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The 25th anniversary UK fishing expo that will be held in Glasgow in March 2012 has broadened its reach to cover every sector of the seafood industry, show organiser QD Events has announced.
Following consultation with the industry and after taking soundings from the show’s advisory panel, the 2012 event will be extended to take in aquaculture, processing and seafood, and will now be titled “The Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Expo – from sea to plate”.
The catching sector will still represent a major part of the show, but given the close integration that now occurs between the various industry sectors, the new-look show will also bring aquaculture, processing and seafood under its umbrella.
Fran McIntyre, Managing Director of QD Events, said: “We have responded to the industry and advisory panel comments and have shaped a show that helps the industry in two important ways. Integration within the industry is more than a buzzword at present and we want to help facilitate that on-going process. We also want to deliver a show that truly creates value for those exhibiting and attending. We will do this by ensuring that there are buying and selling opportunities across the whole supply chain.
“We have also focused on making the features around the show entertaining, informative and valuable and we are working with Stirling University and other partners on a platform programme to entertain and update on the topical developments going on within the industry.”
“As usual the social side of the show is really important especially for the partners of those attending. We have some fantastic deals arranged with the best Spas and shopping locations within the city including deals at the world famous Blythswood Hotel Spa, Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch’s Square. Glasgow is without doubt now one of the best shopping locations in the UK and we want those attending or coming as partners to sample its best offerings. We will also be arranging a Ceilidh on the Friday night as a way of allowing everyone to let their hair down and enjoy some entertainment after a good day’s business.”
McIntyre added: “Our aim is to have an event which people derive value from and see real value in attending. I want someone to come to the show, get a deal, have their supply chain well represented, get excellent networking opportunities, develop new sales lines, enjoy platform content which is relevant, interesting and entertaining and roll this all up with having a great social time both for them and those they bring to Glasgow.”
John Sharkey, Chief Executive of Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre commented: “We are delighted to be getting right behind QD Events to support the show in general and this fantastic extension. As parent company of QD Events and as venue location for the show we will put all assets and resources at our disposal to make sure this show is a tremendous success.
“We see the Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Expo as something to support for the long term with the aim of supporting the industry and growing it into one of the best industry shows in the UK if not Europe. With the critical mass of the industry in Scotland and the support of QD Events and the SECC, I really believe we can make this ambition a reality.”
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, including responsibility for Fisheries, Richard Lochhead said: “I am delighted that an expanded Fishing Expo will be held in Glasgow in 2012, with the show’s focus encompassing not just the catching sector but processors and aquaculture as well.
This ‘sea to plate’ approach reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting all aspects of our seafood industry. We are determined to help the industry add value to what is a fantastic and iconic Scottish product, all the way along the supply chain.”
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, comments: “As the body working with all sectors of the seafood industry, Seafish welcomes the news that this event is broadening its scope and actively supporting integration. Events such as this are key in the continued promotion of the seafood industry and it’s great to see QD Events evolving the vision of the Show.”
Libby Woodhatch, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, added: “Seafood Scotland works throughout the supply chain and stresses the importance of this approach across the sectors to maximise the value of Scotland’s seafood offering. This new joined up approach to the Show will provide an opportunity for the sectors to better understand each other and foster greater collaboration”
“The Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Show – sea to plate” will take place from 22 to 24 March 2012 at the SECC, Glasgow, from 10am to 5pm Thursday & Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday. More details www.fasexpo.com
If you would like to get involved in “The Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Expo – from sea to plate”, please contact Mairi Hall on 0141 576 3889 or email mairi.hall@qdevents.co.uk
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