The Wedding Expo, South Africa’s largest bridal consumer expo believes that one of the reasons they are able to offer superior quality services to their clients is due to their loyalty to key service providers.

“A show such as The Wedding Expo cannot get by without those in the exhibition industry experienced at everything from cleaning to stand building. Our suppliers not only work with us on each show but they work regularly at the Coca-Cola dome which means that they understand the venue inside and out” says Jayne Muller, exhibition manager for The Wedding Expo.

“Loyalty to suppliers definitely pays off, we are able to grow the show, the service and service levels because our suppliers are our partners who have a good understanding of what is required for the show from all the relevant stakeholders – The Wedding Expo, the exhibitor and the visitor, the bride-to-be,” says Muller.

One of the key suppliers explains Muller, is Oasys Innovations with which they work on stand building and layout; after working on a number of shows, they understand what is expected of them by The Wedding Expo and are able to up their game each show.

Says Kevin Kennedy, Managing Director Oasys Innovations: “As we strive to deliver on service and quality, we are very pleased that we have once again embraced our relationship with the organiser of this event. It underscores all the values that visitors want from attending an exhibition of this nature. Our long relationship is an indication that we share common objectives between organiser, supplier and ultimately to the benefit of the visitors.”

“Our gorgeous fashion spectaculars are all thanks to the professional, creativity of Theofista Ellis and Ian Ludik of IT Productions who show after show, pull the fashion shows together from beginning to end; dealing with designers and models to bring the bride-to-be the fabulous line up of wedding gowns that they see at each show,” says Muller.

Muller says that because the IT Productions team now knows the designers and The Wedding Expo so well, they are able to bring new and valuable ideas to the table making the fashion spectaculars ever more spectacular.

Then of course there are the service providers who offer the exhibitors services which are important for their bottom line and peace of mind.  For example Muller explains The Wedding Expo has been working with ExpoScreens as the official screen protection supplier September 2006.

“The exhibitors at Wedding Expo often have expensive merchandise and samples on their stands and whilst we have on-site security we believe that it is important to offer the exhibitor the opportunity for additional security,” says Muller.

“Key to our exhibitors is being able to sell off their stands; The Wedding Expo is a one-stop-shop where the bride-to-be is able to pay deposits and buy product at often discounted prices, it is imperative that exhibitors are able to take most forms of payment. 

WAP Point provides the opportunity for the exhibitors to sell off their stands removing the excuse of a customer not to buy; it provides an increase in turnover due to no loss of sale and means that there is less cash to carry to the bank.

“Working with professional partners each show has meant that we can concentrate on our clients, ensuring that by show opening time they have exactly what they need to showcase themselves to an audience dedicated to planning their special day,” says Muller.

The Wedding Expo is held at the Coca-Cola dome in April and September each year; the next show is on 4 and 5 September from 09:00 to 17:00 at a cost of R80.00 per person.