METS Trade Show 2015 focuses on prominent role for sustainability

by Sigrid van der Wel on 4 Nov 2015 The focal point of this year’s METSTRADE show, which opens its doors to a record number of exhibitors on Tuesday 17 November, will be sustainability. This theme will be a red thread both before and during the event, with highlights such as a new recycling conference, the Material Xperience within the InnovationLAB concept and presentations on the InnovationLAB stage. What’s more, METSTRADE organiser RAI Amsterdam is unveiling a range of initiatives that reinforce its emphasis on eco-friendly events.

The leading B2B trade show for the marine equipment supply industry is going greener than ever. Most of the 20,000-plus visitors to the upcoming METSTRADE show in Amsterdam will enter the show with digital tickets and smartphone scanning. This is just one of many ways in which RAI Amsterdam is working towards earning the ISO 20121 European sustainability certificate for the exhibition industry in 2016. Improved waste separation will be another visible sign at the METSTRADE show as the RAI makes good on its strategic promise to ‘be one of the visible frontrunners in the field of sustainability in the conference and event industry in Europe.

Cutting edge
Having been at the cutting edge of technology, innovation and regulatory issues for three decades, it is appropriate that this year’s three-day METSTRADE show has the hot topic of sustainability as its main theme. In fact, the environment will take centre stage on the day before the show even begins. To address the key issues related to the responsible dismantling of disused boats, RAI Amsterdam is hosting the first ‘Future of Yacht Recycling’ conference on Monday 16 November.

This pioneering event reflects the fact that – with an estimated six million recreational craft in Europe alone – the industry faces serious economic and environmental challenges. Large numbers of yachts were mass-produced from long-life composite construction materials and are currently at the end of their life cycle. An ICOMIA study revealed that disposal methods are crude and the Future of Yacht Recycling conference will see a concerted effort among experts and interested parties to change course.

Exclusive tour
The agenda of the Future of Yacht Recycling conference will conclude by giving delegates an exclusive VIP tour of the innovative materials display held in the adjacent Elicium building. Under the Material Xperience On Tour banner, the global network Materia will display around 125 new materials that offer added value to the maritime sector and have already been applied in the aviation, automotive and construction industries. Reinforcing the importance Materia gives to sustainability, the display will be made ready for this preview the day before the Material Xperience On Tour officially opens its door to the METSTRADE show public.

This eco-friendly approach will also become immediately apparent on the first day of the METSTRADE show. The InnovationLAB on Stage will feature a panel discussion on End-of-life boats as leading industry experts debate the various ‘solutions’ on the table and what is required to avert a full-blown crisis. On Wednesday 18 November, Els Zijlstra, creative director at Materia, will give a presentation on new and innovative materials made of recycled and renewable sources. And throughout the METSTRADE show, environmentally friendly ‘foods of the future’ such as shakes and bites with algae and seaweeds will be served in the InnovationLAB.

Record breaking
The focus on sustainability will reach a large audience as the 2015 edition of METSTRADE is set to be a record-breaking event. Over 1385 exhibitors are expected compared to last year’s 1358. The SuperYacht Pavilion is sold out, with 226 exhibitors, the Marina and Yard Pavilion has grown to 49 exhibitors, and there will also no less than 18 Country Pavilions run by national associations within ICOMIA.