News Archives

Five ways to impress your business partners

August 11, 2025 by Info Yachtmaster

When it comes to trade shows, one thing is certain. At the International Charter Expo your booth is your stage. With the right position and a warm, welcoming setup, you can be sure your visibility will stand out. Over the three days of ICE you will have countless opportunities for business meetings, so your booth should not only represent your brand but also create a comfortable space for productive conversations. Here are the top five ways to make a lasting impression on your business partners in the yacht charter industry.

Graphics

Visuals are the first thing visitors notice and they should tell the story of your brand. At ICE we use graphics made from recycled materials, including fabrics from past events. This sustainable choice reduces waste while giving your visuals a unique story that captures the attention of business partners. Lightweight and compact, they are easy to transport and can be reused in any office or home after the event.

Furniture

Your booth is more than a display. It is a meeting space. From armchairs and leather sofas to tables and bar stools the furniture you choose will shape the atmosphere of your conversations. Comfortable seating shows that you value your partner’s time while the layout of your space can encourage open discussion. Select pieces that reflect both your hospitality and your brand identity within the yacht charter industry.

Plants

Small details make a big difference. Adding greenery to your booth creates a fresh inviting environment and shows that you pay attention to details. Plants bring life and warmth to the space helping partners feel more at ease.

TV

Sometimes explaining your products or services verbally is not enough. A TV screen offers the perfect way to showcase your work visually. Whether it is a promotional video or a professional presentation having your content playing ensures visitors can quickly understand what you do even if you are in the middle of another conversation.

Fridge

Offering ice cold drinks or local treats to your visitors shows you value their comfort and time, and give them a touch of your country and tradition. It is a small gesture that leaves a big impact reinforcing the message that you appreciate your partners in the yacht charter industry.

Why everyone at ICE is booking meetings a month in advance?

July 15, 2025July 11, 2025 by Info Yachtmaster

If you’ve been to a yacht charter show in Cannes, Miami, or Monaco, you know how it goes. The setting is impressive. The potential is high. But when it comes to scheduling meetings, it quickly becomes chaotic. Crowds, confusion, and inbox overload leave too much to chance.

Networking Should Not feel Like a Guessing Game

As ICE grew into the biggest B2B event in the yacht charter industry, one tool changed how professionals network. Handshake is a revolutionary meeting scheduling platform developed exclusively for ICE. It gives participants full control over scheduling their meetings, making it possible to plan in advance full schedule.

Plan Up to 17 Meetings a Day in Just a Few Clicks

With Handshake, scheduling your ICE meetings begins one month before the event.
As soon as the platform opens, you can arrange up to 17 meetings per day. Each meeting lasts 30 minutes, giving you time to connect and stay on schedule.

You can search by company or by representative. Use filters to narrow results by category such as Fleet Operators, Brokers, Central Agents, Retail Brokers or Suppliers. Once you find the right contact, send a meeting request. Choose the day, select a time, pick a location (either booth or a lounge), and confirm.

One Platform for Chat, Meetings, and Your Agenda

Every confirmed meeting appears in your personal agenda. Your schedule builds automatically. There are no overlaps and no double bookings. You always know where you need to be. You can use the built-in chat to follow up, reschedule, or ask questions. A complete profile with a photo, company information, and contact details helps others find and recognize you easily.

Handshake also includes a layout, giving you a clear view of of the venue in one place. There is no wandering the venue, no waiting for replies, and no endless emails. Just a simple plan from the start.

Swipe to Match and Find the Right People Faster

Handshake also offers the Swipe to Match option. Found in the Personal Programme menu, this feature helps you connect with someone new who shares similar interests. It shows contacts you might not come across when searching by company or representative. It works like a business version of Tinder, giving you a fast way to network beyond your usual list.

What’s actually working for charter businesses in 2025?

July 11, 2025July 1, 2025 by Info Yachtmaster

The 2025 charter season is proving tough. Bookings are down, there’s more competition, and clients expect more than ever. Under pressure, many companies turn to the usual solution, cutting prices.

But the truth is, in today’s market, that approach doesn’t work long-term.

