Exhibitors ‘back on track’ after boot Düsseldorf
Image courtesy of Messe Düsseldorf / Tillmann
“After the difficult past few years with sluggish sales, our exhibitors are back on track,” says Marius Berlemann, COO Messe Düsseldorf. “They report very good discussions and business deals at their stands. boot 2026 has once again presented itself as the international beacon and driving force of the industry.”
Berlemann says there was an increased internationality on the visitor side and a high proportion of trade visitors.
Over 200,000 visitors meant there was a slight increase in visitor numbers this year. Around a quarter travelled from other European countries and overseas.
According to the organisers, interest in the sailing boat offerings at the trade fair also rose significantly, with 25 class associations among others.
Exhibitors respond to the show
Maxim Neumann, vice president Hanse Yachts notes that this was HanseYachts AG’s return to boot Düsseldorf. “We welcomed numerous existing customers as well as many new prospects to our stand.
“Despite the continuing challenging market situation, our expectations were met. Overall, we are seeing a slow but noticeable stabilisation of the market and are optimistic about the 2026 season.”
Norbert Leifeld, CEO Bavarai Yachts says there was a very positive mood in all halls – among visitors, exhibitors and partners. “This is not yet a new hype, but a clear upward trend. We were able to meet many existing customers and make numerous new contacts on all days.”
“We were excellently positioned in the sailing boat and yacht sector this year,” says show director Petros Michelidakis. “Almost all the global players were on board with their boat premieres. In addition, we were able to attract innovative new manufacturers, with many boats being presented for the first time here in Düsseldorf.”
The range of motorboats in all classes and sizes, as well as engines and accessories, was also in high demand. Numerous boat premieres, technical innovations and new products demonstrated the strength of the industry.
Destination area proves a draw for crowds
This year’s edition was the first time Finland was presented not only with boats and boating equipment, but also as a boating destination, says Jarkko Pajusalo, CEO Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat.
“Finnish boats are well known, and our boat builders were pleased to meet customers and dealers from a wide variety of markets.
“The market has been challenging past several years, but the activity and deals made in boot Düsseldorf show that the tide is slowly turning for better.
“Interest towards boating in Finland was overwhelming and proved how unique our archipelago and lakeland areas are worldwide. boot exceeded our expectations, which means that we may need to increase our presence even further in the next edition.”
Water sports enthusiasts drawn together to protect oceans
The boot sustainability forum, blue innovation dock was well-attended and has become a forum for exchange between international politics, industry and research.
“We water sports enthusiasts love water and want to protect it,” says Michelidakis. “That’s why marine conservation projects are particularly well received here. The unmistakable boot spirit also makes the trade fair much more than a product show – it is an experience space, a dialogue platform and a community meeting place all at once.”
A total of almost 1,500 manufacturers, dealers and destinations from 68 nations presented themselves. The next boot will open its doors from 23 to 31 January 2027.
“Our member companies have given us very positive feedback on this year’s boot: customer interest was high, and many were able to close sales,” says Henning Mittelmann, president of the German Maritime Industry Association. “The market environment was difficult in 2025, so it is all the more gratifying to see that many exhibitors are now taking home orders and contracts. This successful boot therefore marks a good start to the 2026 financial year for our member companies.”
