What are people saying about Infotech 2012?

Just as last year, I’m much satisfied of my decision : Using my precious time more efficiently instead of increasing the visitor count to the Infotech 2012, which is being held from the 13 to 16 September 2012 at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, Pailles. Organisers should understand that people no more consider Infotech as a tech fair but rather as a commercial trade fair. If they lack ideas or want to stick to their current beliefs, they should consider renaming the “Infotech” or just stop advertising its aim as “awareness on emerging technologies”. From feedback gathered, it is just like you are entering a huge shopping area. Period.

Extract of articles/comments written by some fellow Mauritian bloggers :

CleverDodo :

“To be quite honest, I was very disappointed with my visit to InfoTech. There were not as many interesting stands as I thought there would be. Take for example, Mauritius Post, I don’t understand why they were there. The people at the stand were bored because no one showed any interest but you couldn’t blame them either.[…] The young people who attended were mostly interested in learning opportunities in the IT sector and career guidance. I found that the institutions there were more eager to get you to register with them instead of explaining things better and clearing the doubts that you have.”

Avinash Meetoo :

“We went to Infotech 2012 today and it felt like an empty box: not much innovation and no trace of informatics at all. The stands were bland and I felt that even the computer and phone sellers are getting bored with the formula.”

Mike :

 “Back from Infotech 2012. Useless some stands not even ready on the first opening day with workmen still busy. Reps standing around like waiting for a bus. Girls/hostesses standing around an exhibit and chatting so that public cannot get to see or try it. Better stay at home or go to a regular shop/agent for information.[…] EMTEL stand not even ready this morning!!!”

 Carrotmadman6 :

The downside of going on opening day is that many of the exhibitors aren’t even ready with their stands or with their products. That shows you just how seriously they take Infotech. […] It wasn’t quite as boring as I expected it to be and in the limited time I had, I discovered enough stuff to make my visit worthwhile.

Boasting about an increasing number of visitors is useless. Probably because people lack leisure in Mauritius. Instead, they should question themselves about the number of people who actually found the trade fair useful and informative.

Were you or planning to go there? How will you rate this year’s edition?