TIC 2014 e-magazine

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TIC Report 2014

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TTMA hosts the 15th Annual Trade and Investment Convention

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The fifteenth annual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) was

hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association and

sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Com-

munications, First Citizens, TSTT Blink-Bmobile and Balroop's

Sound System Limited. The week’s proceedings took place from

July 2nd – 5th 2014 at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.

The Convention officially began with the Opening Ceremony, held

at the Andre Kamperveen Hall. This year saw the first attendance

by booth exhibitors to this prestigious event. The ceremony was

well attended by specially invited guests, government officials, am-

bassadors, airline and hotel officials, TTMA's board of directors

and past presidents.

TTMA President, Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack offered opening remarks

which was followed by presentations by TIC sponsors, Mr. Larry

Nath, Group Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens, Mr. Rakesh

Goswami, Executive VP of Enterprise Services, TSTT and the

Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communi-

cations, Vasant Bharath.

TIC 2014, in keeping with the initiative of facilitating access to in-

ternational markets and creating new business linkages, attracted participation from Venezuela, Guadeloupe,

Martinique, Brazil, alongside displays from Canada, Cuba, Haiti, China, Italy, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname,

Barbados, the Dominican Republic, the USA, the UK and other countries.

Overall, the Convention attracted over 350 international buyers representing 47 countries such as Sweden, Bel-

gium, Italy, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Colombia. The highest concentration of buyers came from the whole-

sale and retail trade sector followed by the Government services sector. Exhibitors hailed TIC 2014 as a suc-

cess based on the strong networking and business linkages formed.

TIC upheld its feature on business education through a number of sessions held in the seminar spaces of the

Andre Kamperveen Room, the Ken Galt Room, and the Nelson Mandela Room. In light of the need to facili-

tate and promote manufacturers in a dynamic and growing global economy, significant emphasis was placed

on Business to Business (B2B) Coordination. This year saw the introduction of an executive lounge for the

purpose of facilitating immediate business transactions generated on the tradeshow floor. This service was of-

fered to both buyers and exhibitors to conduct business meetings. This new service was met with enthusiasm

by exhibitors and buyers who welcomed the opportunity to expand and concretize their business to business

ventures.

After four days of business to business meetings and transactions, the Convention concluded with the TIC

‘CoolDown’ a networking event held for local, regional and international exhibitors and sponsors. The envi-

ronment allowed for a less formal continuation of the business relationships previously affirmed on the trade

show floor.

A solid marketing, public relations and advertising campaign attracted approximately 5,600 business represen-

tatives to the Convention allowing for excellent growth and investment opportunities.

TTMA President Nicholas Lok Jack addresses the audience at the TIC Opening Ceremony.

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TTMA hosts the 15th Annual Trade and Investment Convention

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TTMA President Nicholas Lok Jack presents Minister Bharath with a token of appreciation at the Opening Ceremony.

Minister Bharath (Centre) officially opens TIC 2014. At right, TTMA President Nicholas Lok Jack, at left, Minister Bhoe Tewarie.

TTMA President Nicholas Lok Jack engages the media on the tradeshow floor.


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The Honourable Vasant Bharath Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications

1. What are you hoping to get out of this

Convention?

First and foremost we are looking to market Trinidad

and Tobago to the world. So therefore, we have over

37 countries represented here. Selling our products of

course to the outside world, while highlighting the

strengths of Trinidad and Tobago as an investment

destination and the strength of our manufacturing

sector.

2. What kind of feedback have you gotten

from the countries that are here?

I had a meeting this morning with representatives

from the Dominican Republic and they have 13 com-

panies represented at TIC. They have exhibited in

many places across the world but they found that the

reception they got here was far better than anywhere

else. I’ve just come from the New York Fancy Food

Fair, and when you look at what we have here, I’m

not saying that it’s not as good as New York, but it

compares with anything else in the rest of the world.

3. Is there any particular sector of the indus-

tries highlighted here that you would like to see pushed more?

There are several areas the government has carded for

diversification of the economy. Oil still represents

80 % of our export revenues and 50% of our GDP.

The government has taken great pains to look at em-

phasizing the need to diversify the economy away

from oil and gas because predominantly we have been

left to the vagaries of the international markets when

the price of oil rises and of course when it falls. The

government is targeting the areas of Financial ser-

vices, ICT, Tourism, the Creative Industries sector

which is Film, Fashion and Music, Agro processing

which is very important and the Marine sector; actu-

ally represented here at the TIC.

