Frequently asked questions
The event
METSTRADE 2024 will take place 19 - 21 November 2024.
METSTRADE will take place at:
RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
RAI puts safety first, for partners, delegates, visitors and employees alike. We have successfully staged a number of large scale international events with strict protocols in place in line with government guidelines.
For all delegates METSTRADE will be accessible in-person and online through the $(connect-platform-name). The conference will also be recorded and visible in the $(connect-platform-name).
RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Opening hours are:
| Tuesday 19 November | 10.00 - 18.00 hours |
| Wednesday 20 November | 10.00 - 18.00 hours |
| Thursday 21 November | 10.00 - 17.00 hours |
The brands page of this website contains a list of brands that are presented on the METSTRADE.
View our list fot the companies present at METSTRADE.
View our exhibitor list on this website.
The digital floor plan is available on the METSTRADE website and on a sign in the entrance.
The general RAI map can be consulted at www.rai.nl.
The DAME Design Awards is a contest where a professional, international jury will choose the most innovative products, the winners will be announced on the opening day of METSTRADE.
You can find the complete list on the website.
$(text-faq-programme)
Please view the programme at the METSTRADE website or subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates about the programme.
Please view the website for the partner programme of METSTRADE.
The activities that will take place during the event can be found in the programme on the website.
$(text-faq-speakers)
For an overview of events/seminars please view our website.
$(text-other-events)
See the METSTRADE website under the heading: 'What's on'. Or subscribe to our free newsletter.
$(text-workshops) Keep an eye on the programme for more details.
The list of exhibitors can be viewed via the website. The exhibitors can then be contacted, after all, the sale is concluded with them.
METSTRADE is only open to trade visitors.
METSTRADE is only open to trade visitors. The minimum age for entry is 18 years, this also goes for accompanied minors.
By using the exhibitors list, the digital floor plan and the online METSTRADE Connect Platform.
By using the exhibitors list and the floor plan.
By using the exhibitors list, the digital floor plan.
By using the exhibitors list.
The catalogue will be available at the entrances of RAI Amsterdam during METSTRADE.
In $(exhibition-year-only) METSTRADE will work with tickets for a fixed day and date. This way, the number of visitors is spread and you can enjoy a carefree and fun day out every day.
No. There will be no use of the app or the scratch game for the METSTRADE.
For fun offers, check out the offers page and for win actions, keep an eye on our socials.
Have you lost something? We place all the found items online.
For general questions and inquiries about tickets and registration, please contact us via metstrade@rai.nl.
We assume that there are no hindering circumstances that would prevent the METSTRADE 2024 from taking place. If the event is canceled due to external circumstances, the tickets will automatically be valid for the next event, or you will receive a refund for the purchased tickets.
As RAI Amsterdam, we follow the rules and guidelines of the Dutch government to organize and facilitate events in a safe way.
The latest updates regarding the Corona virus, and the protocol and measures that RAI and $beursnaam are taking can be found at the RAI Amsterdam website.
$(text-vaccination)
The broad offering of the METSTRADE programmes $(side-programme) will make attending METSTRADE a valuable and rewarding experience for dedicated professionals.
Delegates that are not in a position to attend in-person can make full use of our $(connect-platform-name) to view livestreams and recordings of a set amount of stages, network and engage with partners, delegates and visitors alike.
You can register at any time via our website. Check out type passes and access here »
The minimum age is 18 years. Accompanied children and babies are also NOT allowed.
RAI Facilities
The latest updates regarding the Corona virus, and the protocol and measures that RAI and METSTRADE are taking can be found at the RAI Amsterdam website.
There will be a total of 4 entrances. You can find the location of each one in the floor plan.
The minimum age for entry is 18 years, this also goes for accompanied minors.
Dogs are not allowed in RAI Amsterdam.
Assistance dogs are always welcome in RAI Amsterdam.
For exeptions on this dog policy, contact corcom@rai.nl.
