METSTRADE Trade Show 2026 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

What to expect

METSTRADE Trade Show 2026 is the world’s leading platform for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. Organised by RAI Amsterdam in association with ICOMIA, this influential B2B event brings together leisure marine professionals from over 140 countries to connect, collaborate and drive commerce across boatbuilding and marine technology.

You can expect the largest edition in the show’s history, with expanded halls, enhanced zones and over 1,700 exhibitors from 40 countries showcasing innovations across 13 halls of RAI Amsterdam. The exhibition spans boat building materials, propulsion and engine systems, electronics, decking, rigging, coatings, paints, maintenance products, life-saving equipment, fuel systems, filtration, accessories, fittings and marina infrastructure.

The core trend across the show is innovation and sustainability. Expect to see a bigger focus on sustainable products, energy-saving tech and alternative fuels, including foiling technology originally developed for racing now adapted for recreational boats to improve efficiency and reduce fuel usage. The event also hosts the prestigious DAME Design Awards and Boat Builder Awards, celebrating superior design and innovation.

The show is co-located with a week of industry events including The Superyacht Forum, Superyacht Coating Conference, Marine Impact Lab and Women in the Marine Industry International breakfast, creating a full ecosystem for networking, learning and business development.

Event dates

Event Dates: 17 → 19 November 2026
Venue: RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Typically 09:00 – 18:00 for exhibition days, with extended hours for awards ceremonies and forums
Co-located Events: The Superyacht Forum takes place on 16 to 17 November 2026 at the same venue, and the Marine Impact Lab one-day workshop on the Monday before the main show
Organiser: RAI Amsterdam in association with ICOMIA
Contact: metstrade@rai.nl

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre is located at Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of Europe’s premier exhibition venues with 13 halls and excellent accessibility.

The venue offers over 75,000 sqm of exhibition space, with modern infrastructure for large-scale marine equipment displays, including heavy-duty flooring for engines and propulsion systems, high ceilings for rigging and mast displays, and dedicated zones for specialised sectors.

Venue layout for METSTRADE includes:
Main Exhibition Halls: Halls 1-13 housing marine equipment, materials, propulsion, electronics and accessories.
Superyacht Zone: Specialised area dedicated to superyacht businesses, equipment and services, with enhanced meeting facilities for high-end supply chain.
Next Gen Zone: Dedicated space at the heart of the show floor in Hall 13, presenting trailblazing companies delivering practical solutions to reduce environmental impact.
Startup Areas: Leisure Marine Startup Area and Superyacht Startup Area for early-stage companies, located near the Metstrade Theatre.
Metstrade Stage: Central stage for panel discussions, awards and keynote sessions.
DAME Showcase: Display of all nominated products for the DAME Design Awards in Hall 13, with nearly 700 products presented since 2013.

The facility regulations of RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre are fully applicable to participation, with comprehensive exhibitor services including stand construction, logistics and catering.

Full event programme

The METSTRADE programme combines exhibition, conferences, awards and specialised forums.

METSTRADE Exhibition: Three-day trade show with over 1,700 exhibitors showcasing the full spectrum of leisure marine equipment and technology.

The Superyacht Forum: Two-day exclusive event for the superyacht trade, featuring strategic keynotes, panel discussions and networking for senior superyacht professionals. Takes place just before METSTRADE at the same venue.

Superyacht Coating Conference: Dedicated conference on superyacht coatings, application technologies and sustainability in finishing.

Marine Impact Lab: Immersive one-day workshop designed to fast-track sustainability across the leisure marine industry, supported by METSTRADE, ICOMIA, World Sailing, Northern Lights Composites and 11th Hour Racing. Participants are equipped with practical tools, strategic insights and hands-on experience.

DAME Design Awards Ceremony: Prestigious awards recognising superior design, held during the official opening of METSTRADE. Nominated products announced in late October, winners announced on opening day.

Boat Builder Awards: Annual awards celebrating leading figures in global shipbuilding and breakthrough launches, with Lifetime Achievement recognition.

Women in the Marine Industry International Panel and Networking Breakfast: Fifth annual breakfast event, free to attend for all registered METSTRADE exhibitors and visitors, with complimentary breakfast included.

Startup Pitch Competition: Organised by Yachting Ventures, early-stage companies present to investors, industry specialists, corporate partners and media, followed by networking session.

