Economic rebound in US, Europe fuels business at METS

The 27th annual METS appears to be a show of superlatives, with record numbers of exhibitors, strong attendance through the first two days, and deals being made throughout the massive Amsterdam RAI exhibition complex.

For the second straight day, attendance surpassed 2013 levels, with 8,464 marine industry professionals passing through the doors on Wednesday compared against 8,430 last year. Many exhibitors in the US Pavilion were pleased with not only the numbers, but the quality of visitors to this year’s METS.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way the show has worked out this year,” said Sue Smith, CEO at Gator Guards. “We exhibited at the show last year for the first time, and we managed to sign a great distributor who covers much of Europe, and that has worked out very well. But this year we have people walking up to the booth asking to buy product, and we’re writing orders beyond what I ever expected. I really don’t know why we didn’t do this show before. I’m beyond pleased.”

“Our export business is doing well this year, ” said Sean Griffith, CEO at Australian electronic equipment manufacturer GME, which was showing a brand-new Bluetooth edition of its popular G-Deck marine stereo. “Sales in Europe are up a bit, the US and Canada are also up a little bit over 2013, and that’s been driving growth in our export sales.”

Ashley Hooper, International Sales manager for SEI, said the second day brought a balance of existing and new clients. “Today was our busiest day, both in terms of seeing our existing distributors and meeting with prospective new customers,” said Hooper. “This is our third year at METS, and it’s a great opportunity to meet with a large number of new and existing clients in just a few days.”

The new-for-2015 Innovation Lab has proven a major hit with METS attendees. The large, brightly lit area provides a venue for manufacturers of equipment nominated for DAME Awards to showcase their new product and explain its benefits to a global audience. On the Innovation Stage, workshops on marina issues and new technologies and manufacturing have been well attended throughout the show.

The 27th METS wraps up on Thursday, November 20 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

See all our METS coverage here!