The moment the branding community has been waiting for is here: The return of the ChatShop series!

But what is ChatShop you ask?

It’s a workshop created by TTChatterbox founder Michelle Eng Leang that has brought together over 250 brands across T&T in previous years. With decades of work as a marketer under her belt and a passion for the field itself, she felt particularly drawn to celebrating and aiding in the progression of her favourite clientele: the local brands she loves and supports. These brands all come together to not just network but exchange ideas, raise questions and provide feedback to one another in a non-intimidating forum.

On a daily basis, the TTChatterbox Instagram account features several Trinbago-based brands, products and services to her following of 6,800+. Social media as we know is now an integral part of any brand’s success. Many consumers will go so far as to say if you don’t have any social media presence or what you do have is lacking beit in information or creativity, any potential business is lost and brands can fall by the wayside. 

What is also true is every brand and industry is unique and marketing is not one-size-fits-all, particularly in large vs. small businesses. So imagine being a start-up brand getting the chance to meet and receive advice from marketing giants face-to-face about what improvements they can make to expand their companies? That type of feedback is not only rare but priceless when it comes to market research.

For 2020, TTChatterbox not only aims to honour the brands who have supported us along the way but to reach even more brands including start-up companies and the at-home/ self-taught entrepreneur. Our nation is full of innovative people brimming with pure talent and our job is to help them own, harness and monetize said talent in a dynamic and competitive market. That’s where digital media marketing comes in- an avenue many brands downplay or don’t think they are “big enough” to adapt to their business.

The theme for our first ChatShop this year is BRANDSTORMING, which is the convergence of brand-building and brainstorming. This event is where brands of all sizes from telecom giants to at-home bakers share a space to engage with one another offering their advice and experiences with one goal in mind: continuous upward growth.

On January 7th, we have 60 delegates (!) representing brands from various sectors including art, food, technology, fashion, beauty, marketing, environment and tourism. The possibilities for collaboration as one can imagine are endless with so many representatives of  these companies present in one room. Another unique aspect of this ChatShop is the ability for each person to get pertinent advice directly related to improvement and advancement of their brands answered in real-time by professionals, colleagues and consumers. 

TTChatterbox has partnered with bMobile to host Chatshop in the operator’s hospitality suite in the Queen’s Oark Oval.  “We couldn’t be happier to host Chatshop at this auspicious location as we will have the beautiful Oval in the backdrop while we spend the day brainstorming for our brands,” said Michelle Eng Leang, owner of TTChatterbox.

So you must be wondering who you can expect to see there?

Sponsors include bMobile, Fzero Genomics, BOSS Office Supplies, Look Opticians, Nestle, Cookie Cutters, Okazions, The Cheese Platter Company, Fresh Start Juices, Hello Green, Chef Sampalam, Eclair Boulangerie,868 Degrees, Art by Halcie, The Chocolate Box, All Bookd Up, Baked by Trish, Livin Trini, Stroopwafels TT, Soca Samosa and more.

This will be the kickoff to a year like no other, with so many more ChatShops on the horizon.

If you want to be a part of the next installments, hit up our DMs and e-mails! No business is too small but your passion must be abundant. The partnerships that will be formed are endless and we can’t wait to BrandStorm with you!

A Word From Our Chief:

When I lived abroad, there was never quite a place where people could see all that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer. Food, places, people and things here in T&T catch my eye every day and that is how TTChatterbox was born, to showcase these very things. As my community of brands, small businesses and artisans grew, I wanted to create an event where we could come together and brainstorm ideas that would take us forward. 

My first Chatshop series went well and now I am pleased to reintroduce the interactive workshop to my tribe again in 2020. I am truly overwhelmed with the support we have received and I cannot wait to spend the day with the ChaTTfluencers – delegates that attend Chatshop. There will be conversations, engagement, idea exchange and most importantly, collaboration! I can’t wait!

— Michelle Eng Leang, Chief Chatterbox.

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A Word From Our COO:

First of all, I’m new to the team as of November 2019 but I could not be more proud of what TTChatterbox has accomplished and what’s yet to come for us. I’ve always been an avid follower and most of MY favourite businesses before becoming COO came from recommendations by Michelle and the TTChatterbox IG page.

We knew that ChatShop needed to make a comeback and in this short space of time we have managed to secure a delegation of 60 diverse representatives (with interest from even more for our future installments) who are eager to show what they’re all about and learn from one another as well.

It is easy to enjoy what you do when you have a genuine love for it and I think that is what these brands have in common with not only each other but us as well. With our fervent passion for growth and ingenuity, ChatShop will become an event like no other for local businesses in 2020 and beyond.

— Kristy-Marie Chang, Chatterbox Operating Officer

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What Sponsors Are Saying:

“Fzero Genomics is suitably positioned to change conversations about Ancestry & Healthcare in the Caribbean, a new brand speaking to age-old topics. TTChatterbox understands the value of communication branding in the modern world, but also brings a wealth of experience from all media perspectives that offers unique value to our brand.” – Sean Annandsingh, Director, Marketing and Operations, Fzero Genomics

“Michelle (TTChatterbox) has a unique way of bringing entrepreneurs from very different backgrounds and sectors together. The energy and synergies that emerge as a result are quite extraordinary. The learnings, networking and friendships that I gained from my first Chatshop experience are very valuable to me so I very much look forward to the next one.” – Vandana Mangroo, Managing Director, Hello Green TT

“At BOSS our mission is “to help Businesses do Business better” and we are proud to support this event because entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of a country and events like this will help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level!” — Jane Wight, Chief Executive Officer, BOSS Office Supplies

“We look forward to building the Stroopwafel Brand and product in Trinidad and Tobago. We view ChatsShop 2020 as an opportunity to brainstorm ideas on how to achieve this goal and support fellow entrepreneurs through the sharing of ideas and networking.” – Neshan Singh, Brand Manager – Stroopwafels by Daelmans (Square Business Solutions Limited)

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What Delegates Are Saying:

“I believe that attending ChatShop 2020 will add great value to my brand by assisting me in networking with other entrepreneurs and maximize my digital presence all under one umbrella.”

— Zaak Mustapha-Food blogger, @foodietaleswithzaak

“My greatest intention and goal for 2020 is to take major, inspired action in my business ventures no matter how much it scares me. This includes embracing every opportunity to learn how to grow, market and present my businesses and myself to my ideal clients. ChatShop is the first step on this journey as it will allow for me to brainstorm and collaborate with so many other like minded individuals and their brands.”

— Christabelle – All Bookd Up

“As young entrepreneurs, networking is essential for our brand’s awareness and growth. ChatShop is a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to meet and learn together.” — Rendel & Marina Robinson – Food bloggers, @rendelinareviews

“I am attending the ChatShop to be amongst other Entrepreneurs who are looking to elevate their game for 2020 and have fun networking.” — Keron Rose – Tech blogger, @droidisland