November 5, 2024 - Aquaculture UK, the leading sector trade exhibition, is embarking on a new chapter and moving to a new home close to the heart of much of the industry.
The next Aquaculture UK will take place from June 16017, 2026 at the SEC, Glasgow, with the 2026 Aquaculture Awards being held on the night of June 16.
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"For many years, Aviemore and, in particular, the Macdonald Resort, has been a wonderful host, providing a unique and memorable experience for everyone who has attended the show", said organisers Diversified Communications.
However, with planned building development taking place on the land Aquaculture UK occupies, an alternative long-term base had to be found for the biennial exhibition and conference. And the overriding feedback received from both exhibitors and visitors in post-event surveys was that Glasgow offered the best location.
Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city, boasts a wider range of accommodation and improved transport links, making it more accessible for national and international attendees and enabling the continued evolution of the show to match the growth of the sector.
The past two editions in the Scottish Highlands have been stretched to capacity due to the increasing demand for exhibition space and attendance at the popular Awards Dinner. As a result, relocating to a bigger venue has become inevitable for the events continued success and future growth.
The Diversified Communications team is committed to making the transition as seamless as possible for exhibitors and visitors and is confident the move will open new opportunities for the aquaculture sector in Scotland and beyond.
The importance of the additional networking surrounding the show has not been overlooked, with Glasgow's legendary hospitality sector offering even more scope for bringing people together.
Aquaculture UK Director, Cheri Arvonio, said: "This decision hasn't been made lightly. We deeply value our time in Aviemore and are hugely grateful for the warm hospitality and beautiful surroundings that have helped make Aquaculture UK what it is today.
"However, with no guarantee of availability in Aviemore, the move to Glasgow offers an exciting opportunity to welcome more participants, provide an even more enriching experience and strengthen collaboration within the global aquaculture community. The relocation has also allowed us to secure the prestigious Hilton Hotel to host the Aquaculture Awards. Offering a stunning backdrop, the larger venue will accommodate the huge demand for places to join the industry's most important celebration"
Regular exhibitors sounded out by Diversified Communications have embraced the move to Scotland's Central Belt.
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Ace Aquatec, said: "We've been a proud supporter of Aquaculture UK for years and we're delighted that Glasgow has been selected as the host city for 2026.
"It's a great place to do business, make new connections with suppliers and vendors and network with industry peers."
Martin Winkel Lilleoere, Head of Fish Tech at the Danish Export Association, said: "We have organised the Pavilion of Denmark at Aquaculture UK for several years and we are so excited about the move to Glasgow, which will help the exhibition evolve further as interest is known to be high, both among visitors and exhibitors.
"We are confident that the team behind Aquaculture UK will do their utmost to ensure many great editions of Aquaculture UK going forward."
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The Aquaculturists
