Anticipation builds as SETE 2012 draws nearer

Anticipation is building in Durban with the 2nd annual Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) exhibition set to entertain, impotent educate and inspire this week (12-14 September) with a glittering and star-studded Gala Dinner (12 September), cheap exhibition (12–14 September) and conference (12-13 September). As the only trade show of its kind in South and Southern Africa, SETE has benefitted from key sponsors and partners such as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, CATHSSETA, SASCOC, EThekwini Municipality and the SABC, with this year’s edition expected to eclipse last year’s inaugural event in terms of size, scope and efficacy.

When considering that, as one of the quickest growing types of global travel, the sports tourism industry is estimated to have contributed over R6 billion to the South African economy last year, it is no surprise that SETE has attracted such high-level support. Both the conference and exhibition are intended to promote the country as a popular sports and events destination by facilitating relationships between South Africa’s tourism, sport and event industries, and according to Michael Mabuyakhulu (KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism), “South Africa and Africa needed an event of this nature, as the country and continent are both attractive destinations for major events. The SETE exhibition and conference will be exposing major local and international role-players to the excellent sporting facilities that exist in South Africa and the rest of Africa, and we are extremely excited about the potential for growth that exists in South Africa’s sports tourism industry”.

James Seymour (CEO of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, acting as the KZN DEDT implementing agency for this event) said that “preparations for SETE 2012 are all already in place. The conference will feature an excellent programme including presentations and panel discussions anchored by high profile local and international speakers who are all specialists within their respective fields. The expected target in terms of exhibitor numbers has already been achieved, which bodes well for the event as we will also be hosting substantially more international hosted buyers than last year”. Another feature of the SETE conference that is sure to generate significant interest will be the National Sports Tourism Steering committee’s presentation of its 17 year strategy. Shaping and advancing South Africa’s development as a sports tourism destination, this plan will identify the key international events that South Africa should bid for, as well as the domestic events that need governmental support, in order to grow the country’s sports tourism industry.

In what may turn out to be one of the events of the year, the SETE Gala Dinner that will kick off proceedings has been chosen by SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) to celebrate the South African Olympic Teams successful London 2012 campaign. With a limited number of tickets still available, there is still an opportunity for Durban and KwaZulu Natal sports fanatics to share in a night of glitz and glamour with multiple-SAMA winner Lira, Durban-born Olympic gold and silver medalist Chad le Clos, as well as a host of other sports celebrities. Autograph and photo opportunities for guests with athletes and personalities will also take place, allowing local, national and international businesses, sports fanatics, sponsors and supporters a chance to rub shoulders and share in the athletes’ experiences in London.

Sugen Pillay, Director for Business Development at Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group and SETE Conference Director, said that “as TEPG we are looking forward to welcoming the many international speakers and buyers from around the world to Durban next week. This year’s SETE promises to exceed all expectations and we are confident that the discussions at the conference will contribute towards a proactive plan to bring more events into the country. We call on all industry stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of the sports tourism industry in South Africa”.

To book your SETE 2012 Gala Dinner ticket, or for more information, visit www.sportsandevents.co.za or www.ucit.co.za (table bookings), like www.Facebook.com/SETE.ZA on Facebook, follow @SETE_ZA on Twitter. SETE supports the inaugural South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference (SATTIC, 2 – 4 September), a combined initiative of member associations of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).

The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange is hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, partnered by CATHSSETA, SASCOC and Tourism KZN, and supported by Springbok Atlas, SAA and SABC.

 

Exhibition Details:

For those companies wishing to book a stand for this exciting event, please contact Trish on trish@tepg.co.za. Stands are limited!

Sports and Events Tourism Exchange 2012

12 – 14 September

ICC Durban

Entrance: FREE

Times: Wed 12 September & Thurs 13 September 09h00 – 17h00, Fri 14 September 09h00 – 14h00

 

Conference Details:

The two day SETE conference (12-13 September) which runs alongside the exhibition has attracted a line-up of high profile international and local speakers.

12 – 13 September 2012

Registration: Open on www.sportsandevents.co.za

Fee:      R3500.00 excl VAT full package

R2000.00 excl VAT Day 1 Only

R1500.00 excl VAT Day 2 Only

Contact: Rene Staack on rene@tepg.co.za or Jenna Harper on jenna@tepg.co.za