• With over 200 companies attending, and the renewal of the alliance with regional artists and craftspeople, EXPONOR 2026 is advancing in its preparations to offer a first-class experience to over 1,200 exhibitors and 45,000 visitors. The exhibition, organised by the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), seeks to bring together companies with high standards and quality products in the main showcase of the mining-energy industry, which is projected as the largest in the sector for next year.

The meeting,"EXPONOR 2026: Business opportunities for all", brought together suppliers from different sectors, with the aim that those who comprise the exhibition's portfolio of goods and services, shine a light on the region and the country, delivering a unique and world-class experience.

One of the highlights of this meeting was the renewal of the alliance between the AIA and the Regional Roundtable of Artisan Producers. This initiative guarantees an exclusive space for the region's artists and craftspeople within the exhibition. In addition, it strengthens the commitment to the development of cultural heritage, while offering a showcase for products at the international exhibition.

Fernando Cortez, AIA General Manager, valued the occasion, stating that “holding this type of meetings is fundamental, in which key information is shared about the services required, their characteristics, deadlines and the importance of efficient coordination. All this with the aim of making EXPONOR the best business promotion platform and a powerful platform to promote the city and region of Antofagasta as a place that attracts investment and warmly welcomes its visitors".

Where quality becomes opportunity

Cases such as that of Pablo Pomareda, founder of Café del Desierto, demonstrate the potential of this exhibition as a driver of regional ventures. He started three exhibitions ago with a small coffee cart at EXPONOR. The quality service he provided consolidated commercial agreements at the event, which led to him to today having several coffee shops in Antofagasta, along with upcoming openings in Santiago and Viña del Mar. "At EXPONOR, you have to provide 100% quality and thanks to that experience, we have learned, grown and today we are establishing ourselves as a major company", he concluded.

Also noteworthy is the case of Sophia Ruiz Vernal, founder of Sophia Gourmet, who went from working for others to running her own local food products business.

"Foreign customers write to us months before, asking for quotes. We can offer local raw materials and quality products from our city, which is the most important thing", Ruiz said.

Through joint work with SERNATUR, the exhibition seeks to offer tourism options for visitors to extend their stay and discover more about the mining capital of the world and its heritage. Mauricio Soriano, its regional director, previously indicated that, as in previous EXPONOR exhibitions, the tourism services registry will be made available, promoting collaboration with hotels and service providers, who will have business opportunities during the exhibition.

EXPONOR seeks to offer each visitor a comprehensive experience, combining innovation, quality and the unique character of the region. Therefore, it is committed to high-level services that not only meet the demands of the event, but that also arouse the interest of attendees to discover the city, its culture and its people. Along these lines, Antofagasta has begun to prepare to welcome visitors, provide quality services, and promote the territory as an attractive destination for investment and tourism.