Handmade jewellery for mums and kids; stylish maternity wear; belly wraps for post pregnancy bellies; and cars for kids; including entertainment for the whole family were some of the indulgences on offer at the SABC Education Baba Indaba over the weekend.
About 29 878 visitors, including 25 members of the media flocked to the Sandton Convention Centre to take advantage of the show specials, competitions, entertainment and educational workshops that were on offer at the show. This year's attendance figures represent a 32% increase in visitors compared to last year’s figures; a clear indication that expecting parents will continue to buy the best for their babies despite harsher economic times.
Once again this year visitors to the SABC Education Baba Indaba were treated to shows by the Takalani Sesame Muppets who entertained, educated and enthralled mums, pops and kids alike. Mums made use of the private Breast Feeding Facilities and the Bottle Warming Station; and took full advantage of the Cuddlers Baby Changing Stations which were equipped with a free supply of Cuddlers Nappies.Great show specials were available at Baba Indaba's own retail area - eBaby.
The Woolworths' littleworld Speakers Corner educated and informed parents and expecting parents alike, while leading South African performer Wendy Oldfield was welcomed by visitors onstage daily.Natalie Naude, Show Director and owner commented: "Despite the tough year for most, we are happy to report that our exhibitors experienced a successful Indaba, with visitor numbers the highest any baby and parenting expo has ever achieved in Gauteng, and with many exhibitors having to restock their shelves due to selling out of their products.
We are happy to report that parents and expecting parents strive for the best for their children and families – something which we are only too happy to provide!" said Naude."We were also happy to welcome 40 brand new exhibitors to the Baba Indaba family. These exhibitors, who had never exhibited at an exhibition before, resulted in a 17% increase in exhibitors, offering visitors a host of new and innovative products which have not been available elsewhere," Naude added."
In addition to this, we were only too happy to welcome media from publications such as Joburg Child, O Magazine, Daily Sun, True Love, Sunday Times, The Citizen, SABC, Lenasia Times and Raising Kids to name but a few," she said.Tshwane Place of Safety commented, "From all of us at Tshwane Place of Safety, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your support. Your contribution and involvement in our organisation is sincerely appreciated."
Design By Nature, one of the show’s exhibitors also commented "Baba Indaba Johannesburg was an excellent show for us. Interestingly we noticed a definite change in buyer demographics, with a noticeable rise in spend, as well as a higher frequency of spend.
All-in-all, a really nice and successful show for us. We will most definitely be back next year."Another exhibitor, Hylands said "We were very impressed with the organisation of the show. Everyone was a pleasure to work with and always immediately responsive to any queries that arose. We were also impressed with the turnout of people at the show - overall, we had a very positive experience and look forward to exhibiting again at Baba Indaba next year.
"Naude expressed her thrill at ending the year on such a high note: "Obviously the most important factor is to firstly provide our exhibitors with the perfect marketing platform to get their products or services into the hands of our mamas and papas; we can happily tick the list that we have achieved this. We are equally thrilled to be launching our Soweto Baba Indaba in August next year, as well as the very first Kids Indaba for the 6 - 12 year old market, which will kick off in Durban in March 2010."
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