Small biz wins big reward at SAITEX

May 24, 2012 - PRLog -- The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) proves the perfect platform for companies to seek and find new business. SAITEX will take place between 15 and 17 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.  

“After a number of enquiries at SAITEX 2011 we picked up one very good customer. One who has given us repeat business,” says Zubair Hajee, a member of the close corporation, Boss Exports.

Boss Exports is a South African-based trade company conducting business throughout the African continent. It specialises in procuring and sourcing products in the food, cosmetic and mining industries.

Every year SAITEX attracts importers, exporters, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, traders, distributors, service providers, investment groups and government agencies, from all over the world. Last year, SAITEX played host to 479 exhibitors from 32 countries and 6,141 registered visitors from 54 countries.

A SAITEX 2011 post-show report indicates that the number one reason why visitors attended the event was to find new business (44%), and second, they wanted to see what was new on the market (34%).

Of the visitors in attendance 62% were either owners, managing directors or directors of companies, and 53% of visitors could authorise a purchase – figures which bode well for companies or organisations looking to do business during the three days.

It is for these very reasons Nada Reyneke, Head of International Trade at Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) says it is “very important” for entrepreneurs and small businesses to showcase their offerings at SAITEX. Hajee agrees, “For all forms of business SAITEX offers great exposure. It is just a matter of being proactive about your product.”

“SAITEX takes place alongside Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) – the continent’s largest food and beverage trade industry event – which means exhibitors have access to an audience of over 12,000 visitors. Combined, these events offer exhibitors a wealth of opportunities,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS). “By simply taking part, companies like Boss Exports can reap great rewards,” adds Thomson.

Hajee says Boss Exports will definitely be attending SAITEX 2012. Asked if had any advice to offer other exhibitors, Hajee says it pays to continuously advertise and promote your business – “it is the reason why we received as many enquiries as we did.”

To help exhibitors and visitors garner new business opportunities, during and leading up to the three-day spectacle, event organisers EMS will be offering an online business matchmaking programme. This tool enables exhibitors and visitors to pre-profile, pre-select and pre-schedule meetings for all three days of both shows. Visitors can pre-register on www.exhibitionsafrica.com.

SAITEX and AB7 run from 15 to 17 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. 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
For more information, contact Anina Hough at Exhibition Management Services.
Tel: +27 11 783 7250
E-mail: saitex@exhibitionsafrica.com
Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com