Foiling Technology Zone Sessions: Dedicated sessions on foiling adoption for recreational and larger yachts, including superyacht sector applications.

Aircraft & aviation highlights

METSTRADE is a marine industry event and does not feature aircraft or aviation displays in the traditional sense, but it showcases aviation-inspired technologies that are transforming marine performance.

Foiling Technology: Technology originally developed for racing, including America’s Cup foiling systems, is now adapted for recreational boats and superyachts to improve efficiency, reduce fuel usage and deliver smoother rides. The Foiling Technology Zone demonstrates how aerodynamic principles from aviation enhance marine hydrodynamics.

Lightweight Composite Materials: Aviation-grade carbon fibre, advanced composites and 3D printing technologies from aerospace are applied to boat building for weight reduction and strength, showcased by companies such as Northern Lights Composites and Holy Technologies.

Autonomous Systems: Drone technology and autonomous navigation systems, inspired by aviation autopilot systems, are displayed for marine applications including autonomous docking and remote monitoring.

Sustainable Propulsion Concepts: Electric and hybrid propulsion systems draw on aviation innovation in electric flight, presented in the Next Generation Propulsion Showcase in collaboration with the International Electric Maritime Association.

Airlines, manufacturers & exhibitors

The exhibitor profile represents the entire leisure marine supply chain, with manufacturers and distributors from over 40 countries.

Manufacturers: Over 1,700 exhibitors including boat building material suppliers, propulsion and engine system manufacturers such as Yanmar Marine International, electronics and navigation companies like LXNAV and Garmin, decking and rigging specialists, and coating and paint manufacturers.

Equipment Brands: Companies such as BSI Group bringing nine equipment brands to one venue, Novenco Marine & Offshore with HVACR solutions, DEXLIT launching sensor-enabled light-integrated gangways, and Royal 3D demonstrating additive manufacturing with recycled materials.

Superyacht Specialists: Dedicated superyacht exhibitors including superyacht builders, naval architects, refit yards and luxury equipment providers in the Superyacht Zone.

North American Hub: Combined US and Canadian Pavilions creating commercial opportunities for companies from across North America to build international networks.

Startup Exhibitors: Emerging companies in Leisure Marine Startup Area and Superyacht Startup Area, including previous winners and nominees for DAME Awards, with five startup exhibitors nominated in recent editions.

Sustainable Innovators: Companies in Next Gen Zone and Sustainable Innovation Hub co-hosted by World Sailing and The Sustainability Toolbox, turning waste into valuable resources through reusing and repurposing initiatives.

Air shows & flight demonstrations

METSTRADE does not host air shows or flight demonstrations as it is a marine equipment trade show, but it features dynamic demonstrations of marine technologies that deliver flight-like performance on water.

Foiling Demonstrations: Live explanations and video demonstrations of foiling systems showing how boats lift above water to reduce drag and increase efficiency, with sessions on Metstrade Stage.

Propulsion Showcase: Next Generation Propulsion Showcase displays latest innovations in sustainable and advanced propulsion, including electric, hybrid and alternative fuelling solutions that achieve near-silent, emission-free operation.

Robotics and Drone Displays: Exhibitors demonstrate inspection drones, autonomous cleaning systems and remote monitoring solutions that operate with flight-like precision over water.

Sustainable Innovation Hub: Demonstrations of 3D printing transforming recycled materials into functional marine products, including the creation of the DAME Design Awards trophy using recycled thermoplastic and repurposed wood from refit projects.

Live Product Launches: On-stand demonstrations of new marine technologies such as light-integrated gangways with sensor-enabled lighting and E-Saildrive series for emission-free sailing.

Exhibition halls & displays

The exhibition is organised across 13 halls with thematic zoning to improve navigation and create clearer commercial pathways.

Halls 1-8: Core marine equipment including boat building materials, propulsion, electronics, deck equipment, safety equipment and maintenance products.

Hall 13: Next Gen Zone featuring Sustainable Innovation Hub, Royal 3D display, Next Generation Propulsion Showcase and DAME Design Awards Showcase displaying all nominated products.

Superyacht Zone: Enhanced zone for superyacht sector with larger exhibition area, dedicated meeting facilities and Superyacht Sustainability Route guiding visitors to sustainable solutions verified through Life Cycle Assessments overseen by Water Revolution Foundation.

Country Pavilions: US, Canadian, European and Asian pavilions providing national showcases and commercial hubs for international collaboration.