4. Finally, is there anything specific that

really excites you about this Convention? The vast array of the number of countries we have

involved. Thirty-seven (37) countries from across the

globe and some very large countries who are here in

Trinidad and Tobago really does excite me. Coming

to a trade show like this is not just about the product

or the services that are being sold, it is actually selling

and marketing Trinidad and Tobago. Wherever in the

world I go, the first thing I’ve got to do is market

Trinidad and Tobago…who we are, what our value

systems are, what we stand for and then you talk

about the products. So, this is actually taking Trini-

dad and Tobago to the rest of the world and making

my job a lot easier.

Following the Opening Ceremony of the 15th

Annual Trade and Investment Convention, the

Honourable Minister sat for a brief interview

with Gayelle presenter Regan Des Vignes for a

Q & A segment on Day Prime.

The interview took place at the TIC B2B

Lounge.

Q&A with the Hon. Minister Bharath

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T T M A T I C R e p o r t

A bird’s eye view of the convention

floor during the days of business.

For our 15th anniversary, The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’

Association made the bold move back to the Joao Havelange Cen-

tre of Excellence in Macoya, Trinidad. The Trade and Investment

Convention (TIC) marked the region’s largest manufacturing-

driven business to business exposition. TIC 2014 also recognized a

successful showing for the Business to Consumer Day that brought

persons from all parts of the region to conduct retail transactions.

This multifaceted business forum proved to be a resounding suc-

cess as both exhibitors and buyers alike were able to engage in

solid investment opportunities.

Business on the Convention Floor

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T T M A T I C R e p o r t

Target Solutions-Atlas Battery

Plasticos del Caribe

Groupe Coles Haiti

Pepe’s Marketing Toyota

Kaizen Environmental ETS Granite

Lifetime Solutions

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At a Glance: Booths at TIC 2014

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Caribbean Airlines

Electrical Industries Holdings Ltd

Trinidad Cement Limited

Eventology Ltd

Bar Garden Ltd.

Mr. Barista

Lensyl

Sun Mark Ltd

At a Glance: Booths at TIC 2014

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Best Table Booth Winner: VABCO Ltd

Second Place: Trini DogWatch

Best Small Booth Winner: Balroop’s Sound System Limited

Second Place: Silverline Systems Trinidad Ltd

Best Medium Booth Winner: Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and

Communication

Second Place: Blue Waters Products Limited

Best Large Booth Winner: Ansa Coatings Ltd.

Second Place: The Torarica Group of Hotels

Best Pavilion Winner: BANCOEX

Second Place: Tobago House of Assembly

Best of TIC 2014 Booth Award Winners

Judging Criteria Our judges were wooed by booths that excelled in

the following criteria:

originality and creativity

appearance and attractiveness

effective layout

innovative product presentation

VABCO Ltd. - introduced a multi outlet surge pro-

tector with a built in retractable extension cord called

Xtendacord.

“This is our first year exhibiting at the Trade and In-

vestment Convention (TIC). We did not expect to

win an award, we just wanted to have a strong and

attractive booth display targeted towards professional

buyers who were knowledgeable in purchasing and

therefore would be looking at quality presentations.

TIC 2014 was a success for us, we met our objective

which was to make buyers both local and foreign

aware that Xtendacord is on the market and is ready

for business.

Winning any award brings a sense of accomplish-

ment and boosts ones confidence. This was no differ-

ent and we really feel motivated to continue aiming

for high standards in all our endeavors. Winning this

year will certainly serve as an impetus to do our best

next year.” - Mr. Rooplal Samaroo, Managing

Director, VABCO Ltd

Best Table Booth - Winner

“This was our first year participating as an exhibitor

under Trini DogWatch. We provide pet fencing solu-

tions that ensure the safety and security of your dogs

and cats. Our captive audience was responsible pet

lovers and anyone wanting a pet but in need of advice

and support for their household needs.

We showcased our outdoor hidden fences, indoor

containment systems and Big Leash FM remote train-

ing collars. DogWatch Hidden Fence is rated as

the premium dealership brand globally and voted as

the most pet-friendly & reliable pet fencing service

available.

