Event Calendar for Upcoming Trade Shows in Zimbabwe 2012

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2012)

Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2011) is a multi-sector, multi-national trade exhibition. Participate in the growing markets of Africa by exhibiting at this fair which is central to Sub-Saharan Africa . Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

African Tour & Travel Expo (A’Sambeni 2012)

Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

African Tour & Travel Expo (A’Sambeni 2012) is a tourism showcase (which runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2012) for sub-Saharan Africa: it is a country-neutral exhibition, not tied to any specific national tourist association. A'Sambeni 2011 is a full-scale, regional, info-rich tourism exhibition held in Zimbabwe which accommodates large and small operators and includes specialised suppliers to the tourism industry. The emphasis is on Adventure, Cultural and Eco-tourism. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Pakprint
Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

Pakprint (which also runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2012) attracts exhibitors from the printing and packaging sectors and associated industries. The exhibition is meant for corporate buyers of printing and packaging equipment and accessories for enhancement of quality and visual presentation of their products and services. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Scholastica
Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

Scholastica (which also runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2012)  is Zimbabwe's only international education and training expo with products and services covering every aspect of the sector.. Exhibitors can display and demonstrate the latest technologies and developments in their speciliased areas. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Ultim8 Home (Premium Home Improvement Expo)  

Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

The expo will be held concurrently with ZITF 2012 and it features mini-show rooms of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, lounges and dining rooms of providers of products, services and accessories in the following areas; mini show rooms, building accessories, DIY- indoor repair accessories, tools, architecture, design, and interior décor, finance & insurance, energy efficiency, home textiles and wood products. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Good Heath, Good Living

Date: 24 April 2012 to 28 April 2012

The exhibition will be held concurrently with ZITF 2012. This is a health, fitness and lifestyle expo that showcases the latest techniques, trends and tips for healthy living as well as expert advice on how to improve your lifestyle. The objective of the exhibition is to provide a platform for individuals, companies and specialists in health, fitness and lifestyle-related fields to showcase and sell their products, services and accessories to the general public. Highlights of the expo include interactive and informative presentations, seminars and performances by industry experts. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Mine Entra

Date: 25 July 2012 to 27 July 2012

Mine Entra is a specialised international exhibition which caters for the mutually compatible sectors of mining, engineering and transport and their associated industries. Mid-year timing is for maximum convenience and corresponds to the industry's main buying and tendering period. The event is only open to traders and business visitors. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe International Book Fair

Date: 30 July 2012 to 04 August 2012

The Zimbabwe International Book Fair held at Harare Gardens is sub-Saharan Africa's leading showcase for the literary arts. The event presents a programme of talks and up to 100 participating publishers display a selection of Africa's latest titles. Find out more on this from the organiser, Harare Gardens, Julius Nyerere Way, Harare, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263 (0) 4 702104

Venue: Harare Gardens, Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare Agricultural Show 2011

Date: 27 August 2012 to 01 September  2012

Harare Agricultural Show is an annual international exhibition which caters mainly for the agricultural sectors (i.e. agriculture, livestock & horticulture), commerce and industry. The mid-year timing is for maximum convenience to farmers and corresponds to the industry's main buying and tendering period. The event is only open to traders and business visitors. Find out more on this from the organiser, Exhibition Park Harare, Zimbabwe, P.O. Box 442, Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: +263 (0)4 780963 Fax: +263 (0)4 780967.

Venue: Exhibition Park Harare, Zimbabwe

Sanganai-Hlanganani Travel Expo 2012 (World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair)

Date: 08 October 2012 to 12 October 2012

This is an annual Tourism Trade Fair which showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world.  Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), PO Box CY286, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe, Phone: Tel:+263 (0)4 780651, Fax: +263 (4) 758 828, Email: info@ztazim.co.zw

Venue: Exhibition Park Harare, Zimbabwe

Intershop

Date: To be advised soon (normally done end of November)

Intershop is an end of year showcase for all consumer products. Immediate sales can be made to a large pool of ready-to-buy public for the local and foreign market. Very ideal for product launches, cottage industries and established marketers in every type of consumer product from novelties to food. Local and foreign exhibitors can participate in this trade show, before the Christmas rush strikes. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Start a business while still on employment

Anyone can start a business. What's tough is starting a successful business. That's why, if you hate your current job, the best way to start a business is to keep your full-time job, maybe for years. Staying employed is, except in rare cases, the best way to dip a toe in the entrepreneurial waters.

Sure, that approach requires a tremendous amount of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. But those are the same qualities you'll need to succeed as an entrepreneur, whether you quit your job or not. Almost every successful business was built by an owner who worked incredibly, almost impossibly, hard.

Here's how to start a business while keeping your full-time job:

1. Go lean. Most businesses spend money before they make money, and some go years before revenue exceeds expenses. No matter how much money you have in personal savings, it probably won't be enough. Cut family expenses to the bone. Eliminate all personal spending that is not absolutely necessary. Start-ups often fail due to a lack of money. Besides, a lack of funds can drive you to make poor decisions for the long term. Cash creates options and freedom, especially the freedom to make the best decisions.