Startup Areas: Dedicated exhibition areas for early-stage companies with cost-effective stands and high visibility to investors.

Metstrade Theatre and Stage: Central areas for pitch competitions, panel discussions and award ceremonies, including startup pitch competition scheduled for lunchtime on day two.

The 2025 edition spanned all 13 halls for the first time, highlighting growth of the show and quality of new products.

Ticket types & registration

METSTRADE operates a trade-only registration model with free early registration and paid late registration based on previous editions.

Visitor Registration – Early Bird Free: $0 free of charge when registered online up to and including 1 November 2026. Includes access to METSTRADE exhibition across 13 halls, Metstrade Stage sessions, Next Gen Zone, startup areas and DAME Showcase. Registration must be completed via official website metstrade.login.rai.eu.

Visitor Registration – Late and On-Site: $98 per person excluding VAT, based on previous edition fee of €90 excluding VAT charged from 12 November onwards. Same access as early bird but with late fee applied.

Superyacht Forum Ticket: $1,100 for two-day forum access, based on previous edition pricing. Includes access to Superyacht Forum sessions, networking lunches, evening receptions and combined access to METSTRADE exhibition.

Marine Impact Lab Workshop: $325 for one-day immersive sustainability workshop on Monday before METSTRADE, including practical tools, materials and networking lunch.

Startup Pitch Competition Participation Fee: $380 per startup, based on €350 per startup fee. Includes pitch slot, networking session, drinks and refreshments, potential investment, interview with Ben Taylor Media, promotion across METSTRADE and Yachting Ventures channels, and discounted exhibition stand at following year.

Metstrain Travel Ticket: Sustainable travel initiative offering dedicated Eurostar carriage from London to Amsterdam exclusively for METSTRADE visitors, exhibitors and partners. Tickets available separately online, does not include entry to METSTRADE. Early bird prices from $150 one-way.

Exhibitor Badges: Allocated based on stand size, included in exhibitor participation package.

VIP & professional access

METSTRADE offers enhanced access programmes for senior professionals in the leisure marine industry.

Captains’ Club: Expanded club for senior superyacht professionals, now in its second year, evolved into fully integrated component of METSTRADE’s broader strategy to support superyacht community. Includes exclusive networking events, dedicated meeting lounge and priority access to superyacht sessions.

Crew Voices Programme: New programme for crew members, providing platform for sharing insights and professional development.

Superyacht Sustainability Route Access: Guided route for visitors interested in verified sustainable solutions that have undergone rigorous third-party Life Cycle Assessments, co-hosted with Water Revolution Foundation.

Hosted Buyer Programme: Invitation-only programme for senior buyers and decision makers, providing personalised matchmaking, private meeting facilities and travel support.

VIP Lounge and Meeting Areas: Dedicated meeting facilities for exhibitors and senior visitors, with enhanced catering and quiet working spaces.

Priority Registration: Early registrants receive priority access to limited-place events such as Marine Impact Lab, Superyacht Forum and terminal tours.

Boat, yacht & marine exhibitions

The core of METSTRADE is its comprehensive marine exhibition covering every aspect of leisure marine equipment.

Boat Building Materials: Advanced composites, aluminium, wood, resins, adhesives and sustainable materials from circular economy initiatives.

Propulsion and Engine Systems: Inboard and outboard engines, electric and hybrid propulsion, alternative fuels, fuel systems, filtration and emission control systems.

Electronics and Navigation: Chartplotters such as LXNAV E360 Round Chartplotter DAME winner, radar, AIS, communication systems, lighting systems like DEXLIT modular sandwich lighting, and safety equipment including personal locator beacons.

Deck Equipment and Rigging: Winches, furlers, decking, gangways, bathing platforms, rigging and hardware.

Coatings and Maintenance: Paints, antifouling, coatings, cleaning products and maintenance equipment.

Superyacht Equipment: Specialised high-end equipment for superyachts, including luxury fittings, entertainment systems and custom solutions.

Marina Infrastructure: Pontoons, mooring systems, marina management software and infrastructure solutions.

The exhibition enables boat builders to discover and buy new products that will make their next launches great, with teams from all different boat builders attending annually.

Product launches & technology

METSTRADE is recognised as the global launch platform for new marine products, with the DAME Design Awards driving innovation.

