Visiting the North Atlantic Seafood Forum? Here are some top tips

The event in Bergen brings together around 800 delegates from 30 countries, providing an important arena for the global marine industry.

We spoke to NASF organizer Jørgen Lund, for some tips on how to get the most out of this exciting three‑day event.    

1. Start with a bang

The opening session at NASF 2019 is sure to make a splash.

The event promises talks from the FAO, the United Nations, the Icelandic government and a very special guest – the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg.

According to Lund, the Prime Minister’s speech is not to be missed. “Prime Minister Solberg is of course from Bergen, and she is very engaged in questions around fisheries and seafood,” he explains.

“I think she will give a passionate speech about how she sees the future of the oceans, the initiatives that are being taken here, and Norway’s role in this.”
 

Erna Solberg will be giving the opening speech at this year’s NASF seafood conference in Bergen.

2. Broaden your horizons

There are an ocean of different talks on offer at the NASF, covering everything from salmon to white fish and pelagics.

As Lund explains, “The conference covers a range of different niches and sectors. In total, we have 14 different seminars and around 150 speakers.”

It’s a good opportunity to dive in and learn something new – whether that’s about land‑based salmon farming, or the latest trends among seafood consumers.

However, this can create its own downsides, as the conference organizer explains.

“The problem is that you can’t be everywhere at the same time! That is one of the complaints that I’ve heard from a lot of people.”
 

NASF conference organizer Jørgen Lund, here pictured with the Mayor of Bergen, Marte Mjøs Persen.

3. Meet the future of seafood

The seafood industry is currently undergoing a digital revolution. According to Lund, this is well‑reflected in the NASF line‑up for 2019.

“Technology is going to transform the seafood sector, and we’re going to have some really interesting features on this at NASF.”

This includes sessions on emerging technologies such as block chain, which can lead to better standards for seafood products.

“The German firm Metro – one of the world’s largest retailers – is going to showcase how they are using block chain to drive sustainability in the supply chain.”

4. Vote for your favourite start‑up

Lund adds that the Seafood Innovation session on day two is also not to be missed.

Here, you can meet smaller firms and start‑ups that are bringing new tech and innovations to the aquaculture and seafood industries.

Lund comments, “We are excited about this session, which is being organized by the NCE Seafood Innovation business cluster in Bergen along with NASF.”

This includes Austrian company Botres Global, who are turning algae into fish feed, and the Bergen‑based Salmoncuts, who want consumers to think differently about fish offcuts.

Audience members will even get the chance to vote for their favorite business idea, with the winner taking home both a diploma and a cash prize towards building their company.
 

Salmoncuts, a Bergen-based start-up company, wants to change how people think about fish offcuts.

5. Explore Bergen

Lastly, you should definitely explore the fantastic city of Bergen itself while you’re here.

Lund is clear over the city’s appeals – as are we. “It is a historic city, and a beautiful place to visit. It’s popular with tourists because it’s compact and easy to get around.”

Are there any particular sights to see in town? Plenty, answers the conference organizer.

“You should take the Fløibanen funicular railway up to Mt. Fløyen, and explore the Hanseatic trade museum.”

“It’s also worth taking a trip to the magnificent art museums located around the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake.”

Bergen’s Lille Lungegårdsvann lake is surrounded by a number of art museums.
 

All in all, NASF promises to be the highlight of the year for many seafood companies.

Invest in Bergen will of course be present, so if are you attending the conference, please do visit our stand and have a chat!

We’d love to tell you more about the Bergen region, and hear more about what the seafood industry is like in your part of the world.

If you want to book a meeting with us before the conference, please send an email to Tone Hartvedt, tone@investinbergen.no.

Find out more about Bergen's aquaculture industry