Logistics & Transportation Events in Amsterdam

Sail Amsterdam

SAIL Amsterdam 2025: A Once-in-a-Decade Maritime Celebration

Every five years, something truly magical happens in the heart of the Netherlands: a flotilla of tall ships, heritage vessels, and maritime marvels docks in Amsterdam, transforming the city into a living, breathing tribute to its seafaring soul. In 2025, this cherished tradition returns in full force—bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever.

The 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam will be held during a particularly special year, marking the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam. It’s a celebration that blends the city's deep maritime legacy with a contemporary call to unity and connection—through water, through history, and through people.

The Essence of SAIL Amsterdam: Nautical Grandeur Meets Community Spirit

First held in 1975 as part of Amsterdam’s 700th birthday, SAIL Amsterdam has grown into the largest free public event in the Netherlands, and one of the most iconic maritime festivals in the world. What makes it so unique isn't just the ships—but the atmosphere.

The city transforms into a stage where tradition, innovation, and international friendship are celebrated openly. With ships hailing from dozens of nations, and visitors coming by the millions, SAIL Amsterdam is more than an event—it’s an emotional experience.

What You’ll See at SAIL Amsterdam 2025:

   Majestic tall ships from all over the world

   Classic yachts, steamships, and naval vessels

   Modern sailing innovations and maritime tech

   Live music, street theatre, and cultural performances along the quays

   Interactive exhibitions and educational experiences for all ages

The highlight? The breathtaking SAIL-In Parade, where the ships sail in formation through the IJ river, passing under bridges and alongside cheering crowds. It’s a goosebumps moment that never fades.

Celebrating 750 Years of Amsterdam: Past, Present, and Future

2025 is no ordinary year. As Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, SAIL becomes a focal point of a broader city-wide celebration, representing both the resilience and diversity of a city shaped by the water.

The 750th anniversary of Amsterdam isn't just about history—it's a tribute to how water has connected people, ideas, and cultures through the centuries. From trade routes and naval power to innovation and global diplomacy, Amsterdam’s identity has always been fluid—just like its canals.

Themes Highlighted During SAIL Amsterdam 2025:

   Maritime heritage and education

   Innovation in sustainable sailing and shipbuilding

   Cultural exchange and global peace

   Youth engagement and community collaboration

   The evolving relationship between Amsterdam and the sea

Through these lenses, SAIL 2025 becomes a meeting point between generations and nations, inviting every visitor to reflect on the power of water as a unifier.

A Global Stage: Ships and Crews from Around the World

One of the defining features of SAIL Amsterdam is its international scope. Vessels of all sizes and styles arrive from across the globe, each with their own stories, crews, and flags. These floating ambassadors anchor not just in the port—but in the hearts of all who visit.

Types of Ships You Can Expect:

   Tall Ships – Iconic, towering sailing vessels such as the Sedov, Dar Młodzieży, or Cisne Branco.

   Naval Vessels – Representing modern maritime defense from allied nations.

   Classic Boats and Barges – Historic Dutch ships like tjalks and botters, showcasing the country’s rich inland waterway heritage.

   Sustainable Sailing Innovations – Electric boats, solar-powered vessels, and experimental sailing designs leading the way toward greener seas.

   Training Ships and Youth Vessels – Crewed by young cadets, symbolizing the future of seafaring.

Visitors are often invited aboard, where they can meet crew members, learn about maritime life, and explore the interiors of ships rarely open to the public.

Beyond the Ships: Culture, Celebration, and Connection

While the tall ships may steal the spotlight, SAIL Amsterdam is equally celebrated for its vibrant festival atmosphere along the waterfront. Whether you’re into music, history, food, or family-friendly fun, the event delivers a deeply immersive experience.

Festival Highlights Along the Waterfront:

   Live stages with music ranging from sea shanties to contemporary acts

   Floating parades and light shows at night

   Themed zones focusing on sustainability, history, and international cultures

   Workshops and storytelling for children and students

   Floating food courts and maritime-inspired cuisine

The streets, canals, and skies come alive—making it one of the most photogenic and joyful festivals in Europe.

Who Should Visit SAIL Amsterdam 2025?

SAIL Amsterdam truly is a celebration for everyone. Whether you're a sailor, a photographer, a history buff, a tourist, or a curious local, the event offers something that will resonate with you.

