Record-breaking METSTRADE: Industry talks 2025 sales and new plans for bigger show
METSTRADE 2024 closed last week after recording its highest ever attendance of leading marine professionals from across the globe. The 36th edition of the show welcomed nearly 1,600 exhibitors across 12 halls at RAI Amsterdam and recorded 31,824 visits from 19,779 unique attendees, representing 134 nationalities. The figures mark a 10 per cent rise in total visits and a six per cent increase in unique visitors compared to 2023, previously the event’s record-setting year.
Attendance records were surpassed on each of the three days for this strictly trade-only show.
Show signposts growth
Following a challenging 2024 marked by elevated inflation and high interest rates that debilitated much of the market, there was a feeling of marked optimism when looking ahead to 2025. Most equipment manufacturers at METSTRADE believed the market is turning a positive corner, with the vast majority expectant of a gradual increase in new boat sales next year.
Dealerships have spent the past 18 months reducing inventory levels, positioning the market for renewed demand. As a result, OEM suppliers anticipate a gradual yet sustained year-over-year increase in sales, driven by growing consumer confidence and interest in new products.
Throughout the show, new products, collaborations and partnerships have been announced that aim to further progress market segments and innovation.
Inspiring, productive and educational
A sell-out edition of The Superyacht Forum (18-19 November), held under METSTRADE’s management for the first time, hosted 700 delegates. The premier appearance of the co-located Yacht Racing Forum (20-22 November), run in partnership with World Sailing, provided an exciting new focal point for cutting edge sailing.
METSTRADE is run in association with ICOMIA (the International Council of Marine Industry Associations), which represents trade organisations from all key markets around the world. The organisation’s CEO, Joe Lynch, says: “Attending METSTRADE is inspiring, productive and educational. You see great examples of innovations in the world of technology, safety, electronics, electrics and the many other facets of our industry that are improving the customer experience. I was particularly inspired this year by the show content that was focused on connecting with new audiences – something that is so important to the marine leisure sector.
Bigger Metstrade show for 2025
Speaking at the close of this year’s show, Metstrade director, Niels Klarenbeek said: “The excellent results of this year’s show provide a confident foundation on which to base ambitious plans for 2025. I’m pleased to announce that Metstrade will expand into hall 8, which will add around 10,000m2 of space. This will enable us to eliminate the current waiting list for The Superyacht Pavilion, provide options for exhibitors seeking more stand space and open a circular route around Metstrade halls to improve the visitor experience. There are further exciting initiatives in the pipeline that we will unveil in coming months.
“Given the significant enhancements made to Metstrade in recent editions we are introducing an up-to-date brand image to reflect where we are today. Metstrade has evolved from a trade show into a global platform driving the leisure marine industry forward. Our rebrand will reflect this growth and our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and long-term success across the marine leisure industry. Our new payoff – ‘Propelling Growth. Harbouring Innovation’ – summarises exactly what Metstrade is all about.
“We are already looking forward to receiving the whole industry back to our largest ever Metstrade in 2025 during Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations. Our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making this year’s edition so successful.”
