Invest SVG has kicked off the New Year with preparations for “Everything Vincy Plus” Expo 2018.
The exposition, scheduled to run from Oct. 23 – 28, promises to be a bigger and more elaborate event, attracting an increased number of local participants and will include regional participants and buyers.
This year’s expo will be the second, following on the success of the inaugural Everything Vincy Expo that took place over the Independence weekend last year.
On Wednesday, Invest SVG hosted a planning meeting with over 25 Vincentian entrepreneurs — many of whom participated in last year’s Expo — to discuss various aspects of the upcoming event to receive feedback and suggestions.
Chaired by Invest SVG’ Executive Director Annette Mark, the meeting focused on the number of participants being catered for, accompanying workshop training for exhibitors, number of local and regional buyers being invited to the event, the formation of an organizational committee (for participants), and the launching of a “Buy Local” campaign.
During the feedback session, attendees brought up various concerns and issues such as: need for a permanent site to display Vincentian products and services, marketing strategies, and assistance with bulk purchasing from China and other overseas wholesale suppliers.
Other concerns were costing/pricing assistance, how local entrepreneurs can more effectively target visiting tourists (particularly during cruise ship season), and effective/sustainable clustering of local businesses – among others.
The Everything Vincy’ Independence Expo 2017 took place from Oct. 27 – 29 at the E.T Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale.
It was designed to increase the visibility of local businesses as well as being a call-to-action for Vincentian innovators.
There was also a two-day training workshop associated with last year’s Expo, which took place on Oct. 24 and 25.