2015 METS opens to packed aisles

The 2015 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) started with a bang, as large crowds surged through a massive Amsterdam Rai convention complex that is already packed with a record number of exhibitors.

In all 1,385 companies from 45 different countries are exhibiting at this year’s METS, the largest number in the show’s 27-year history. No fewer than 220 of those exhibitors are marking their first appearance at the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, many of them participating in one of 18 different national pavilions.

The US pavilion is also the largest yet, with more than 80 National Marine Manufacturer Association member companies participating. New pavilion exhibitors DeAngelo Marine, SeaHawk Paints, JL Audio, KUS USA and Lee’s Tackle are each marking their first METS appearance this year. The US pavilion is now the fourth largest national pavilion at the event, which attracts in excess of 20,000 marine professionals annually.

Among Tuesday’s visitors was Timothy Broas, US Ambassador to The Netherlands, who cut the ribbon to officially open the US pavilion. Mr. Broas then toured the show with NMMA staff and met with US exhibitors.

“Members exhibiting within the US pavilion get to take advantage of pre-show planning and logistical support, along with multiple networking and business opportunities that are specific to the pavilion,” said Julie Balzano, NMMA Export Development Director. “It also provides access to export counseling, private meeting space and NMMA onsite support from staff, so they can forget the logistic details and just focus on having a productive show.”

During a networking lunch hosted by NMMA on Monday, exhibitor Headhunter, Inc. was presented with an Export Achievement Certificate by US Consul General David McCawley. The certificate recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace for the first time, or that have successfully entered a new market. Headhunter, Inc. was acknowledged for their success in expanding the company’s international sales through participation at METS in 2014, the Miami International Boat Show, and other industry events.

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