ICE’24 in Amsterdam

The best place to network, collaborate, and grow your business.

The International Charter Expo (ICE), recognized as the world’s largest B2B yacht charter expo, is delighted to announce that it will be held in the vibrant city of Amsterdam from 13-15 November 2024. This move underlines ICE’s commitment to providing an unrivaled experience for exhibitors and attendees by responding to the overwhelming demand for more space and improved accessibility.

With over 600 of the world’s most prestigious companies and more than 1,500 industry decision-makers from all over the world expected to attend, ICE’24 promises to be an exceptional gathering of key players in the yacht charter industry. ICE is the best place to network, collaborate, and grow your business, whether you’re a Central Agent, Yacht Owner, Broker, Fleet Operator or Supplier.

Similar to previous years, the ground floor was dedicated to bareboat charters which were present the biggest number so far.

ICE’24 in Amsterdam will feature a wide range of crewed yachts, showcasing the growing trend towards personalized luxury experiences in the charter industry. With numerous Central Agents and Brokers representing these yachts, attendees can discover tailored charter solutions to meet their client’s preferences and needs.

What makes ICE so recognizable and efficient are the pre-arranged meetings with participants through our matchmaking software. The matchmaking software allows scheduling meetings up to a month before ICE, giving everyone enough time to prepare for meetings and explore possible partners. The number of pre–arranged meetings at ICE’23 in just three days exceeded 20,000 and broke all the previous records.

ICE is a special opportunity to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and open up new growth opportunities – regardless of the level of business experience or the stage of one’s entrepreneurial journey.

The last event, held on December 6–8, 2023 in Zagreb, ICE’23 broke all prior records. The considerable development of the Crewed & Luxury sector, which recognized the importance of this occasion, was especially noteworthy. More than 400 crewed yachts were represented, some longer than 50 meters, thanks to the efforts of Central Agents and Brokers. The event is expected to be even more spectacular this year in Amsterdam, offering attendees never-before-seen possibilities and experiences.

Early bird registration discounts for ICE Amsterdam will be available soon for a limited time.

Everything you need to know about ICE

The International Charter Expo – ICE was created more than a decade ago, as a place in which the owners/operators/central agents would meet with the brokers once a year.

ICE is the only place in the world where yacht charter professionals can meet each other on a global scale, without the distraction of yachts and clients. They meet to make new connections, to open new collaborations, to forge new partnerships and sometimes, friendships. Over 2,000 professionals, from over 50 countries, representing almost the entire global yacht charter market, are going to meet in Amsterdam from 13th to 15th November 2024.

ICE has changed locations every couple of years in order to ensure its international, even global character. With every move it has created a larger following. Amsterdam, the travel hub, the proverbial center of the world, is going to host a global network of central agents and retail brokers in the business setting of EXPO Greater Amsterdam.

With the help of a matchmaking app, over 20,000 meetings are going to be pre-arranged before the actual event. Every CEO, every fleet or charter manager, every broker, is going to be able to find and contact just the one individual or company he/she needs to meet.

ICE has been consistently growing, mainly because it is the most productive and cost-effective B2B yacht charter event on the planet.

ICE’23 – Uniting Global Yachting Industry Leaders in Zagreb

From December 6th to 8th, the International Charter Expo (ICE) – the largest business to business (B2B) expo in the yachting industry, was held at the Zagreb Fairgrounds. Participants were divided into three sectors: suppliers, CAs or fleet operators, and brokers/agencies, making it easier for representatives to be more effective in finding potential partners.

Over the course of three days, more than 1,500 representatives from over 500 companies spanning over 50 different countries (including Greece, Norway, Seychelles, Thailand, Australia, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Belgium…) gathered to hold business meetings and meet with their business partners and friends. The number of new participants was notably high this year, with 120 new companies deciding to come to Zagreb and visit ICE.

Particularly noteworthy were the visits from the Ambassador of the Turkish Embassy in Zagreb, H.E. Yavuz Selim Kiran, the Head of the Office for Trade and Economy of the Greek Embassy, Mr. Michail Charokopos, Ms. Sandra Di Carlo, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Zagreb, and Isabelle Castaldi, Economic and Commercial Attaché from the Italian Embassy, along with representatives from the Slovak Embassy.

