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    Dates

    17 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Venue

    RAI Amsterdam

    Time

    confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The DAME Design Awards, established in 1991, celebrate excellence in design across all marine product categories.

    This prestigious competition highlights innovative designs that enhance functionality and aesthetics in the marine industry.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The DAME Design Awards 2026 will be held on November 17, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: Celebrating 35 years, the awards recognize the best-designed marine products, showcasing innovation and design excellence.
    3. 3Organiser: The event is organized by RAI Amsterdam, with more details available at damedesignawards.com.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include marine industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers, influencing purchasing decisions.
    5. 5Entry / Access: Registration is required for participation; details can be found on the official website.

    Why visit

    Visitors to the DAME Design Awards can expect to see groundbreaking marine designs, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in marine equipment. Dates and Venue: The DAME Design Awards 2026 will be held on November 17, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands. Buyer Authority: Attendees include marine industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers, influencing purchasing decisions.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the DAME Design Awards provides companies with unparalleled visibility, access to influential buyers, and the opportunity to showcase their innovative products to a global audience. Buyer Authority: Attendees include marine industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers, influencing purchasing decisions. The DAME Design Awards play a crucial role in promoting design innovation in the marine industry, encouraging companies to prioritize design in their.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Marine designers and architects
    Boat manufacturers and builders
    Marine equipment suppliers
    Retailers in marine products
    Marine industry professionals
    Sustainability advocates in marine design

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of marine equipment
    Design firms specializing in marine products
    Suppliers of innovative marine technologies
    Companies focused on sustainable marine solutions
    Retailers of boating accessories
    Marine service providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Personal equipment for boating
    Onboard facilities and comfort products
    Navigation and communication devices
    Electronic and electrical systems for vessels
    Propulsion and dynamics equipment
    Deck equipment and accessories

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    RAI Amsterdam

    Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Official show datesNovember 17, 2026
    Event daysconfirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    RAI Amsterdam

    EmailWebsite

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Visitor countries

    37

    New this edition

    • 1

      35th edition of the DAME Design Awards

      The 2026 cycle is the 35th edition of DAME. Entry materials must have been published in 2025 and uploaded to the DAME website by the September 2026 deadline, with a one-page entrant profile and background information.

      Source
    • 2

      Record entry field to beat

      The 2025 edition attracted a record 146 product entries from 37 countries, with 67 products shortlisted for final jury assessment, setting the benchmark for the 2026 competition.

      Source

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Prior-edition figures sourced from post-show reporting for 2025; confirm against organiser press release when available. The DAME Design Awards, established in 1991, celebrate excellence in design across all marine product categories. This prestigious competition highlights innovative designs that enhance functionality and aesthetics in the marine industry. The DAME Design Awards play a crucial role in promoting design innovation in the marine industry, encouraging companies to prioritize design in their products,.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Marine designers and architects, Boat manufacturers and builders, Marine equipment suppliers, Retailers in marine products. Dates and Venue: The DAME Design Awards 2026 will be held on November 17, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands. Scale and Focus: Celebrating 35 years, the awards recognize the best-designed marine products, showcasing innovation and design excellence. Organiser: The event is organized by RAI Amsterdam, with more details available at damedesignawards.com.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the DAME Design Awards provides companies with unparalleled visibility, access to influential buyers, and the opportunity to showcase their innovative products to a global audience. Buyer Authority: Attendees include marine industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers, influencing purchasing decisions. The DAME Design Awards play a crucial role in promoting design innovation in the marine industry, encouraging companies to prioritize design in their.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Why it matters

    Attending DAME Design Awards on 2026-11-17 to 2026-11-17 in Amsterdam lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Electrification and hybrid propulsion

    Electrification and hybrid propulsion covers battery-electric and diesel-electric drive systems for leisure craft, tenders and inland vessels.

    02

    Connected helm and telematics

    Connected helm and telematics describes integrated multifunction displays, remote monitoring and over-the-air software updates on boats.

    03

    Sustainable materials and refit

    Sustainable materials and refit refers to recyclable composites, bio-based resins and repowering or restoration work on existing boats.

    04

    Experience-led watersports demand

    Experience-led watersports demand is the growth in charter, diving, e-foil and tourism buyers who purchase rental-ready equipment.

    05

    Supply-chain regionalisation

    Supply-chain regionalisation is the shift toward shorter, more resilient sourcing of marine components within Europe.

    Marine trade fair circuit

    Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

    Buyers covering marine often plan DAME Design Awards alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

    Pre-show

    Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for DAME Design Awards.

