Credit cards maxed out at SABC Education Baba Indaba and Kids Indaba

Weary but elated is the way most exhibitors are feeling after a bumper show in Cape Town this weekend! The Cape Town ICC hosted thousands of moms, dads, babas, kids and grandparents at the SABC Education Baba Indaba and Kids Indaba and boy did it rock! With a total of 39 783 visitors through the door, this show saw exhibitors' products flying off the stands and to put the sparkly sprinkles on top of the cupcake, visitors were not afraid to make on-the-spot purchases - credit card transactions were coming thick and fast, resulting in a jam until batches were transmitted. Exhibitors such as Gelli Baff, Baby Throne and Educare completely sold out of their products!

The event was also extremely successful for companies launching new products and for those seeking to do business with other traders in the baby market. Roger Gallagher, owner of the Snuza Baby Monitor, commented with a wide grin that he had already sold double what he expected to by the end of the second day and that he had received interest from a major retailer.

Hennie van Huyssteen of Practica said that even though his product is costly "the visitors to Baba Indaba could afford the product. The show was busy with a lot of people in the aisles at all times. Another plus for us is that people knew we were at the event and specifically came to our stand to get more information and to purchase."

Bianca Bouwer of BabyBelle said, "We've had a lot of interest from visitors and our return on investment is very good. The exposure at this show has been priceless."

According to Julie Keppie of Tracy K, "I've heard lots of positive comments from visitors about how lovely and big the show is, how nicely it's presented and that it's the best show in Cape Town."

The winner of "Most Innovative Product" and first time exhibitor, Greg Gilloway of iRock was over the moon at the jump in sales he saw with the huge wave of consumers that walked the hall on Saturday and Sunday. His product was launched at this show and he believes that it was well-received and directed at the perfect target market. "The show has been a great success. Even Friday was good with a lot of interest from trade visitors. The target market at the event was spot on."

The show provided a great platform for further business opportunities, as a few of the exhibitors experienced - the extensive range of brands on the expo floor proved to be an excellent hunting ground for distribution scouts and buyers.

"This was our first show and it provided fantastic exposure for launching our product. We were very honoured to receive a certificate of excellence from the judges. In addition this event is a great launch pad for doing business, I've met all the right retail buyers and of course the Baba Indaba team are just awesome and very professional." The Antz Pantz

"Once again, thanks so much for your warm, enthusiastic and very helpful manner at the Indaba! I loved the Speakers Corner, I think the parents found it very comfortable and child friendly - and the tea/coffee was a relaxing and thoughtful addition. I sincerely hope that I will be able to be included as a speaker at future Indabas! I am sure you are in need of a good rest today - you must be exhausted!! But well done, and thanks again." Anne Cawood, a parenting professional who dispensed advice at the Woolies Littleworld Speakers Corner.

There was, yet again, an overwhelming response from the Cape Town public and they were not disappointed with the many wonderful products and services on offer. "It was Juandrè's birthday last week and I decided to not buy him a present but to rather spend some quality time with my child at the Baba Indaba. You really exceeded all expectations I had and it was great. Thank you for a wonderful show, I really enjoyed it and you did excellent work! Please thank the team on my behalf. We will see you again next year!" - Zelda Schroeder, mom of one.

"I would like to commend you on a show well organised. I have a five- week-old baby girl and we really enjoyed the variety of things on display. I walked away with quite a few things that I was looking for and could not find anywhere else. I was also so excited to see on your website that there were baby changing facilities (which were clean) and a breastfeeding area. Everyone says that breastfeeding your baby is the best for them and I was so glad to see that you had considered an area for just that. - Charmaine Welthagen, mom of one.

Felicia Hockey, a granny of two, said: "The show really caters for all our needs. I think it's wonderful that there are facilities such as nurses here and not just products. The entertainment is great!" There certainly was loads to keep the tots and tweens busy, Takalani Sesame educated the little ones with three shows a day, Kindermusik with Nats tested their rhythm and Regardt Laubscher enthralled young and old alike with his magnificent magic! For the older kids, there were experiments to be done and scrap books to create as well as cup cakes to decorate and a wall to scale! Kids were introduced to the world of Social Media by RLabs. Celebrities were also in attendance with the likes of Shrek popping in to say hi to the kids.

Visitors heard about the show through various channels but it was clear that the extensive radio, TV and print media campaigns created a great awareness and got the crowds to walk this way! The organisers this year ensured that the use of social media was top of the pile, taking advantage of platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to get to their target market. These interactive online sites provided the perfect tool for publicising the event and offer a two-way means of communication as visitors are able to respond with their comments. Show Director, Natalie Naude commented, "we are ecstatic with the results of the expo, not only did we have direct communication with our visitors, but this is most definitely the way to communicate with our target market. This is another first in the baby and parenting industry and we are proud to say that our social media combined with the more matured media options, have benefited our exhibitors and visitors wholly!"

Many parents indicated that, along with being entertaining, the show was very informative - the Woolies Littleworld Speakers Corner hosted various professionals and the exhibitors were extremely interactive and eager to share their knowledge. Kristen van Rensburg, a mom of one and first time visitor said "This show is very informative and helpful and the exhibitors are friendly which is great!"

A new addition to the expo was the inception of the magnificent Bump & Beyond competition. This wonderful giveaway offered one lucky visitor the chance to win a collection of prizes to the value of R35 000. Sponsored by a number of leading brands, this prize will alleviate the financial burden of a new baba and caters to needs beyond the pregnancy. The winner of the competition was drawn at the close of show and the lucky lady was soon-to-be-mum Lize McElhone so big congratulations go to her! The winner Lize Mcelhone comments: "I just want to thank you and the rest of your team again for all my wonderful gifts. It truly is such a blessing! Thanks again for a job well done."