Big changes at 2018 Lagos Trade Fair

The 2018 Lagos International Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from November 2 to November 11 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). The fair is annually organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The fair, as usual, is a platform to showcase the products of local manufacturers, small and medium enterprises, and creative artists, among others.

However, this year’s trade fair comes with big changes, with zero tolerance to noise pollution taking the centre stage.

According to Gabriel Idahosa, chairman, Trade Promotion Board of LCCI, musical instruments found in any of the exhibition stands would be confiscated.

According to Idahosa, the decision was informed by consistent complaints of exhibitors and visitors concerning excessive use of public address system and music gadgets at the fair.

“It is true that some of our exhibitors believe that the noise helps them attract potential buyers to their stands. It is indeed fast becoming a culture, to say the least. This year, we will not allow the use of music gadgets in exhibition stands,” he said.

Idahosa said LCCI’s central public address system would be made available to disseminate information and light music to make the environment welcoming.

According to him, a special team would be deployed to ensure compliance, adding that hawking would not be tolerated at the venue of the fair.

He further announced that this year’s processes would go digital.

“This year, exhibitors can now sit in the comfort of their offices, register, pay and book for a space of their choice. The process has been designed to be seamless and friendly.”

He stated that the chamber was working on alternative publicity strategies that would attract quality patronage, rather than making a noise and becoming a threat to other stakeholders at the fair.

“We will make the findings available to all exhibitors to support their marketing efforts,” he stated, adding that there would be improved sectorisation of the exhibition areas, upgrade of facilities, improved security arrangement and secondary school essay competition.

Apart from the LCCI international investment conference, he said there would be foreign participation from over 25 countries.

Babatunde Paul Ruwase, President, LCCI, said this year’s event was unique, being the first time the chamber was choosing a special media forum to officially commence the marketing activities of the annual LITF.

“We are doing this because we believe in the strength and power of the press in projecting the image of the fair and creating a positive perception,” Ruwase said.

ODINAKA ANUDU