The award was a great surprise. We ensured that we

maintained a professional and attractive outlook for

our display. It was important that our display be ac-

cessible and user-friendly. TIC 2014 exceeded our

expectations, the response from everyone regarding

DogWatch was positive and we experienced a consis-

tent traffic flow throughout the event.” - Mr. Paul

Jackson, Director, Trini DogWatch

Best Table Booth - 2nd Place

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VABCO Ltd. Table Booth Winner


Balroop’s Sound System Limited introduced two new

products this year, the live streaming system and the

full live television HD production outside broadcast

system.

“This is the third year we are exhibiting at TIC. I

wanted the booth to be high tech and keeping it in

relation to what Balroop's Sound System do. I did not

expect to win a booth award simply because I came

to the tradeshow to attract my consumers.

I am happy that I won the TIC small booth award.

This award will definitely encourage me or any other

company who has won an award to work towards it

again. This will help Balroop's because we are re-

branding and repositioning and TIC made it possible

because we had a captive audience.” - Vishnu

Balroop, CEO, Balroop’s Sound System Limited.

Best Small Booth - Winner

“MTIIC has been a TIC sponsor for more than

10 years. On February 7, 2014, the Ministry

launched a national communications campaign

themed ‘from Red Tape to Red Carpet’ to posi-

tion the improvements made over the past 18

months to facilitate and encourage trade. Thus

the Ministry’s participation in TIC 2014 was a

continuation of this theme; so under one um-

brella, MTIIC showcased the full range of the

support and business enabling services of its

agencies, including invesTT, exporTT, Bureau

of Standards, TT Free Zones, eTecK, Consumer

Affairs, TTBizLink, EximBank, National Flour

Mills, CreativeTT; whilst showcasing the invest-

ment opportunities in the sectors targeted for di-

versification by the Government.

Our target audience was investors and business-

men and women. Having won the Best Pavilion

Award last year, we were optimistic, especially

in the context of visual and artistic presentation

of our new mantra, i.e. ‘from Red Tape to Red

Carpet’. Our expectations were met at this year's

TIC. We not only showcased at TIC, but we

also hosted six concurrent Business Seminars;

and were provided with multiple networking op-

portunities at the Opening and Closing Ceremo-

nies. Winning a booth award means that we

have an ‘attractive’ message and presence. Win-

ning this award will encourage MTIIC towards

winning again next year, as it did last year.” -

Yolande Agard-Simmons, Manager, Corporate

Communications, Ministry of Trade, Industry,

Investment and Communications.

Best Medium Booth - Winner

Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications

Medium Booth Winner

Balroop’s Sound System Limited Small Booth Winner

Trini DogWatch Table Booth Winner, 2nd Place

Silverline Systems Trinidad Ltd Small Booth Winner, 2nd Place


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“This is the first time ANSA Coatings Limited has partici-

pated as an exhibitor at TIC. We exhibited the following

new products which are available at our Head Office and

all Colour shops: Zinsser Watertite, Sissons Aqua Line-

Environmentally Friendly Paint Coatings, Paint Scentsa-

tions and Kabosh - Paint Odor Eliminator.

We committed and dedicated a lot of time and effort into

ensuring all that our products were displayed in the best

way possible. As this was our first TIC, we were not too

sure what to expect, one of our main goals was to make

the business fraternity and the public aware of ANSA

Coatings and our product offerings. When conceptualiz-

ing the idea for the booth we wanted to be different from

the norm, we wanted to showcase all the brands under the

ANSA Coatings umbrella and give each person that en-

tered our booth an experience. The Penta experience, the

marine, automotive, Glidden and the Sissons Paints ex-

perience and we did just that.

Our target audience was interior decorators, contractors

and the export market. Winning this award was a great

achievement- an unexpected one but a great one. We cer-

tainly will be defending our win in the future.” - Adiola

Monsegue, Marketing Officer, ANSA Coatings Limited

Best Large Booth - Winner

ANSA Coatings Limited Large Booth Winner

Best Medium Booth - 2nd Place

“We have participated in TIC in the last 4-5 years. As Blue Waters Products Ltd we showcased a range

of new beverages. From the Blue Waters brand, we showcased CRAN+. It is a Cran/Water that comes in

three flavours –Cran. Cran/Lime and Cran/Grape with added benefits such as Vitamins A and E, Anti-

oxidants, Ginseng and is a Low Calorie drink. We also featured a new Monster Energy Drink; Monster

Rehab – a new lemonade flavoured energy drink. The Wines and Spirits line offered mixed cocktails

using their new Scotch Whisky; Elite Reserve and a Puncheon called Fire Water.

