For the 19th consecutive year, the annual Better Living in Portugal Exhibition (BLiP EXPO) is taking place over the weekend of October 12 and 13 at the Portimão Arena. Nearly 100 exhibitors will be available to talk to visitors about their products and services – “all with the aim of providing residents and property owners with the means to enjoy the best possible lifestyle in Portugal,” say organisers.
There will be many past exhibitors returning as well as many new ones, with their latest products and services for the home and garden, insurance, financial, currency and legal services plus health provision. Funeral arrangements, security, pet care, property services, fashion, shopping, food and drink and golf are all represented.
The Algarve Tourism Board will be presenting its ‘365 Algarve’ programme for the winter period, and the Portimão Tourism Board and Monchique Municipality will have details of what is on offer in their respective areas.
The Bombeiros will also be on hand to inform visitors about how to call the emergency service, which will include a practice point that allows visitors to simulate a distress call to the national emergency number – 112. The Bombeiros will also give instruction in life support and demonstrations on the public defibrillators, which are already installed in some towns across the region. Anyone who is interested in attending the eight-hour training course to operate public defibrillators will be able to sign up for it.
For those with British connections, the British Vice Consulate will be available to answer questions.
Algarve Artists will once again have original art on display and for sale. You can meet the artists, watch demonstrations and sign up for classes.
To complement the artists, there will also be a stand for Algarve Authors – a small group of foreign residents based in the Algarve, who will be selling and signing their books. The authors are Peter Giacomini with his book Cardboard Suitcase, which outlines his experiences of over 50 years in the hotel industry; Lena Strang, who has written two books about the people, history and culture of the Western Algarve; and Daniel Hasselmyr, a Swedish artist who has compiled a book of his watercolours and memories of the Algarve in the 70s and 80s.
Algarve Rock Brewery is returning this year with a selection of their finest ‘brews’ and to explain their brewery tours.
On an adjoining space to create a small beer garden, SOS UK TV will be demonstrating their services and, for sports enthusiasts, they will be hoping to show matches from the Rugby World Cup that will be taking place in Japan over the weekend.
Many will be familiar with the wines offered by Fiuza Bright from the Tejo region (widely available at supermarkets) who will be attending for the first time.
Instant health checks are available and there will be many opportunities to win prizes and take advantage of exclusive offers during the BLiP weekend.
A full list of exhibitors can be seen on the website www.bliportugal.com
BLiP EXPO is organised by afpop and sponsored by Medal Insurance with support from the Algarve Tourism Board and Portimão Town Hall. Open Media, publishers of the Resident and other titles, are Media Partners for the event.
Entrance is free and there is ample parking. Catering is available on site.
The exhibition is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
