Scottish Skipper Expo 2024 – New Dates, New Layout, New Plans!

As ever, the Scottish Skipper Expo continues to follow the motto, Your Industry Your Show, taking great strides to evolve the show each year in a way that reflects the changing nature of the industry while also catering to the needs of our exhibitors and visitors.

Having reviewed all exhibitor and visitor feedback, it was found that the overall majority’s preference is that the show is moved to a Thursday and Friday and hosted bi-annually.  As such the dates of the show have been changed to Thursday 9^th May (10am – 5pm) and Friday 10^th May (10am – 4pm) 2024 at P & J Live Aberdeen and will then return in 2026.

Sharon Boyle, Commercial Fishing Manager for show organisers Mara Media explained, “Moving to a Thursday and Friday will create so many benefits for our exhibitors and visitors. Firstly, with 4 other industry shows taking place later in May, it gives exhibitors more time to relax and prepare for their next event. As well as that, it opens more travel options with more flights scheduled during the week which will also cater for visitors planning day trips to the show from around the UK and Europe.”

Commenting on the recent show, Scott Paterson from Fraserburgh said, “Great show, fantastic variety of fishing related equipment on display along with those available to provide the knowledge about it all”, while Paul Stone from the MFV Emily Jane, Brixham said, “First time at the show, worth the 10.5-hour drive, your team done a fantastic job promoting the industry and the show had a great mix of stands.”

The 2024 Scottish Skipper Expo will also see a new show layout to maximise the viewing potential of each stand and to allow for more boats to be displayed, a feature which was particularly popular this year. Another addition to the 2024 show will be a shuttle bus which will run to and from Aberdeen city centre at the beginning and end of the show on both days, ensuring that visitors and exhibitors can arrange to stay in the city and travel at ease throughout their stay. We are also delighted to announce the return of the seafood tasters where visitors and exhibitors will be able to sample seasonal seafood delights, showcasing the prime produce the industry has to offer.

Also commenting on the recent show was JFC Marine “Our first time as exhibitors at the show, the feedback we got was amazing, great to meet customers both old and new, would recommend to anybody to attend, will be back next year”, whilst Safety Net Technologies reported “There was a good buzz about the show.  It was a great chance for fishermen to see and feel our products first hand.  We made a few sales with new contacts to follow up with, so we consider it a success”, while Irish Exhibitor Seaquest Systems said, “Excellent exhibition, great feeling during the show with many enquiries into new projects with various vessel designers.”

The complimentary show reception which is a celebration of our industry will return once more to the Douglas Hotel where Oban based Atlantic Reel will entertain everyone for the night.  With strong Irish roots, the family group are sure to have the Douglas hotel buzzing on Thursday 9^th May.