Business_Travel
South Africa Trade & Consumer Expo 2025 – Day 1 (May 3rd, 2025)
Date: May 3rd, 2025
Venue: Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria
Theme: “Innovation Meets Culture – The Future of Trade, Business, and Consumer Engagement”
Final Schedule (Extended to 7:30 PM)
| Time Slot | Session | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM – 9:40 AM | 🎤 Expo Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address | Official opening remarks from industry leaders and government representatives. |
| 9:40 AM – 11:30 AM | 🚀 Investors & Growth Pitch Academy (Shark Tank & Elevation Pitch Combined) |
Startups and growth-stage businesses pitch to investors for funding, mentorship, and business partnerships. |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 🌍 The Future of South African Business (Trade & Economy Panel) |
Discussion on trade growth, investment opportunities, and South Africa’s position in global markets. |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Expo Open (Ongoing) & Business Matchmaking Lunch Break | Attendees, exhibitors, and investors engage in business networking and matchmaking. |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 📢 Marketing, Media & PR Panel Building Powerful Brands in 2025 |
Brand storytelling, influencer marketing, and PR strategies to drive commercial success. |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 🎬 Entertainment Industry as a Business in South Africa | The growth of film, podcasts, TV, music, fashion, and entertainment as exports and business opportunities. |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 💼 The Future of Work Remote, Freelance & Digital Careers |
How job seekers, remote workers, and freelancers can leverage technology, AI, and networking for employment opportunities. |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 🤖 AI, Fintech & Digital Disruption | Innovations in AI, digital banking, blockchain, and the transformation of business in South Africa. |
| 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 🏆 Announcement of Winners – National Innovation & Tech Awards | Honoring top startups, innovators, and business leaders of 2025. |
| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 🍷 VIP Networking & Business Mixer | Exclusive networking session with speakers, investors, and exhibitors. |
Key Adjustments for Maximum Impact
- ✅ Opening Ceremony first (9:30 AM – 9:40 AM) – Keeps it brief and impactful.
- ✅ Merged Investment & Growth Pitch Panel (9:40 AM – 11:30 AM) – Combines Investor Academy + Business Pitches.
- ✅ New ‘Entertainment Industry as a Business’ Panel (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) – Covers film, TV, music, podcasts, and fashion as trade assets.
- ✅ Renamed ‘Future of Work’ Panel (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) – Appeals to remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs, incorporating matchmaking & recruitment.
- ✅ Extended Event Until 7:30 PM – More time for networking and impactful discussions.