Hosted by ICOMIA and METSTRADE.
Please note that this event is for exhibitors, press, members of the Young Professionals Club and VIP-guests only.
After a warm welcome of Mr. Niels Klarenbeek and Mr. Darren Vaux, METSTRADE and ICOMIA are thrilled to announce that Mr. Terry Hutchinson, the highly experienced Skipper and President of Operations for New York Yacht Club American Magic, will be this years' Breakfast Briefing speaker. 
Twice named US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, lifetime competitive sailor Hutchinson participated so far in five America’s Cup Campaigns and has won 17 world championships in the Farr 40, IMS, J/24, TP 52 classes in addition to the Maxi 72, and Maxi Class. He is also acknowledged by his peers as a proven master in forming and managing the multi-disciplined shore and on-water teams required for any successful sailing campaign. Following Mr. Hutchinson's keynote, get ready for the pinnacle of design excellence in the industry, the official awards ceremony of the DAME Design Awards 2024.

METSTRADE 2024 Breakfast Briefing

Hosted by ICOMIA.
In this keynote presentation ICOMIA President Darren Vaux and NMMA CEO and President Frank Hugelmeyer will take to the stage to present an update on this groundbreaking campaign, launched exactly one year ago.
They will demonstrate how this research has created a positive impact for our industry around the world, the reactions it has received and how it is already influencing policy.
EXCLUSVE – this presentation will also include new data, never before published that helps understand the “tipping points” of when different propulsion technologies can help reduce our carbon emissions.

Propelling our future one year on

Darren Vaux is President of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), which represents the global recreational marine industry. He is also a Life Member, past President and current Director of the Boating Industry Association of Australia (BIA), and Chairman of the Ministerial Maritime Advisory Council in Australia. In his private capacity, Darren is the Owner and Managing Director of the Empire Marinas Group, and was the first franchisee of Freedom Boat Club in Australia. 
With over 35 years’ experience in the property and marina industries, Darren has a deep understanding of government policy frameworks in the marine industry and is passionate about sharing and using this expertise to drive change through embracing financial and environmental sustainability, technology and innovation.

President

Innovation Project Manager

Toro Data Systems

Founder

VP Innovation and Sustainability

Head of Intelligence

Mary Velline came to the marine industry having transitioned from a distinguished career in the automotive and fire, rescue, and EMS sectors. As the former Senior Vice President of Business Development for MADA, Director of the Twin Cities Auto Show and Group Show Manager at Cygnus Business Media, she has a proven track record in revitalizing businesses and forging impactful partnerships.

Show Director

Cindy is from the Netherlands, where she studied in Amsterdam and obtained a Masters in Artificial Intelligence.
She started sailing at a young age, and through university she worked as a skipper on sailing yachts, where she experienced many of the inefficiencies in the yacht charter industry first hand.
Besides sailing she is passionate about cycling, hiking and trail running, and when she is not working you will most likely find her in the mountains with her bicycle!
With her skills as software engineer, her 5+ years of experience as a skipper and her vision for Floatist she set out to solve the many challenges yacht charter operators face on a day to day basis.

Co-Founder / CEO

Mechatronics Engineer

Executive Chairman

Team Leader

COO Amanufacture

Technical Director

Founder Vento di Venezia srl.

CEO Edorado

Robert Newsome is the Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), responsible for overall organizational operations, alignment of strategy in support of the recreational marine industry, membership and member engagement, human resources, technology, the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program, and product certification (NMMA Certified) programs for boats, yachts, PWC, marine oils and boat trailers.
Robert is the past Chairperson of the National Safe Boating Council, serves on the Board of Directors of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), and on the National Safe Boating Advisory Committee (NBSAC) by appointment of the Secretary of Homeland Security.  He has extensive experience in representing the marine industry in standards development and safety issues through numerous committees of ABYC, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Robert has authored and presented on numerous industry, economic, boating experience and safety topics prevalent to today’s recreational marine industry, and serves as a spokesperson for the Discover Boating program.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.  Today, he continues his education on operational and technology strategic excellence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 
Robert is an avid power boater, fisherman and a life-long sailor on Lake Michigan and the lakes of the Midwest.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) & Senior Vice President of Operations

