KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Expo Jamaica 2016 promises to be bigger and better, with several new features added to this year’s 43rd staging of the event.

Marketing, Membership and Business Development Manager, Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), Tamra Thomas, said that while the expo is primarily for buyers and exhibitors, the new additions are geared at attracting members of the public.

“We want Jamaicans to come (to the expo) and see the wide selection of locally made goods they can buy for their homes,” she said, while addressing a recent JIS ‘Think Tank.’

 Among the new features is the Kiddies Zone where children can watch movies, take part in storytelling and visit the petting zoo.

“The children will be closely monitored in the Kiddies Zone, so parents can use the time to visit the exhibition booths and watch live demonstrations,” she pointed out.

Thomas said another feature is the ‘New Products Display’, which will showcase products and innovations coming out of Expo Jamaica 2014.

There will also be live streaming of the event and a social media competition called the ‘See-Snap-Share’, aimed at highlighting the rich Jamaican culture.

.“If you see something that screams Brand Jamaica…a service, product, food, or experiences, snap a picture of it and share it on Flow Jamaica’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The photo or video with the most likes will be awarded a prize at the Expo,”

Thomas informed.

Another addition is the ‘To the World Platform’ where exhibitors will showcase the utility of their products through live demonstration.

Thomas informed that the farmers’ market, introduced in 2014, will return and will feature fresh produce for sale.

The trade show is scheduled for April 14 to 17 at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The first two days will be geared at buyers. The event will be open to the public on April 16 and April 17 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

In the meantime, Executive Director of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Imega Breese McNab, said the expo is an excellent medium to promote the ‘Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica’ campaign.

“We are asking each Jamaican to support our own Jamaican manufacturers,” she said, adding that “this will create jobs, stimulate growth in the economy and grow Jamaica.”

Expo Jamaica 2016 is being staged by the JEA and the JMA in partnership with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).