Review: Digicel Consumer Electronic Show

Kingston, Jamaica- This year the three year old annual Consumer Electronic Show snagged Digicel, the Caribbean’s largest mobile provider as its title sponsor. So many expected to get more, but were sorely disappointed, even as I’m sure over the two day event this weekend, a pretty decent crowd passed through the gates.

In short though, I’d describe the experience as a large scaled “bend down” plaza (for non Jamaicans that’s similar to flea market) inside the National Arena location. One could have saved time by googling big screen TV, cellphone, home security and audio system and salivating over the choice, interactive demonstrations, and comparison price details presented.

Jamaica may never be the seat of product innovation, relegated to being primarily distributors. I can tell you though, I’d be pissed if I was one of these product companies, as the local resellers did little to excite, educate outside of passionless talk and views from behind sealed glass cases. No touchy, feely, wow demonstrations. Hold on, didn’t I hear myself say this last year and the year before.

You can always tell the level of excitement you can expect by the exhibitor list. Outside of Digicel, there was Scotiabank; A jewelry store that sells electronics?; Computer and game resellers; at least 3 home and office focused security firms; credit unions, a furniture store…you know what let me stop and confess something. I went only because a colleague of mine jamdeal.com was exhibiting. Myself and quite a few colleagues stopped going after year one, then depended on others to tell is what they thought of last year.

Will they ever get it right?

Digicel does not associate itself with events or brands that are lame, but it aligning itself with the event this year makes me asks a couple of questions.

1. Was the passing of Hurricane Dean a factor in the lack luster factor of the event?

2. Was this a strategic move by Digicel to take control of the event before the new multi-billion dollar Latin America owners of MiPhone their competitor do? So they can now plan to offer a wow event in 2008.

3. Should be easy on the organizers as its only year three or blame them anyway for lack of imagination and hold them responsible for another underwhelming Consumer Electronic Show?

4. Is the nature of the Consumer Electronic SHow reflective our economic status.
We wonder, while we wait to be wowed next year.