The Tribune

Entrepreneurs and start-ups will be able to interact directly with consumers at the second annual Spring Sip & Shop Soiree to be hosted by the Pelican Bay resort on Saturday, April 13.

Pelican Bay created the Sip & Shop Soiree last year as a marketing promotion for local businesses to give them a platform to showcase their products and services to the community. Companies will be showcasing their products, services and treats to hundreds of consumers at one location from 3pm until 8pm.

“We wanted to find a way to give persons who were trying to start a business, or already in business, a wider audience”, said Pelican Bay operations manager, Della Bridgewater. “Shopping brings people together, and the Sip & Shop Soiree was an affordable way for small businesses to meet a wider audience in one location.

“We’ve added new features this year to make the experience more fun and interactive, such as live demonstrations, a mixology competition, a mixed drink bar by Phluid Phactory, wine and sushi options by well-known Sabor, and a very cool Hookah lounge.”

The second annual Spring Sip & Shop Soiree will be held in the hotel’s Canal House, using the venue’s multiple floors and meeting rooms. “We want guests to feel excited the moment they arrive, but most importantly, they need to be able to comfortably move around the venue to access the vendors and interact with business owners,” said Ms Bridgewater.

“Our Canal House is perfect because it’s spacious, has many levels like a mall, has high speed wi-fi, presentation electronics, versatile lighting options, and comfortable climate control. This allows ourvendors to be innovative with their exhibitions and demonstrations, utilising all of the features to their advantage.”

Entrepreneur Jennifer Major, owner of Essence of The Isles, an event planning and catering company, participated last year and is looking forward to introducing new products at this year’s event.

“We have been in business for 30 years, and participating in Sip & Shop gave us an opportunity to meet new people, receive feedback on new product samples, and showcase our full product line to our existing customers,” said Ms Major.

“We specialise in international and local cuisine, comprising of organic, all natural ingredients. At the last Sip & Shop Soiree, we launched our new line of vinaigrettes and our signature white conch chowder. This year, we are giving guests samples of our delicious cocktail appetisers and dressings.”

The event will be hosted by well-known MC and author, Kerel Pinder. Tickets for the second annual Spring Sip & Shop are priced at $10, and are available at the Pelican Bay reception desk and Phluid Phactory locations throughout Grand Bahama.