New home for the Rand Show

“The last three years have seen some significant changes made to the make-up of the 114-year old Rand Show as part of a long term plan to inject some much needed strategic changes to Africa's oldest consumer exhibition and entertainment extravaganza. 2009 marks a major redirection of the Rand Show after spending 23 years at the Expo Centre, South of Johannesburg after the show moved there from its first home in Milpark,” says Gordon Metz, CEO of Kagiso Exhibitions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kagiso Media.

Having evolved from a humble agricultural show founded in 1895, the Rand Show has morphed into a major consumer expo and economic hub for over 600 exhibitors annually, many of whom base their entire fiscal's performance on the business generated at the Rand Show. It is to this day still considered to be the biggest consumer exhibition in Africa and the second largest in the world outside of the USA, attracting some 500,000 visitors over its duration.

Rand revamp

“The 11-day, power-packed show heralds in an entire revamp of the Rand Show offering more in line with rapidly changing consumer spending patterns, economic climate and social make-up,” explains Gordon. “Major changes include a shortening of the duration of the show and a repositioning in terms of the exhibitor offering to encompass home, lifestyle and leisure products for the South African consumer that delivers a happy medium between affordability and over-the-top exclusivity. Visitor numbers have been pegged at 300,000 in line with the capacity of the new venue over an 11-day period.”

The move to Gallagher Estate is an important strategic move for the Rand Show in line with a major realignment and assessment of the show's offering to South Africa's multicultural consumer market, presenting fresh opportunities for next year's show.

“We are extremely excited about the new look Rand Show which 2009 heralds in - new venue, quality visitor profile and the promise of a thoroughly powerful business platform for our exhibitors. We do expect to see a shift in the visitor profile to also include more people from the Pretoria and Centurion regions which are undergoing dramatic residential property developments. The Rand Show at Gallagher Convention Centre will be the perfect venue for the discerning home owner and outdoor leisure fanatic to shop for great products - both new and unusual - at best prices. Added to this will be a line-up of entertainment offerings that will focus on engaging visitors in an experiential extravaganza that has relevance and context in our modern lifestyles and the challenges that go with it. This is Rand Show 2.0,” says Gordon.

Grand history

Founded in 1895, 2009 marks the 114th anniversary of the Rand Show during which the only time that the Rand Show was not staged was during World Wars I and II. It has survived two world wars, political regimes and changes of ruling parties, major economic recessions and rate hikes, Nelson Mandela's incarceration, liberation and inauguration as President, Y2K and so much more. This jewel in SA's history has created thousands of direct employment opportunities and put an equal number of entrepreneurial businesses on the map since its inception.

“One of the key reasons for the Rand Show's success is the fact that for more than a century it has remained acutely in touch with consumer trends and exhibitors needs. The move to a new venue opens up an exciting new chapter in the Rand Show's history and will deliver a show that is in touch, relevant, a premium business platform and a major contributor to Gauteng's economy,” concludes Gordon.