Increased attendance at METSTRADE reflects optimism - MarineBusinessWorld.com N America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 27 Nov 2024 12:00 PST
2024 Metstrade exhibitor technology © Daan Jeurens
The 36th edition of the world's leading trade show for leisure marine equipment, systems and materials closed yesterday after recording its highest ever attendance of leading marine professionals from across the globe.
METSTRADE 2024 (19-21 November) hosted close to 1,600 exhibitors, across 12 halls at RAI Amsterdam. The show received 31,824 visits from 19,779 unique visitors spanning 134 nationalities. The overall increase in attendance was up 10 per cent and 6 per cent respectively when compared to 2023, the previous historic high-water mark. Attendance records were surpassed on each of the three days for this strictly trade-only show.
Supporting the industries economic relevance, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released new data highlighting outdoor recreation's significant contribution to the U.S. economy. The industry generated a record $1.2 trillion in economic output in 2023, supporting 5 million American jobs and accounting for 2.3% of the nation's GDP. This marks the seventh consecutive year the BEA has tracked the sector, underscoring its resilience and importance to local communities, small businesses, and families across the country.
Sustainability programs continue to unfold. The non-profit BoatUS Foundation will host the first-ever "Turning the Tide Online" summit February 25-27 to discuss sustainable boating-related waste management solutions and is calling for speakers to present. The goal of the summit is to join boaters, recyclers, marine professionals and waste management experts to find solutions and revolutionize best practices for responsible, sustainable boating-related waste removal and disposal. Topics include disposal of fiberglass, shrink-wrap, pyrotechnic flares, fishing gear, and debris caught in "trash interceptors" - culvert gates and floating trash receptacles that trap both recyclable and degraded plastics and marine debris. Speakers are also encouraged to share insights into how boating-related debris disposal challenges impact waters in underserved communities. The deadline for applications to serve as a speaker has been extended and is now December 10.
Just under two years into partnering together, and more responsible sailing and seagrass conservation has been put on the map by Clean Sailors, the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) and Savvy Navvy. "We wanted to help boaters make more informed decisions about anchoring when out on the water," says Holly Manvell, founder of Clean Sailors, who with Savvy Navvy and supported by the Ocean Conservation Trust have been working to show boaters in real-time, what lies beneath their hulls - namely, seagrasses.
Acquisitions this week includes Suntex Marina Investors LLC, the largest standalone recreational marina owner in the U.S. by marina count and boat slips. Suntex announced that Peter's Landing Marina in Orange County, California has been acquired through its joint venture. Located in Huntington Beach, this marina contains 325 wet slips on its 11-acre property and is able to accommodate vessels ranging from 30 to 96 feet. In addition to local and transient boat owners, the marina plays host to commercial marina tenants that include Freedom Boat Club, Sea Tow, and brokerage firm Yorath Yachts. Peter's Landing hosts some of the world's largest surfing competitions each year. In addition to its own amenities, the marina offers customers and boaters immediate access to nearby Sunset Beach and an adjacent retail center.
On the sailing scene, SailGP has announced a new era in its long-term partnership with Rolex - welcoming the Swiss watchmaker onboard as the first Title Partner for the global racing championship. The transformative agreement between the two brands - both synonymous with achievement, innovation, and performance - demonstrates a strategic shift to elevate the sport's premier global championship, with Rolex at its heart. The expanded agreement will usher in the beginning of the Rolex SailGP Championship. The news builds on an enormously-successful founding partnership that began in 2019.
At the same time the NorthStar SailGP Team has announced Zhik as its official technical clothing supplier for Season 5 of SailGP. Known for their cutting-edge innovation and high-performance sailing gear, Zhik will outfit the NorthStar SailGP Team with gear designed for professional athletes who will face a full range of conditions while competing in 14 events around the globe this season.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica updated daily.
Stay positive,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media