METSTRADE 2022 announced: new layout and bigger show planned

Following a one-off ‘pandemic edition’ last year, METSTRADE 2022 returns to full strength from 15-17 November in Amsterdam.

Organisers RAI Convention Centre and ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) say early indicators for the 2022 edition are very positive, with 96 per cent of visitors and 90 per cent of exhibitors declaring their intention to return to METSTRADE – the world’s largest leisure marine B2B exhibition and networking hub.

Marine industry associations are experiencing significant uptake for national pavilions, and METSTRADE 2022 is receiving many first-time applications, particularly from electric propulsion and electronics companies.

“The industry is eager to be back at the world’s largest B2B leisure marine industry event after an extraordinary 2021 edition,” says Niels Klarenbeek, director of METSTRADE. “We have created a balanced layout with key points of interest in every hall in close cooperation with our partners such as ICOMIA and Exhibition Committee. This allows us to accommodate METSTRADE’s growth with more exhibitors, more space, more focus and an enhanced visitor experience. We cannot wait to see everyone return to Amsterdam in November.”

The main layout changes are as follows:

The return of the SuperYacht Pavilion to halls 9-11
The dedicated SuperYacht Pavilion is resuming its residency in halls 9-11 – providing a more spacious layout to accommodate its comprehensive array of dedicated premier stands and networking spaces. Through cooperation with Holland Yachting Group, a strong Holland Pavilion will be created in hall 9, establishing a strong Dutch representation.

Construction Material Pavilion (CMP) and Italian Pavilion in hall 12
Hall 12 will have more focus on equipment for large production yachts with the CMP and the Italian Pavilion, in cooperation with Confindustria Nautica. By doing this, it becomes the go-to hall to showcase the most advanced technologies for innovative yacht builders, naval architects and interior designers.

I-nnovation at the forefront in Elicium ballroom
In recognition of the rapid growth in electronic propulsion and related equipment, METSTRADE will place a special focus on alternative propulsion at the I-nnovation lab this year. Its Elicium ballroom location will symbolically place this vital growth area for the marine sector at the show’s heart, in the same location where the DAME product entries will be on display.

The METSTRADE Theatre will run a comprehensive education programme for visitors and exhibitors. A variety of industry panellists will present and discuss topics of critical interest for the leisure marine sector.

Fully integrated Marina & Yard Pavilion in hall 5
Continuing a theme to raise the profile of specialist interest areas, the Marina & Yard Pavilion will form an integral part of the hall 5 show floor this year.

More networking space
This year’s edition of METSTRADE will offer plenty of spaces for show floor networking and private meetings. Organisers will also be returning to a comprehensive programme of receptions and happy hours during opening hours and afterwards. More announcements will be made in due course.

Commenting on METSTRADE’s plans for a strong return, Udo Kleinitz, secretary-general of industry body ICOMIA says: “Following the pandemic’s challenges, key industry stakeholders and associations are telling us it’s more pivotal than ever for suppliers and buyers to connect with their industry peers. METSTRADE is the leading platform for leisure marine professionals wanting to stay relevant and up-to-date in the industry. With the entire sector present from across the full supply chain, it is the best place to source, connect and learn to help your business grow.”

METSTRADE 2021 navigated Covid restrictions and exceeded expectations, assembling a total of 1,105 exhibitors from 44 countries. This was just 13 per cent down on the originally expected exhibitor total, following the choice of some businesses to withdraw in the immediate days before the doors opened due to pandemic concerns.

Early bird bookings
Early bird discounts are available on exhibitor bookings made before 1 May 2022. Visit the METSTRADE website for more details.