The following is a speech delivered by Dr. Bernard h. Moonga who is the Society vice president/show convener
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the first exhibitors meeting for the 94th agricultural and commercial show themed “innovation through technology” sub theme “technology transforms businesses”.
The show brings together agricultural and commercial players to share information and display of products and services with the aim of increasing clientele base and establishing business linkages. The show also looks at exposing small and medium enterprenuers of all kinds.
We therefore, look forward to seeing new technological innovations from the exhibitors more especially with the lock down situation that the covid-19 pandemic had put us through.
We would like to assure you all that this year’s show will be conducted under the new normal, with strict adherence to the covid-19 pandemic rules and guidelines. We are working closely with the zambia national public heath institute and ministry of health to ensure that the showgrounds meets all the health and safety requirements.
Uncertain times lead to new behaviors. The covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on how people live and is accelerating changes in consumer behavior. We are therefore planning to hold this year’s show with strict adherence to the rules and regulations set by the health authorities and international exhibition associations.
You may wish to know that the show society is affiliated to international exhibition bodies such as exhibitions and events association of southern africa (exsa), international association of exhibitions and events (aiee) and the royal agricultural society of the commonwealth. We have therefore drawn ideas on how to host the trade shows post and during covind-19 pandemic from these associations and many other international organisations.
The show will be held within the traditional six days for crowd staggering and control. Stand alone exhibition spaces and limited spaces in the halls will be sold. No vendors will be given exhibition space and all exhibition spaces will be sold at first come first serve basis as there will be limited spaces available. I therefore encourage you to book your exhibition space now.
We plan to limit the numbers of people in the showgrounds at our entry and exit points and entertainment has been greatly reduced to avoid gatherings. This year’s show therefore, will mostly be a business-to-business (b2b) trade exhibition.
Esteemed exhibitors, new and old, we implore you to have your stands ready before we open doors to the public on 27th july. Those that intend to enter for various competitions should note that judging is on 27th july. Stands that will not be ready by then will not be adjudicated.
We encourage you to prepare in advance so that you are considered to be visited by the guest of honour.
The show will open gates on 27th july and it will be officially opened by the guest of honour his exellency the president of the republic of zambia mr hakainde hichilema on saturday 30th july 2022. First three days are trade days that would require you to engage with your would-be clients.
We encourage you to consider advertising your products and services through our information desk to attract your targeted clients.
We further implore you to bring your exhibits a day before to avoid inconveniences when the show starts. We urge you also to refrain from subletting your stands as you will be penalised for this.
For further information please read the show guidelines.
We have included a one day seminar with very important and attractive topics from highly professional and excellent industry speakers. We encourage you to be part of these seminars that will be conducted both physically and virtually.
We thank you once again for your usual support and collaboration and look forward to interacting with you during the show.