19 November 2018
The METSTRADE Show has once again broken its own records in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers. Early reports suggest a five percent rise in visits compared to 2017.
16,716 people attended the three-day show and the number of visits reached 26,052. Early 1,600 exhibitors from 50 countries booked a spot – up 3% compared to last year – and 237 companies exhibited for the first time.
After three decades as the essential meeting place for leisure marine professionals, METSTRADE has developed a vibe all of its own. But even those who have attended the event for years remarked on how animated the atmosphere was at this year’s gathering in RAI Amsterdam. A heightened sense of optimism was also reflected in the presence of a new generation of visitors, with the bustling Young Professionals Club Lounge and activities being exceptionally well attended this year.
“Everything we do as organisers of the METSTRADE Show revolves around facilitating encounters across the spectrum of the sector we serve,” says Irene Dros, Maritime Director at RAI Amsterdam. “Our role is to bring people together from around the world in the right environment for business, networking and fun”.
Notorious for its representation of high quality and innovative Australian products, the Australian and Superyacht Pavilion at METS once again housed Australia’s leading brands. Of those leading brands was Veem Propellers & Gyro Stabilisers, who produce one of the most advanced and powerful gyro stabilisers. Veem were nominated and shortlisted for the 2018 Dame awards for their impressive gyro stabiliser.
On the second day of the show the much-anticipated Australian Outback Party, held in high regard by those in the marine industry, provided an outstanding networking opportunity for connecting the Australian Marine Export Industry to international stakeholders.
VDL Composites exhibited the DuFLEX® Lightweight Panel Building System this year. Developed in Australia by ATL Composites, the DuFLEX panels consist of a choice of lightweight, high-strength core materials, laminated with a high performance, specially formulated, epoxy resin and reinforced with multi-axial E- fibreglass or carbon fibre. The panels have become an industry standard for composite boat construction, and the system has been specified by leading designers, around the world, for the construction of pleasure, performance and commercial craft.
Gold Coast Companies who attended the show included Aqualuma LED Lighting, Aquamare, Barz Optics, Diecon Marine, Marine Tuft, Pacific Blue Cruisecat, Sanctuary Cove Marina and Ultimate Docking Systems.
METS attendee Sean Griffin, of the specialist marine consumer equipment company GME, said: “This was my 20th METS. I am convinced that the visitors to the Australian pavilion regard our capabilities very highly. Within the Pavilion there is a broad cross section of exhibits that emphasise the innovation and quality of Australian product.”