The black series continues for the nautical industries in terms of trade shows: it is the turn of Mets, the world trade show for marine and nautical technologies, to announce its cancellation. 

Little known to the general public and yachtsmen, the Mets is nevertheless a key trade show for the nautical and maritime sector, which for 32 years has been the place to be to discover the latest technologies and innovations that will equip boats from all over the world tomorrow.

The cancellation announced today by RAI Amsterdam, its organiser, has therefore dismayed the world of equipment manufacturers, for whom this event is the first place to market their products.

The reasons for the cancellation of the Amsterdam Mets, scheduled for 17 to 19 November, are due to the Covid epidemic and the restrictions on traffic both outside and within Europe.

Niels Klarenbeek, shipping director of Metstrade, is naturally disappointed, but also optimistic: "We have worked with great dedication to make Mets a safe and successful show. The cancellation of Metstrade 2020 was a blow to my team and myself, but listening to the many voices in the industry, including the exhibition committee, Icomia, partners and stakeholders, it was the only right decision we could make. Our team is working with our partners on different virtual ways to connect the boating industry in these challenging times".

Icomia members support the decision to cancel this year's show and understand the current challenges. Sara Anghel, President of Icomia told Yachting Art Magazine: "The decision was extremely difficult to make and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry. Icomia agrees with RAI Amsterdam's decision and will cooperate with the Mets team in Amsterdam to be the home port for the industry as soon as possible".

Bas Dalm, Executive Vice President of RAI Amsterdam's Exhibition & Sales division is saddened by the decision to cancel the Mets: "RAI Amsterdam has been hit hard by the current global crisis. We remained hopeful that the Metstrade fair would continue until the end, but the global situation has not improved significantly. Although this decision is detrimental to the entire recreational marine industry, it is the only right decision at this time".