What makes ICE so recognizable and efficient are the pre-arranged meetings with participants through our matchmaking software, Handshake. Handshake allows scheduling meetings up to a month before the ICE, giving everyone enough time to prepare for potential meetings and explore possible partners. The number of pre – arranged meetings over these three days exceeded 20,000, the highest yet.

Similar to previous years, the ground floor was dedicated to bareboat charters, while the gallery was reserved for crewed and luxury fleets, a section considerably larger than in previous years. Central agents and brokers represented more than 400 crewed yachts, some reaching lengths of over 50 meters. Particularly noteworthy were the yachts from companies like Goolets, Master Charter, Touch Adriatic, Feel Yachting, and FX Yachting.

Due to ICE’s expansion and growing international interest in visiting this expo, ICE’24 will be held in Amsterdam because it offers larger space and easier accessibility.

To make ICE more pleasant, exhibitors’ booths were again adorned with graphics made from DISPA material, which is eco-friendly and entirely recyclable. All 9000 square meters of carpet were donated and utilized because we care about the environment and strive to leave minimal waste after such an event.

We want to thank each and every one of you for trusting us and being part of ICE. See you in Amsterdam!

Matchmaking software – Handshake

At boat shows, people often want to meet specific individuals or companies, but those potential partners are often busy with other appointments. As a result, attendees often spend their time waiting or aimlessly exploring the show, simply wasting their time until they can potentially meet with the individuals they want to connect with.

It’s common for the meetings we want to not happen because of time or disorganization.It is precisely because of such situations that we have ensured ICE to be highly effective for everyone. We aim for all to be maximally productive during these three days.

When it comes to ICE, we took that really seriously and created a solution because we know how disappointing it can be. We want all our attendees to have the most productive 3 days.

Unlike most boat shows, ICE provides a sophisticated matchmaking software that helps attendees connect with each other. Browse through other participating companies, check out representative profiles  and pre-arrange B2B meetings to optimize time. This can save hours of aimless wandering and waiting like at other boat shows. ICE is well-known for its efficient approach to conducting meetings.

 

At least one matchmaking software per company is mandatory. One account is only 40€ which is an amount worth investing in. Meetings are 30 minutes which allows up to 17 meetings per day. In total one representative can have 54 meetings. We recommend more than one matchmaking software account per company to have more meetings since the number of representatives this year is the biggest so far!

Last year there were over 12,000 meetings and there were many great deals made.

“Handshake really helped us organize everything in advance and make the best out of our time at ICE. The time slots of 30min were enough to allow us to present our services and listen to other exhibitors to potentially create new partnerships.”
– Nausys, Croatia

If you haven’t already, make sure to register for ICE and purchase accounts for the majority of your team. Handshake is available.

ICE team at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show

September was reserved for visits to the largest and most exclusive boat shows, Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. After the impressions from these two extraordinary boat shows settled, it’s time for our overall impression.

Cannes Yachting Festival

First on the list was Cannes, and the ICE team went to explore Port Canto, Port Vieux and invited many new companies to ICE. All exhibitors in Port Canto and a significant number of exhibitors in the Vieux Port got their sample of our exclusive Icebreaker magazine.

During the two and a half days we spent in Cannes, we managed to have over 40 meetings, made much easier by the excellent organization of the boat show, which allowed us to easily connect with other exhibitors and visitors.

Our main focus was on the Crewed & Luxury sector, so we spent most of our time in the Brokerage Section of the show. For every Crewed & Luxury exhibitor who met with us, we prepared special invitations to ICE to enhance our expo with their presence.

In addition to meeting new exhibitors, we also took the time to socialize with our long-standing exhibitors and partners.

What particularly impressed us at the Cannes Yachting Festival was the hospitality of the exhibitors and the exclusivity of the yachts we had the opportunity to witness. It was certainly a special boat show that will remain in our memory, and we look forward to returning to it.

 

Monaco Yacht Show

After Cannes, the Monaco Yacht Show is next. Unlike Cannes, only our CEO Tino attended Monaco.

