In the wake of an ongoing boom in the recreational boating world, certainly triggered at least in part by Covid-19, the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international leisure marine industry is back

The METSTRADE show will reopen its doors from 16 to 18 November 2021, with a hybrid event which promises both a physical reunion and three full days of live broadcasts.

Confirmed the 3 dedicated areas of expertise:

  1. the SuperYacht Pavilion;
  2. the Marina & Yard Pavilion;
  3. the Construction Material Pavilion.

The desire within the industry to meet in-person

The appetite among exhibitors and visitors to come together again inspired RAI Amsterdam to host the physical reunion of the industry. METSTRADE 2021 will be a truly global show again: exhibitor applications have topped the 1,300 mark, with hardly any changes in terms of participation from all across Europe and North America especially since quarantaine restrictions are lifted. Those from other markets are finding ways to ensure representation on the exhibition floor.

All this will happen in compliance to safety regulations: the exhibition will be organised in accordance with RAI’s stringent COVID-19 Protocol for face-to-face meetings to ensure a safe, successful and realistic gathering.

An inevitable reallocation

As a consequence of the challenges caused by the pandemic, the 2021 edition of the show will be held at the Europa Complex (Hall 1-7, Europa Foyer & Elicium) of RAI Amsterdam, “with a one-year floor plan that will enable us to welcome almost as many exhibitors as the record-breaking 2019 show” METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek comments.

In addition to all the country pavilions, the specialised SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP), Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) and Construction Material Pavilion (CMP) have all been well accommodated.

The Superyacht Forum will take place from 15 to 17 November while other partners such as HISWA-RECRON and Global Marina Institute also organise events again at METSTRADE 2021.

The advantages of digital communication
Klarenbeek told Nautech that, while all traditional elements will be back (the 30st DAME Awards Competition, a series of TechTalks, sustainability sessions, the Superyacht Forum, Happy Hour and other networking events), RAI Amsterdam and its partner ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) have decided to put to good use all the new learnings on how to create successful online events, coming from over 1,5 years of virtual meetings.

Thus, via the new METSTRADE TV (broadcasting live) a wealth of content will be available both to those visiting in-person and to a second stream of digital audience, attending from their home or office.

Moreover, during the three days METSTRADE TV will host a wide variety of programmes: interviews with leading lights of the industry, expert panels discussing the latest developments, live reports from the exhibition floor. The worldwide audience can ask questions that will be answered by experts on the ground and the feed will also be available on the devices of visitors at the show and broadcast on screens in the catering areas.

All attendees, in-person and online, will have access to the new online environment, METSTRADE Connect platform: this will include exhibitor profiles based on which the algorithms will make recommendations. METSTRADE Connect also allows the attendees to make a personalised agenda, set up appointments and enjoy a livestream of METSTRADE TV.