Staff WriterThe Organizing Committee and the Board of Directors of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) producers of the 47th staging of Expo Jamaica – the largest and most impactful exhibition and trade show of its kind in the Caribbean has announced that the tradeshow will be postponed due to the growing global uncertainty and stakeholder concerns surrounding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The hard decision was made to reschedule the April 30 – May 3 staging and explore options to host the show later in the year after a thorough and thoughtful process which included consultations with government, health authorities and key executing stakeholders. The intent is to host the show within the year as Expo Jamaica is vital to the Jamaican economy through the expansion of export and domestic sales as well the immediate economic impact of approximately J$200M spend on goods and services.
In 2018, the multi-sectorial exposition played host to two hundred and nineteen (219) exhibitors, five hundred and sixty-eight (568) local and international buyers, and twenty-one thousand four hundred and forty-two (21,442) consumers. Based on the 2020 projected numbers the committee executives, acting as responsible corporate citizens, identified as priority the risk associated with buyers’ travel, safeguarding the health and safety of all stakeholders, and essentially safety of our country as key indicators to postpone the show.
The producers of the show acknowledge the hard work and capital expenditure that the exhibitors and buyers have put into preparing for the show and are working assiduously with all partners to re stage a highly impactful and successful show.
The JMEA Board and Expo staff are committed to delivering the value and experience members, buyers, exhibitors and patrons have come to expect. Collectively, we are looking forward to overcoming these challenges and bringing the industry together as soon as safely and logistically possible.
Media Writer
