Bigger and better

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF METSTRADE.

Progressing its programme of continuous re nement, Metstrade 2022 will feature signi cant improvements to its layout. Following a one-o adjusted pandemic edition last year, Metstrade 2022 will be strengthening its position as the must-not-miss world’s largest leisure marine B2B exhibition and global networking hub from 15 to 17November at RAI Amsterdam.Early indicators for 2022 were very positive, with 96% of visitors and 90% of exhibitors declaring their intention to return. Marine industry associations are experiencing signi cant uptake for national pavilions, and Metstrade is receiving many rst-time applications, particularly from electric propulsion and electronics companies.

Re ecting on the crucial role of this year’s show, Niels Klarenbeek, Director Metstrade, says, “The industry is eager to be back at the world’s largest B2B leisure marine industry event a er an extraordinary 2021 edition. We have created a balanced layout with key points of interest in every hall in close cooperation with our partners such as ICOMIA and the Exhibition Committee. This allows us to accommodate Metstrade’s growth with more exhibitors, more space, more focus, and an enhanced visitor experience. We cannot wait to see everyone return to Amsterdam in November.”

Commenting on Metstrade’s plans for a strong return, Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General of industry body ICOMIA states, “Following the pandemic’s challenges, key industry stakeholders and associations are telling us it is more pivotal than ever for suppliers and buyers to connect with their industry peers. Metstrade is the leading platform for leisure marine professionals wanting to stay relevant and up to date in the industry. With the entire sector present from across the full supply chain, it is the best place to source, connect and learn to help your business grow.”

The return of the SuperYacht Pavilion to Halls 9-11 The dedicated SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) is resuming its residency in Halls 9-11 – providing a more spacious layout to >>

accommodate its comprehensive array of dedicated premier stands and networking spaces. Through an intensi ed cooperation with Holland Yachting Group, a strong Holland Pavilion will be created in Hall 9. The relocation of the Holland Pavilion to Hall 9 allows room for expansion and additional services, thus establishing a strong and collective Dutch representation.

Construction Material Pavilion and Italian Pavilion in Hall 12 Hall 12 will have more focus on equipment for large production yachts with the Construction Material Pavilion (CMP) and the Italian pavilion, in co-operation with Con ndustria Nautica. By doing this, it becomes the go-to hall to showcase the most advanced technologies for innovative yacht builders, naval architects, and interior designers.

I-nnovation at the forefront in Elicium Ballroom Recognising the rapid growth in electronic propulsion and related equipment, Metstrade will accommodate the return of the I-nnovation Lab with a special focus on alternative propulsion. Its Elicium Ballroom location will symbolically place this vital growth area for the marine sector at the show’s heart, the very same location where the DAME product entries will be on display.

Alongside you will nd the Metstrade Theatre, which will run a comprehensive education programme for visitors and exhibitors. A variety of industry panellists will present and discuss topics of critical interest for the leisure marine sector.

Fully integrated Marina & Yard Pavilion in Hall 5 Continuing the theme to raise the pro le of specialist interest areas, the Marina & Yard Pavilion (MYP) will form an integral part of the Hall 5 show oor this year.

More networking space and more fun Metstrade is about business opportunities, networking, catching up with industry friends and making new ones. This year’s edition will o er plenty of spaces for show oor networking and private meetings. There will also be a comprehensive programme of receptions and happy hours during opening hours and a erwards.

The globally renowned Design Awards at Metstrade have now opened for nominations until 16 September 2022,

with all entry fees supporting the work of the World Sailing Trust to safeguard the planet and promote boating participation.

The DAME provides a unique and universally recognised benchmark for the whole marine equipment industry. It does so by highlighting the merits of excellent design in all its many facets, from aesthetics, functionality, and innovation, through to integration, practicality of use, price to performance ratio and presentation. With Metstrade’s strong focus on sustainability, entrants must also explain how environmental impact reduction has been considered across the whole product design.

Entries will be judged across seven categories spanning the sectors represented at Metstrade before an eventual winner is chosen. The assessment will be made by an experienced Jury of eight comprising leading boat, interior, and industrial designers, as well as user experts. Renowned yacht designer, Andre Hoek, will chair the Jury.

All DAME nominated products bene t from high-pro le presence on a special showcase within the heart of the Metstrade show oor, the world’s largest marine equipment event. A nal selection of seven Category Winners and the eventual DAME Award Overall Winner is made from these nominations, with announcements made at the agship Breakfast Brie ng on the rst day of the show. The DAME Jury also awards a series of Special Mentions and an Environmental Design Winner at its discretion if an exemplar product is identi ed.

Anders Thorin – Product Manager Electronics, Volvo Penta.

The DAME is indisputably a key highlight of the year for the whole marine equipment sector, with winning and nominated entries bene ting greatly from additional exposure of their products, increased commercial success and a rmation of their design e orts. Last year’s overall winner, Volvo Penta, recognised that the essence of the DAME is “Not just innovative design but a dedication to continuous improvements in all aspects of the creative process.” Anders Thorin, Product Manager Electronics at Volvo Penta, comments, “It is an absolute privilege to be awarded the overall DAME award for our Assisted Docking System. We are always looking for ways to support our customer’s easy boating experience and this system takes that to the next level.”