The industry’s default reaction: more discounts, less value

When bookings slow, the instinct is to cut prices in hopes of filling the calendar. While this might generate short-term interest, it often undermines long-term business health.

Discounting:
• Erodes perceived value
• Attracts last-minute, low-loyalty clients
• Creates a cycle of dependency on price-based decisions

Ultimately, it leads to more work for less profit, without addressing the root problem.

Strategic investment over reactive cuts

High-performing charter businesses in 2025 are taking a more deliberate approach. Instead of reducing prices, they are investing in brand positioning, marketing visibility, and strong B2B relationships.

A clear example of this is the International Charter Expo (ICE’25). Forward-thinking operators recognize that growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s planned. ICE provides a platform for meaningful, in-person connections that directly impact next season’s success.

ICE’25: from seasonal pressure to strategic planning

While much of the industry is stuck in reactive mode, ICE’25 offers an opportunity to take control of the future. It’s not just a trade show, it’s where smart businesses go to align with key partners, identify emerging trends, and secure early contracts for the seasons ahead.

By participating, companies are no longer just hoping for a better season, they’re actively creating one.

Discounts don’t build long-term success

It’s tempting to believe that a few last-minute deals will turn things around. But in reality, price-cutting is a short-term fix with long-term costs.

Real growth comes from investment, into brand visibility, strategic networking, and ongoing value creation. ICE’25 is a proven platform where that investment pays off.

If you want better bookings in 2026, the time to act is now.
Don’t wait for the season to slow down, use this moment to build what’s next.

How do ICE broker passes provide the best value for money?

June 24, 2025May 20, 2025 by Info Yachtmaster

Yacht Shows Can Get Expensive

Boat show season is one of the busiest times in the yacht charter industry. With events taking place in Greece, Italy, Turkey, the South of France, and other destinations, attending multiple shows can quickly become expensive for brokers. That is why the ICE broker pass stands out.

How ICE Pricing Compares

When comparing prices across major yacht shows, the International Charter Expo offers the most competitive rate. While passes for other events often exceed €200 per person, ICE provides access to all three days for just €150. Until July 1st, this pass is available at a reduced rate of €127,50. In addition to the affordable pricing, the ICE broker pass includes full event access, and a profile on the Handshake matchmaking app.

Network with 250+ CAs and Fleet Operators

That means direct access to over 250 international CAs and fleet operators, along with 150 suppliers and shipyards. You can book meetings with anyone you want, plan your schedule ahead of time, and make the most of every minute. And when you need a break, you can get free coffee in lounges throughout the expo. Everything is set up to help you stay focused and make the most of your time.

If you’re planning to attend, now is the best time to register. The discount is available until July 1st. Use code BROK15 for the special price.

A Decade of International Charter Expo

May 15, 2025May 13, 2025 by Info Yachtmaster

This year, ICE turns ten. What started as a simple idea to bring the yacht charter industry together in one place has grown into something much bigger. Over the past decade, the International Charter Expo has become a space where deals are made and business partnerships begin. Looking back, it’s not just about numbers or venues. It’s about the people, the conversations, and the community that has formed along the way.

It all began in 2015 in Opatija, Croatia. The very first ICE welcomed 290 companies from 30 countries. It was small, but full of ambition. The goal was simple: bring the yacht charter world under one roof. People showed up. Ideas were exchanged. And it felt like something worth building on.

By the next year, we had to do it twice. In 2016, ICE was held not once but two times. The second edition was even called TwICE. That year, 354 companies from 36 countries gathered in Zagreb. In 2017 and 2018, we were back in Zagreb and kept growing year by year. In 2017, 368 companies from 43 countries joined us. In 2018, we reached 370 companies from 43 countries. Each year brought more meetings, more relationships, and a stronger sense of community. In 2019, ICE moved to Vienna and welcomed 473 companies from 43 countries.

In 2020, before everything changed, we planted trees in Zagreb. Each tree represented a company that had joined us in Vienna the year before. It was a symbolic moment of gratitude and sustainability. And then, when in person events were no longer possible, we went online. ICE 2020 became our first digital edition. It wasn’t the same, but it kept people connected. We stayed digital in 2021 too, making sure business could continue even in uncertain times.

