Yachting Ventures and Metstrade have announced the relaunch and expansion of the show’s Startup Programme for 2026, marking their fourth year of collaboration and building on a partnership that has positioned Yachting Ventures as a key driver of startup innovation at the world’s leading marine equipment trade show.

Yachting Ventures and Metstrade Relaunch and Expand Startup Programme for 2026

Metstrade, the world’s leading marine equipment trade exhibition, has extended its strategic public relations partnership with McKenna Townsend for a second consecutive year. The appointment comes as Metstrade scales up its communications activity in response to record exhibitor demand and a significantly expanded 2026 edition.

Metstrade appoints McKenna Townsend as strategic PR partner ahead of its biggest-ever show

Metstrade, the most influential event in the leisure marine sector, is calling on the global leisure marine industry to take collective action for cleaner seas and waterways ahead of this year’s World Boating Day (23 May), with activities running throughout the week of 18–24 May.

Metstrade invites industry to unite for cleaner waterways and seas this World Boating Day

Following the success of its Metstrain initiative in 2025, Metstrade is pleased to announce its return for the 2026 edition, with a limited number of early bird tickets available now. Providing an accessible and sustainable method of travel, Metstrain creates an opportunity for networking and collaboration before the show even starts.

Metstrain: the sustainable way to travel to Metstrade

The marine industry is uniting for a powerful global initiative. The Global Women’s Walk 2026, powered by the Soundings Trade Only Group, Metstrade, British Marine, and Marine Industry News, is a movement to celebrate, support, and elevate the powerhouse women shaping the marine industry. From May 11–18, 2026, coinciding with International Women in Maritime Day, industry professionals and supporters are invited to walk 5Km (3.2 miles), wherever they are, with whomever they choose. Open to all genders, this walk promotes unity, progress, and meaningful recognition for the contributions of women driving the industry forward.

Global Women’s Walk 2026: a worldwide celebration of women in the marine industry with a purpose

Metstrade celebrated its most successful edition yet in 2025, with exhibitors reporting positive commercial results, richer engagement with key decision makers, and overwhelmingly positive feedback on the show’s new layout, networking opportunities and collaborative experience. This momentum is already fuelling the most exhibitor sign‑ups experienced this early in the year, as well as ambitious plans for an even bigger, more dynamic Metstrade 2026.

Metstrade 2026 anticipates further growth, building on the successes of 2025

The prestigious DAME Design Awards, founded and organised by Metstrade and celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, announce the launch of an international search for this year’s beneficiary of the competition’s significant charitable grant. Qualifying organisations will be committed to good causes of close interest to the industry such as securing the future for our oceans, providing opportunities for communities to benefit from water-based activities, and improving workforce diversity and accessibility.

35th anniversary edition of the DAME Design Awards launches search for official charity partner

In its second year, the Women’s Yachting Awards returned to METSTRADE with an afternoon ceremony filled with energy, anticipation, and celebration. Hosted at The Superyacht Forum, the event honored the remarkable women whose work, leadership, and trailblazing spirit continue to elevate and transform the global yachting industry.

Womens Yachting Awards shine once again at Metstrade

Metstrade 2025 (18 – 20 November) closed yesterday after welcoming thousands of leading leisure marine professionals from across the world to the biggest edition of the show to date. Metstrade 2025 took over the entire RAI Amsterdam complex for the first time due to the show’s impressive growth, with visitors enjoying expanded halls, enhanced zones and close to 1,700 exhibitors to explore.

Metstrade celebrates 360o overview of the global leisure marine industry

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Latest Press Releases

Yachting Ventures and Metstrade Relaunch and Expand Startup Programme for 2026

Metstrade appoints McKenna Townsend as strategic PR partner ahead of its biggest-ever show

Metstrade invites industry to unite for cleaner waterways and seas this World Boating Day

Metstrain: the sustainable way to travel to Metstrade

Global Women’s Walk 2026: a worldwide celebration of women in the marine industry with a purpose

Metstrade 2026 anticipates further growth, building on the successes of 2025

35th anniversary edition of the DAME Design Awards launches search for official charity partner

Womens Yachting Awards shine once again at Metstrade

Metstrade celebrates 360o overview of the global leisure marine industry

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