The biennial Aquaculture UK is now firmly established as the ultimate networking opportunity for everyone in the British shellfish and finfish sectors and as a fixture in the international aquaculture calendar. Aviemore, in Scotland’s stunning Cairngorms National Park, is confirmed as the venue of choice for both exhibitors and visitors.
In 2008 Scots, Norwegians and English accounted for the majority of the 1100 visitors, and were joined by delegates from 24 other countries. Enquiries about attendance this year - which is free to all those with a bona fide commercial, academic or political interest in aquaculture - are already buoyant. The target for 2010 is to add 20 per cent to visitor numbers.
David Mack, of event organisers Ascomber, says that Aviemore’s big advantage is that is has everything visitors and exhibitors need right there in the one complex – the exhibition halls, conference and business centre, plus - for the inner man and woman - leisure arena, golf, restaurants, bars and accommodation.
“This event is the most cost-effective way to catch up on the latest technology and to meet suppliers, buyers, decision-makers, opinion formers and colleagues,” he said. “We are back to the days where the event is regarded as a ‘must’ day out for everyone on the fish farm – not just the top brass.”
Exhibitors cite lower costs and the right spirit and atmosphere as their reasons for favouring Aviemore.
Lively conference sessions will run alongside the exhibition on both days. Themes will include: Is there an opportunity for Scotland to take advantage of the collapse of salmon farming in Chile? At peak production in 2008, Chile sold 400,000 tonnes of salmon, but this year is forecast to sell less than 100,000 tonnes. The full conference programme will be announced shortly.
The exhibition will be open from 10 am until 6 pm each day. There are 1000 free parking spaces at the venue and a dedicated free shuttle coach service between Inverness Airport and the venue (45 minutes). Full details about travel and attendance are on the web site - www.aquacultureuk.com.
Aquaculture 2010 Is A Sell Out
UK - Exhibition space for Aquaculture UK 2010 on May 19th and 20th at the MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort in Scotland is sold out - 10 weeks ahead of schedule. Companies competing to display their products and services to an industry defying the recession have now booked the last of the 65 stand spaces in an exhibition area extended by 15 per cent over that at the 2008 event.