Australian companies had once again a huge success at this year’s Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam – the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry.
Ed Slack, Richard Chapman, Phil Draper and Alistair Murray
The Australian Pavilion had moved location this year and included for the first time “The Outback Café” which was themed profiling iconic Australian images, wines, beer and food. This café was a key attraction during the show and was the location of the Australian outback party which was touted as being the best international party at METS. An invite only event it was hosted by the Victoria and Queensland governments with key Australian government officials in attendance. The party attracted the key stakeholders and clients interested in buying Australian made products.
MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO with the METS Team
A substantial group of members and industry heavyweights exhibited in the Australian pavilion including Aeronaut Automation, Adit Marine, Aqualuma Underwater Lighting, Austral Propellers, Barz Optics, Coursemaster Autopilots, Donaghys, FinScan, GME, Hydrive Engineering, Kinetic Technology, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Marine Tuft, Marine Protection Systems, Muirs, MultiPanel, Outback Marine, Palm Unbreakable Drinkware, Polyflex Group, PowerDive, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Stormy Seas, SOS Marine, Marina Industries Association of Australia, Release & Retrieve Boatlatch Pty Ltd, Superior Jetties, Superyacht Australia, Tide Tech, TMQ International, Vuplex and VEEM Propellers.
All companies reported a positive outcome from the show despite visitor numbers appearing lower than previous years but this appears to be the norm in the current economic environment. All exhibitors felt a key value is in the networking that takes place as this show as it is where all the key players in the industry gather to do business. The saying “if you do no other show do METS” is heard over and over again.
The Ronstan crew
As Alistair Murray MD Ronstan stated, “if you are serious about exporting you have to be here”. Alistair Murray who is also Chairman of AIMEX was MC for the Australian Outback party which was hosted by the Victoria and Queensland governments. The Honourable Andre Haermeyer, Commissioner to Europe, State Government of Victoria addressed the function promoting the key strengths of Australian businesses being innovation, quality and a can do attitude. He said “ in the current global market many players are looking to do business with Australian companies given the resilience of the Australian marine sector and the current Australian economy which has weathered the GFC extremely well” This certainly was evident during the show as a number of boatbuilders advised they were looking to source more equipment from Australia due to the stability, resilience and innovation being seen in the Australian market.
Alistair advised that networking is essential to drive business sales and increase your contact base and for this reason the function at METS was an important part of the programme for the Australian exporters.
