Several changes made to accommodate anticipated 100,000 at GuyExpo
PREPARATIONS for the staging of GuyExpo Trade Fair and Exhibition 2011 are underway and patrons and participants will be left in awe by the sheer magnitude of the annual event.
More than 100,000 people are expected to flock the Sophia Exhibition Site for the September 29 to October 2 show.
Under the theme ‘Enhancing Growth through Competitiveness’, the much anticipated trade fair and exposition is likely to attract even greater participation, not just from local businesses, but international contributors, as well,  with 370 display booths.
GuyExpo Public Relations (PR) Manager, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh said strategic improvements have been made to facilitate a more interactive, informative and enjoyable occasion.
During an interview with the Gyana Chronicle yesterday, he highlighted some of the plans to improve on what those who attend will see.
Haralsingh disclosed that the Organising Committee has made some changes in response to concerns raised after GuyExpo 2010, including expanding the area for exhibits, providing additional access to and from the site and the layout of the area.
There will now be two access entrances, including Duncan and Garnett Streets and the latter will be converted to two-way traffic after 22:00 hrs.
In addition to this, more ticket booths will be placed along the way, with ‘runners’ supplying tickets to patrons in their vehicles, all with the aim of easing the  traffic congestion going into the venue.
Haralsingh said there will be expanded parking, the fence having been extended to accommodate 300 more vehicles in the compound, taking the number to 1,000 that the place can accommodate.
That was done because some people complained, last year, that it took them hours to get in and out of the site.
“Again this is an instance where we are listening and obtaining feedback and working to improve,” he stated.
Haralsingh said more overseas buyers are also coming from several destinations including Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil, Dominica,The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, several of whom have already confirmed, the PR Manager disclosed.   
TESTIMONY
He said this is testimony to the fact that, across the Caribbean, people are recognising GuyExpo as the premier trade fair and exposition.
“The fact of having overseas buyers is important in any trade expo because you will be showcasing the best of your local products and one of the best ways of getting  into the export market is to attract an investor, to have overseas buyers,” he explained.
Among the new additions to this year’s exhibition, too, are the re-introduction of the Tourism Village, with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) booth in the centre, flanked by other private sector businesses.
Haralsingh said: “This shows collaboration and cooperation in tourism and we are trying to present a village to the visitors and overseas buyers and exhibitors”.
He announced, too, that several new companies have come on board, among them Caricom Cement, Guy Gas, Home Builders, Global Stars, REDjet and Global Technology, several of which will be introducing products and services for the first time.
According to him, this points to the importance of the show as a platform for new businesses and technologies, resulting in three additional service pavilions being added to accommodate 90 more booths at the exhibition venue.
“The primary focus is to showcase Guyanese products and services, innovation, creativity, talents, entrepreneurship and businesses,” Haralsingh reiterated.
The GuyExpo PR Manager took the opportunity to encourage all to attend, stating that  the cover charge is affordable, at $500 for adults and $300 for children.
Major sponsors include Digicel, GT&T, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl and DDL.