As we reflect on the successes of the year thus far, The Source Solutions is thrilled to share our journey of growth and achievement, particularly in the realm of exhibitions. One standout highlight was our custom stand creation for a client at the prestigious 2024 FIDSSA Congress, hosted at the renowned Sandton Convention Centre from 30 May to 1 June.
The FIDSSA Congress stands as a pinnacle event for infectious disease professionals in Southern Africa, uniting top clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders under one roof. It was an honour for us to contribute to this esteemed gathering and showcase our expertise in the exhibition space.
In addition to our exhibition accomplishments, we are delighted to introduce two new members to our team. Tracey-Lee Abdulla, our newest addition to the team as the Marketing, Event & Exhibition Project Manager. With over 20 years of experience in conceptualising, coordinating, and managing meetings, events, and exhibitions of varying scales, Tracey-Lee brings a wealth of expertise to our organisation. Her proficiency in negotiating sponsorship agreements, overseeing logistical aspects, and managing branding and communication strategies will be instrumental in elevating our client experiences.
Tracey-Lee’s dedication to overseeing events from inception to completion, meticulously handling logistical elements, and guiding branding and communication strategies underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients. Her passion for excellence aligns seamlessly with our ethos of innovation and client-centric approach.
We also have Hlayi Mnisi who joined us earlier in the year and at just 23 years old, she is making waves in the entrepreneurial world as the founder of a groundbreaking company that is revolutionising personal safety. Hlayi has joined us as an intern and is focused on developing proficiency in exhibition management within The Source Solutions. With a vision to solidify her position in the event management industry, she is determined to drive forward in areas such as production, manufacturing, and product development.
As Hlayi continues to pursue her entrepreneurial journey, her dedication and passion serve as a testament to the potential of young leaders in driving positive change and innovation in today’s business landscape.
As we continue to expand our horizons and push the boundaries of event management, The Source Solutions remains steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and client satisfaction. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the continued growth of our organisation in the dynamic world of events and exhibitions.
Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, was presented with the Roger Taurant Award at the 2024 IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) World Summit in Malaga, Spain last week.
The award was established by IFES’ founding President, Roger Taurant, and acknowledges Justin’s exceptional contribution to IFES and the global exhibition industry during his 13 years as an IFES board member. In 2011, he became the first African to be represented on the IFES board. He was Treasurer of the association from 2013-2016, Vice President: Finance from 2017-2020, and President from 2021-2022.
This year, IFES is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It currently represents 300 exhibition and event contractors and service providers from around the world, and works closely with 14 industry association members, sharing knowledge and enabling cooperation amongst exhibition and event industry peers.
The events and exhibitions sector is a rapidly growing segment of the global tourism industry, and Africa is no exception. The involvement of youth in Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector is crucial for driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
“Engaging young professionals in MICE activities supports cultural exchange, economic diversification, and global competitiveness, empowering young leaders and showcasing Africa’s talent on the world stage,” says Gary Corin, Chairperson of The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).
AAXO and its members recognise the vital role of youth development in driving economic growth across the continent, with some actively involved in or supporting initiatives aimed at the sustainable development of youth, not only within the MICE sector but within their communities too:
Event Synthesis International
Event Synthesis International’s focus on youth upliftment was inspired by owner, Angelique Smith’s, experience during a board meeting, where it was highlighted that there was a significant age gap in the leadership committee and training facilities across South Africa. The issue became critical when three top leaders passed away without a succession plan, leaving a void of knowledgeable leaders. The loss of their expertise underscored the importance of involving youth in every aspect of their work to ensure continuity and create a legacy.
“At Event Synthesis International, we support youth development through various programmes. At all our events, we involve teams of university students studying tourism, hospitality, or event management, and these students gain practical, hands-on experience in both event administration and on-site execution, ensuring they acquire comprehensive knowledge beyond theoretical learning,” says Smith.
Image 1 ESI Youth Development
Gallagher Convention Centre
Gallagher Convention Centre is dedicated to youth development within the event industry, particularly through initiatives like MusicEx. Recognising a gap in the South African music scene, Gallagher launched MusicEx to provide aspiring musicians with opportunities to learn, grow, and showcase their talents. MusicEx, scheduled for 26-28 July 2024, features a “Battle of the Best” competition with significant prizes, expert-led workshops, and performance opportunities for buskers.
