“We have optimized every little place that we´ve got this year and tried to use every nook and corner available, not wasting any space,” Karna said, talking to myrepublica.com. “Last year’s event had about 230 stalls while this year we’ve already crossed 221 with 152 exhibitors, and some of the spaces still free are being snapped up.”
Not only is Karma not worried about the smaller space, he is in fact very optimistic about the new venue. “This area is much more centrally located and is also more secure, considering that our next-door neighbor is Mahendra Police Club,” he said.
The annual event that started off in the then Hotel Bluestar back in 1995 with 17-stalls and 2,100 people visiting during the three days it was held, has been attracting more visitors every year, with the numbers reaching 350,000 last year. Going by the trend, this year could see even more. But this still won’t cause any problem.
According to CAN general secretary Binod Dhakal, special attention has been paid to managing the crowd. “We have designed the stalls in both the main hall and the hanger in such a way that it will allow the crowd to move as quick as possible. Instead of limiting the direction that people can move, we have allowed them to move from any location to any other without any problems,” he said.
CAN Info-Tech 2009 will have the usual types of exhibitors, which, apart from computer, peripherals, parts and other hardware sellers; software makers and sellers; and internet and other service providers, also includes the education sector related to IT, mobile phone sellers and those with the latest in gadgets on offer.
Considering the huge power cuts, those offering UPS, inverters and generators are expected to be the big thing this year, Karma said. Again, power cuts will not be a problem either at this massive fair for which electricity is a lifeline. According to Karna, the lights will not go out at Exhibition Hall. "In case they do, we have set up a huge generator,” he added.
Going until Jan 19, CAN has priced tickets at Rs 50, with students receiving a 50 percent discount. Friday has been set aside as Business Day, with tickets tagged at Rs 100 for the day.
Tapas/MyRepublica.com
With every CAN Info-Tech, the buzz is what’s new in technology and gadgets available in Nepal and the discounts. Most exhibitors have chosen to keep mum about their offers, promising something very attractive to be unveiled Wednesday.
Neoteric, which holds a large chunk of space at Bhrikuti Mandap, considering it is the authorized dealer for a whole lot of brands, is promising some big launches. From its Logitech brand, which is also the title sponsor of the event, Neoteric is offering 25 keyboards and mice and different varieties of webcams, gaming peripherals, speakers, notebook stands, headsets and notebook bags, plus other peripherals. Similarly, Neoteric is putting up Samsung Digital Photoframes, 15 Samsung LCDs, projectors and nine HP Laptops which cost Rs 55,000 and upwards, and three desktops.
This year’s IT Conference is scheduled to be held at the City Auditorium on Jan 15 and 16. The topic will be “ICT milestone for New Nepal”.
Logitech CAN Info-Tech 2009
Date: January 14-19
Time: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Venue: Exhibition Hall, Bhrikuti Mandap
Tickets: Rs 50 (Rs 25 for students)
Rs 100 on Friday