It's Perfect For:

   Families looking for a fun and educational experience

   Students and young professionals interested in maritime careers or sustainability

   International travelers seeking culture-rich European festivals

   Maritime enthusiasts and hobby sailors

   Elder generations who remember previous editions and want to share the magic

Most importantly, SAIL is inclusive and unifying, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and languages to step aboard and make a wave.

Tips for Attending SAIL Amsterdam 2025

Planning your trip in advance can make all the difference. The event draws millions of visitors, and accommodations and logistics can be tight if left until the last minute.

Practical Tips:

   Book hotels early – especially near the IJ waterfront or central Amsterdam.

   Use public transport or bike – city roads can be busy, and parking is limited.

   Download the official SAIL app – for ship schedules, maps, and event info.

   Arrive early for the SAIL-In Parade – it’s one of the most spectacular sights.

   Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking (or dancing) a lot.

Step Aboard and Make a Wave

SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is more than a maritime festival—it’s a shared celebration of humanity, heritage, and hope. As Amsterdam turns 750, this landmark edition invites the world to come together and sail forward into a future shaped by connection, sustainability, and shared stories.

From the largest tall ships to the smallest gestures of welcome aboard, SAIL proves that water not only divides lands—it unites people.

Rails World

Rails World: The Premier Gathering for Ruby on Rails Developers Worldwide

Rails World is more than just a conference — it's an annual celebration of the Ruby on Rails ecosystem, bringing together developers, maintainers, engineers, and creators from all over the world. Held over two days, the event is packed with technical talks, hands-on workshops, live demos, and high-value networking.

Focused on the latest features and best practices in Rails development, Rails World is where innovation meets community. Whether you're new to Rails or a long-time contributor, the event offers something for everyone — from in-depth code walkthroughs to discussions on scaling, performance, and modern web architecture.

The Heart of the Rails Community

At its core, Rails World is a community conference. That means it’s built by and for developers who care about writing clean, maintainable, and beautiful code. Organized with support from Basecamp and the core Rails team, the conference reflects the open, collaborative spirit that has always defined Ruby on Rails.

What Makes Rails World Special?

Quality of Content – Talks are selected for their technical depth, clarity, and real-world relevance.

Developer-First Focus – No sales pitches. Just actionable insights for developers, by developers.

Diverse Participation – A global audience of engineers from startups, agencies, enterprises, and open source projects.

Direct Access to Maintainers – Meet and learn from the people who build the framework you use every day.

Rails World provides a rare opportunity to connect directly with core contributors, plugin authors, and thought leaders in the Rails ecosystem.

Technical Talks That Go Beyond the Basics

The backbone of Rails World is its technical track, featuring speakers who dig deep into the language, the framework, and real-world application architecture. Sessions typically explore both the present and future of Rails, covering:

New features in the latest Rails release

Real-world case studies on scaling Rails apps

Security best practices in Rails environments

Performance tuning tips for large applications

Introduction and deep dives into Hotwire, Turbo, and Stimulus

Deployment strategies and DevOps integration

Accessibility, testing, and maintainability tips

These aren’t just abstract concepts — speakers come prepared with real code, live demos, and practical insights you can apply immediately in your own projects.

Hands-On Workshops and Demos

Beyond listening to talks, Rails World emphasizes learning by doing. The hands-on workshops give attendees the opportunity to engage with experts, solve problems in real time, and experiment with new tools and techniques.

Topics for hands-on learning may include:

Building a Rails app with Turbo and Stimulus

Testing Rails with RSpec and system tests

Debugging memory leaks and performance issues

Upgrading legacy Rails apps to the latest version

Deploying Rails apps with Docker and Kubernetes

Integrating Rails with modern front-end tools

These sessions are intimate, interactive, and highly practical, making them one of the most valuable parts of the event for many attendees.

Networking That Sparks Collaboration

In addition to the content, Rails World is a place to meet like-minded developers and form long-lasting professional relationships. The conference includes structured and unstructured opportunities to connect, such as:

Welcome mixer on day one

Birds-of-a-feather meetups on focused topics

Mentor sessions pairing experienced developers with those newer to Rails

Hallway track for spontaneous conversations

After-hours social events and city-based explorations

If you’ve ever wanted to connect with someone whose gem you use daily, ask a maintainer a tough question, or just talk shop with people who "get" Rails, Rails World is the place.

Why Attend Rails World?