The MusicEx planning includes the creation of approximately 313 new job opportunities in the MICE industry, offering new prospects not only for aspiring South African artists to learn and gain exposure but also for young professionals seeking careers in the events and exhibitions sector.
“This event supports youth by offering exposure, education, and employment, aligning with Gallagher’s mission to foster internal growth and industry advancement. This inaugural event aims to become an annual celebration, furthering Gallagher’s commitment to nurturing young talent and revitalising the MICE industry,” says Leniese van der Merwe, Marketing Manager at Gallagher Convention Centre and Assistant Project Director for MusicEx.
Image 2 MusicEx
RX Africa
RX Africa, in partnership with SME TradeLinks, recently sponsored an Enterprise Supplier Development Programme and an Enterprise Development Programme to foster the growth of entities in the tourism, hospitality and allied sectors, and help them build the critical capabilities they require to grow into thriving businesses.
SME TradeLinks’s Entrepreneurship Support Centre provides a wide range of customisable interventions designed to achieve the ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) objectives of RX Africa and its beneficiaries, who were KJ Styles, Lifeway Imphatho Brands, and Shai Boi Project Management, all 100% black-owned South African companies.
“The incubation programme includes skills training, mentoring, coaching, and a small grant component. RX is actively involved in the implementation of the incubation programme” says Carol Weaving, Managing Director at RX Africa.
Image 3 SME TradeLinks 2024 Incubator Graduation Event held at the Signature Restaurant in Sandton on 30 May 2024
Scan Display
Scan Display was inspired to focus on youth upliftment due to the high unemployment rates in South Africa, particularly amongst young people. Observing many matriculants and newly qualified individuals struggling to find work was disheartening, prompting the company to take action and offer internships to young people – through their Skills Development Programme – providing them with valuable training and opportunities to build their careers.
To support youth development, Scan Display formally established an Internship Programme in 2016, which employs students needing Work Integrated Learning (WIL) to complete their qualifications in the tourism and events industries. Additionally, the company offers job shadowing opportunities, such as the upcoming placement of two Interior Design students with their design team.
“These initiatives align with Scan Display’s mission to transfer skills and develop people, particularly in the demanding exhibition industry, which is well-suited to the energy and potential of young individuals. The success stories of past interns who have risen to management positions highlight the effectiveness and transformative impact of these programmes,” says Justin Hawes, Managing Director of Scan Display.
Image 4 Scan Display Interns
Woodlink Design
Woodlink Design, specialising in custom design exhibitions stands, is committed to youth upliftment through the Faranani programme, inspired by the everyday challenges faced by children left unsupervised on the streets while their parents are at work. Faranani was established to protect these children and prepare them for the future through activities like drum majorettes, dancing, singing, homework assistance, and provides school uniforms and sanitary pads to those in need.
Faranani aligns with Woodlink Design’s mission to eradicate poverty, save children, and develop them mentally and spiritually. One success story highlights a trip to Giyani, where the community warmly supported FARANANI’s performances, extending their stay due to the village chief’s request. This trip allowed the children to explore new places and learn about different environments, leaving a lasting impression on both the children and the community.
Natalie Ralinala, Spokesperson for Faranani Drum Majorettes and Woodlink Design’s partners, says: “FARANANI aims to impart skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, goal setting, communication, creativity, and responsibility. Future plans include expanding the club to different communities, founding a registered association, and establishing a trust fund for aspiring young majorettes to further their education and draw more youth into the initiative.”
Image 5 Youth in the FARANANI programme
“We are proud to represent members who are making significant contributions to their communities and the general youth population of Africa. By investing time, energy, and resources into our youth, we can ensure a prosperous future for the sector together,” concludes Corin.
Recognising the critical contributions made by the youth to the MICE sector across Africa, AAXO will be announcing the elected committee of their inaugural AAXO Youth Chapter in July, which is an exciting new forum for members dedicated to empowering the young voices within the industry.
The informal sector has a crucial role in the global economy, and it needs to be connected to government and businesses properly so that opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow are created. This was the key message discussed during the e-Kasi talks theme on the first day of SAITEX 2024.
