A METSTrade combining physical and virtual trade fairs
The organizers of METSTrade, the world's largest BtoB boat show, have reaffirmed their intention to hold the event in 2021. RAI Amsterdam says it is preparing for all possible scenarios depending on the health conditions on the scheduled dates, November 16-18, 2021, but prefers a mixed event, combining physical and virtual meetings. The physical stands will occupy a smaller area than usual, spread over halls 1 to 7, as well as the Elicium building, i.e. 80% of the space occupied in 2019. In parallel, the organizers will build on the experience of 2020 to offer a new edition of METSTrade Connect on the internet to allow yachting professionals unable to travel to Amsterdam to participate in conferences and generate new meetings to expand their BtoB network.
The yachting equipment manufacturers are responding
RAI Amsterdam is pleased with the level of marketing of METSTrade for the period. Despite the uncertainties related to the Covid-19 pandemic, yachting professionals are looking forward to the 2021 edition, with a satisfactory booking rate for the period. To anticipate potential international traffic difficulties in November 2021, METSTrade is deviating from its usual rule of accepting only manufacturers' stands and will allow brands in 2021 to be represented by their regional distributors. "Yachting professionals want to come to METSTrade in November to meet, do business and overcome certain obstacles in their supply chain," concludes Niels Klarenbeek, show director.
