Zululand Expo fever is running high, not only locally, but also nationally. The office has already been inundated with bookings for stands for this year’s show, with several stands already been taken in both the halls as well as the motor industry section.

“156 stands have already been sold, which means that we are already past the halfway mark, with 3 months still to go”, commented expo manager, Virna McMaster

Zululand Expo, which is a combined entertainment and exhibition event is held annually in Richards Bay and has become Zululand’s premier entertainment and exhibition event.  Show dates this year is Thursday 27  September until Saturday 29 September 2007. 

Last year the 28 000 visitors to the show enjoyed several new concepts which included :-

• a sponsored kiddies village for small children
• a local talent stage which gave local artists and musicians the opportunity for exposure
• participation by the SA Navy base to participate
• an eastern and western bridal and fashion show
• participation of Independent Newspapers that exhibited under  a “Fine Living” theme
  

The expo committee, made up of a group of volunteers from various business sectors within the community, are already hard at work planning this year’s event, with some exciting events being planned. The entertainment programme is always a huge drawcard and the committee have once again selected some of the country’s top artists and bands to perform at the Zululand Expo.

Show organizer, Virna McMaster, is keeping mum about the entertainment line-up for now, but visitors will once again not be disappointed as the line-up has some major drawcards!
 
Virna commented  “so far the response to Expo 2007 has been positive, with both old and new exhibitors already wanting to book their stands for this year’s event.  Planning the show for this year is turning out to be another awesome challenge with some stressful moments as we are still desparately seeking financial sponsorships or donations, but I believe that with the loyal and dedicated committee behind me and with the wonderful support received from sponsors, we will not disappoint the community of Zululand once again”.

All local businesses are invited to come forward and support the event by either participating as exhibitors are with sponsorship whether financial or in kind.  An interesting aspect to Zululand Expo which many of members of the public is not aware of, is that Expo is part of the Zululand Chamber of Business, which is a non profit organisation.

The committee who spend an entire year in assisting are also volunteers and each year the organizers have to begin on a nil budget to put the event together. Monies for the entertainment programme has to be raised and this is indeed an awesome feat as the public get to see well worth over R300 000 worth of entertainment for only R40.

The organisers of Zululand Expo is once again committed to ensuring the public receives value for money, with an exciting family orientated entertainment lineup planned for this year.    All that they ask in return is that  the community and local companies support the event as Zululand Expo brings in thousands of rands to the area during the three days in terms of the spin-off in restaurants, retail outlets, services and other businesses.

Anyone wanting further information can contact the Expo office on 035 7973188.  Exhibitors are urged not to book last minute as stands are selling quickly.  Last year all stands were sold two months in advance.