Exhibition Centre blooming with GuyExpo 2014 hours away

WITH less than 24 hours to go before the grand opening of GuyExpo 2014, the National Exhibition Centre is indeed blooming, as exhibitors make the final adjustments to their booths and put the finishing touches on their exhibits.

Registration for this highly anticipated Trade Fair and Expo has closed, and those fortunate enough to have secured their position are busy making final adjustments in anticipation of welcoming the thousands that will throng the venue from tomorrow and throughout the mega event when it ends on Sunday.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, speaking with media operatives during a walkthrough of the exhibition site at Sophia yesterday, thanked all the corporate sponsors, noting that without their continued support events such as this would not be possible. He said that while many sponsors have always seen it fit to take part in GuyExpo, “we have attracted a number of new sponsors as well as first time booth holders” for the event this year.

A HOST OF SPONSORS

The Tourism Minister yesterday received, collectively, $16.7M from Digicel, Ansa McAl, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), E-Networks, Global Technology and new comers Corum Distributors and Shangri-la Gardens. Other sponsors for this prestigious event are Banks DIH Limited, Courts Guyana, Golden Brook, Continental Group of Companies, National Communications Network (NCN), Impressions, Star Party Rental and Barama, Minister Ali said.
Newcomer Navin Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Corum Distributors, told reporters that this is his first year and he anticipates that showcasing his products at the Expo will give him an advantage because he will be able to have a “one-on-one” with his consumers. With Gravity Lounge also under his watch, he said that they will be providing the ‘lounge’ experience, with live DJs, live shows and a well-stocked cocktail bar.
Global Technology’s CEO, George Melville noted that over the five years of the company’s participation at GuyExpo, public response has been tremendous. He said that this year “we are going to demonstrate the satellite technologies we now have, we will now be able to provide services to the interior locations such as Lethem, Madhia and Port Kaituma, among others.”

“Digicel has been on board from the beginning of things and we continue to take part and reaping the benefits from GuyExpo,” said Marketing Manager Ramesh Rupchand. He said the company anticipates as usual a great turnout and hinted that the public can expect some surprises and great deals every day of GuyExpo.

WALKABOUT
The traditional walkabout was also done yesterday with the media operatives when Events Coordinator of GuyExpo Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh highlighted the various corporate entities preparing for the much-anticipated event.

GUYANA BLOOMING
The eye-catching centerpiece chosen this year follows a floral-like concept, “Guyana Blooming”, which represents Guyana’s blooming industry sectors. It was done by Impressions. Following the floral concept, large arches serving as pictorial displays of Guyana’s vast attractions, give a captivating welcome to the exposition.

A ‘Historical Walk’ denoting the new paths Guyana continues to blaze while opening up new frontiers of development from the year 1980-2014 will be portrayed by photographs placed along the path. The layout represents the ‘Dawning of a New Day.’
Longstanding supporting entities, including Ridley’s, Augman’s, Antonio’s Grill, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl and DDL, can be expected at the International Food Court. The Party Village will showcase Guyana’s expansive line of beverages.

PLAY AREA
A Children’s Fun Park, situated at the side of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), was practically finished. The area was ideal for a safe children’s play area as it is located a distance from the Party Village.

Ministries of the Government will be showcased; the Annex will house the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Arts and Craft Association, and the Agricultural Processors Association, among others, while the Ministry of Heath will be well represented with a pavilion to sensitise the public and showcase their work. The Service Pavilion will feature booths such as GRA, NIS, small businesses and the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.
A Chinese Village depicting the commitment of stakeholders to ‘Partner for a better Guyana’ will also feature a building and housing development area, including Sunset Lakes, a housing project launched in 2011.
The Main Auditorium generally highlights the area of manufacturing with established firms such as Guy-America Furniture, AH&L Kissoon’s Furniture Store, COURTS Guyana Inc, ND&S Furniture Store, Melsha’s Furniture, National Hardware Guyana Ltd., Comfort Sleep and Global Connections. The latter will display exhibits of handcrafted furniture, marble and onyx from Pakistan.

LOCAL SUPERMARKET
Meanwhile, GuyExpo 2014 will be working in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture in light of the observance of Agriculture Month 2014. And a local supermarket stocking only local products is a new concept to look forward to. Local companies such as Edward B. Beharry & Company, Bakewell, Niki’s Juices, Suria Delight along with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agro-processors Association, and local farmers will be given aisles to showcase their goods. As with any supermarket, deals and bargains are to be expected.
Event coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh assured that “GuyExpo is 65% completed and as such it will be finished and ready by tomorrow, the opening day. She said while 395 booths were sold, their target of 400 would be achieved as requests for booths were still being received.
GuyExpo 2014 will be opened tomorrow at the Sophia Exhibition Centre by President Donald Ramotar and the acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, and continues until Sunday.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally & Raveena Mangal)