TIC 2018 Manufactuer E-MAG

2018
JULY 4TH - 7TH, 2019
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, MACOYA, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
REGISTER ONLINE TTMA.COM/TIC
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Message
FROM THE
President
Vision
To be the voice of the manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago, creating value and
providing world class service to our membership.
Mission
Increasing the value and growth of the Manufacturing Sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) celebrates the
20th Year of hosting our annual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) which
will next be held from 4th- 7th July, 2019 at the Center of Excellence, Macoya.
As TIC grows and becomes even more successful every year, our aim is to continue
to increase the qualitative and quantitative returns for those participating in the
show. What does this mean? It means ensuring that the right persons are present
who are eager to do business with you the exhibitor during the business days of the
show. It means attracting the right members of the public so that they become more
familiar with and interested in your brand.
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The interactive opportunities offered at the show have been found to be immeasurably
beneficial to creation of brand recognition and loyalty for our participants. The theme for
TIC 2019
Building A Vision
20 YEARS STRONG
pushes the boundary in which we seek to further the competitiveness of our manufacturers
locally and regionally while doing all we can as an association to ensure that the linkages
which are made at TIC are maintained through a facilitative environment in which business
can flourish.
As we continue to work closely with our members to penetrate new markets and reinforce
our relationships with existing markets via our trade missions to Cuba, Dominican
Republic, Jamaica and Guyana, we also seek to bring these players to our home turf at
TIC. The TTMA wants to ensure that buyers who visit TIC receive the message loud and
clear that Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the region, are prepared to do business.
In this edition of our magazine, you would read of the successes from exhibitors
themselves who participated in TIC 2018, learn about what the show itself has to offer its
different markets and understand what it means to be a buyer at TIC.
I am inviting you to join us to be a part of TIC 2019 which celebrates our 20th year of this
successful event and join the many who continue to reap the benefits which the show
undoubtedly has to offer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
MR. CHRISTOPHER ALCAZAR
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
MS. FRANKA COSTELLOE
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
DR. MIKAEEL MOHAMMED
CORPORATE SECRETARY
MR. COLIN SABGA
MR. ROBIN LEWIS
MR. ANTHONY FARAH
MR. PHILIPPE AGOSTINI
MR. GEORGE NAIME
MR. RYAN LEWIS
MR. DALE PARSON
MR. RODNEY COWAN
MR. IAN MITCHELL
MS. TRICIA COOSAL
MR. PATRICIO TORRES
MR. GARY AWAI
MR. JOHN DE SILVA
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$
1. Finance
First Citizens Bank seminar “3 in 1 Financial Seminar” focused
3. Marketing
TTMA, in collaboration with AC Marketing, hosted a seminar
Business
Education
SERIES AT TIC 2018
$
on three topics – mobile banking solutions for SMEs; the role
of equities and mutual funds in investments; and purchasing
managed portfolios (with emphasis on the National Investment
Fund). Members of staff from the Bank were present to answer
any questions pertaining to the various financial solutions
available.
2. Doing business iN
external markets
The Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao delivered
entitled “5 Ways to Make Money from Your Website”, which
focused on e-commerce solutions that could assist SMEs increase
their sales and (consequently) their profits.
4. Business Development
“Incentives for Manufacturing in Trinidad and Tobago” was the
name of the seminar hosted by the TTMA and Ernst & Young.
This seminar explored the various fiscal incentives that are
available to manufacturers, and featured presentations from
Ernst & Young and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
As with past years, the TIC featured a business
education series from Thursday, 5 July 2018 to
Friday, 6 July 2018 at the Cattleya Lounge and
Petrea Room (which are both located at the Centre
of Excellence). Seminars were hosted by both
private sector and government entities, and by both
local and foreign TIC participants. Several themes
were explored during the 2018 edition of the Series,
which provided the opportunity for manufacturers
to have a holistic learning experience (these themes
are identified below). Furthermore, the seminars
were hosted from key personnel from relevant
organisations who were competent to respond to
questions that were posed during each seminar.
Additionally, participants seized the opportunity
to network with the presenters, so that follow-up
discussions can be held. This year, the following
themes were addressed during the series:
a presentation on “Doing Business in Curaçao”. This seminar
featured senior government officials who focused on the benefits
of investing in (and trading with) this country.
