METSTRADE 2022 – back as ‘epicentre’ of marine leisure
After three days of meetings, networking and socialising, METSTRADE 2022 came to a close in Amsterdam yesterday (17 November).
The industry’s largest trade exhibition of leisure marine equipment, METSTRADE 2022 showcased a total of 1,400 exhibitors from 49 countries across 10 halls at Amsterdam RAI covering every facet of marine equipment, systems and materials.
The busy show saw 26,480 visits registered by 17,417 unique visitors spanning 126 nationalities, accompanied by 6,175 exhibitor personnel.
“There has been an incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes this year,” said Niels Klarenbeek, maritime director of METSTRADE after the show closed. “We wanted to ensure that METSTRADE was completely fit for purpose in resuming its critical role as the epicentre for the whole global marine leisure sector during three very busy days in Amsterdam.
“The feedback we have received suggests those efforts have paid off, with exhibitors and visitors able to take maximum advantage of meeting up together again. It was incredible to witness large numbers of visitors gathering even before the show opened each morning and to hear the buzz of conversations and business being made around the many stands and meeting spaces right across the show”.
Sarah Anghel, president of ICOMIA comments: “The partnership we have with METSTRADE gets stronger every year. We weathered the storm of covid by working closely together and we have much to celebrate now with such a high level of quality attendance and business made at this year’s show. We are also pleased to see the ongoing growth of our members’ national pavilions across the halls of RAI Amsterdam, further increasing the tangible value of marine industry associations as they represent and support the global leisure marine sector.”
Twenty-three per cent of visitors were in the 18-35 age bracket, with these young professionals being supported with a dedicated lounge, industry meet and greet sessions and show tours.
The International media were out in force, with 160 members of the marine press attending multiple product launches, awards ceremonies and events throughout the show. Kicking off the packed press schedule was marketing agency MAA‘s annual press dinner onboard MS van Riemsdijkweg on the Monday night (14 November), sponsored by Navico Group, marine safety specialist Ocean Safety, and Freedom Boat Club. Speaking to host Tom Cunliffe at the dinner, Navico Group’s CEO, Brett Dibkey discussed the recently established Navico Group‘s future plans, while MD at Ocean Safety, Alastair Hackett highlighted the importance of man overboard (MOB) training and onboard safety equipment for both professional and recreational yachts.
In a first for METSTRADE, day two commenced with a Women in Marine Industry networking breakfast and panel event, hosted by British Marine and Soundings Trade Only. Supported by Marine Industry News, More than 120 female and male professional delegates gathered at the METSTRADE Elicium Theatre to meet up and enjoy a lively and positive debate with women working in senior marine leisure leadership roles across the USA and Europe.
With positive reactions from visitors and exhibitors alike, METSTRADE was not without its share of drama. On the morning of Wednesday 16 November, Extinction Rebellion supporters protested at the doors of the Superyacht Forum, with a spokesperson form the groups stating that “superyachts are an obvious symbol of climate and social injustice”.
A slight change for 2023, METSTRADE will commence on Wednesday 15 November and run until Friday 17 November.
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