IceFish 2026 opens with visitors and exhibitors ready to network
22. syyskuuta 2026By Press MW
Iceland Ocean Cluster
MEST
Aquaculture Conference
MAST
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IceFish 2026 officially opened its doors today, with visitors and exhibitors gathering at the Fífan Hall in Kópavogur ready to network, showcase innovations, and do business across fisheries, seafood processing, and aquaculture.
Opening day highlights: Knowledge Box and exhibitor presentations
The event’s Knowledge Box programme kicked off with the official opening ceremony at 10:15. Minister of Industries, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson (Minister) commented:
"A great deal has changed since 1984. There was no exhibition app on your phone, artificial intelligence was not helping with decisions, and remote monitoring usually meant someone standing close enough to keep an eye on things. One thing has remained constant though: progress depends on people meeting, comparing experience, and be willing to try a better way.
The programme reflects the direction of the sector. The new Aquaculture Hub, the Knowledge Box, the international conferences, business matchmaking, and the IceFish Awards all create opportunities to exchange practical knowledge and recognise achievements.
The most valuable outcome of an exhibition is often not planned in advance. It begins with a conversation between people who realise they can achieve something together. I wish you productive meetings, successful business, and an enjoyable stay here in Iceland."
Throughout the day, exhibitors will deliver presentations from the Knowledge Box stage, giving attendees a chance to hear directly from solution providers on new technologies, processing efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. One confirmed session includes MEST’s CEO Mouritz Mohr, who will present on newbuilding activities and advanced vessel solutions for fisheries and aquaculture between 13:10 and 13:40.
New Aquaculture Conference drives sustainable growth agenda
A major addition for 2026 is the one-day Aquaculture – Driving Sustainable Growth Conference, taking place on the first floor of the exhibition hall. The conference opens with a Chairman’s welcome from Ólöf Helga Jónsdóttir, CPO of Kaldvik, before moving into a keynote session on “Blue Food Futures: Policy, Partnership & Global Growth”.
Speakers include Egill Þorri Steingrimsson of the MAST-Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, data analyst Clara Jegousse from the Iceland Ocean Cluster, and Kevin Edwards of GDST, who will address policy foundations, global aquaculture trends, and traceability standards for sustainable supply chains.
Tickets for the Aquaculture Conference can be purchased online throughout the day, allowing visitors already on the show floor to join sessions and deepen their understanding of how to drive sustainable growth in fish farming and related sectors. For assistance on booking, please visit the Organisers Office.
Exhibition floor: networking and deal-making at the heart of IceFish
Alongside the conference content, the 15th Icelandic Fisheries & Aquaculture Exhibition & Conference brings together thousands of professionals in a single location, creating an open environment for meetings, partnerships, and commercial discussions. With conferences and exhibition co-located, attendees can move easily between technical sessions, product demonstrations, and face-to-face networking.
Exhibitors are showcasing next-generation seafood processing equipment, hygienic design upgrades, and integrated solutions aimed at improving efficiency, product quality, and profitability across species and value chains. For many visitors, day one is focused on scouting technologies, comparing suppliers, and initiating conversations that can turn into contracts over the course of the event.