Whether you're a solo developer, part of a product team, or working in enterprise software, Rails World offers a concentrated dose of inspiration, knowledge, and community. It’s especially valuable for:

Engineering leaders seeking architectural guidance

Frontend/backend developers interested in Hotwire and full-stack Rails

DevOps professionals working on deployment and infrastructure

Open source contributors looking to engage more deeply with the Rails community

Newcomers to Rails looking for mentorship and direction

Top 5 Reasons Developers Love Rails World:

Direct access to the Rails core team and leading contributors

Fresh insights into new releases and upcoming changes

Hands-on experience with next-gen Rails tools

Meaningful networking with developers who use Rails daily

Motivation and momentum to bring back to your own work

A Conference for the Future of Rails

As the web continues to evolve, so does Ruby on Rails. With recent innovations like Hotwire, Turbo, and improvements in Rails 7 and beyond, Rails World is where the community comes to explore what’s next.

It’s not just a conference — it’s a pulse check on the health, direction, and vision of the framework. Topics around monoliths vs. microservices, JavaScript integration, developer experience, and future standards are discussed not as hypotheticals, but as active priorities within the Rails ecosystem.

Whether Rails will remain monolithic or expand its reach into more modular territory, Rails World is where those conversations are happening — and where the future of the framework is shaped.

Join the Rails World Movement

Rails World is more than an event — it’s a celebration of everything Rails stands for: developer happiness, productivity, and elegant code. As Rails continues to power startups, enterprise apps, and open-source projects worldwide, this conference ensures the people building those apps have a place to gather, learn, and grow.

Marine Equipment Trade Show

METSTRADE is the leading event that serves as a one-stop-shop for professionals in the leisure marine industry. This renowned trade show, which takes place annually at the Amsterdam RAI exhibition center, brings together over 1,500 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from around the world. As the world's largest trade fair for marine equipment, materials, and systems, METSTRADE offers a comprehensive platform for networking, exploring the latest innovations, and doing business within the maritime and marine sectors.

Since its inception in 1988, METSTRADE has established itself as a must-attend event for anyone involved in the leisure marine industry. The fair showcases a wide array of products, including anchoring and docking equipment, lighting, interior design, boat construction and maintenance materials, safety equipment, and advanced steering systems. With specialized pavilions dedicated to sectors such as construction materials, marinas and shipyards, superyachts, and foiling technology, METSTRADE caters to every facet of the maritime industry, offering something for every professional. Exhibitors from all corners of the marine world come together to present their latest innovations, turning the fair into a hub of cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading products.

Beyond being a dynamic trading platform, METSTRADE is also a forum for knowledge exchange, where industry experts share insights through lectures, panel discussions, and awards. One of the event's highlights is the DAME Design Award METSTRADE Show, which honors groundbreaking products and recognizes excellence in marine design. The fair also hosts the Boat Builder Awards, which celebrate the achievements of shipbuilders and naval architects, providing further recognition of innovation in the maritime sector.

With its location in Amsterdam, a city with a deep maritime heritage, METSTRADE enjoys a natural connection to the Netherlands' long-standing tradition in marine industry excellence. The city's welcoming atmosphere and excellent accessibility add to the appeal of the fair, as it is conveniently located for both international visitors and exhibitors. The Amsterdam RAI is easily accessible via public transport or car, providing a perfect environment for networking and forging business relationships.

Professionals from various areas of the maritime world, including marina owners, operators, developers, suppliers, and designers, attend METSTRADE to explore new business opportunities and stay ahead of the latest trends. The event facilitates countless connections, ensuring that the leisure marine industry remains connected, innovative, and forward-thinking. Whether you're looking to discover new products, meet potential business partners, or gain insights into the future of the leisure marine sector, METSTRADE in Amsterdam is the event to attend. It not only showcases the industry's current landscape but also points the way forward, making it an essential experience for anyone involved in the marine and maritime sectors.

ELECTRIC & HYBRID MARINE EXPO - EUROPE

Amsterdam, renowned for its picturesque canals and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, sets the stage for a transformative event – the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe. Each June, professionals from across the globe converge at the RAI Amsterdam Exhibition and Convention Centre for this international trade fair, dedicated to electric and hybrid ship propulsion systems.

Organized by UKi Media & Events Ltd., the expo has swiftly established itself as a premier meeting point for industry pioneers since its inception. Against the backdrop of Amsterdam's vibrant maritime landscape, exhibitors showcase the latest advancements in propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and charging infrastructure solutions.

From designers of cutting-edge propulsion systems to ship owners, operators, and naval engineers, the expo attracts a diverse array of stakeholders committed to driving innovation in marine transportation. With a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, exhibitors present solutions designed to reduce emissions and minimize the industry's ecological footprint.

