Metstrade further expands with additional side events for different industry segments

DAME Design Awards 2024 © Martijn van Leeuwen

Metstrade is pleased to announce a calendar of additional events. Taking place around the annual three-day show at RAI Amsterdam from 18-20 November, the events will cater for the unique segments within the leisure marine industry, from superyacht, coatings and yacht racing. The events are organised by Metstrade and industry partners, and include established events, such as The Superyacht Forum, as well as new additions for 2025 to encompass more of the leisure marine market.

Tessa Meijer, Exhibition Programme Manager at Metstrade, said: "During the week of Metstrade, Amsterdam will transform into the undisputed global hub for the leisure marine industry - not just at the Metstrade exhibition itself but also through numerous side events, ensuring relevancy for everyone within the leisure marine trade."

The Superyacht Forum, Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 November, RAI Amsterdam

The Superyacht Forum continues as the premier C-suite event where industry leaders and visionaries engage in high-level strategic discussions about the direction of the sector. An exclusive event for superyacht designers, builders, captains, and key service providers, The Superyacht Forum will focus on visionary, forward-thinking themes from digitisation, regenerative sustainability, humanitarian work, operational excellence, superyacht standards, and more.

To see the full programme at The Superyacht Forum and to book tickets to this exclusive event for the superyacht trade, visit: www.thesuperyachtforum.com

Boat Builder Awards, Wednesday 19 November, RAI Amsterdam

The Boat Builder Awards have relocated back to RAI Amsterdam to make the ceremony more accessible, fostering informal networking among participants. This is one of the biggest celebrations of boat building globally and a central part of Metstrade. The Boat Builder Awards will be held at Harbour 8.

DAME Design Awards, Tuesday 18 November, RAI Amsterdam

Now in its 34th year, the DAME Design Awards are the pinnacle of leisure marine equipment design excellence. Recognised globally, they set the benchmark for innovation, functionality, and aesthetic appeal within the leisure marine industry. The winners will be announced during Metstrade's Official Opening prior to the first day of the show on Tuesday 18 November.

As part of Metstrade's focus on sustainability and the environment, entry fees for the awards will be donated to the Ocean Conservation Trust.

The Superyacht Coating Conference, Tuesday 18 November - Wednesday 19 November, RAI Amsterdam

Making its timely return to Metstrade is the Superyacht Coating Conference, organised by Metstrade in partnership with ICOMIA and SYBAss. The conference is the premier gathering dedicated to the evolving world of superyacht coatings, bringing together a highly select group of industry leaders, technical experts, and key decision-makers.

The conference will offer an unparalleled platform to connect coating brands with the superyacht industry, providing exclusive networking opportunities and deep technical focus. It will address the most pressing topics in the sector, spark crucial dialogue, and deliver actionable insights.

Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast, Wednesday 19 November, RAI Amsterdam

In partnership with British Marine, Soundings Trade Only, Marine Industry News and Metstrade, the Women in the Marine Industry International event offers a vibrant mix of industry insights, lived experiences and fresh perspectives, brought to life by a stellar panel of female leaders and changemakers from across the global leisure marine industry. Visitors can enjoy an informal and welcoming atmosphere where professionals can connect, share experiences, and build valuable relationships.

Marine Impact Lab: Monday 17 November, RAI Amsterdam

The Marine Impact Lab is an immersive one-day workshop designed to fast-track sustainability across the leisure marine industry, supported by Metstrade, ICOMIA, World Sailing, Northern Lights Composites, The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and 11th Hour Racing. Participants will be equipped with practical tools, strategic insights, and hands-on experience, driving measurable change towards a more sustainable future for the marine sector.

Women in Nautica: Wednesday 19 November, RAI Amsterdam

Women in Nautica champions diversity in the leisure marine industry. This dynamic event fosters connections, showcases female leadership, and explores opportunities shaped by technology - celebrating women's contributions and continuing to drive progress across the sector.

KNVTS: Wednesday 19 November, RAI Amsterdam

The Royal Netherlands Society of Marine Technicians (KNVTS) plays a vital role in promoting knowledge exchange and innovation within the maritime sector. At Metstrade, KNVTS will bring together engineers, designers, and technical professionals to highlight cutting-edge developments in shipbuilding and technology. This includes expert-led sessions and panel discussions focused on the latest trends, technical challenges, and sustainable solutions in the industry. Their presence creates a valuable platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration - especially for young professionals and future engineers.

The Superyacht Times Party: Wednesday 19 November, Hotel Arena

The annual Superyacht Times Party is set to take place on Wednesday 19 November 2025. The event will once again be hosted at the atmospheric Hotel Arena in Amsterdam.

Yacht Racing Forum: 20 and 21 November, RAI Amsterdam

The Yacht Racing Forum is a premier business-to-business conference for the yacht racing industry. It unites top professionals to explore marketing, tech, design, safety, and more -sparking fresh ideas, sharing insights, and building business connections. It's where the sport's future gets discussed, shaped, and accelerated, whilst offering a comprehensive overview of the commercial and technical landscapes.

Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award

The 16th edition of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award will reassemble the world's best marine photographers from all over the world. The top 20 images will then be displayed in Hall 13, with the best image receiving a prize at the Yacht Racing Forum on Friday November 21st.

Tessa Meijer, Exhibition Programme Manager at Metstrade, said: "The additional events add an extra dimension to this year's Metstrade, enhancing inclusivity. They put a special focus on vital parts of the leisure marine industry, shine a spotlight on key players, and demonstrate the best we have to offer. These events also cater to those in more specialist segments of the industry, ensuring there is something for everyone."

New to Metstrade in 2025 is a complete takeover of the RAI Amsterdam complex with exciting, revitalised zones, making it easy for visitors to experience a 'round the world' exploration of each hall in a continuous loop for the first time. With a larger exhibition area and over 1,600 exhibitors to meet, spending more time at Metstrade to maximise every opportunity and to gain new industry insights will be time well spent.

Niels Klarenbeek, Director of Metstrade, commented: "This is the most exciting Metstrade to date. With new and expanded zones and conferences for visitors to explore and learn from, everyone working in the leisure marine industry can find valuable inspiration and gain knowledge. This year's expansion is not only about scale - it's about responding to the complex needs of the global marine industry across each unique segment. Metstrade brings the leisure marine industry together in one place every year, consistently providing the answers to most pressing topics."

Metstrade will take place on 18-20 November 2025 at RAI Amsterdam. For more information, visit: www.metstrade.com