Many were surprised when plans for the new aquaculture exhibition Global Aqua were announced earlier this year. Just seven weeks later, close to 200 exhibitors have already signed up.
– It has exceeded all expectations, and we are overwhelmed by the response from the industry, says one of the founders of the exhibition, Vidar Onarheim.
It was in January that the unexpected news broke: Norway will host a new international exhibition for aquaculture. Global Aqua will take place at NOVA Spektrum in Oslo from September 7–9, 2027. Already one and a half years ahead of opening, the event is approaching its stated goal of 300 exhibitors.
– We are building the world’s largest aquaculture exhibition, and it will become the leading meeting place for the global industry. Our ambition is 500 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from across the world. The number of registrations has exceeded all expectations, and we are overwhelmed by the industry’s response. In just seven weeks, we have nearly reached 200 exhibitors, eighteen months before the event, says Vidar Onarheim, Event Manager of Global Aqua and one of its founders.
– It is quite simply a dream start and provides strong momentum for the work ahead. The close proximity to Oslo simplifies logistics and offers better access to headquarters, key stakeholders, politicians, and media. This makes it easier to bring the entire industry together to discuss framework conditions, development, and future growth. It is clear that this responds to a real need in the industry, says Lars V. Furset, advisor to Global Aqua and COO & Partner at NPG.
A mission to help feed the world
With global population growth of 85 million people per year, the world is heading toward a food system crisis unless we change how we produce and consume food. This is a challenge Global Aqua aims to help address.
– If we are to achieve sustainable food production, we are essentially facing two choices: insects or seafood. Aquaculture – fish, shrimp, oysters, and more – is likely the preferred option for most of us. The Norwegian government has also set a goal of increasing farmed salmon production fivefold. However, achieving this will require collaboration, research, and significant technological development. We will create the global meeting place where the brightest minds come together, and where future solutions are presented and demonstrated, says Onarheim.
Experienced organizers
The new exhibition is organized by Norwegian Promotion Group AS (NPG) and Aqkva AS, led by Hans Runshaug and Vidar Onarheim. NPG has extensive experience in exhibitions and events, including work with exhibitors at ONS in Stavanger and Nor-Shipping in Lillestrøm. Aqkva currently organizes both Havexpo in Bergen and the Aqkva Conference.
