METSTRADE expands

The world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems expands with new halls and initiatives for its 35th edition in November 2023.

05 October 2023

The annual Marine Equipment Trade Show (METSTRADE) returns to RAI Amsterdam from 15 to 17 November 2023, with several exciting new initiatives added to this year’s lineup.

For its 35th-anniversary edition, METSTRADE has expanded into 11 halls and is expecting visitors from 116 different countries.

The addition of Croatia and the post-pandemic return of China means there will be a record-breaking 28 national pavilions to explore this year, alongside the familiar Super Yacht Pavilion (SYP), Marina Yacht Pavilion (MYP), Construction Material Pavilion (CMP) and the new Foiling Technology Pavilion (FTP).

There’s a particular focus on startups, too, with the launch of a new Start-Up Pavilion and pitching event, shining a light on some of the industry’s most exciting players.

The 2023 DAME Design Awards mark the second year that entries have been submitted to greater scrutiny for sustainable design.

For 2023, METSTRADE expanded into 11 halls and hosted over 1,500 exhibitors.

The Women in the Marine Industry International panel event and networking breakfast returns this year.

The Women in the Marine Industry International panel event and networking breakfast will return this year.

METSTRADE provides significant opportunities for the world’s leading leisure marine equipment manufacturers and buyers to promote and progress key subjects like sustainability, diversity, design and innovation.

“Throughout its history, METSTRADE has been at the forefront of the key leisure marine issues of the day”, says METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek. For this 35th anniversary edition, we are adding a record number of new initiatives, including the Next Generation Propulsion Zone and Foiling Technology Pavilion and theatre.

“We are also recognising the importance of people, talent, and entrepreneurialism by launching the new Start-Up Pavilion and pitching event. METSTRADE’s long-standing and much-appreciated Young Professionals Club will feature a Career Corner with professional advisors.

“We’ll host the prestigious Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image Award competition for the first time, inspiring us all with the power and beauty of the sector we work in.”

METSTRADE will this year run from Wednesday 15 November to Friday 17 November, a one-off adjustment to the usual show days, allowing many exhibitors and visitors to take advantage of the Friday finish by extending their stay over the weekend to relax in the historic maritime city of Amsterdam.

Those looking for inspiration will be able to view the top 20 shortlisted images of this year’s 14th Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image award, cast their vote in a Delegates award and see the winner for the first time ever at METSTRADE on Thursday 16 November.

Networking opportunities will abound, including METSTRADE’s Happy Hour on the first evening and the national trade association receptions held around the show floor towards the end of Thursday’s show hours.

METSTRADE will this year run from Wednesday 15 November to Friday 17 November, a one-off adjustment to the usual show days.

National trade association receptions are held around the show floor towards the end of Thursday’s show hours.

METSTRADE’s Happy Hour takes place on the first evening.

The future of the superyacht sector with Sanlorenzo’s Massimo Perotti

Several headline features and presentations at METSTRADE 2023 will demonstrate how the environmental challenge has shifted from debating what is needed to execute change today.

Massimo Perotti, the CEO of Italian superyacht builder Sanlorenzo, will set the scene right from the outset during his keynote speech at this year’s Breakfast Briefing, jointly hosted by METSTRADE and ICOMIA, and provide insights into how the leisure marine sector can transition to carbon neutrality.

The sustainability agenda: DAME Design Awards, Next Generation Propulsion Zone & Foiling Technology Pavilion

Perotti’s presentation will be immediately followed by the unveiling of the winners for the prestigious 2023 DAME Design Awards. This is the second year that entries have been submitted to greater scrutiny for sustainable design.

Organisers say they are set to make a major change to the competition categories next year, reflecting the rapidly changing arena of marine equipment design in response to the needs of future-facing customers.

Right alongside the DAME display, visitors can also explore the new Next Generation Propulsion Zone. This area will showcase innovation in electric and hybrid engines, as well as alternative fuels, zero-emission solutions, and other advancements that promote next-generation propulsion.

METSTRADE is also bringing a completely fresh sector into play this year for the first time with the launch of the Foiling Technology Pavilion (FTP) and theatre. Taking advantage of the show’s expansion into RAI Amsterdam’s Hall 7, the FTP will run in partnership with The Foiling Organization – the experts who are responsible for Foiling Week and the Foiling Awards.

Visitors will be able to learn first-hand how foil manufacturers and their collaborative mechanical and electronic equipment suppliers are moving the energy-saving potential of foiling from exotic to mainstream applications.

World Sailing Sustainability Challenge

METSTRADE has announced a pioneering collaboration with World Sailing.

World Sailing and World Sailing Trust are collaborating to set up an Equipment Recycling Hub for common but difficult-to-recycle sailing equipment at the 2023 Allianz Sailing World Championships, which took place in the Netherlands this August.

Following these Championships, the collected items will be showcased at METSTRADE’s Construction Material Pavilion to bring the issues around the recyclability of sailing equipment to the attention of the wider marine industry.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Of course, no products could be innovated and built without skilled people and entrepreneurial pioneering companies to create them. Hall 7 will also host a Start-Up Pavilion in collaboration with global start-up hub Yachting Ventures. The Pavilion will feature 15 early-stage companies who have been carefully vetted. Visitors will be able to meet with them there to view their pioneering products, or across at the METSTRADE Theatre in Hall 13, where they will be pitching against each other for investment cash.

Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast

A busy METSTRADE Theatre program focused on emerging technologies, sustainability and diversity will include the welcome return of one of last year’s standout moments – the Women in the Marine Industry International panel event and networking breakfast, hosted by British Marine, Marine Industry News and Soundings Trade Only.

Strengthened Focus on Young Professionals at YPC and Career Corner

METSTRADE also supports and encourages all marine professionals aged under 35 through the Young Professionals Club (YPC), with many taking advantage of a dedicated hub and programme of events each year.

For 2023, those enjoying the networking and facilities of the lounge will additionally benefit from the METSTRADE Career Corner. Professional advisors from recruitment specialist, Marine Resources will be on hand to offer career coaching sessions.

The 2023 Boat Builder Awards

A strong people and skills theme runs through this year’s IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, held in partnership with Raymarine.

People and Skills Development, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement are among a record 11 categories due to be announced at a spectacular four elements-themed gala dinner hosted within Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum on Thursday evening, 16 November.

Full information on all activities is available online. Registration is now open.

metstrade.com