Running alongside the 12th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba is the 7th Annual Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) Expo. The Expo forms part of the largest market access event between big businesses, government and black owned business.

Image Credit: SABD

The Absa ESD expo will be held at Gallagher Convention Centre from 18 to 19 September, with the second day being open to the public.

“There is simply no other event of its kind in the procurement sector that allows for such a high level of positive interaction between the stakeholders. The intensive programme and exhibition platform provide an unrivalled opportunity for SMMEs to launchpad their offerings and to forge fruitful relationships,” says Mediacy Mudekwa, head of content for Smart Procurement World.

There are two types of exhibition stands available: self-funded and corporate-sponsored. Corporates are invited to sponsor their SMMEs/suppliers, by providing them with ESD support, market entry and supplier development training.

In addition to the Expo, which attracts over 300 exhibitors, various other synergistic platforms add value for visiting SMMEs. The Knowledge Hub’s workshops cover key topics for all SMMEs and new businesses, with topics that include ‘How to expand your business through new market development’; ‘Finance readiness: The key to accelerating growth and reducing business failure’; ‘Small business incentives and compliance’ and ‘Negotiation and contract fundamentals’. These sessions run every 30 minutes between 9:00am and 15:00pm on 19 September.

Knowledge Hub 2, which runs concurrently with Knowledge Hub 1, provides a forum for SMMEs and suppliers to learn about how to do business with selected corporates and public sector entities. A spokesperson from each organisation provides tips on expected deliverables and best practice.

On floor complimentary procurement training for procurement and supply chain professionals will run from 9:30am to 14:30pm and covers topics such as ‘Top negotiation failures and pitfalls’; ‘How to adopt strategic sourcing’ and ‘Developing strategies for improving your SRM’.

The supplier matchup sessions take place from 9:00 to 16:00 and create a fertile environment for buyers and sellers in a specific industry to meet in one place at one time. Focus industries include construction, engineering, facilities; manufacturing, agriculture, transport and logistics; services and retail; ICT; and resources such as petrochemical, energy and mining.

For more information on the Smart Procurement World Indaba and Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development Expo in Gauteng in mid-September, visit the website at: http://www.esdexpo.co.za