Bridal fair organisers urged to join EXSA

Currently, only two of the estimated seven to 10 bridal organisers in South Africa are members of EXSA: Niche Pro (Pty) Ltd and Amanda Cunningham Communications. This may be a contributing factor to a recent incident where a non member has provided misleading information to the public.

On joining EXSA, founded in 1980, members are required to sign and adhere to, a Code of Ethics. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to foster mutual respect and trust amongst individuals and organisations within the exhibition industry. This relates to business dealings between members, clients and the public.

Dee Reuvers, Managing Director of Niche Pro (Pty) Ltd comments: "The bridal industry has many competing events that do not overlap in profile but have a clear positioning and 'place' in the scheme of things. The benefits for the remaining organisers to join EXSA would only serve to enhance their credibility and professionalism and thereby create a stronger front against 'rogue type behaviour'!"

"It is imperative that the exhibition industry in Southern Africa is regulated under one body - EXSA. There are too many organizers in the industry who promise the world and deliver nothing, resulting in a negative spin-off for all exhibitions, whichever field they are in," explained Amanda Cunningham, Managing Director, Wedding Expo (Pty) Ltd.

Weaving strongly recommends that organisers and exhibitors make use only of stand designers, contractors and suppliers that are members of EXSA.

EXSA's General Manager, Mandy O'Connor, will provide information on members within each category and give advice on all industry related matters. In particular, inexperienced and first time organisers are encouraged to contact EXSA's office at Gallagher Estate, Tel: +27 +11 805 7272 or go to: www.exsa.co.za.