Nor-Shipping has been buoyed by the response of exhibitors to its COVID-19 pandemic-induced move from the earlier scheduled exhibition dates in January to April 2022.
In a candid interview, the Director of Nor-Shipping, Sidsel Norvik admits she expected inevitable cancellations, as a result of the schedule change, but says these have been minimal, while those that have pulled out have simply transferred attendance to the summer 2023 event of Nor-Shipping.
Nor-Shipping 2022 exhibition
What’s more, she notes, new bookings are now being made by firms that couldn’t exhibit in January
What’s more, she notes, new bookings are now being made by firms that couldn’t exhibit in January, owing to varied reasons, but will now be present at the exhibition in April 2022.
Sidsel Norvik, the Director of Nor-Shipping, said “Obviously, we can’t pretend it’s ‘business as usual’ right now, but there’s a genuine belief that April will provide a long-awaited physical gathering for our industry, a hub to network, learn, build relationships and be inspired by one another.”
She adds, “People are the core of this business and the burning desire to come together and re-energise the community for the challenges and opportunities ahead is obvious in everyone we speak to.”
Last Nor-Shipping event in 2019
The last Nor-Shipping event was in summer 2019, when some 50,000 participants interacted with around 900 international exhibitors, at ‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’ 22,000 sq. m facility, located in Lillestrøm, Norway. A tailored activity programme of awards, knowledge sharing and networking events took place, both at the exhibition site and in Oslo, Norway.
Of the exhibitors originally booked for January’s Nor-Shipping 2022, Sidsel Norvik notes that 94% have committed to the re-scheduled April exhibition, while the number of new exhibitors, if the current booking trend continues, will easily make up for the cancellations.
Industry reboot
Sidsel Norvik notes, “There hasn’t been a large-scale industry event, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and our stakeholders see the next Nor-Shipping exhibition, as an opportunity to get back to normal, or at least embrace the new normal, as we look to a future of sustainable success within the ocean.”
She adds, “Our main partners have re-committed their support, our theme of #ACTION in the ocean space is clearly chiming with an ambitious industry, and April will obviously see easier travel, networking and interaction as infection rates fall away and vaccination programmes continue. We see this as a fresh start. We can’t wait to welcome the industry ‘back to business’ again.”
Shipping industry opening up post COVID-19 restrictions
It’s time for this unique industry to gather and take positive business #ACTION to enable a bright, profitable future"
Norwegian national coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are expected to ease this week, while many other key industry markets, such as England, Denmark and France, have either ended theirs, or in the process of fazing them out. Sidsel Norvik feels this cements her belief that the April date is ‘the right one’ for Nor-Shipping stakeholders.
Sidsel Norvik stated, “We could’ve waited until Nor-Shipping 2023 next June, but I think we’ve already waited long enough, everyone has. It’s time for this unique industry to gather and take positive business #ACTION to enable a bright, profitable future. That’s a mission that just won’t wait. I’m really happy that our exhibitors agree and are delighted that more are coming onboard.”
Ocean Leadership Conference and Blue Talks
Sidsel Norvik, Nor-Shipping’s Director, conclude “I think we’ll have an excellent exhibition to showcase the very best of our industry this April.”
Nor-Shipping 2022 runs from 4-7 April, 2022. Highlights include knowledge sharing activities, such as the Ocean Leadership Conference and Blue Talks, vibrant networking opportunities, the exhibition itself, unique partner events, and a broad range of targeted activities to ensure optimal networking and ocean business development.