2. Be a superstar at work. You must continue to perform well at your job; lose it, lose everything. Yet you also need to spend time on your new business. The solution? Work incredibly hard at your job. Get as much done as you can within normal work hours. Eat at your desk. Be the outstanding employee who never has to stay late because she gets everything done during regular work hours. Time is your most precious commodity. Don't waste a second.

3. Create a challenging work schedule. When you leave work, your workday is just starting because then it's startup time. Decide how many hours you think you can spend. Then add more. Then commit to that schedule. Don't just plan to work a certain number of hours; schedule those hours. When your schedule calls for you to work on your business from 7 pm to 11 pm during the week and from 7 am to 4 pm on weekends, do it. Work your business schedule like it's your job.

4. Never whine about your challenging work schedule. This may be the second-hardest step. Say you start a consulting business: Land a number of clients, and every night and evening will be tied up. (Of course, that's a good thing.) Meeting with clients may be difficult if they're in other time zones, so you might have to find creative ways to deliver your service. Rarely will you get to choose your work hours. Customers will choose your work hours for you. That's just how it goes. If you don't accept that fact, you won't be successful or might be tempted to quit your job long before you should.

5. Don't spend profits. Reinvest your profits. Use earnings to set up the business infrastructure you need. Buy equipment and supplies. Advertise. Grow your business. Every dollar you spend should further establish your business. Cash creates options.

6. Wait longer than you want to quit your full-time job. Deciding when to quit your job and go into business full-time is the hardest decision you will make, especially when you're tired, you're stressed, you're sick of your full-time job, and you want your real life back. Stay the course. Quit too soon and you'll regret it. Stay logical and focus on numbers rather than emotions. Don't listen to your feelings, especially late at night. Listen to your business. Your business will tell you when it's time to quit.

Source:  Jeff Haden CBN News  http://www.cbsnews.com/

Mitigating the effects of HIV on SMEs

 Impact of HIV/AIDS on SMEs

Whenever the matters of business advisory services given to SMEs are talked about, they are mainly centred on business management principles. No much importance is attached to the healthy issues, particularly HIV/AIDS, which have equally devastating effects on the operations of SMEs.  A study of 209 small businesses by the University of Port Elizabeth identified HIV/AIDS as one of the three main factors that cause nearly 80% of South African start up SMEs to fail every year. Surprisingly, according to the report by Business Action for Africa, the majority of companies operating in Africa, in particular SMEs (who employ a large proportion of the workforce) have no HIV/AIDS programme in place, despite the clear need for them to safeguard a healthy workforce and enjoy long term success. HIV/AIDS has more devastating effects on SMEs than on big companies as the critical SME staff members (the owner, that honest driver, that innovative manager and that receptionist who plays multiple roles etc) are often lost to HIV/AIDS. If a HIV-positive forklift driver is sick, 20 other people slow down. Production can even grind to a halt if it is really a critical part of the SME team. HIV/AIDS increases funerals, death benefits and other expenses, recruitment costs as well as causing operational disruptions through increased absenteeism, higher labour turnover and loss of experienced personnel. Most SMEs’ operations are anchored on the support of families; when the same relatives are sick, all the extra business funds are channeled towards taking care of them, thereby indirectly affecting the financial position of the small institutions.

Why is such an important aspect often overlooked? What should SMEs do to avoid and mitigate the effects of the disease?

Most SME HIV/AIDS responses start and end with simple awareness or prevention activities like the distribution of condoms and awareness materials and this is not enough! There are many reasons for the lack of action. A first challenge for SMEs is developing an appropriate program for the size of the company. Secondly, a survey of 80 SMEs in South Africa found that 42% did not actively partake in dealing with HIV because they did not expect HIV/AIDS to impact their operations. The third reason is that there is also lack of information on HIV/AIDS amongst SME managers/owners to enable them to deal with the virus. Lastly and more importantly, there is generally lack of pressure among SME, government and donors to act on this matter.

It has to be acknowledged that SMEs may not adopt healthy policies which resemble what big corporates have in place. However, the important fact remains; SMEs employ majority of the population in developing countries, making it necessary and a worthy cause to fight HIV from the domains of SMEs. Donor community and Government are quite active in educating every citizen, through public media, about HIV and AIDS but the support structures lack in the SMEs, where most of the working class spend more time. In big corporates, the induction contains the HIV educational material and in some cases that companies have comprehensive HIV prevention and management programmes. In contrast, among SMEs, there is little concern about what happens to the workers as long as they still turn up for work every day. For instances, SMEs hire drivers for cross border transport operations without educating them internally; the same drivers fall prey to the vagaries of commercial sex workers along the route and at the border posts.

