With only six months to go, plans are already well underway for Zululand’s biggest business and social event, the  Zululand Expo, which is a  combined entertainment and exhibition showcase that attracts over 300 exhibitors and 28 000 visitors from all over South Africa to our town.

This year the show organizers have planned to run Zululand Expo from Thursday, 25 September until Saturday 27th September 2008,  on the ZCBF Community Park show grounds in Richards Bay.

Due to the demand of stands and having been sold out a month ahead of schedule for the last 2 years, the committee has decided that this year, exhibitors will only be given stands on a first come first serve basis.    Selection of exhibitors will be strict to avoid duplication of products and also to be able to give new exhibitors the opportunity to book space at the show. 

Stands are limited so exhibitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. No stands will be kept for any exhibitor unless full payment has been received upfront for a stand.

ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

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 form our local communities.   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 .

“What the public needs to realise is that we can only provide top quality entertainment and artists if we get the sponsorships from our local businesses.   A top band or artist costs in the region of nothing less than R30 000 per band or artist and that excludes all additional items such as airtickets, accommodation, meals, transportation, sound and lighting costs or any other special requests on their technical riders.  If the public wants to see top notch artists, then they must be prepared to pay higher gate fees”.

The Zululand Expo is an opportunity for all local businesses to show their support to the community by exhibiting their products and services at the show and use the Expo as an ideal branding, networking, corporate social investment and marketing opportunity.   It is an opportunity for everyone to participate in a safe, hassle-free family event.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

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 so need.   “it is important to remember that the expo committee is made up of a group of volunteers from various business sectors within our community”. 

 
SPONSORSHIP URGENTLY NEEDED

“Many members of the public are not aware that  every year we have to start on a nil budget and the sponsorship has to be raised to put together a programme for all age groups and cultures.  We are looking for sponsors to assist us and in return there are many advertising and marketing opportunities available at the show”.