Yes, you’re able to enter the venue and enjoy the event with your mobility scooter.
Wheelchair assistants get free access to events organised by RAI Amsterdam. The person using the wheelchair will need to show a valid disability card and will need to pay for his/her own ticket. It will be clearly stated which exhibitions are organised by the RAI Amsterdam on the website.
When borrowing a wheelchair at RAI Amsterdam, the assistent will not receive free entry.
METSTRADE is accessible for people using a wheelchair. The aisles at the show floor are spacious and the surface is flat. Elevators and disability toilets are available. Visitors with an official 'disability card' can follow route 7 to P7-parking garage. With a disability card, parking costs € 5.50 per 24 hours.
It is possible to borrow a wheelchair. A reservation is needed and can be made by sending an email to ReceptieRAID@rai.nl and provide us with the following information:
- name;
- Telephone number;
- Date;
- Event/exhibition name.
A valid ID is mandatory.
As a professional event organizer, RAI Amsterdam stays up to date with all current societal events. Our safety & security department stays in contact the government authorities. RAI Amsterdam aims to achieve a balance between safety and hospitality, to make sure guests can enjoy their visit to METSTRADE.
RAI Amsterdam 'houses' 700 narrowcasting screens all over the building and in the exhibiting halls, a system called RAILive!.
The screens show your location, halls, rooms, routes and events.
Yes, it is possible to borrow a wheelchair during major public events. Reservation in advance is necessary, send an email to ReceptieRAID@rai.nl with the following information:
- Name;
- Phone number;
- Date of retrieval;
- Event/exhibition name.
Borrowing a wheelchair is free. We do ask for a cash deposit of € 50.00. The cash deposit will be returned upon return of the undamaged wheelchair.
A valid ID is required upon collection.
No. As a result of the European tobacco legislation, RAI Amsterdam has been smoke-free since July 1, 2008. The smoking ban applies to all RAI buildings, including the catering locations and garages. Smoking is not permitted during set-up or breakdown.
Yes, guests can leave their coats in the cloak room for € 2.00.
An ATM can be found at two of entrances (D and K) of the RAI building. The information desks at various entrances can give you directions to their exact locations.
There will be plenty of catering facilities on-site offering a wide range of foods catering to a wide range of tastes, including Asian and Western.
Catering points are available throughout the exhibition complex.
A wide range of cafés and restaurants are open during an exhibition or congress in RAI Amsterdam.
RAI Amsterdam offers all visitors acces to its public wifi network in the Congress Centre. Whether the wifi capabilities and the wifi network are extended depends on the organisation and therefore it varies per event.
Yes, air conditioning is in use throughout the entire venue.
Yes. The Prayer Room has a washroom and two private cubicles where people of all faiths can pray or meditate in a peaceful environment. The Prayer Room is always open and accessible via Entrance D at level -1. The two private cubicles for prayer/meditation can be locked from the inside.
For general questions and inquiries about tickets and registration, please contact us via metstrade@rai.nl.
The current venue was opened in 1961. Prior to this, RAI was situated in the Ferdinand Bolstraat for 40 years (The 'old RAI'). From the founding until 1922, RAI did not own an exhibition centre, but used the famous Amsterdam Palace for folk industry (Amsterdamse Paleis voor Volksvlijt). The first RAI exhibition was held there in 1895. The RAI Association that organized this event was founded in 1893.
Rijwiel and Automobiel Industrie, which translates to: Bicycle and Automotive Industry.
Registration
Your visitor badge is valid for all the exhibition days.
After registration you will receive an email confirmation.
Yes, e-tickets can also be scanned from a smartphone at the entrance. E-tickets are also our preferred choice for environmental reasons.
For questions about ordering tickets or registration, please contact RAI Registration via registration@rai.nl.
After registration you will receive an email confirmation in which you can request an invitation letter for visa application purposes.
If you have any questions, please contact RAI Registration, registration@rai.nl.
