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 continentwith 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 conferencesprovide 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 Thomsonis 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
thatthe 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
visitatwww.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 Big Seven’.
Contact details
Africa’s Big Seven: contact Lineke van der Brugghenat Exhibition
Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783-7250. Email:
admin@exhibitionsafrica.com Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com
SAITEX: contact Anina Hough at Exhibition Management Services.Tel: +27
11 783-7250.
E-mail: saitex@exhibitionsafrica.comWebsite: www.exhibitionsafrica.com