The 3rd edition of the Sea Asia Conference and Exhibition will be presented in a brand new location in 2011 - Marina Bay Sands®, Singapore.

Singapore: The 3rd edition of the Sea Asia Conference and Exhibition will be presented in a brand new location in 2011 - Marina Bay Sands®, Singapore.

The "integrated resort" - as it is called in the Lion Republic - will open its doors in 2010, boasting not just a luxury hotel, but also a casino, retail and F&B, and five floors of convention and exhibition facilities. Sands, the iconic gaming brand from Las Vegas, is opening Singapore's first casino -- a business shipping has often been likened to in the past, with too many high rollers taking too many risky gambles.

However, with Sea Asia 2011 expected to outgrow its previous editions, it became plain good sense rather than a gamble for the premier maritime conference and exhibition organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to move to the new premises.

Commenting on the move, Seatrade Chairman Mr Christopher Hayman said, ”Sea Asia 2009 almost doubled in terms of net exhibition space over its inaugural event, boasting 5,533 square metres of net exhibition space and 11,000 square metres of gross space this year. Preliminary feedback and interest shown by participants suggest that the next edition is set to expand. As Sea Asia grows in size and prominence, we believe that Marina Bay Sands® which is within easy access of Singapore’s business district, will be well-positioned to receive our premier event.”

“Sea Asia is the iconic maritime show of Singapore. This mega maritime event brings together maritime leaders from different parts of the world to Singapore to attend the varied topical conference sessions, tradeshow and networking functions. Sea Asia 2009 was a great success despite the economic downturn. I’m confident that in 2011, Sea Asia will serve as the timely platform for the international shipping community to congregate to address pertinent maritime issues, network, catch up with old friends, meet new acquaintances and explore new business opportunities to push the maritime industry to greater heights,” said Mr S.S.Teo, Chairman of the Singapore Maritime Foundation.

Mr Thomas Arasi, President and CEO of Marina Bay Sands® said, “We’re thrilled to be chosen as the venue to host Sea Asia 2011. With one of the biggest and most flexible exhibition facilities in Asia, Marina Bay Sands® is becoming a venue of choice for trade show organisers. This deal is an endorsement of Marina Bay Sands® as the region’s premier integrated entertainment destination.”

Sea Asia 2011 will be held from 12-14 April and in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week 2011 organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). For more details, visit www.sea-asia.com. [13/10/09]