Relaunched as well as relocated for METS 2012, running from November 13 to 15, the main aim of the Marina Equipment Pavilion (MEP), one of the three specialist product-based pavilions at METS, is to strenghten its identity and offer space for future growth.
“We have been analysing ways of increasing the profile of marina equipment suppliers at METS and for enhancing educational and social networking opportunities for marina specific exhibitors and visitors for several years since first introducing a Marina Showcase at METS in 2001,” explains METS Senior Product Manager, Irene Dros.
“The formula we are now putting together will greatly sharpen our focus on this all-important sector and is spurred on by Amsterdam RAI’s recently confirmed partnership with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) to co-organise its World Marina Conference (WMC) series of events.”
Central location
The MEP 2012 will not only move to a more central location in the Europe Foyer but will also have its own adjacent seminar theatre, the Marina Stage with bar and free catering for pavilion exhibitors and their guests. A marina reception will be hosted by METS or an industry sponsor on Wednesday 14 November and a seminar programme comprising exhibitor presentations and specialist keynote speakers is being planned.
“The Marina Equipment Pavilion deserves and needs its own identity and associated knowledge exchange programme and relocation from its current position in hall 11 to the Europe Foyer will give it the perfect space and facilities. It’s a great mix and it’s wonderful to be able to time this for 2012, the 25th anniversary of METS,” says Irene Dros. “The Europe Foyer was the original location for the SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) in 2006 – and the SYP has grown into a real show within a show with over 175 exhibitors in a unique hall. We have high hopes for the MEP.”
The B2B bi-monthly magazine, Marina World, which has worked with METS since 2001 to establish the Marina Pavilion and ran three successful high-content annual seminars at METS, will act as the official magazine for the MEP.
Focus on education
Strengthening the focus on the marina sector at METS via annual seminars will enable Amsterdam RAI to build on the educational programme, it is helping to host as official conference partner for ICOMIA. Amsterdam RAI will be co-organising the ICOMIA World Marina Conference 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey. WMC 2014 will be hosted by NTSR (Amsterdam RAI’s official representative in Turkey) and Dentur (the official marine industry association member of ICOMIA). The event programme will be drawn up by the ICOMIA Marina Group.