Driven by micro enterprises across multiple sectors, the Kasi Economy, also known as the ‘hidden economy’, accounts for one-third of local jobs. These vibrant and innovative communities are home to 11.6 million people, indicating that townships represent billions of rands in spending power.
“In terms of cross-border opportunities, businesses in the township economy definitely benefit from the insights and learning opportunities at SAITEX 2024,” mentioned Cllr Leah Knott, MMC, Department of Economic Development, in her opening keynote address at SAITEX 2024.
Research released by Accenture Africa in 2023 revealed that more than 150 000 spaza shops make up part of South Africa’s “hidden economy”, which has an estimated market size of R178-billion.
The informal sector accounts for about 42% of all employment and contributes about 6% of the national GDP[1]: that’s about $25bn (R470bn). Over the past five years, the informal sector has been growing at the expense of the formal sector at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 14.17%, and there is no sign of this trajectory slowing down.
The Kasi Economy is almost circular, as businesses are created by residents and supported by their fellow township citizens, with more than 70% of South African households purchasing from informal traders, which include hawkers, small and large spazas, superettes and mini and midi wholesalers. By 2030, small retailers in this micro economy are anticipated to create 70% of all new jobs[2].
Dr Sindiswa Mzamo (Global President, Circle of Global Business Women) led the talk on “Lessons learnt – what has been done to boost Gauteng’s township business”, and was joined by Nosipho Khonkwane, general manager of Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP).
Some of the key lessons covered was that success or business sustainability in township businesses is dependent on the fit between the specific business and its environment, and that one size certainly doesn’t fit all – some businesses need grant funding and business development services before thinking of taking out a loan. In order to grow, some stark figures came to light: a small business needs access to finance (R86 mil and 346 mil SMME funding gap in SA) in order to have a chance at success.
For close to 30 years, SAITEX has been a hub for discovering diverse opportunities within the region. It connects traders with a network of international and local businesses, providing a platform to explore innovative products, solutions, and services tailored to their needs.
Industry experts explored the latest innovations, creative ideas and actionable insights designed to encourage growth and empower local township economies. Themed sessions included eKasi talks, SMME Focus Day and e-Commerce workshops.
A focus on entering new markets followed, unpacking what every entrepreneur needs to know, highlighting the UAE and South Africa business case, followed by leading expert Sergio Carlos Macamo (Commercial Counsellor, High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique) offering practical insights on navigating new export markets to stay compliant – customs, tariffs, and cultures.
A highlight of these talks included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SMME Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, which aims to simplify business for SMMEs between the UAE and South Africa, enabling easier market access for small businesses in both regions.
This significant event took place during the insightful session, “UAE and South Africa Business Case: Entering New Markets – What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know” and was graced by His Excellency Ambassador Mahash Saeed Alhameli of the UAE.
The SMME Chamber, a strategic partner for SAITEX 2024, is the voice for small business in Africa, dedicated to creating an ecosystem that provides access to markets, financial inclusion, and socio-economic opportunities.
Day 2 had a strong SMME focus, with the first session discussing how women and youth can be included in business and the ways to overcome trade barriers. This inspiring panel discussion, moderated by Dr Sindiswa Mzamo (Global President, Circle of Global Business Women) and joined by Lethabo Sithole (Amila Africa), Jacqueline Nzisabira (Regional Policy Advisor, UN Women), Nancy Sangqu (Founder, Milani International) and Mpume Zwane Langa (CEO, Afrisource and MD, Maxim Industries Africa), delved into the significant role of women and youth in trade, particularly in light of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
This protocol addresses specific constraints and barriers faced by women and youth in trading across the continent, creating an environment that allows them to access markets, enhance competitiveness, and participate in regional and global value chains.
SAITEX facilitates tangible international and local trade relationships and enables the private sector to demonstrate their innovations, solutions, and services to thousands of buyers, retailers, distributors, and wholesalers from multiple trade sectors.
“It’s one thing to have a cool idea, it’s another thing to execute on it. If you’re going to start anything, you need to be comfortable with failure,” remarked Vuyo Tofile, Managing Director of Timbaktuu, one of the emerging markets enabler workshop presenters.
Tofile established Timbaktuu Group Africa with the sole purpose of providing unserved and underserved communities with an innovative and frictionless way to better access goods, services, and opportunities, opening doors to a more inclusive economy and enabling individuals and communities to better participate in their country’s economy.
