#teamSOCIATE takes on Expo 2020

 

 

By Carolyn McMurray, SOCIATE’s Junior Copywriter & Blogstar

 

When you hear Expo, you think modern. Current. Right now. You think of shiny new inventions and exhibitions.

 

You don’t exactly think of Victorians and the Industrial Revolution, but it just so happens that Expo is 170 years old! The world’s first-ever Expo debuted in 1851 at London’s Crystal Place, showcasing the inventions of the Revolution. Since then, it’s gone on to become a historical tradition with a world Expo taking place every five years. 

 

What is Expo?

Expo is a melting pot of different countries, cultures, and brands, bringing the best of science, technology, and art to one global exhibition. Hosted once every five years, it’s a place for countries to come together and flaunt their latest inventions and technologies. 

 

The last Expo took place in 2015 and was hosted by Milan, Italy. Five years passed until 2020, and it was finally revealed that UAE, Dubai would be the host country.

 

It marked a change in tradition and a leap forward, with Dubai’s Expo being the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia and the first to be hosted by an Arab nation.

 

Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors on October 1st, 2020, and #TeamSOCIATE just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. With their cameras at the ready, they took on some of the hottest pavilions and exhibits that the Expo had to offer. Read on for a slice of the action…

 

Lays Chips Pavillion

 

If you thought countries were the only ones hosting pavilions, think again! One of our team’s top picks was the Lays Chips Pavillion – an exhibition dedicated to the moreish, crunchy goodness of Lays chips.

 

Become a true Lays aficionado and learn about 500 different flavours. From classic salt and vinegar to quirky taste sensations like Cherry Blossom, you’ll be floored at the magnitude of flavours.

 

A #TeamSOCIATE favourite, Lays Olfactory Booth is the place to be. Discover each country’s top-selling chip flavour with an interactive globe. Each time you click on a country, you’ll be transported to a world of Lays and be given an aromatic ‘tasting’ experience.

 

Mexican Pavillion

 

Get transported to a world of taquerias and tequila at Expo’s Mexican Pavillion. With its very own F&B stand, you’ll be able to indulge in classic Mexican cuisine and get a taste for the country’s sizzling signature dishes. 

 

Once you’ve had your fill, head on over to #TeamSOCIATE’s top pick; the 360-degree movie reel. Take a trip back in time and explore Mexico’s history and the Mayan civilisation before heading over to the culture & arts exhibit for a glimpse at the country’s top artists.

 

Touch the moon at the USA Pavillion

 

Got a fancy for all things cosmic? Take a trip to the USA Pavillion and get up close and personal with a piece of the moon! Plucked from the stars and brought back from NASA’s 1975 Apollo mission, this exhibit is ideal for budding astronauts! Other displays to look out for include a Martian meteorite and the Space X Falcon 9 Rocket.

 

Palestine Pavillion

 

Entice your senses with a walk through the Palestine pavilion. Designed to tease the five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) you’ll get a chance to explore the spirit of Palestine in a unique multi-room exhibit. Touch sea salts from the Dead Sea, smell the culture and scents of Palestinian living, and enjoy a 3D feast of traditional delicacies. 

 

India’s shape-shifting Pavillion

 

Explore the birthplace of yoga and chai at Expo’s India pavilion. Paying tribute to the country’s beautiful architecture, you’ll get a chance to explore mini replicas of the Taj Mahal and top heritage sites, as well as an entire floor dedicated to the art of yoga.

 

Love Bollywood? Head on over to a screening of cult Indian classics and see what puts the B in Bollywood, washing it down with a side of popcorn and chai. 

 

And #TeamSOCIATE’s top-pick? The pavilion’s mysterious moving facade, paying homage to India’s rich history. Take in the sight as you watch over 600 blocks rotate and twirl, showcasing 75 stories of Indian culture, history, and literature. Visit at night and you’ll see the facade shape-shift into a magnificent light show complete with sounds and projections.

 

New Zealand Pavillion

 

Experience the Maori ethos firsthand at the New Zealand pavilion. With a culture rooted in the idea of ‘Care for People, Care for Place,’ be prepared for a journey into nature and oneness.  Feel the ‘pulse’ of the Earth with the pavilion’s audible and visual low-frequency beats, designed to capture the essence of our connection to the environment.

 

Explore iconic sculptures and symbols, taking in the Maori principle through the ‘Te Awa Karihi’ exhibition. Designed to reflect life, the exhibition is made up of mauri and is centered on a toka (boulder).

 

After taking in the culture, try a taste of New Zealand’s cuisine at Tiaki restaurant. #TeamSOCIATE’s top munches included the sweet honey cake and akatea brie pastry with onion chutney – all made with natural, contemporary ingredients.

 

Have fun at Expo!

After a long day at Expo 2020, the team headed back to SOCIATE HQ – it’s all in a day’s work! While they didn’t get to visit every pavilion (there were 192, after all!) they did get to explore some of their favourite exhibits. 

 

If Expo’s on your go-to list, be sure to check out #teamSOCIATE’s top picks and let us know what you thought!

 

Expo will run for six months and last until March 31, 2022.