Photo and Film Expo 2009
The Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg will host the first Photo and Film Expo in July. This is the first time that South Africans will get to experience a dedicated film and photography exposition in one location.
An extensive program featuring local photographers has been planned and visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras. The latest hardware and software promises to be on show and exciting competitions and give-aways have been planned.
The Photo and Film Expo 2009 runs from 10 to 12 July 2009. Adults pay an ZAR 80 entry fee per day and children under 16 ZAR 40.
Where is Canon at the EXPO?
The Photo & Film Expo at the Dome was a waste of time and money. With entrance at R80 (which I hope went to the presenters) was steep for what one got and did not meet expectations. It was as if Nikon owned the entire Expo, where were Canon, Leica, Olympus and Pentax? The last I heard was that they also produce photographic equipment. Perhaps they were replaced by B&O and the Barker Bros (who are not involved in anything photographic). The speakers were top notch but trying to distinguish between their presentations and the announcer who just couldn’t stop her announcing of specials from Universal Image became impossible. Will I attend another Photo & Film Expo? Not very likely, not when it is owned by one brand (in this case, Nikon).
No Canon anywhere. Great shame for Canon shooters and for the market in general where competition is needed. As you mention, no Pentax, etc either, so I’m certain Nikon had some kind of exclusivity arrangement with the organizers.
Canon unfortunately had “budget constraints” this year hence couldn’t exhibit. Their products were still represented through both OutdoorPhoto and Universal Image though and they did record sales. Additional brands at the event were Sony, Sanyo, Zeiss, Sinal, Lensbaby and a few more..
There was definitely no exclusivity arrangement of any sort, the exhibitors sell space and put together the workshops and interactive features at the event – these have all been praised over and over.. The fact Nikon went big and “put their money where their mouth is” so to speak was a risk on their part.. A risk that paid off tenfold in retail sales.
Hopefully next year the other brands (and distributors) will take up the challenge and make sure they are also properly represented.
This years event was the first ever of its’ kind and was very focused toward the photographic industry specifically and this resulted in exhibitors making record sales at the event. The responses from public (apart from the Canon gripe which is misdirected) have been phenomenal and next years event will be even bigger and better.
Considering there were 15 presentations, 18 demonstrations and several other training sessions as well as numerous giveaways like goodie bags and prizes I hardly think R80 is steep.
Bear in mind a portion of that door taking also goes to Tomorrow Trust, and the Dome venue is extremely expensive to hire (nevermind the other services and advertising costs).
I’m certain when the other brands are there (and feel free to approach them about why they didn’t exhibit) then everyone will be happy.
Thanks for the feedback, Matt!
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