He went on to explain that we all have this fear of starting but have an even bigger fear of failing. “And yet my fears were course-correcting me to the path I should have been on. What I realised and learnt along the way is if you know that it works out in the end, you end up making decisions faster,” said Tofile.
He started as an entrepreneur selling boerewors rolls, learning along the way that you can sell anything at any price you want, if you keep iterating your product and improving it over time. “But you have to have confidence when selling it at that price,” exclaimed Tofile.
Another interesting workshop discussing why you should sell cross-border using E-commerce, was delivered by Alastair Tempest, CEO of Ecommerce Forum of Africa.
“One of the big problems in Africa is the little data and research available on Pan-African campaigns,” shared Tempest. “But you need to find what you can, and maybe even create some research yourself.”
One of the exciting changes in cross-border payments discussed was that of the Transactions Cleared on an Immediate Basis (TCIB) scheme developed by BankservAfrica.
“It is literally transforming cross-border payments in the SADC region for many businesses,” says Tempest.
TCIB is a groundbreaking cross-border remittance service that enables clearing of funds between South Africa and Zambia in just 60 seconds! As a formal, regulated & inexpensive solution, the TCIB solution ensures greater convenience and accessibility.
Lowering remittance costs is listed in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 for 2030 for reducing inequalities, stating ‘reducing the cost of remittance transfers can substantially increase disposable income for remittance-receiving families.’ The aim is to lower average costs to three per cent globally to allow remittance families to save an additional US$20 billion annually.
Returning for its third year, the Enterprise Development Pavilion, sponsored by the Johannesburg Convention Bureau, provided a dedicated space for SMMEs throughout the conference to showcase their cutting-edge products and services.
“This platform links emerging businesses, especially black-owned and women-owned enterprises, with key industry buyers, providing valuable exposure and market access. Through this initiative, we empower these businesses to flourish and shape the dynamic future of hospitality,” said Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, Chief Executive Officer, The Johannesburg Tourism Company.
“SAITEX 2024, Africa’s leading multi-sector trade exhibition, was a resounding success. The event showcased remarkable collaboration on the show floor, attracting a record-breaking attendance of over 4,900 people over three days. With more than 120 exhibitors, 18 workshop sessions, and 37 speakers, participants left inspired to address challenges and drive growth in the retail economy,” concluded Phetogo Kubheka, Event Director, Transport and Trade Portfolio at dmg events.
The 21st edition of Africa’s Big 7 wrapped up three days of insights, innovation and conversation at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Co-located with the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa and SAITEX Africa, Africa’s Big 7 2024 hosted industry leaders and decision-makers for discussions around redefining the food and beverage chain, and introduced the inaugural Game of Chefs, a culinary competition for up-and-coming young chefs.
“Over the course of the week, attendees networked with professionals, thought leaders and buyers at an event focused on connecting trends and insights to real-world situations. This year, Africa’s Big 7 connected top players within the industry and opened up authentic conversations around the challenges facing the industry,” said Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events.
The event’s focus on transformation was reflected in its opening keynote ‘Transforming Africa’s food system – Tackling food insecurity through innovations and partnerships’. The presentation focused on the need for diverse and innovative food and beverage products and culinary experiences that drive the sustainability agenda and meet the need of Africa’s rapidly growing population. Mikes Kubheka, the Founder of Wakanda Food Accelerator, said: “It’s important to gain insight into how to navigate the future of Africa’s food systems, how innovation is reshaping food categories and transforming investment opportunities, and what technologies are working to solve supply chain challenges.”
Day one included a panel discussion entitled ‘Finding the Formula – What new ingredients and flavours are driving innovation’, focused on new taste choices and sustainable developments and how these can be translated into business efficiency and cost savings; a fireside chat on ‘Sustainability – Journey to a net-zero future’ that unpacked what environmental transparency means for the bottom line; and exclusive interviews with influencers and leaders in the industry around thinking global while acting local.
