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>> CONT. PAGE 2
TIC Report 2014
>> PAGE 2 T T M A TIC Report
TTMA hosts the 15th Annual Trade and Investment Convention
>> CONT. PAGE 3
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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>> PAGE 3 T T M A T I C R e p o r t
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.
>> PAGE 4 T T M A TIC Report
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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
>> PAGE 6
At a Glance: Booths at TIC 2014
>> CONT. PAGE 7
>> PAGE 7 T T M A TIC Report
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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>> PAGE 8 T T M A TIC Report
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
>> PAGE 9 T T M A TIC Report
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
Best of TIC 2014 Booth Award Winners
>> CONT. PAGE 10
Best of TIC 2014 Booth Award Winners
“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
>> CONT. PAGE 11
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
Best of TIC 2014 Booth Award Winners
Tobago House Of Assembly Pavilion Winner, 2nd Place
Pavilion - Winner
>> PAGE 11 T T M A TIC Report
>> CONT. PAGE 12
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
>> CONT. PAGE 14
>> 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.
>> PAGE 15 T T M A TIC Review
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.
>> CONT. PAGE 16
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