Guidance notes for exhibitors

14 Jul 2022

PRIME is the ultimate Montserrat marketplace for all products produced in Montserrat. It provides the exposure for business owners to build on your customer base, but also to network with other entrepreneurs and business owners to create needed synergies. PRIME provides you the opportunity to increase your sales revenue and demonstrate the functionalities of your products. PRIME is organised by the Montserrat Arts Council and the Trade and Quality Infrastructure Division.

Here is our comprehensive guide to assist you to cover the critical areas for a successful PRIME 2023:

Setup and Breakdown

All exhibitors will be issued with a station and booth number prior to the day of the event. There will be no changes to the allocated positions after the event has been declared open. If there are any changes of booth changes – this can only be done internally. However, persons must remain in the designated category for their products.
The Montserrat Cultural Centre (MCC) will be open from 6am on the morning of Saturday, 22nd July, 2023. All exhibitors are encouraged to complete set up by 8am of the 22nd.
The opening session will start promptly at 9.00 a.m.
The opening ceremony will be held on the outside – on the right side facing the market side.

Booth Requirements

Determine all of your booth requirements prior to the day of the event in order to reduce any delays on the day of set up.
Each station will be adorned with tablecloths and signage displaying your business name.
Vendors within the same or similar industries will be grouped together. Given the increase in vendors this year, all businesses are expected to remain in their designated stations for the full period. This adds to the flow and ease of access for customers to locate products/services.
Keep your booth area tidy at all times. Also please have someone stationed at your booth if you intend to leave for any length of time. If this is not possible, please reach out to one of the PRIME support persons for assistance.
Persons are encouraged to place great emphasis on product placement and layout to create greater visibility of items and to maximize the use of space. Pictures will be shared with booth owners to demonstrate different layout styles. The onus remains on the business to procure styling elements to enhance their booths.

Products and Inventory

Ensure that pre-packaged goods are appropriately packaged and labelled.
Document the number of products brought for display and those for sale.
Ensure that you walk with sufficient cash (have enough $5 and $10 notes to make adequate change) on hand if you expect to be engaging in trade during the two days of the Expo.
Please confirm the price of all products prior to the time of the Expo.
Should you choose to provide any promotional offers on the Expo days, you are encouraged to have signage to that effect.
Exhibitors are also encouraged to walk with stationery to record orders by customers as necessary. This can be left at the booth for persons to record an interest by a customer if the exhibitor happens to be away from the station.
Exhibitors are required to

Payment methods

There will be an alternative payment method offered by the Bank of Montserrat and through the Serra App. Please utilize these methods and grow your business. Further information can be had from the Trade Unit.

Marketing

Exhibitors are encouraged to walk with any promotional or marketing material that can be shared with the public.
Certain aspects of the event will be live-streamed and exhibitors will be given the opportunity to speak about their products on a live interview with Ms. Nerissa Golden. Try to be clear, concise and engaging. Remember to utilize the interview slot to engage with the customers- have products ready to show on screen and to talk about the positive benefits and highlight specific differences as compared to other products on the market etc.
Branded shirts are encouraged. This adds to the visibility of your business.
Be cheerful and approachable to the local consumers.

End of Day 1

Exhibitors who will be stationed at PRIME over the 2-days are required to stock count at the end of Day 1.
Exhibits can be left overnight as the building will be secured each day.

End of Expo and Breakdown

Exhibitors will be allowed to remove items up to 2 hours after the end of the Expo.
All items should be removed on the Sunday evening if possible or can be picked up on the Monday 24th July 2023.
The MCC is not responsible for items after Monday 24th so persons are encouraged to remove all items by the end of the day.

COVID-19 Guidance

Please ensure that you abide by the current health guidelines in respect of COVID-19 as instructed by the Ministry of Health.
There will be sanitizing stations at various points at the EXPO.
You are also encouraged to have a sanitizer at your station.

Hospitality

There will be two (2) food vendors stationed outside of the Centre who will be selling food and drinks for those persons who are unable to leave during the day. Please give them your support.
The PRIME support team will be available provide any assistance to ensure that you have a positive PRIME experience.