Also, the Embassy of Cuba in collaboration with the Chamber
of Commerce of Cuba & exporTT, hosted its seminar on doing
business in Cuba entitled “Cuba: New Business Opportunities”.
Similar to the seminar above, this seminar featured
representatives from the three institutions who focused on the
benefits of investing in (and trading with) this country.
Additionally, Invest Saint Lucia (which is the investment
promotion agency of St. Lucia), hosted a seminar on “Doing
business in Saint Lucia”. Similar to the aforementioned seminars,
this seminar featured a representative from Invest Saint Lucia
who focused on the benefits of investing in (and trading with)
this country.
Furthermore, Caribbean Export Development Agency,
in collaboration with the European Union delegation to
CARIFORUM, hosted a seminar entitled “Promoting Intra-
CARIFORUM Trade and Investment”. This seminar featured a
panel discussion with representatives from the Government
(EU delegation) and the private sector (Barbados, Dominican
Republic and Trinidad & Tobago) that was focused on exploiting
the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
A seminar on illicit trade was also held. This seminar featured
case studies on illicit trade, and featured presentations from M.
Hamel-Smith & Company and the Intellectual Property Office of
the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs.
There was also a seminar on warehouse racking. “Safety 101
Warehouse Racking” featured a presentation by Industrial
Engineering Solutions Ltd that educated participants on the safe
methods for packing of goods in warehouses.
The National Energy Corporation’s seminar, “New Wave Business
Opportunities”, provided attendees with information on the
various opportunities for manufacturing that are available in the
energy sector, namely renewables, petrochemicals and energybased
manufacturing.
Personalized Quality Systems Limited launched the priorityTM
software during the TIC. The launch focused on the numerous
benefits that this resource planning software can bring to
companies both large and small.
5. New Technology
bmobile presented a new form of technology called “Car Hub”,
which allows the user to keep passengers entertained with in-car
Wi-Fi, stay connected with the vehicle via diagnostic alerts, and
to monitor the vehicle in real-time via GPS.
If you are interested in hosting a seminar at TIC2019, our 20th
year of TIC which promises to be even bigger than 2018, please
contact Mr. Christian George at trade@ttma.com or 675-886
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The 19th anniversary of the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC 2018) hosted by the Trinidad
and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) took place from Thursday 5th July – Sunday 8th
July, 2018 at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Trinidad and Tobago. TIC 2018 was sponsored by
the Ministry of Trade and Industry, First Citizens, TSTT/Blink-Bmobile, Balroop’s and S.M. Jaleel
Company Limited.
As we recognized this milestone, TIC has undergone significant rebranding in an effort to create
and foster business locally, regionally and internationally. As such, the theme of TIC 2018 was
“New Horizons, New Opportunities!”.
This year’s theme signified the core purpose of the Trade and Investment Convention, which is the
expansion of Business Opportunities for manufacturers and service providers across the region.
It serves as an impetus for regional and international trade and the possibilities for finding new
markets for both macro and micro enterprises.
TIC 2018 was deemed a resounding success across the board, as it attracted over 15,200
attendees/participants. The Exhibitor population consisted of 212 registered companies occupying
253 booths, 3 pavilions and 6 sponsor pavilions, representing local, regional and international
markets. A significant remainder of companies exhibited under other business and/or chambers
and agencies from across the region.
There were over 23 business sectors showcased in TIC 2018 with Food & Beverage and Construction
having the largest number of participants. However, significant numbers were also noted from the
Printing, Publishing, Packaging & Paper Convertors sector, the Information and Communication
Sector and the Automotive Sector.
The number of exhibitors, attendees and diverse sectors represented, indicates the continued
interest in local companies (manufacturers and service providers) as well as regional and
international companies wanting to take advantage of the exposure to new customers and markets
that TIC facilitates.
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MY TOP
TAKEAWAYS FROM TIC 2018
BELOW ARE OUR TOP 7 TAKEAWAYS FROM
THE 2018 CONVENTION:
1. BE READY AND JUMP! – From the minute we saw the
TIC competition being advertised on social media, we jumped
at the opportunity and entered. The competition was quite
opportune as in the preceding months, we had been exploring
options on how to break into new markets. We were truly
delighted when we were announced as one of three winners
and committed to putting our best foot forward to represent
Trinidad and Tobago.
