Metstrade 2026 has announced a content programme designed to help leisure marine professionals respond to market change, build connections and identify practical opportunities for growth.
Taking place at RAI Amsterdam from 17–19 November 2026, the global B2B marine equipment trade show will bring the international leisure marine industry together for three days of insight, innovation and networking.
The programme has been shaped around the issues now influencing the sector, including consumer behaviour, digital transformation, sustainability, skills development and emerging technologies.
A keynote speech at the official opening from Groupe Beneteau CEO Bruno Thivoyon will set the tone for the event, offering a view on the future of recreational boating and the forces reshaping brands, markets and customer expectations.
Premium segment remains resilient
The programme comes as recent market analysis from ICOMIA and Boats Group points to pressure in the volume market, with average new-boat prices down 6.9% year-on-year, while the premium segment remains resilient, including 10.6% volume growth in the 56–79ft yacht category.
For boatbuilders, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, the focus is increasingly on reducing costs, improving efficiency, strengthening supply chains and adopting technologies that can support competitiveness.
Metstrade’s theatre sessions are intended to offer practical value through expert discussions, case studies and structured opportunities for networking.
Dedicated networking moments after sessions will enable visitors and exhibitors to continue conversations with speakers, peers and specialists, helping turn insight into contacts and commercial opportunities.
Evolving leisure marine industry
“The leisure marine industry is evolving rapidly, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges,” said Patricia Becker, exhibition manager at Metstrade.
“Our 2026 content programme has been carefully curated to ensure attendees gain valuable insights, practical takeaways and access to the conversations that matter most. We want everyone to gain knowledge they can apply directly to their businesses.”
“The opening keynote speech from Bruno Thivoyon will set the tone for the whole of Metstrade – addressing market conditions and finding the solutions to innovate and grow.”
Three core themes
The programme is organised around three core themes: Accessibility & Inclusion, Sustainability, and Emerging Technologies.
Accessibility & Inclusion will address talent attraction, retention, leadership development, mentoring and inclusive workplace cultures, with events including the Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast and the Young Professionals Club.
Innovation will also be encouraged through the Metstrade Startup Pitch Competition, organised with Yachting Ventures, giving early-stage businesses a platform to present new ideas and connect with potential partners, customers and investors.
The Sustainability programme will focus on turning ambition into action, with sessions covering decarbonisation, circularity, marine ecosystem restoration and regulation. Events including the Marine Impact Lab, discussions involving ICOMIA and panels from the Water Revolution Foundation will offer examples of how environmental targets can become measurable outcomes.
Emerging Technologies will examine the innovations reshaping boatbuilding and onboard experience, from digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence to advanced materials, connected systems, data use, propulsion technologies and knowledge transfer from elite sport into mainstream yachting applications.
Industry excellence
Metstrade 2026 will also celebrate industry excellence through the DAME Design Awards, marking its 35th anniversary, and the Boat Builder Awards, recognising companies, teams and individuals driving progress across boatbuilding, sustainability, customer experience and business leadership.
Visitor registration is now open, with free registration available up to and including 31 October.
Register for the full programme here.