One of the particularly relevant and insightful events on day one was an in-depth panel discussion on ‘Food mapping – Mitigating food waste and supporting sustainable growth’ with Nicola Jenkin, Director of Pinpoint Sustainability as the moderator, and Steffen Burrows, Head of Sustainability at Pick ‘n Pay; Pavitray Pillay, Behaviour Change Practitioner at WWF South Africa; and Matlou Setati, Executive: Food Safety and Sustainability Initiative at the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGSCA). The discussion touched on critical concerns for the country and the continent with Setati opening the conversation around food insecurity and the need for finding ways of addressing this, with Burrows echoing her sentiments, emphasising the importance of sustainability. As Pillay said, “What people don’t realise is when they waste a plate of food, they’re wasting energy, soil, health, labour, water and biodiversity.”
It is critical, said the panellists, to prioritise food accessibility, reduce waste, and find a way of reimaging the value chain.
Returning for its third year, the Enterprise Development Pavilion, sponsored by the Johannesburg Convention Bureau, provided a dedicated space for SMMEs to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, Chief Executive Officer, The Johannesburg Tourism Company said: “Our Enterprise Development Pavilion provides a dedicated space for SMMEs to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. This platform connects them with key industry buyers, fostering valuable exposure and market access. Through this initiative, we empower these businesses to thrive and contribute to the dynamic future of food and beverage.”
On day two, the event kicked off with the spotlight presentation entitled ‘Insights into the latest mega retail trends’ presented by Andrea Ellens, Retail Expert and Head of Business Development at Trade Intelligence. Opening her presentation against the backdrop of the current economic landscape and the challenges influencing consumer and retail confidence, Ellens unpacked some of the interesting global and local trends shaping the industry today.
The global trends to watch out for are around Metail, the personalised shopping experience; the rise of retail media investment to gain consumer attention; meeting the needs of the octopus shopper with omnichannel experiences that are seamless and harmonious; leveraging artificial intelligence to drive agility; and prioritising initiatives to create a green trolley. As Ellens said: “One of the big local trends is an explosion of more stores with brands like ShopRite and Clicks prioritising accessibility for shoppers and diversification.”
Also taking place on day two was a presentation on ‘The future of retail in South Africa’ by Ceri Coxton, Head of Customer Experience at Woolworths South Africa. She said, “Technology is changing everything we do in retail across the board and we need to ensure experiences are seamless and sustainability remains a priority.”
The day also included a discussion on ‘Private Labels – why are these brands transforming innovation in a time of disruption’; and a fireside chat with Bronwyn Williams, Futurist, Economist & Business Trends Analyst at Flux Trends, Brett Thomson, Co-Founder and CEO of Newform Foods, and Martin Dovey, Founder of CACG Technology Strategy and Management Consulting, discussing ‘From cell to scale – how the food industry can be part of cultivating meat’.
Mongezi Mtati, Senior Brand Strategist at Rogerwilco, hosted a spotlight presentation on the ‘Kasi Economy – Tapping into the growing township economy and what you need to know’. Matati said: “Brands have a long-distance relationship with townships but change is on the horizon with the rise of Kasi alternatives and an increase in supermarket spend.”
Also on the day was a panel discussion around ‘Culinary innovation – how are menus adapting?’; a spotlight presentation on ‘Supply chain optimisation reimagined’; and ‘Major trends redefining food service and convenience’.
Returning events at the show included the Global Pizza Challenge, the National Burger Challenge, the South African Bakers Challenge and the show welcomed the inaugural The Game of Chefs.
“With a record 4,922 attendees and 179 exhibitors at this year’s event, it was immensely successful with an impressive turnout and exceptional speakers. Africa’s Big 7 remains a premier event for the industry in Africa.” Peters concludes.
ExpoGuys is proud to announce that the stand designed and built for ANEW Hotels & Resorts has won the Green Stand Award at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. This award highlights the successful collaboration between ANEW and ExpoGuys, focusing on sustainability in the travel and tourism industry.
ANEW Hotels & Resorts showcased their dedication to sustainability with an eco-friendly stand made from recyclable materials. Partnering with ExpoGuys, known for sustainable exhibition design, the stand utilised repurposed materials from previous installations. The design incorporated lightweight aluminium, LED lighting, low-consumption flat screens, and modular construction for efficient transportation and reduced carbon emissions.