Returning to Zagreb in 2022 felt like coming home. That year, 512 companies from 43 countries joined us in person again. The excitement of being together was unmistakable. In 2023, we remained in Zagreb and welcomed 589 companies from 53 countries. Then came 2024 and with it, a new city. ICE moved to Amsterdam and welcomed 607 companies from 55 countries. In just three days, more than 25,000 B2B meetings took place.

Now we are looking ahead to ICE 2025, set to take place this November in Amsterdam once again. And while we are proud of how far we have come, we are even more excited about what is next. Because ICE has never just been about events. It has always been about people coming together with a shared passion and a drive to move the industry forward.

To everyone who has been part of this journey so far, thank you. You’ve helped shape what ICE is today. Here’s to the next ten years!

ICE’24 Recap

November 22, 2024 by Info Yachtmaster

From November 13-15, the International Charter Expo (ICE) gathered over 600 companies from 55+ countries at EXPO Greater Amsterdam, marking its most successful event yet. The relocation to Amsterdam enhanced accessibility and supported the expo’s growth, drawing praise for its organization and networking opportunities.

Many new and interesting yacht charter companies from exotic destinations in Asia and also the Netherlands came as first-timers. As ICE relocated to Amsterdam, there was a significant increase in companies from Greece, Italy and Turkey. There was also a significant increase in the presence of international press.

The quality of the event was underlined through never before seen pre-sales: over 150 booths have been reserved for ICE’25.

What makes ICE so recognizable and efficient are the pre-arranged meetings with participants through our matchmaking app, Handshake. Handshake enables meeting scheduling up to a month before ICE. The number of organized meetings over these three days exceeded 25,000, the highest yet.

Verónica Ordóñez from Oniric Safari Cruises (Equador): „ We got a lot of new information that will help us improve our business. ICE helped us get new contacts, people are very interested in Galapagos as a destination and it’s great because we can share what we offer to everyone here.“

At ICE we had the Investors Lounge where charter companies and businesses could offer various management programs or investment options to various investors as we see that companies are looking for financial support/partners too. Overall we feel that this ICE has helped many businesses see that some of the issues were and how to work on them for a better future.

International Charter Expo 2025 will be held in EXPO Greater Amsterdam from November 12-14, 2025.

Direct Flights and Exclusive Accommodations for ICE’24

June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 by Info Yachtmaster

Unlike any other event, the International Charter Expo stands out for its unique blend of networking opportunities, industry insights, and business growth. This year, we’ve chosen Amsterdam as the new location for ICE, not only because it’s a vibrant and well-connected city, but also because it offers numerous advantages for our attendees.

One of the main benefits of hosting ICE in Amsterdam is the affordability and connectivity of flights, ensuring easy and efficient travel for all attendees. Flights to Amsterdam are generally cheaper than flights to Zagreb, making it a cost-effective option for your visit to the expo.

In addition to affordable and well-connected flights, we have secured special accommodation options at competitive prices at two best hotels in Hoofddorp (Hotel City).

The airport is conveniently located approximately 15 minutes from these hotels and around 30 minutes from the ICE venue. This proximity ensures a seamless travel experience, allowing you to focus more on your event participation and less on transit.

We have organized everything to make your attendance as smooth as possible. All you need to do is register to secure your spot!

Furthermore, choosing direct flights to Amsterdam offers significant environmental and practical benefits. Direct flights reduce fuel consumption and emissions, which lowers the overall environmental impact compared to flights with transfers. We look forward to welcoming you to a seamless, efficient, and environmentally responsible event in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

How to Boost Your Bookings Next Season Without Heavy Discounts?

June 5, 2024 by Info Yachtmaster

As the peak season hits, many charter companies face fewer bookings than expected. Offering last-minute, deep discounts might be tempting, but is it the best approach? While it can fill schedules quickly, it can harm the industry long-term. Read more about how to attract more clients without cutting prices.

The Downside of Deep Discounts

Offering discounts, especially on bareboat charters, can devalue the service and set a precedent for future seasons.

Customers may expect lower prices in the future, making them less willing to pay full price. This affects your profits and creates a market expectation for cheap deals.

