Reflections from SENA 2024: A Resounding Return and Future Endeavors

It was an honour to attend Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America 2024 in Boston last week, representing the Scottish seafood sector   

This was my third visit to New England for the show. It was fantastic to see the range of Scottish companies making the trip, representing all corners of our industry including salmon producers, whitefish, shellfish and added-value products. 

We held a networking event during the show where I talked about our experiences during and after Covid-19. At that time, we wondered whether trade shows would ever be the same. Would they still be relevant? Would companies still want to travel and take stands?  And would buyers still want to come along? 

The answer I am glad to say is a resounding YES. Numbers have risen steadily, and I think it's safe to say that we are back with a bang! 

People sell to people. They want to meet, look each other in the eyes, discuss future business and shake hands on it.  

As he reaches the end of his tenure, I’d like to thank Dr Peter Abbott OBE , British Consul General to New England, who has been a fantastic supporter of Scottish seafood, and took the time to meet with companies at the Scottish pavilion, as well as speaking at our cocktail reception. We wish him well in the future and look forward to meeting the new Consul General. 

We are now in the lead-up for SEG 2024, alongside Scottish Development International l, which is shaping up to be a fantastic event. It’s our 25th anniversary year, so we’re celebrating with a networking event with a difference! Watch out for more details coming soon, it might just put a spring in your step :) 

And of course, The Responsible Seafood Summit is also firmly on our radar, with plans well underway. As co-hosts for 2024, the Seafood Scotland team has been working hard alongside the Global Seafood Alliance to deliver The Summit, and registration is now open. 

We are happy to be working with Wally Stevens and the team at GSA. Similarly, I am proud of my team who are so passionate about delivering for the industry, whether that be boots on the ground at events, or back in the engine room at our office in Scotland, bringing plans to life. I’d like to give them a big shout-out - Adam Wing , Marie-Anne Omnes , Matthew Hurst , Jeni Adamson , Geoff Sloan and Claire Campbell - for always going above and beyond to showcase the very best of Scottish seafood.