There were a lot of great exhibitor booths this year so we were pleasantly surprised to win the booth

award. We wanted our booth to be inviting to a wide range of persons as we had a wide range of bever-

ages displayed this year. We also had interactive games for visitors to play to win great prizes, so per-

sons can have fun while learning about our products. We took great pride in winning the award as our

team put a lot of hard work into getting our booth ready. Winning this award has most definitely encour-

aged us to work towards winning again next year.

We are always pleased with the organization from TTMA on TIC, the team is always willing, pleasant

and helpful!” - Chantal Lefevre, Blue Waters Brand Manager, Blue Waters Products Limited.

Blue Waters Medium Booth Winner, 2nd place

T T M A TIC Report >> PAGE 10

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Best Large Booth - 2nd Place

“This was our first year exhibiting at TIC. We

exhibited all the facilities and services of the

Torarica Hotel Group (room & convention ac-

commodation, food & beverage). Our target

audience was those interested in doing busi-

ness in Suriname. We did not expect to win a

booth award but it was a very pleasant surprise

and we were very humbled by the TTMA’s

recognition.

We were very happy with this year’s conven-

tion, our expectations were definitely met.

Winning this award has encouraged us to work

towards winning again next year.” - Oigen

Read, Reservations Manager, The Torarica

Group of Hotels.

The Torarica Group of Hotels

Large Booth Winner, 2nd Place


Tobago House Of Assembly Pavilion Winner, 2nd Place

Pavilion - Winner


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6 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR TIC EXHIBIT TIC 2014 has passed and we are already planning for next year, utilizing results from a post-convention

evaluation to assist us in gauging what we need to improve upon for TIC 2015 and beyond. We however can-

not do the necessary improvements to make TIC even more successful without our exhibitors contributing to

that process. Based on that premise we have outlined several tips on how to improve the trade show by build-

ing a better booth and deriving the most benefits out of TIC.

These suggestions should help you stand out among your competition, get more foot traffic into your booth

and therefore improve your overall exhibitor experience.

Define Your Business

Ensure that your trade show display reflects who you are and what you do through its design, colours, message

etc. Your exhibit should be easy and obvious so your audience can identify what you do. Make your message

clear so buyers can gather information at first glance.

Highlight Your Company’s Differences over Your Competitors

Make sure your exhibit communicates clearly and appropriately with the right personality and that your show-

staff exudes those same qualities.

Do the Up-front Work Contact registered guests before you arrive on the trade show floor. Send an email or make a call letting them

know you are looking forward to meeting with them. Mention contests or promotions and invite them to par-

ticipate. Show interest when buyers stop by your booth to meet you in person. You can also woo current cli-

ents with incentives like giveaways or discounts or services for stopping by. This reinforces your current rela-

tionship and makes them feel valued.

Start Marketing and Promoting Before the Event

Send out promotional communications to your current and potential clients. Keep your website and social me-

dia pages up-to-date with information and posts in what you will be doing at the event. Build anticipation with

hints about new products and services you will be unveiling at the exhibit. Write blogs to entice your guests.

The more your name is seen, the more buyers will look forward to your exhibit.

Give Incentives to Your Staff

Successful staffing can make or break your exhibit. A motivated staff will be more energetic and driven if they

know they will be rewarded and appreciated. Make a friendly competition by challenging them to gather the

most leads or schedule the most follow-ups.

Provide a Calming Space

Offer attendees a haven by providing a calm, soothing environment. Make visitors feel welcome. Provide

comfortable flooring and seating and ample room for easy traffic.

Participating in a Trade Show is always a rewarding experience once done properly. It is a way of marketing

and promoting your business which can bring you into contact with local and international buyers in the same

space. This opportunity can improve industry reputation and allow you to gain potential and onsite sales as

well as substantial media exposure.

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T T M A TIC Report

TIC 2014 Business Education Series As with past years, the TIC featured a business education session. In 2014, three rooms were utilised for semi-

nars, the Andre Kamperveen Room, the Ken Galt Room, and the Nelson Mandela Room. Seminars were held

simultaneously, there were 22 seminar spaces being booked, on a wide range of topics.

