TRADE SHOWS
One of SAMFA's important objectives is to create an environment where it is cost effective for industry vendors to demonstrate the latest metal finishing technology to end users. We believe in the importance of keeping members aware of developments that can assist in resource conservation of chemicals, water and electricity. As prices continue rising, with transport and electricity at the forefront, our members are constantly grappling to maintain profitable businesses that turn out a good job.
Trade expos are an excellent way of getting members together and providing network opportunities. However, it has been necessary to seek out the most cost effective method of facilitating such shows, as the way that expos are traditionally set up proves to be heavy on the budget.
To this end SAMFA has been trialling the compact expo over the last few years, and has now settled on the model of table displays and floor space rented at modest rates enabling everyone to display their wares on a very affordable budget.
Johannesburg has proved to be the best location to direct the most effort, and this year at the Gillooly's Conference Centre in Bedfordview we hired 24 tables to vendors who collectively represented a large number of local and overseas principals.
The show was open between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm and then followed by an evening meeting that featured a 10 question Trivia Quiz programme sponsored by PTL products. Members formed groups and competed against each other for a cash prize of R750 for the winners and R250 for the runners up. A snack supper was served after the event, and with the cash bar available, many people stayed and networked for several hours after official proceedings had ended.
A short part of the evening was devoted to an AGM section of events, where important SAMFA issues were brought to the attention of the audience. This was followed by voting for regional executive committee members to serve during the 2011/2012 year.
Trade expos are an excellent way of getting members together and providing network opportunities. However, it has been necessary to seek out the most cost effective method of facilitating such shows, as the way that expos are traditionally set up proves to be heavy on the budget.
To this end SAMFA has been trialling the compact expo over the last few years, and has now settled on the model of table displays and floor space rented at modest rates enabling everyone to display their wares on a very affordable budget.
Johannesburg has proved to be the best location to direct the most effort, and this year at the Gillooly's Conference Centre in Bedfordview we hired 24 tables to vendors who collectively represented a large number of local and overseas principals.
The show was open between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm and then followed by an evening meeting that featured a 10 question Trivia Quiz programme sponsored by PTL products. Members formed groups and competed against each other for a cash prize of R750 for the winners and R250 for the runners up. A snack supper was served after the event, and with the cash bar available, many people stayed and networked for several hours after official proceedings had ended.
A short part of the evening was devoted to an AGM section of events, where important SAMFA issues were brought to the attention of the audience. This was followed by voting for regional executive committee members to serve during the 2011/2012 year.
