ZITF 2018 preps gather momentum

By Jeffrey Muvundusi

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) will this week hold Exhibitor Master Classes in both Harare and Bulawayo as preparations for this year’s edition of the annual multi-sectorial business expo gathers momentum.

In its second year running, the Exhibitor Master Class is a stakeholder responsibility programme by the ZITF meant to ensure that all participants in the company’s trade shows derive maximum value from their exhibition investment.

The events have been slated for March 7 and 8 in Harare and Bulawayo respectively.

Stella Nkomo, the ZITF marketing and public relations manager, said the primary objective of the master class is to provide exhibitors with a refresher course on how to increase their market visibility and drive more qualified traffic to their stands to ensure a productive and profitable exhibition experience.

“The Exhibitor Masterclass Series dovetails into the development of the national tourism sector strategy in which Mice (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions) tourism will be a key driver hence it is imperative that local business people are trained in the correct exhibition tactics,” Nkomo said.

She said the topics to be discussed include setting and measuring participation objectives, budgeting, pre-show marketing, stand design concepts, digitising the exhibition experience and essential post-event analysis amongst other exciting issues.

Following the success of the inaugural Exhibitors Master Class in 2017, Nkomo said they have refined this year’s programme to ensure development and follow-through on last year’s discussions and learning.

“The master class is open to both new participants wishing to participate in ZITF for the first time and to seasoned exhibitors seeking to refine their exhibition strategy.

“Insights gathered at the Master Class can be used in any exhibition, anywhere in the world, hence non-ZITF exhibitors are also welcome,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nkomo also revealed that preparations for the ZITF 2018 edition have reached their peak with 75 percent of the space available for sale having been taken up.

“Interest from the international community has been pleasing as potential investors, financiers and business people have heeded government’s invitation to explore the myriad opportunities available to do business with and in Zimbabwe,” she said.

Botswana, Ethiopia, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia.

Cyprus and India have already confirmed their participation where they will be represented by individual companies from those countries.

“Local interest in the show has also been high, particularly from enterprises who wish to use the event as a showcase for home-grown industrial and technology solutions.”

ZITF 2018 takes place from April 24-28 under the theme, “Sustainable Industrial Development — Inclusive.

Competitive. Collaborative,” a theme which organisers say aligns itself to the national agenda of pursuing industrialisation as the key to economic growth and development. DailyNews