With less than a week to go before the start of METS 2014, anticipation is building for the traditional opening ceremony and Breakfast Briefing with industry leaders from around the world.

This year’s keynote speech will be delivered by Carla Demaria, president of Monte Carlo Yachts, board member of Italian yachting federation UCINA, board member of the Beneteau Group and general manager of the Beneteau brand.

“I gladly accepted the invitation to speak at the Breakfast Briefing at METS,” comments Demaria as she prepares to visit Amsterdam. “It is important to share experiences and perspectives on the market from one’s own unique perspective.”

IBI editor Ed Slack will be interviewing Demaria following the keynote speech on the Innovation Stage in the Elicium at 10.30am.

“METS has a special position among the exhibitions in the marine industry,” Demaria adds. “It offers the most extensive showcase of equipment and yacht accessories and – as the extremely challenging market drives research and innovation – the number of new applications shown continues to grow. This makes METS an event one cannot afford to miss.”

METS 2014 runs from November18-20 at the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre.