business to stay at the forefront of industry developments, both in shaping our conference programme and curating our 180+ demo sessions. By continuously showcasing the latest innovations to end users, we ensure that our event remains a must-attend experience, setting us apart from the rest!