Described as the largest business networking event in the Caribbean, the Trade and Investment
Convention 2018 convened over 15,000 buyers, manufacturers and consumers from the
Caribbean, North America, Australia and Africa, from July 5th – 8th at the Centre of Excellence,
Macoya.
TIC 2018 was a whirlwind yet rewarding experience in more ways than one. From competing in
the pitch competition, to being announced one of three winners, to participating in exhilarating
television and radio interviews, this experience was a dream come through for For The Record
Ltd. Our Team left the Convention reinvigorated, refocused and recommitted to advancing the
FTR brand to the world!
2. STANDOUT – When it came to decorating our booth, we
vacillated between presenting a clean corporate image and a
more artsy/creative vibe. We knew that whatever we decided,
we wanted it to be a true representation of the FTR brand.
Eventually we opted for a fusion of both options, which was well
received by our booth visitors and evidently by the TIC judges
as well. We were awarded Best Booth (Small) at TIC 2018. Our
takeaway? Be true to your brand. Focus on what’s right for your
company, not on what others and doing or what has been done
before.
3. EXCELLENCE ALWAYS WINS – throughout the
Convention, we were constantly humbled, yet bursting with
pride when our booth visitors repeatedly commented on how
uniquely innovative our products are. We were even more
blown away when they mistakenly took us for an international
company until we beamingly explained that we were established
and operate right here in T&T. Such kind sentiments served to
buoy our confidence to continue to produce quality products
and strengthened our resolve to take our international level
product to the world. This experience also reiterated for us
the importance of exuding passion for your brand and infusing
excellence into our product offerings. Customers feel this and
respond to it.
4. ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE - TIC provided a
platform upon which we were able to showcase our products
to new audiences and network with actual and potential clients,
particularly firms and business owners. The exposure to local
and foreign suppliers and buyers was invaluable. Networking
is a powerful tool in advancing any business. We were able
to connect with shipping and logistics companies, packaging
firms and other emerging brands with whom we were able to
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share experiences. On the consumer days, we really enjoyed
interacting with customers and introducing them to our products.
We received amazing feedback and patronage which were very
encouraging. Overall, it was very heartening to see the diversity
and calibre of products/services that are being offered by our
local manufacturers.
5. BE TRANSFORMATIVE, NOT TRANSACTIONAL
- from the inception of FTR, we wanted our company to be a
brand with a purpose beyond just making a profit. Our larger
vision is to educate our clients and by extension our population
on how to live greener lifestyles by reducing their carbon
footprint. At FTR Ltd. we incorporate a ‘green’ approach into
every aspect of our operations. We re-purpose vinyl albums
as a viable alternative to unsafe disposal practices such as
incineration and dumping in landfills. Our clocks come packaged
in boxes made from recycled paper and re-usable, eco-friendly
tote bags. Our larger mission is therefore one of environmental
conservation and responsible waste management. In keeping
with this mission, we used our TIC platform as an opportunity to
raise our voice and create change in people’s lives. This is part of
our corporate social responsibility.
6. THE POWER OF GIVEAWAYS – Let’s face it: people
love ‘free ting’. Because of the nature of our product we were not
able to give samples however we decided to have our first ever
giveaway. Over the course of the Convention days we invited
our booth visitors to follow us on social media for a chance to
win a record clock of their choice. The draw was done on the
last day of the trade fair (Sunday). This activity introduced a new,
fun dimension into our customer relations which we thoroughly
enjoyed and will definitely employ again in the future.
7. THE IMPORTANCE OF STELLAR BUSINESS
SUPPORT - From the onset, the TTMA’s staff was very
responsive to our questions and their attentiveness throughout
the event made it evident that they genuinely had our best
interest at heart. We especially loved the Proudly T&T Campaign
and Business Education Programme. TTMA’s professionalism,
foresight and overall event management made TIC 2018 a world
class trade show! Can’t wait for TIC 2019!!
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FOR THE RECORD LTD. (FTR)
WAS FOUNDED IN 2016 AND SPECIALIZES IN
UNIQUE, HANDMADE, CUSTOMIZABLE CLOCKS
MADE FROM UPCYCLED VINYL RECORDS.
CONTACT
PHONE: 1 868 713 3074
EMAIL: FORTHERECORDLTD@GMAIL.COM
FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FORTHERECORDLTD/
IG: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/FORTHERECORDLTD/
“
TIC TESTIMONIAL
On behalf of De Jeunesse Bath & Body, I must state with extreme gratitude to TTMA’s staff for allowing us to be a part of the 2018
Trade and Investment Convention (TIC). Owning a small business from the age of 23 came with challenges and rewarding experiences.