Tino had pre-arranged meetings with various top international crewed companies and prepared an exclusive VIP invitation to ICE for our exclusive Crewed & Luxury sector. Primary focus was to showcase the exciting new Crewed & Luxury sector at ICE, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. During the show, Tino engaged in numerous productive meetings and networking opportunities with industry representatives. 

“The Monaco Yacht Show was a spectacular event. It was well organised and perfectly executed. The variety of yachts and yacht-related hardware was impressive. The layout was visitor-friendly and the connections via shuttle worked very well. It’s worth the trip and a must-go for all yachting professionals.” 
– Tino Prosenik, CEO

The level of interest and engagement at the Monaco Yacht Show by companies such as Bluewater, Burgess, Denison, Edmiston, Cecil Wright, Fraser, IYC, Northrop & Johnson, Ocean Independence, Peter Insull’s, Y.CO has set a high bar for ICE, and we are confident that this year’s ICE will be bigger and more exclusive than ever before.

The super yachts left the biggest impression due to their grace and exclusivity. The Baglietto T52 model, 52m in length, stood out for its sustainability combined with exclusivity, creating a whole new dimension in the yachting industry. The 80m Leona from the Bilgin 263 series was particularly striking with its design and unique color. We were delighted to see the Virtuosity yacht, which belongs to the SanLorenzo 57 Steel series, showcased by our premium exhibitor,  SanLorenzo.

Inspired by these boat shows and their exclusivity, we returned to Zagreb more motivated than ever to create the best ICE event yet. We will be happy to come again next year.

Extra Offers at International Charter Expo

ICE Extras are additional benefits and opportunities that enhance the efficiency of this B2B Expo. They help create a comfortable working atmosphere while presenting exhibitors and potential partners in the best possible way. ICE’s goal is not only to create new business opportunities, but to connect people and to establish long-lasting relationships.

We arrange everything – turn key booths

ICE is the only show which makes turn-key booths for all exhibitors. If you purchase graphics through ICE organizers, you don’t need to worry about their printing and setup. If you also order furniture, ICE organizers bring them and they will already be waiting for you too.

Graphics

Graphics visually represent your company and help potential partners locate you easily. Through graphics, you showcase the highlights of what you offer and what sets you apart from others, ensuring a more attractive booth appearance. Did you know that all graphics designs are printed on DISPA boards which are then recycled after the expo?

Icebreaker

Icebreaker magazine is an exclusive B2B magazine intended for the yacht charter industry where you can advertise your products and services. It is distributed to all companies at ICE, and at international yacht shows such as the Monaco Yacht Show and Cannes Yachting Festival. The number of advertising spots is limited, so don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to advertise to all yacht charter businesses. If you are interested contact us on info@internationalcharterexpo.com.

Matchmaking software

ICE is well-known for its efficient approach to conducting meetings. Meetings are 30 minutes which allows up to 17 meetings per day. The matchmaking software enables pre-scheduled meetings at specific times with desired decision makers. In total one representative can have 54 meetings. We recommend more than one matchmaking software account per company to have many more meetings since the number of representatives this year is the biggest so far!

Furniture

In order to facilitate the most functional and comfortable meetings at your booth, we provide furniture such as tables, chairs, sofas, TVs, decorative plants etc. Don’t stress about bringing your own, we have got you covered.

Ice Rocks Party

Just like in previous years, this year the exclusive Ice Rocks Party will take place on the first night. The Ice Rocks Party presents an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses in a more relaxed setting – engage in meaningful conversations, forge valuable relationships, and unwind after the day’s events. This year the party will be exclusive with a limited number of spots – so once we announce it, don’t wait too long to purchase your tickets.

The advantages of staying at Hilton Hotels

When it comes to choosing the perfect accommodation for your visit to the International Charter Expo in Zagreb, Hilton Hotels are an exceptional choice. Booking your accommodation at Hilton Hotels in Zagreb through the dedicated links on the ICE website not only guarantees preferential prices but also unlocks a lot of benefits.

What are some of the benefits of staying at our recommended hotels? 

