A new beginning

During the first 2 days, 7 926 qualified buyers from 61 countries visited the event, showing strong interest in all the exhibitors represented: accessories manufacturers, fish exporters, international brands, solutions for large and public aquariums and aquaculture technologies. Overseas visitors accounted for 34.7 per cent of all attendees - less in proportion but higher in absolute numbers than the show in Singapore. Exhibitors noted in particular the high quality of buyers, who placed all-time record orders on the show floor and during factory tours organised immediately after the event.

On the consumer days, the show welcomed a record number of 25 386 visitors, mainly from the densely populated Guangdong province. 
One of the key objectives for Aquarama in China is to build a new generation of aquarium lovers and develop brand loyalty among new hobbyists. Special efforts were put into developing interest among younger generations: several onsite activities were organised for kids and students, in particular a much-appreciated hands-on aquascaping masterclass with Oliver Knott and Filipe Oliveira.
With over 1 000 tanks overall entered by nearly 450 domestic and overseas participants, and with over 45 judges from 15 countries, the Aquarama fish competitions, allied to the fully subscribed and hugely successful farm visits, proved again that ornamental fish remain a key and certainly the most unifying aspect of the aquarium industry. The competitions were organised jointly with local and international partners. The traditional fish farm tour took visitors from 15 countries to 3 important farms in south China.

Once again, Aquarama hosted trade and public seminars, with a strong desire to bring together a wide range of opinions and ideas from all over the world. This led to passionate debates during the show. Dr Gerald Bassleer, Heiko Bleher and representatives from the Asia-Pacific Ornamental Fish Union shared their thoughts about the future of the industry. They served to lay the foundation for several significant collaborative initiatives between private and public aquariums, accessories manufacturers and ornamental aquatic sectors that will hopefully lead to increased interest in aquarium keeping with its numerous associated…