Rant: Get Thee To The Seafood Show!

Seafood is at the crux of some of the most important food issues in the world. The range of seafood topics touches on so many crucial matters, from sustainability to health. Not only is it delicious, but it provides numerous health benefits. It is integral to the economic health of many local businesses, from fishermen to restaurants. The potential extinction of certain fish species is a major concern that needs to be addressed. I have written about many of these issues and soon will have much more fodder for future seafood articles.

This upcoming weekend, March 10-12, the International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS) returns to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This will be my fourth year in attendance and I cannot recommend enough that food writers should check out this show. Last year, I provided a list of Twelve Things You Should Know about the Seafood Show and that provides a good summary of what you can expect at the show. There will be over 1700 booths with a huge diversity of products and services. You will find representatives from all over the world, from Japan to Mexico, Brazil to Vietnam.

For food writers, the key is that "the seafood show is fertile soil for a myriad of story ideas as each exhibit booth has its own unique and interesting story." This is the place to learn about seafood issues, to talk to numerous seafood businesses, to explore the seafood industry. You should find enough stories here to  easily write a dozen articles, if not more. You may also gain sufficient knowledge and information to provide you paths for other seafood stories. In addition, the show is fun, with plenty of tasty seafood samples. As seafood is such a vital subject, why wouldn't you go to this show?

The Seafood Show is held in conjunction with the New England Food Show, where you will find a plethora of food and drink related products and services, from wine to cheese, spirits to locally produced foods. You can easily visit both shows, and the Food Show will give you fodder for even more stories. If you go to both of these shows, you won't be able to complain about writer's block as you won't lack for story ideas.

Go to some of the seafood and food seminars. Sample the countless food and drinks samples that are available. Talk to exhibitors, ask questions and gather information, recipes, booklets and more. Take lots of notes, photos and video.

Why do I care? First, I view our local writers and bloggers as a community and I believe we all benefit by helping each other, giving recommendations for excellent events. Second, I feel that seafood is a vital topic which more people need to write about so that we raise attention to all of its urgent issues. That will benefit all of us in many ways. It is with greater exposure and cooperative efforts that we can cause change in the seafood industry.

So get thee to the seafood show!