Two of South Africa’s biggest trade expos - Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) and Southern African International
Trade Exhibition (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, MD of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of AB7 and SAITEX. “We are also hosting the On-line Retailing Conference for the third successive year.”
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 SAITEX, a full spectrum trade show with product categories from A to Z.
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 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, partners and stakeholders.
“It is our mission to boost intertrade 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 that they always hear about.”
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, CEO 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.”
Matchmaking service
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, preselect and pre-schedule meetings for all three days of the shows. Visitors can preregister to visit at www.exhibitionsafrica.com. They can also preview product profiles on this site.
• To see what SAITEX and AB7 are all about, view the 2011 event video on YouTube - simply go to www.youtube.com and in the top search window type “Saitex & Africa’s Two of South Africa’s biggest trade expos - Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) and Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) - get even bigger this year with the addition of three new components. Value-added events to enhance Africa’s Big Seven & SAITEX 2012 Expos
• AB7: contact Lineke van der Brugghen at EMS, tel +27 11 783 7250;admin@exhibitionsafrica.com.Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com
• SAITEX: contact Anina Hough at EMS, tel +27 11 783 7250; saitex@exhibitionsafrica.com. Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com
• Retail Solutions Africa Conference 2012: contact Mariette Broodryk, tel +27 11 803 0009; Mariette@tci-sa.co.za
• On-line Retailing Conference: contact Danie Herbst, tel +27 11 803 0009; danie@tci-sa.co.za
• Future of Trade Africa 2012: for more information, visit www.futureoftrade.com or www.ProudlyAfrica.info
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