One of Belize’s longest-running and most beloved business events wrapped up its milestone 30th iteration over the weekend of September 12–13, 2026, delivering record turnout and robust economic activity that organizers say underscores the event’s enduring value to the country’s commercial ecosystem. Held at Belize City’s iconic Marion Jones Sports Complex, this year’s Expo Belize Marketplace drew nearly 10,000 attendees across the two days, outpacing total visitor numbers from 2025 even with challenging weather conditions, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the annual expo’s organizer, confirmed.
Despite steady rain during the early opening hours on the first day and unseasonably high midday temperatures that kept crowds thinner through the lunch window, foot traffic surged sharply in the late afternoon, pushing final attendance above last year’s benchmark. BCCI representatives noted that beyond strong turnout, the 30th anniversary expo saw noticeably higher consumer spending across all sectors, with small local vendors and large established businesses alike reporting strong sales numbers. For participating companies, the event served as a critical opportunity to showcase new products and services, build direct relationships with local customers, and strengthen brand recognition across the country.
Marked by the official theme “Expo Belize Market Place – The Original Expo: 30 Years of Connecting Business, Creating Opportunities,” the milestone anniversary featured a range of special activities to engage visitors and honor the expo’s three-decade legacy. Organizers launched a unique “30 for 30” shopping challenge designed to encourage attendees to support more participating vendors, alongside hourly prize giveaways that kept crowds engaged throughout both days. The event also featured a full lineup of local entertainment, including live performances from popular Belizean acts Super Furia, Supa G, and Vida Magz, with the Expo House Band providing continuous music between sets.
To recognize outstanding participation from businesses, BCCI awarded a series of honors across multiple categories at the conclusion of the expo. Smart Belize took home two of the event’s top awards: Overall Business Excellence and Marketing Excellence. Local micro-enterprise Taste by Tess was honored as the Most Outstanding Micro Entrepreneur, while Zesty Squeeze earned the title of Most Outstanding Youth Entrepreneur. In the food vendor category, Pickle La Cochinita Pibil Tacos took home the award for Most Outstanding Food Booth, and Digi Belize was recognized with the Most Innovative Excellence award for its display.
As the expo continues to grow in attendance and scope year after year, BCCI once again emphasized that expanding access to a fully enclosed, weather-resistant venue remains a top priority for the organization. The unpredictable weather faced during this year’s anniversary event reinforced the urgent need for a purpose-built indoor facility that can accommodate growing crowds without disruptions from rain or extreme heat, organizers noted, as the expo enters its fourth decade of supporting Belize’s local economy.