boot Düsseldorf 2026 closed on Sunday after nine days of exhibits and industry events. The global water sports trade fair reported strong attendance and positive business momentum. Marius Berlemann, COO of Messe Düsseldorf, said exhibitors saw “very good discussions and business deals at their stands”. He described the atmosphere in the halls as “excellent” and the event as a “powerful catalyst, international industry meeting place and emotional highlight”.
There was a strong Irish marine industry presence, with the MGM Boats brokerage division of Dun Laoghaire and chartmaker Bobby Nash of Kinsale both taking up their annual stands. The Irish Marine Federation board elected a new chairman at the show. MGM boats unveiled a new flagship Prestige and BJ Marine celebrated an award for Beneteau's Swift Trawler 37.
Organisers confirmed more than 200,000 visitors from over 110 countries attended. A significant share travelled from other European countries and overseas. Visitor satisfaction was high, with nearly 95 per cent saying they met their objectives.
Director Petros Michelidakis said interest in sailing boats rose sharply, with 25 class associations present and many global premieres on display. Motorboats, engines and accessories were also in high demand, he added.
Holiday and charter offerings proved popular, with visitors booking charters and exploring destinations on site. The Destinations & Boatlife Hall showcased holiday regions and houseboat options.
The diving halls attracted large crowds to equipment displays, the Dive Centre and the international ‘Dive Award’. Stage programmes and diving tower demonstrations drew particular interest.
Marine conservation featured strongly. boot’s ‘love your ocean’ campaign and the international ‘ocean tribute’ award highlighted environmental efforts. This year’s winner was the One Ocean Planet Foundation from Spain.
The boot sustainability forum, Blue Innovation Dock (BID), hosted discussions on sustainable maritime innovation with industry, political and research representatives.
The ‘boot for school’ programme, in partnership with the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum, offered pupils sessions on the sea and water sports, including paddling, sailing, surfing and diving.
Organisers said 1,810 journalists and content creators from 49 countries covered the event. A total of around 1,500 manufacturers, dealers and destinations from 68 nations exhibited. boot Düsseldorf 2027 is scheduled for 23–31 January.
Henning Mittelmann, President of the German Maritime Industry Association, said boot provided a “perfect marketplace” for global customer engagement and network building. His members reported strong customer interest and new orders.
