Compex 2009 beats the recession

Nagpur: The 17th Compex 2009 was a runaway success. The annual flagship event organized by the Vidarbha Computer and Media Dealers' Welfare Association (VCMDWA ) Nagpur on Jan 9-12 at the Ladies Club Lawns, Civil Lines, Nagpur registered around two lakh visitors and generated sales worth Rs 3 crore. Also bookings worth Rs 7 crore were done. The event was inaugurated by Vilas Muttemwar, Union Minister for new and renewable energy and Mahendra Tiwari, DGM, Idea Cellular Ltd.

The global slowdown did not deter VCMDWA's spirit, which shifted its focus this year from making profits to just making it a memorable event despite the market conditions.

"All these years our main focus was to make as much profit as we could but this year we thought of giving back something to the industry. We tried to make the event a memorable one for all our vendors and partners. We had new smaller and more economic stalls so that the small vendors could benefit. We are very happy that it turned out this way, maybe our sincere efforts were appreciated," said Prashant Ugemuge, President, VCMDWA.

This year, Compex 2009 had an altogether new layout, housing 24 pavilions, 86 stalls, cafeteria and helpdesk. The stalls were bigger in size, resulting in enhanced display value and better handling of customer inquiries. The passages were wider too, resulting in ease of movement for the visitors. VCMDWA also allotted free stalls to Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Lions Club and the Nagpur Police.

On being asked about what keeps them going and what is the reason behind defying the recession, Uegemuge said that VCMDWA Compex enjoys a certain popularity and inspite of the recession they always knew that the Compex would hold its ground. "We were aware that due to the recession some of our partners may not participate, and some did back out. But our team did not let it get in the way of continuing the tradition of the successful Compex events over the years. Our team, comprising 20-30 people, was determined and organized in their endeavors. I think that is what has helped us manage," he added.

However, the spirit and celebrations faced a small setback in the form of a spat with Intel. Organizers allege that Intel has refused to participate in the expo owing to low budget and financial reasons, but at the last moment the vendor was seen using the name of Compex to promote their new products and services, without being officially a part of it.

"First Intel had convinced us that they can't participate in the expo due to shortage of funds but soon after we saw them releasing huge ads in the expo and also using the name of Compex in their advertisements. The ads also included the names of expo's participants who are their partners too. We have already started seeking legal action against Intel and it has left us all in very bad spirit. Also, we have unanimously decided not to accommodate Intel in any of our future endeavors," said a visibly upset Ugemuge.

In the end, Compex yet again emerged victorious with record sales and footfall. The event ended on a good note with many visitors asking for an extension of the expo. Hope this spirit is contagious and soon catches up with all other sectors and associations as well.