Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who are the exhibitors?
A: We expect that more than 100 exhibitors from Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean and North, Central and South America will showcase the following: Air Conditioning, Appliances, Bathroom Accessories, Building Products, Cleaning Products, Construction Equipment, Courier Services, Consulting Services, Environmental Products, Energy-related Products, Equipment and Technology, Financial Services, Decorating Applications, Electrical Products, Environmental items, Financial Services, Furniture, Hand tools & Accessories, Hardware, Health Products, Household Items, Iron & Steel, Janitorial Services, Lawn & Garden, Marine Products, Pre-hospital care, Paints, Plumbing Products, Power Tools & Accessories, Safety and Security Products, Security Surveillance Technology and Equipment, Services and Solutions, Shipping, Signs, Steel Products and Transportation.
Q: How many buyers are likely to attend?
A: We expect between 10,000 and 20,000 persons to visit the Show, approximately 50% of whom should be architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, HSSE professionals, hardware dealers and business managers. The other 50% are usually home owners or prospective home owners.
Q: What is the volume of business available?
A: There are many large private and public projects which are ongoing in Trinidad & Tobago involving the construction of schools, offices and houses. The volume of business is very substantial, even for a small twin island state.
Q: Is food and drink available at the exhibition?
A: There is a Food Court in the North Hall at the Centre of Excellence which offers several different types of food and remains open throughout the exhibition. A bar which offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is also on site.
Q: Is the exhibition site user-friendly?
A: The Exhibition Hall offers 52,000 square feet of air-conditioned space. The Centre is located in Macoya, about 15 miles east of the capital, Port of Spain and about 5 miles from the airport. Parking is available for 500 cars and there are seminar and conference rooms adjacent to the Exhibition Hall. Free transport between the Show's partner hotels in Port of Spain and the Centre of Excellence is available to exhibitors' staff and foreign visitors who have booked accommodation through Premier Events Caribbean Ltd.
Q: What is the difference between a seminar and a workshop?
A: A seminar is a 1-1.5 hour presentation by an individual on a specific topic (like fire suppression techniques). A workshop is a longer educational session on a specific topic and usually has a didactic and skills component (like airway management where you actually get to intubate the airway manikin).
Q: How do I register for seminars & workshops?
A: You may register for seminars and workshops by phone (868-673-6166), Fax (868-637-6167) email @ premier@eventscaribbean.org or HERE
Q: How do I sign up for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
A: We ask that you pre-register for the seminars you plan to attend. We must plan seating availability in advance and close off the availability when the seminars are full. The Medical Director for SIREN 2009 and the seminar presenter will assign the CEU for each seminar. Each certificate will be issued at the end of the symposium and emailed to you. You may print off as many certificates as you require but each certificate will be given an individual number for authenticity.
Q: Can I change my mind and attend a different seminar during the symposium?
A: Yes, but only if the Seminar which you want to attend has an available seat. If the seminar is full you will not be allowed to attend without pre-registering first.
Q: How and where do I get hand out material for the seminars?
A: If a speaker or presenter has supplied handouts for their seminar, they will be available for print and/or download. We suggest you print out your handouts to the seminars you plan to attend, prior to arriving at the symposium, to maximize your learning and retention.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: There is no dress code but we recommend wearing light business attire (shirt and pants) or elegantly casual.
Q: When will the symposium's workshop schedule be posted?
A: All pre-registered participants will receive the symposium schedule at least 6 weeks prior to the symposium.
Q: How do I get the SIREN 2009 pin?
A: The authentic SIREN 2009 pin is available for sale at booth # 100 and the price of the pin is $20.
Q: How much does it cost to attend BITS & SIREN 2009?
A: If you wish to go to the exhibition only, you can simply pay $25 when you arrive at the entrance, or you can register online (CLICK HERE), for a free complimentary ticket which will be posted to you, You must register at least Two (2) weeks in advance for this Complimentary Ticket. However if you wish to attend the seminars or workshops, you must become a “Member”. Five types of membership are available (GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE, LIMITED and SINGLE), each of which entitles you to attend the Opening Ceremony and includes a complimentary entrance ticket to the Exhibition Hall. Please note that registration for the seminars and workshops will end on the 15th September 2009 and you will not be able to attend them if you do not register by that date.
Q: What is the cost of the competitions?
A (1) Fire fighter competition - This is an individual competition. The fee is $250 Official rules will be outlined prior to the competition. The Grand Prize is $3000; Second Prize is $1500 and Third Prize is $600
(2) EMS/Fire Trauma Competition - All ambulance personnel (EMT/Paramedic) are challenged to enter this basic level trauma competition. You will be given a specific time to work with and your team (team of 3) will be expected to treat the patient as per the US Department of Transport curriculum standard. The Grand Prize is $3000; Second Prize is $1500 and Third Prize is $600.
(3) Obstacle course - The obstacle course is designed to ensure that the most accurate, safest driver is rewarded. The First Prize is $1500 Second Prize is $1000 and Third Prize is $600. There will also be other spectacular prizes for this challenging driver's obstacle course. The registration fee is $100 per person.
(4) Police/Security range competition - Teams of three police officers and/or security personnel (you must be a registered and certified gun user to participate in this competition) will compete at a specified gun range. The Grand Prize is $3000; Second Prize is $1800 and Third Prize is $600.
All first/second and third place winners will receive a trophy and BRAGGING RIGHTS for the entire year!!!
Q: Will there be other prizes?
A: We expect to have many great prizes but that will be solely dependent on the generosity of our sponsors. We will keep you up to date. The Competitions will have cash prizes and other great prizes awarded directly after the Competition to the winners.