In only two years, Computer Faire Durban has established itself as the premier business-to-business IT exhibition in KwaZulu-Natal, following the success of the second annual event held at the International Convention Centre from 9–11 March.

The number of business visitors to the show increased markedly over last year's figures and Computer Faire Organiser, Celeste Abroms, was happy with the attendance from business people in the region. The total number of business visitors was 10 744, a 13% increase over last year. Exhibitors have also rated the show a success, with companies such as Ariel Technologies, Symantec, AfriGIS and Telkom reporting excellent results.

Telkom's Derek Anderson says that Telco's Cybertrade product did exceptionally well at the show. "Substantial new contacts and clients were generated and the ongoing business that we have facilitated is immense," he says. Symantec is constantly reaping the benefits of Computer Faire and this show was no exception. Marketing co-ordinator Tanya Pogir says the company will definitely be on next year's show. "We had a fantastic sell-through from our reseller, AVS, and the demonstrations of our new products also received a lot of attention from visitors," she adds.

Ariel Technologies' Regional Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Michelle Goate, described the exhibition as 'absolutely brilliant'. She added that it was the first KwaZulu-Natal show that Ariel had participated in and they felt it was well worth it. "A radio interview I did elicited wonderful response for an appeal for PCs for a school project. I have had so many calls from that and people have been very generous. Obviously, the show was fantastic for business too and I definitely intend to make Computer Faire a regular on my annual schedule."

David O'Hearns, Sales Director of Future com, reports that visitor interest in his product set was 'huge'. "The show was well worth our time. Quality leads were generated and will be realised during the next few weeks."

Computer Faire has a close relationship with the Black Information Technology Forum and the Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal branch, Luyanda Thula Gwina, says that the show provided them with the ideal vehicle to recruit new members. "Our major aims were to do a recruitment drive throughout the region, to gain new members and to generate support. We achieved all this with great success, and signed up more than 1000 new members, ranging from IT students, professional and entrepreneurs," he says.

AfriGIS was another exhibitor that had a successful show. The company's Fergus Ferguson says the number and quality of business contacts at the show was impressive. "We identified that there was a need for a fresh approach towards GIS solutions in the area, and we are seriously considering opening a branch in Durban following the response from the Faire."