BMEX 2021 to be staged virtually

For the first time in its history, the Barbados Manufacturers’ Exhibition (BMEX) 2021 will be held virtually because of the uncertainty regarding COVID-19.

Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) Shardae Boyce told members of the media during a press conference on Tuesday that even though there would be no physical gathering for the majority of events when BMEX is held October 29-31 under the theme ‘Resilience & Growth via Adaptation’, she is confident the main deliverables of the exhibition would be achieved.

She said in order to allow for greater involvement of a wider cross-section of local and global participants, the creation of an exhibition of substance, fitting for the current socio-economic environment, is the overall goal.

Boyce reported that over 30 businesses have already registered for this year’s exhibition, with more expected in the coming weeks.

“For the virtual BMEX, we are going to have a virtual set that really mimics the physical exhibition which people would have grown accustomed to. So, we are going to have a display of products and services that people can actually virtually navigate to see some of the products. In addition to that, we will have the e-commerce platform which is a marketplace and persons will be allowed to purchase the products,” Boyce explained.

“The experience of actually using your senses to experience the locally-manufactured product will still be there. So now you can purchase it online and we have a delivery facility so it can actually be delivered to your door. We are excited to bring those new services to BMEX, which is quite fitting for the kind of environment we are now operating in.”

BMA president John Marshall said the execution of a hybrid exhibition, which features a majority of virtual components, was introduced to BMEX this year to ensure Barbados continues to expose its products and services to the world.

He said that while hundreds of exhibitions around the world have been cancelled due to the pandemic, the BMA is moving ahead with BMEX because of steady demand from local, regional and international customers for quality Barbadian-made products.

The president said a series of webinars, shows and video content, aimed at sharing information and allowing businesses and potential manufacturers to learn from the experiences and best practices, would make up the components of this year’s exhibition.

“There will be a virtual exhibition which mimics our past physical exhibitions. In essence, this will be a business directory allowing customers to experience the products of our exhibitors through an e-commerce platform,” Marshall said.

He said the fashion show created by team members John Hunte and Adzil Stuart would be delivered in a hybrid format, and participants joining the event live will have an exclusive experience, while virtual participants will be able to view from the comfort of their homes, widening the scope of exposure for garment makers and designers. (AH)