The ExpoGuys’ approach to exhibition design emphasises recycling and reducing carbon footprints. This stand reflected this ethos by repurposing materials from previous installations. Everything from furniture to flooring and audio-visual equipment was creatively reused and enhanced, incorporating lightweight materials like aluminium and active recycling initiatives integral to the stand’s design. Throughout construction, waste was minimized, and materials were carefully managed for reuse. LED lighting and a low-consumption flat screen contributed to energy efficiency, while the stand’s modular design, which folds up flat, enabled efficient transportation and assembly, reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, innovative printing techniques enhanced sustainability, with a shift towards fabric printing which means the branding can be reused on ANEW’s future exhibition stands.
In addition to the stand design, ANEW further demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by using eco-friendly takeaway containers, minimizing waste in tea and coffee setups, replacing plastic bottles with sustainable alternatives, and utilizing QR codes instead of printed sales booklets..
This initiative aligns with ANEW’s Environmental Sustainability Policy, reflecting their commitment to reducing energy and water consumption and minimising waste across their properties.
Jani Mari Swart, Public Relations Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you, ExpoGuys, for your collaboration and innovative approach. We are beyond thrilled with the results and proud of this achievement!”
Patrick Cronning, Commercial Director of ExpoGuys, shared his enthusiasm: “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Partnering with ANEW Hotels & Resorts to create this stand has been an incredible journey. We are proud to demonstrate that sustainable practices and innovative design can go hand in hand.”
Set to become South Africa’s biggest culinary extravaganza, the Mzansi Food & Drink Show will rock the Kyalami International Convention Centre from 15 to 17 June 2024.
The brainchild of RX Africa, the company behind some of the country’s premiere events, including Decorex, Comic Con Africa, Africa Travel Week and FAME Week Africa, the Ring of Fire Chilli Festival will be off the Scoville Scale charts.
The three-day event will incorporate two previous independently held events, the popular Fire & Feast Meat Festival and the successful Coffee & Chocolate Expo, as well as three new additions – the Fine Food & Wine Show, the Bar & Good Spirits Showcase and the Mzansi Food Market.
Says Hanli Goncalves, Portfolio Director of the Mzansi Food & Drink Show: “As a foodie nation with vastly different dishes and tastes in the melting pot, South Africans are ready for a food and drink show of this stature and we will be serving up the biggest and the best culinary show on the African continent.”
The Mzansi Food & Drink Show will be the platform on which local culinary personalities will strut their stuff, Goncalves asserts, adding that it will highlight the latest food and drink trends and innovations, with something for the whole family and for all tastes.
“Visitors can attend food and drink tastings, cooking demos, masterclasses, special offers and a marketplace filled with gastronomic delights. “Taking place over a long weekend that includes Father’s Day on 16 June and Youth Day on 17 June, this will be the perfect occasion for the Fire & Feast Meat Festival in particular to entertain dads and lads with all things outdoor, meat and braai,” she says.
Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa adds: “We are in the business of building businesses so everyone can thrive whoever and wherever they are. As Africa’s leading exhibition and event organiser, RX Africa works with relevant government entities, stakeholders and industry movers and shakers to connect trade, consumers, investors and business to bring about the best events on the African continent. The Mzansi Food & Drink Show will definitely be one of them.”
Weaving notes that the first ever Ring of Fire Chilli Festival will set the Joburg winter ablaze with hot line-up for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families, with live demonstrations, chilli-themed workshops, food stalls serving up fiery delights and stands selling all things chilli.
“Whether you’re a seasoned chilli lover or a curious newbie, this festival promises to be a sizzling adventure,” she asserts.
South Africans are all about the spice…
Dishes with chillies such as piri-piri chicken and piri-piri prawns are South African favourites and the hot stuff ranks among Africa’s most famous flavour, and one which has been exported from Southern Africa to the world thanks to companies such as Nando’s.
According to a South African Uber Eats Cravings Report, extra hot chilli sauce tops the list of special requests when South Africans order takeaways, and the Mzansi Food & Drink Show has taken note with some off-the-scale events, including:
Ring of Fire National Championship: Witness the fieriest chilli enthusiasts battle it out with the Pod Challenge for the coveted title. Who can handle the heat and emerge victorious? Be there to find out.
Hot Wings Challenge: Think you can take off with the spiciest wings in town? Prove your mettle in this tongue-tingling challenge. Warning: Tears may flow!
