Feira Multissetorial 2015 in Santa Bárbara, MG

18th Feira Multissetorial of Santa Bárbara

The Santa Bárbara Feira Multissetorial (Multi-Sector Business Fair) reached its 18th edition in 2015, reaffirming its role as the main business, tourism and entrepreneurship event in the Médio Piracicaba and the Serra do Caraça region. Held from October 8 to 10, at the Adilson Melo Exhibition Park, the fair brought together business owners, institutions and visitors around discussions on innovation, regional tourism and economic development.

Promoted by Acisb/CDL, with the support of Sebrae, AngloGold Ashanti, Samarco and ADESB, the 2015 edition focused on regional integration and strengthening the territories, reinforcing the role of the towns around the Serra do Caraça as potential centers of business and sustainable tourism.

With a varied program that included business rounds, talks, workshops and the 2nd Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça Food Showcase, the event established itself as a showcase of opportunities and a space that celebrates local identity.

Innovation and Regional Tourism

The 2015 Feira Multissetorial stood out for its innovative approach, focused on strengthening tourism and the creative economy. Right at the opening, a Public Hearing of the Minas Gerais Legislative Assembly discussed "The Potential of Regional Tourism", focusing on strategies to increase tourist flow to the historic towns and the routes of the Serra do Caraça.

The event reinforced the importance of investing in tourism infrastructure and in partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote sustainable development. The discussion attracted officials, business owners and tourism industry representatives, strengthening the fair's image as a space for reflection and collective problem-solving.

The emphasis on tourism as a driver of economic growth was also evident in the workshops and talks held over the following days, establishing the event as a reference for integrating tourism, culture and regional entrepreneurship.

Official 2015 Program

The 2015 edition had an intense, well-structured program combining training, business and culture.

Thursday (Oct. 8, 2015)

• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Business Round

• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Public Hearing of the Minas Gerais Legislative Assembly
  Theme: The Potential of Regional Tourism

• 7 p.m. – Official Opening

• 9 p.m. – Cultural Performance

• 9 p.m. – Opening of the Exhibition Area

Friday (Oct. 9, 2015)

• 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Business Round

• 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Extreme Station – Highline
  Support: Brazilian Slackline Federation

• 5 p.m. – Workshop for CDLs and Commercial Associations
  Theme: How to attract investment to the region through Tourism – with Inácia Soares

• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Talk "Innovation in Territories"
  Speaker: Cláudio Forner, with Tom Pires (Sebrae and Instituto Estrada Real)

Saturday (Oct. 10, 2015)

• 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Business Round

• 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Extreme Station – Highline

• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Cultural Performance – Gourmet Area

Over the three days, business owners and visitors could discover new products and services, take part in training and strengthen their networks. The combination of business and entertainment made the fair a success in both attendance and organization.

2nd "Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça" Food Showcase

One of the big highlights of the 18th Feira Multissetorial was the 2nd "Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça" Food Showcase, promoted by ADESB and ADEBAC. The event brought out the flavors and culinary traditions of the region, celebrating the authenticity of Minas Gerais cooking and strengthening food tourism.

The showcase was a true festival of aromas and flavors, with tastings of traditional dishes prepared by local chefs and cooks. It brought the public together in a welcoming setting where culture and food met to celebrate the territory between the mountains linking Caeté, Barão de Cocais and Santa Bárbara, at the foot of the majestic Serra do Caraça.

With the slogan "Trabalhando o que Minas tem de melhor" (Working with the best of Minas), the event highlighted regional ingredients such as cheese, banana, jiló (scarlet eggplant) and pork, promoting sustainability and pride in Minas Gerais cuisine.

Talks and Workshops: Knowledge and Innovation

The fair's technical program featured inspiring talks and workshops focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The highlight was the talk "Innovation in Territories", given by Cláudio Forner, a consultant for Sebrae's Individual Entrepreneur Program and a specialist in local business development, who discussed the role of towns in building entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Another important moment was the Workshop for CDLs and Commercial Associations, led by Inácia Soares, on "How to attract investment to the region through tourism". The meeting encouraged dialogue between business organizations and presented practical strategies to strengthen commerce and tourism around the Serra do Caraça.

These discussions showed how knowledge and innovation are essential to drive sustainable, competitive growth in the region's towns.

Conclusion

The 18th Feira Multissetorial of Santa Bárbara, held from October 8 to 10, 2015, was a milestone in bringing together business, culture and tourism. The edition highlighted the importance of cooperation between towns and institutions, especially in the Serra do Caraça region, which is becoming a center of entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism in Minas Gerais.

With leading talks, business rounds and the 2nd "Entre Serras da Piedade ao Caraça" Food Showcase, the event strengthened the local economy and celebrated the town's cultural identity. The fair showed once again that Santa Bárbara is an example of development combined with tradition and innovation.