Every year, Norway hosts trade fairs that attract thousands of industry professionals from all over the world. These events offer companies the opportunity to showcase innovative solutions, discuss hot topics in the industry, and strengthen their network. Here you can read about Norway’s extensive experience with the organisation of trade fairs.
Trade events for Norway’s key industries
Norway has grown into a leading destination for trade events. All large cities have convention centres that are suitable for industry trade shows where businesses can showcase, display, demonstrate and discuss their latest products and services. We're especially at the forefront in our key sectors energy, oil and gas; aquaculture and seafood; ocean and maritime; and sustainable development.
The main recurring events for professionals in the energy, oil, and gas industries are ONS in Stavanger and Offshore Technology Days (OTD), which alternates between Stavanger and Bergen. The aquaculture and seafood industries have their yearly highlight in Trondheim at Aqua Nor and Nor-Fishing, and in Bergen at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum. For professionals in the ocean and maritime industries, there is Nor-Shipping, a large event that takes place every two years in Oslo (Lillestrøm). In Tromsø, finally, Arctic Frontiers is a yearly congress/exhibition focusing on responsible and sustainable development of the Arctic region. These events give thousands of industry professionals from all over the world the opportunity to get in touch with each other.

Photo: Jo Straube
Engaging activities
To offer attendees and exhibitors a great experience and engage them during the event, most trade fairs organise different activities.
Attendees can get to know the companies at their stand or through mini-conferences, presentations and interactive seminars. Another common format that sparks interesting conversations is a panel discussion on a certain industry topic. These discussions boost debates and offer great learnings for everyone involved.
Aqua Nor and OTD also organise a special day for students. The students get free access to the event and can take an active part in the exhibition. They can explore the stands, get inspired by industry professionals, learn which steps to take to pursue a career in the industry, and maybe even find an interesting job opportunity!
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Case study: Offshore Technology Days
OTD is the leading exhibition and conference for the Norwegian energy industry. Attracting around 500 companies and up to 20,000 visitors from more than 30 countries every year, it is the perfect platform to showcase and discuss solutions for a sustainable future.
Elisabeth Bugge
Manager Congress
Innovation Norway
Akersgata 13
P.O.Box 448 Sentrum
NO-0104 Oslo
Direct phone: +47 984 80 050
Email: elisabeth.alethe.bugge@innovationnorway.no
Key sectors
Energy, oil & gas
Aquaculture & seafood
Ocean & maritime
Sustainable development
Largest exhibition space
Norway Exhibition and Convention Centre in Oslo has 39,000 square metres of exhibition space, a seated meeting capacity of 12,000 people, and a total standing capacity of 40,000.
Central locations
All congress centres in Norway are close to the city centre, easily reached thanks to well-connected and sustainable transportation options.
Photo: Kjetil Hansen Arctic Drive
Photo: Stiftelsen Nor-Fishing/GerhardsenKarlsen
Photo: Aqua Nor
Photo: Marianne Mork
Not only business, also entertainment
Most trade fairs offer informal meetings and activities for participants to have fun together. Nor Shipping hosts the Nor Shipping BBQ, a big garden party where hundreds of participants enjoy fine food and drinks in a relaxed social setting. OTD organises their “Octoberfest”, a big social gathering with great food and entertainment to bring companies and clients closer together.
These festive parts often include entertainment such as an award ceremony to put the spotlight on great achievements in the industry. A few examples at ONS are the Best Stand Award, Best Young Professional Company award, or the Petroleum Safety Award. At the Aqua Nor trade fair, the Nor-Fishing Foundation hands out awards for best stand, innovation, and environmentally safe innovations. These awards are an additional incentive for exhibiting companies to provide their best possible work.
Most social events take place close to the city centre and you can reach them either on foot or by sustainable transportation.
Get on the right track to organise your trade fair
Are you thinking about organising a trade fair in Norway? Get in touch with us and we’ll put you on the right track!
Elisabeth Bugge
Manager Congress
Innovation Norway
Akersgata 13
P.O.Box 448 Sentrum
NO-0104 Oslo
Direct phone: +47 984 80 050
Email: elisabeth.alethe.bugge@innovationnorway.no
Key sectors
Energy, oil & gas
Aquaculture & seafood
Ocean & maritime
Sustainable development
Largest exhibition space
Norway Exhibition and Convention Centre in Oslo has 39,000 square metres of exhibition space, a seated meeting capacity of 12,000 people, and a total standing capacity of 40,000.
Central locations
All congress centres in Norway are close to the city centre, easily reached thanks to well-connected and sustainable transportation options.
Reasons to choose Norway
Getting to and around Norway is easy
The flight time to the capital Oslo is only a couple of hours from most European cities. There are also many greener transport options available. Thanks to a strong focus on electric transport, it is also easy to move around sustainably within Norway.
Norway puts sustainability first
Norway has made it a top priority to preserve the country’s wild, unspoiled nature. We are working hard towards a more sustainable society, and this includes the MICE sector. You will find a strong focus on green incentives and hotels, eco-friendly local food, and electric transport.
Norway offers great value for money
How expensive is Norway? Well, we actually have great news for event organisers – venues and accommodation offer excellent facilities at competitive prices. Many Norwegian convention venues and hotels offer perfectly affordable options, even among the lowest in Europe.
Norway is a safe country
Norway has put many precautions in place to safeguard against COVID-19. Together with low crime- and corruption rates, it is one of the safest countries in the world. Just be sure to check out any safety recommendations and precautions in place for outdoors adventures.
Nature just outside the meeting room
Glittering fjords, flowing waterfalls, and majestic mountains do wonders to boost teamwork and spark creativity and idea generation. In Norway, it is easy to find the perfect backdrop for your meeting or conference. And the northern lights or the midnight sun are included at no extra cost!
Destinations
Thinking about organising a business meeting, corporate event or congress in Norway, but not sure where in the country to go? Get to know the main conference destinations here.
Venues
In Norway, you can count on top-quality conference facilities for smooth events of up to 12,000 people. Use our advanced search function to find the perfect meeting room, conference centre, banqueting hall, exhibition space or outdoor venue.
Contact us
Norway has a wide selection of high-quality hotels and excellent event facilities in beautiful nature. Let us help you find the right venue for your meeting or other event – it’s the perfect destination to get inspired together!