Metstrade, the world’s largest trade exhibition for leisure marine equipment, returns to RAI Amsterdam Nov. 17–19, with more than 1,700 exhibitors across 13 halls and industry professionals expected from more than 140 countries
This year's show features an expanded Superyacht Zone in Halls 7 and 8, including a dedicated refit section, a relocated Marina & Yard Zone in Hall 9, and an enlarged Construction Materials Zone in Halls 10 and 11. Other specialist areas include the Foiling Technology Zone, startup showcases, and country pavilions.
The Startup Zones will showcase emerging companies in the leisure marine and superyacht sectors, with more than 20 participating. The Yachting Ventures Startup Pitching Competition will give selected companies the opportunity to present their solutions to investors, media, corporate partners, and industry representatives.
The wider program includes The Superyacht Forum on Nov. 16–17, covering topics across the superyacht sector, including economics, artificial intelligence, performance, and leadership.
The Superyacht Stage also features technical presentations on nuclear propulsion, women in yachting, coatings, sustainability, and the future of professional development in the yachting sector.
The DAME Design Awards has shortlisted 74 products from 153 entries representing 30 countries, its largest shortlist in 23 years. The winners will be announced on Nov. 17.
The Marine Impact Lab, taking place Nov. 16, will bring together marine industry experts to examine sustainable design, alternative propulsion, and the business case for environmental initiatives. The program features two workshops and eight expert-led Topic Tables.
The first workshop, “Sustainable Design Principles,” led by Marine Futures, will explore how life-cycle assessment (LCA) can inform lower-impact boat design. Participants will use a simulator drawing on real boat designs and environmental impact data from MarineShift360 to explore the trade-offs between performance and sustainability.
The second workshop, “Selling Sustainability,” led by Foxall Munro, will focus on building the business case for environmental initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and securing investment. Using The Toolbox, an online sustainability strategy platform, participants will explore practical approaches to developing and implementing sustainability programs.
The eight Topic Tables will address issues including composite recycling, financing sustainability projects, and attracting new talent. Contributors include representatives from ICOMIA, ePropulsion, RAI Amsterdam, Composite Recycling, nlcomp, and Gurit, alongside sustainability specialist Dr. Susie Tomson and Veda Pretorius of IFBSO and the African Boating Conference.
“The people choosing materials and specifying components have a huge influence on a boat’s environmental impact. We want participants to leave with the knowledge and confidence to challenge assumptions and a clearer idea of what they can change in their own business,” said Ollie Taylor, founder and director of Marine Futures.
The Marine Impact Lab is delivered by Marine Futures, Foxall Munro, and Metstrade, with support from 11th Hour Racing. Registration for the lab is separate from Metstrade visitor registration.
