Everything Vincy Expo expensive but worthwhile event – Beache

The 2023 Everything Vincy Plus Expo was a difficult undertaking for Invest SVG – with the challenge of building out the largest venue to date and a multiplicity of logistical hiccups, Executive Director, Glen Beache said the lessons have been noted for next year’s event.

Beache spoke to SEARCHLIGHT after the conclusion of the four-day event which closed on October 29. This year, the Expo had a new home after the move from the Geest Shed in Kingstown and was held on the northern side of the decomissioned ET Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale.

He said while the venue was much more spacious to accommodate the increased number of exhibitors, over 130 in total, the setup was not only challenging but also very expensive, with the cost of electricity alone amounting to over EC$30,000.

“It was the first time we were building out like that. I think we underestimated how much work we had to do in terms of putting in in the AC (air-conditioning). The bigger the area is the more you have to brand, running electricity, water… all of those things come into play. It was a very expensive venture. We don’t come anywhere close to breaking even but overall it is well worth it.”

Beache admitted that late planning put pressure on the team, as they only completed the setup the night before the October 26 opening.

“Over the years, the event has become bigger as well as the expectations of the participants and patrons. I think one of the issues we had this year was that we started the planning too late.

For something like this, you need to start the planning at least six months in advance because it has grown so much.”

Despite the tremendous financial burden of mounting the event, the organizers consider the long-term benefits to the exhibitors a plus.

“It did not go perfect … you can’t judge the success off of what they sold. While you may not have made as much sales as you wanted to at the event, the connection with the buyers is so important. It is much about the awareness and the publicity.”

Beache said he has noted and is disappointed by the negative commentary from the public as it relates to the participation of Guyanese businesses in the Expo.

He criticized those who decried the regional link, noting that there were also benefits for Vincentian businesses as well.

“I think those who question this are very selfish, because we expect our products to be imported into other Caribbean islands and many other islands have these sorts of expos. It’s two-fold… they brought their products here to see what business they can do in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but not only did they do that, they made connections where they will be taking some of our products to Guyana to sell and that is what you want.”

He revealed that the regional link is expected to expand further in 2024 with St Lucian and Trinidadian businesses on the cards to attend.

With a “bigger and better” event promised by Beache for 2024, he said Invest SVG has to take on the assignment of seeking out a new and hopefully permanent home for Everything Vincy Expo.