Organisers QD Events consulted closely with the fishing industry on the type of content fishermen would like to see at an exhibition of this kind. Using this feedback, they have put together a format that they believe will reinvigorate one of northern Europe’s most successful commercial fisheries exhibitions.
This exciting new content combined with a special push to provide discounted accommodation for visitors is likely to make it the busiest for years, say QD Events.
Fran McIntyre, managing director, said: “This exhibition is for the fishing industry, so it made sense to have their input into deciding its content and features.”
One of the main highlights will be the discussion sessions and seminars in a theatre sponsored by the Seafish Industry Authority. The events lined up will include an address from Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead, and an update on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy by a leading EC fisheries official.
There will also be a breakfast showing of the controversial film End of the Line followed by a panel discussion that will include its maker, environmentalist Charles Clover, and Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Louize Hill of WWF Scotland. This will be followed by a discussion session on politics and fishing, and whether there is any common ground between the two.
Marketing will be another key theme and will include a seminar on what multiple retail buyers are looking for and the challenges they face when buying fish. Another seminar will look at the most efficient ways of getting the fish catch to the plates of consumers.
Other key attractions include inspiring cooking demonstrations from some of Scotland’s top chefs and a daily net mending competition run by the Fishermen’s Mission. The Fishing Show Bar will prove a relaxed and informal environment within the show to meet suppliers and catch up with colleagues and friends.
The organisers are especially keen to make visiting the exhibition as affordable as possible for visitors and have managed to negotiate a range of special hotel packages starting at only £40pp/pn.
Fishing 2010 will be held at the SECC in Glasgow. It is the UK’s only annual commercial fishing exhibition and attracts visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
