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Metstrade has released its 2026 content programme, giving marine industry professionals a fully mapped-out conference schedule to plan around ahead of the Amsterdam show. Built on three themes, accessibility and inclusion, sustainability, and innovation, the programme is designed to help attendees cut straight to what matters most on the show floor.
The show runs from 17 to 19 November at RAI Amsterdam and opens with a keynote from Groupe Beneteau CEO Bruno Thivoyon. As head of the world's largest boatbuilder by number of projects delivered, Thivoyon will offer his perspective on the future of recreational boating and the forces reshaping the sector.
The timing matters. Recent figures from ICOMIA and Boats Group show the volume boat market under real pressure, with average new boat prices down 6.9% year-on-year. The premium end tells a different story, with the 56-79ft yacht category posting 10.6% volume growth. Boatbuilders and suppliers, meanwhile, are focused on cutting costs, improving production efficiency, strengthening supply chains, embracing digitalisation and adopting new technologies.
Organisers say the goal is practical value over theory. Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager at Metstrade, put it this way: "The leisure marine industry is evolving rapidly, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges. Our 2026 content programme has been carefully curated to ensure attendees gain valuable insights, practical takeaways and access to the conversations that matter most. We want everyone to gain knowledge they can apply directly to their businesses."
She added that Thivoyon's keynote "will set the tone for the whole of Metstrade, addressing market conditions and finding the solutions to innovate and grow."
Attracting and retaining talent remains a strategic priority for the industry. On the workforce side, sessions including the Women in the Marine Industry International Breakfast and the Young Professionals Club will showcase initiatives helping to build the sector's future talent pipeline.
Sustainability content shifts from ambition to action this year, covering emissions reduction, circularity, marine ecosystem restoration and regulation. Sessions include the Marine Impact Lab, discussions involving ICOMIA and other associations, and presentations from the Water Revolution Foundation.
Technology gets serious airtime too. Digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and advanced materials all feature, alongside sessions on data utilisation and connected technologies, startup innovation, advanced propulsion systems, and technology transfer from elite sports into mainstream yachting applications.
Awards remain a fixture. The DAME Design Awards will showcase the best in marine equipment design and innovation, recognising products that set new benchmarks for functionality, sustainability, aesthetics and user experience. The Boat Builder Awards will honour the companies, teams and individuals driving progress across the global boatbuilding industry, recognising excellence in areas including manufacturing, sustainability, customer experience and business leadership.
Free visitor registration stays open until and including 31 October. The full programme is already live for anyone wanting to build a personalised agenda before arriving on the show floor.