Winning a booth at this year’s tradeshow was surely rewarding. The opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, B2B meetings with
potential distributors and exporter are just a few things benefited from. We also had the great privilege of meeting hundreds of new
customers over a three day period which grew our list of clientele tremendously.
The business of skin care is a very competitive space not just locally but regionally. The markets are plagued with commercial products
that are harmful to the skin with long-term side effects. Educating people about these harmful facts was one of our main tasks during the
TIC event. This helped us to grow, and become more valuable as our new customers understand why our local, handmade soaps and
lotions should be their preferred choice in order to “Maintain their Youthful Skin the Natural Way”. If you want your business to grow,
attending next year’s TIC event is a no-brainer! Thank you TTMA for not only helping me to grow but for providing the stepping stones
to make my small family business into a legacy.”
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Anguilla
A coral and limestone island at the northern tip of the Leewards,
the British overseas territory of Anguilla is best known as an
upmarket destination for tourists and a haven for the wealthy.
• Population 13,550
• Area 96 sq km (37 sq miles)
• Major language English
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 79 years (men), 81 years (women)
• Currency East Caribbean dollar
• UN, World Bank
Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends
heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and
remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism
industry has spurred the growth of the construction sector
contributing to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put
substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,
which is small but growing. In the medium term, prospects for
the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and,
therefore, on revived income growth in the industrialized nations
as well as on favorable weather conditions.
Bahamas
A former British colony and now a Commonwealth member, the
country is a major centre for offshore finance and has one of
the world’s largest open-registry shipping fleets. The Bahamas
enjoys a high per capita income.
• Population 391,000
• Area 13,939 sq km (5,382 sq miles)
• Major language English
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 72 years (men), 78 years (women)
• Currency Bahamian dollar
• UN, World Bank
After having been strongly impacted by the global financial
crisis, the Bahamas returned to positive economic growth. In its
latest analysis, the IMF estimated Bahamas’ GDP to have grown
1.7% in 2017, projecting a 2.5% growth for 2018, driven by the
phased opening of Baha Mar and related construction activity
and by a stronger U.S. economy. In fact, the country is highly
dependent on the economic situation of the United States. The
Bahamas has a very high GDP per capita (the fourth highest rate
in the Americas at about USD 25,916 in 2017, IMF).
Countries
PRESENT AT TIC 2018
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s most prosperous
nations, thanks to its tourism industry and offshore financial
services, but a reliance on tourism makes the nation vulnerable
to downturns in the world market.
• Population 100,000
• Area 442 sq km (170 sq miles)
• Major language English
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 74 (men) 79 (women)
• Currency East Caribbean dollar
• UN, World Bank
Some 30% of land on Antigua is under crops or potentially arable,
with 18% in use. Sea-island cotton is a profitable export crop. A
modest amount of sugar is harvested each year, and there are
plans for production of ethanol from sugarcane. Vegetables,
including beans, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, plantains, squash,
tomatoes, and yams, are grown mostly on small family plots for
local markets.
Barbados
Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean
islands. Political, economic and social stability have given it a
relatively high standard of living.
• Population 285,000
• Area 430 sq km (166 sq miles)
• Major language English (Bajan, an English-African dialect,
is widely used)
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 73 years (men), 78 years (women)
• Currency Barbadian dollar
• UN, World Bank
The current growth forecast for 2018 has been revised downward
to –0.25 per cent to 0.25 per cent, below the last quarter
projected growth forecast of 0.5 per cent to one per cent.
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Grenada
The tiny Caribbean island of Grenada is one of the smallest
independent countries in the western hemisphere.
Known as the Spice Island, it is the world’s second-largest
producer of nutmeg after Indonesia and a significant producer
of mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It also boasts beautiful
scenery with fertile valleys, rainforests and mountain lakes and its
tropical climate and excellent beaches are a big draw for tourists.
• Population 105,000
• Area 344 sq km (133 sq miles)
• Major languages English (official), French patois
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 74 years (men), 78 years (women)
• Currency East Caribbean dollar
• UN, World Bank
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Grenada was worth 1.12
billion US dollars in 2017. The GDP value of Grenada represents
less than 0.01 percent of the world economy. GDP in Grenada
averaged 0.47 USD Billion from 1977 until 2017, reaching an alltime
high of 1.12 USD Billion in 2017 and a record low of 0.07
USD Billion in 1977.
