8 METSTRADE
The RAI is ready for business
T
he world’s largest B2B exhibition for the leisure marine industry will open its doors at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre from 16-18 November and after a one-year delay due to the global Covid-19 crisis, the 33rd edition of METSTRADE promises to be a special event that aims to reunite the sector. “Everything is in place to ensure that METSTRADE 2021 offers a dynamic mix of business opportunities, networking and social meetings to the approximately 1,300 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, who will head to RAI Amsterdam. There is a genuine excitement in the air as the event returns after two years and all elements that make it so unique are in place,” said METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek. “The various boat shows this Autumn such as Cannes, Southampton, Genova and Monaco
MARINA INDUSTRY • OCTOBER 2021
have illustrated just how ready people are to get together again and the tremendous energy that is released when they come face to face.” The all-new METSTRADE TV will enable the trade show as a whole to go fully hybrid, providing a single event to cater to audiences both in-person and virtually. During the three days, high quality content will be produced in talk shows, expert sessions and panel discussions. All attendees, inperson and online, will have access to the online METSTRADE Connect platform, which includes exhibitor profiles, a matchmaking tool, a livestream of METSTRADE TV and much more.
Strong market While the global pandemic has had a turbulent impact on many people’s personal lives, the leisure marine industry as a whole has come through the storm
in a strong position. “Covid-19 has increased the popularity of boating as it offers a safe and distanced environment for recreation and relaxation,” commented ICOMIA SecretaryGeneral Udo Kleinitz. “Almost every market and segment is enjoying a positive outlook, with double-digit growth in some countries. We remain cautiously optimistic as we navigate the sustainable development of boating beyond the pandemic age.” The superyacht market is also in a bullish mood, as a recent statement from the SuperYacht Builders Association (SYBASS) made clear: “The Covid-19 crisis has further whetted the appetite for the comfort and safety of owning
a superyacht. With the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals growing by a third in 2021 alone, the Association’s Economic Report notes an exceptionally positive momentum in the market and estimates that the number of superyachts under 15 years of age could pass the 1,450 mark by 2025.” That said, it is important to note that the pandemic has also brought new challenges to the maritime industry, with disrupted supply chains resulting in stock shortages and an even greater scarcity of raw materials. METSTRADE will be the ideal place to seek out new suppliers and partnerships.
Central themes Another effect of the events of the past 18 months has been to further
