Africa's Big Seven and SAITEX opened at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand yesterday. Event organisers say that the trade show will directly contribute more than R50 million to Gauteng's economy. If you'd like to be a part of the action, take yourself along to the centre and check out the expo or one of the numerous events running concurrently, such as Food Biz Africa, Agri-Food, Interbake Africa, Drink Tech, or Halaal World, to name a few. Tomorrow is the last day however, so get moving! Other events coming up include the 10th Annual IPD Property Investment Conference on Wednesday in Cape Town, SOCAP's annual conference to be held in Joburg next month and the SA Shopping Centre Congress in Durban this September. While manufacturing has shown improvement in May, Gareth Pearson insists that innovation is essential for the survival of retail manufacturers. Economists have made their predictions for May's retail trade sales, with the results out Wednesday. The Monetary Policy Committee hit the boardroom tomorrow, but only Thursday will tell if there's any relief on the repo and interest rate. Both the SAB and Hansa Pilsener are searching for the next big thing. If you have any weird and wonderful innovations, maybe you could be the Next Beeg Dreamer or SAB Foundation award winner. Oh, and speaking of awards, don't forget to vote for your Shoprite Women of the Year! You have till Friday. Until next week, have a great one!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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