PANAMA
• Population: 3.93 million (UN, 2016)
• Capital: Panama City
• Area: 75,517 sq km (29,157 sq miles)
• Major languages: Spanish, English
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 74 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN
2013)
• Monetary unit: 1 balboa = 100 cents
• Main exports: Bananas, fish, shrimp, petroleum products
• GNI per capita: US$ 10,700 (World Bank, 2012-13)
• Internet domain: .pa
• International dialling code: +507
Panama is a strong economic powerhouse that is supported by
the services provided to the Panama Canal and the country’s
banking system. Services include operating the Panama Canal,
logistics, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container
ports, flagship registry, and tourism. Economic growth will be
bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began
in 2007 and is estimated to be completed by 2015 at a cost
of $5.3 billion .The expansion project will more than double
the Canal’s capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are
too large to traverse the existing canal. The country’s average
growth of 8.4% between 2007 and 2013 has made it one of the
fastest growing economies in Latin America and one of the more
sound economies (the country was able to successfully weather
the global economic crisis which began in 2008). Indeed, the
Republic of Panama remains a natural point of transit-be it
money through its national financial centre , goods through its
canal or people through its expanding airport.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a middle-income country, with
the largest economy in Central America and the Caribbean
(WorldBank) Once ruled by Spain, the Dominican Republic shares
the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a former French colony. The
Caribbean nation is a major tourist destination. This, coupled
with free-trade zones, has become the country’s major employer
and key sources of revenue, replacing dependence on sugar,
coffee and other exports.
In recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the
economy’s largest employer, due to growth in telecommunications,
tourism, and free trade zones. The economy is highly dependent
upon the United States, the destination for approximately half of
exports. Remittances from the US amount to about 5% of GDP,
equivalent to about a third of exports and two-thirds of tourism
receipts. According to Forbes (2014), the Dominican Republic
(DR), suffers from marked income inequality; the poorest half
of the population receives less than one-fifth of GDP, while the
richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of GDP. High unemployment and
underemployment remains a long-term challenge.
• Capital: Santo Domingo
• Major Languages: Spanish
• Monetary Unit: 1 Dominican peso = 100 centavos
• GNI Per Capita: US$ 5,700 (World bank 2014)
• Population: 10.40 Million (World Bank 2013)
• Area: 48,072 sq km (18,696 sq miles)
• Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
• Main exports: Ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa,
tobacco, meats
Haiti
Haiti became the world’s first black-led republic and the first
independent Caribbean state when it threw off French colonial
control and slavery in the early 19th century.
100% Juices
No added sugar
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• Population 10.2 million
• Area 27,750 sq km (10,714 sq miles)
• Major languages Creole, French
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 61 years (men), 64 years (women)
• Currency gourde
• UN, World Bank
Haiti’s economic freedom score is 55.8, making its economy the
124th freest in the 2018 Index. Its overall score has increased by
6.2 points, with dramatic improvements in fiscal health, property
rights, and judicial effectiveness. Haiti is ranked 25th among 32
countries in the Americas region, and its overall score is well
below the regional and world averages.
CUBA
• Population: 11.389 million (World Bank, 2015)
• Capital: Havana
• Area: 110,860 sq km (42,803 sq miles)
• Major language: Spanish
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Cuban peso = 100 centavos
• Main exports: Nickel, sugar, tobacco, shellfish, medical
products, citrus, coffee
• GNI per capita: Estimated to be upper middle income:
$3,946 to $12,195 (World Bank, 2009)
• Internet domain: .cu
• International dialling code: +53
Cuba, a large Caribbean island nation under communist rule,
is known for its white-sand beaches, rolling mountains, cigars
and rum. The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to
decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher
COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish
colony during the next several centuries.
An US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898
overthrew finally Spanish rule.
Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule has
held the country together since. Cuba’s communist revolution,
with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and
Africa during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
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What
is a
Buyer
Buyers are known as purchasing agents, analyzers,
negotiators and dealmakers. They research, evaluate and
buy products or services for companies to either resell
to customers or use in their everyday operations. At the
Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), a buyer is the
umbrella term for all attendees, investors and consumers
with genuine purchasing power, who come to meet with
exhibitors, to see their products and services, and to
network with potential business partners.