Best Sauce Challenge: Sample an array of zesty sauces and vote for your favourite. From tangy to volcanic, these sauces will set your taste buds ablaze.
Hot Chip Challenge: Brace yourself for the hottest potato chips you’ve ever encountered. Can you handle the burn?
Challenge your Children: Dads, step up! Take on spicy challenges alongside your children. Who will be the ultimate family chilli champ?
It’s not just about chilli
Unlike previous food festivals, the Mzansi Food & Drink Show will offer visitors a number of diverse and exciting shows all under one roof, including:
Coffee & Chocolate Expo – a celebration of the irresistible combination of coffee and chocolate.
Fire & Feast – a carnivore’s heaven providing a mouthwatering experience of meats of all types, as well as braais, butcher demos and outdoor delights.
Fine Food & Wine – here visitors can elevate their palate with exquisite food pairings and premium South African wines.
Bar & Good Spirits – showcasing a range of popular spirits as well as mixology skills and craft beverages to cool the chilliest tongue.
Mzansi Food Market – a marketplace filled with gastronomic delights, new products, tastings and samples for those with an insatiable appetite to stock their pantry with the best foodstuffs in the country.
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavour at the Mzansi Food & Drink Show’s Ring of Fire Festival and make sure you’re among the “hottest possible” brave and “spicy is so me” beautiful!
Access the latest trends and explore ground-breaking innovations at the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2024, Africa’s leading hospitality event, which takes place from 11-13 June at the Sandton Convention Centre. The expo offers a dynamic platform for attendees to gain exclusive insights and expertise from key industry influencers, as they reveal the latest trends and share predictions within the hospitality industry.
A melting pot of innovation and creativity, covering every aspect and product sector within the industry, this expo offers the opportunity to connect with industry peers, generate new leads, and gain exclusive access to premium industry content.
It is estimated that Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest growing population, set to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. According to the 2024 Africa Outlook Report, ‘Africa is set to become the world’s second fastest growing region in 2024, driven by a resurgence in travel, tourism, and hospitality with investment, improved international connectivity and a strong demand for quality accommodation.’
“Tourism is the largest contributor to GDP across the African continent, with six of the world’s fastest growing economies found in Africa, making this event incredibly relevant for hospitality industry leaders to attend,” according to Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events South Africa.
This year’s keynote address from Jeff Blackbeard, Director of Sector and Markets from Moore Global, and Lee-anne Singer from The Singer Group, as they join forces to discuss the trends that will determine Africa’s hospitality journey as a vibrant, international destination, as sustainability and technology transform this sector.
‘Key trends this year include implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI), with almost 1-in-4 businesses reportedly using AI tools to enhance operations’, according to the African Hospitality Confidence Index 2024.
‘Business and leisure, or ‘bleisure’ tourists have also become increasingly popular, as growing remote working patterns gain momentum. The greater emphasis on work-life balance is set to shape the tourism and hospitality industry even further over the next decade, with the value of the global bleisure market expected to more than double from 2022 levels to $731.4 billion globally by 2032.’
The rest of the action-packed 3 day programme invites you to immerse yourself in these themes covered in the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa workshops, from navigating the dynamic African hospitality landscape and unlocking city destination marketing opportunities in Southern Africa, to critically exploring if it’s possible for sustainability and luxury to coexist in harmony.
Discover how timeless, authentic design embraces innovation, blending aesthetics with functionality for the modern guest.
With the wave of AI innovation, transforming how businesses operate and easing revenue management and security, among other operational efficiencies, you’ll not want to miss learning how to strike the right balance between embracing AI and safeguarding your guests’ privacy and data.
Finally, get the lowdown on how to optimise your supply chain for a more efficient future, Procurement 4.0.
Get exclusive access to the most recent trends, innovations and industries to stay ahead, from key tips on streamlining operations from Omni Software Solutions, investigating Hospitality Chatbot Solutions and how these chatbots can transform your business, interior design trends to hospitality supplies where you can catch HSHS and Restonic’s latest products.
Whether you’re a hotelier, restaurateur, resort owner, or supplier, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2024 is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, grow your business and discover curated products and services by local and international exhibitors.
Find out more about the event at www.thehotelshowafrica.com and click here to register to join representatives from across Africa to uncover new ways of redefining hospitality in Africa.
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This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