Taking Action to Implementing HIV/AIDS Programme

IFC advises that in order to adopt a good HIV/AIDS programme, the management of the SME should do the following: -

• Draft company HIV/AIDS policy statement
• Adopt the policy
• Promote the company policy
• Establish an HIV/AIDS committee
• Select a focal point/coordinator

• Provide information and referrals to locally offered services
• Select a service provider to assist with implementation
• Craft an HIV/AIDS action plan for specific interventions with time frames
• Contact public health facilities for free condoms

• Contact local government to access information on community and public health resources
• Survey employees knowledge of HIV/AIDS
• Target prevention messages to dispel myths
• Launch a company HIV/AIDS slogan

• Make awareness materials available in the workplace…e.g. display posters
• Have a group of employee volunteers

Important Notes in Implementation

1.        SMEs management should appeal to local clinics/NGOs for some free HIV workshops for their small staff compliment. It is worthy it to stop work for few hours of the working day to save at least one life rather than to be obsessed by drive to make short term profit at the expense of long-term benefits. Where clinics may not be forthcoming it is necessary to help get help from any resourceful outsider to run at least a short HIV/AIDS Peer education programme for staff.

2.          The SMEs staff should be encouraged at institution level to get tested for HIV and get timely medical attention for a prolonged life.

3.        The staff working for SMEs should be given resources to support the fight for HIV; time is a very important resource with is quite constrained given the long hours which SME staff tend to pull. They should be given time to be with their families, time for engaging to enhance their spiritual well-being through perhaps participating in church activities. They should have some leave days to participating in sports of their choice. If SME staff would have time for these aspects of life, it may assist in fighting HIV/AIDS.

4.            There is an urgent need for the national government and NGOs to try to help small businesses become more proactively engaged in fighting HIV and AIDS more importantly in coming up with the best practice through which SMEs can implement comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programmes. 

Conclusion

It is important to note that collaboration or partnerships play an integral role in HIV/AIDS mitigation efforts for SMEs, as collaboration assists in identifying resources in the wider community which can help avoid duplication and save companies both time and money. It is imperative that these SME businesses collaborate closely with the national governments and NGOs in order to support a form of welfare system for staff affected by HIV/AIDS.

Event Calendar for Upcoming Trade Shows in Zimbabwe 2010 & 2011

Intershop

Date: 26 November 2010 to 27 November 2010

Intershop is an end of year showcase for all consumer products. Immediate sales can be made to a large pool of ready-to-buy public for the local and foreign market. Very ideal for product launches, cottage industries and established marketers in every type of consumer product from novelties to food. Local and foreign exhibitors can participate in this trade show, before the Christmas rush strikes. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2011)

Date: 03 April 2011 to 07 April 2011

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2011) is a multi-sector, multi-national trade exhibition. Participate in the growing markets of Africa by exhibiting at this fair which is central to Sub-Saharan Africa . Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

African Tour & Travel Expo (A’Sambeni 2011)

Date: 03 April 2011 to 07 April 2011

African Tour & Travel Expo (A’Sambeni 2011) is a tourism showcase (which runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2011) for sub-Saharan Africa: it is a country-neutral exhibition, not tied to any specific national tourist association. A'Sambeni 2011 is a full-scale, regional, info-rich tourism exhibition held in Zimbabwe which accommodates large and small operators and includes specialised suppliers to the tourism industry. The emphasis is on Adventure, Cultural and Eco-tourism. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Pakprint
Date: 03 April 2011 to 07 April 2011

Pakprint (which also runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2011) attracts exhibitors from the printing and packaging sectors and associated industries. The exhibition is meant for corporate buyers of printing and packaging equipment and accessories for enhancement of quality and visual presentation of their products and services. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Scholastica
Date: 03 April 2011 to 07 April 2011

Scholastica (which also runs concurrent with the main showcase, ZITF 2011)  is Zimbabwe's only international education and training expo with products and services covering every aspect of the sector.. Exhibitors can display and demonstrate the latest technologies and developments in their speciliased areas. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Mine Entra

Date: 20 July 2011 to 22 July 2011

Mine Entra is a specialised international exhibition which caters for the mutually compatible sectors of mining, engineering and transport and their associated industries. Mid-year timing is for maximum convenience and corresponds to the industry's main buying and tendering period. The event is only open to traders and business visitors. Find out more on this from the organiser, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, Hillside Road, Famona, Zimbabwe, Tel: +263-9-884911, +263-9-884912-5, Fax: +263-9-884921 or email zitf@zitf.co.zw, zitfmktg@zitf.co.zw or visit website http://www.zitf.co.zw/.

Venue: Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Harare Agricultural Show 2011

Date: 22 August 2011 to 27 August 2011

Harare Agricultural Show is an annual international exhibition which caters mainly for the agricultural sectors (i.e. agriculture, livestock & horticulture), commerce and industry. The mid-year timing is for maximum convenience to farmers and corresponds to the industry's main buying and tendering period. The event is only open to traders and business visitors. Stand preparation can start on 01 Aug 2011 until 21 August 2010 and dismantling should be done on 28 August 2010. Find out more on this from the organiser, Exhibition Park Harare, Zimbabwe, P.O. Box 442, Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: +263 (0)4/780963 Fax: +263 (0)4/780967.

Venue: Exhibition Park Harare, Zimbabwe