When Metstrade opens this November in Amsterdam, the global recreational marine industry will see a fresh and robust presence from North America. For the first time, the Canadian and U.S. pavilions will co-locate in Hall 12, establishing an expanded North American footprint that reflects the strength, innovation and influence of the continent’s recreational boating sector.

At the center of this hub will be the North America Stage, a dedicated platform for education, networking and insight powered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Soundings Trade Only and IBEX. This development signals more than just a relocation on the show floor. It represents a strategic step forward in how North American stakeholders engage with the global market — and how the global industry gains access to the latest thinking, research and standards from the United States and Canada.

Pavilions with Purpose

This North America presence is designed to be a destination. Visitors will find innovative suppliers showcasing advanced materials, systems and services for the global marine marketplace. Anchored by the presence of the NMMA, IBEX and Soundings Trade Only, the pavilions create a central meeting point for collaboration, networking and business growth.

Equally important is the addition of the North America Stage — a first for Metstrade. This stage will host three days of sessions focused on sustainability, market access, consumer insights, innovation and leadership. These topics are not just timely; they are essential to navigating the challenges and opportunities of today’s marine industry.

Education and Inspiration

On Nov. 18, the focus will be on materials and compliance. The opening session, “Advances in Renewable Composites Technologies,” will spotlight scalable recycling strategies and the circular life cycle of boatbuilding materials. After that will be “NMMA Certified: Exploring One of the Most Essential Self-Regulation Programs in Recreational Boating,” where experts from the NMMA and the American Boat & Yacht Council will explain how certification ensures compliance while building consumer trust in U.S.-bound products.

Later in the day, Soundings Trade Only will moderate “The 3Ts: Trade, Tariffs and Taxes Impacting the Global Marine Industry,” equipping businesses with insights into the shifting policy landscape. The day will close with “Visionaries & Vino: Navigating Change,” a candid conversation (that includes North American wine tastings) with Imtra CEO Eric Braitmayer about macroeconomic pressures, tariffs, innovation and employee ownership.

Nov. 19 will shift toward creativity and consumers. In “The Innovator’s Playbook: Solving Problems and Delivering Solutions That Win,” industry veterans will unpack the journey from idea to market-ready product.

The ABYC’s session, “Navigating the Future of Boat Electrical Systems,” will address the fast-evolving world of marine electrification, from 48-volt systems to lithium-ion battery standards and new ISO rewrites. This session will give designers and builders a critical technical edge.

The NMMA’s “Charting the Future: Unlocking Global Insights into the Next Generation of Boat Buyers,” will introduce research conducted under the Discover Boating brand, helping stakeholders worldwide understand the shifting motivations and barriers of future customers. The day will conclude with “Visionaries & Vino: A North American Market Perspective for Global Marine Stakeholders,” featuring NMMA leaders Frank Hugelmeyer and Marie-France MacKinnon.

On Nov. 20, the spotlight will turn to Canada. “Entering the Canadian Market, What Boat Builders Need to Know” will guide manufacturers through compliance and certification nuances that open doors north of the border. Later, “Visionaries & Vino: Creating Enduring Success for Your Business” will explore the operational realities of scaling and sustaining marine enterprises in a complex regulatory and economic environment.

Why This Matters

For North American exhibitors, the co-located pavilions will be an opportunity to showcase innovation together and strengthen visibility on a global stage. For international visitors, it will be a one-stop shop. Whether the goal is sourcing new materials, understanding evolving certification requirements, exploring consumer research, or networking with North America’s leading voices, the pavilions and stage will deliver unmatched access to expertise and opportunity.

Metstrade has always been the meeting ground where the global marine industry convenes to learn, collaborate and advance. With the launch of the co-located pavilions and North America Stage, stakeholders have an unprecedented opportunity to connect directly with leaders from the NMMA, NMMA Canada, IBEX, Soundings Trade Only and the ABYC, as well as innovators and business visionaries from across the continent.

Whether you’re a builder seeking entry into the U.S. or Canadian markets, a
supplier exploring sustainable solutions, or a distributor looking to understand tomorrow’s consumer, the North America Stage is designed with you in mind.

Hall 12 is more than a location. It’s a destination. I’m proud that exhibitors from the United States and Canada are playing such an important part in the global dialogue.

Jennifer Thompson is senior vice president, shows, at the National Marine Manufacturers Association.