Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Enjoys Strongest Turnout in Years

Strong Visitor Turnout and Positive Industry Feedback Marks Successful Scottish Skipper Expo 2026

Aberdeen delivered its strongest visitor turnout and most positive industry feedback in many years, reinforcing the success of the exhibition’s move to a bi-annual format.  With visitor attendance up by almost 20% on the previous Aberdeen show, over 2,150 visitors attended alongside more than 170 exhibiting companies at the two-day event held at P&J Live. 

Packed aisles, strong business activity and an upbeat atmosphere were evident throughout the halls from the moment the doors opened. More than 700 exhibitor representatives were also onsite across the two days, further highlighting the scale and importance of the event to the commercial fishing industry. 

From major international exhibitors and seven vessels displayed inside the exhibition hall, to seafood tasters, networking events and strong visitor engagement, once again demonstrated why it remains one of Europe’s leading commercial fishing exhibitions.

Exhibitors throughout the halls reported excellent footfall, quality enquiries and steady business discussions across both days of the event, with many companies already confirming their intention to return for the next Aberdeen exhibition in 2028.

The decision to move Scottish Skipper Expo to a two-year cycle was widely welcomed by exhibitors, many of whom commented positively on the renewed energy and strong attendance levels seen throughout the show.

FF Skagen Director John B Christensen commented:

“Fantastic show, lots of happy people on our stand. The fact that the show is now every second year was a good decision.”

CatchCam Technologies CEO Tom Rossiter also praised the revised format, stating:

“The 2026 show was the best we have experienced in a very long time. The bi-annual format appears to be working extremely well, while the quality of both visitors and exhibitors helped create a very strong and worthwhile event for us.”

Exhibitors also spoke positively about the business generated during the event, with SMART OCEAN TECHNOLOGY UK representative Chris Smith commenting:

“We were delighted with the event in Aberdeen. We have already generated strong leads and secured sales following the show, so you can certainly count us in for the next one.”

The exhibition also received strong praise from the Show Sponsors. Scottish Fishermen’s Federation CEO Elspeth Macdonald described the exhibition as:

“Excellent show, very well organised and a good buzz around it.”

Peterhead Port Authority CEO Graeme Reid added:

“Congratulations to the Mara Media team for another well-organised, well-run and well-attended Skipper Expo. We look forward to the next one.”

International exhibitors also highlighted the importance of the Aberdeen event within the global fishing exhibition calendar. Polar Trawl CEO Atli Mar Josafatsson stated:

“Skipper Expo in Aberdeen is one of the three most important exhibitions for us due to the high number of skippers and crew members attending.”

Away from the exhibition stands, the seven vessels displayed inside the hall once again proved a major attraction for visitors, offering a unique feature that continues to set Scottish Skipper Expo apart within the commercial fishing exhibition sector.

The popular seafood tasters, supported by Seafood Scotland, were also extremely well received across both days, with visitors enjoying a range of locally sourced seafood products while networking around the exhibition floor.

The much-anticipated Show Reception, held on Thursday evening at The Douglas Hotel, attracted a large turnout of exhibitors, sponsors and invited guests, providing an excellent opportunity for the industry to meet in a relaxed setting following the opening day of the show.

Sharon Boyle of organisers Mara Media said:

“As show organisers, we were delighted with the success of Scottish Skipper Expo 2026.  The strong attendance, positive feedback and overall atmosphere throughout the event reflected the importance of industry collaboration and the continued support the exhibition receives from across the commercial fishing sector.  It was extremely encouraging to see so many companies, vessel owners, skippers, crews and industry professionals coming together once again in Aberdeen, and we now look forward to welcoming the industry back again in 2028.”

As the doors closed on another successful Aberdeen exhibition, organisers reflected positively on the overall atmosphere throughout the event, with many exhibitors already confirming their intention to return for the next Scottish Skipper Expo in 2028.