The Women in the Marine Industry International Panel and Networking Breakfast returned to Metstrade 2025 with exceptional success, uniting professionals from across the global marine sector for a morning of insight, connection, and inspiration.
Held on Wednesday 19 November 2025 on the Metstrade Stage at RAI Amsterdam, the event welcomed over 160 attendees, all eager to hear from some of the industry’s most influential female leaders as they explored this year’s theme: “Navigating Today’s Global Market.”
With complimentary breakfast, open networking, and a lively panel discussion, attendees engaged in conversations on shifting consumer demands, technological innovation, supply chain challenges, and the global opportunities shaping the future of the marine industry.
The panel was once again moderated by Michele Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of Soundings Trade Only Group, who guided a rich discussion full of practical insight and real-world leadership perspectives. This year’s panel of exceptional international female leaders brought high-level experience from across technology, manufacturing, distribution, and major global events:
- Áine Denari – Executive Vice President & President, Navico Group; Chief Technology Officer, Brunswick Corporation
- Andrea Tetto – Director, Marine Business Planning, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit
- Suzanne Blaustone – CEO, Barton Marine
- Sylvie Ernoult – Show Director, Cannes Yachting Festival
Speaking of the event Andrea Tetto, Director, Marine Business Planning, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, commented: “The event was amazing. I was very excited as it was my first time participating. I was impressed with the level of attendance — I didn’t expect that many people. The energy, the questions, their passion, and the support for the event were truly inspiring.”
Áine Denari, Executive Vice President & President, Navico Group; Chief Technology Officer, Brunswick Corporation, added: “Just a phenomenal experience to be here and part of this panel. It’s invigorating to see great women in leadership roles discussing the future and how we can increase female participation in the industry and in recreational boating more broadly. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to meet such an amazing group.”
While Suzanne Blaustone, CEO of Barton Marine commented: “Today reflects exactly what’s happening in the industry, with more and more women stepping into strong positions. It was encouraging to see so many people, men and women, who want to see women continue to network, connect, and take on new challenges.”
The event drew a large crowd of both women and men, who were eager to engage with industry leaders and peers, further enhancing the collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. Many participants expressed their appreciation for such a stimulating event and the opportunity to connect and share experiences during the relaxed networking breakfast session.
This year the event also proudly continued its support of Room to Read, the global charity championing girls’ education. A special video message from Charlie Scott, Room to Read, was played during the event, thanking attendees for their generosity and reinforcing the life-changing impact of their contributions.
Thanks to the donations and fundraising from Women in the Marine Industry International supporters a total of $5,000 was reached, with a cheque presented live on stage.
Reflecting on the event’s success, British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson concluded by saying: “Women in the Marine Industry International continues to demonstrate the power of bringing together diverse voices to explore the future of our sector. This event not only celebrates the achievements of women in the industry but also drives forward important conversations on leadership, innovation, and global opportunity. It was fantastic to see such high engagement, and I look forward to seeing this event continue to grow year on year.”
Women in the Marine Industry International is hosted by British Marine, Soundings Trade Only, Metstrade, and Marine Industry News and supported by Barton Marine.
Follow Women in the Marine Industry International on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-the-marine-industry/about/
ABOUT
Metstrade
Metstrade is the world’s largest trade exhibition for equipment, materials, and systems for the international leisure marine industry. RAI Convention Centre organises it in cooperation with ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations). The event’s target audience includes yacht builders, naval architects, refit yards, distributors, dealers, wholesalers, captains, marina owners and marine equipment manufacturers worldwide. Metstrade 2025 will run from 18-20 November 2025 at RAI Convention Centre.
British Marine
British Marine (the trading name of British Marine Federation Limited) is the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine industry. It has over 1,300 members drawn from both seagoing and inland sectors and represents an industry which employs more than 38,000 people in the UK.
British Marine also owns and operates the Southampton International Boat Show (18-27 September 2026). For more information about the work of British Marine and how to join, please visit the website: www.britishmarine.co.uk, or follow British Marine on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook
Soundings Trade Only
Soundings Trade Only is a marine business-to-business information multi-media brand. It includes a monthly print publication, and digital entities including an e-newsletter, web, and social media sites. Soundings Trade Only offers the latest business news, and information about products, trends, statistics, management, and marketing insights, and more to the marine industry. It is part of the AIM Marine Group, which includes other publications including Yachts International, Power & Motoryacht, SAIL, Anglers Journal, Soundings, PassageMaker and Woodshop News. The AIM Marine Group is a division of Active Interest Media. For more information, please visit www.tradeonlytoday.com, for your free subscription please visit www.tradeonlytoday.com/subscribe.
Marine Industry News
Marine Industry News is an independent trade publication covering the latest leisure marine, superyacht, and commercial marine news from across the globe. MIN Aims to keep the marine industry engaged and informed through its free and accessible content via its website, printed publication, email newsletter and social channels. Marine Industry News reports on the top stories, business news, new products, and events worldwide and its online news is translatable into ten different languages.
