Diarise Hostex 2013 at Sandton Convention Centre

The show has built a sound reputation for delivering an all-encompassing 'one-stop shop' expo that also guarantees valuable information-sharing, networking opportunities, excitement with the prestigious competitions that run for the duration of the show, and more. "The growing success of Hostex over the years is largely founded on tried and tested approaches that our industry has asked for and responded to positively," explains Brad Hook, portfolio director of Specialised Exhibitions, organisers of Hostex.

Underpinning this statement is the fact that visitor numbers have continued to grow over the last couple of years, through the tough global economic situation. The show in 2011 saw 220 exhibitors and 11 500 visitors from across South Africa and neighbouring countries and the Johannesburg visitor figures are expected to be higher all round.

The show will again be featuring the popular visitor attractions of the Global Pizza Challenge, the Barista Championship, hosted by the Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa, the SA Chefs' Village, hosted by the SA Chefs Association and more. "We will be enhancing these and other visitor attractions next year to keep the appeal of the events fresh and up to date."

A range of industry associations and organisations, which include the SA Chefs Association (SACA), Bed & Breakfast Association of South Africa (BABASA), Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), Guest House Accommodation of South Africa (GHASA), National Accommodation Association (NAA), Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), and Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA), endorses Hostex.

The event, the only one of its kind in southern Africa, attracts decision-makers from across the spectrum of the catering and hospitality industry and provides exhibitors with the perfect opportunity for face-to-face product promotion. It will cover 12 000m² of floor space across two exhibition halls, enabling constant activities and feature events throughout the show.

Hook adds that experience has shown that when exhibitions offer good value and excellent opportunities for exhibitors to boost their sales prospects, they tend to be successful, even in recessionary times. "We're finding that more and more, companies see leading industry exhibitions such as this, as an opportunity to create brand awareness and product or service preference through experiential marketing, which goes a long way towards creating a sound connection with customers and potential customers, possibly more so than other more traditional selling methods.

"The bottom line is that Gauteng is the business hub of South Africa - and the main centre for catering and hospitality industry activity. There is always an exciting industry buzz when Hostex is here and we can see that it's already starting in anticipation of next year's show," he concludes.

For more information, go to www.hostex.co.za.