Marianne Rasmussen-Coulling, Events Director of Mercator Media Ltd, explained the decision, "Given the global restrictions on travel and the effects that social distancing requirements will have on the operation of the exhibition, the team at Mercator Media has been examining alternatives and seeking the opinion of exhibitors. There is also the added uncertainty surrounding further possible government actions and restrictions, both in Iceland and abroad. We would all prefer that this was not the case, but in the circumstances, we believe rescheduling to 2021 is now the best option for exhibitors and visitors."
"Icefish is a face-to-face exhibition where people meet to discuss new ideas and solutions for their commercial fishing, processing, seafood and value added businesses and activities. Meeting up with client networks and making new ones is a key reason to attend. For the rest of 2020, it is evident that exhibitors and visitors may be less willing to attend, currently have serious concerns about travel and may feel that their safety could be compromised. While many of our clients depend on Icefish for their business, we are very conscious of the resource and time commitment that is involved and do not wish to produce a less than satisfactory compromise."
Looking forward, Marianne continued, "We are fortunate to have World Fishing and Aquaculture Magazine to allow us all to keep in touch with content and the latest developments in the fishing and seafood sector. We are also making improvements to the year-round free press service for exhibitors, plus the Icefish bilingual eNews and website in order that exhibitors and visitors can get the most out of their relationship with this long-established exhibition."
Marianne concluded, "Exhibitors, delegates and visitors return to Icefish again and again, and we are conscious that there will be real disappointment at people not being able to exhibit and attend in 2020. Everyone on the Icefish team is sorry not to be able to be meeting up with exhibitors and visitors in person at Icefish this year. We regret that we have had to make this decision but believe that this course of action is the best alternative in the face of the effects of COVID-19. We look forward to 2021."
If you are interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, attending or speaking at 2021 IceFish please call +44 01329 825 335 or email info@icefish.is.
International sales:
Diane Lillo Tel. +44 1329 825 335 or email dlillo@mercatormedia.com
Icelandic sales:
Birgir Þór Jósafatsson Tel: +354 896 2277 birgir@icefish.is or Bjarni Thor Jonsson GSM: +354 896 6363 bjarni@icefish.is
