A

As nearly 140 exhibitors prepare for this year’s Kerry EXPO, it promises to be bigger than ever! Many exhibitors are designing their marketing activities, creating advertising campaigns and listing their offerings for this mega event of the year. While larger companies aim to develop their employee brand, they also take the opportunity to engage in a one-day event that brings together the broader business and local community.

SME’s and start-up companies will no doubt concentrate on selling their products or promoting their services, in a bid to develop further awareness around their own business brand. Educational institutions will market their educational a upskilling courses, while financial institutions, state and semi-state bodies will also be available to deliver information on the services they provide. In addition, a number of recruitment companies and employers will be actively recruiting.

According to Liz Maher: “The EXPO creates a space where companies can turn an influx of visitors and into evangelists for their brand and indeed for Kerry.  The idea is simple ‘Kerry residents promoting and supporting Kerry based companies’.  We hope that everyone will come out and support the event on May 13 and as part of celebrating business with the people who live, work and study here. We have scheduled a whole host of family entertainment, so there’s something for everyone and for all ages to enjoy. It’s important to remember that as well as using local services or purchasing local products, it’s equally important for Kerry residents to have a positive understanding of the wealth of amazing companies, organisations and institutions that operate throughout the county. This event also sets out to attract and lure additional industry and potential career changers across the county bounds, by positioning Kerry as one of the best places to live and work. We truly believe that this is a fundamental ingredient to drive growth and develop a healthy local economy for our future.”

“This year we are encouraging exhibitors to roll out the red carpet, ramp up targeted social media campaigns and launch special promotions that give EXPO visitors a reason to sample their products or take an interest in the services they offer. It is important that exhibitors should build word-of-mouth and social media buzz among first-time customers and expo visitors and in-turn create memorable experiences,” says Elin Sorensen of GHQ Design.

Organisers say that a number of firms are focusing their attention on creating a corporate culture where employees become more engaged with the corporate brand and in turn develop a greater pride of workplace. Fred McDonogh, Director of Redchair Recruitment says that: “Business/community events such as the Kerry EXPO can in fact bring employees together in a different light, where they get to know one another better when interacting outside of the workplace.”

We ask residents across Kerry to visit the EXPO and support the growth of our county. Entrance to the event is FREE of CHARGE. In addition there will be lots of free fun and entertainment. Special bus services are available from various parts of the county to the INEC in Killarney on May 13. There will be park and ride facilities around the INEC and bus routes and schedules are available on kerryexpo.ie.