Seafood Expo to return to Boston in March

The 40^th edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will take place as planned March 13-15, 2022 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) following last year’s virtual event.

Diversified Communications, organizer of the event, continues to update the Expo’s health & safety measures following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), public health officials, federal, state and local authorities as well as the venue, to provide all participants with a safe and healthy environment. The three-day event will highlight a comprehensive exhibit hall for business and networking opportunities, new products, food sampling, special events and education.

“We are excited to be back in-person in Boston to reconvene seafood professionals looking to do business in the North American market,” said Wynter Courmont, event director, Diversified Communications. “Year over year, industry suppliers and buyers have valued the business opportunities at the event, and this year will be no exception.”

A sample of companies that have already pre-registered to attend include Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Avendra, Bloomin’ Brands, Costco, Captain D’s, Darden, Foodbuy, McDonald’s, PFG, Publix, Red Lobster, Stop & Shop, Sysco, Target, Wegmans, Whole Foods and many more.

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“After two long years of virtual meetings, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet with our customers, partners, colleagues and new clients in person and under the same roof,” said Rob O’Sullivan, vice president sales, Americas, Clearwater Seafoods. “Nothing replaces the importance of interacting face to face or the integral platform Seafood Expo North America provides to drive new business, reconnect with clients and partners, and get a pulse on the marketplace,”

“As we get ready for the 2022 show, we are excited to reconnect in-person with our customers, partners, and fellow seafood industry colleagues,” said Brenden Beck, EVP sales & marketing at Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods. “Many of us have spent many years working in this great industry and working on innovative ways to improve — what better way to be back together!”

Diversified Communications says it is committed to the safety of its customers, attendees, vendors and staff, and based on its all-secure standards has safely and successfully hosted more than 10 trade events over the fall. Following suit, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America has implemented health and safety guidelines, which are posted on the event website and communicated to exhibiting companies and visitors.

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To date, and taking into consideration recent cancellations, the event covers 210,900 square feet of exhibit space, welcoming a roster of seafood and processing companies, which can be found on the exhibitor list on the event’s website.

“To put it into perspective, this represents 82% of the event’s largest edition which nearly filled the entire exhibit floor,” added Courmont. “While we have received some cancellations, many from companies in countries facing long quarantine restrictions, our event is substantial and represents a very valuable supplier base. We continue to receive interest from the industry and new exhibitors are joining the event daily. As companies continue to submit their listing information, more exhibitors will be added to the website. The event will have a comprehensive representation of the industry supply chain.” 

The exhibit hall will present opportunities for exhibiting companies to showcase their new and best products to attending buyers. Buyers will be able to sample food at companies’ booths and in designated areas like the Demonstration Theater where masks can be temporarily pulled down for consumption. New and featured products will be displayed at the event.   

In addition to the exhibit hall, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will feature a comprehensive conference program including more than 28 sessions and over 124 experts covering industry trends and timely topics on aquaculture, corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion, food safety and compliance (policy), seafood business and leadership, and seafood sustainability, traceability and transparency. The conference schedule will start with a keynote presentation, “Economic Outlook for 2022” by Megan Greene, Global Economist, Financial Times Columnist and Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School. 

Seafood industry buyers and professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America and register to attend by visiting seafoodexpo.com/north-america.