Instead of focusing on discounts, here are some effective strategies to boost your bookings:

Expand Your Network of Brokers and Central Agents:

Connecting with new brokers can open up a lot of opportunities. They have extensive networks and can bring in clients who might not have otherwise found your services. Attending industry events is a great way to meet potential partners.

Visit International Charter Expo

The International Charter Expo (ICE) is known as the largest and most effective trade show in the industry. Why is that? ICE offers the ability to schedule meetings in advance using our custom-made matchmaking software. This software allows you to find companies and arrange meetings up to a month before the event. You can have up to 51 meetings in 3 days.

Many brokers and central agents attend ICE, continuously seeking new charters for their clients. This opens many opportunities for the upcoming season to have boats booked with minimal discounts.

Explore New Destinations

Expanding your offerings to new and exciting destinations can attract a different clientele. Every year, an increasing number of brokers and central agents attend ICE to discover new charters and destinations to offer their clients.

By focusing on expanding your network, visiting industry events like ICE and exploring new destinations, you can attract more clients and ensure long-term success. Embrace these strategies to fill your bookings and make new season your best one yet.

Record-Breaking Registrations for ICE’24!

May 22, 2024 by Info Yachtmaster

International Charter Expo, Amsterdam,250 companies

250+ PARTICIPANTS AND STILL COUNTING

We are thrilled to announce that the first six weeks of registrations for ICE’24 have been extraordinary. With over 250 companies already signed up, this year’s ICE is set to break all previous attendance records, making ICE’24 our most significant and impactful expo yet. Here are some reasons why you should register and take part in this year’s ICE’24:

With more than 250 companies already registered, ICE’24 provides a platform for networking. Here you can find the list of companies that are already registered.

Our matchmaking app allows you to pre-arrange meetings with registered companies in advance. This feature ensures that you maximize your time at the event, focusing on the connections that matter most to your business.

This is your opportunity to network with C-levels and business owners in the yachting industry, whether your goals are to create new partners or present your products or services.Participating in ICE’24 offers significant exposure for your brand. By being part of ICE’24, you position your company in the yachting industry and showcase what you offer.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of International Charter Expo 2024 in Amsterdam. Secure your spot today!

Trends in Yachting Industry in 2024

May 15, 2024May 14, 2024 by Info Yachtmaster

Game rooms and sustainability: what trends are facing the yachting industry?

A recent report by Fortune Business Insights stated that the global luxury yacht market size is projected to grow to $8.75 billion by the end of 2024. Half of the year has passed by and we see some new trends reaching their full potential. Whether it is eco-friendly solutions or new tech designs, the yacht industry has been booming since January.

Some of these trends are going to be presented in Amsterdam at the International Charter Expo. Each year ICE hosts a larger number of representatives from various fields of the yachting industry. So let’s take a look at some trends that the industry is facing and what can be expected from this year’s expo.

Despite the interior design trends fluctuating between seasons, specialists have found a way to integrate design trends into cabins so that they remain fashionable and classic for many years to come. A new trend that emerged is ‘auxiliary’ cabins like showcasing collectible dishes in a china pantry near the kitchen or dining area, according to an article by Boat International. Entertainment rooms are becoming increasingly popular considering the resurgence of game rooms. It is also predicted that this year we will see a rise in the popularity of private and open-plan deck layouts, which we can see on many of the yachts represented at ICE’24.

We have to talk about sustainability. The topic that gained its popularity in the last few years, has finally reached a level where industry is taking action. Shipyards and manufacturers are trying to find sustainable solutions to limit the impact on the environment. But they are not the only ones making changes, Yacht crews are trying to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems by adopting non-toxic cleaning solutions.

Smart technology advancement has transformed yacht operations by providing real-time monitoring and management of all the systems. The usage of artificial intelligence came into the yachting industry, one of the new things we noticed lately is integrating AI for improved efficiency.

The industry is trying to minimize the usage of diesel-fueled engines and shifting towards using materials that focus on the circular economy. This is where ICE steps in. Sustainable event planning is our way of taking responsibility and minimizing our carbon footprint. For ICE24’ in Amsterdam, we decided to make environmentally conscious changes to fulfill our sustainability strategy.