EXSA to develop a BEE Charter for exhibition industry

Carol Weaving, Chairman and board member of EXSA's executive committee, says that EXSA has identified certain primary areas requiring specific action within the industry, including black economic empowerment (BEE), government lobbying and research. In addition, creative campaigns need to be generated, aimed at providing further benefits and added value for members of EXSA.

Shirelle Raubenheimer, previously general manager of EXSA, has taken over responsibility for marketing and public relations for the organisation, a function identified as a strategic, priority component of EXSA's continued growth. Mandy O'Connor, previously office manager, has been appointed Operations Manager, fulfilling a range of new responsibilities for the optimum functioning of EXSA's wide range of services.

EXSA is furthermore working towards greater cooperation with relevant government departments, with the aim of coordinating and aligning shows, wherever possible, with government programmes to stimulate overseas buying in this country.

Promoting government subsidisation of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs) and Historically Disadvantaged Enterprises (HDEs), to give them opportunities to participate in leading industry shows, is also a main concern for EXSA.

"EXSA will in addition continue to promote its efforts among fellow industry associations in the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, with the aim of establishing some kind of confederation, whose combined muscle can be leveraged for much greater success when it comes to lobbying with government," notes Weaving.

EXSA has further strengthened its participatory approach and grown its representation and membership, through the election of regional forum representatives from KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape onto its National Executive Committee.

In the area of research, EXSA will be kicking off with an update of its 2002 demographic research, in order to establish growth and trends. "Then, in conjunction with the Johannesburg Tourism Company, we want to ascertain the number of international visitors and exhibitors to Johannesburg as a result of exhibitions, as well as determine their spend during these visits." This initiative will also be extended to Cape Town and Durban tourism authorities.

Additional research and marketing will be aimed at advertising agencies and marketers, to gather information and persuade them to direct marketing spend towards the exhibition medium.

Finally, members can expect more functions and smart networking events, while certain "VIP" benefits and travel discounts also form part of EXSA's new drive to add value to its members.