A sneak preview 
The Sunglass Hut expo/ trade fair takes place once a year at the Sandton City Fountain Court- the biggest promotions court in the Sandton City shopping mall.
I have been co-ordinating the event for the past 3 years and this year the aim is to turn the Sunglass Expo into the fashion week of sunglasses by creating "The Sunglass Hut Experience"
The expo takes place for one week and normally generates a whopping turnover of more than 500k!
One would think that because the event is repeated annually, planning and execution becomes easier… unfortunately it doesn't.
Concept, design and layout is the beginning and possibly the easiest step, executing and reaching expectations is however the hardest!
The objective this year was to create the ultimate Sunglass Hut shopping experience, taking previous expos and creating an even bigger impact.
My plans were in place and everything just had to go as per schedule from here on.
A major challenge or obstacle about setting up an expo in a mall is that exhibitions are rotated on a weekly basis, which means that the exhibitor before you has to complete their break down by the time you need to set up, this however did not happen.
The Sunglass Hut set- up was delayed by 3 hours as previous exhibitors delayed their breakdown… and unfortunately no- one cares, a deadline is a deadline… And yes, I managed to pull it off, an extra team of workmen were called to sight and by 9am I was able to continue with step 2- product display and merchandising, our product and operations teams starts to unpack, by midday on October 27- the Sunglass Hut Experience was looking fantastic and was ready for trade.
Step 2 however was not the end of my job, Step 3 involved a media launch! The launch was planned for the evening of the first day of trade, the objective was to invite key Jhb fashion editors, introduce them to our brand and treat them to a Sunglass Hut Experience- will everyone pitch? You will never know in advance… but this time they did!!!
The official launch started at 18h00, guests were required to sign in with the hostesses at which point every media representative was given a R2500 Sunglass Hut Gift card which allowed them to "Put them… And take them home"
All fashion editors were allocated an experienced Sunglass Hut sunglass expert, who assisted them in finding their perfect match.
Editors interacted with our brand, learnt about our product, experienced shopping with Sunglass Hut and were delighted with their sunglasses purchase.
Another attraction was the launch of a specific pair of Oakley sunglasses- made of aluminum, part of an elite range- the sunglass retails @ R18 000!!
Only 2 pairs are being released in South Africa and the first and only pair thus far is on auction at the Sunglass Hut Experience in Sandton City.
Snacks were served, guests were blown away and everyone was happy. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
The next few days are all about sales, the expo looks the part and my work is done! Good Luck to the sales team for the rest of the expo.
In July this year I was blessed with the greatest opportunity within my workplace.
We constantly find ourselves thinking about salary renumerations and job promotions and forgetting to "give back'!!!
Time is the greatest issue and yet the worst excuse... We get caught up in the daily activities of our lives, "we dont have time to do good"
Use your time wisely:-)
Most organizations are involved in something called- "Corporate Social Responsibility"
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility is your opportunity to give back!
It is when a business contributes to the wellness of society
It is an awesome opportunity for you to piggyback and take advantage of the "GIVE BACK" initiative within your workplace without needing more time.
Enquire out about the CSR activity in your workplace and get involved!
I did it in July this year, and the experience was "LIFE-CHANGING", an experience I wouldn't trade for a million rand!
Here is a brief description of the release we did on the programme!
In July and August 2009 more than 30 000 South Africans experienced clearer vision.
Thanks to Onesight, a Luxottica Group Foundation who came to South Africa to deliver two clinicare programs, many rural underprivileged South Africans now have clear vision for the very first time. The first clinic took place in Kokstad from 13-25 July and the second in Kwa-Zulu Natal from 10-22 August 2009.
During these two-week clinics, 44 volunteers from Luxottica and Sunglass Hut offices around the world, in partnership with Oprah Winfrey's charity, Oprah's Angel Network (OAN), offered eye exams and eyewear to more than 15,000 people in need. The eyewear used is recycled and is originally collected at participating Luxottica retail stores and optometrists around the world. It is then cleaned and repaired at one of eight global Recycle Centers in Italy, Australia and the United States; boxed and shipped to the Clinic. Approximately 40,000 pairs of eyewear are taken on each Clinic.
"The need for vision care in South Africa is great," commented Wedaad Adams, Marketing co-ordinator, Sunglass Hut. To help give the gift of sight to all those in need, OneSight relies the support of its main sponsor Luxottica Group, one of the world's largest eyewear manufacturer, designer and distributors. Because of our vast ophthalmic global business structure and expertise we are uniquely positioned to give back to communities worldwide, providing free vision care and eyewear to those who cannot otherwise afford it."
Eyesight is a privilege that is often taken for granted. With approximately 250 million who suffer worldwide from poor vision it is within the poorer countries and communities where individuals suffer the most. What happens on these clinics is often life changing. Some individuals see properly for the first time in their lives, others are able to read their bible again after 10 years. Children who have suffered in the classroom and deemed stupid are able to achieve outstanding results.
With a passion to supply basic eye care to everyone, Onesight came to South Africa to give the remarkable gift of sight to many fellow South Africans in need.
