September dates announced for Seafood Expo North America

New dates have been selected for Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, the continent’s largest seafood industry exhibition.

The 2020 event will comprise an exhibit hall open 23 and 24 September at its regular home in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A, and a conference program that will begin on 22 September.

Seafood Expo North America was postponed on 3 March from its original dates of 15 to 17 March due to health concerns and travel complications caused by the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“In the last few months and weeks, the seafood industry and community, along with the rest of the world, have been experiencing some of the most tumultuous, challenging times ever, emotionally and economically,” Liz Plizga, group vice president for event organizer Diversified Communications, said in a statement. “While navigating this unprecedented situation, we know there is a need for business continuity and are committed to providing a platform that will bring back together the industry suppliers and buyers who, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, were prevented from meeting in March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The two-day event will be one day shorter than usual, though it will still include a three-day conference program, featuring industry experts, that will begin on 22 September, according to Diversified.

“The September dates were carefully chosen in consideration of the recent escalating situation with COVID-19, the venue availability, as well as feedback from customers and high-volume retail and foodservice key buyers from North America,” Plizga said. “It is fair to say that this year’s event will not be like any other years. However, the Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality event and services that are as similar as possible to what our customers have come to expect over the years.”

The rescheduled event will take place in Halls B and C in the exhibition center, and will include a solutions-driven conference program, new and featured product showcases, and other events usually found at the expo. In its statement, Diversified Communications said it will be following up with exhibitors and other attendees with additional detail about the September event. The company also asked that hotel rooms not be booked until it sends out communications that the onPeak reservation system is set up to receive reservations.

Plizga said Diversified will continue to monitor the progress of the coronavirus globally, in coordination with the city of Boston.

“During this complex and uncertain time, we would like to reassure our exhibitors and visitors that our focus is to deliver a valuable, safe, and successful event to the seafood community in 2020,” Plizga said in the statement.