Northern Fair 2015 attracts 200 exhibitors
Chakalisa Dube | Monday May 11, 2015 18:34
This year’s edition, under the theme “Encompassing Local Businesses in Value Creation Through Innovative Partnerships”, will take place from May 27-31 at the BOCCIM grounds here. The Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL) Chief Executive Officer, Paul Taylor will officiate at the event. BTC is the main sponsor of the event followed by Debswana, Botswana Ash and B&M Garments among others.
BOCCIM regional manager, Kebaabetswe Bogatsu confirmed this to Monitor Business last week. Last year, 190 exhibitors participated at the event. Businesses that have registered for the fair are from manufacturing, information and technology and general services delivery among others. The fair will feature government departments, parastatals as well as private companies.
“We are expecting registration to last until the last week of the trade fair. All the halls have been filled. The open exhibition space is the only area that has not been fully filled. “We want to maintain the regular number of exhibitors who often attend the event,” said Bogatsu.
Bogatsu added that they are targeting close to 8,000 people to attend the trade fair. “Some schools have already confirmed that they will send students for the fair in large numbers in a bid to boost attendance as well as to raise awareness about the event. With the changes we have made, I am confident that we will reach the targetted 8,000 figure,” Bogatsu said.
This year’s trade fair will feature an auto show and auto park for the first time.
“These are some of our new innovations to improve the vibrancy of the event. In addition, for the first time, eight stalls have been reserved for women, the disadvantaged and the youth. “Reserving stalls is part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility. We are still working with several stakeholders to identify those who will take the reserved stalls,” added Bogatsu. Bogatsu further said that exhibitors from the neighbouring Zimbabwe have expressed interest to take part at the event, but are yet to confirm their participation.
“They are the only ones from other nations so far who have shown interest in participating at the fair. We are however, hopeful that other foreign exhibitors will register.” In the past, the fair attracted exhibitors from countries such as Namibia and Zambia. The BOCCIM Northern Trade Fair is among the biggest events in the calendar of Francistown. The fair is used for businesses networking as well as interact ion with customers.