Next year, International media group, Hypenica plans to unveil what could be Africa’s first major international consumer electronics shopping expo tagged the “Consumer Electronics and Technology Experience” (CETX) in South Africa.

The expo which will be based on the same model as Dubai’s GITEX Shopper and Singapore’s SITEX events will be in two fold. One of it will be held at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from April 19-21, 2013 while the other will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from July 19-21, 2013.

The decision to launch tech events in South Africa next year comes as demand for consumer shows in South Africa increases, said CETX show, says Director Shubir Khattau, who has previously organised and launched consumer shows in more than 10 countries including leading consumer shows for the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“A lot of the leading brands and retailers have been wanting an organiser to put up a show concept like this as they have seen that shows like this actually help increase consumer electronics spending in the cities in which they are organised. In fact, shows like this are now the most important sales period of the year for leading brands and retailers,” Khattau stated.

According to the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa, there has been a 10 percent increase in the number of consumer shows since last year. Furthermore, 65 percent of their members have reported an increase in foot traffic at their events.

“In South Africa alone, the consumer electronics market is expected to grow from just over $8.8 billion in 2012 to over $13 billion in 2016. This rapid growth is indicative of the surge in demand for higher-end products with better specifications and functionality. CETX offers brands and retailers the opportunity to showcase current product ranges, introduce customers to new innovations as well as move existing stock over the three day show period at each location.”

“We will soon be embarking on an integrated multi platform marketing and viral campaign to ensure that the local consumer technology and electronics market doesn’t miss out on the opportunity to ‘see it, try it and buy it’. Space at one of the most anticipated events of 2013 is limited, so we encourage retailers and brands to book soon to showcase their latest products and technology,” Khattau added.

With major electronics firms such as Toshiba and Sharp interest in participating in the show; the events will feature electronics ranging from the latest television sets, tablets, cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, home entertainment systems and appliances. In addition to trying out the latest technologies in eight different categories, consumers will receive the best deals, have access to product expertise and get to participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations.

Rick Bosman, Marketing Manager of Toshiba FZE-SA says, “This is just what the South African technology market needs. It is also the perfect platform to showcase our latest products and enhance our brand awareness to the South African public.”

Warren Kyle, Business Development Manager – Southern Africa for Sharp shares, “CETX is the only all-encompassing consumer electronics shopping expo in Africa and we are excited to have this show concept here as it has proven to be a great success for brands and retailers in leading cities around the world.”

However, IT web, says CETX is not the first or only consumer electronics show ever to be held on the continent. Consumer electronic shows like DigitalLife Expo  and Gaming expo rAge, organised by Micheal James, which is taking place in Johannesburg next month are some of the consumer expos that have been done in the past.

Micheal James, the organiser of Gaming expo rAge  is however skeptical on  the marketing approach that CETX organisers have taken prior to the event.

He said he will reserve judgment on CETX until it actually materialises. But he is skeptical of the marketing approach that CETX organisers have taken prior to the event.

Hypenica is  an  international  media  group  that  serves its markets by connecting  buyers  and  sellers, sharing information and experiences, identifying new opportunities, and enabling more effective business. We  do  this  through our  innovative platforms and events – which include database,  research,  exhibition,  conference,  publishing  and  online  media  products for  the  following  niche  B2B  and  B2C  sectors.