What an experience! I had the opportunity to travel to METSTRADE 2024 held from 19 to 21 November in Amsterdam, and being immersed in the supply chain world of the marine industry, with over 1,600 exhibitors, was amazing.
Congratulations must go to the METSTRADE Team, headed up by Niels Klarenbeek. Niels reported increases year on year for both visitors and exhibitors, and the 36th edition of the world’s leading trade show for leisure marine equipment, systems and materials was no exception in 2024. The new branding looks fantastic and I am sure all halls will be taken up in 2025. We cannot wait!
Metstrade is run in association with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), which represents trade organisations from some 40 key countries around the world. The ICOMIA CEO, Joe Lynch, rightly said: “Metstrade provides the opportunity to unite and make the industry better for everybody by collaborating, communicating and committing to work together.”
Forums and Conferences are also a key part to METSTRADE, notwithstanding the ICOMIA and International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) meetings, the industry forums and functions included:
- DAME and Opening Function
- Sustainability
- Discover Boating
- Emerging Technologies, including foiling
- Accessibility and Inclusion
- SuperYacht Forums
- Women’s Yachting Awards
- IBI Boat Builder Awards
These events within METS provide a substantial opportunity to share information and collaborate for the greater good of the industry. There are also the general networking opportunities at many of the ‘Nations’ displays and exhibition zones. Such engagements provide genuine benefits to our industry in Australia.
Our ICOMIA involvement remains robust with BIA Director Darren Vaux continuing to provide strong leadership as President and BIA on various committees.
I am honoured to continue to represent Australia on IFBSO as Treasurer with the group comprised of key boat show organisers from around the World who come together to share insights about events, collaborate and explore new ideas. This aim is to support industry and to maximise the opportunity for shows as a significant pathway for the promotion of recreational boating.
Regarding the Awards at the event, congratulations to the Team at Riviera, headed by Kyle Davison at METS for winning the IBI Boat Builder Award for People Skills and Development, for Riviera’s Academy of Excellence. This is a strong follow-on from the collaborative Marine Jobs Award won by Australia in 2023. This back-to-back success for Down Under shows our industry’s commitment, progress and recognition for efforts to support careers in the marine industry.
Congratulations also go to the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) CEO David Good and Team, with support from the City of Gold Coast and partners Barz Optics, Jomo and DockPro, for setting up an excellent Australian Pavillion, which continues to grow each year. AIMEX is helping to present Australian innovation and expertise, and made a notable impact, showcasing a strong representation of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG members within the Australian, and Superyacht Pavilions. Exhibitors included BirdBoss, DAVCO, Hydrive Engineering, GME, Greencorp Marine, Illumi Vases, Launch & Retrieve Boat Latch, Marine Structures, Marine Protection Systems, Muir Engineering Group, Nebo Global, Poly Flex Group, Rainman Desalination, Savwinch, Seahub and SCORKL. Exhibitors in the Superyacht Pavilion included North Sails, Pyrotek and VEEM. Evercor and Stella Marine were also in attendance.
Well done to all involved.
Andrew Scott
CEO
