Countdown to METSTRADE 2022: all you need to know

The RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre is preparing to launch the 34th edition of METSTRADE (15-17 November 2022).

Many thousands of marine industry professionals are making their preparations for three days of networking, research, and sales discussions.

“We’re counting down the days until METSTRADE opens its doors again in its full glory,” says METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek. “Over 1,400 exhibitors from 50 countries will exhibit the latest ground-breaking innovations the leisure marine industry has to offer — in no less than 10 halls at the RAI Convention Centre.

“Our whole team has been working tirelessly to ensure the experience will be even better than before. All signs are set that the industry is just as excited as we are, as we witness a strong intake of boat builders, wholesalers, naval architects, marina developers and other marine professionals from all over the world.”

The next Marine Industry News (MIN) print edition will be launched at METSTRADE, and will feature new products, market analysis and leading marine industry experts and interviews. MIN‘s print edition will be distributed to our subscriber base and at METSTRADE from MIN’s stand at the show – stand 01.385.

The programme this year, focused on the environment, technology, diversity, and skills development, aims to be at the forefront of tackling the big issues of the day.

Electric aircraft visionary, Cory Combs, will set a challenge in his Breakfast Briefing keynote on 15 November, arguing that the marine industry, like aviation, needs to act on sustainability now by taking iterative steps using current technology rather than waiting for silver bullet solutions. The Breakfast Briefing is open to all exhibitors, press and VIP badge holders.

The Breakfast Briefing will also feature the unveiling of the winners for the DAME Design Awards 2022 – this year with over 100 applications. Nominated and winning products represent the pinnacle of the design effort needed to improve user experiences and manufacturing efficiency. They will all be on display at the Elicium Ballroom (hall 13), right in the heart of METSTRADE.

There’s an influx of younger talent behind many of the award winners. METSTRADE uniquely supports and encourages all marine professionals aged under 35 through its onsite Young Professionals Club. It’s free to access, offers invaluable networking opportunities, tours, and a chance to meet Cory Combs.

Industry Rising Stars is also one of 10 themes represented in the 2022 Boat Builder Awards at the Amsterdam National Maritime Museum on the evening of 15 November. You can view the winning and shortlisted entries in the ballroom.

Gender diversity is an equally important priority for the leisure marine industry. This year METSTRADE, in collaboration with trade body British Marine, Soundings Trade Only and MIN, is holding a breakfast-time Women in the Marine Industry International meeting at the METSTRADE Theatre on 16 November 2022, building on the success of previously held national events. A leadership panel will discuss opportunities and challenges prevalent to women working within the marine industry, although all genders are welcome.

The METSTRADE Theatre will also host a range of other presentations on important topics, including superyacht technology systems and a market forecast for the superyacht sector. Right alongside, METSTRADE’s E-LAB Electric & Hybrid Showcase will feature the latest in electric and hybrid propulsion.

Activities in METSTRADE presentation rooms include free entrance on arrival sessions on the marine Ethernet OneNet Standard (15 November), NMEA 2000 Field Applications (16 November) and the future of superyacht design and whether sustainability is the next level in luxury (16 November).

For full information on all activities, view the official show catalogue online.

Free registration for METSTRADE ends on 8 November 2022. To secure your free ticket, head to the METSTRADE website.

Co-located events

Traditionally, METSTRADE is home to many industry events that bring together leisure marine professionals.

The 27th International HISWA Symposium on Yacht Design and Yacht Construction (14-15 November 2022) takes ‘Get Energised’ as its theme this year.

The 30th anniversary Superyacht Forum Live (14-16 November 2022) is focusing on the overarching theme of ‘Evolve or Repeat’ and will include six visionary keynote sessions from technology experts in the world of aerospace, automotive, energy, architecture, and future materials.

The HISWA Marina Symposium (17 November) will focus on market developments for marinas in the Netherlands.

These conferences are all subject to registration – more information at the METSTRADE website.