Organisers of the annual Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, already postponed once from its original February date, have announced that the event will not take place this year.
According to a statement by Diversified Communications, due to ongoing health and safety issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event scheduled for 22nd-24th September in Boston will not take place.
‘It is with great disappointment that we have to bring the news to our seafood community that we will not be able to meet in person in 2020,’ said Diversified Communications group VP Liz Plizga, commenting that despite some re-opening measures nationally and locally, there are still far too many uncertainties about the impact COVID-19 will have on travel and mass gatherings this September. Accordingly, it is impossible to hold an event that would provide an experience the seafood community would find valuable.
The 2021 Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America is scheduled for 14-16th March, and is already off to a strong start with an 82% renewal rate proving the value of the event for the seafood industry.
‘We thank everyone in the industry, our vendors and partners for their continued support while navigating these difficult times,’ Liz Plizga added.
‘We are determined to provide a valuable and safe business platform for the industry, and we look forward to bringing the seafood community back together next year in Boston.’
John Connolly of the National Fisheries Institute commented that the decision taken by Diversified Communications was likely a tough one.
‘Diversified’s actions reflect the responsiveness and innovation found in seafood harvesters, processors, distributors, retailers and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic,’ he said.
‘We look forward to seeing NFI members exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America next year in what will be an enthusiastic return to Boston.’
