Boston trade show bounces back after 2022 Covid call-offs
Seafood event will have at least 25% more exhibition space, says organiser
This year’s Seafood Expo North America (SENA) and Seafood Processing North America will have at least 25% more exhibit space than last year, organiser Diversified Communications said today.
The 41st edition of the trade show will take place March 12-14, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“It is very exciting to see such significant growth of the event. It is a testament to how much the industry values the opportunities the in-person expo provides for their business,” said event director Wynter Courmont.
“While we still have about five more weeks in the commercial cycle [in which to sell exhibition space], we have seen increased presence from countries like Canada, China, Ecuador, Iceland, India, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the US.”
China returns
To date, new participating exhibiting countries include Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea, among others.
New pavilions represent Australia, Denmark, Papua New Guinea, and Poland. China is also back with a notable presence, after a hiatus brought on by Covid-19 travel restrictions, Diversified said in a press release.
Several salmon producers are among those taking part. These include Faroes and Scotland fish farmer Bakkafrost, Chilean farmers Salmones Camanchaca and Nissui (Salmones Antártica), and Canada’s True North Seafood (Cooke Aquaculture Inc.), along with Cermaq US and Mowi US.
Building relationships
Cooke Inc. chief executive and owner Glenn Cooke was strongly supportive of SENA going ahead last year following the decision of seafood heavyweights such as Cermaq, Mowi, and Peter Pan to pull out of the event because of the risks posed by the omicron variant of Covid.
“It’s very important that the seafood industry continues building relationships with customers and suppliers in person,” the Cooke boss said ahead of last year’s event.
“This forum enables companies to learn about product innovations and the next generation of value-added products which is key for the continued growth of the world’s healthiest protein. We believe it’s possible to have a safe and successful show.”
In addition to an expanded exhibit hall, the 2023 edition will include an educational conference programme covering more than 30 sessions addressing the most relevant topics and trends in the industry.
