New home; wider focus for HRDE

Building on a foundation of 10 successful years as The Star HRDA, exhibition organisers Specialised Exhibitions recently undertook independent research and asked exhibitors and visitors to provide new insight into this critical sector and how to ensure the expo continues to serve the needs of the industry.

The overwhelming majority of responses were in favour of a show that includes all aspects of human resources. Consequently, this year's show - in addition to training and development, which has been the largest component of the exhibition in previous years - will include new focus areas such as recruitment, labour law, IT, payroll systems, pension funds, medical aid administration, coaching and mentoring and BEE.

“We've had excellent support from our existing exhibitors and much new interest has been generated from additional companies looking for a platform to showcase new products and services within this sector,” says Lydia Labuschagne, exhibition manager for HRDE.

New home

In addition to its new “look and feel”, HRDE is also moving to its new home at the Sandton Convention Centre.

“Exhibitors were unanimous in their feedback that it was time for a change of date and venue for the show, and we've listened,” says Labuschagne. “Moving away from the traditional month of June, this year's HRDE is being held from 12-14 August, and its new home is the EXSA Award-winning Sandton Convention Centre - ideally located in the hub of business with greater accessibility for visitors.”

Positive changes

The skills shortage remains critical in South Africa, even with the current economic downturn, and billions of rands still have to be spent to skill and educate South Africans to meet the economic challenges of the 21st century.

Its contribution to public education remains the government's single largest investment. Education spending has grown by 14% a year for the past three years and accounts for R140.4 billion in the spending plans of provinces and the national government for 2008/09.

Tendai Dumbutshena, HRDE exhibition director, said, however, “Spending on education at this level is only the tip of the iceberg. To address the country's skills shortage, to attract and retain top-quality employees and to remain ahead of competitors, companies need to continually invest in education, training and skills development throughout the organisation, support a mindset of lifelong learning, to embrace a strategy of corporate wellness, and to ensure that their HR departments are at the cutting edge of HR skills, systems and technology. It has to be an ongoing strategy and investment decision as new thinking, technologies, products and solutions are constantly being introduced to the market.”

Speaker's Corner

A Speaker's Corner at HRDE will give a platform to top industry speakers focussing on the latest topical issues, and conferences are also planned to run alongside the exhibition.

Human Resources Development Expo is supported by Chambers of Commerce, associations and government. HRDE runs from 12-14 August 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. For more information, go to www.hrde.co.za.