Consumer fair attracts 512 exhibitors
Keikantse Lesemela | Thursday August 28, 2014 06:00
According to Fairgrounds Holdings marketing and media manager, Thabo Mogomotsi, the Fair is growing organically. He told the media briefing on Tuesday that this year recorded a four percent growth rate in terms of the number of exhibitors and stall sales.
“This year the Fair has grown more than we expected, some of the exhibitors are even in corridors because all the spaces have been occupied. We are expecting 60,000 visitors this year,” said Mogomotsi.
She said the Consumer Fair contributes to the socio-economic development by engaging small to medium enterprises in supplying services such as cleaning, catering, branding, security and marketing agencies.
“The intention is to develop the SMEs. This is an all-inclusive event to create an interactive forum between exhibitors and visitors in order to provide opportunities to diversify the economy from mineral led growth. Local companies also have a platform for brand activation where consumers will be able to see their different products and services,” said Mogomotsi.
The Fair also promotes trade between local and foreign exhibitors in an endeavour to diversify the economy. Mogomotsi said this year the Fair would see exciting innovations that will make it a paradise for business and fun-fare.
Fairgrounds Holdings have partnered with the Botswana Music Union (BOMU) to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent. There will also be a fashion show to showcase the best in the local industry.
Mogomosi explained that this year they have piloted a new project called Restoring Family Links to reduce the time lag between parents and child separation.
“Over the years, a lot of children were separated from their parents during the Consumer Fair due to magnitude of traffic within the grounds. So we have introduced the tags which indicate the parent’s names and contact numbers,” said Mogomotsi.
The Fair started on Monday and will end on Sunday.