The 2006 Better Living in Portugal exhibition (BLiP) will be held at the Parque das Feiras (ExpoArade) site in Portimão on October 14 and 15. The exhibition, which was conceived by AFPOP, aims to bring together a wealth of information, products and services, which show that it really is Better Living in Portugal.

BLiP is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions to be staged in Iberia and this is the third year it will take place in Portimão.
Over the years BLiP has grown steadily, and its move to the Expo site has allowed for even greater expansion.
This was proved in 2005 when the organisers were able to welcome a greater number of exhibitors and saw the largest growth in visitors to date.

A new dimension
This year there is a new dimension at BLiP with the exhibition being one of the first events to be held at the newly constructed, multi-purpose pavilion.
Many readers will already have seen a glimpse of it while traveling along the A22. However, so great is BLiP’s popularity with exhibitors that, even with the construction of this large building, an additional pavilion is needed this year. 
The new pavilion was constructed in just over five months, a tribute to the commitment of the various entities to raise the profile of Portimão in the world of exhibiting and eventing.
The Parque das Feiras has already hosted the 20th International Gymnastics Championship and will now host this very special event – Better Living in Portugal 2006 on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.
With its purpose-built meeting rooms, cafeteria, cloakrooms, toilets and reception areas, the new pavilion has enabled the exhibition to expand and it opens up other possibilities for additional attractions at BLiP in the future.
For this year though, the organisers have decided to keep with the traditional style of BLIP.  

A chance to win
PDM Travel is sponsoring again this year a flight for two people, which you could win just by walking through the entrance gates. Remember, entrance is free to all.
The Resident is reliably informed that there are several exhibitors offering great prizes, which will all add to the fun of the exhibition – watch out for information in the local press and when you are walking around the event.

Free wheelchair loan
For anyone who needs the use of a wheelchair or walking frame, Sul Care from Loulé (a company run by AFPOP’s Eastern Rep, Thomas Decker) is offering free use of these items. It would obviously assist greatly to know the number of mobility items that may be required.
So, if you plan to be at BLiP and would like to take advantage of this offer, please call Helen Bradley on 282 342 145, tell her your name, what you require and which day you will be attending.
This offer is available on both days and, if you want to come on both days, you will be made most welcome.    

Eclectic Mix
Once again this year, the eclectic mix of exhibitors promises to make the weekend an exciting and colourful time for all concerned.
Many of them have asked for even more space than in previous years and, while the intention is always to encourage smaller exhibitors to join in with the event, it will be interesting to see what the larger companies are planning. 
This year BLiP has attracted over 50 new exhibitors, which the organisers are truly delighted about. There are too many to name within this article, but please visit the BLiP site where you can find a list of those already committed to bringing you some of the best products and services available. www.blip-exhibitions.com

Mamamaratona
For the second year running, Mamamaratona (MM6) are welcomed to the event. On Sunday, October 15 the pre-race warm up (which is an event in itself) followed by the official start will take place at BLiP.
It is an amazing site to see the hundreds of runners and walkers all taking to the streets around Rio Arade to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
With the Mamamaratona runners at BLiP last year, Sunday morning had a carnival feel to it, which really brought even more excitement to the event – this year promises more of the same.
For those who are feeling fit and/or energetic, why not take part in MM6 – details are available from the AFPOP office (282 458 509), The Resident office (282 342 936) or by completing the entry form on page 30 of this week’s The Resident.

Donation from AFPOP
In 2005, AFPOP donated a percentage of new members’ joining fees received on the Sunday to the Mamamaratona charity.
The same will happen this year, so all members are asked to encourage their friends and neighbours to join AFPOP on BLiP Sunday.
By doing so, not only will new members be able to enjoy the benefits of AFPOP membership, with the AFPOP ADvantage scheme and Alliance Partner discounts, but they will be able to support a very worthwhile cause with part of their joining fee.  

Looking forward
A tremendous amount of work will go into making sure that this year’s BLiP will be to the same exacting standards you have come to expect.
During the event, AFPOP along with Exiberia (CanaryWharf) the organisers of BLiP, will be constantly evaluating opportunities for the future, and the requirements of exhibitors and visitors, so that informed decisions can be made as to the best way to take BLiP forward.
There are already plenty of ideas and the organisers look forward to hearing what exhibitors and visitors think about the site and their suggestions for future innovation.

Opening hours
The opening hours for BLiP this year are Saturday 10am until 6pm and Sunday 10.30am until 5pm.
Remember, entrance is free to everyone, so put the dates, October 14 and 15 in your diary now – you will not be disappointed.
To view information on previous exhibitions please visit www.afpop.com or the BLiP website: www.blip-exhibitions.com.
Stand enquiries for future BLiP events should be addressed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

source: the resident