Diversified Communications announced today the acquisition of Aquaculture UK – the UK’s leading trade show dedicated to the growing aquatic food sector.
Aquaculture UK has grown rapidly in recent years and has become established as the must-attend event for the industry. The last edition of the biennial show, held in Aviemore, Scotland, in May 2018, had over 2,400 visitors and 190 exhibitors. The upcoming edition, to be held May 19-21, 2020 at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort in Scotland, is expected to draw over 3,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors.
Commenting on the news, Diversified UK’s MD Carsten Holm says: “It’s great to be welcoming Aquaculture UK to Diversified Communications. We have been watching the growing success of the event and believe that its focus and subject matter complement our already substantial international presence in the sector extremely well. We also feel that the sense of community, customer focus, long-term vision and attention to detail, is very similar to how we approach our events.”
James Banfield, Managing Director of 5M, agrees: “Aquaculture UK’s success reflects the increasing importance and rapid growth of our industry, not just in the UK but internationally. We are delighted to hand over the reins to Diversified. They share our culture, work ethos and ways of doing things and have a deep understanding of the sector. I am confident that the new management can provide the support and structure needed to continue to grow Aquaculture UK in the years to come. It feels like the perfect home for the event and a natural development, which will ensure the show continues to fulfill its potential and role as the leading forum for the UK’s aquaculture industry.”
Diversified is committed to the broader aquatic industry. Their industry leading, international event and publishing portfolio already includes Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Asia, International Workboat Show, Pacific Marine Expo, National Fisherman, Seafood Source, and Fish e-News, run by the Diversified U.S. division, and Ocean Business, run by the Diversified UK division.
“Aquaculture UK is an exciting development for our award-wining UK division as it continues to grow and strengthen its position as one of the most successful tradeshow organizers in the UK,” remarks Diversified’s President & CEO, Theodore Wirth. “They now employ over 120 staff who are experts at providing their customers with industry insights and business opportunities while facilitating innovation and economic sustainability within the industries they serve. I look forward to seeing their positive influence on this event and the aquatic food industry.”
To ensure continuity for exhibitors and visitors, the 5M team will remain involved and work with Diversified through the 2020 edition of Aquaculture, taking place on the 19 – 21 May 2020 at the Macdonald Resort, Aviemore.
About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: http://www.divcom.com