Based in AkzoNobel’s headquarters in Amsterdam, Jemma leads the global business for the Yacht Coatings unit, including internationally recognised brands Awlgrip, Interlux, International, and Sea Hawk. Jemma is also on the global leadership team for AkzoNobel's Marine, Protective and Yacht (MPY) Business Unit. Having joined the company in 2015 after eight years in marketing research and consulting, Jemma has since held various marketing and commercial positions at AkzoNobel. Before taking over the Yacht Coatings business in early 2022, she was responsible for the Aerospace Coatings business in Asia-Pacific and has worked for AkzoNobel in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Global business director

Gary Reich’s Bio: Gary Reich has nearly 35 years of experience in the marine industry. He transitioned to publishing from marine sales in 2002. Reich has been an editor at Waterway Guide, PropTalk and Soundings magazines and Anglers Journal. He was appointed as editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only in 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

CEO Oceanflight Technologies

Principal Naval Architect

Head of Energy

Creative Director

Kate Holden has been part of the marine industry for 26 years, working primarily in the B2B side of the industry. She has held roles in publishing, sales, marketing, and event management. As IBEX’s Marketing & Communication Director her role includes setting strategy for acquisition, reporting and analyzing show data, and developing and execute the branding and global presence for IBEX.

Marketing & Communication Director

Luigi is senior project manager in the Ships department (Division Yachts) at MARIN. He graduated with a MSC Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from University Federico II of Naples (Italy) in 2012, and has been working in the Netherlands at MARIN since 2013 as a project manager concerning powering and seakeeping aspects (involving design advice, hull form optimization, performance predictions with CFD and/or model testing). Luigi has a deep interest into the ship design from a multidisciplinary point of view and into the possibilities of continuous integration of innovations in the ship design itself. Most of the free time is still spent in the water with watersports such as kitesurf, kitefoiling and sailing.

Senior Project Manager Presso

Having grown up by the Mediterranean Sea, Guillaume has always been an avid sailor, enjoying both competitive sailing and holiday trips with his children and wife on the family sailboat. After studying business administration in Europe, the US and Japan, he joined the Ford Motor Company where he held positions in Sales, Finance, Marketing and Business Development in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, managing teams globally. He then founded his own consulting firms, first in New Caledonia and then in Switzerland, with a focus on business development and restructuring businesses across a variety of industries, including cleantech and waste management. His passion for sailing, his extensive network in the nautical industry, and his awareness of the lack of a viable solution for recycling the fiberglass hulls of end-of-life sailboats led him to co-found Composite Recycling in 2021

Senior Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Development

Megan Davisson made her transition into the marine industry in 2021 after 12 years in beverage management. She has an extensive background in sales, as well as event planning and customer relations. As an independent contractor, she managed several special projects for IBEX in 2022 and 2023, including enhancements of the VIP experience and coordination of special events.

Sales and Projects Manager

Gabbi Richardson is the founder of Yachting Ventures, a pioneering global platform dedicated to supporting startups in the leisure marine sector. Before establishing Yachting Ventures, Gabbi honed her expertise at a venture capital-backed tech startup in London, where she worked closely with accelerators and investors to streamline the fundraising process. Her entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem drive her commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the marine industry.

Founder & CEO

Sophi Horne is a Norwegian designer and the originator of the initial Racebird concept. Her career started in the marine industry designing interiors for superyachts at SH Maritime. Driven by a desire to make leisure boating much more accessible, she went on to create Seabird Technologies which has since overseen the design and build process of the innovative electric foiling raceboat used in E1.

Co-Founder

Principal

Research Project Manager

EMEA Marine Segment Director

Niels Klarenbeek has managed the METSTRADE team since early 2020, overseeing the strategy and growth of the world’s leading B2B event for the recreational marine industry.
He also serves as President of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), where he promotes an agenda focused on making boat shows more inclusive, sustainable and engaging.

Director METSTRADE | President IFBSO

Senior Project Manager Presso MARIN

Sustainability Manager

With over 22 years of experience in boat and component certification, Ulrich Manigel represents IMCI as General Manager. His activities include participation as expert at various ISO working groups, representing IMCI at RSG meetings, giving lectures and workshops about CE certification of boats and components. Beside this, he serves also an NMMA inspector in EU.
Further to this, he is the first chair of the German Surveyor’s Association, VBS e.V.
 
