International Exhibitors Push Boston-based Seafood Show Over Record 200,000 Net Square Feet
March 3, 2015
The Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, formerly the International Boston Seafood Show/Seafood Processing America, still is a few weeks away, but it has a record-setting showfloor on tap, with more than 200,000 net square feet at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Scheduled March 15-17, the show, which is owned by Diversified Communications, has seen a lot of growth from overseas companies that have decided to exhibit.
“Reports state 91 percent of seafood in the United States is imported from other countries, showing promise to international companies looking to expand their foothold. Regionally, there is notable influx in new participation from Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Morocco and Spain,” said Liz Plizga, group vice president for Diversified.
She added, “The increase in participation signifies the importance of Seafood Expo North America for companies, worldwide, looking to penetrate this market.”
Last year’s event drew more than 20,000 seafood professionals.
The exhibition also is complemented by an educational conference program, master classes, culinary demonstrations, an oyster shucking competition and the Seafood Excellence competition.
“While the expo is designed as a platform for buyers and suppliers to network and do business in just three days, the special onsite activities provide them with an opportunity to enhance their experience at the event,” said Wynter Courmont, event manager. “It is truly exciting to see this event continue to prosper.”
In 2014, 84 percent of the visitors surveyed indicated the intent to purchase as a direct result of the exposition. The visitors’ survey also revealed that the top three objectives for attending were to meet with existing suppliers, find new suppliers and compare products.
Visitors attend the expo to find a variety of seafood products and service, including fresh, frozen, value-added, processed and packaged seafood, as well as processing and packaging equipment, logistics and other service providers.
Previous attendees include buyers from the largest retail and foodservice establishments, including BJ’s Restaurant, Long John Silver’s, McDonald’s, P.F. Chang’s, Ruby Tuesday, Costco, Delhaize America, Safeway Inc., Tesco, Walmart and Whole Foods Market.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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