Aquaculture America boasts bounty of knowledge

Boasting a trade show that is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, Aquaculture America 2009 will gear up for another successful run February 15-19 at the Washington State Convention Center, Seattle.

As the only major national aquaculture conference and exposition held in the U.S., Aquaculture America will join with the U.S. Aquaculture Society, the National Aquaculture Association and the U.S. Aquaculture Suppliers Association to produce the annual Aquaculture America meetings.

Several organizations will hold their annual meetings in conjunction with Aquaculture America, including the Aquacultural Engineering Society, American Tilapia Association, Striped Bass Growers Association, U.S. Trout Farmers Association, U.S. Shrimp Farming Association and several others.

Critical industry trade show

According to show organizers, Aquaculture America 2009 will have the largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest worldwide, with an anticipated almost 200 booths. Exhibitors will give a glimpse of the latest in products and services for the aquaculture industry and attendees will have the opportunity to visit with current suppliers and make new contacts. The show's organizers point out that those in the industry need to stay abreast of innovations and underscore that the Aquaculture America trade show will showcase the latest in products and services.

On Thursday, February 19, an all-day tour will combine visits to Manchester Laboratory and Taylor Shellfish, departing at 8 a.m. Aquaculture America has worked to build a strong reputation on a high-quality producer program organized by the National Aquaculture Association. Aquaculture America 2009 will continue to expand the size and scope of the producer program to address all of the issues facing producers in the U.S. as well as around the world. The 2009 edition will include a special Zebrafish Workshop.

Plenary speaker for the event will be Jay Whelan, University of Tennessee, speaking on "Fish Business: Aquaculture, Omega-3 fats and Health." The session will take place during the opening session, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16.

Aquaculture America has arranged very good rates at three hotels, including the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Grand Hyatt Seattle, both next to the Convention Center, as well as the Executive Hotel Pacific, located just two blocks from the Convention Center. Special rates are also available at the Days Inn Town Center, just seven blocks from the Convention Center, and the Sixth Avenue Inn located at five blocks to the Convention Center. Special reservation codes for conference rates are required and available online.

Further program details, hotel reservation codes, and registration can be found at www.was.org.