Exclusive Offer
We’ve arranged an exclusive offer to ensure you get the most out of your accommodation budget. Hilton hotels are known for their exclusivity and comfort. Make your reservations right away for a memorable experience that will make your stay pleasant. Keep in mind – ROOMS ARE LIMITED. 

Networking
We want to make sure you get the most out of ICE and be productive. That’s why it’s a great idea to stay in the same hotel as other expo attendees. One of the significant advantages is the opportunity to network with other participants. Eating breakfast together or driving to the expo is a great way to have insightful conversations, share ideas, and build valuable professional relationships. These interactions can prove to be very beneficial, leading to potential collaborations and partnerships.

Key differences between Hilton Hotels
All are amazing hotels and you cannot go wrong with either hotel, however in a quick glace, these are the main differences to help you choose:

Canopy – Closest to the city center 
Link: https://eventsathilton.com/show/64380a06b62d05a8fbea8a16

Double Tree – Has a spa and a pool
Link: https://eventsathilton.com/show/64380910b62d05a8fbea89fa

Garden Inn – Best prices
Link: https://eventsathilton.com/show/64380969b62d05a8fbea8a08 

Advent in Zagreb
Visiting Zagreb during the Advent season is a great opportunity to explore the city and experience the magical atmosphere of Zagreb during this time of year. Zagreb becomes a magical destination during the Advent season, adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations that captivate visitors. It has warm and enchanting Christmas markets with concerts, food and drinks, that invites everyone to immerse themselves in its joyous atmosphere. It is an unforgettable experience for all who visit Zagreb.

Please note that there are limited hotel rooms available for ICE participants, so please reserve your room early to ensure a comfortable stay. 

We look forward to seeing you at ICE!

Benefits of attending ICE’23

Is there such a thing as too many benefits?

The International Charter Expo as the largest B2B Yacht Charter Expo offers endless networking opportunities for Brokers and Agencies, Central Agents, Yacht owners, Fleet Operators and Suppliers. 

Yes, we’ve said it many times already and we cannot emphasize it enough – with many new companies on the market, it is very important to network and meet new business partners in an efficient way. 

Have you noticed that yachts still have many gaps this season, discounts are increasing and it is harder to find new clients to charter the available yachts?

Keep on reading and check out the key advantages of why your business should be coming to Zagreb this December. ICE can help solve your problems. 

Networking

ICE brings together 1500+ industry professionals from 50+ countries in one place. This facilitates networking opportunities, fostering collaboration, and building valuable business relationships. All company decision makers come to ICE – so should you. Meet the agents you need to increase your bookings and fill in the gaps.

B2B Meetings

Unlike no other yacht charter show, meetings at ICE are pre-arranged using a custom made matchmaking software – Handshake. Check out representative profiles before arranging meetings and make your time at ICE efficient. Did you know that you can have 17 arranged meetings per day per person. Each meeting is half an hour which is more than enough for a detailed but quick meeting.

Market Research & Trends

Get an overview of the current market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies in the yachting industry. Assess the market demand for specific products/services and gather feedback directly from your business partners. Find solutions to the problems you might have. 

Media Coverage

ICE attracts significant media attention (local and international): journalists, bloggers, influencers, and industry-specific publications. Exhibitors have an opportunity to gain media exposure, have their yachts and products featured in news articles, interviews, and reviews, which enhances brand visibility. All visibility is good visibility. 

Fun & Relaxed

ICE is not just business-oriented – it is VERY well known for organizing the best ICE ROCKS parties. Parties at B2B expos provide a platform for networking in a relaxed setting. Many business partnerships and deals have arrisen from having a glass of wine with people who you have never met before. 

It’s the most wonderful time of  year

Business should not be the only reason for visiting Zagreb. Advent season is a wonderful time to visit the city and enjoy the best Christmas markets. Live concerts, Christmas lights, gastronomy, and other attractions will for sure make it worthy of coming. 

This list can go on and on… 

ICE is actually no other than a platform for the yacht charter industry where businesses connect, represent yachts to agents, make new business deals, sell yachts and other interesting supplies, gather market insights, and explore new business opportunities. 

