According to organisers, Amsterdam RAI, the show is now completely sold out and all available space in the Parkhall, Randstadhall, Deltahall and Hollandhall is completely filled.

It's going to be a tough three days trying to get round everything. So you will have to take every opportunity to relax in the evenings to get over the rigours of the day. And Amsterdam offers excellent opportunities for relaxation?. .

Marina Equipment Pavilion A new feature this year is the Marina Equipment Pavilion, sponsored by UK magazine, Marina World .The latest developments and trends in the marina sector will be on display and the companies exhibiting include Wave Seven Marine Ltd (UK) RM data (The Netherlands), Hydrohoist (Germany), Poralu Marine International (France), Vermeer Holland bv (The Netherlands) Mikulas Maritime (Czech Republic), Inter Boat marinas (The Netherlands), Connect-a-dock (USA), Lebon & Gimbrair (The Netherlands) and Degaie Equipments Portunaires (France).

The marina world will also, for the first time, have its own one-day seminar for marina designers, managers, operators and developers.

The DAME awards and business corner There will be a new look for the 12th DAME Awards exhibition to give the feature more prominence in the show.

Business corner also gets a new look and offers visitors and exhibitors alike a quiet place on the floor to do business.

National pavilions This year 15 countries have decided to run their own national pavilions at the show, each usually run in conjunction with the relevant trade federation.

Turkey will be a newcomer this year and the Australian pavilion will be much larger than last year, along with France, Sweden, Italy and the United Kingdom, each of which is taking more space than last year.

The other national pavilions belong to Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and the United States.

Advance registration Admission to METS is restricted to trade visitors and is free to ticket holders.

Anyone who is employed in the leisure marine industry, but has not yet received an invitation, can register in advance at www.metstrade.com for a free admission ticket.

The registration form can also be requested from Amsterdam RAI, METS 2002, at fax number +31 (0)20 649 1889.

Applicants should quote their name and the name and address of the company for which they work.

Those who register after October 8 can collect their personal admission badge at the entrance desk during the show. It is also possible to register during the show, but in this case it may be necessary to queue.

The admission charge for visitors who have not received an invitation or registered in advance is £25.

Opening hours and visitor information METS 2002 will be held in Amsterdam RAI from Tuesday November 19 to Thursday November 21.

The show will be open from 10.00 to 18.00 on the Tuesday and Wednesday and from 10.00 to 17.00 on the Thursday.

You 'll find information about the show, Amsterdam's hotels and how to reach Amsterdam RAI at www metstrade.com