Leading wellness brands support Look & Feel Good Expo

The annual Look & Feel Good Expo (L&FGE) has grown exponentially and is now positioned as a key wellness event in the country. An EXSA (Exhibition & Event Association of SA) Awards-nominated exhibition, the L&FGE attracts tens of thousands of LSM 7 to 10+ visitors between the ages of 25 to 55 in Joburg, Cape Town, and now also Durban, as well as over 400 exhibitors nationwide. This year, the event will include pageants, fitness contests, exciting new event features, highlights and competitions.

The 2013 Look & Feel Good Expo will take place from 11 to 13 October at the Durban Exhibition Centre, from 25 to 27 October at Sandringham Farm, Stellenbosch - alongside the Outdoor Expo - and from 8 to 10 November at the Coca-Cola Dome, Joburg. Its growth reflects the growing local interest in health, fitness, beauty and wellness.

"When you look at what's trending worldwide, it's clear that the pursuit of health and wellness remain a global priority, as does the pursuit of beauty. This is certainly true of South Africa," explained Heidi Warricker, MD of event organiser Biz Events.

Key sponsorships

Top local brands are aligning themselves with the event, through key sponsorships.

Liberty Medical Scheme has committed to partnering the L&FGE in 2013 as part of its efforts to encourage healthy living.

Liberty Medical Scheme's executive principal officer, Andrew Edwards, explained the synergies: "Contrary to popular belief that medical schemes are there mainly for the sick and elderly, the truth is that they play a key role in assisting younger people to maintain and manage their health, thereby potentially extending their lives for as long as possible. Our partnership with this premier health and wellness event once again proves that Liberty Medical Scheme is wholly dedicated to its promise to care for our members, in sickness and in health."

Be Fit 4 Life, a new health and fitness network, will stage its launch at the expo. The company will sponsor the Mr and Miss Body Beautiful SA pageants alongside the Expo, as well as introducing a Mr & Miss Body Beautiful Teen SA for the first time, bringing a host of celebrities to the event and staging a Celebrate Life After Party.

Pouyoukas Foods will sponsor the Pouyoukas Look & Feel Good Kitchen, where it will host daily cooking demonstrations and talks featuring nutrition experts and media personality Lisa Raleigh. "We're very excited about our participation in the Look & Feel Good Expo, because our products are such a good fit for this event," said Justine Pearl, brand manager of Pouyoukas Foods.

Lisa Raleigh has also been confirmed as the official ambassador of the Look & Feel Good Expo. Known throughout South Africa for her appearance as a trainer on The Biggest Loser, and her many appearances on TV, she said: "I am thrilled to be a part of what promises to be the biggest and best Look & Feel Good Expo to date. With a Durban launch on the cards this year, it's a privilege to be part of an initiative dedicated to spreading and celebrating wellness nationwide. I've been involved with the expos for the last two years and always look forward to sharing the social responsibility of promoting healthier and happier living. The 2012 expo was well attended and it boasted a great vibe and energy, something after my own heart."

Trojan Warriors - a new fitness, body weight training and competition craze sweeping SA - is using the event platform to stage various legs of its 2014 provincial try-outs at the L&FGE. A Teen Trojan Warrior Mini try-out competition will also be staged.

Longevity Magazine has signed up to sponsor the VIP Pamper Lounge and Spa experience in all three cities, where guests who purchase the VIP ticket will enjoy spa-style pampering and giveaways.

Guvon Spas, co-sponsor of the VIP spa experience in Joburg, said it has aligned with the event because the L&FGE is one of the top expos to attend in the beauty and spa industry.

Belinda Cooper, group spa marketing, PR & social media, said: "It is an honour for us as a group to build a relationship with such a brand. We are looking forward to the expo and hope to attract great new clients that we can pamper at our spas."

Colleen Abrahams, MD of The Hydro, and co-sponsor of the VIP Pamper Lounge and Spa experience in Cape Town said The Hydro has participated in the L&FGE in both Joburg and Cape Town, and has always had a good response from it. "It is a very good fit for us, because as one of only two hydros in the southern hemisphere, we offer a complete range of hydrotherapy and detox treatments, among numerous other therapies. So our focus is on overall health."

Sponsorship packages for areas including the Yoga and Pilates Studio, the Dance and Movement Stage and the Healing Herb and Tea Garden are still available. To explore sponsorship options or to book a stand at Look & Feel Good Expo, email az.oc.doogleefi@wonkoob. For more information, go to www.ifeelgood.co.za or follow www.facebook.com/IFeelGoodExpo