Celebrating the Spirit of Ramadan

Expos as Catalysts for  Commerce and Cultural Exchange

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the anticipation for vibrant expos and bazaars celebrating this sacred time grows. These events, held in various countries worldwide, provide a unique platform for commerce, cultural exchange, and community engagement. One such event, the Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar 2024, organized by 3E Events Pvt. Ltd., brought together manufacturers, traders, visitors, and the community at the Millennium Hall in Ethiopia. With over 100 exhibitors and a bustling crowd of more than 100,000 attendees, the expo created a lively and vibrant atmosphere where commerce and culture intertwined. Exhibitors showcased a wide array of products and services, while educational activities, competitions, and shows engaged and captivated attendees. The event served as a networking and knowledge-sharing hub for members of the business community, invited guests, media bodies, and stakeholders from Ethiopia and beyond. Beyond commerce, these expos also fostered cultural diversity and understanding, featuring cultural displays, performances by esteemed mashaikhs and Quran readers, and exhibitions that showcased the traditions, heritage, and artistic expressions of different countries and communities. These expo’s create lasting connections, promote cultural appreciation, and provide valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations. As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, let us recognize the significance of these expos in celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, where culture, commerce, and community converge, creating an unforgettable experience for all writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

Profiled as “Eid Eve in the Millennium,” Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar 2024 was an eagerly anticipated event organized by 3E Events Pvt. Ltd. This unique and colorful expo and bazaar took place from March 27 to April 9, 2024, at the sprawling Millennium compound, particularly at the Millennium Hall in Ethiopia. The event aimed to provide a vibrant platform for manufacturers, traders, visitors, and the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of Eid.

This grand event was set to host over 100 manufacturers and traders, offering a wide array of products and services. Exceeding 100,000, visitors from all walks of life created a lively and bustling atmosphere. The Millennium Hall, a well-known venue, served as the hub for this event, providing ample space for exhibitions, shows, competitions, and more.

According to Abdulsetah Ali, the Managing Director/owner of 3E Events, he stated, “This is the first expo that is taking place at the Millennium Hall during the iftar time, which was the primary reason that inspired us to host this exhibition until Eid.”

The highlight of the event was the special iftar program organized by Babul Khair, a store known for its diverse range of clothing items for both children and adults. Attendees could enjoy shopping while immersing themselves in the rich history of Ethiopia’s Islamic heritage. Additionally, the event presented an opportunity for visitors to participate in charity work, adding a noble and philanthropic aspect to the experience.

Medina Mohammed, an exhibitor at the Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar, expressed her enthusiasm about participating in such expos for the first time. She shared her positive experience in promoting and showcasing her merchandise, which primarily consists of women’s clothing such as abayas and deryas, which are well-known items at her shop, Medina.

Medina adds “This expo has played a crucial role in showcasing my products to a wide range of customers, allowing me to reach a larger audience and expand my customer base.”

Abdulsetah also mentioned, “We have collaborated with several charitable organizations, including Babulhair, who are participating in the exhibition. This collaboration is mutually beneficial as the income generated from the sale of iftar food at the event will be utilized to support those in need.”

Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar was not just a commercial event but also an educational and entertaining platform. Various competitions, shows, and educational activities were organized to engage and captivate attendees. The event offered a unique chance for businesses, investors, and organizations to showcase their products and services to a wide audience, including members of the business community, invited guests, media bodies, and stakeholders from Ethiopia and beyond.

As part of their commitment to supporting Ethiopian entrepreneurs, the organizers extended a special opportunity for the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Associations. Five entrepreneurs from the association were given complimentary 9m² booths each to showcase their offerings, helping them gain exposure and expand their business prospects.

The Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar spanned 14 consecutive days, filled with vibrant side events that catered to diverse interests. From captivating stage performances to the Nun’s Qur’an platform, where esteemed mashaikhs, renowned Islamic scholars, and Quran readers were present, the expo promised a rich cultural and spiritual experience for attendees.

Furthermore, the event culminated in a two-day festival to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr. This festive occasion added another layer of joy and celebration to the overall experience, providing a fitting conclusion to the expo.

Visitors to the Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar which is said will take place every year, could expect a multitude of opportunities, including trade, shopping, entertainment, and community engagement. Families could create lasting memories as they explored the event together, while children could enjoy themselves at the dedicated kids’ playground.

3E Events Pvt. Ltd. invited the entire community to partake in this one-of-a-kind event, which promised a unique and memorable experience. The Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar 2016, held at the Millennium Hall, offered an ideal platform for businesses, organizations, and visitors to come together, celebrate Eid, and indulge in a colorful showcase of products, services, culture, and entertainment.

Abdulsetah added, “The Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar 2024 is not just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, commerce, and community coming together. We aim to create an unforgettable experience where visitors can shop, learn, and connect in the spirit of Eid.

Sara Ahmed, an enthusiastic visitor at the Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar, found herself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the exhibition. As she explored the diverse range of products and services, she stumbled upon Medina’s booth, showcasing exquisite abayas and deryas. Impressed by the craftsmanship, Sara expressed her admiration, stating, “I’m truly amazed by the stunning designs and quality of these traditional garments. The Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar has provided me with a unique opportunity to discover such gems in Ethiopian fashion.”

Expos like Ethio Ed Expo and Bazaar are not unique to Ethiopia but are held in various countries around the world, serving as important platforms for commerce, cultural exchange, and community engagement. These events provide a valuable opportunity for manufacturers, traders, and businesses to showcase their products and services to a wide audience, attracting potential customers, investors, and partners. Expos often feature a diverse range of industries, from fashion and technology to food and tourism, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the latest trends and innovations. Moreover, these events foster economic growth by stimulating trade, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting international collaboration. Additionally, expos play a significant role in promoting cultural diversity and understanding, as they often feature cultural displays, performances, and exhibitions that highlight the traditions, heritage, and artistic expressions of different countries and communities. By bringing together people from various backgrounds and industries, expos serve as catalysts for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering meaningful connections that can have lasting impacts on business, tourism, and cultural exchange on a global scale.EBR

12th Year • April 2024 • No. 128