Metstrade’s Young Professionals Club (YPC) will provide three days of talks, tours and networking for people building careers in the leisure marine and wider maritime sectors. Open to professionals under 40, including jobseekers, students and those already working in the industry, the club is intended to connect emerging talent with peers, senior leaders, new technologies and practical career opportunities.
The members-only YPC lounge, near Entrance C and Hall 13, will host sessions and informal networking. Members can also join the YPC LinkedIn community which supports year-round networking, discussion, industry updates and contact with peers beyond the show.
Tuesday 17 November opens with Groupe Beneteau chief executive Bruno Thivoyon discussing business growth, international decision-making and the qualities he values in colleagues and partners.
A guided tour of the show will introduce attendees to exhibitors, technologies and current trends. The Magenta Project will then consider how employees can challenge outdated practices and support a more inclusive marine sector.
Wednesday’s programme features yacht designer Espen Øino, who will share lessons from a career spanning nearly 70 significant yacht projects.
He will be followed by Bruno Giuntoli presenting SuMoth, an international student competition in which university teams design, build and race sustainably oriented Moth-class boats, applying engineering, circularity and foiling knowledge.
The Magenta Project will also return with a session on recognising diverse strengths and building resilient teams around shared values.
On Thursday, Norbert Leifeld, chief executive of BAVARIA YACHTS and President de la Société of Nautitech Catamarans, will discuss his route from consultancy to shipyard leadership and opportunities for the next generation. Luca Rizzotti, founder of The Foiling Organization and Foiling Week, will address innovation, sustainability, certification and safety in foiling.
Thursday also includes Students Day for those aged 16 and over who are interested in marine careers and would like to take their first steps into the industry.
It offers an introduction to the marine industry through the world’s largest trade show for the leisure marine sector. Students can register here for this dedicated programme.
The programme also includes informal networking drinks each afternoon, giving attendees time to meet peers, exhibitors and industry specialists.
Other benefits include access to the Metstrade Official Opening, a guided show-floor tour and, subject to availability, the Metstrade Party.
“Metstrade is a unique opportunity for young professionals to connect with the people, ideas and opportunities shaping our industry,” said Tessa Meijer, Exhibition Programme Manager Metstrade.
“We want young talent to feel that they are not just visiting the show, but are part of its future.
“The Young Professionals Club creates a welcoming platform to meet peers, learn from experienced industry leaders and build valuable connections. It is an inspiring way for the next generation to discover the industry and play an active role in shaping what comes next.”
Registration for a Metstrade ticket is free before 31 October. After this date, a registration fee of €90 (excl VAT) applies.
Metstrade takes place from 17 – 19 November at RAI Amsterdam.
