Organisers of Metstrade, which concluded its largest-ever edition on 20 November 2025, have revealed details of this year’s successful show, including attendance and visitor numbers, and confirmed the dates for the next edition in 2026.
The event occupied the full RAI Amsterdam complex for the first time, a change made to accommodate expanded halls, revised zones and close to 1,700 exhibitors.
Overall, this year’s show recorded 32,000 visits from 20,000 unique visitors. Using the entire venue created a more continuous route through the show, allowing visitors to circulate through all areas with less interruption.
Activity across the event covered several areas. Thirty Country Pavilions presented products and technologies from 20 nations. Specialist zones displayed developments relating to superyachts, marina and yard equipment, construction materials, foiling and startups. The Next Gen Zone, meanwhile, focused on companies working on practical approaches to reducing environmental impact.
The DAME Design Awards held its 34th edition at the show, with the LXNAV E360 Round Chartplotter named overall winner. The Boat Builder Awards took place in a new venue within the show, where Johan and Britt‑Marie Carpelan, co‑founders of Targa Boats, received the Lifetime Achievement award. Five stages hosted presentations, technical sessions and panel discussions, including the Women in the Marine Industry International event, supported by Marine Industry News.
The superyacht sector gathered for The Superyacht Forum and the Superyacht Coating Conference, with discussions and outcomes from these events carried forward into the expanded Superyacht Zone. Additional activities across Amsterdam included dinners, conferences and other events, culminating in the Yacht Racing Forum.
Metstrade is organised by RAI Amsterdam in cooperation with ICOMIA. Frank Hugelmeyer, ICOMIA board president, says: “Metstrade 2025 showcased the global marine industry at its best – innovative, collaborative and forward-looking. Every year, this can’t-miss event plays a pivotal role in connecting ICOMIA members and global businesses while positioning the maritime industry for future momentum.”
Theo Hooning, secretary general of SYBass, adds: “At SYBAss, we are delighted about the expansion of Metstrade, and the area which is now entirely focused on the Superyacht sector. This development sets Metstrade apart as a true business-to-business yacht show, distinguishing it from others that tend to cater more to consumers.”
Patricia Becker, exhibition manager at Metstrade, says: “This has been the most exciting Metstrade to date. Welcoming visitors to our biggest edition has been nothing short of exceptional – it has been a true global convening of the leisure marine industry. There has been a great atmosphere throughout the show, with the Country Pavilions and dedicated Zones buzzing with business deals, while our many stages and speakers drew in engaged audiences eager to listen and learn from experts in their fields.
“We are grateful to have received so much positive feedback about the quality of the interactions between our audience and exhibitors over an extremely busy three days.
Niels Klarenbeek, director of maritime events, adds: “Plans are already underway for the 2026 edition of Metstrade, where we will be making further updates to the show layout to meet the ever-increasing demand and needs of our exhibitors and visitors. We look forward to sharing more details about what we have in the pipeline in the coming months. Our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 edition of Metstrade so successful.”
In 2026, The Superyacht Forum will take place from 16‑17 November, and Metstrade will take place from 17‑19 November at RAI Amsterdam.
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