DAME Design Awards: Awards started in 1991 to promote design in all fields and recognise best-designed products at the show. Categories include propulsion, electronics, deck equipment, safety, sustainability and environmental impact. Winners announced during official opening, with nominated products displayed in Hall 13 showcase.

Recent Winners: Previous overall winners include Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon, LXNAV E360 Round Chartplotter and Yanmar E-Saildrive SDe 48v series winning two awards in Propulsion & Dynamics and Environmental categories.

2026 Innovations Expected: DEXLIT sensor-enabled light-integrated gangway for yachts, Yanmar emission-free sailing technology, Royal 3D sustainable 3D printing solutions, autonomous cleaning systems and foiling technology for recreational boats.

Sustainability Focus: 2026 DAME Awards launch with sustainability focus, including sustainability training programme for shortlisted companies, reflecting industry commitment to environmental impact reduction.

Next Gen Zone Innovations: Sustainable Innovation Hub showcasing products turning waste into valuable resources, Next Generation Propulsion Showcase displaying zero emissions solutions and Royal 3D demonstrating recycled material transformation.

Boat Builder Awards Innovations: Breakthrough Launch of the Year category celebrating innovative boat launches and Lifetime Achievement Awards recognising industry leaders.

Event rules & safety information

Admission Policy: METSTRADE is a trade-only event for professionals in leisure marine equipment industry. Visitors must be 18 years or older and provide business credentials during registration. RAI Amsterdam reserves right to refuse admission.

Badge Policy: Badges are non-transferable and must be worn at all times during event. Replacement fee applies for lost badges. Exhibitor badges allocated based on stand size.

Stand Regulations: Participants must comply with facility regulations of RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. Stand construction must meet safety standards, including fire regulations and structural requirements. Multi-story stands require permit application at least eight weeks before construction.

Product Display Rules: Products and services only authorised for display if they conform to scope of event, at full discretion of RAI. Permission for special activities at stands such as presentations and shows must be requested in writing at least 30 days before construction period.

Safety Information: Safety instructions must be followed in demonstration zones. PPE provided where required during live demonstrations of machinery and propulsion systems. Emergency exits clearly marked in all halls.

Photography and Filming: Personal photography permitted on show floor for business purposes. Commercial filming requires prior written approval from RAI Amsterdam.

Sustainability Rules: Event committed to reducing single-use plastics and food waste, with sustainable stand design encouraged. Exhibitors encouraged to use sustainable materials and minimise environmental impact.

How to get there

RAI Amsterdam is located at Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, with excellent international connectivity.

By Air: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 15 minutes by train to RAI station, with direct connections every 10 minutes. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is alternative with connections via train.

By Train: Amsterdam RAI station is located 5 minutes walk from venue, with direct intercity and sprinter services from Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht and Schiphol. International trains from Brussels, Paris and Berlin connect via Amsterdam Centraal.

By Car: Directly off A10 ring road, exit S109 for RAI Amsterdam. Follow signs for RAI. Journey from central Amsterdam approximately 15 minutes outside peak hours. Parking available at RAI complex.

By Metro: Metro line 52 North-South line stops at Europaplein station directly in front of RAI Amsterdam. Tram line 4 also serves venue from city centre.

By Sustainable Travel: Metstrain dedicated Eurostar carriage from London to Amsterdam exclusively for METSTRADE visitors, enabling cleaner travel in relaxed setting. Once again transforms journey from London to Amsterdam with networking opportunity onboard.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: GVB operates metro, tram and bus services to RAI Amsterdam. Metro 52 to Europaplein is fastest connection from city centre. Tram 4 from Central Station stops at RAI. Bus lines 62 and 65 serve Europaplein. Contactless payment, OV-chipkaart and day tickets accepted. Use GVB app for real-time schedules.

Parking: RAI Amsterdam offers on-site parking in multiple garages with over 4,000 spaces. Daily parking rate approximately $22 to $28 per day depending on pre-booking. Pre-booking online via RAI website strongly recommended during METSTRADE. Alternative parking at P+R locations with public transport connection available.

Accessibility of Transport: Europaplein metro station has lifts and step-free access. Amsterdam RAI train station has step-free access and accessible platforms. Low-floor trams and buses operate on most routes serving RAI.

Taxis and Rideshare: Taxi ranks located outside Entrance C and Entrance K. Major rideshare apps operate throughout Amsterdam with dedicated pickup points at RAI.

Accommodation areas

Amsterdam offers diverse accommodation within easy reach of RAI Amsterdam, with official housing partner providing negotiated rates.

