Nor-Shipping is revamping its knowledge-sharing offer with a brand new stage created for day-long ‘deep dives’ into fast-moving and strategically important subjects. Christened Focus Stage, the fresh platform will be situated in Hall G, a striking new glass area forming the main entrance to the exhibition halls.
All Focus Stage sessions will be open, free and accessible for all with a visitor or exhibitor pass. Its 2027 debut will be marked by dedicated day-long programmes on Maritime AI, Ports, and maritime marketing and communication. All programmes are developed by leading experts in the three areas.
Time to Focus
“Nor-Shipping, like the industry we serve, constantly evolves,” comments Sidsel Norvik, Nor-Shipping Director. “Our international audience come here not just to make connections and do business, but also to understand the very latest industry developments, helping them identify opportunity and make informed, profitable decisions.
“Focus Stage gives us a new way to meet that demand and deliver value. By joining with expert partners and dedicating an entire day to just one topic, we can explore it from different perspectives, bring relevant expertise together and give visitors a deeper understanding of what comes NEXT.”
The new platform complements the established Blue Talks as part of Nor-Shipping’s open-session offering. Its daily focus allows programmes to develop around specific audiences, while topics can change between editions to reflect emerging priorities and opportunities.
Designed to deliver
Focus Stage announces its arrival on Tuesday 8 June with a day-long dive into one of the topics shaping shipping discussions across the globe: Maritime AI. The sessions, in collaboration with The Norwegian Maritime AI Centre, will shine a spotlight on innovations, collaborations and the practical applications of AI across the industry value chain, helping the audience navigate risk and embrace opportunity.
Wednesday 9 June shifts the focus to Ports, exploring the latest steps in smart port development, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure, and collaborative approaches. It’s a unique chance to discover how ports are adapting to new technologies, evolving logistics demands, and the transition towards more efficient, connected, and resilient port ecosystems. The Norwegian Ports Association is a partner for the day’s programme.
The final day of the 2027 Focus Stage turns the spotlight on Marketing and Communications, a professional community that rarely has its own dedicated arena at major maritime events. Two special awards will be included in the day’s activities, the Stand of the Year and the Voice of the Year.
Broadening horizons
Speaking of the 10 June topic, Norvik explains: “Effective marketing and communications help maritime companies build visibility, strengthen relationships and communicate value in an increasingly competitive and complex industry, which is what exhibiting at Nor-Shipping is all about! These professionals work extremely hard and we see this as an opportunity to give them a dedicated platform, while also recognising their efforts with the new awards. This adds another dimension to the Nor-Shipping experience.
“More broadly, that’s what Focus Stage is about: creating a platform for deeper exploration of relevant topics, while making insights and expertise accessible to all Nor-Shipping visitors. We want people to find content that speaks directly to their work, but also discover perspectives and connections they might otherwise miss.”
All Focus Stage programmes feature open sessions, allowing visitors to drop in, leave for meetings and exhibition visits, and return when desired.
Alongside the new stage, the Nor-Shipping 2027 programme will feature the Ocean Leadership Conference, Blue Talks, a range of industry conferences, Technical Seminars, regional spotlights, Ocean Campus and AfterWork@AkerBrygge, bringing the global industry together in Norway for business, knowledge sharing and networking.
For further details and Focus Stage programme updates, please visit www.nor-shipping.com.
