METSTRADE reveals details of 35th edition

Organisers of the annual METSTRADE marine trade exhibition have revealed details of the show’s upcoming 35th-anniversary edition, which takes place from Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 November 2023 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

Many thousands of marine industry professionals will take part in three days of networking, research, and sales discussions. The show this year has confirmed 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 Amsterdam.

METSTRADE is expanding this year once again into a total of 11 halls for 2023. The new addition of Croatia and the post-pandemic return of China means that there will be a record-breaking 28 national pavilions to explore this year. Visitors are expected from 116 different countries.

Other changes announced for 2023 include the introduction of a new Foiling Technology Pavilion to showcase manufacturers of foiling hardware and technology and the launch of a new Start-Up Pavilion, providing a space for emerging start-ups to showcase their new products and technologies. The Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image Award competition will also take place at METS for the first time.

“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 also 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.”

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

Breakfast Briefing

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

2023 Dame Design Awards

Massimo 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 have confirmed there is a major change to the competition categories this year, to be announced in the coming weeks, reflecting the rapidly changing arena of marine equipment design in response to the needs of future-facing customers. All successful DAME nominees will be on display in Hall 13, at the heart of the showfloor.

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.

Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast

A busy METSTRADE Theatre programme 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 Marine Industry News, British Marine and Soundings Trade Only.

Foiling Technology Pavilion

METSTRADE is also welcoming 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 Organisation, which is responsible for Foiling Week and the Foiling Awards.

Visitors can 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 also announced a collaboration with World Sailing for 2023. 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.

Start-Up Pavilion

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.

Young Professionals Club 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.

2023 Boat Builder Awards

This year’s IBI METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement are held in partnership with Raymarine. People and Skills Development, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement are among 11 categories due to be announced at a themed gala dinner hosted within Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum on Thursday evening, 16 November.

Full information on all activities is now available at the METSTRADE website.

Registration for the show is now open.