Trade fairs and exhibitions can be defined in a unified manner as a

sophisticated platform for conducting business on a national and international scale. It is more than just a marketing tool as the entire marketplace is at your fingertips. As a source of market information they fulfil your needs in a centralised way.
They provide an excellent opportunity to assess opinions from clients and determine market potential, conduct research and evaluate competition, develop commercial structures by identifying new agents and distributors, and initiating joint ventures and project partnerships.
“Exhibitions provide a unique networking platform to both Indian and foreign participants. They help in promotion, marketing and publicity efforts of participating companies. Exhibitions lead to joint ventures, tie-ups and they also help bring in investment in the Country”, says Dr. Amit Mitra, secretary general, FICCI.
Trade Fairs are becoming increasingly significant due to globalization.
These fairs give the manufacturer and consumer the unique opportunity to meet and gain in-depth knowledge of the products on show through live demonstrations. Events like this enable us, the manufacturer, to build valuable relationships with our clients, old and new.
Exhibitions give us the chance to interact with participants, in our specific industry, from all over the world, bringing us together, culturally as well as socially, to share in our ideas and knowledge.
The importance of trade fairs for the hotel industry has risen over the last few years. From 2001 to 2008 an average of about 6.8 million overnight-stays a year were generated by the fairs studied by the Society for the Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics (FKM). These were in Düsseldorf, Hanover, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne, Berlin, Nuremberg, Essen, Leipzig and Stuttgart. Düsseldorf’s hotel industry benefits most from trade fairs with more than 1.4 million overnight stays, while the biggest impact on the surrounding area is recorded in Hanover. Overall, trade shows and exhibitions represent an important tool for generating additional demand for the hotel and catering industry, and with its positive macroeconomic effects (indirect returns). This is the conclusion of a study called “The Importance of Trade Fairs for the Hotel Industry” recently released by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
The Government of Guyana recognising the importance and benefits of trade fairs, through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the private sector, initiated Guyana’s trade fair – Guyexpo many years ago. From thereon it has grown every year and has significantly helped to boost business for our private sector and stimulate economic growth.
Continuing the growth trend of Guyexpo, the organisers have disclosed that this year will see a record participation, with many new participants, and the total number of participants exceeding last year by some 60-odd exhibitors.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali announced that already 265 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, even as the organisers, are in the process of finalising the involvement of another previously registered 69.
These will include 65 more than the 268 exhibitors who participated in 2012.
Last year, the exhibition saw investors from Canada, the United States (U.S.), Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, among others, participating.
Growing importance
Testimony to the growing importance of it, this year, will be the largest international involvement, with a record 14 companies from China expressing interest and signing up to participate, Ali disclosed, as well.
He said those companies are in the area of manufacturing, plumbing, electronics, forestry and mineral exploration.
This is good news for our business community and for our national economy as well.
However, there are a few concerns/criticisms which hopefully will be addressed before the next Guyexpo. One of them is the present site for the event is running out of space, because of its growth every year, consequently, there is a lot of congestion and confusion which of course is fertile breeding ground for criminal activities. Also, if there is an emergency which requires fast evacuation of people the congestion could prove to be a challenge.
The other concern is the event seems to be focusing too much on entertainment and a source of noise nuisance and therefore attention is diverted from the core issue of business and trade.