The Netherlands, renowned for its leadership in maritime innovation, provides an ideal setting for this groundbreaking expo. As one of the world's most advanced maritime industries, the country serves as a living laboratory for testing and implementing next-generation technologies.

Moreover, the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe is part of a larger series of trade fairs organized by UKi Media & Events, including the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo North America and the Autonomous Ship Expo. Together, these events form a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving progress towards a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.

As the world increasingly embraces the transition towards electric and hybrid propulsion systems, the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe stands at the forefront of this revolution. Join us in Amsterdam as we chart a course towards a cleaner, greener future for marine transportation.

SMART Airports & Regions Europe Conference & Exhibition

The SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition stands as a pivotal event that dives deep into the future of airport innovation, regional growth, and the integration of technology that fuels their progress. Held annually, the conference gathers an exceptional group of global leaders, designers, architects, technology experts, and policymakers to explore the ways in which the aviation sector intersects with regional development, creating seamless connections between transport, infrastructure, and urban evolution. The discussion centers on how airports can evolve into more than just hubs of travel, but as catalysts for economic development that benefit entire regions.

What sets the SMART Airports & Regions event apart is its comprehensive look at the interconnected systems that make these regions thrive. While the focus is on airports, it extends to how these facilities influence surrounding areas, bringing about sustainable growth in areas such as housing, resource management, public services, and digital connectivity. Participants learn about cutting-edge advancements in smart technologies, from innovations in airport operations to the impact of urban development strategies on the surrounding communities.

The core of this event is driven by the belief that smart regions are built on strong infrastructure that connects transportation networks, utilities, real estate, and digital systems. The conference emphasizes this idea by offering in-depth discussions on areas like airport design, transportation integration, environmental sustainability, and the implementation of technology that drives greater passenger experiences. Industry leaders will share strategies on how to enhance operational efficiencies, how to manage and utilize big data, and how to integrate new technologies to ensure future-proof, smart operations.

What makes this event truly invaluable is the blend of knowledge-sharing with unparalleled networking opportunities. Through a variety of networking sessions, interactive panels, and workshops, delegates can connect with peers, form partnerships, and exchange insights that lead to real-world solutions. Attendees will not only hear from visionary speakers but will also engage directly with experts in the field to gain an in-depth understanding of the pressing issues facing the future of airports and regional development.

From exploring innovative concepts in sustainable airport design to learning about the latest advances in passenger service technology, the SMART Airports & Regions Conference is a vital gathering for anyone with an interest in the future of transportation and urban development. The event challenges conventional thinking, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and giving attendees the tools they need to drive the next wave of change in the industry. Through its unique blend of in-depth exploration, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, this conference has established itself as a vital resource for the transformation of airports and the regions they serve.

PARCEL+POST EXPO

The PARCEL+POST EXPO stands as one of the most prestigious trade fairs in the postal, express, and shipping industry, drawing participants from around the globe each year to different locations across Europe. Organized by UKIP Media & Events Ltd., this event has evolved into a significant international platform where exhibitors showcase their latest products and innovations, catering to a professional audience that includes engineers, managers, and directors from the postal, parcel, and logistics sectors.

At the expo, attendees can explore a wide range of topics, reflecting the dynamic changes and advancements in the industry. Cutting-edge discussions focus on drone package delivery, autonomous delivery vehicles, smart logistics systems, and the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence. The event highlights crucial innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data solutions, emphasizing the ongoing automation and transformation within logistics. A key theme of the expo is sustainability, with a strong focus on emission-free fleets and environmentally friendly technologies. Additionally, exhibitors address more specific needs, showcasing solutions for cold chains, packaging technologies, and cross-border e-commerce.

One of the standout features of the PARCEL+POST EXPO is its concurrent conference, which has gained recognition as one of the leading annual postal conferences in the world. Here, participants gather to discuss the latest trends and innovations while expanding their international networks, facilitating meaningful connections that can drive future collaboration.

The expo's unique format as a traveling fair enhances its appeal, allowing it to take place in a different European city each year. This not only highlights the event's international character but also provides visitors with the opportunity to experience diverse cultural and business environments. The combination of cutting-edge technology displays, insightful discussions, and the vibrant atmosphere of various host cities makes the PARCEL+POST EXPO an unmissable event for anyone involved in the postal and logistics industries, offering a glimpse into the future of how goods are delivered and the innovations that will shape the sector.