No, the invitation card is not a ticket.
Please validate your invitation card online at www.metstrade.com with the code on your invitation. You will receive a confirmation and e-ticket by email.
No, this is not necessary if you have a smartphone. You can have your e-ticket scanned at the entrance.
You can order ticket. The e-ticket can be scanned on your smartphone.
Travel and stay
View information on the city of Amsterdam, including tourist attractions.
There are many restaurants, shops and supermarkets in the vicinity of the RAI Amsterdam.
Via RAI Hotel Services, +31 (0)20 549 19 27 or hotelservices@rai.nl, you can book a hotel at attractive rates.
RAI Hotel Services is happy to help you find and book a hotelroom for your stay.
It is also possible to book a hotel room online.
Work is planned on the train track from 13 to 27 November 2022, around Amsterdam Zuid station and in the eastern tube of the Schiphol rail tunnel. Because of this there is:
- no train traffic between Amsterdam RAI and Amsterdam South;
- Amsterdam Zuid station is blocked (for the trains);
- changed (less) train traffic to/from Schiphol Airport.
The schedule changes are slightly different on weekdays than on weekends. Accessibility of the Amsterdam RAI train station during the METS period is more limited but remains possible. Trains will continue to run to Amsterdam RAI from a number of directions (on those times there).
From the direction:
- Utrecht or further south: a train twice an hour;
- Amersfoort and beyond: 2x per hour a train (during this period directly from Groningen and Leeuwarden via Zwolle-Amersfoort);
- Lelystad: with the Sprinter to Duivendrecht and from there by metro to Amsterdam RAI station (NS ticket valid on this GVB route);
- Amsterdam C: via metro 51 to Amsterdam RAI station (NS ticket is valid on that GVB route).
- If you opt for the North-South line (line 52), you must buy a GVB ticket. You can get off at the Europaplein stop, but that is not possible with the NS ticket, the Europaplein station is not a common GVB/NS station.
- Amsterdam South: by metro
- If you opt for the North-South line (line 52), you must buy a GVB ticket. You can get off at the Europaplein stop, but that is not possible with the NS ticket, the Europaplein station is not a common GVB/NS station.
- The Hague, Leiden, Schiphol: train to Amsterdam Lelylaan or Amsterdam C and continue by metro to Amsterdam RAI station (NS ticket valid on this GVB route).
- Haarlem/Zaandam: train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Lelylaan and further by metro to Amsterdam RAI station (NS ticket valid on this route)
NB: NS ticket is therefore only valid on the GVB metro lines 50, 51 during a detour. Depending on the travel route, visitors to METSTRADE may therefore have to make detours, an extra transfer and/or with replacement metro transport and therefore with a slightly longer journey. travel time. Mention in the communication that you check the route before the journey in the travel planner 9292.nl and download the NS travel app.
See the website for the options by car, taxi or public transport.
By Metro & Bus
If you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station (CS), you can take the metro 52 (travelling time: 6 minutes, in the direction of Zuid (South), Europaplein stop). Metro 52 stops right in front of the RAI and will take you into the heart of Amsterdam.
If you are travelling by train to the Amstel station, you can take metro 51 to Amstelveen (travelling time: 5 minutes) or the bus (route 65), which will bring you to the RAI within 10 minutes. In this case you should get off at Scheldeplein. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, the best way to reach the RAI is with metro 50.
By Train
NS-station Amsterdam RAI is 300 meters from the RAI and has regular connections to all parts of the Netherlands, like Schiphol, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and is also linked to the international train network. Check the NS journey planner for your itinerary.
By air
You can reach RAI Amsterdam from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by car or public transport in less than 15 minutes. Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's biggest airports and offers passengers a high standard of service.
See Schiphol.nl for flight information, 'To & From' Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and other facilities at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.
The RAI is ideally suited for visitors who travel by car. It is situated alongside the Amsterdam’s A10 orbital motorway (exit S109) and has its own underground car parks. This means that the RAI is easily accessible for visitors coming from the Netherlands or abroad. All the main motorways can be reached without difficulty from the orbital motorway.