Be a part of ICE’23 in Zagreb and feel the #ICEperience. Season 2024 and 2025 should be the focus for your business, and ICE is here to help you grow.

5 key points – ICE is not just another boat show

ICE'23 - boat show differences

If you’re looking for an effective way to connect with the global yacht charter industry, we have your back. Boat shows are not the only option. In fact, ICE (International Charter Expo) offers many significant advantages. Have a read at the 5 key points why ICE is not just another boat show, but a must-attend trade show for the yacht charter industry.

Matchmaking Software

Unlike most boat shows, ICE provides a sophisticated matchmaking software that helps attendees connect with each other. Browse through other participating companies and representatives, check out their profiles, pre-arrange B2B meetings, and optimize time and opportunities. This can save hours of aimless wandering and waiting like at other boat shows.

Complementary Approach

ICE and boat shows are not mutually exclusive. They are complementary. While most boat shows focus on in-water displays of yachts, ICE focuses on bringing together over 550 companies and their representatives in one place. Meet decision-makers, booking managers, and central agents, as opposed to boat shows, where you meet yacht agents and yacht crew. 

Schedule

ICE is open from 9 am to 6 pm, which allows you to plan your own time and take a break for lunch without closing the entire expo as it is at other boat shows – lunch break). This flexible and efficient schedule ensures that you can maximize your time and minimize your stress during the event.

Participants

With over 550 companies from more than 50 countries attending ICE, you can expect a diverse and rich mix of participants. Connect with international small and big businesses and different types of yachts and services. Whether you’re looking for bareboat or crewed & luxury yachts, you’re sure to find them at ICE.

Connections that Matter

ICE’s main focus is on connecting people and businesses that matter. More and more bareboat brokers nowadays want to meet and connect with crewed and luxury companies, and vice versa. Easily connect with both types of companies and build relationships that can last for years. It’s not just about buying and selling, but about building trust and collaboration.


In summary, ICE is not just another boat show, but a trade show that offers unique and valuable benefits to its attendees. By attending ICE, you can leverage its matchmaking software, complementary approach, convenient schedule, wide scope of participants, and connections that matter. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this dynamic and essential event for the yacht charter industry. 
Register now and see you at ICE this December.

ICE achieves impressive bookings: Limited availability for bareboat yacht-charters

Excitement is building as the International Charter Expo (ICE) prepares for its upcoming edition. This B2B event in the yachting industry has already reached a significant milestone, with 85% of the expo’s capacity booked one year in advance. Additionally, if you’re considering exhibiting your yacht-charter services, time is of the essence, as the ground-floor booths are nearly fully booked. Read on to discover why ICE continues to be the go-to place for relevant professionals in the yachting industry.

Pre-bookings for ICE’23 break the records

Yacht-charter professionals and industry leaders have eagerly secured their spots at this prestigious expo. With 85% of the expo’s capacity for bareboat yacht-charter companies already booked, it’s clear that ICE remains the ultimate place to network and meet new business partners.

For those specializing in crewed yacht-charters, the urgency to secure a booth is also predominant. These highly sought spaces at the area designated for Crewed & Luxury companies are quickly being booked, highlighting the immense interest and demand for crewed yacht-charter services. Exhibiting at Crewed & Luxury area provides an unparalleled visibility and the opportunity to connect with potential business partners.

Return rate indicating success

That said, ICE statistics show that 78% of participants at the expo are returnees. Many things can indicate how successful an event was, and one of them is return rate. It tells us that participants consider ICE to be very efficient for their business. How come ICE has a high return rate? Networking. ICE brings together a diverse range of yacht-charter professionals, fleet operators, brokers, central agents, suppliers and other industry professionals from all over the world. It’s a unique chance to expand your network, establish valuable partnerships, and connect with industry peers.

ICE has already achieved an impressive booking rate of 85% for the expo reflecting the immense interest and anticipation surrounding the event. As the first-floor exhibiting booths for bareboat yacht-charters approach sell-out, it’s clear that ICE continues to be a leading gathering for yacht-charter professionals worldwide. Act swiftly to secure your place and make the most of the exceptional networking opportunities and industry exposure that ICE offers.