Metstrade strengthens opportunities for North American leisure marine businesses
Metstrade’s North America stage will deliver market insights, international opportunities and industry connections
Metstrade 2026 is strengthening its position as a key gateway connecting North American leisure marine businesses with global markets. The 2026 edition of the show will provide North American leisure marine businesses with a platform to connect with international partners, explore emerging trends and gain valuable insights into the world's largest boating markets.
The importance of North America's role within the global marine industry continues to grow, reflected by increasing participation from across the region. This year, participation from North American exhibitors is expected to exceed that of the last two years, while visitors from North America attending Metstrade has grown by 14% in the last two years.
This growing presence demonstrates the increasing importance of international collaboration as leisure marine businesses seek new routes to market and respond to emerging technologies and changing customer expectations.
Metstrade also gives North American leisure marine companies access to the products and innovations which feature on the most in-demand European models for North American buyers. Italy, France, the UK and wider Europe make up a large portion of the multi-billion-dollar yacht import market in North America, and the unique features that make these vessels popular for buyers are exhibited across Metstrade.
A dedicated platform for the North American market
Following the success of dedicated theatre sessions and the launch of the North American Stage in partnership with IBEX, NMMA and Soundings Trade Only, the programme has become an established feature of the Metstrade experience and returns for the 2026 edition. The stage will feature three talks per day highlighting the North American boating market.\Key sessions on the North American stage
Talks will include:
- Importing to North America: Navigating Compliance, Certification & Market Entry (17 November, 10:45) will bring together experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, NMMA and ABYC to outline key compliance requirements and certification pathways for companies entering the North American market.
- New Tools, New Rules: Marine Marketing in the Age of AI (17 November, 14:30) explores how artificial intelligence and new digital tools are changing the way marine brands engage customers and build awareness.
- Leading Through Radical Change: Understanding the U.S. Retail Market (18 November, 10:45) features West Marine CEO Paulee Day discussing the trends and challenges shaping the future of marine retail.
- North American Market Perspective for Global Marine Stakeholders (18 November, 14:30) sees NMMA and NMMA Canada leaders share insights into the opportunities and challenges influencing recreational boating across the U.S. and Canada.
The Promise and Challenge of 3D Printed Boats (16 November, 11:45) examines how advances in additive manufacturing are creating new possibilities for boat design and production.
The Case for Wood Composite Yachts (18 November, 11:45) explores how traditional craftsmanship and modern composite technologies are being combined in today's custom yacht projects.
The full content programme is available here: https://www.metstrade.com/programme
Building international connections and commercial opportunities
Tessa Meijer, Exhibition Programme Manager at Metstrade, said:
“North America remains one of the most important and influential markets in the global marine industry, and we're committed to creating meaningful opportunities for businesses from the region to connect with the wider international market. The North American Stage provides a dedicated space for industry stakeholders to discuss market developments, share expertise and build relationships that support future growth.
“Beyond the content programme, the North American Pavilion serves as an important meeting point for companies looking to strengthen relationships with European and Asian counterparts, showcase innovations and explore new commercial opportunities.”
Visitor registration now open
Visitor registration for Metstrade 2026 is open, inviting leisure marine professionals from around the world to secure their place at the industry’s leading global B2B event, taking place at RAI Amsterdam from 17–19 November. Free registration for Metstrade is only available up to and including 31 October– secure your registration here: Metstrade registration.
