Alespo, a showcase to promote local know-how and “promote the networking of our exhibitors”

Les organisateurs de la foire Alespo sont déjà bel et bien sur le pont. MIDI LIBRE – CHARLES LEDUC

The 54th edition of the fair will take place at the Méjannes-lès-Alès exhibition center, from March 15 to 18. Some new features are on the program, such as the establishment of two night shifts and a free daycare. Not forgetting shopping vouchers to be won, worth 10,000 euros.

This is the 54th opus of what Guy Benoit describes as "large boutique in Alès en Cévennes". Alespo returns to the Méjannes-lès-Alès exhibition center from March 15 to 18, to, recalls the president of the eponymous organizing association, "highlight both trade and as local crafts".

170 exhibitors are expected, including 40 new

Thus, some 170 exhibitors, including 40 newcomers, will meet the expectations of visitors (there were nearly 15,000 last year): 60% from the Alès living area , 23% of the department, 9% of Occitanie and 7% of neighboring regions. In this regard, Patrice Turc, in charge of development at Alespo, emphasizes that "we promote networking among our exhibitors". To encourage them to get to know each other, the association is organizing a festive meeting, just for them, the day before the opening, from 5:30 p.m., in the central aisle.

Vouchers to be won and consumed on site

This year again, Alespo will build on its "bases", "without closing on ourselves", says Guy Benoit. This, in "a difficult economic context for all" but with the objective of "boost the local economy". A boost is even planned for visitors since 10,000 € Vouchers will be up for grabs throughout the fair. So many vouchers, from 200 € and, once a day, 1,000 €, "to be consumed at exhibitors, during the show", specifies Paul Ponsi , the treasurer.

A series of animations will be aimed at children

For this 2024 edition, the fair wanted to "expand the opening hours, with two evening evenings" (*), said secretary Julien Bruschet. And she doesn't forget the children, to whom activities will be offered (rides, introduction to golf, face painting, etc.), nor their parents. For the first time, a free daycare service will be established.

(*) Alespo: March 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; March 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; March 18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance: 3 €, free for children under 3 years old and after 6 p.m. Information and invitations to collect on the website www.alespo.fr.