The 2005 METS will actually move in the RAI exhibition complex to give it around 8,0000 sq m more space but this year's show remains in its usual halls.

This year's show runs on November 16, 17 and 18 with 930 exhibitors from 30 countries. According to the organisers, an independent survey also shows that 83% of the 250 largest global suppliers to the leisure marine industry will be represented at METS.

This, they say, means METS 2004 will be the largest and most complete international trade show for yacht builders, designers, repairers, distributors, wholesalers, dealers and manufacturers and marina operators in the world.

"We've had to do a lot of juggling with the space in order to be of service to as many exhibitors as possible, " says Irene Dros of the METS project team of Amsterdam RAI. "Although every square metre of space is being used, we have unfortunately had to disappoint a number of potential exhibitors. They have been placed on a waiting list."

Some 86% of all the exhibitors come from abroad, which once again underlines our leading global position, Dros added.

Taking a leaf out of the USA's MAATS show in Las Vegas, METS is offering matchmaking meetings this year. Also new are seminars on marina management and composites technology.

DAME Award This year will be the 14th time that the DAME Awards will be presented (it stands for Design Award MEts).

An international jury will assess the new products entered in the competition by reference to their design, functionality, originality, innovativeness, userfriendliness and price/quality ratio.

In addition to the DAME Award as the main prize, honourable mentions will also be given in eight product categories and all short-listed products will receive a certificate of honourable mention.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday morning at the breakfast briefing. The short-listed products will be displayed in "Magazine Alley" between the Parkhal and the Randstadhal.

Matchmaking The American company Homeport Marketing - which played a large part in the British Marine Federation (BMF) USA mentoring scheme - will be heavily involved in the METS matchmaking meetings.

The winners of the DAME Award will be given the opportunity of presenting their new products to a select number of renowned American buyers and to the other visitors to the show.

There will also be free admission for everyone to the presentation for visitors. This initiative will emphasise the function of METS as a platform for innovation, say the organisers.

National pavilions There will be 15 national pavilions and the organisers say more and more companies are opting to exhibit in their country's national pavilion to strengthen national exports.

METS 2004 will have national pavilions from Australia, Turkey, France, Sweden, Italy, Great Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and the United States.

Composites Pavilion Launched successfully last year, this year composites will play an even larger part in the show as a composites seminar will be run, at which the latest technical developments will be reviewed.

Marina Pavilion In addition, like last year, 10 companies that operate and equip marinas will be exhibiting in the Marina Pavilion. This year will also see a marina seminar, run by Marine World magazine - see sidebar.

Seminars & workshops . November 15 & 16: 18th International HISWA Symposium on yacht design and yacht building. Joint organisers: HISWA Association, Delft University of Technology and Amsterdam RAI.

. November 16 & 17: Composites Seminar. Organiser:

European Boatbuilder.

. ovember 16-18: Project 2004, the international seminar on the design, building, use and management of super yachts. Organiser: The Yacht Report.

. vember 17: Marina Seminar for managers and operators of and suppliers to marinas. Organiser: Marina World magazine.

Register in advance for free visitor badge.

Admission to METS is restricted to trade visitors.

Those who can produce an invitation have free admission.

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.

Those who register after October 20 will receive a confirmation of receipt by email, together with a personal code. On production of a printout of this e-mail they 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. Advance registration is therefore recommended.

Opening hours METS 2004 will be open from 10.00 to 18.00 on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November and from 10.00 to 17.00 on Thursday November 18.

More information about METS can be found at the METS website at metstrade. com