Why exhibiting at the bride & groom expo is a game changer

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When Amon Bazira first set up a stall at the Bride & Groom Expo six years ago, he came with one business and a dream. Today, he owns three companies, A-Classic Events, Dream and Dress UG and Tent Boss, all of which trace their roots to that very expo.

“I have been in business for 10 years and at the expo for six,” says Bazira. “Through the Bride & Groom Expo, I have not only gained visibility but grown in ways I never expected. After three years of exhibiting, I launched Dream and Dress, a bridal shop. Last year, I started Tent Boss, which supplies some of the biggest tents used in events and weddings around the city.”

“I have been in business for 10 years and at the expo for six,” says Amon Bazira. (Courtesy photo)

He credits the exposure from the Bride & Groom Expo for giving his businesses momentum. From high-profile weddings like those of Pastor Robert Kayanja, Pastor Tom Mugerwa, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, to regular brides and grooms looking for quality and reliability, Bazira’s presence at the expo has opened doors that promotions alone never could.

“This expo works,” he says with certainty. “People see me on TV, hear me on radio, find me in magazines, follow me online and many of them first meet me at the expo. They come to my stall, take my card and later book me.”

Bazira is one of many entrepreneurs who have turned an exhibition stall into a launch pad for great opportunities. This year, he’s back with Dream and Dress, showcasing elegant bridal gowns, trending décor and custom packages for couples. “We’re ready. We’ve brought something fresh. Come visit our stall and see for yourself.”

Beyond Bazira’s success story lies a bigger message: the expo is more than a marketing platform. It’s a community of dreamers, doers, and memory-makers.

“We want to create an experience that lasts,” says Lorraine Tukahirwa, Vision Group’s Head of Marketing and Communication. “Exhibitors are not just selling products; they are helping couples create their forever.”

Now in its 16th year, the Bride & Groom Expo is a trusted name for couples looking to plan their big day. This year’s theme, “Beyond ‘I Do’: Building a Lifetime Together,” speaks to the growing scope of the event. From bridal wear to homeownership advice, from beauty services to choosing the best cake, it’s a full journey packed into one weekend.

And this year, there’s even more reason to show up. Expect a raffle draw, demos, and live interactions. Guests aren’t just walking through, they are engaging, learning, booking. Tukahirwa urges exhibitors to bring their A-game.

“Be social,” she says. “Offer more than a price list. Share a story. Create a moment. That’s what visitors will remember.”

For business owners wondering if it’s worth it, Bazira’s advice is simple: ‘get involved’.

“This is not a loss,” he says. “You’re going to profit from it. Post on your statuses, show your work on WhatsApp and TikTok, welcome people at your stall, and give them something to remember. The expo gave me a platform; I built on it. You can too.”

The Bride & Groom Expo 2025 kicks off this Friday (June 27) through Sunday (June 28) at the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association showgrounds, with tickets going for sh10,000 per person, per day. The expo is sponsored by Crown Beverages, The Looks Bespoke and Bella Wine.