The decision has been taken by the GSF board, led by managing director Willem van der Pijl, in consultation with several of the Forum’s longstanding partners. Since its inception in 2022, GSF has taken place in the first week of September. This year’s edition, which marks its fifth anniversary, will be taking place in Utrecht between the 1 and the 3 September and will welcome delegates from all over the world.
Organisers noted that the August-to-October period has become increasingly congested, with major events – including TARS, Vietfish, the Shanghai Seafood Show, Seafood Expo Asia in Singapore, the Global Seafood Alliance conference, Conxemar, and the Qingdao Seafood Show – competing for the same global audience. External factors also influenced the decision. The early-September slot regularly overlapped with European school returns and Labour Day weekend in the United States, creating travel complications for international delegates.
“After careful consideration of the factors at play, we believe that this is a solution which best suits our partners, delegates and audience,” said van der Pijl in a press release. “While September has worked well for us historically – and I’m sure will make for another fantastic edition this year – it’s become an increasingly busy time of year for the industry, coupled with the fact that it can be challenging for those guests with children who may be going back to school, and for our American friends who are travelling on or around Labor Day weekend.
“June gives us more space in the global calendar, while keeping sufficient distance from Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona and the 4th of July period in the United States. The Board and I are convinced this move will help us further strengthen GSF as the leading global meeting place for the shrimp industry from 2027 and beyond.”
The Forum will once again take place in Utrecht in 2027, and with GSF2026 right around the corner, van der Pijl and the rest of the organising team will be on hand to discuss the proposed changes further, as well as responding to any questions or concerns on email, which can be sent to secretariat@shrimp-forum.com.
