Metstrade and RAI Amsterdam have cancelled the Marine Equipment Trade Show, which was scheduled on 17-19 November in RAI Amsterdam. The organisation says that due to Covid-19, it cannot be the meeting place for the global marine industry it usually is, thereby leaving no other option than to cancel.

Although RAI Amsterdam was ready to accommodate Metstrade in a Covid-19 secure way, in line with all health and safety guidelines, the organisation says it cannot guarantee the high-quality show in 2020 with valuable face-to-face contacts with visitors which is expected from the event.

Niels Klarenbeek, Director Maritime Metstrade, is naturally disappointed, but also optimistic: ‘We have worked towards a safe and successful Metstrade with great dedication. The cancellation of the Metstrade 2020 show has been a tough blow for my team and I, but listening to the multiple voices in the industry including the Exhibition Committee, ICOMIA, partners and the stakeholders, this is the only right decision we could make. Our team is working together with our partners on different virtual ways to connect the leisure marine industry in these tough times.’

Icomia members support the decision to cancel this year’s show and understand the current challenges. ‘It has been an extremely tough decision and the Covid-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the industry,’ says Sara Anghel, ICOMIA’s president. ‘Icomia endorses the decision of RAI Amsterdam and will cooperate with the Metstrade team to be the homeport of the industry as soon as possible.’

Metstrade 2021 will take place on 16-18 November 2021 in RAI Amsterdam.