INDABA offers exhibitors a matchmaking system where they are able to set up meetings with hosted buyers.
This system has proven successful and useful for both parties as it ensures that the correct buyers are put together with the correct exhibitors – so both can benefit from meaningful meetings. It also ensures that going into INDABA, exhibitors and buyers already have meetings set up and will not be walking around hoping to secure meetings.
However, in order for the system to work well, exhibitors must complete their profiles.
Though INDABA is a trade show focusing on helping you make fantastic business connections, it also has fun elements: the opening ceremony is always a highlight of the show, as it includes performances by top local acts.
At INDABA 2014, the MC was actor Sello Maake ka-Ncube – who also performed a poem – and the ceremony included a fantastic performance by Khaya Mthethwa and a performance by Mafikizolo that had the whole crowd dancing away. There was also a dance acrobatics show and a celebration of South Africa’s 20 years of freedom.
South African Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima was one of the opening ceremony speakers along with eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and then-Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk, who gave an interesting reflection on how tourism in South Africa had grown in the past 20 years.
The INDABA 2014 TECHZone was a big hit, and will be returning to INDABA 2015 with more tech-focused exhibitors and more interesting TechTalks.
This is what some INDABA 2014 attendees had to say about the show: “The one thing that I enjoyed the most this year was the TECHZone.” – Jonker Fourie, of Emfuleni Corridor Tourism
“For me, it’s been about the showcasing of such diverse service providers within the tourism industry here in South Africa. One never knows that there is just so much [on] offer until [one gets] here and [there is] so much under one roof. It’s been really exciting and it’s been really empowering to see what South Africa and Africa [have] to offer.” – Kaya Nyati, of the Blue Train
“INDABA is a wonderful forum for us to get exposure to a number of international markets. We find it’s the best return on investment to get to meet trade partners from North America, Germany, Europe and the UK. It’s a very focused show for us. We’re able to target a number of different specialists, we’re able to sell our product and [INDABA 2014 has helped] us to fulfil our scheduled safaris.” – Kim Nixon, of Wilderness Dawning
To get a sense of the great vibe at INDABA 2014, and to be inspired about just how great INDABA 2015 will be, watch this video.
By Lethabo-Thabo Royds