Collaboration between boat shows matters, says Metstrade show director

“Boat shows are the lifeblood of the leisure marine industries, because they are perfect places where the leisure marine lifestyle is on display.

“If those boat shows are well run and more boats are being sold, the entire marine ecosystem benefits, from marinas to yard supply, yard service companies, and you can think of the entire marine industry.”

That’s according to Niels Klarenbeek who – as well as being show director for Metstrade – is the president of International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO). His comments came on ICOMIA’s latest podcast.

Klarenbeek believes that boat shows do not compete with each other. He says they all face the same kind of challenges. “How do we reach out to new audiences? How do we manage our logistics? Topics like diversity, sustainability, AI. Those are elements that every boat show organiser is dealing with.”

IFBSO’s membership includes large, prestigious shows and some smaller regional events. “They all benefit from shared best practices and shared education,” says Klarenbeek.

“For myself, it’s a bit awkward because I’m not organising a boat show. We are B2B. No boats in Metstrade.”

What to expect at Metstrade 2026

Currently Klarenbeek is counting down the days to his “no boats” but “over 20,000 fellow marine professionals” event.

2026’s edition will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors, an increase of over 100 companies on last year, with organisers further optimising the floor plan following the 2025 edition’s expansion to cover the entire RAI Amsterdam complex. The show will host educational sessions across four stages, including dedicated programmes for the superyacht sector and North American market, alongside an educational programme for the Young Professionals Club and a wider schedule of fringe events. It begins with the Superyacht Forum, followed by the next day’s official opening ceremony, featuring a keynote from Bruno Thivoyon, CEO Groupe Beneteau, and the presentation of the DAME Awards.

DAME award nominations matter

Klarenbeek believes that when it comes to the DAMEs, “even a nomination is already something that is very credible and very prestigious”. Companies who have won in the past, “can really pinpoint that that has been a pivotal moment in their business”.

What makes a product stand out is that there is no opportunity for nominees to present to the jury. “So your product has to be intuitive,” says Klarenbeek, “because they are going to play with your equipment.”

He advises all attendees to spend an extra day at the show and walk the aisles without appointments. This enables serendipity to happen. “That’s another element which is very powerful at Metstrade.”

ICOMIA supports Metstrade’s programme

ICOMIA has been Metstrade’s official strategic partner since the show was established in 1988, with national marine industry associations participating through country pavilions. The partnership includes ICOMIA’s contribution to educational sessions and a permanent role on Metstrade’s advisory committee, providing global industry insight to help shape a relevant, up-to-date programme that meets visitors’ needs.

This conversation was recorded as part of the ICOMIA Podcast which is supported by series sponsor Elite Marinas.