With just five days to GuyExpo, preparations are going as planned to finalise the event.
In an interview with Guyana Times event coordinator Tameka Sukhdeo-Singh expressed delight at the way things are going on Guyana’s premier trade fair: “As of today, as you walk around the compound you will see our preparations are in full bloom. We are ready.”
Exhibitors are on course but the rains seemingly are posing a threat to the preparations. However, this will not stop the event from
The arch at the entrance to the Sophia Exhibition Centre
opening on 12 May.
GuyExpo which previously was under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is now under the Ministry of Business and will now take a more business-oriented approach in keeping with its theme “Promoting enterprises, Driving Productivity.”
Sukhdeo-Singh noted that the planning committee along with Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, are working to make this event for the exhibitors a more business-oriented event.
The main focus of the event is to help with expansion of small- and medium-scale businesses in order to contribute to the economy.
When the event began in 1995, from 200 exhibitors it kept growing, with this year 400 booths are expected to be occupied. Among these are over 50 first-timers including Fernandes Bread Box, and others.
In recognition of Guyana’s golden jubilee, the coordinators of GuyExpo are looking to have a lot of groups to show the progress they have made over the years and bring back the vintage style that will be incorporated in the décor of GuyExpo.
Exhibitors such as luminous women are looking to do the ‘old dollar sweeties’ and Torginol paints will be using old advertisements.
This year the business exhibitors can expect four workshops. These workshops include packaging and promotion. There is the need for local investors to be able to appreciate the importance of a brand and the large companies can share with microcompanies to help develop them, Singh outlined.
Another important feature according to the coordinator is “a social media marketing workshop which is one of the most fundamental areas for a business to grow in this generation.”
Access to finance and business planning are the two other workshops within the GuyExpo plans.
The coordinator highlighted that security is up-to-date with close-circuit television around the entire compound.
While this year may be different, the usual sponsors are on board such as Digicel, GTT, DDL, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl, among others.
The expo plans for families with comedy shows and skits on Friday while Saturday and Sunday will see concerts by DDL and Ansa McAl.
Ten special gate prizes every night of the exhibition will include ipads, Xboxes, Cellphones, and a lot more.
Sukhdeo-Singh emphasised GuyExpo is the place to be.
The premier event is expected to run from the 12 to 15h May at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
