Tuesday, November 11, 2008

EXPECTATIONS MOUNT AS OCEAN RACE NEARS

Volvo Ocean Race is going to be one of the biggest business platforms in Kerala as several companies are getting ready to engross themselves. Volvo Group, Erricson and Puma will set up pavilions in the Race Village in order to showcase their products and services. An exhibition of Indian brands, named 'Ocean Race Trade Fest', will also be organized from 2nd to 13th December 2008 at Willingdon Island.
Corperate Meetings
During the 10 day Stop Over large number of Mini Corporate Meetings will be held in Willingdon Island. Volvo’s pavilion is spread in 1,000 sq.mtr area. Newly launched Volvo XC60 is also to be showcased. All the invited guests, both Volvo's and those from the syndicates, such as Puma and Ericsson, will be offered the chance to take a test drive.
Apart from International brands that promote Volvo Ocean Race, the Teams participating in the Race also will open pavilions. Erricson and Puma will also exhibit their new products and services in the pavilion. While these pavilions will be partially open to general public, certain areas have been earmarked by these companies for their business networking.
Now bookings are open to the ‘Ocean Race Trade Fest.’ Multiple levels booking, which allows companies to choose their own space, is also being introduced by the organizers.
Participants from sectors like manufacturing, real estate, lifestyle, home appliances, financial institutions, food processing institutions, shipping and logistics, hospitality, medical tourism, wind energy, renewable energy etc will find place in the Trade Fest.

Volvo Confident
Whenever questions rose on the feasibility of the Race, Volvo always had exciting answers. Volvo officially replies: “The last race took place in 2005-06 and it was covered in 192 countries. Over 1.8 billion viewers were able to follow the race, more than 17,500 articles were written and the total media value was USD 86 billion. This extensive exposure not only enhances brand awareness, it also sells cars. There is clear-cut evidence that people who are aware of the Volvo Ocean Race are more likely to choose a Volvo as their next car. However, it isn't simply a question of the media. During the last race, 2.8 million people visited one of the stopovers. We are expecting even more this time,” Says officials.
The Volvo Ocean Race takes nine months and covers 39,000 nautical miles. It comprises seven 'in-port' races and 10 race stages.

The entry to the race village and exhibition will be free of charges.