New Features For Fishing 2011

This has resulted in the immediate decision to stage the Fishing 2011 Expo earlier in the year than before, with next year’s exhibition now scheduled to be held at the SECC in Glasgow from 24 to 26 March.

The 2010 fishing exhibition was the first one organised by new owner QD Events and while it included a number of new features, a special focus group of exhibitors set up by the organiser has concluded that much more still needs to be done to ensure the exhibition maintains its flagship status on the UK fishing industry calendar.

Jamie Taylor, show manager, said: “Ever since we took over the exhibition, our whole ethos has been to work closely with the fishing industry to deliver an event that meets their aspirations.

“Feedback from our focus group clearly indicates that while the 2010 event had probably turned the corner in terms of helping revitalise the exhibition, there is much scope for further improvement so as to ensure a strong attendance from visitors.”

This has resulted in QD Events now beginning to develop plans to bring an even greater range of exhibitors to next year’s show, with a particular emphasis on new products and services for the fishing industry. The organiser also intends to make a major push to attract more exhibitors and visitors from England and Wales, as well as a greater international presence.

“Consultation with the focus group has led to the immediate decision to hold the event earlier in the year, which we believe will prove more attractive to exhibitors and visitors,” said Jamie Taylor.

“We are also going to look very closely at our events programme to ensure it is stimulating and relevant. We feel we made a good start this year with the environmental debate and the ‘Fisherman of the Year’ competition, but we need to build upon this further.

“We also want to make it much more of a family event so that visiting fishermen can make their visit to Glasgow a great family weekend.”

QD Events is also looking to hold an informal party event on the Friday of the show, which it believes will prove popular with both exhibitors and visitors.

Jamie Taylor said: “Working on the lessons learned from Fishing 2010, and by consulting closely with the fishing industry and its suppliers, we are now working hard to further develop the exhibition so as to increase its attractiveness to visitors and exhibitors, thus ensuring its position as a ‘must visit’ event in the fishing industry calendar.”