Metstrade announces 2026 content programme

Metstrade has announced its content programme for the 2026 exhibition, with sessions covering market conditions, technology, sustainability and workforce issues across the leisure marine sector.

The annual event, which takes place at RAI Amsterdam this year from 17-19 November, brings together professionals from across the leisure marine industry, with more than 1,700 exhibitors expected across 13 exhibition halls this year.

Free visitor registration for Metstrade 2026 is now live until 1 November.

Keynote from Groupe Beneteau CEO

The programme will open with a keynote from Groupe Beneteau CEO Bruno Thivoyon, who will discuss the future of recreational boating and the factors affecting the sector.

Metstrade says the programme will combine conference sessions, case studies and networking opportunities. The full conference programme is available ahead of the exhibition, allowing visitors to plan which sessions they want to attend.

The programme comes as recent market analysis from ICOMIA and Boats Group points to continued pressure in the volume market. Average new boat prices have declined by 6.9 per cent year-on-year, while the premium segment has remained resilient, including 10.6 per cent volume growth in the 56-79ft yacht category.

Boatbuilders and suppliers are also looking at ways to reduce costs, improve production efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and make greater use of digitalisation and new technologies.

Patricia Becker, exhibition manager at Metstrade, says: “The leisure marine industry is evolving rapidly, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges. Our 2026 content programme has been carefully curated to ensure attendees gain valuable insights, practical takeaways and access to the conversations that matter most. We want everyone to gain knowledge they can apply directly to their businesses.”

“The opening keynote speech from Bruno Thivoyon will set the tone for the whole of Metstrade – addressing market conditions and finding the solutions to innovate and grow.”

The programme is divided into three themes: Accessibility & Inclusion, Sustainability and Emerging Technologies.

Accessibility & Inclusion

The accessibility and inclusion programme will address workforce issues, with sessions covering leadership development, workforce training, mentoring and workplace inclusion.

Events include the Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast and Young Professionals Club, with a focus on recruitment and development within the industry.

Sustainability

The sustainability programme will examine approaches to decarbonisation and environmental management, including emissions reduction, circularity, marine ecosystem restoration and regulation.

Sessions include the Marine Impact Lab, sustainability discussions involving ICOMIA and other associations, and presentations from the Water Revolution Foundation. These will look at how organisations are putting sustainability measures into practice.

Emerging Technologies

The emerging technologies programme will examine developments affecting boat design and construction, including digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and advanced materials.

Sessions will cover data use, connected technologies, start-up innovation, advanced propulsion systems and the transfer of technology from elite sports to yachting applications.

Alongside the conference programme, Metstrade will host the DAME Design Awards and Boat Builder Awards.

The DAME Design Awards recognise developments in marine equipment design, with entries assessed in areas including functionality, sustainability, aesthetics and user experience.

The Boat Builder Awards recognise companies, teams and individuals working across the boatbuilding industry, with categories covering areas including manufacturing, sustainability, customer experience and business leadership.

Register for Metstrade 2026

Metstrade, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, returns to Amsterdam from 17-19 November 2026. Free visitor registration for Metstrade 2026 is now live until 1 November.