Metstrade 2026: the events program presented

The wait is over for the 2026 edition of Metstrade, the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to equipment, materials, and systems for the recreational boating industry, set to take place at the RAI Amsterdam exhibition center from November 17 to 19.

All eyes are on the evolution of the boating market, amidst new opportunities and complex challenges that the organizers have decided to analyze through a carefully developed content program to provide participants with valuable insights, practical guidance, and access to the most relevant comparisons for the sector.

The goal, explicitly stated by Exhibition Manager Patricia Becker, is to offer participants the opportunity to “acquire knowledge directly applicable to their business.”

Metstrade 2026: the program

Kicking off the proceedings will be the opening speech by Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of the Beneteau Group, the largest boat manufacturer in the world by number of projects completed. His address will be an opportunity to share his vision for the future of recreational boating and the factors transforming the industry.

Recent market data from ICOMIA and Boats Group outlines the reference scenario, highlighting a 6.9% year-on-year decline in average prices of new boats, signaling the difficulties affecting the broader market segment. In contrast, the premium segment shows solid growth with a 10.6% increase in volumes for yachts between 56 and 79 feet, while shipyards and suppliers aim to optimize production processes, contain costs, and strengthen supply chains, while simultaneously accelerating digitalization and the introduction of new technologies.

In this context, Metstrade has developed a program that brings together debates led by experts, practical case studies, and networking opportunities, aiming to provide participants with useful guidance to respond to changes in the recreational boating market.

The complete conference program is already available online, ahead of the event, allowing visitors to plan a personalized agenda and dedicate the necessary time to the most interesting appointments.

The program revolves around three main themes: accessibility and inclusion, sustainability, and innovation.

Accessibility and inclusion

The Metstrade program dedicated to accessibility and inclusion addresses the industry’s challenges regarding the recruitment and management of human resources through meetings focused on leadership development, professional training, mentoring, and creating more inclusive work environments. Events such as the Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast and the Young Professionals Club will present initiatives aimed at contributing to the training of new generations of industry professionals.

Sustainability

The sustainability program will instead focus on shared solutions and initiatives to turn environmental goals into actual actions.

Events such as the Marine Impact Lab and meetings with ICOMIA, the Water Revolution Foundation, and other industry associations will provide opportunities to explore how companies can reconcile commercial priorities with environmental responsibility, addressing topics such as emission reduction, circular economy, marine ecosystem restoration, and related regulations.

Innovation

Emerging technologies will also be one of the central themes of Metstrade 2026, with sessions dedicated to innovations aimed at transforming boat construction.

The meetings will explore opportunities ranging from the use of artificial intelligence to connected technologies, from startup innovations to advanced propulsion systems, and the transfer of technologies developed for high-level sports to applications intended for recreational boating.

Metstrade 2026: the awards celebrating industry excellence

Alongside the conference program, Metstrade celebrates innovation through two of the industry’s most prestigious awards.

The DAME Design Awards, an international award dedicated to the design and innovation of marine equipment, will highlight the most deserving products, rewarding solutions capable of setting new standards in terms of functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience.

The Boat Builder Awards will instead pay tribute to the companies, teams, and professionals contributing to the evolution of global boat building, recognizing excellence in areas such as production, sustainability.