After a record breaking Nor-Shipping 2019, which welcomed almost 50,000 people from over 85 nations, organisers have revealed that exhibition stands are already selling fast for the 2021 outing, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, 1 - 4 June. This, they say, is indicative of both a more “optimistic” industry climate, and the impact of the event week’s move to embrace a broader industry perspective as ‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’.
Nor-Shipping 2019, which took place between 3 and 7 June, saw participant figures increase by 34% (against 2017), while the entire hall exhibition space was completely filled – for the first time – with exhibitors from some 47 countries.
It’s early days, notes Nor-Shipping Director Per Martin Tanggaard, but the signs are already looking promising for a repeat of this success in 2021.
Alive with opportunity
“2019 was a stand out year,” he notes. “The numbers are one thing – and very gratifying to see – but the buzz, the sense of excitement and the eagerness of exhibitors, visitors and event participants to engage with one another, interact, collaborate and plan for the future are what really endures. Nor-Shipping 2019 was alive with opportunities and that, for an organization like ours that exists to serve its customer base, defines success.
“We obviously want to maintain and build on that momentum going forwards and I believe that process is off to an excellent start. A significant proportion of 2019’s individual company exhibitors have rebooked for 2021, while many of the national pavilions have already reserved their spaces.”
Ocean ambition
He continues: “The feedback we’re receiving is that the ‘ocean arena’ repositioning fits well with the ambitions of forward-thinking industry players to seize potential and work with new partners for future success. That has undoubtedly been a catalyst for this wave of early bookings.”
Companies that want to retain their previous positions within Nor-Shipping’s 22,500 sq. m exhibition space at Lillestrøm are being encouraged to book stands before 31 January 2020. They will then be factored into an initial hall layout plan, with the option of moving to a new position if desired. Once the ‘early bird’ exhibitors have confirmed locations the remaining space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Tanggaard is excited to see the industry picture that will be revealed as the exhibition “jigsaw puzzle” takes shape.
Bringing the industry to life
“Nor-Shipping is where the ocean industries meet,” he states. “Looking at the plan, and eventually walking through the halls, brings this business to life – transforms it from a scattered community into a tangible entity, something you can really experience and interact with. This makes it possible to almost ‘meet the future’; to see the direction that the industry is moving in, before talking to the people taking it there and accessing the innovation that will drive progress.
“The companies already booking their positions are clearly those that have set their courses for the future and are determined to be at the industry vanguard. There was a renewed sense of optimism on show at Nor-Shipping 2019, following on from some difficult years for maritime, and I think that bodes well for what lies ahead – across the next two year and beyond. I’m looking forward to 2021 and, it’s clear to see from developments so far, I’m not the only one!”
Nor-Shipping 2021 will feature six themed exhibition halls, ensuring easy navigation for visitors and a productive business environment. In addition a packed programme of networking, knowledge sharing and thought leader events will be organized to maximize value, opportunities and business takeaways for all attendees.
Blue-C Press Office
