RAI Amsterdam has announced that some ninety per cent of floor space has already been booked for METS 2015, with over five months still to go before the event opens its doors. In a similar vein, the SuperYacht Pavilion has only six stands left with over 200 exhibitors signed up, and the Marina & Yard Pavilion is showing strong growth as ever-more market leaders are attracted to the productive and pleasant B2B environment and global character of METS. RAI Amsterdam will host METS 2015 from 17 to 19 November.  

Some 1,200 companies have confirmed their stand for METS and, based on the current rate of incoming applications, the trade show is well on course to beat last year’s record number of exhibitors. There has also been steady growth in demand for space at METS, with many exhibitors increasing their number of square metres.

“We are delighted that the average stand size is now almost back at the levels witnessed prior to the financial crisis of 2007,” comments RAI Amsterdam’s maritime domain manager Irene Dros. “It is also excellent to see that over 150 new exhibitors have joined the METS family this year, a figure that is expected to reach the 200-mark by the time we open for business. This new blood is a significant pulling factor to an industry that is always on the lookout for innovation and design developments.”

More innovation

Whether attending METS for the first time or a regular since the 1980s, exhibitors and visitors alike will benefit from an enhanced focus on the InnovationLAB platform. Located in the Elicium building and advised by an Innovation Content board and strong partner network, the InnovationLAB will be one of the inspirational hubs of METS where people can discover and share new ways of production. In this it will be supported by other hives of activity such as the IBI Newsroom, the 125 raw materials display in the Material Xperience On Tour exhibition, and a virtual presentation of the products that win the DAME awards. 

Focus on recycling

“We are also welcoming a brand-new event to METS 2015 focused on recycling materials,” continues Dros. “The Conference on Yacht Recycling is aimed at encouraging the industry to also feel part of the sustainable character and latest developments in this area. The Netherlands is an ideal location for this inaugural commercial conference, which will bring together as many interested parties as possible to share experiences, the latest technologies, updates on recent legislation, funding possibilities and business opportunities.”

Enhanced experiences

Meanwhile, as METS continues to grow and demand for space increases, Dros and her team are now finalising various layout changes to accommodate the wishes of exhibitors. For instance, the Sushi Bar – a very popular networking hotspot – will move to the upper deck level in Hall 1. This will significantly increase the space available and offer an inspiring place to talk business overlooking the halls.

There will also be an extra main entrance in front of Halls 4 and 5 via the new RAI Amtrium building. “This will ensure a smooth entry during the peak visitor arrival times during the early hours of the show,” concludes Dros. “As METS fills up in the months ahead, we will do everything possible to optimise the visitor experience. And the organisers are also already busy developing ideas for METS 2016. New layout options will be unveiled for that show in the coming months which will be good for all who attend METS.” 

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