Seafood Global Expo exhibitors exit after Brussels bombings

Organiser of the event, Diversified Communications, said it was engaging with customers, vendors and business partners to discuss the situation and answer questions regarding safety, transportation and logistics.

The event is scheduled to take place April 26-28, 2016 at the Brussels Expo in Belgium.

No longer participating​

The organiser has confirmed that some exhibitors have decided to pull out of the event. But more than 1,650 exhibiting companies from 70 countries were still scheduled to take part.

“The current condition in Brussels definitely has had an impact on everyone’s decisions to come to the city and the exposition.  Everyday we receive comments and feedback from exhibitors expressing their concerns about the situation and others showing their support​,” said Liz Plizga, group vice president for Diversified Communications. 

“Understandably, the attacks on the city will have an impact on this year’s event. However, as it stands, we are still tracking ahead of last year with over 36,000 sq meters of exhibit space, and buyers are still registering every day to attend the event.” ​

Tightened security measures​

Plizga said that all efforts were focused on working closely with Brussels Expo and the city of Brussels to provide participating exhibitors with a safe environment. These efforts include putting in place tightened security measures such as complimentary city shuttles and additional transportation services.

More than 26,000 seafood suppliers and buyers normally attend the event in Brussels every year.

Meanwhile, seafood products will feature at the Foodex 2016​ event, organised by William Reed, the publisher of FoodManufacture.co.uk. The event will take place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham between April 18–20.