As GuyExpo prepares to wrap up we asked the exhibitors how they have benefited from participating in the six-day trade fair or in the case of newcomers how they expect to benefit. The responses are as follows:
Debbie Atkinson, Souvenir Arts and Craft: ‘This is not our first time at GuyExpo we’ve been coming for six years. The only time we saw any benefit was at the Carifesta Show. I came this year just to see what will happen. I wanted to have a bigger display of some furniture we are making but the price of the booth was too much. I am just displaying my leather craft.’
Junior of One Love: Junior’s Cultural and Creative Arts: ‘I have been coming to GuyExpo for three years and I have seen benefits. Why I see benefits is because people have become familiar with my work. I sell a lot all over the country and when I’m here at GuyExpo I find that support has been good.
There is still room for more support and investment. Well this year, I’m hoping that it’ll be better from the previous. But business has been good.’
Ram Prashad, Prestige Manufacturing: ‘I have been coming to GuyExpo about four or five years. I think the trading aspect has become secondary at GuyExpo with the other, entertainment, becoming the primary attraction. But some good things have come out of being here. GuyExpo brings out people from remote areas and because of that you’ll see lots of interest. We will keep coming because it has become our culture to attend and there are people who come here looking for us.’
Ricky Ambrose, Surveyor of Survey Solutions Inc: ‘This is our first time at GuyExpo. Our business is new, two months, what we are trying to do is get exposure and get the attention of the public. We are bringing surveying technology to Guyana. We just want to advertise and have persons come out and see us. The main aim is to get exposure. So far persons have shown interest in land surveying and have been asking questions.’
Colin Baptiste, Marketing Assistant of Ansa McAl of the House of Ansa McAl: ‘It is the house’s second year at GuyExpo but Ansa McAl has been at GuyExpo from the beginning. Absolutely we have benefited from being here. Mak-C was launched at GuyExpo three years ago and today it is the leading drink mix. And we have benefited in general too. There is this perception of Ansa McAl as a beer company but that has been changing. This year we are showcasing all the products that we are distributors of and also make. Over the years we have also seen an increase in sales from GuyExpo.’
Michael Zaman, staffer, Melsha’s Furniture Store: ‘Melsha has been at 
GuyExpo from the beginning and yes we have seen benefits. Because of the fact that we’re on the East Coast sometimes persons don’t remember about us and when we come here and showcase items that are different from the regular items in the regular stores you find that they come to our store. This year we are expecting an increase in sales. And being here is a good means of advertising but the booths are very costly. But from day one we have seen sales and all our items on display have been sold out. We make new items specifically for GuyExpo.’
Gashanti Ruplall, representative of NB Spring and Manufacturing 
Limited: ‘Our company is 10 years old but this is our first time at GuyExpo. We are a Canadian firm trying to establish business and trying to gauge the demand of customers here in Guyana. If GuyExpo proves successful we’ll be bringing it down here. Our participation is just to test the market and if it is successful. Our first night there was not much response, but the second night was promising. We are hoping for support throughout and so far it has been going well.’
Natalie LaRose, representative Princess Hotel: ‘This is our second year 
here. Basically we’re just trying to showcase the hotel and sell it locally. We are here looking for persons who are interested in using our conference facilities and to tell them about group reservations. We are using GuyExpo as advertising. The response the first two nights has been great and we are hoping that it’ll pick up.’
Chuwatie Ramsaroop, Senior Supervisor Services Department of 
Hand-in-Hand Fire Insurance Company Limited: ‘This is Hand-in-Hand’s first time at GuyExpo we came out to showcase the products and let the public know what we have to offer. Now that people are aware of what we have to offer we’re hoping to increase our business portfolio.’
Shaun Prince, HCD Officer of Qualfon: ‘This is our first year at GuyExpo. So far we are expecting to gain more exposure and want persons to understand about the call centre industry and what it is actually all about and what we offer. We are also recruiting. All expectations have been met so far and response to the recruitment has been good.’