A DanFish Legend Says Farewell

After 24 years as an advertising consultant for the Danish Fishermen’s Association and as part of the DanFish steering committee, Torben Lehmann is stepping down. We sat down with him to reminisce about some of his best DanFish memories over the years.

24 years – 12 DanFish exhibitions.
That’s the tally for Torben Lehmann, who for that reason could rightfully be called “a DanFish legend.” In addition to having served as advertising consultant for the Danish Fishermen’s Association throughout all those years, he has also been part of the steering committee that helps set the direction for the DanFish exhibition. And that role has brought with it many fond memories.

When asked about some of his most memorable DanFish moments, Torben immediately points to the years when they served “something different” to eat at their stand.

– For example, there was one year when we served sushi with great success, and one of the visitors accidentally took an entire spoonful of wasabi in his mouth at once. He definitely needed a beer to wash that down! Then there was the year we served fish ’n’ chips, which were ‘snapped up’ immediately. And then there was the luxury year, when the food was prepared by Hotel Britania and we tried to highlight some of the lesser-known fish species – not the typical ones people eat – but which can be absolutely delicious, Torben Lehmann explains.

A Networker at Heart
There aren’t many people at DanFish who don’t know who Torben is. As he puts it himself, he has a look that doesn’t exactly make it easy for him to blend into the crowd – and he doesn’t try to.

– I love talking to people. And I can do it for a long time. It’s actually quite funny – my family and I made a deal that when we went on holiday down south, they would get an ice cream from me if we had been in a place for half an hour and I hadn’t run into someone I knew. I don’t think I’ve ever had to buy that ice cream, he laughs.

Meeting Torben Lehmann, you immediately sense his warmth, drive and commitment – qualities that also shine through in his approach to DanFish and the many people he has met at the exhibition every other year.

– DanFish is truly something special. One of the things that stands out to me is the pride and enthusiasm everyone has for their industry. I really take my hat off to that. And another unique aspect of DanFish is that you meet many of the same people year after year. The trade is passed on through generations, and I find it fascinating to talk to people like that, he elaborates.

Leaving a Mark
Being part of the DanFish steering committee is something Torben Lehmann has greatly appreciated, and he’s clear about the mark he hopes to have left on DanFish.

– I think my role has often been to come up with ideas on how we might do things smarter. Sometimes they were smarter—other times, maybe not. But I think I’ve been good at asking the kind of questions that make people stop and think twice about things and ideas, Torben says.

When the doors close on this year’s DanFish exhibition on Thursday afternoon, it will also mark Torben Lehmann’s last day of work before heading home.

But the importance of good networking—and the opportunities it can create—is something Torben Lehmann can certainly vouch for. In fact, his collaboration with AKKC has led to him performing with his band on the big stage in Aalborghallen on several occasions. And in addition to possibly taking on a new job in the fisheries sector within communication and marketing, he says it’s time to “go all in on the music.”