After a hiatus of almost three years, Nor-Shipping, Your Arena for Ocean Solutions, was “back with a bang” in Norway between 4^th and 7^th April. Figures released by Nor-Shipping’s management team show a healthy spread of exhibitors, strong participant numbers and, as evidenced by the lively atmosphere in both exhibition and event venues, an obvious desire for physical meetings again.

The world in one place

In total, exhibitors were drawn from 34 countries, with visitors representing some 83 nationalities. For the first large-scale industry gathering of its kind since the pandemic began, Nor-Shipping says it is “delighted” to see such a robust international spread. There were over 21,000 unique visits to the exhibition halls, approximately 8,000 guests at social venues in Oslo city centre, and about 150 separate, and packed, associated and partner events.

Furthermore, of those that have so far answered Nor-Shipping’s feedback surveys, almost 95% of exhibitors are ‘certain or very likely’ to exhibit again in 2023 (taking place 5-8 June), while around 90% of visitors expressed the same opinion. Of those visiting, the surveys showed that over 80% were management level executives.

Taken together, the evidence prompted Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik to state that “large, global exhibitions and events are here to stay!”

In-person power

Norvik notes: “To be honest, I’m not sure anyone knew exactly how this Nor-Shipping would play out. It’s the first international maritime and ocean industry event of its kind since the pandemic and, although we had excellent advance bookings, there was always an element of uncertainty about what would happen. Would the atmosphere be subdued? Would the halls be full of visitors? Would people travel?

“Well, I’m over the moon to say – as anyone that attended will testify – Nor-Shipping was well and truly back with a bang! People were so happy to meet and build face-to-face relationships again (there were, literally, smiles everywhere you looked) while the impact of showcasing solutions and services in person is so much more powerful than doing so on screen. The confidence Nor-Shipping 2022 gave me, and our exhibitors, for the future cannot be overstated. I think I speak for everyone when I say it felt great to be back.”

Leading the way

In addition to the exhibition and social/networking activities, knowledge sharing was centre stage, with an array of popular Blue Talks (looking at sustainable solutions for ocean development), technical seminars and the main Ocean Leadership Conference (OLC) on day one. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Secretary General of NATO and Prime Minister of Denmark, delivered the keynote address at OLC, speaking to over 800 C-level executives (a new record for the opening conference). In total, Nor-Shipping 2022 featured over 300  influential speakers across a variety of stages and events.

Norvik and her team are now hoping to build on the overall success of 2022 for 2023.

Supporting development

“We normally have a two-year gap between our programmes,” she comments, “but we’re looking to get back to our original schedule now and, if our recent experience is anything to go by, then our stakeholders are very keen to do the same! There’s a real hunger for events like Nor-Shipping – perhaps now more than ever – and the best way to serve our industry and support development is to deliver the platform they need to showcase their skills, innovation and ambition.”

Nor-Shipping 2023 runs from 5-8 June across a series of venues in Oslo and at the 22,500 sq m NOVA Spektrum exhibition facility in Lillestrøm. To date, over 50 exhibitors and more than 10 national pavilions have already committed to the event. Companies looking to secure an optimal position should book now, with an early bird discount available until the end of May.