The two-day biannual conference and exhibition, which takes place at the Macdonald Highland Resort on 28 and 29 May 2014, has all the major industry players signed up, and organiser David Mack is delighted with the level of confidence from all aquaculture sectors.
“There has been a tremendous response from exhibitors this year. We have 106 stands booked so far, with just four spaces left to fill. Fourteen companies are exhibiting for the first time, and many of our regulars have increased their stand area,” he said. “In turn, we are offering them an improved layout and better facilities, including free WiFi throughout the show.”
The event will be housed in a 60m by 30m rigid marquee in front of the conference centre, with an extensive outdoor display arena in the adjacent carpark, giving visitors plenty of space to view the equipment and vessels on show.
International exhibitors representing manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world, will display the latest developments and products in the fields of aquaculture technology, fish feed, fish health, quality assurance, training, grading, equipment, storage, processing, packaging, distribution, environmental protection, consultancy, insurance and much more.
The Enterprise Europe network in Scotland is running a partnering event on their stand, with a dedicated space for pre-scheduled meetings for companies interested in talking to each other. This new service will enable visitors and exhibitors to maximise their time at the event through targeted networking activity.
Participants must first register on the website http://b2match.eu/aquaculture2014, supply a few details about their company, what they offer and what they are looking for, then browse through the list of people signed up, and request meetings with those of interest.
First time exhibitor Easi Recycling will be displaying a range of innovative recycling products such as the Greenmax Polystyrene Compactor, which is ideal for recycling polystyrene fish boxes and can turn this expensive waste item into an income of up to £400 per tonne, and the Easi V50 Mill Size cardboard baler, use of which enables companies to achieve up to £75 per tonne for baled cardboard.
“All the machines we are taking to the exhibition can add value to fish farm waste materials,” explained general manager Steve Robertson. “As Aquaculture 2014 is the UK's premier fish and shellfish farming show, we saw this as an ideal opportunity to showcase our range of innovative recycling equipment to these sectors, and will be offering a free waste audit to all companies visiting our stand.”
GSS Marine Services is also making their first appearance at the exhibition and will be showcasing the abilities of their large and varied fleet of tugs and multicats, as well as their in-house team of divers.
“Over the past twenty years our company has gained wide and varied experience in all aspects of marine support, including moorings and civils,” said Gillian Barclay, Marketing, Certification and Pre-Qualification Manager. “We are based in Rhu in Argyll, but also have a global presence, so are keen to meet up with aquaculture organisations from the UK and overseas.”
Final details of the conference programme are still being put together. Novartis is sponsoring a young scientist competition on the first day, details of which are available on the website, www.aquacultureuk.com.
Speakers confirmed for the second day include Andrew Robertson of Fish From, who will discuss his company’s plans to build a network of onshore salmon farms using recirculation technology, and Gino Bawn, Senior Marine Engineer at renewable energy consultants IT Power, who will speak about potential opportunities for offshore aquaculture to work with the sustainable energy sector.
A highlight of the event is the Gala Dinner, tickets for which are selling fast, and Scottish comedian Tam Cowan is booked to entertain guests after a splendid seafood meal.
Online registration for Aquaculture 2014 is free of charge and the organisers promise a unique setting to do business, to network, and to catch up with the latest industry developments.
“We look forward to welcoming a record crowd!” stated David Mack.
Further information, visitor registration and full exhibitor details can be found at: www.aquacultureuk.com
