Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1140472
B M & T ••• May/June2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 50 F R O M M O T H E R L A N D SHOWCASE AND SHINE AT AFRICA'S TRAVEL INDABA 2019 Nothing gets to the point faster than a Speed Marketing session at Africa's Travel Indaba. During these morning ses- sions, South African company owners each have three to four minutes to deliver the essence of their sales pitch to an audi- ence of global buyers. Speed Marketing forms part of Africa's Travel Indaba, which takes place from 2nd to 4th May 2019. The Speed Marketing session have grown to be an invaluable opportunity for exhibitors to expose their offerings to buyers and potentially contribute towards increasing their sales. Held over three days, exhibitors have five minutes to demonstrate their products to between 170 – 200 global buy- ers, that as entrepreneurs they understand how to operate, market package in line with local and global trends. These fast-paced sessions have been instrumental in building rela- tionships between company owners and buy- ers. If buyers like what they see, or hear, they can follow-up with further meet- ings or negotiations. The diverse and popular sessions will be will allow give an opportunity for diverse tourism offerings to be showcased under the following themes over the three days: Rural and Science Urban and Luxury Vibe Safari, camping and Adventure The Africa's Travel Indaba speed marketing sessions have been exceptionally well attended over the years with a wide variety of products on show, and this year promises to be no different. Speed Marketing has numerous advan- tages to both company owners and buyers. Presentations are short, direct, simple and convenient. Content is meant to hook the buyer, making the Speed Marketing sessions an ideal plat- form for company owners looking for the right buyers. Speaking after the 2018 Speed Marketing session representative of Jands Travel Network, Chiomi Obi said "There are several countries here, it's like me coming to shop through all the countries and get their local content and offerings which is what we want now, that's the trend right now" After being asked if she would recommend the speed mar- keting session to other buyers, Zoe Malapisi, from By Design Africa DMC remarked "Of course, yes I would recommend these sessions to other buyers. In actual fact while, the ses- sion was going on I made phone calls to my team to make sure that they also come to the sessions because of the value I was seeing in the session." Abigail Mblalo-Mokoena, from 4Roomed Ekasi Culture, an exhibitor at the 2018 Speed Marketing session said, "Immediately after the session was complete, I had buyers approach me, and what are the chances one will have an opportunity like this." Africa's Travel Indaba Speed Marketing sessions will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, ICC Room 22. The sessions are scheduled to start at 08:30 and end at 10:00 from the 2nd to 4th May 2019. About Africa's Travel Indaba Africa's Travel Indaba is in its 36th year and is considered the world's leading and longest running African travel trade show. It is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three must-visit events of its kind on the global calendar. It has won the awards for Africa's best travel and tourism show presented by the Association of World Travel Awards. ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the mar- keting of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sisa Ntshona. Pool side art sculpture, photo credit: Popmedia Group