Ulrich holds a degree as master craft boatbuilder, knowing the recreational craft industry over 30 years from scratch. He is also a certified quality manager and auditor for ISO 9001 and internal auditor for laboratories according to ISO 17025.

General Manager / CE & NMMA Inspector

Marco, a lifelong boating enthusiast and catamaran owner, has crossed the Atlantic and spent longer periods navigating the Caribbean—experiences that sparked his passion for advancing boat design and operation. In 2018, driven to transform the marine industry with electric and hybrid propulsion, he partnered with EPTechnologies. With expertise in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a background as an airline pilot, Marco is committed to designing innovative, efficient systems with robust backups to enhance vessel performance and operator satisfaction. Marco’s dedication makes him a voice in today’s discussion on the future of propulsion. He’ll be sharing his insights on how eFuels and electric propulsion can coexist, and the infrastructure adaptations required to support this evolving landscape in the industry.

COO & Co-owner

Terry Hutchinson is a distinguished American sailor and a veteran America’s Cup competitor with participation in six America’s Cup cycles. He notably served as a winning tactician in the Louis Vuitton Cup, and now includes serving as President of Sailing Operations and Skipper for NYYC American Magic. With seventeen World Championship titles and multiple North American and National Championships, he has left an indelible mark on the world of competitive sailing. He is a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and has received numerous accolades for his sailing prowess. A proud alumnus of Old Dominion University, Terry continues to inspire and lead in the sport of sailing.

President of Sailing Operations/Skipper

Sales Director

Rise Institute

ICOMIA Confindustria Nautica

Co-founder

Senior project manager

Account Manager

Alinghi RedBull Racing Simulation Engineer

CEO/Co-Founder

Johann Durand is the International Director of Blue Flag, focusing on sustainable tourism, climate action, and education for sustainable development. Based in Copenhagen, he leads global initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in marinas, beaches, and tourism destinations worldwide.

International Director

GM Persico Marine

Frederike Volmer entered the marine industry in 2022, building on her background in hospitality and event sales. She is a member of both the METSTRADE and IBEX teams, giving her valuable exposure to the international market. At IBEX, she is responsible for international sales including managing the international pavilions.

International Sales

Weight Controls, Ineos Britannia

Director Propulsion Technology

CEO Gerris Boats

Head of Development

Director Application Engineering Marine

Simon has been a Project Manager with Marina Projects for 8 years, providing specialist marina consultancy to a range of national & international clients from both private & commercial organisations to government bodies. As an experienced yacht charter captain qualified in environmental science and geography, Simon has a wealth of operational experience in the marine leisure industry. He is a highly motivated team member, who has a detailed and focused work ethic.  Having worked in the marine leisure industry in a variety of capacities, he understands the importance of delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining high standards.
Simon has managed charter yachts in a variety of worldwide locations, Caribbean and Mediterranean, creating a specialist knowledge of marina operations.  This experience has meant he has developed an ability to problem solve and identify what is required to create successful marina developments.

Director

Idan Cohen founded Pick A Pier in 2017 to create a digital infrastructure that helps marinas optimize resources, boost profitability, and enhance sustainability. As Chairman of IMIA, he leads marine innovation initiatives. Pick A Pier now partners with marinas in over 10 countries, driving efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Content Director

CEO Group Beneteau

Anne Dunbar is the Executive Director of the International Boatbuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), North America’s largest technical marine trade show. With over 30 years of experience in the marine industry, Anne is at the helm of IBEX, guiding its strategic direction, fostering innovation, and ensuring the event remains the premier platform for showcasing the latest products, materials, and technologies shaping the future of boating. Her leadership is instrumental in maintaining IBEX’s sustained growth and its competitive edge in the global marine industry.

Executive Director, Former President of IFBSO

CEO 11th hour racing

Regional BDM

Vice President, Standard and Compliance

Sales Manager

I started my career at the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz in the Netherlands, graduating as Maritime Officer. After a short period serving as engineer on board both seagoning and inland vessels I've been working for the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate as Flagstate Control and Port State Control Officer and Accident Investigator. After that I had a positition as Maritime Accidnet Investigator with the Dutch Safety Board for 4 years, before I started working as a Human Factor Specialist at Marin. In the meanwhile I started a master study in Risk Management in order to close the gap between maritime operational knowledge and experience and Human Performance

