Here’s 6 reasons the Durban Business Fair is a must-see
The City has a series of activities in place to equip businessmen and women with the appropriate skills to grow and sustain their businesses.
The long-awaited main Durban Business Fair (DFF) has finally arrived, celebrating the 20 years of excellence with a number of exciting programmes lined up including business conferences, master classes, a business exhibition and a lot more to inspire and educate businesses.
The premium exhibition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre from 18 to 24 September is not only free to the public, but Ethekwini Municipality urges the public to attend this exciting business exhibition to access its unique and innovative products and services.
It will be headlined by influential businesspeople and prominent celebrities who will share their expertise on business development and the opportunities available for emerging businesses to tap into the mainstream economy.
As part of the City’s celebration of the growth and success of the Durban Business Fair, the City has a series of activities in place to equip businessmen and women with the appropriate skills to grow and sustain their businesses. Attendees will be treated to a number of empowerment activities planned to help them gain valuable insight into business to enable them to access global markets.
Six of the best features to look out for include:
1) Business Indaba and empowerment workshops
The two-day conference will run from 18 to 19 September, offering an opportunity for businesses, particularly SMMEs, to share ideas to ensure they remain an active part of the economy. The conference will centre its discussions around radical agrarian socio-economic transformation, radical economic transformation opportunities focusing on capital projects and localisation and industrialisation. It will feature inspiring business influencers who will share their expertise and life experiences with local entrepreneurs on the latest changes occurring within various business sectors. Some of the speakers include Rajen Reddy, CEO of KZN Oils; Clive Manci, founding CEO of OTEO Investments holdings; Afika Makhangala and Andile Ngcobo.
2) Women Economic Empowerment
This conference will focus more on raising the profile of women in business by creating opportunities and facing challenges while providing information on business support, networking, as well as finance-sharing of experiences to aspire and celebrate the success of women. Keynote speakers of the conference include Elinor Sisulu, a human rights activist and award-winning author as well as Connie Ferguson, acclaimed actress and media mogul. The conference will comprise of panel discussions under the theme: ‘She Builds, She Leads, She Inspires’ – led by Londi Ngcobo, one of the youngest female ship navigators in South Africa.
3) Film-making masterclass
This exciting activity seeks to empower aspiring filmmakers and will be conducted by Anant Singh, one of South Africa’s most prominent film producers who has produced more than 80 films since 1994. The masterclass will also feature famous actresses such as award-winning actress turned TV/film producer Leleti Khumalo; Thembi Nyandeni popularly known as Mancwane on the TV series Isibaya and Tony Kgoroge, an award-winning actor and director known for his intriguing work on Blood Diamond, Invictus and Hotel Rwanda.
4) Durban Fashion Fair:
The four-day event will feature a number of exciting activities such as empowerment seminars hosted by industry experts who will inform participants of the latest trends on beauty, fashion and style. There will also be a panel discussion on Friday, 21 September where top panellists within the fashion industry will discuss various topics relating to the ‘business of fashion’ and ‘building a brand in the fashion industry’. This panel discussion will be hosted by TV and radio personality Anele Mdoda.
5) Music production masterclass
An interactive session with Lindelani Mkhize, an award-winning producer and founder of successful gospel group Joyous Celebration, will be held where he will unpack the music production business.
6) Business Exhibition and Techzone:
Taking place from 21 to 24 September, this platform will provide exhibitors with the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure and potential business opportunities. It also provides networking opportunities for entrepreneurs to market their business and attract potential buyers. For the first time this year, the exhibition will feature a street market which will provide an opportunity to street vendors to showcase their offering. Also on the line-up is a diverse group of local celebrity chefs who will demonstrate as well as prepare their specialty dishes.
For more information visit the Facebook page @Durban Business Fair; Twitter @ DBNBusinessFair or Instagram Durban_Business_Fair
