More than 4,700 leisure marine industry professionals from 23 countries signed up for the first virtual Metstrade Connect, which was held on Dec. 10 and sponsored by Raymarine.
During the day, 12 knowledge sessions were organized with 55 speakers. Visitors, sponsors and speakers made a reported 1,500-plus connections in total.
The first research figures show that the quality of the virtual show was rated with a ‘very good’.
“I am delighted that, despite the current circumstances, we have found a way to virtually connect the leisure marine industry,” said Metstrade maritime director Niels Klarenbeek in a statement. “By offering knowledge sessions in combination with an intelligent network platform. We strongly believe in the power of meeting in person and we look forward to organizing a physical show again next year.”
Attendees weighed in on the event, saying it was easy to join and navigate sessions.
“System was working perfectly, and the announcements were on time,” wrote one attendee when providing feedback on the event. “It was nice to be present there and efficient networking.”
“An engaging event and appropriate to the year we had, and its impact on our industry,” wrote another.
More than 1,800 attendees sat in for the State of the Industry session, and more than 85 sponsors shared products and innovations at the event, organizers said.
The event opened with the announcement of the R&D Excellence in Adversity Award — a one-time replacement of its annual Dame awards — with the overall winner, the Temo 450 electric outboard announced by Dame jury chair Andre Hoek.
The Boat Builder Awards recognized challenges and business achievements during a year that was defined by the global pandemic, with a virtual ceremony honoring winners in five categories
