"Although we started to sell the show earlier than in past years, as it is to be a larger event, we are nonetheless surprised and delighted with the swift uptake, " said METS product manager Irene Dros.

"Over 900 exhibitors have already registered - never before have sales gone so quickly." Relocation to the Europa complex is a milestone in the history of the event, Dros believes.

"We are going to use the relocation as an opportunity to upgrade overall facilities, " she claims. "There will be more catering areas and lounge areas in which to take a break and have a chat, and improved business services such as the Business Corner and Internet facilities in the exhibition halls.

We are also devoting much attention to signposting so that visitors can easily find their way around the new halls."

In the months to come we intend to focus even more on attracting visitors and will shortly be starting an intensive visitor campaign targeting worldwide growth markets, she added.

In addition to the show itself, METS will feature a conference programme that includes the International Sailing Summit, the Marina Seminar, the Technology Forum and Project 2005.

METS 2005 will be held from November 15 to 17, 2005. More information about METS can be found at the website www.metstrade.com.