Classifications of buyers into categories are: -
• Distributors
• Wholesalers
• Retailers
• Investors
• End Users
This is all based on their level in the distribution chain for
setting prices or discounts.
The Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) is a
sophisticated platform for conducting business on a
national and international scale. TIC offers a great platform
for exhibitors they get exposure locally, nationally and
internationally. Buyers are targeted and brought in from
all over the world to participate in Business to Business
(B2B), so that exhibitors can :-
Tips for attracting Buyers
The Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) is a big investment
for several companies, hence the main goal for most is to get a
buyer who will invest in their product or service and gain new
lifetime customers. Here are some tips that can assist you
1. To achieve your market goals, it is important to understand all
of the factors that contribute to a successful market experience.
Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself/company. Does
your product offer something beneficial or introduce something
new to the market? Do you have the ability to increase production
if necessary? And when can you deliver?
2. You will see hundreds of potential buyers at the Trade and
Investment Convention (TIC). It is important to have a strategy
to capture their attention and information in order to continue
communicating with them once TIC ends. Consider taking a
tablet or another mobile device with you to collect information.
3. Preparation is key, not just to successful exhibiting, but also to
building a brand with longevity.
4. Be prepared. Once you get the list of buyers who have asked
to meet with you, do your homework and research their needs.
Reach out to them before the show and let them know you are
looking forward to meeting them.
• Conduct one on one conversation in real time and
5. Be ready for the buyer, you have 20 minutes to meet with you.
present hands on demonstrations.
If they have to wait, they feel unimportant and you are losing
• Gain brand credibility and exposure which helps with
valuable time with them.
the increase of sales.
• Build relationships with several buyers locally, regionally
and internationally.
• It’s the fastest and easiest way to collect qualified leads.
• Meeting in person allows an exhibitor to educate the
“
buyer about new a product or service and quickly answer
any questions they have.
• Buyers have the opportunity to share valuable feedback
with you.
• See the return on investments (ROI).
• Get sales and follow up on sales.
6. It’s critical to think outside the box with ways to extend
your message beyond the TIC. Writing follow-up blog content,
publishing videos from the convention and staying connected to
prospects on social media are all effective ways to do this. Also,
hand out free promotional giveaways at your company’s booth.
You never know, that reusable shopping bag or customized pen
sitting around the CEO’s office could put your company at the
top of mind and get the conversation going internally.
7. Ensure that anyone working for you at the TIC can deal with
any commercial and technical inquiries buyers might have.
8. Let buyers know you’re at the show. Email your existing
customers and prospects with details about the Trade and
Investment Convention (TIC) and tell them where to find
you. Encourage them to register early. Place details of your
participation on your website and include event information in
all your marketing communications.
9. Don’t feel bad if a buyer does not show interest there and
then. Many buyers won’t place an order until they’ve seen you at
market level. Ensure that you get the buyers business card and
direct future market efforts their way.
10. Prepare an elevator pitch. Sometimes buyers are tired after
meeting with persons for very long days. Having a 30 second
pitch on your product can go a long way in case you see the
buyer is tired and restless. Their response to this pitch could help
you navigate the rest of the meeting.
Buyers are known as purchasing agents, analyzers,
negotiators and dealmakers. They research, evaluate and
buy products or services for companies to either resell to
customers or use in their everyday operations.
“
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TIC 2019
Q FA
S
Is it Free to attend the Trade and
Investment Convention as a Buyer/
Consumer or is there a cost attached
?
To attend TIC 2019 for FREE, you must PRE-REGISTER
on our website ttma.com/tic as a ‘Buyer’ or ‘Consumer’.
Are there Special Rates or Discounts
from Airlines, Hotels and Ground
Transportation Companies for TIC
2019 Participants?
?
Please visit the ‘Travel’ page on our website ttma.
com/tic for updates on all Airline, Hotel and Ground
Transportation Specials and Discounts offered to TIC
Participants by our Partners.
Will there be any Business-Education
Programmes offered at TIC 2019?
?
TIC 2019 will offer a diverse Business-Education
Programme in the form of Seminar/workshop
opportunities. To sign up to host a seminar/ workshop
contact Mr. Christian George at trade@ttma.com. To
attend a seminar or workshop, visit the ‘Seminars’ page
on our website for updated information and how to
register.
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