Ongwediva Trade Fair cancelled again
The popular northern trade fair has been called off for the second year in a row.
TUYEIMO HAIDULA
ONGWEDIVA
The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) has been cancelled for the second year in a row because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
After careful consideration of the health and safety of visitors, employees, exhibitors and all stakeholders, a decision was taken to cancel the OATF 2021, which had been slated for 26 to 31 August, the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society (OTFS) said.
The trade fair fundraising gala dinner scheduled for 3 July has also been cancelled.
“The heightening risks and overwhelming concerns about Covid-19 served as a scale for the OTFS not to proceed with the trade fair during such an unprecedented global situation.
“Although we are disappointed as organisers that this notable event could not take place for two consecutive years, we are convinced that the cancellation is the right decision based on the information and advice from our national health professionals,” town council spokesperson Jackson Muma said.
He added that they will explore the possibility of hosting a virtual exhibition on a date to be announced at a later stage.
Committed
Prior to the cancellation, the council had hoped to host 250 exhibitors on-site as well as 50 virtually.
With the possibility of going ahead with the virtual trade fair, Muma said exhibitors need to be guided and trained for the event to be successful.
“Our hope is for the situation to improve before the next conventional trade fair. New dates for the OATF 2022 will be announced as soon as it is available.
“Our firm commitment and willpower for OATF brand is intact towards the resurrection of economic growth through trade promotion,” he said.
[email protected]
ONGWEDIVA
The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) has been cancelled for the second year in a row because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
After careful consideration of the health and safety of visitors, employees, exhibitors and all stakeholders, a decision was taken to cancel the OATF 2021, which had been slated for 26 to 31 August, the Ongwediva Trade Fair Society (OTFS) said.
The trade fair fundraising gala dinner scheduled for 3 July has also been cancelled.
“The heightening risks and overwhelming concerns about Covid-19 served as a scale for the OTFS not to proceed with the trade fair during such an unprecedented global situation.
“Although we are disappointed as organisers that this notable event could not take place for two consecutive years, we are convinced that the cancellation is the right decision based on the information and advice from our national health professionals,” town council spokesperson Jackson Muma said.
He added that they will explore the possibility of hosting a virtual exhibition on a date to be announced at a later stage.
Committed
Prior to the cancellation, the council had hoped to host 250 exhibitors on-site as well as 50 virtually.
With the possibility of going ahead with the virtual trade fair, Muma said exhibitors need to be guided and trained for the event to be successful.
“Our hope is for the situation to improve before the next conventional trade fair. New dates for the OATF 2022 will be announced as soon as it is available.
“Our firm commitment and willpower for OATF brand is intact towards the resurrection of economic growth through trade promotion,” he said.
[email protected]
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