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Many Alaska fishing industry players are on the opposite coast this week for a huge event, the International Boston Seafood Show.

By the title, it almost sounds like a party, perhaps with performing fish and dancing crabs.

In fact, it's regarded as an important event for making business connections and pushing the "Alaska brand."

How important?

Trade shows generate big sales, says the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which has a festive booth in Boston.

According to ASMI's latest annual report, companies working with ASMI at a major trade show in Europe in 2008 made $31 million in on-site sales.