Numerous signboards indicate the route to the RAI. During large exhibitions orange signs displaying ‘P RAI’ will direct you to additional parking places. From there a free shuttle bus will bring you to the RAI.
For routeplanner navigate to:
RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Please use the following address to navigate to RAI Amsterdam:
RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
- By car/taxi: approx. 15 minutes (allow for considerably more time during rush hour)
- By train: 11 minutes from RAI train station
- By car/taxi: approx. 10 minutes (allow for considerably more time during rush hour)
- By metro 52 (subway): approx. 6 minutes from Europaplein stop
- By tram: approx. 25 minutes
- to Schiphol Airport approx. € 45.00
- to the city centre approx. € 25.00
- to the Central Station approx. € 30.00
See the FAQs for Parking at RAI Amsterdam
Parking
RAI Amsterdam has plenty of parking facilities at and near the exhibition centre. We also offer around 30 electric charging stations.
More distant parking sites are used in the case of large-scale public events. Busses operate on a frequent and free shuttle service between these car parks and the RAI. To reach them follow the road signs and/or the police directions.
The rate is € 5.50 per hour with a maximum of € 33.00 (as of 6 January 2025 € 35.00) per day. You can also buy a day ticket online upfront for € 27.00 (as of 6 January 2025 € 29.00).
Motor cycles park for free in the parking zones for motor cycles outside of the parking garage.
Yes you can via the website.
The maximum height allowed in the RAI P1-3/7 parking garages is 1.90 metres. The height of the P4 parking is 2.70 metres.
Online payment is possible via iDEAL, VISA, MasterCard or American Expess. Onsite you pay via debet or credicard (VISA, MasterCard or American Expess) and cash.
Yes. People with an official European parking card for the disabled (GPK) can use these special parking spaces, which are located close to the exit of the building. People with disabilities pay the normal RAI parking rate.
It's not possible to book a parking space for people with disabilities.
The RAI has several of these spaces. Should they be occupied, a parking attendant will help you find the best possible spot.
If the RAI car parks are full, you can use a parking area outside RAI Amsterdam only minutes away, which is served by shuttle buses.
If you booked and paid for a parking space, you can be certain of having a spot. When entering the garage or parking grounds, you will be assigned a parking space. If you booked in advance the ticket will indicate where you can park, for example P1/P2/P3/P4 or RAI / EXTERN. The ticket also explains which route you can follow.
The license plate of your car will be read automatically by a camera as you enter the garage. You will not receive an exit pass. You can pay the parking fee related to that license plate at the payment terminal before leaving the garage. When exiting the garage, your license plate will be read by the camera and the barrier will open automatically. Receipts are available from the payment terminal.
No, you cannot drive to the entrance by car. However, you can let someone get oud at Lodge P7 and then leave the site again. Lodge P7 is in the middle of the complex. Follow P - RAI 7 to get to Lodge P7.
Parking at the parking garage of RAI Amsterdam is at your own risk (see the Visitor conditions).
Your licence plate is registered by our Parking Management System as soon as your vehicle enters one of the access roads to the parking garages or areas of RAI Amsterdam. When booking via parkeren.rai.nl, your licence plate is registered in our system as well to ensure it is recognised when you enter or exit the parking garage.
Your licence plate is registered in order to calculate how long you have parked, as no parking ticket is issued when entering the garage. You can also book a parking space via parkeren.rai.nl.
It is also possible via the registration to find your car in the parking when you did not remember where you parked it.
RAI Amsterdam collects personal data provided by the customer on the personal data page, details about click and surf behaviour, and transactions via the website of RAI Amsterdam. RAI Amsterdam has exclusive access to the abovementioned data. The RAI complies with the requirements of the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act and other privacy legislation. Customer data are stored in a customer database, and used for processing orders or bookings and customer service.
