According to a projection by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Latin American countries, Brazil has the largest economy in the region, thus positioning itself as a hub for business opportunities. Being aware of its celebrations and its key events is essential to entering into this fertile market.
When aiming to do business in Brazil, companies should pay close attention to events taking place in the country that relate to their industry, operations and/or strategy. But one thing is for certain, they can count on a PR agency in Brazil to select the best events to attend and guarantee smart trading.
Attending conferences, trade shows and conventions is an excellent way of getting a deeper understanding of the Brazilian market, as well as increasing the company’s visibility among potential investors and target audiences.
Significant cultural and economic events can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Find below a guide which reveals the 8 must-know Brazilian events and celebrations every international business seeking to thrive and grow in Brazil should know about.
1. São Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW)
The most important fashion event in both Latin America and the world takes place in São Paulo, lasting for a week in the months of April and October.
It features the latest collections from top Brazilian and international designers and attracts fashion industry professionals from around the world. It also presents modern, local brands, not only those known around the globe.
For international businesses in the fashion, tuxedo and retail industries, SPFW is a crucial event for understanding trends, networking with local industry and brand leaders and exploring market opportunities in Brazil.
Participating in or attending this event can provide valuable insights into Brazilian consumer preferences and fashion trends. The N58 edition of the fashion event is scheduled to happen from October 16 to 20. Attend by checking here for ticket options to attend SPFW.
2. Brazilian Grand Prix (Formula 1)
Any speed freaks out there? The Brazilian Grand Prix, also known as Formula 1 within the country, is one of the key events worth attending. It’s not only a race competition, but an important commemorative event in Brazil since Brazilians love motorsports, especially because of Ayrton Senna’s legacy.
The event not only caters for motorsport lovers, but also brands and companies to network in Brazil. Formula 1 offers international businesses an opportunity to engage with a global audience through sponsorships, branding and hospitality.
It also serves as a platform for networking with other companies and car industry professionals, especially those involved in the motorsports and automotive sectors.
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a key event useful in gathering insights about business opportunities in the motorsport market. Learn more about the event and how to get tickets here.
3. Digitalks Expo 2024
The Digitalks Expo is one of Brazil’s leading events in the future of business, modeled on major digital events in Europe and offers an integrated experience with the global market.
This year’s event will take place on September 25th and 26th in São Paulo. Digitalks Expo promises to exhibit innovative content in auditoriums, a business area with top industry companies and the presence of key opinion leaders and market trends from within both national and international spheres.
The expo focuses on business connections, learning and opportunities, making it crucial for businesses interested in the digital market, technology, marketing and sales trends and its transformations to attend. Here’s how to get tickets to the event.
4. ABAV Expo
The ABAV Expo is a major travel and tourism event in Brazil, organized by the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies (ABAV). It attracts professionals from the travel industry, including travel agents, tour operators and hoteliers, and facilitates connections with travel agents, the main distribution channel for tourism in Brazil.
Moreover, the event offers numerous business opportunities, brand and destination strengthening and training, and serves as a showcase for launches and new developments.
For international travel and tourism businesses, ABAV Expo provides an opportunity to connect with key players in the Brazilian travel market, showcase products and services and explore new business opportunities.
It’s important to emphasize that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Brazil. According to data from the Monthly Services Survey (PMS) from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in April 2024, tourism activities recorded a 4.5% increase compared to the same month the previous year.
This year’s ABAV Expo will take place in Brasília, Brazil’s capital, from September 26th to 28th.
5. Feira do Empreendedor do Sebrae (FE24)
The Sebrae Entrepreneur Fair is a key event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil. Organized by Sebrae, the fair focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation and business development.
The Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae) is a private, non-profit social service organization that provides training and promotes the economic development and competitiveness of micro and small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship throughout the country.
For international businesses interested in the SME sector in Brazil, the Sebrae Entrepreneur Fair offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local entrepreneurs. It’s also an opportunity for networking with business leaders and exploring potential collaborations with Brazilian SMEs.
Visitors will be able to explore innovative products and services and participate in lectures and consultations on topics such as management, innovation, marketing, finance, export, sustainability, digital transformation, among others.
The 2024 edition of the Entrepreneur Fair will take place from October 11th to 14th, 2024, from 10am to 8pm, at the São Paulo Expo in São Paulo.
6. Bienal de São Paulo
When it comes to art exhibitions, the Bienal de São Paulo rocks it! The event is one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in Latin America and it features contemporary art from around the world.
The Bienal de São Paulo is so prestigious that it attracts a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, collectors and critics from all corners of the globe. For businesses in the art and culture sectors, the Bienal de São Paulo offers opportunities for networking, partnerships and market insights.
It’s also a platform for engaging with the Brazilian art community and exploring potential collaborations and investments. The event happens biennially, from September to December. The 35th edition of the Bienal de São Paulo will take place in Vitória, Espírito Santo, from August 29th to November 3rd.
7. CCXP
Do you work in the entertainment industry? If so, CCXP is the most important event in Brazil for you to attend! The Comic-Con Experience, also known as CCXP, is where major studios and franchises gather to debut special trailers, exclusive scenes and top stars.
The event features illustrators, writers, colorists and graphic designers showcasing their work, signing autographs and interacting with fans. Cosplayers also find a platform to express their art and hobby.
In addition to bringing together all aspects of pop culture, including comics, anime, games, music, cosplay, films and TV series, CCXP also benefits the local economy where the event happens.
For those in the entertainment business and industry, this is a key event not to be missed. This is due to the Brazilian geek market being worth billions, and CCXP is the ideal opportunity for studios, comic book creators and brands to promote their products.
In 2019, it established itself as the world’s largest pop culture festival, attracting 280,000 visitors over four days. This year’s biggest Brazilian geek festival will take place in São Paulo for its 8th edition from December 5 to 8.
8. Carnival
Last but not least, the most important celebration in Brazil: Carnival! Carnival is arguably Brazil’s most famous cultural event, drawing millions of tourists and showcasing the country’s vibrant culture.
Held annually before Lent, usually between February to March, Carnival is a massive celebration featuring parades, samba music and elaborate costumes.
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival holds prominence for its grandiose samba parades in the Sambadrome, but other cities also have equally impressive Carnival celebrations.
For international businesses, Carnival offers unique opportunities to connect with local consumers and other businesses through sponsorships, advertising and participation in festivities. The event can benefit fashion businesses, startups with innovative solutions and small businesses.
It’s also a prime time for networking, as many companies use the event to host exclusive gatherings and engage with potential partners.
The examples above encompass merely 8 of the numerous celebrations and key events in Brazil to attend. Understanding key events in Brazil is crucial for any international business looking to enter or expand in this fertile, vibrant and diverse market.
From cultural celebrations like Carnival to industry-specific trade shows and conferences, these events provide valuable opportunities for networking, market insights and business development.
By staying in the loop with these key happenings, together with the support of a PR agency in Brazil, international businesses can better navigate the Brazilian market, build meaningful connections and seize opportunities for growth and success.
Whether your focus is on fashion, tourism, or any other sector, being aware of and participating in celebrations in Brazil and key events can help your company stay ahead of the competition and help to make the most of the dynamic Brazilian market.
