METS attendance up 8 percent

AMSTERDAM – The Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), held Nov. 15 to 17 at Amsterdam RAI, attracted 16,382 visitors, an increase of 8 percent over 2004, organizers reported in a recent statement.

The show moved into the bigger Europa Complex of Amsterdam RAI this year, increasing its floor space by 5,000 square metres. This made room for an additional 110 exhibitors, more stand space for regular exhibitors, better business facilities and more varied catering options including a food court, Italian restaurant and Sushi bar, according to organizers.

“We are present at nearly every boat show in the world and this is by far the best show catering specifically for the trade,” said Bill Goggins, marketing manager of long time exhibitor Harken Yacht Equipment. “People attend this show from each of our global markets, making it the most efficient way for us to reach out to our distributors, boatbuilders and project managers. The new layout is brilliant. METS again delivered on its promises and yet again redefined its influential position in the market.”

The expanded show was sold out in May, bringing a 15-percent increase in exhibitor numbers from 914 to 1,050.

Of the visitors, 56 percent came from outside the Netherlands, an approximate increase of 2 percent on the previous year. Visitors came from 88 countries, with particularly strong representation from surrounding European countries (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy), Scandinavia, Turkey and the United States, organizers reported. Upcoming markets such as Russia and the countries from the Middle East showed the most growth.

The next METS is scheduled to take place at Amsterdam RAI, Nov. 14-16, 2006.

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