Africa’s Big Seven and Southern African International Trade Exhibition
by Staff Reporter on 09/07/12 at 10:26 am
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Two of South Africa’s biggest trade expos – Africa’s Big Seven and SAITEX – get even bigger this year with the addition of three new components.
“This year, we have partnered with Trade Conferences International to host the inaugural Retail Solutions Africa Conference in South Africa,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of AB7 and SAITEX. “We are also hosting the On-line Retailing Conference for the third successive year.”
Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is the biggest food and beverage trade exhibition on the African continent. This seven-shows-in-one event covers the entire gamut of the food and beverage business, from farm to shelf and everything in between – a veritable crop-to-shop experience. It happens at the same place and time as the other giant show, the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), a full spectrum trade show with product categories from A to Z.
AB7 has been tempting trade visitor tastebuds for over a decade; SAITEX enticing entrepreneurs for almost 20 years. Both exhibitions take place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, from 15 to 17 July 2012.
SAITEX Hosts Future of Trade Africa
“There’s another big value-add for visitors this year, and it’s all about learning how to do business in Africa,” adds Thomson. “SAITEX is hosting the ‘Future of Trade Africa 2012’ conference for the first time.”
“The world really is coming to Africa,” says Sven Boermeester, Director of The Future of Trade Initiative. “The ‘Future of Trade Africa’ is a sophisticated, in-depth commerce exchange and business matchmaking platform that primes delegates with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in business in Africa.”
Everyone is aware of Africa’s immense potential – the mineral resources, infrastructure development opportunities and the growing demand from Africa’s emerging middle-class people for goods, services and know-how. But Africa is not a country, it’s a continent with 46 unique political, economic and social environments; a myriad of languages and never-ending reams of regulations and red tape. In such an environment, traders absolutely need to engage with local knowledge, local partners and local stakeholders.
“It is our mission to boost inter-trade and cultural relations across the continent by connecting business people at events, as well as showcasing Africa to the world through print and online publishing,” says Boermeester.
“Companies currently active in Africa who wish to network and explore growth opportunities will find the ‘Future of Trade Africa’ extremely helpful. Likewise, investors who are serious about growing business in Africa and need local skills and knowledge should also attend.”
Retail Conferences Add Value
The two retail conferences being hosted by SAITEX – ‘Retail Solutions Africa 2012’ and ‘On-line Retailing 2012’ – will focus on the latest trends and challenges regarding technology, innovation, systems and products in the retail industry. “The conferences provide a great opportunity for networking with people from South Africa and abroad,” says Mariette Broodryk, Project Manager for the events. “It gives local delegates the chance to meet global players, those we always hear about but never meet.”
Major Consumer Body Supports AB7 and SAITEX
Teaming up with AB7 and SAITEX for the first time is the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA). “As proud partners to the event, we fully endorse and support AB7 and SAITEX 2012 and look forward to helping more local companies and entrepreneurs come together and explore business opportunities,” says Gwarega Mangozhe, Chief Executive Officer of the CGCSA.
EMS’ John Thomson is thrilled to have the CGCSA as an official strategic partner. “Having the Consumer Goods Council on board sends a very strong, positive message to our exhibitors and visitors. It shows that the CGCSA is committed to serving stakeholders, businesses and South Africa’s consumers.”
As a unique and free service offered by the organisers, AB7 and SAITEX attendees have access to an easy-to-use, internet-based business matchmaking programme. It provides exhibitors and visitors with the ability to pre-profile, pre-select and pre-schedule meetings for all three days of the shows. Visitors can pre-register to visit at www.exhibitionsafrica.com. They can also preview product profiles on this site.
Ideate is one of South Africa's biggest business blogs, with a team of authors all of whom have had entrepreneurial experience. Ideate is read by entrepreneurs thinking BIG. Follow us on Twitter here. View more articles by Staff Reporter.
Tags: saitex, southern africa
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