Near RAI – Rivierenbuurt and Buitenveldert: Budget to mid-range hotels within walking distance to venue, ideal for exhibitors needing early setup. Average rate $130 – $190 per night.

City Centre – De Pijp, Oud-Zuid and Centre: 4-star hotels including NH Collection, Hilton and Crowne Plaza with tram or metro connection to RAI. Average rate $190 – $320 per night. Best for evening networking and cultural experiences.

Business District – Zuidas: Modern business hotels directly connected to Amsterdam RAI station, 5 minutes away, with corporate rates and conference facilities. Ideal for Superyacht Forum delegates.

Airport Area – Schiphol: Hotels near Schiphol Airport for international visitors with early flights, 15 minutes train ride to RAI.

Early booking recommended as Amsterdam hotels fill quickly during METSTRADE, with 2025 being largest edition in history with over 1,600 exhibitors.

Accessibility

RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and additional needs.

Physical Access: Step-free access to all 13 exhibition halls, entrances C and K, Metstrade Stage and catering areas. Lifts to all levels and accessible restrooms on each floor.

Wheelchair Access: Wheelchairs available on loan at venue reception subject to availability. Reserved seating areas and wheelchair spaces in conference theatres and Metstrade Stage.

Hearing Assistance: Hearing loops installed in conference theatres and main stage. Contact organiser in advance to request sign language interpreters or additional support.

Visual Assistance: Guide dogs permitted throughout venue. Large-print show guides available on request at information desk.

Dietary Requirements: On-site catering accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal needs when notified in advance via registration form.

Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces close to main entrances with valid blue badge display.

Previous year’s highlights

The most recent edition in 2025 was the largest in METSTRADE’s history, setting benchmark for 2026 expansion.

Scale: Nearly 1,700 exhibitors and record number of products exhibited, with sustainable innovations spanning all 13 halls of RAI Amsterdam for first time in show’s history. In 2024 show received 31,824 visits from 19,779 unique visitors from over 135 nationalities.

Sustainability Focus: Particular focus on products leading way in sustainability, including boat building materials, propulsion systems, electronics, decking, rigging, coatings, paints, maintenance products, life-saving equipment and fuel systems. Superyacht Sustainability Route marked fourth edition in collaboration with Water Revolution Foundation.

Next Gen Zone: Dedicated space at heart of show floor presenting trailblazing companies delivering practical solutions to reduce environmental impact, featuring Sustainable Innovation Hub co-hosted by World Sailing and The Sustainability Toolbox, Royal 3D demonstration of recycled material transformation and Next Generation Propulsion Showcase in collaboration with IEMA.

Awards: DAME Design Awards overall winner LXNAV E360 Round Chartplotter, with special mentions for Metstrade and Superyacht Startup exhibitors. Boat Builder Awards celebrated leading figures with Lifetime Achievement Award presented to industry leaders.

Content Programme: Superyacht Forum and Superyacht Coating Conference served as essential gatherings for high-end supply chain, Women in the Marine Industry International breakfast returned for fifth year, and Foiling Technology Zone explored adoption of foiling for larger yachts.

Sustainable Travel: Introduction of Metstrain dedicated Eurostar carriage from London to Amsterdam for sustainable travel, transforming journey into networking experience.

Official tickets & registration

Secure your place through official METSTRADE channels to ensure valid entry and avoid third-party fees.

Official Website: https://www.metstrade.com/
Registration Portal: metstrade.login.rai.eu for visitor registration, expected to open in early July for 2026 edition
Contact: metstrade@rai.nl

Pricing in USD based on previous editions converted from EUR:
Early Bird Visitor Registration – Free: $0 until 1 November 2026, free of charge online
Late Visitor Registration: $98 excluding VAT, charged from 2 November onwards based on €90 excluding VAT
Marine Impact Lab Workshop: $325 for one-day workshop
Startup Pitch Competition Participation: $380 per startup based on €350
Superyacht Forum: $1,100 for two-day forum access
Metstrain Sustainable Travel: From $150 one-way London to Amsterdam dedicated carriage, does not include METSTRADE entry

Important Notes: Metstrain tickets do not include entry to METSTRADE, registration for METSTRADE tickets must be completed separately. Online registration is free of charge up to early November, after which fee applies. Exhibition visitor registration gives access to exhibition only, Superyacht Forum requires separate ticket.