The world's largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and system for the international marine leisure industry will host a staggering 1,200 exhibitors in 2008 and some 20,000 international visitors are expected from over 100 countries. METS has indeed come a long way from its more humble origins, when 117 exhibitors attended from 12 countries in 1988.

A 1,000% increase in 20 years is a sign of a healthy industry and METS 2008 has been fully booked for months, with the expanded show within a show which is the Super Yacht Pavilion also helping to fill the 48,000m2 of floor space. Another contribution to the packed out Halls 1-7 of the RAI's Europa Complex will be made by national pavilions from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UK and the USA. Other specialist areas include a Marina Pavilion and a Composite Pavilion, both in Hall 1.

Tied to the Super Yacht Pavilion, which has been a feature of METS since its addition in 2005, is the Global Super Yacht Forum. Opening the day before METS and running throughout, this concurrent event in the RAI's Convention Centre brings over 600 major players from the top end of the global leisure marine sector to Amsterdam for the year's major industry summit. It again promises to deliver a great mix of debate, discussion and networking opportunities.

Also starting on 17 November but running for only two days is the 20th International HISWA Symposium on Yacht Design and Construction. Organised by the RAI in association with the HISWA Association and Delft University of Technology, this bi-annual event focuses on yacht design and construction in relation to scientific developments in this field.

The DAME Design Award for marine product design and innovation made its debut at METS in 1991 and is given annually to the best designed product at the show. Over the years it has attracted an increasingly high level of entries, all of which are subject to a product registration fee. This money is donated to charity. Last year EUR20,850 was raised for the Batavian Yard museum in Lelystad to help fund the build of the replica 17th century warship The 7 Provinces. For 2008 all product registration fees will be donated to the International Association of Disabled Sailing.

The donation will be presented at METS as part of a revamped ceremony that will, in addition to the eight established equipment categories, include a new additional certificate for the most eco-friendly or environmentally sustainable product, to be handed out at the jury's discretion.