Seafood Expo Global 2021 moves to Barcelona

The world’s largest seafood exposition is on the move.

Diversified Communications, the organizer of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, just announced it will be moving the trade show to Barcelona, Spain, starting with the 2021 edition.

Since 1993, Seafood Expo Global has taken place in Brussels, Belgium, growing over the years into a massive event, involving more than 2,000 exhibiting companies from around 90 countries, and bringing in more than 29,000 seafood buyers and suppliers annually.

Diversified said the shift in locations is due to the show’s popularity, which has led it to outgrow its longtime home in the city of Brussels, Belgium. 

“The location of our event contributes to our customers’ overall experience. 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,” Mary Larkin, the president of Diversified Communications USA, stated in a press release. [Editor’s note: Diversified Communications also owns and operates SeafoodSource].

Efforts are currently underway to ensure that the transition to Barcelona in 2021 prioritizes visitor and exhibitor comfort, Larkin confirmed. As such, Diversified – in partnership with accommodations company B-Network – has already secured a sizeable hotel block with reasonable rates in the major Spanish city for the 2021 event. 

“We strongly encourage exhibitors and attendees to book through the show block for the best rates in the city,” Larkin said. The 2021 edition of Seafood Expo Global is scheduled to take place 27 to 29 April at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, which is “one of the largest and most innovative venues in Europe,” according to Diversified. The venue features 200,000 square meters of floor space, eight exhibit halls, more than 40 restaurants, and is accessible using the city’s mass transit system.

“Barcelona is an international destination and major seafood hub in Europe, which makes it the perfect location to hold a global event like Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global,” Diversified Group Vice President Liz Plizga said. “The vibrant seaside city has a lot to offer like a variety of restaurants, renowned cultural attractions, markets, outdoor activities, and a busy nightlife.”

Constantí Serrallonga, the general manager of Fira de Barcelona, expressed enthusiasm about hosting Seafood Expo Global from its 29th edition onward. 

“Barcelona is regarded as a global city with a multitude of options for accommodation, dining and activities. The Gran Via venue is conveniently located in one of the most modern cities in Europe and offers cutting-edge services and logistics,” Serrallonga said.

Plizga confirmed the 2020 edition of the event will take place as scheduled 21 to 23 April, 2020 at the Brussels Expo, and added she expects the event to “continue to build on its success.”

“In 2019, we continued to break new records and we only expect more growth in 2020 and beyond. While we are excited for the move in 2021, we’re just as excited for the next edition of Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global in Brussels in 2020,” Plizga said. “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 over the years.”

Barcelona is the logical next step in the evolution of the world’s most popular seafood event, Plizga said.

“Everything our customers and attendees have come to appreciate about the expo will still be there,” Plizga said. “Choosing Barcelona is about combining the value of doing business at the event, with the networking experience the city has to offer.” 

Portland, Maine, U.S.A.-based Diversified Communications owns and operates portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences for a number of industries. In seafood, its trade events include Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America – held annually in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and Seafood Expo Asia, an annual event in Hong Kong, China.

Photo courtesy of Fira de Barcelona