RAI Amsterdam also uses the data to analyse the click and surf behaviour of its customers and establish customer profiles which are then used to complete the range of products and services on the website, and provide customers with bespoke offers from its product and service range. RAI Amsterdam may perform marketing campaigns with the address details of its customers at the request of third parties.
Customer address details can be used up to twelve (12) times a year for a mailing in which RAI Amsterdam has exclusive access to the personal data. If customers object to the collection and analysis of their data and bespoke offers from RAI Amsterdam, they can let RAI Amsterdam know via a link in the newsletter. In case customers want to have their data removed from the customer database, they can do so by contacting the RAI via parking@rai.nl.
RAI Amsterdam will not supply the personal data of customers to other persons or organisations outside of RAI Amsterdam without consent from the customer, unless it is legally obliged to do so. RAI Amsterdam takes great care to ensure the quality of its customer database. Personal data are checked regularly for correctness, and outdated & no longer relevant data are regularly removed.
Customers can correct their personal data directly via the personal data page. For questions or complaints, customers can contact the RAI via parking@rai.nl. At customers’ request, RAI Amsterdam can provide an overview of the data included in the customer database.
The licence plate details are stored in our Parking Management System for 30 days after you exit the garage, unless you booked via your licence plate, in which case the details are used for the processing and aftercare of your booking.
The details are not shared with parties other than RAI Amsterdam, unless we are legally obliged to do so. There is no link to the government road transport agency (RDW).
No, you can only book a space via our website.
Online reservations are made per calendar day. Choose the day of arrival at the RAI. You can drive out until midnight. It is better to buy a parking ticket in the garage when you leave after midnight.
During dance parties, a parking ticket can be reserved with which you can also drive out after midnight.
Yes. If you booked and paid for a parking space, you can be certain of having a spot. When entering the garage or parking grounds, you will be assigned a parking space.
If you booked in advance the ticket will indicate where you can park, for example P1/P2/P3/P4 or RAI / EXTERN. The ticket also explains which route you can follow.
No, this does not automatically mean there are no more parking spaces, only that booking is no longer possible. If there are no parking spaces available at the RAI, you will be directed to an external parking area, as indicated on the access roads around the RAI via (mobile) information panels.
You can change the dates of your booking by sending an e-mail to parking@rai.nl. If you come with a different car, you can drive out by scanning the barcode printed on the ticket.
You can also log in to your account and change the license plate number through my bookings. You open your booking and then choose to your parking space. You can change the license plate number via the pencil.
A booking can be canceled by sending an e-mail to parking@rai.nl Please include the booking number. You can only cancel in advance.
The conditions are simple:
- Booking is only possible via iDEAL, VISA, MasterCard or American Express
- Booking is only possible via parkeren.rai.nl
- You can exit the parking garage using licence plate recognition, barcode or pin number (the latter two are indicated on your parking ticket)
After booking you will receive an email which includes a PDF file. This PDF is your confirmation and indicates the booking period and booking number.
You must have your confirmation and parking ticket or tickets when entering and exiting the parking garage (physical or on your smart phone).
You can only park in P1, P2, P3 and P4. These locations have NO special areas for bookings.
If you parked shorter than booked, you will not receive a refund. If you parked longer than the booked period, you can pay any extra costs at the exit.
When you arrive in the parking garage:
- A sensor will 'read' your licence plate. You will not receive an entry pass.
When returning to the parking garage:
- You do not have to pass by the payment machine. You can exit the garage thanks to licence plate recognition.
- If this does not work, you can scan the barcode at the exit column; the barcode is indicated on the PDF confirmation which was previously emailed to you. If you have not the printed ticket with you, you can also scan the barcode from your smartphone.
- If you have parked longer than the booked period, you will have to pay for the extra days at the exit.
This depends on which product you buy. If this is possible, it will be indicated in the product description. In that case, you can enter and exit the parking garage as often as needed thanks to licence plate recognition or your barcode/pin number.
