METSTRADE Returns for 35th Edition

By Sophia Spanton

The largest and most significant trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems METSTRADE is back. Located in Amsterdam, this year’s event is bigger and better than ever, with 1,400 exhibitors, a brand new Start-Up Pavilion, and tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend. Providing marine industry professionals with unparalleled networking opportunities for several years, the acclaimed event will once again be held at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre between the 15th and the 17th of November.

With an impressive 26,480 visitors to the show last year, representing 126 nationalities, this year's turnout is sure to break records as the METSTRADE features, for the first time ever, the Start-Up Pavilion. METSTRADE and Yachting Ventures collaborated to introduce the Start-Up Pavilion, which will help start-ups and smaller companies present their latest products and innovative technologies; an excellent example of how METSTRADE is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the industry. This year, there will be 15 start-up companies exhibiting their pioneering ideas in the Start-Up Pavilion. 

Moving on to the central part of the show, the METSTRADE Theatre. Panel discussions will be hosted by partners of the show whose experience and expertise within their respective sectors of the industry are without question. Diversity, sustainability, and emerging technologies will all be prominent themes in this year's program, aiming to provide invaluable insight into industry innovations.

There will also be a focus on sustainability within the yachting industry through the METSTRADE Superyacht Sustainability Route. Powered by the Water Revolution Foundation and the Next Generation Propulsion Zone, new technologies will be presented for cleaner engine and fuelling solutions. There is also ample opportunity provided for young people to find their feet in the industry through the Young Professionals Club (YPC), the exclusive Young Professional Lounge and the METSTRADE Career Zone.

Additionally, more guidance is offered to the visitors this year through the Women in the Marine Industry International panel event and networking breakfast. This event discusses opportunities and challenges unique to women within the marine industry. 

Notably this year, the show will be starting one day later; changing from its usual Tuesday to Thursday set-up, which has been in place since its founding in 1988. Niels Klarenbeek, Exhibition Director of METSTRADE shared how this will not be the usual going forward, but is instead due to a busy RAI calendar:‘The RAI Halls have a very full agenda next autumn. To ensure that there will be sufficient set-up time for all exhibitors, we have decided to make a one-off change: from Wednesday to Friday.’

A visit to METSTRADE undoubtedly places you at the centre of the marine industry, offering excellent networking opportunities, a broad range of innovations, and a wide array of business possibilities.

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By Sophia Spanton