The biggest seafood exhibition in the business, the annual Seafood Expo Global which has been held in Brussels for as long as most of us in the fishing business remember, is about to uproot itself and head instead for Barcelona.
The 28th Global Seafood Expo will take place in Brussels for the last time in 2020 and the 2021 event will be held at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue 27-29th April 2021.
According to organisers Diversified Communications, the decision is the result of extensive market research based on exhibitor and attendee feedback over the years and an evaluation of major destinations throughout Europe.
‘The location of our event contributes to our customers’ overall experience,’ said Diversified’s President Mary Larkin.
‘The Brussels Expo and the city of Brussels were great partners to launch and grow this event, and we appreciate the services and support they provided over the years. Moving the event to a larger city and venue, with opportunity for long term growth, is a necessary evolution.’
‘We are excited to host the largest seafood event in the world,’ commented Fira de Barcelona general manager Constantí Serrallonga.
‘Barcelona is regarded as a global city with a multitude of options for accommodation, dining and activities. The Gran Via venue is conveniently located in one of the most modern cities in Europe and offers cutting-edge services and logistics.’
The annual Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global event has been breaking records for a good few years in terms of total attendance and exhibit space. The last event had an attendance of more than 29,000 from around the globe, with more than 2000 exhibiting companies, making it the largest and most successful event in the its history.
‘Everything our customers and attendees have come to appreciate about the expo will still be there. Choosing Barcelona is about combining the value of doing business at the event, with the networking experience the city has to offer,’ said Diversified’s Group VP Liz Plizga.
‘Barcelona is an international destination and major seafood hub in Europe, which makes it the perfect location to hold a global event like Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global. While we are excited for the move to Barcelona, we look forward to delivering an exceptional event in Brussels in 2020 for our exhibitors and attendees and appreciate the many relationships we have built with the city and local partners over the years.’
Fira de Barcelona hosts around 150 events annually bringing in-depth expertise servicing global trade events. The Gran Via venue is one of the largest in Europe, with over 200,000 square metres of floor space, eight exhibit halls, more than 40 restaurants and is easily accessible by car, train and plane.
