More than 60 companies and 400 visitors were present at the first Expat Fair in Romania, on Saturday, the 3rd of October. It was a day full of information and inspiration that gathered under the same roof a wide range of companies with tailored services for expats, internationals living in Bucharest and Romanians alike, in a very open and friendly atmosphere.

The event started at 10 AM with a welcome message from Volker Moser, partner and co-founder of the City Compass Group, and it ended around 8 PM with a casual networking session sponsored by Bauer Winery, Ursus, Aqua Carpatica and BĂCĂNIA ROD. During the day, the fair visitors had the chance to get in touch directly with representatives of different companies, from moving & relocation, rent a car and international schools, to wellness and hospitality, that were present with customized stands, lots of information and special offers.

An important part of the event were also the eight workshops scheduled for the day that debated different topics of interest for expats such as: how to choose a school for your children by the American International School of Bucharest (AISB), what to expect when working with Romanians delivered AmCham Romania, immigration and tax requirements for expats coming to Romania by PwC, from Scoala de Valori about how to contribute to the society whilst you are here, insights from a headhunter from Transearch about (re)starting your career in Romania, Feel at Home in Romania tips and tricks about living in Romania by City Compass Group and a panel with experienced expats about how to adapt to this country at work and life.

A relaxed, casual and informative day, this is how most of the visitors described the Expat Fair. There were indeed many things to do around: visit the stands, attend workshops, have fun while taking a picture with Smybox, taste home-made traditional delicacies by BĂCĂNIA ROD, or try something French - sweet and savoury crêpes by Crêperie d’Amour that were present with a live cooking station, enjoy different coffee specialties by The Coffee Factory, ice cream from Moritz Eis, or Dutch poffertjes and stroopwafels provided by a group of international students from Team Academy. The fair guests could also buy Romanian authentic souvenirs provided by Art&Craft and beautiful books from Paideia. Another attraction of the day was the amazing event venue - The Ark - that opened all the doors for the Expat Fair visitors by offering private tours of the building. The Hansen Lounge was the perfect place for those who wanted to have private talks, read The PR Journal and The Art of Living magazines or just relax during the fair.

The beautiful BMW 5 Series displayed by Automobile Bavaria was for one day the centrepiece of The Ark and an important point of attraction for the visitors and exhibitors alike.

Visitors who joined the fair with their children had the opportunity to enjoy the inflatable truck offered by AGS Movers and the Divertiland playground for face painting, drawing and other fun activities.

The Expat Fair’s premium exhibitors were: American International School of Bucharest (AISB), Ametras Documents, Hotel Cismigiu, Automobile Bavaria, AmCham, PwC & exhibitors: International School of Bucharest, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, Gosselin Mobility Romania, Nordis, Avis Romania, International School for Primary Education - InSPE, World Class, Deutsche Schule Bukarest, Romanian-American University, Crown Relocations, Art & Craft, Paidea.

The event was sponsored by Bucharest Homes, Club Snagov, Regus, Hotel Orizont Predeal, Le Carrousel, Mondo Conta Consult, Classy Romania, Nestlers Group, Stalfort, PQB, Grecu & Lawyers, Nomenius, The PR Journal, The Ark, Headvertising, Ensight, IOANID International Kindergarten, Move One, Transearch, Tour of Communism, The International Church of Bucharest, SPOTY.com, Green Village Resort, DHL Romania, Shape. Art. Pilates., DB Schenker, Bucharest British Dental Place, Olimob, ORTHOxclusive and Tui Travel Center. You can read more about all our partners here. 

The event was supported as well by Nomenius, Grecu & Lawyers, Headvertising, Ensight, Eventheroes, Eventlink360, PQB Communication Designers and Eventbook.

The beautiful pictures taken by Kathrin Weident Photography and Mihai Constantineanu Photography and at the Smybox stand can be found on the Facebook page.

The Expat Fair 2016 is already starting to take shape so make sure you subscribe on the website and be the first one to hear the news! 

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