From its humble beginnings as a trade exhibition in 1939 with 125 cattle on show to an extravaganza of more than 200 categories, the Pretoria Show has enjoyed remarkable growth and success over the years. This year's show took place from 28 August to 6 September 2009 and also marked its diamond anniversary. Oasys Innovations supplied the infrastructure and furniture for the seventieth Pretoria Show which once again drew exhibitors and visitors from all over the country.
With so much to celebrate this year's theme was “Unwrap a smile”. A variety of activities and offerings included the regional equestrian show riding championships for Gauteng, a carcass competition in the category for slaughter animals and competitions for farm animals such as beef cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and various poultry breeds as well as an agricultural and livestock section - the largest of its kind south of the Sahara.
Since its humble beginnings the show has grown to more than 42 000m2 of indoor exhibition space and 30 000m2 outdoors, a zoo, children's play areas, a park, restaurants and kiosks. Oasys Innovations supplied 8000m2 of shell scheme, 33 000m2 of carpeting as well as electrical infrastructure and furniture. Says Carl Woodland, chief operating officer for Oasys Exhibitions, “The Pretoria Show is truly remarkable and we derive a great deal of satisfaction every time we are involved in preparations, mainly because the show is so unique.”
Another draw card to the Pretoria Show is its entertainment line-up that includes some of the country's pinnacle performers such as Karen Zoid, Prime Circle, Watershed, Loyiso Bala and Judith Sephuma to name but a few.
Concludes Woodland, “The Pretoria Show has reached a significant milestone with its 70th anniversary. We are proud to have had the chance to be involved with the Pretoria Show again this year. Shows as successful as this one serve as a great example of what can be achieved with perseverance in the event and exhibition industry.”
