IBEX 365 News

What Not to Miss at Metstrade 2026

For marine professionals looking beyond their own market, Metstrade 2026 offers three days of access to companies, technologies and conversations influencing the recreational marine industry around the world.

Taking place November 17–19 in Amsterdam, Metstrade brings an international perspective to many of the same issues shaping the industry international perspective, from manufacturing and sustainability, to changing markets and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

For the IBEX community, it is also an opportunity to continue conversations taking place across the industry, connect with international counterparts, and see how challenges and emerging technologies are being approached in other markets.

Here are several highlights to include on the Metstrade 2026 agenda.

Advancing Sustainability Through the Marine Impact Lab

Following its successful debut in 2025, which brought together more than 60 industry leaders, innovators and change-makers, the Marine Impact Lab returns to Metstrade with an enhanced format focused on practical learning, collaboration and action.

Taking place Monday, 16 November from 2–5 p.m., the program will begin with a state-of-the-industry session examining the sustainability challenges, opportunities and trends influencing the marine sector.

Participants will then take part in focused Sustainability Sprint Workshops, providing practical tools, frameworks and strategies that can be applied within organizations and product development processes. The program will conclude with interactive round-table discussions, bringing together industry experts and participants to examine emerging topics, share experiences, and explore solutions to key sustainability challenges.

Designed for organizations at every stage of their sustainability journey, the Marine Impact Lab provides an opportunity to engage with industry peers, learn from leading practitioners and identify actionable next steps.

Connect the Global Industry with the North American Market

The North American Stage, presented by NMMA, IBEX and Soundings Trade Only, will provide a dedicated platform for understanding the opportunities and challenges shaping the world’s largest recreational marine market.

Located in Hall 12, the stage will bring together experts from across the North American recreational marine industry to address market conditions, emerging technologies, regulatory developments, manufacturing trends and opportunities for international business growth.

The program will address a range of topics relevant to manufacturers, designers, builders, and other marine industry professionals.

One session, The Promise and Challenge of 3D Printed Boats, will examine the rapid development of large-scale additive manufacturing and its evolution from a prototyping technology into a potential method for producing finished boats. Experts in composites, printing technology, software and materials will explore the engineering and manufacturing considerations behind producing reliable, seaworthy vessels.

The Case for Wood Composite Yachts will examine the continued relevance of wood-composite construction in today’s custom yacht market. Leading builders and designers will discuss how digital design, advanced composite materials and modern production techniques are influencing bespoke yacht construction.

For companies seeking to enter or expand within North America, Importing to North America: Navigating Compliance, Certification & Market Entry will provide practical insight into U.S. Coast Guard requirements, ABYC Standards and NMMA Certification, helping international manufacturers better understand the regulatory and certification landscape.

The North American Stage will also feature a North American Market Perspective for Global Marine Stakeholders, with NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer and NMMA Canada Executive Director Marie-France MacKinnon discussing market conditions, consumer expectations, economic factors and emerging opportunities across the United States and Canada.

Explore How AI is Changning Marine Marketing

Technology is also transforming how marine businesses communicate with customers, build brands and compete for attention.

New Tools, New Rules: Marine Marketing in the Age of AI, presented by Soundings Trade Only, will explore the impact of artificial intelligence, data and emerging creative technologies on marine marketing.

The session will bring together agency leaders, marine marketing executives and media professionals to examine how these tools are being used across the industry, where the greatest opportunities exist and how businesses can incorporate new technology while maintaining the authenticity and credibility of their brands.

See What’s Being Recognized for Innovation and Design

Metstrade’s program will also provide opportunities to recognize the companies, products , and individuals contributing to the advancement of the marine sector.

The DAME Design Awards will celebrate excellence in marine product design, highlighting innovations that demonstrate strong functionality, usability, and design thinking.

The Boat Builder Awards will likewise recognize achievements across the international boatbuilding community, celebrating the businesses and individuals making a significant contribution to the industry.

Connect Across International Markets

Metstrade’s location in Amsterdam and broad international participation creates a valuable opportunity to connect with marine professionals, companies and perspectives from across Europe and markets around the world.

For North American attendees, the show provides direct access to international suppliers, technologies and approaches that may be less visible at home, while offering European and other international companies an opportunity to better understand and build connections within the North American market.

That exchange is also at the heart of the North American Stage, where IBEX, NMMA and Soundings Trade Only bring North American market expertise to an international audience. Together, these connections help ideas, technologies, and business relationships move more easily across markets.

IBEX 365 will continue following those conversations throughout the year, connecting developments across the international marine industry with the issues and opportunities shaping recreational marine in North America.