Düsseldorf has long been one of Germany’s biggest centre’s for watersports and enjoys one of the most active boating markets. The heart and soul of the city’s boating industry is boot Düsseldorf, which has been running since 1969 and remains the pinnacle event for boating and leisure maritime activities in Germany. Held annually at Messe Düsseldorf in January, the exhibition has evolved over the years with gradual expansions to its exhibition space and program. Notable additions include the Classic Forum, introduced in 2007, which showcases a wealth of classic and antique items alongside vintage boats, and efforts to involve students in sailing. The recent edition of boot Düsseldorf, held in 2024, proved to be yet another triumph for the boating industry. With over 850 international exhibitors occupying an area of more than 90,000 square meters, the event showcased a comprehensive range of accessories, vessels and water sports equipment. From jet boats to kayaks, attendees were treated to a diverse array of maritime offerings across themed areas such as Sailing, Motor Boats and Super Yachts. Despite facing challenges such as inclement weather and strikes, boot Düsseldorf once again affirmed its position in the industry. Exhibitors reported positive outcomes, citing numerous new contacts and successful deals across various sectors including boats, motors, boards, diving equipment, and accessories. Robert Marx, spokesperson for exhibitors and trade fair president, hailed the event as a perfect kickoff to the season, highlighting the fruitful interactions with visitors. Wolfram Diener, CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf, expressed satisfaction with the trade fair's performance, noting the significant increase in both trade visitors and international attendees. With 214,000 visitors from 120 countries, boot Düsseldorf achieved commendable results. The exhibition's global appeal was evident, attracting enthusiasts from all continents, with sailing yachts and powerboats emerging as top draws.