    Show week

    Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

    Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    AMS

    Amsterdam Schiphol

    to venue

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Walking distance, upscale
    RAI Amsterdam / Amsterdam Zuid

    Not yet confirmed

    Walking distance, midscale upscale
    RAI Amsterdam / Amsterdam Zuid

    Not yet confirmed

    Value and midscale
    Amstel

    Not yet confirmed

    Budget and value
    De Pijp / city side

    Not yet confirmed

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    train

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 5-6 one way on NS trains (verify live fares)
    Best forAmsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam RAI station

    Journey is roughly 15-20 minutes; Amsterdam RAI station is a short walk from the venue entrances.

    metro

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 3-4 single fare with OVpay contactless (verify live fares)
    Best forAmsterdam city centre to RAI Amsterdam

    Metro line 52 (North-South line) stops at Amsterdam RAI; contactless bank cards are accepted.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 40-90 / USD 45-100 taxi or rideshare to venue
    Best forAmsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to RAI Amsterdam

    20-30 minutes depending on traffic; ride-hailing pickup points are signposted at the terminal.

    car

    Estimated costPaid parking; rates vary by product and period, pre-book online
    Best forRAI Amsterdam on-site parking

    Reserve via the RAI parking portal; P+R sites outside the city centre are a cheaper alternative.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for businessNationals of countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement travelling to the Netherlands for a business visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.Not yet confirmedApply up to 6 months ahead and allow at least 4-6 weeks before travel
    Visa-free business visitNationals of visa-waiver countries such as EU/EEA states, the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan visiting the Netherlands for business for up to 90 days.Not yet confirmedNo visa required; carry proof of business purpose, accommodation and return travel

    Many nationalities (EU/EEA states, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan and other visa-waiver countries) can enter the Netherlands for a short business visit of up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa and show a business purpose of economic interest to the Netherlands.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Amsterdam in November 2026 is cool and changeable: typical daytime highs near 10°C and overnight lows around 5°C, roughly 13 rainy days and about 50-85 mm of rain across the month, with only about 4 sunshine hours per day. Expect wind and early dusk; visitors to RAI Amsterdam should plan for layers, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    The Netherlands has fast, widely available mobile and broadband coverage. Business visitors can use EU roaming where their home plan includes it, buy a prepaid SIM from Dutch operators (KPN, VodafoneZiggo, Odido) at Schiphol Airport or city shops, or activate an eSIM before travelling. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes and at RAI Amsterdam.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Registration

    Confirm registration and venue access with the organiser before travelling to Amsterdam.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on the first show day for orientation and security screening.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: AMS

    Book flights to AMS (Amsterdam) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

    Visa

    The Netherlands is in the Schengen area. Many non-EU nationals need a short-stay Schengen visa for a business visit, supported by an invitation letter from the Dutch business or event organiser plus proof of accommodation, funds and return travel.

    Estimated cost: A Schengen short-stay visa fee applies per adult applicant, plus any visa centre service charges and travel insurance. Check the current fee and payment route on the official Netherlands visa portal before booking an appointment.

    Processing: Standard Schengen short-stay decisions are typically issued within about 15 calendar days of a complete application. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel because appointment slots can be limited in peak season.

    Business travel must be of economic interest to the Netherlands; accepted examples include consultations or training at a Dutch business division. Bring the invitation letter, employer letter, hotel booking, insurance and financial evidence to the appointment, and carry copies when entering Schengen.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-11-16

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-11-18

    Areas to stay

    Amstel · De Pijp / city side · RAI Amsterdam / Amsterdam Zuid

    walking distance, upscale

    Not yet confirmed

    walking distance, midscale upscale

    Not yet confirmed

    value and midscale

    Not yet confirmed

    budget and value

    Not yet confirmed

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Allow road or rail time to RAI Amsterdam; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near RAI Amsterdam: RAI Amsterdam / Amsterdam Zuid: Hotel nhow Amsterdam RAI; RAI Amsterdam / Amsterdam Zuid: Hotel Novotel Amsterdam City; Amstel: MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Amsterdam; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: RAI Amsterdam has its own station (Amsterdam RAI) served by NS trains and metro line 52, with trams and buses also nearby. Travel from Schiphol Airport takes about 15-20 minutes by train, and contactless OVpay is accepted across metro, tram and bus services.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at RAI Amsterdam; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: 5°C to 10°C typical daily range (about 5°C at night, 10°C in the afternoon); extremes for the month have ranged from about -2°C to 18°C.

