More US exhibitors sign up for Bahrain's first international holistic lifestyle expo

The expo opened on 6th - 8th February 2009 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIEC).

In just one week, the number of requests from the US to exhibit at BINHPGE 2009 has increased to 50, according to event organiser Baba Ji, CEO of Los Angeles-based Mind, Body & Beyond (MBB) Expo Management.

With a goal of promoting well-being and holistic lifestyle practices, BINHPGE is a joint venture between Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and MBB Expo Management, producer of the Mind, Body and Beyond Expo. It is the first event of MBB Expo Management outside the USA.

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) is the country's forerunner organisation with a mission of promoting Bahrain as the preferred business tourism destination in the Gulf. It functions under the directive of its Board of Directors with H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce, as Chairman of the Board. The Authority also manages the operations of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC).

BECA's joint venture with MBB Expo Management is in line with its commitment to create niche, boutique business to business (B2B) events that will attract international exhibitors and visitors in support of the Government's efforts to establish Bahrain as a business and services centre and gateway to the region. For its maiden event, BINHPGE will encompass 14,000 square metres of exhibits.

Heightened level of American interest
"President Bush's recent visit to Bahrain has cut the ribbon--so to speak -- on BINHPGE 2009. The level of interest of US-based companies looking to participate in this event has gone from zero to one hundred," confirms Mr. Ji.

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Acting CEO and Director - MICE, Destination Marketing & P.R. of Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA), says that Bahrain will provide increased proximity to the affluent retail buying audience of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

"Bahrain International Natural Health Products & Green Expo is a goldmine of opportunities for American and other international exhibitors wishing to tap the rich markets of the Northern Gulf region. What differentiates it from other wellness exhibitions in the region is that it will encapsulate all aspects of health and wellness and address the key issues of environmental strategies. A conference will run alongside the Expo with key speakers from around the globe," explains Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.

MBB Expo's yearly exhibits at the Los Angeles Convention Center attract thousands of visitors, serve as a gathering for entrepreneurs, retailers and manufacturers of yoga, massage, spa, organic living, vitamins, herbs and natural beauty products, and contribute more than $1.5m to the economy of Los Angeles.