London - 19/06/09

European Coastline Fair to debut in Brittany this October

The European Coastline Fair, the first trade show on the economy and management of coastlines, will take place from 6 to 8 October 2009 in Lorient, in Brittany. This unique event will feature B-to-B meetings for companies supplying equipment, technology and services relating to the coastline economy.

The first European Coastline Fair will feature business meetings alongside conferences focusing on participants´ approaches to the challenges of the sector. No other exhibition of this kind takes place in Europe and representatives of European coastline regions have, therefore, decided to work in consultation with economic players from the sector in order to create an event focused on coastline development. The trade show will enable players in the industry to meet and exchange views on a host of topical issues, over a space of 7,500 m².

Exhibiting companies will represent a wide range of sectors, including maritime engineering, public-sector construction, transport, the environment, telecommunications and finance. These exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet visitors, decision-makers, executives and managers from across Europe.

Alongside business meetings, the trade show will provide an opportunity for visitors to gather information on the various challenges facing the sector. To this end, conferences and round tables will be organised by Cap l´Orient (Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Lorient – Lorient Area Community). These events will present the latest insights, technologies and achievements in the development, planning, management and protection of coastlines. The themes addressed will include the European Union’s maritime policy associated with coastline development, and environmentally responsible yachting behaviour.

The European Coastline Fair will be sponsored by 40 partners from across the EU, including the European Commission; the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Town & Country Planning; the French Secretary of State for the Sea; the Regional Council of Brittany; and the Council of the Département of Morbihan. Other participating organisations will include the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (an organisation bringing together representatives of 160 coastline regions across Europe); the Association Nationale des Élus du Littoral (French association for elected representatives of coastal regions); Cap l’Orient; and the Atlantic Arc Commission (the geographical commission covering the Atlantic coast within the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe). The quality and variety of participants is unprecedented in the sector.

About the European Coastline Fair

The European Coastline Fair (Salon Européen du Littoral – SEL) will take place from 6 to 8 October 2009 at the Parc des Expositions in Lorient, in Brittany (in the west of France).

Lorient, which is located in the heart of southern Brittany, was chosen to host the event because of its diverse and dynamic maritime economy. The town and its port are well-known for the innovative research carried out by companies and organisations in the area.

For further information, please go to: www.sel-expo.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Kate AMBLER – Press Officer

UBIFRANCE Press Office in London

Telephone: 020-7235-5330

Email: kate.ambler@ubifrance.fr

Web site: www.ftpb.co.uk

UBIFRANCE UK #3279