Specialist Human Factors

President, Navico Group and Chief Technology Officer

General Manager Three 60° Srl

Laurien majored in Art History in Leiden, the Netherlands, and during her studies was already active as a presenter and speaker.  Amongst other events she conducted the Red Cross gala in The Hague, and during The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht worked for Otto Naumann, one of the largest and most respected Old Master Paintings dealers in New York. She followed this with 5 years as Client Development Manager and auctioneer at Christie’s, Amsterdam, where she was auctioneer for Christie’s paintings, jewellery, furniture and design sales.
Now based in the Netherlands, after having lived in Moscow, Chicago and Geneva for 12 years, Laurien continues to speak and to conduct auctions, including many for charitable causes.  Pink Ribbon, Right to Play, Children's Home and Aid, Women’s Shelters, CIA and the ‘Night of the Stars’ for Fulbright scholarships are just a few of the large, high profile charities that have benefited from her auctioneering experience.

Auctioneer & Presenter/Ladyspeaker

Helena Lennerstedt is the CEO of Humphree, a leading Swedish marine technology company specialising in trim and stabilization systems for boats. Appointed in January 2023, Helena brings a wealth of experience from the Swedish industry, having held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Purchasing at Volvo Penta. With a master’s degree in engineering from Linköping University and additional studies in International Business, Helena is committed to building diverse teams and driving innovation in the marine sector. Her career is marked by a curiosity for new challenges and a strong focus on transformational leadership.

Frank Hugelmeyer is president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade group for recreational boating and the largest producer of boat shows in North America. He’s the board chair and a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Washington D.C.-based coalition of America’s leading outdoor recreation trade organizations, and vice-chair of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations.
Frank has more than 35 years of senior executive experience in the global sporting goods, outdoor recreation, and association management sectors. He’s worked as the chief executive at three of America’s most influential outdoor trade groups and as an executive for leading manufacturers and NYC’s oldest sporting goods retailer.
Prior to joining NMMA in 2019, Frank was president at RV Industry Association and Go RVing. Before that, he was the longtime CEO of Outdoor Industry Association where he led the renowned campaign that defined the economic importance of the $1 trillion outdoor recreation industry for the first time in our nation’s history. He’s also known for joining forces with Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, to establish the country’s first state office of outdoor recreation.
His unique career journey has enabled him to collaborate with the world’s leading outdoor public companies, consumer brands and retailers, a list that includes Nike, VF, Patagonia, Bass Pro, REI, Thor Industries and Winnebago, along with pinnacle marine brands like Brunswick, Yamaha, Polaris among many others.
Frank lives in the Washington D.C. area and maintains a home in Colorado.

President and CEO

General Manager

Principal Caponnetto-Hueber

Partnerships Manager

Philip Easthill is the Secretary-General of European Boating Industry (EBI), which represents the European recreational boating and nautical tourism industry. The mission of the association is to advance and represent a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry #MadeInEurope. Key topics that EBI is working on at a policy level and in cooperation with its members are sustainability, circular economy, tourism, taxation, qualifications, access to finance, and international trade.
He has been in the position since September 2019 and previously worked in Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs at EU level. With an academic background in Politics and Business Management, he is also an avid sailor and worked in the nautical tourism industry previously. Philip Easthill represents the industry towards the EU institutions, as well as in high-level fora and Expert Groups relevant for the sector.

Secretary General

Michele J. Goldsmith is a seeker, artist, and marine media and industry leader. With a passion to connect and inform the recreational marine community. Michele utilizes media tools to drive progress and foster innovation. She is the vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only group, the leading marine business-to-business multi-media brand, which is part of Active Interest Media. Her marine industry experience includes manufacturing operations, product development, and marketing and sales management roles to the OEM, aftermarket, domestic and international sectors.  Michele’s impact extends beyond her professional roles, as she has actively served the marine industry on the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) board of directors and its executive board, as chairperson of the NMMA MACD board of directors, on the Grow Boating and NMMA PAC board of directors, and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) technical board of directors. Notably, she was honoured with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award and the 2024 Alan J. Freedman award presented by the NMMA for outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity, and personal motivation.

Vice President and General Manager

Director of Water Mobility Mer Concept

Innovamarina

Business Development C-Tech Composites

Team Leader PoliMi Sailing

Promotinf composites and organizing the leading global event of composite materials every year in Paris, JEC World

Tenair

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