This year, Balkans Sea Fair arrives with a new branding. But this is more than just a visual change. The new identity of BSF is built around the stories, symbols and opportunities that the sea has represented for centuries, and it is created by Mania Advertising.
The second edition of Balkans Sea Fair will take place on 16–18 October 2026 at Marina Orikum. This year, the programme expands beyond the traditional concept of a boat show, bringing together an exhibition, B2B networking, the Blue Economy Summit and an evening events, a meeting point for industry, business, tourism, innovation and international cooperation.
The Mermaid
The mermaid is at the heart of the identity. The female figure with a fish tail is a direct reference to maritime mythology and the stories that have surrounded the Mediterranean for centuries. But within the Balkans Sea Fair universe, the mermaid is more than a mythological figure. She represents the spirit of the sea, adventure, the desire to travel and the connection between people.
And this is where another central theme of this edition comes up - the journey.
A Direction For Every Journey
Every journey needs a direction. That is why the new identity also introduces the lighthouse, a symbol of orientation and guidance, illuminating the way and pointing towards the destinations, even from the furthest horizons.
The Dolphin
Another key element is the dolphin, representing movement, intelligence and cooperation. It reflects the ability to navigate, adapt and move confidently through environments that are constantly changing.
From Homer’s Odyssey to the Odyssey of 2026
In 2026, as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey brings one of the world’s most iconic stories back into the spotlight, and Balkans Sea Fair finds a natural connection with Homer’s universe.
In The Odyssey, the sea is not simply a space to cross. It is the path of adventure, obstacles, discovery and return. The sirens, the lighthouse, navigation and the search for a destination create a visual and narrative language that naturally resonates within this universe.
In this sense, the new Balkans Sea Fair identity can be read as a symbolic map of the event itself:
The Mermaid – the spirit of the sea.
The Lighthouse – direction.
The Dolphin – movement and navigation.
The Odyssey – journey and discovery.
Balkans Sea Fair – where these stories meet the future of the sea.
And at a time when the Balkans are increasingly looking towards a greater role in maritime tourism, port infrastructure, the blue economy, the new identity of Balkans Sea Fair conveys a simple idea:
The sea is not the end! It is the starting point for new global opportunities.
