Metstrade record-breaker sets ground for bumper 2025 event

The 36th Metstrade, held 19th-21st November 2024 in Amsterdam, recorded its highest ever attendance figure and hosted close to 1,900 exhibitors across 12 halls at RAI Amsterdam.

The show received 31,824 visits from 19,779 unique visitors spanning 134 nationalities. The overall increase in attendance was up 10% and 6% respectively when compared to 2023, the previous historic high-water mark. Attendance records were surpassed on each of the three days for this strictly trade-only show.
Metstrade built further on its depth and breadth of activities for the whole industry this year. A sell-out Superyacht Forum, held under Metstrade’s management for the first time, hosted 700 delegates. The premier appearance of the co-located Yacht Racing Forum, run in partnership with World Sailing, provided an exciting new focal point for cutting edge sailing.
Speaking at the close of the 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 [107,600ft²] 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 the 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,” he added. “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.”
In addition to a busy Marina & Yard Pavilion, with various exhibitor-sponsored gatherings and the annual Waterfront Drinks on the Marina World stand, there were educational opportunities via the Metstrade Theatre. Marina World sponsored two sessions. The first, chaired by Roberto Perocchio of Assomarinas, explored the build-up to the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference to be held in Venice in 2025, and the second, chaired by Mike Ward of Marina Projects, examined the careful thinking behind upcoming work to comprehensively revise the internationally renowned TYHA Code of Practice for marina design and operation.
Developing a new Code
Mike Ward and Simon Goodhead of Marina Projects (a first-time exhibitor in the Marina & Yard Pavilion) along with Jon White of The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), homed in on upcoming work to revise the TYHA Code of Practice, a globally recognised marina operations manual that has not been revised since 2013. The Code now requires an extensive rewrite as the industry has changed and developed significantly.
Crucial issues, such as environmental legislation; health and safety legislation; sustainability; and modern design techniques and initiatives need to be addressed.
Sites are more challenging than ever; accommodating superyachts is akin to hosting “small floating boutique hotels”; energy needs to be managed as part of infrastructure design; technology needs to be transferrable to different climates; and decarbonising means that no size fits all criteria can be applied.
In terms of sustainability, the problem is “designing for uncertainty”, and the challenge is for the marina designer to build in the flexibility to accommodate different solutions. Different fuel options, a larger global fleet (178% increase from 2000 to 2023) of often larger vessels, increasing concerns regarding sea-level rise and flooding, and the application of smart technology must all in a sense be concrete background to the primary consideration, as Mike Ward noted: “Marinas are, and need to be, more aspirational today than they have ever been, but we must remember that they are first and foremost functional spaces that above all else must provide a safe haven and a calm environment.”
Heading for Venice
Roberto Perocchio, owner and manager of Venetian facility Marina del Cavallino, expertly moderated the session exploring the themes and aims of the next World Marinas Conference (IWMC), the flagship event of the International Council of Marine Industries Association (ICOMIA). IWMC 2025 will be held in Venice 15th-17th October.
ICOMIA CEO, Joe Lynch, introduced ICOMIA and IWMC, describing the conference as the “platform for engaging with members and for industry professionals to connect, build relationships and create new business opportunities.” IWMC 2025 will be held in a genuine working boatyard next to a marina; the result of the Venezia Certosa Marina regeneration project that has transformed a neglected munitions site into a sustainable economic asset for the local community.
Mel Symes of Innovamarina explored the conference theme ‘Innovation. Collaboration. Transformation’, which aims to address societal relevance (engaging a wider more diverse audience); resilience (aging workforce, climate adaption, circular economy); technological advancements (digitalisation, AI, data analysis etc); and environmental monitoring and stewardship.
Symes introduced Suzanne Davies, CEO of Australia-based Marine Industries Association, as a confirmed speaker on world markets. She shared findings from a recent market report and discussed some of the lessons she had learned organising events in Australia.
Conference host, Alberto Sonino, spoke about the unique venue in Venice, plans for an exceptional gala dinner and an exciting marina tour. He extended a warm welcome to all prospective delegates.