Yachting Art Magazine

Following the 2025 edition, which was deemed a great success by both exhibitors and visitors, the Metstrade trade fair is gearing up for its 2026 edition with even greater ambitions. Scheduled for 17–19 November at RAI Amsterdam, the event – regarded as one of the leading international gatherings for the recreational boating sector – is already showing strong momentum, with a significant increase in exhibitor registrations at this stage of the year.

Established in 1988, Metstrade has gradually established itself as a key platform for the global marine industry, particularly in the equipment, technology and services sectors. Held annually in Amsterdam, the exhibition brings together professionals from across the entire value chain: shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, architects, suppliers and institutional players. Over the decades, it has evolved to keep pace with the sector’s transformations, notably by incorporating dedicated areas for specific segments such as superyachts, marinas and construction materials.

The 2025 edition confirmed this position with visitor and participation figures remaining stable at a high level. The show recorded 31,878 visits, with an average visit duration of 1.62 days per visitor and international representation spanning 140 countries. The number of participating companies increased by 4% compared to 2024. For the first time, the event occupied the entire RAI Amsterdam complex, spread across 13 halls, enabling a looped circulation route that facilitated access to all exhibition areas.

Feedback from exhibitors also highlighted the quality of business interactions and the presence of key decision-makers, essential elements for a predominantly B2B trade fair. This positive perception helps explain the strong demand for space for the 2026 edition. The organisers note that certain categories of exhibitors, particularly those wishing to exhibit outside the national pavilions, should register early due to limited space availability.

Building on this momentum, Metstrade 2026 will introduce several changes to its spatial layout. The stated aim is to improve the clarity of the show and enhance coherence between the various segments represented. Among the main changes is the relocation of the superyacht zone to Halls 7 and 8, connected by an overhead walkway. This reorganisation is intended to increase the capacity of this zone and boost its visibility.

The Marina & Yard zone will be repositioned in Hall 9, in the immediate vicinity of the superyacht zone. This change responds to a request from exhibitors and industry professionals, particularly captains and crews, who wished for greater proximity between these segments. Furthermore, the area dedicated to construction materials will be expanded, now occupying Hall 11 and part of Hall 10, reflecting the growing importance of these themes within the industry.

The superyacht segment is indeed a key area of development for the show. At the 2025 edition, the Superyacht Zone featured 482 exhibitors, making it one of the event’s largest sections. In 2026, this zone will benefit from increased floor space and a strategic location designed to attract more visitors. The Superyacht Forum, a parallel event dedicated to industry decision-makers, will return, featuring discussions on the sector’s strategic challenges.

Beyond the exhibition, the conference programme represents another cornerstone of the show. For 2026, the organisers plan to further develop this aspect, with a programme structured around several themed stages. These sessions will address current challenges facing the marine sector, whether relating to technological innovation, environmental transition or market developments. Particular attention will be paid to formats that encourage discussion and networking among participants.

The organisers have also announced a target of 1,700 exhibitors for the 2026 edition, which would make it the largest edition to date. This growth comes at a time when the nautical industry continues to evolve, driven by technical innovations, increased environmental requirements and diversified international demand.