Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 10: The much-awaited Big Brands Expo 2025, organised by BNI Mangalore-Udupi, was inaugurated on Friday, October 10, at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre. The grand event aims to bring together leading brands and businesses from Mangaluru, Udupi, and beyond under one roof.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the directory launch of the Big Brands Expo 2025, symbolising the official opening of the event. The programme then began with a welcome address, followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries, marking the auspicious beginning of the expo.
Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru South, offered a formal and heartfelt address. He began by expressing his sincere gratitude and recalled his association with the Expo since it began four years ago. In his words: “BNI has stood by me — it has never let go of my hand.”
He congratulated the organisers on the expo’s visible progress and noted that, with each passing year, every BNI chapter has succeeded in bringing major businesses into the fold.
Kamath highlighted the practical benefits of the platform businesses that join BNI gain better visibility and growth opportunities, while visitors benefit from a gathering of established, varied brands under one roof — a feature he said distinguishes the expo from others. He pointed out that the expo maintains diversity in participants and avoids repetition of the same exhibitors, thereby offering a richer experience to visitors.
Appealing directly to the media, Kamath requested press and social media coverage and support for the entire three days of the expo to ensure strong public participation and greater outreach. He emphasised quality of visitors over mere numbers — using the expo’s own term, he urged the organisers and public to attract “green customers” (meaning genuine, conversion-oriented buyers) rather than casual passersby.
Acknowledging early challenges faced by the organisers, Kamath commended the team for addressing difficulties pragmatically and pledged his whole-hearted congratulations. He concluded his remarks with warm words and light-hearted anecdotes, encouraging everyone to make the Expo a continued success.
Ganesha N Sharma, executive director of BNI Mangalore-Udupi, in his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude and joy, calling the event “a dream come true. Four years ago, when we started this expo, our vision was to create a strong business platform for local entrepreneurs. Every year, this expo has grown tremendously and made a great impact. The success behind this event lies in the continuous support and encouragement of the people of Mangaluru and Udupi, who visit every year and make it stronger. This expo not only benefits visitors but also provides good opportunities and profits for stall owners. It’s truly a wonderful event for everyone to be part of,” he said.
Narendra L Nayak, founder and chairman of Expert Group of Institutions, praised the efforts of BNI for creating such a vibrant platform. “Any beginning must start with a good intention, and I appreciate the thought behind this initiative. Dakshina Kannada can be proud of this remarkable business network — BNI. It’s not just a brand; it’s a community of business professionals who come together to serve society through their products and services. This platform connects people with reliable businesses and prevents them from being misguided. There is no activity in the world without business — everything we do involves it in some form,” he remarked.
Following the speeches, all guests and sponsors were felicitated with bouquets as a token of gratitude. The dignitaries included Ganesha N Sharma executive director, BNI Mangalore–Udupi, Mohanraj chairman, Big Brands Expo, and Deepika Shetty co-chairman, Big Brands Expo.
The Big Brands Expo 2025 will continue from October 10 to 12, open to the public from 10 am to 8 pm, showcasing various brands, businesses, and services across multiple sectors.