Companies and individual professionals are booking their spaces and taking advantage of various targeted platforms, which the 2012 show will provide.

The Star HRD Expo 2011 boasted 2 300 visitors with approximately 200 principal HR executives attending the annual HR Africa Conference and 90 exhibitors, in addition to an exciting three-day speakers’ corner, which was open to the public.

This year, the show will showcase old and new exhibitors alike, including: Stuttaford Van Lines, Invest in Yourself, Alchemex, Learnfast Training Solutions, AAT, CTU, Tidy Files and SA College of Applied Psychology, to name but a few. Over 40 companies have booked their stands thus far, with more than an additional 30 stands having been reserved. The show floor will feature various designer stands, a ‘play area’ with simulation, industrial theatre, thrilling and interactive showcases, as well as the 2012 speakers’ corner. This year’s speakers’ corner has already ‘sold out’ on two entire days, with companies such as: VIP Payroll, Skillsportal, CNBC Africa, Progression Options, Alchemex and Bridge Human Capital securing a speaker slot session, along with the opportunity to address visitors directly.

Topics of discussion include, among others:
• “Enhancing employee wellness as part of good business practice” - SA College of Applied Psychology
• “Re-thinking the HR business model” by Ian Paterson, Bridge Human Capital
• “Raising the bar on HR practice: National HR Standards and Metrics” SABPP
• “Access to finance for education: An employee benefit” Eduloan

Visitor pre-registration, the mechanism which ensures a free expo pass through the HRDE website, has already attracted vast interest from the public sector. The 2012 exhibition will also present numerous competition draws and sponsor prizes.

As per the previous two years, IIR BV SA’s annual HR Africa Conference will run alongside the exhibition. This offers expo exhibitors and visitors the prospect of networking with prominent HR specialists from across the African landscape. This year, HR Africa will be extended to five days due to many sensational conference inclusions such as: a greater choice of presentations, workshops, master-classes, excursions and more.

Furthermore; additional workshops will be held on The Star HRD Expo floor, in order to cater for those reporting to HR directors and heads of HR. Thus, potential expo visitors could also register for this option.

The Mentor Awards Africa ceremony will be held on the evening of 9 October. The Mentor Awards Africa has been established in order to recognise distinguished professionals and organisations from across the public, private and non-governmental sectors who have demonstrated outstanding mentoring skills.