The world’s largest seafood trade event is moving from Brussels to Barcelona in two years.
The 2021 gathering will be held at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via venue, in Barcelona, Spain. The move marks a shift as for the last 28 years it has been held in Belgium.
Diversified Communications, who runs the Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global event, says it has taken the decision based on market research and feedback.
In a press release, it said: “Barcelona’s robust hotel offering will provide attendees and exhibitors considerable value for their investment and a larger, modern venue that will present long-term growth opportunities.”
The new venue has over 200,000 square meters of floor space, 8 exhibit halls and more than 40 restaurants.
Last year’s event attracted more than 29,000 seafood buyers and suppliers, and 2,000 exhibiting companies, making it the largest event in Expo’s history.
Mary Larkin, the President of Diversified Communications USA, said: “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. It will enhance the visitor experience and the business being done between buyers and sellers.”
Liz Plizga, Group Vice President at Diversified Communications, added: “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.
“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.”
