RX Africa – the company behind this month’s eagerly anticipated the Mzansi Food & Drink Show, which makes its debut at the Kyalami International Convention Centre – is one of the largest and most successful exhibition and venue management companies in Africa thanks, in no small part, to its managing director Carol Weaving.
Weaving has nearly 35 years’ experience across several diverse industry sectors with her expertise spanning across marketing, exhibition management, events, conferences and venue and facility management. She was the first female Chairperson of the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) and former founder and chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).
RX Africa is the company responsible for some of the country’s premiere events, including Decorex JHB, Comic Con Africa, WTM (World Travel Market) Africa and FAME Week Africa. As a result of Weaving and her team’s continued passion, dedication and management, WTM Africa celebrated its 10th anniversary in April this year with a 53% increase in attendees compared to the previous year.
Weaving believes that RX Africa will have similar success with the Mzansi Food & Drink Show, a three-day offering that incorporates two previous independently held events, the popular Fire & Feast Meat Festival and the successful Coffee & Chocolate Expo, as well as three new additions – the Fine Food & Wine Show, the Bar & Good Spirits Showcase and the Mzansi Food Market.
“We have implemented all the learnings we’ve acquired over the past 10 years to ensure we deliver an excellent return on investment for buyers and exhibitors alike. Post Covid there was a gap in the market that not only appeals to consumers who love food and drink festivals but also to the trade, as tea, coffee and other F&B products are seeing significant growth on the African continent especially from a hospitality perspective as well as exports from Africa,” she said, explaining RX Africa’s decision to launch a food show.
Weaving said RX Africa was delighted to be offering five shows under one roof: “Consumers will only have to pay for one ticket to get access to five shows. We believe that we are offering value for money, lots of entertainment and so many things to do and see. It is a food show for the whole family and for all ages.
“Visitors can expect a festival of all things food and drink; including cooking demos, braai competitions, wine tastings, whisky tastings, coffee tastings and a Barista competition as well as a chilli eating festival, well-known chefs and food personalities sharing their knowledge, and hundreds of food products on show to taste and buy. It’s a guaranteed fun day out for the whole family with a trade focus for the hospitality industry.”
Weaving concludes: “Tourism in Africa is booming and specifically the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). Hotel chains and the hospitality sector are always looking for new products and those products are looking to get into the hospitality sector.”
Tickets for the Mzansi Food & Drink Show can be booked via Howler.co.za
For more information on the show, visit: https://www.mzansifoodanddrink.com/
