Since it first began in 2005, Irish Skipper Expo has rapidly developed into one of the most important events in the calendar for those working in the fishing industry's under 20m sector.

Often bypassed in favour of larger pelagic sectors, fishermen and service providers to the inshore sector have adopted Irish Skipper Expo as their own show - hence the ever growing nature of the exhibition.

The Expo is backed and organised by Ireland’s recognised leading fishing industry publication The Irish Skipper. Founded in 1964, this publication has been the cornerstone of the industry and has concentrated its focus on highlighting the needs of the fishing industry throughout Europe.

The Irish Skipper is renowned for its dedication in bringing readers a generous cross section of industry news, features and information on latest technology.

The Irish Skipper Expo includes over 70 firms exhibiting who provide the industry with a complete range of services from general chandlery & protective clothing to vessel design and financial & insurance quotations.

The 3,000+ visitors who attended Irish Skipper Expo 07 were also given the opportunity to board and inspect the many inshore vessels at the Expo’s outer boat park. BIM inshore fisheries seminars held in conjuntion with Irish Skipper Expo are also a major attraction for fishermen.

The 2007Irish Skipper Expo attracted companies from many parts of the world including Ireland, England, Scotland, Shetland, Norway, Iceland, France, Spain, Denmark and even as far away as South Korea, visiting firms have described Irish Skipper Expo as “the most intense and hardworking dedicated inshore show” they had ever attended.

It is no surprise that companies were pleased with the Expo as actual business turned over during the two days of the show reached €2.5 million with an equal amount expected by firms as a result of quotations and orders taken at the show.

Irish Skipper Expo - Endorsements

* “For the third year running, this show has been suberb. In addition to selling several engines at our Stand, we secured very serious orders that could result in five more orders. We will definitely be back again next year when we hope to bring our range of Cleopatra inshore boats - one of which we sold to an Irish customer of this year's Expo ”
- Mike Beacham, MD Watermota (UK & IRL Daewoo & Westerbeke suppliers).

* “The show is a very positive experience and raised our company’s profile on our first visit to Irish Skipper Expo in 2006. Fishermen were extremely interested in our products and we took substantial orders once again this year as a result of the Expo.”
- Gordon MacLennan & Thomas Davies, Stornoway Plastics, Shetland.

* “A very good and busy show giving us highly positive feedback from both existing and new customers with orders we would not otherwise have had”
- John Harrison, Tysons (Ship Riggers) Ltd. UK.

* “An extremely pleasing and very productive show with excellent feedback in all areas”
- Seaway Marine, Macduff, Scotland.

* “We enjoy great interest in our range of vessels at Irish Skipper Expo. A lot of business was again done with five boats in the 21 to 26ft range sold with potential orders for another five vessels at the 2006 event and equal orders at the 2007 event. I wouldn’t miss this show - its very important to our firm”
- Gearoid Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Marine, Co. Cork.