The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on trade events worldwide, including our Metstrade 2020 show — the world’s largest trade exhibition for equipment, materials and systems for the international leisure marine industry. Metstrade was originally scheduled for November at RAI Amsterdam but now will be a virtual event on Dec. 10.
The Metstrade team and our international network of representatives made the decision in August to cancel our in-person show. Our decision was received with utmost respect and understanding. Metstrade clients were particularly pleased with the early timing of the cancellation, which enabled them to abort certain preparations and prevented them from incurring additional expenses.
Our team has received dozens of heartfelt messages, sometimes written by industry veterans who have never missed Metstrade for more than two decades. And we are thrilled with the overwhelming number of 2020 exhibitors who have rolled over their participation into Metstrade 2021. More than 12 months in advance, the 2021 exhibitor list indicates a solid, comprehensive show.
A significant number of the health and safety protocols instituted for Metstrade 2020 will still be in place next year. Metstrade 2021 will be a hybrid format, a combination of physical and virtual elements that is still being defined. In the meantime, since many of us are working from home offices, the call for networking solutions is louder than ever. That is why we are introducing Metstrade Connect.
Metstrade Connect is a virtual event to be held Dec. 10. It will include networking and high-end matchmaking opportunities through an interactive, Web-based platform. Our packed content program will focus on leisure marine innovation within the challenges of the pandemic. Here’s a look at what participants will experience.
State of the Industry
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations will offer a global perspective on the leisure marine industry, offering key insights on developments and opportunities in different markets.
DAME R&D Excellence in Adversity Award
The DAME Award team has managed to create a one-off award competition fully geared toward R&D excellence under this year’s challenging circumstances. The DAME R&D Excellence in Adversity Award will celebrate the efforts of global equipment manufacturers that have kept design at the forefront of their development efforts during the pandemic.
TechTalks
We will present a series of TechTalks in three tracks: the Metstrade Track (hosted by International Boat Industry), the SYP Track (taking its name from the Superyacht Pavilion, and hosted by The Superyacht Report), and the CMP Track (named for Certified Marine Professionals and hosted by marine consultant and journalist Simonetta Pegorari). Each session will be available on demand and will include a variety of panel discussions with suppliers, boatbuilders and experts around technical subjects.
Sustainability Sessions
Endorsed by ICOMIA, Metstrade sustainability partner Peter Franklin will run multiple panel discussions around sustainable boating. Topics will include “Ocean Biodiversity and Biofouling” and “End-of-Use Boats.”
Product Pitches
The Metstrade Connect platform will feature product pitches by Metstrade exhibitors.
Metstrade greatly believes in the power of meeting in person. Our slogan, See You at Metstrade, is for good reason. We look forward to meeting you in November 2021 in RAI Amsterdam, and in the meantime we look forward to welcoming you virtually on Dec. 10 at our Metstrade Connect event.
Click here to register for Metstrade Connect.
This article was originally published in the November 2020 issue.
