E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 01 -

Sagar Dev Lakhe is president of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Association of Nepal. This umbrella organization of IT product dealers, distributors and importers is all set to organize ICT Branding Expo, Fifth Info Trade Fair 2012 from Jan 5. The Kathmandu Post talked with Lakhe on the objectives of the expo and the preparations made so far. Excerpts:   

Tell us something about the fifth edition of ICT Info-Trade Fair.

The fifth edition of ICT Branding Expo, ICT Info Trade 2012 has been conceived with the motive of creating awareness about Information Technology throughout the country. Bridging the digital divide in the IT trade is the theme of the expo, and we are working hard to fulfil it. The event will host 80 international and 10 local brands in 50 branding stalls in the exhibition hall and 80 hanger stores on the premises. Leaving aside the tendency of gathering people, we want to bring in genuine visitors. Visitors can touch and feel the products before making purchases.     

What is the major reason behind promoting it as a branding expo like last year?

We introduced the concept of branding expo last year which was the first of its kind in Nepal. We were unsure whether the idea would click or not, however, the final results were really encouraging. Visitors also felt the difference between other general expos and the branding expo where stalls were set up in a special manner.

Tell us about the preparations made so far.

So far, 80 percent of the branding stalls and 90 percent of the hanger stalls have been already booked. Selection of title sponsors and other partners is also close to conclusion. We are working to make the registration process easier through an e-ticketing system. Visitors can get the entry ticket with a bar code printed on it at their home itself by paying for it online. Likewise, tickets will be made available at 500 stores throughout the country. 

What are your expectations from the expo?

Of late, most of the expos are turning into shopping destinations. We want to change the trend, hence, we are looking for quality visitors. Our priority

is not selling IT products but creating awareness about them. This is basically a pre-sales expo where visitors can gather information and make purchases through the dealers or retailers later. We are expecting only 200,000 visitors this year as we want to bring in genuine visitors who are keen on finding out about new products.

Posted on: 2011-12-01 09:54

Post Your Comment

Please note that all the fields marked * are mandatory.
* Full Name
* Address
* Email Address
* Comment
* Captcha	Get another CAPTCHA code
Note:	Comments containing abusive words or slander shall not be published.