Seminar Schedule

Lifetime Roofing UNIFLEX Fluid Applied

Roofing Systems

TTMA ProNet Training: Cost and

Financial Management, and

Information Management

First Citizens Bank Personal Banking Options

from First Citizens

CARIRI Food Safety Challenge

Cuban Embassy CUBA Economic Performance and Business Environment

First Citizens Bank Introduction to the Stock Market

Embassy of the Domini-

can Republic

Doing Business in the DR

eTeck/asterra Space for Growth: Business and Industrial Parks for the 21st Century Investor

invesTT One Stop Shop

exporTT Inward Buyers' Mission 2014: Creating Opportunities to Grow Non Energy Exports

Printing and Packaging

Industry Council

The New Customer Experience

Tourism Development

Company

A Guide to Meeting Planning in Trinidad and Tobago

CARIRI Water Testing – What you need to know!

First Citizens Bank Personal Banking Options from First Citizens

First Citizens Bank First Citizen Commercial Lending Options

Global Trade Services Trade Facilitation with Commercial B2B Portal for the Caribbean

EXIMBank Growing Your Export Market with the Right Financing

Maritime Industry Devel-

opment Committee

Understanding the Supply Chain: The Local, Regional and International Context

TSTT A Mobile Life: Visual Voice Mail

NAMDEVCO Entrepreneurship: Emerging from Chaos to Order

CFDD Chemistry Food and Drugs Division's Guide to Manufacturers

T T M A TIC Report >> PAGE 13

Winners at CARIRI’s Food Safety Challenge Seminar

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>> PAGE 14 T T M A TIC Review

TIC ‘CoolDown’

TTMA CEO Ramesh Ramdeen addresses guests.

This year’s Closing Cocktail Ceremony, the TIC ‘CoolDown’ was held on Fri-

day 4th July at the Garden Sanctuary, Centre of Excellence, Macoya. The event

was well attended by local and foreign exhibitors and foreign buyers, major

sponsors, Government representatives and specially invited guests.

The event provided a unique chance for guests to meet, mingle and network in a

relaxed atmosphere after three intensive business days on the Trade Show floor.

In his opening remarks, TTMA CEO Ramesh Ramdeen thanked The Tourism

Development Company and ExporTT for their continued support and sponsor-

ship of the TIC Closing Cocktail Ceremony.

Mr. Ramdeen also expressed gratitude to TIC’s main sponsors the Ministry of

Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, Telecommunications Services

of Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens and Balroop’s Sound Systems Limited for

supporting the TIC 2014 show, as it is now in its 15th year of operation and one

of the Region’s most important and sought after business to business events.

Local and foreign exhibitors and foreign buyers were thanked for their involve-

ment and tremendous contributions to the overall success of the show.

Guests enjoy the performance by Shurwayne Winchester.

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Special thanks to our Closing Cocktail Sponsors ExporTT and The Tourism Development Company.

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TIC ‘CoolDown’ After the opening remarks, guests were treated to an array of live performances on stage. Local cuisine includ-

ing bake and shark , mini rotis, doubles and Kiss Currant Rolls was served, and these delicious bites were a hit

throughout the night. Guests also flocked to the Brydens Bar to sample Eldorado Rum Cream, Eldorado 15

year rum and Eldorado rum cocktails. The Blink Bmobile bar was very popular with strong interest from the

crowd to sample the green and orange coloured cocktails. Mr. Punch waitresses weaved through the crowd to

offer rum punch shots to eager guests throughout the night.

The event was a resounding success and the initial feedback from specially invited guests and our local and

foreign guests was that it was among the highlights of this year’s TIC.

Performers keep guests entertained.

Guests enjoy the TIC CoolDown.

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As the CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and project manager of the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2014, I would like to thank you for your investment into TIC 2014. The show was a resounding success and I am confident that your company will benefit from the networking, linkages, and exposure to local, regional and interna-tional buyers. TTMA was pleased to have you among our exhibitors and partners in TIC 2014 and we look forward to greater partnering with you in the years ahead. Your input is very integral and valuable to our learning for improving the show. Together, we can work to improve the offerings and in this way make the show a truly invaluable one to you, our stakeholders. Again thank you for making the show a success this year and for sharing in this experience. We were honoured to have had you participate in TIC 2014.

Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen

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TIC 2014 e-magazine