In 2014 the government proclaimed June as BC Seafood Month; no better month to do so thanks to June also being the month of the ninth annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, June 12-21, which has become B.C.’s largest of its kind.
New for 2015, the BC Seafood Expo and Workshop Series (June 13-14) boasts sessions from 30-plus leaders in the fields of aquaculture research and development, companies and government representatives working in seafood export and trade, as well as innovation and knowledge mobilization institutions.
Topics include:
• Exploring the Business of Closed-Containment Aquaculture
• Seven billion people are coming to dinner; Feeding the World vs. Fisheries
• How to Get Your Product from Here to There; Cross Border Trade and Distribution Channels to Grow Business
• The Changing Tide; How the Seafood Industry is Adapting to Ocean Acidification
• Wild Fisheries Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
• European Trade Policies and Seafood Business Opportunities
The speakers list is impressive, with executive directors, PhDs, scientists, economists and educators from a range of organizations.
The framework takes a page from the Seafood Expo North American and others, and is designed to meet the needs of the West Coast seafood industry by providing the opportunity to increase expertise, while doing business with buyers, industry innovators and leaders, suppliers, and international reps from throughout North America and Europe.
The event has been developed by Comox Valley Economic Development, together with industry, in recognition of the importance of the seafood sector to B.C. coastal communities and their regional economies.
Expo registration includes five workshops, keynote luncheon with Dr. John Nightingale, CEO Vancouver Aquarium, a trade show, coupled with the Flying Lobster Extravaganza and Expo Opening Reception at the Old House Hotel and Spa, and B.C. Coastal Community Mayors Breakfast.
Registration details are at bcseafoodexpo.com