    Seasonality: November is one of the wetter Amsterdam months: roughly 13 rainy days and about 50-85 mm of rainfall. Showers are frequent and can be short but heavy, so allow extra transfer time.

    Packing: Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket or shell, an umbrella and comfortable waterproof shoes for cobbled streets and long hall walks. Bring a compact bag for show materials and a standard EU Type C/F plug adapter.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    1

    Check passport validity (6+ months) and whether a Schengen short-stay visa is needed for the Netherlands. — Apply 4-6 weeks ahead; business visits may require an invitation letter from the organiser or a Dutch business partner.

    2

    Book flights to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) for arrival on 16 November 2026. — The DAME Design Awards ceremony takes place on 17 November 2026 at RAI Amsterdam, so arrive the day before.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near RAI Amsterdam. — Hotel nhow Amsterdam RAI (360 m), Hotel Novotel Amsterdam City (830 m) and MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel are close options; November is a busy trade month.

    4

    Complete visitor registration and badge request. — Register via damedesignawards.com and the METSTRADE visitor portal, then collect your badge at RAI Amsterdam.

    5

    Download the hall plan and the DAME shortlist. — Note the hall location of the DAME display and the ceremony schedule before you travel.

    6

    Pre-schedule supplier meetings and matchmaking slots. — Use the show matchmaking platform to book time with marine equipment and design suppliers.

    7

    Shortlist sessions, stages and award timings to attend. — Plan around the DAME ceremony on 17 November 2026 and any design or sustainability programme.

    8

    Plan the Schiphol Airport to RAI transfer. — NS train or metro line 52 to Amsterdam RAI station takes about 15-20 minutes; taxi is 20-30 minutes.

    9

    Arrange airport transfer or pre-book parking. — Reserve parking at parkeren.rai.nl if driving; on-site parking is paid.

    10

    Pack for Amsterdam in November. — Warm layers, waterproof jacket, umbrella and comfortable shoes; expect about 13 rainy days and highs near 10°C.

    11

    Prepare meeting documents and contacts. — Carry digital copies of invitation letters, registration confirmations, business cards and product notes.

    12

    Day 1 arrival, badge collection and orientation. — Arrive 16 November, collect your badge, walk the halls and confirm your meeting schedule for show day.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Per diem × 2€150.00
    Estimated total€150.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Marine equipment designers, naval architects, brand and product managers, and trade buyers sourcing components at METSTRADE who want to see the DAME shortlist and jury results in person.

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    Book flights and a RAI-area hotel 8-12 weeks ahead; November is a peak Amsterdam trade month.

    Risks

    RAI-area hotel rates rise sharply during METSTRADE week

    DAME entry itself is exhibitor-only at EUR 175 per product, so non-exhibitors attend as METSTRADE visitors

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Marine equipment manufacturers, electronics and systems suppliers, and design studios that want DAME jury feedback plus stand traffic from international distributors and yards.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    Reserve stand space and start build planning 3-4 months out; product entries close in September 2026.

    Risks

    Stand space and hall allocation tighten as METSTRADE sells out

    September 2026 entry deadline for DAME product submissions

    Freight and rigging slots need early booking

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Companies with no European marine equipment route to market or no product to display in the current cycle.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    Missing the shortlist announcement window may delay PR until the next edition

    Gallery

    Photos

    Dog show highlights at DAME Design Awards
    Dog show highlights at DAME Design Awards
    Official DAME Design Awards event branding
    Official DAME Design Awards event branding

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    DAME
    Design Award for the Marine Equipment Industry, recognising excellence in design.
    2
    Metstrade
    The world's largest trade exhibition for marine equipment, materials and systems, held at RAI Amsterdam.
    3
    Sustainability
    The practice of designing products that minimise environmental impact.
    4
    Innovation
    The introduction of new ideas or methods in product design.
    5
    Marine Industry
    The sector involved in the design, manufacture and sale of marine products.
    6
    OEM
    Original Equipment Manufacturer - a company whose components or systems are built into another manufacturer's finished boat.
    7
    Refit
    Upgrading or restoring an existing vessel, including repowering, interiors, electronics and coatings.
    8
    Superyacht
    A large luxury vessel typically over 24 metres, a key buyer segment at METSTRADE.
    9
    Shortlist
    The group of nominated products selected by the jury to progress to the final rounds of DAME assessment.
    10
    Nomination
    A product chosen from all entries to compete in the final DAME judging rounds alongside other shortlisted designs.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    2

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    DAME Design Awards

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