Metstrade 2024, the world’s leading exhibition dedicated to equipment, systems and materials for the yachting industry, closed the doors of its 36th edition with unprecedented success.
From 19 to 21 November 2024, the Amsterdam RAI was the beating heart of the global marine industry, with 31,824 visits by 19,779 professionals from 134 countries, marking an increase of 10% and 6% respectively over the 2023 edition.
With almost 1,600 exhibitors spread over 12 pavilions, the event reaffirmed its role as a benchmark for innovation, networking and business. This year, the focus was on expanding the audience and integrating new formats, such as the Superyacht Forum, which attracted 700 delegates, and the debut of the Yacht Racing Forum, in collaboration with World Sailing. 
Nautic Times at Metstrade 2024
This year, Nautic Times, the new digital newspaper dedicated to boating, actively participated in Metstrade 2024. With coverage in six languages and services dedicated to digital growth, Nautic Times has emerged as a new authoritative voice in the industry.
During the event, our participation gave us the opportunity to explore the latest technical innovations and meet industry players, reinforcing our commitment to promoting boating globally.
According to Joe Lynch, Director General of ICOMIA, “attending Metstrade is stimulating, productive and educational. It is not only a place to discover the latest technologies in areas such as security, electronics and sustainability, but also a space to share ideas and build a collective vision of the future of the industry”.
He was also keen to emphasise the importance of METS for the industry: “It is a unique opportunity to bring the industry together, to discover technological innovations and to tackle global challenges together.”
A glimpse into the future
Mestrade 2024 is only the beginning of an ambitious expansion:
“The excellent results of this year’s show provide a secure foundation on which to build our ambitious plans for 2025,” says Niels Klarenbeek, Event Director, “I am delighted to announce that Metstrade will expand into Hall 8, adding approximately 10,000m2 of space. This will allow us to eliminate the current waiting list for the Superyacht Pavilion, provide options for exhibitors seeking more stand space and open up a circular route around the Metstrade halls to enhance the visitor experience.”
“More exciting initiatives are in the pipeline, which we will unveil in the coming months, given the significant improvements made to Metstrade in recent editions, we are introducing an updated brand image to reflect our current position. Metstrade has evolved from a trade show to a global platform for the advancement of the yachting industry and our rebrand will reflect this growth and our commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration and the long-term success of the yachting industry.”
With the rebranding reflecting Metstrade’s transformative role from a simple trade fair to a global platform, the new motto “Propelling Growth. Driving Innovation”, embodies the true essence of the event.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the entire industry to our biggest Metstrade ever in 2025, on the occasion of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations. Our sincerest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s edition,” Niels Klarenbeek concludes.
Nautic Times will continue to follow this development with enthusiasm, reporting on the challenges and opportunities of the nautical industry, with an eye already turned to the 2025 edition, which will take place: the Superyacht Forum from 17-18 November 2025, and the Metstrade from 18-20 November 2025 at the RAI Congress Centre in Amsterdam.
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