With Zululand’s largest combined entertainment and exhibition event only 3 months away, community members may be asking what is Expo?

WHAT IS THE ZULULAND EXPO?

Zululand’s premier combined exhibition and entertainment show, Zululand Expo takes place annually in Richards Bay, during the last weekend of September (27 – 29 September 2007).    The second largest combined exhibition and entertainment event in KwaZulu-Natal, the Zululand Expo attracts in the region of 28 000 people and over 250 exhibitors  over the three-day period.

The event provides a platform for local and national businesses to showcase their products or services and to trade their wares.  Exhibitors are selected on a first come first serve basis and any exhibitor from any country may participate. The expo offices screens the application forms received,  so as to ensure a variety of products on show.

Zululand Expo was the first organisation in Zululand to have received Proudly South African membership in Zululand.

WHAT TYPE OF ENTERTAINMENT IS SHOWCASED?

The Expo team has to begin on a nil budget each year to put the expo together.    The aim of the  entertainment programme is that it supports and enhances the event and is used as a mechanism to draw more feet through the gate. Sponsorships are sought to assist in paying for the various artists and bands that are selected. The more sponsorships that are received, obviously the more quality entertainment can be provided.

Plans for the entertainment programme depends largely on the financial and committed support received from the local companies, businesses, sponsors and also the wide-spread support from members of the public. Zululand Expo manager, Virna McMaster believes that as a visitor to the event you are receiving more than value for your money,  as an entry ticket currently  only costs R40 and in return you are receiving over R300 000 worth of entertainment.

One only has to compare, that to see a single music concert you will pay anything between R50 – R300 to see a single artist or band,  but yet at ZULULAND EXPO you can see the latest entertainment available on the South African circuit and up to three to four bands or artists per day  for only R40.00  per entry.

It is not Expo’s responsibility to promote local artists.

THE ONCE OFF GATE FEE ENTITLES THE PUBLIC TO VIEW ALL THE ENTERTAINMENT  ON THE MAIN STAGE AT NO EXTRA COST.

WHO RUNS THE EXPO AND WHAT HAPPENS TO GENERATED PROFITS?

The Zululand Expo is hosted by the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation , a not-for-gain organisation which aims to foster an environment conducive to business development and growth.  Besides its traditional role of being the ‘voice of business’ locally, the ZCBF is leading the way for other Chambers of Business (or Commerce & Industry), through its community development initiatives.

The ZCBF Community Park, where Zululand Expo annually takes place, provides a home all year round to a myriad of organisations all working towards similar goals.  In addition the Park affords the ZCBF a measure of self-sustainability through its office and venue hire services,  as well importantly as the funding received from the Zululand Expo.  The show also serves the purpose of helping to stimulate economic activity locally, and promote local business.

The Expo is organised and managed by a full time manager and assistant and assisted by a group of dedicated, unpaid volunteers.   Zululand Expo was launched in 2000, and places significant emphasis on professionalism and quality by all exhibitors and participants.  The success of Expo is evident by the R10-million turnover that emanates in the community over this period each year.

GIVING BACK

The expo team is very committed to ensuring that the Zululand Expo remains on a professional level, but we are appealing to all local business to show their support and commitment to this event,  as it is impossible to put a good quality event together without the support we need.   
We are looking for sponsors to assist us and in return there are many advertising and marketing opportunities available at the show”.

STAND BOOKINGS ARE SOLD ON A FIRST BOOK/PAY BASIS.   DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO BOOK AS WE WERE SOLD OUT A MONTH AHEAD OF TIME LAST YEAR.