With five months to go to the opening of the 2019 edition of the METSTRADE Show, the expansion of the event in terms of numbers, size and influence is set to continue. Almost 1,500 companies have already signed up as exhibitor, including newcomers such as Suzuki, Nuova Protex, NOCO and Nautinov. The long-term strength of the marine equipment’s premier B2B exhibition is illustrated by the fact that its growth involves top-quality companies which match the profile and overall show concept. With the newly extended SuperYacht Pavilion already fully booked, there is much to look forward to at METSTRADE 2019.
Nothing stands still at METSTRADE, a brand that has extended way beyond the three-day trade show that carries its name both online and offline. The constant stream of new developments which keep the show so fresh and vibrant will continue apace at this year’s main event in November. What will remain the same, however, is the sharp focus on maintaining the core concept of the METSTRADE Show as an annual homeport for the global leisure marine community to gather in a hospitable and productive environment.
The organisers of the event have just released a short movie that captures this spirit well. Behind the scenes, a key factor in ensuring the quality of the METSTRADE Show is the Entry Committee that assesses all new companies wishing to participate as exhibitors. This committee consists of anonymous members who have earned their stripes in the industry and fully understand the mission of METSTRADE.
sold out Since the doors closed on the highly successful METSTRADE 2018 – which again welcomed record numbers of exhibitors and visitors – the organisers have been working hard to ensure that METSTRADE 2019 is equally beneficial for all who come to Amsterdam. A good example is the SuperYacht Pavilion, which was extended to three halls last year and has already completely sold out all three for this year’s event with no less than 334 exhibitors.
New participants in this exclusive show-within-a-show will include Inmarsat, Vedder, Pianeta Gemme, and Luminell, reinforcing the impression that all roads now lead to Amsterdam for the major superyacht industry players. While this success does limit the opportunities for existing exhibitors to book more stand space, the organisers are convinced that priority must be given to guaranteeing the quality and range of the offer in the SuperYacht Pavilion.
Turning back to the show as a whole, additional space has been created on the METSTRADE floor for the 2019 event by removing and combining some show items and areas. For example, in recognition of the success of the highly appreciated MaterialDistrict Pop-Up and to facilitate growth for the Construction Material Pavilion, the MaterialDistrict will move to a new area. This location, which previously hosted the organisers’ office, will give more space and opportunities to optimally present innovative materials and fully emphasise the MaterialDistrict Presentation.
The extra room in the Construction Material Pavilion has given an opportunity for new exhibitors to join, with Fibertech, AVEL Robotics, Fixtech, and Solico being among those to already sign up. Last but not least, the organisers’ office, press office and VIP room will merge to create more synergy and maximise the effectiveness of each.
One further illustration of how quality comes first at METSTRADE is that the organisers are now aiming only for a very limited growth of the Marina and Yard Pavilion, which has evolved into an impressive representation of the industry it serves. The success of this platform is shown by the way that the global marina industry has embraced the pavilion over the years. With almost 50 exhibitors already signed up for 2019, well ahead of schedule compared to METSTRADE 2018, the Marina and Yard Pavilion has clearly established itself as the the global meeting place for this industry.