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Organisers have thanked the 140 businesses, institutes and organisations from all over Kerry who seized the opportunity to take part in the Kerry EXPO 2018, which was held in the INEC, Killarney last Sunday. The event attracted thousands of visitors the feedback from both the exhibitors and the general public was overwhelmingly positive. The diversity of businesses and the people ranged from IT and manufacturing to banking and employment agencies, from photographers and consultants to marketing and communications, not to mention health, education and retailers. In fact, businesses from A to Z were all well represented throughout the event. The success of the event is largely due to the guidance received from the steering committee, and the financial input from both sponsors and supporting partners.

Visitors and exhibitors were able to find opportunities to collaborate, discover new local businesses and check out the competitive landscape. Organisers say that the EXPO is expanding its reach and aims to become a shop window for those contemplating moving to Kerry in search of a better quality of life, higher living standards and greater career opportunities and will continue to extend its offerings year on year.

Families attending the event were treated to a whole host of free entertainment including kids workshops and music with Jack Patrick Healy and Drum Dance Ireland. Visitors eagerly gathered around galaxy heroes including R2D2, Darth Vader and Robot Ted for some excellent photo opportunities. Adults took advantage of the free health checks from the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee and Breda McEllistrim said there was an overwhelming interest. The Taste Kerry stand provided lots of tasty cooking demos throughout the day and by late afternoon many foodies saw their products sold out. Football fans were not forgotten as they gathered to listen to the GAA Panel discussion featuring football legend Séamus Moynihan.

Meanwhile Astellas, who are based in Killorglin, announced Caherleaheen NS, Tralee as the winner of their Lab Junior Science Challenge competition. The school named the scientist, “Professor Pro Graft”. Enda Sheehan (4th class) was the lucky winner of the €50 prize and will become Astellas’ 2018 Mascot. Other lucky winners included Blair House Farm who won the EXPO award for Most Interactive Exhibitor, while Busy Botanists were the winners of the EXPO’s Best Marketing Award. Bon Secours Hospital were voted by the public as Favourite Stand and Skellig Soaps won the EXPO’s Best Presented Stand.

Organisers say that over half the exhibitors have already signed up for the 2019 EXPO and they look forward to working together to serve the business community and create wealth and opportunities in the Kerry region.