Metstrade responds to key industry topics with a content programme hosted across five stages

The content programme has been designed in collaboration with industry partners to provide clarity and growth potential in response to the complexities which the leisure marine sector is navigating. This includes increasing costs, supply chains, changing buyer behaviour, regulations and compliance, macroeconomic conditions and geopolitics.

Metstrade Stage

With sessions on every hour of every day, the Metstrade Stage hosts some of the most influential sessions, providing insights for all segments of the leisure marine industry.

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) will host a series of daily sessions in collaboration with partners such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and European Boating Industry (EBI). Topics will include ‘Global Market Conditions & Collaborations’, ’Tariffs & Regulations’, ’Global LCA Regulations’ and ’Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: A Technical Guide’. These sessions provide invaluable insights into the evolving economic, regulatory, and environmental factors shaping the future of the leisure marine industry.

On 18 November, the Marine Impact Lab will host ‘Turning Insights into Action’, a session on how to integrate sustainability into operations and how to become part of a growing industry collective committed to driving sustainable solutions, together.

On 19 November, MARIN will introduce the concept of human-centered operational ship design, exploring how AI is being leveraged for ship design, on-board decision support, and revolutionising every phase from initial concept to decommissioning.

On the final day, Yachting Ventures hosts the return of a startup pitching competition. The competition's primary objective is to nurture ground-breaking ideas and forge connections between promising startups, industry experts, investors, and potential partners. JEC, the non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting composite materials, will host a session in partnership with the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA), on advancing circular strategies for composites with particular attention on current regulations and best practices.

As well as these sessions, visitors can learn from each other as collaboration and community is a key element of the Metstrade experience. Visitors and exhibitors can share knowledge of respective markets, discuss trends, and connect to thrive. Many country pavilions will host drinks parties on Wednesday 19 November, providing a relaxed setting for informal networking.

Another area visitors can learn from one another is the new, purpose-built hospitality and event space Harbour 8, hosted by Wajer 55. This is a central meeting point offering three-course lunches, combining quality ding with business opportunities and learning. Inspired by the precision and performance of the Wajer 55, the lunch is designed to be enjoyed in just 55 minutes, offering an innovative way to maximise your time while visiting Metstrade. Booking is advised here.

North America Stage

With the US and Canadian pavilions now located in Hall 12, a dedicated North America Stage offers a focused programme on US and Canadian market trends, policy updates, and certification. Co-hosted by NMMA, IBEX, and Soundings Trade Only, it features ‘Visionaries and Vino’ dockside chats, expert-led sessions on standards and certification, and discussions on global trade, consumer trends, and innovation.

One standout session on the North America Stage focuses on research to identify and understand the evolving profile of recreational boat buyers in the North American market. Led by the Discover Boating brand, powered by the NMMA and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the session (held on 19 November) dives into the findings to explore the mindset, motivations, and barriers of both current and future consumers.

Superyacht Stage

In response to the thriving market segment, the Superyacht Zone has been significantly enhanced with additional space and now extends across Hall 8, 9 and 10. This includes the launch of a dedicated Superyacht Stage, offering sector-specific talks and panel discussions, which present further opportunities for visitors to expand their knowledge. These will showcase the latest technologies and applications shaping the future of superyacht design, innovation, and operations.

On 19 November, one session will explore the prospect of scaling foiling to superyachts, uncovering opportunities for both suppliers and yards. The session will review foiling’s established presence in the tender market and navigate the technical, comfort, and cost challenges of foiling for superyachts.

The refit market, which supports approximately 6,000 active vessels requiring regular works, has its own dedicated area and agenda, including a session on 20 November led by the Senior Editors and Market Analysts from The Superyacht Group, alongside a hand-picked group of esteemed guests. This will present and explore what the refit market will look like over the next ten years, using unique modelling and algorithms to predict where the industry is heading and how it should evolve and grow.

In collaboration with Superyacht Times, a dynamic newsroom will be created, spotlighting the latest innovations from the show floor. The collaboration will also deliver a daily podcast and end-of-day drinks after each session on the stage.

Young Professionals Club

Within the Young Professionals Club, in collaboration with The Magenta Project, there will be sessions held every day at 16:00, followed by networking drinks. Aligned with the Young Professionals Club’s mission to advance careers in the leisure marine industry, sessions will cover building a culture of belonging, professionalism and integrity, and inclusive leadership.

Foiling Stage

In partnership with The Foiling Organisation, nine sessions will be delivered at a dedicated stage within the Foiling Technology Zone. The sessions cover the future of foiling design, the market for future foiling boats, bringing foiling to a wider market, sustainability, and other sessions about the future and adoption of this technology.

For the full content programme visit: https://www.metstrade.com/programme

Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager at Metstrade, said: “We have acted on the needs of the industry to create a Metstrade which caters to everyone, brings meaningful connections and answers every question in the sector. The content programme has been carefully planned to provide clarity regarding the global market and a clear route for visitors and exhibitors to expand. It’s an exciting chapter and we look forward to being the key meeting point for the leisure marine industry.” 

Metstrade Official Opening

Cheryl Brown, Managing Director for Le Boat, will welcome an audience of leisure marine professionals as the Metstrade Official Opening keynote speaker. In her opening address, Brown will explore the significant economic value generated by marine tourism and underline the importance of accessible boating experiences for the long-term health and sustainability of the industry. Brown will also deliver a Q&A at the Metstrade Stage on the opening day, followed by a visit to the Young Professionals Club.

Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat, commented: “I am very proud to be speaking at this year’s Metstrade Opening Session. Having worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years, and the marine travel sector for more than 20 years, I am deeply passionate about the growth, development and success of the leisure marine industry. I am looking forward to sharing my insights as well as visiting the Young Professionals Club to inspire the next generation.”

Metstrade is the go-to event to gain unparalleled access to international market insights, collaborate with new partners, build meaningful connections with fellow professionals from over 135 countries, and learn about the latest trends and innovations from all corners of the world. Metstrade 2025 will be the biggest show to date, with expanded halls, enhanced zones, over 1,600 exhibitors, and a carefully curated content plan to help navigate the changing leisure marine market and capitalise on opportunities. 


Metstrade will take place 18 – 20 November 2025 at RAI Amsterdam. For more information and to register for a free ticket, visit: https://www.metstrade.com/