Once again, METSTRADE attracted a record number of exhibitors and visitors exploring the latest issues to affect the leisure marine sector, from sustainability, cybersecurity and digitalisation to international trade.

The show registered 26,984 visits by 17,792 unique visitors from 115 nationalities, 1,670 exhibitors from 53 countries represented by 7,297 stand personal.

Of these, there were 271 new exhibitors from 36 countries.

One of the key themes of the show was sustainability with highlights including the E-nnovation Stage with dedicated electric and hybrid information sessions, the Construction in Process Stage and the I-nnovation Stage.

Three expert panel discussions on the disposal and recycling of boats, life cycle assessment and ocean conservation were hosted and the Material District presentation was dedicated to biobased and recycled raw materials.

Ownership

Other highlights included the Young Professionals Club Lounge and the new Speakers Corner.

“At all levels of the leisure marine sector people are clearly taking ownership of the need to make things better with respect to the environment,” said Irene Dros, maritime director of METSTRADE. “They are tackling the issue from the heart as well as financially, embracing transformation in our industry not just in theory but very much in practice. There is a continuous conversation between all stakeholders that is already leading to revolutionary developments.”

The show also included congress and content programmes with education seminars by the National Marine Electronics Association, the Superyacht Forum, a two-day marina design training programme by PIANC RecCom, and a series of sessions and showcases by the Global Marina Institute.