Exhibition Director, Projeni Pather, says, “The Baby Expo Joburg 2008, saw a 4% increase in visitor numbers with 28 230 visitors attending the show this weekend despite the global recession and South Africa's own troubles. Many exhibitors have reported anywhere between a 50% to 400% increase in sales from last year, which is more important to us than the visitor numbers. Our winning formula has once again delivered the right visitor to our exhibitors.” This is certainly the case, as has been reiterated by some of the ecstatic exhibitors:
Jacqui Flint from Baby Love says “the calibre of visitor was different from last year, with there being more expecting parents at the expo this year. The organisers did a fantastic job putting together the expo, making it so visitor friendly and impressive.”
Ronel Currin from Wisey commented; “we were impressed by the amount of exposure and sales Wisey had at the show, and the professional way The Baby Expo was put together and run.”
Lucinda Posthumus from Little Finger Prints said “I was incredibly happy with the organisation of the expo, and we will definitely do it again next year. Little Finger Prints was so popular and received exceptional volume of orders and excellent exposure at the expo. The diversity of visitors was noticeable and interesting, we noticed more self employed visitors in the higher LSM bracket at the expo on Thursday and Friday, and more middle class people on the weekend.”
Exhibitors had fantastic personal success at this year's expo, with great sales and exposure to a large and influential target market. In addition to the successful reception of exhibitor's products, exhibitors also had the opportunity to show off their creative side with the building and decoration of their stands, which were judged for the Stand Awards.
The winner of the Stand Award in the floor space division was Eat Smart B Smart, with their fantastic and innovative Bee Hive themed stand. The Fisher Price stand received a special mention, for the display of their wonderful range of baby and kids toys.
The Schell Scheme Stand Award went to Medi-Clinic with their Medi Twinkle stand. The Special Mention of the Schell Scheme Stand Awards went to Paparazzi Photography.
The judges had a tough time picking a winner for the Product Innovation Awards, the number of amazing and innovative new products at The Baby Expo was incredible, and a testament to the creativity and business acumen of South African pioneers. The chosen winner for the Product Innovation Award was Dizzy Dots trading with the Amadeus 360° cup.
A major draw card for visitors at The Baby Expo this year was the ‘All Expenses Paid Pregnancy Competition'. Kerry Lee Schwikkard was the lucky winner whose life was changed forever when she was handed a package with the winning ticket wrapped inside.
Visitors were thrilled to see for the first time the all new “Barney at the Farm” show, and welcomed the arrival of Noddy's friend Tessie Bear who joined her friends from Toyland on stage.
Following the success of The Baby Expo Joburg, The Baby Expo Durban will be at the International Convention Centre Durban from 29 - 31 August, and The Baby Expo Cape Town will be held from 7 - 9 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
