The continued magnitude of Covid-19 public health and safety issues caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has forced the postponement of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America (referred to by many people as the Boston Seafood Show, its original name) and Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global from the spring of 2021 to later in the year.
“We have been closely monitoring the world health situation, government regulations and travel restrictions while carefully considering the concerns that have been addressed to us by customers and attendees. It has become evident that it is necessary to reschedule these events,” said Liz Plizga, group vice president of Diversified Communications, the organizer of both events.
The Portland, Maine, USA-headquartered company is working with the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to find new dates in mid-July 2021 for Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America that would keep the same day pattern of Sunday through Tuesday. It is intended that the postponed event will maintain its traditional format with three days featuring a comprehensive exhibit hall alongside a conference program and special events.
New dates for the event will be communicated to the seafood industry as soon as they are confirmed. In recognition of the trade’s need to stay connected and informed, Seafood Expo North America will host its first online conference program during the week of March 14, 2021.
It is anticipated that Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, originally slated to take place in April 2021, will instead be held from September 7-9, 2021, at the Gran Via venue in Barcelona, Spain. The decision to move the event to September was based on availability Fira de Barcelona was able to provide to accommodate a global gathering of more than 29,000 seafood professionals. The show will feature a comprehensive exhibit hall with suppliers from around the world and introduce its first conference program in Barcelona.
As planning for the 2021 events progresses, Diversified Communications will continue to closely follow the evolving situation around the pandemic.
“Like many event organizers, we are always exploring contingency plans to provide business continuity for our seafood community,” said Plizga. “We are committed to delivering in-person events in 2021 and are working with the venues and the appropriate authorities to ensure the health and safety of our customers, attendees, vendors, employees and local communities.”
Meanwhile, the 2022 exhibitions are scheduled in the same time frame as in past years – in March 2022 for Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America and in April 2022 for Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global.
