How often have you managed to successfully mix business with pleasure? Rarely, right? But here's a promising prospect for a dual-purpose outing of this nature: a "five-in-one" show that kicks off next week in Muang Thong Thani.
The 2013 Thailand Coffee, Bakery and Ice Cream, Franchise, Travel and Bike and Vehicle shows will take place from Feb 14 to 17 at Impact Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani.
From Feb 14 to 17, five big trade shows will be held simultaneously at Impact Exhibition Center, Halls 3 and 4. They are dedicated to a range of commercial pursuits not normally found under the same roof: coffee-making; bakery and ice-cream production and sales; franchises; travel; and high-end bicycles. Some 300 manufacturers, importers and distributors from all over the world will be gathering at this massive exhibition centre to showcase their goods in more than 600 booths. Among the key exhibitors will be the Aroma Group, VPP Progressive, Doi Chang, Sumby Dee, Peaberry, Bluekoff, Espressoman, Zolito, Singha Corporation, Nemox, Snowboy, Eurosia, Billion Coffee and Lin Sugar.
The coffee-making gadgets on display will range from coffee machines to grinders, blenders and accessories. Various type of syrup and coffee beans will also be available.
Those in the bakery business will be interested in the selection of ovens, refrigerated display cases and other equipment, packaging, ingredients and toppings. For Italian ice cream lovers and retailers there will be gelato-making machines (for both domestic and commercial use) and ice cream display cases.
"Demand for new machines and ingredients for coffee, bakery and ice cream retailers has continued to grow following the significant rise in consumption here, resulting in many newcomers entering this business," said Kavin Kittiboonya, managing director of Kavin Intertrade, the organiser of the event.
Among the other activities organised during the four-day extravaganza will be the 6th National Thailand Barista Championship (whose winner will go on to represent this country at the international finals to be held in Australia), a creative cake-decoration competition plus workshops on food, ice cream and baking-related topics facilitated by respected local and foreign chefs who will be handing out recipes for participants to try in their own shops or homes.
Held concurrently at the same venue will be the first trade show in Thailand specialising in high-tech bicycle brands from around the world. Among the exhibitors will be Probike, Interbike, Asia Bike and LA Bicycle.
"The bicycle industry has grown rapidly over the last three years especially because of the demand for high-quality bikes by both Thais and foreigners," Kavin noted. "We have cooperated with leading importers to display some of the most expensive bikes ever seen in Thailand; at prices ranging from 600,000 to 800,000 baht each, they are equivalent in cost to a 1,600cc sedan.
"This is the only show where visitors can have a business-cum-leisure experience at one huge location. We estimate that this '5 in 1' show will attract more than 150,000 visitors from around the country.
"The exhibitors will also be providing promotional packages offering discounts as high as 50% plus 0% interest instalment-payment schemes via major credit cards to encourage speedy decisions by buyers and investors."
The show is open to the general public on all four days, 10.30am to 8pm, and there is no admission charge.
Call 02-861-4013 or visit www.thailandcoffee.net or www.thaibikeshow.com.
