Feb 25, 2020

Having organised the most successful METSTRADE to date last November, Irene Dros, director of METSTRADE at RAI Amsterdam, has now chosen to seek a new challenge in her career. Dros has overseen an unparalleled growth of the B2B event over the past 18 years, during which time it has become globally recognised as the number one meeting point for the leisure marine industry. From 714 exhibitors in 2001, the 32nd edition in 2019 welcomed almost 2,000 participants from 53 countries, while the number of visits totalled 26,984 from 122 countries.

“Having worked for the world’s greatest trade show for almost two decades, the time has come for me to move from METSTRADE to a new challenge,” says Irene Dros. “I am honoured to have played my part in organising this platform and I have enjoyed investing lots of energy into its growth. Over the past 18 years I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional team of dedicated professionals who inspired me to keep raising the bar every edition. Together we proved that combining knowledge and enthusiasm with passion for a product can move mountains. With a visitor appreciation of 8.7 in 2019, I could not be prouder of what we have achieved and I am now ready to focus on a new adventure.”

“We are exceptionally grateful to Irene for all that she has done,” says Bas Dalm, Executive Vice President Exhibition & Sales RAI Amsterdam. “Her boundless energy, passion and dedication to the industry have really put METSTRADE on the map. Irene established an amazing network and brought together stakeholders from across the globe. We wish her all the very best in the next stage of her career.”

The METSTRADE team aims to continue the growth and quality standard achieved by Irene and RAI Amsterdam will be looking for a worthy successor to achieve this. Until that time Bas Dalm and Senior Exhibition Manager Sarah Westdijk will hold the fort, while Junior Exhibition Manager Eline Heemstra will continue as the first point of contact for the trade associations.