You may not have access to the exact same parking space.
Contact us via raiparking@rai.nl.
Exhibiting
In order to cope with the challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic and taking into account that there may still be difficulties with regards to long-haul travel this November we have decided to offer the industry a clear and realistic plan in advance. With this early set lay-out we create certainty and clarity and minimize last-minute show changes.
The decision to accommodate all exhibitors in Halls 1- 7 is based on data, forecasts and in-depth consultations with our partners (i.e. ICOMIA, Exhibition Committee, the national Marine Industry Associations). Despite the smaller footprint we will manage to accommodate up to 80% of the exhibition space used at the record-breaking METSTRADE 2019 edition.
We have been creating a smart layout in Hall 1-7. Here are some examples:
- The new extension of Hall 5 delivers significant more exhibition space;
- Terraces and catering areas will be relocated to the balconies, overlooking the show floor;
- All lounges (i.a. VIP lounge, Exhibitor Lounge) will be brought to the Elicium Ballroom;
- The various stages will be condensed into one Main Stage in 2021. Its content will be livestreamed towards the METSTRADE Connect Platform.
The safety of all our guests and employees is our highest priority. The new METSTRADE 2021 layout will be fully compliant with the RAI Health & Safety Protocol and the local authorities. A network of so called Safety Corridors (the aisles have a 4m width) will be laid out in all exhibition halls of the event.
Hall 7 will offer sufficient space to SYP and comes with the advantage that all SYP exhibitors will be in one single area. All exhibitors will be allocated according to the Allocation Procedure.
The location of CMP and MYP will be allocated in a later stage (May 2021). Seeallocation procedure.
The team has developed a fair and solid allocation procedure in order to allocate METSTRADE 2024. Important historical data such as customer loyalty (how many editions exhibited) and stand layout (i.e. surface, configuration) will be the basis for an exhibitor ranking. When conducting the allocation the team will consistently follow this exhibitor ranking. The result is a fair and proven process that was already used at many other RAI exhibitions.
We obviously intent this edition to be a one-off allocation procedure, for the 2024 edition only. All exhibitors will receive a waiver in their allocation letter which clearly emphasizes that no rights can be derived from the temporary location at METSTRADE 2024.
We aim to prevent deducting the stand size of exhibitors, the 2023 stand-size will be leading.
It is important to understand that we cannot convey with individual exhibitors about their this years’ stand location. We trust on your understanding.
With the METSTRADE 2024 policy on regional representation we aim to offer comfort to exhibitors from non-European markets. Non-European manufacturers will be able to appoint their authorised European distributor or representative as a back-up to man their stand at METSTRADE 2024. This will ensure that METSTRADE will remain the platform where the prime of top notch marine products from all over the globe are exhibited.
The possibility to have a stand be staffed by an authorised distributor or representative is offered under the following conditions:
- Only for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) from outside the European Territory (European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland);
- The OEM should make the registration directly with RAI Amsterdam;
- All METSTRADE 2024 correspondence will be sent to the OEM;
- The OEM will remain the invoice address and remains responsible for all expenses;
- The OEM will send a notification to the METSTRADE Team (metstrade@rai.nl?subject=Regional%20Respresentation">metstrade@rai.nl) which includes full contact details of the authorised distributor or representative that will be manning their stand;
- Once the stand personnel registration is open, the information of the distributor or representative manning the stand is filled in by the OEM.
We intent to return to the 2020 layout as soon as the situation allows us to. The current changes will affect the exhibitors’ 2024 location. For METSTRADE 2025 the 2020 floor plan will be our main reference.
We will frequently issue Exhibitor Update newsletters to all registered exhibitors. Consult the METSTRADE website and Exhibitor Portal (for registered exhibitors only).
Please send us an metstrade@rai.nl?subject=My%20question%20was%20not%20listed%20in%20the%20FAQ">e-mail and we will get back to you shortly.