The highly anticipated Durban Business Fair (DBF) seminar, with an impressive line-up of renowned international and local speakers, is finally here.
The Business Fair will take place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13-14 October 2015 under the theme ‘Connecting Durban Business Fair Globally. The seminar seeks to empower a large number of local small businesses by unlocking their creativity while instilling innovative ideas of expanding their businesses globally.
Minister for Telecommunication and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele will be the keynote speaker on the first day of the conference talking on the vast array of opportunities available under his sector.
Reverend Al Sharpton, an American civil rights activist, television and radio talk show host, headlines the second day of the fair and will be speaking on global business and politics.
EThekwini Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala said she was excited about this year’s DBF as it caters for every type of business.
“I am certain that everyone will leave the fair with something tangible to implement in their businesses,” she said.
Other speakers lined up for the event include Rapelang Rabana Founder & CEO of Rekindle Learning who will present on ‘Women in Entrepreneurship’, global business speaker Vusi Thembekwayo who will touch on how to navigate success, Dr Xolisa Melamane who will present on Innovation and Connecting Durban and speaker and strategist Timothy Maurice Webster who will delve into how to rise from a no name brand to a celebrated brand. Chief Marketing Officer of Brand SA Wendy Tlou will talk to delegates on building your brand on your own while Matsi Modise, Managing Director at SiMODiSA Association, who be presenting on being your own boss.
Shabalala said this year’s DBF marks the inauguration of the City’s three year partnership with the City of New Orleans in America to host the Essence Festival. This festival will facilitate information and knowledge sharing in sectors such as film, youth desk, entertainment, fashion, women empowerment and many more.
“As a result of this partnership, seven-time Grammy nominated American R&B singer and songwriter Kelly Price will also be part of the DBF programme. She will address a number of entrepreneurs attending the conference on business in the music industry. She will be joined by local entertainment gurus DJs Oskido and Tira,” added Shabalala.
She said this year’s DBF programme was one to be proud of as it shows that eThekwini is taking the role of small businesses seriously.
“Small businesses are the solution and strong engines that can drive the fight against poverty by creating employment and boosting the economy. This is the start of many good programmes to follow that are aimed at developing small businesses. We are serious about changing lives for the better which is why we are creating such platforms to ensure growth in our communities,” said Shabalala.
Details of the events are as follows:
- DATE : 13-14 October 2014
- VENUE: Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) – Hall 1
- TIME : 8h00-17h00
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