Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, the 42nd annual SAPOA International Convention and Property Exhibition will take place at Sun City from 12-14 May, 2010.
 
In a clear signal that sector expectations are buoyant looking to the future, the convention theme is “Think Beyond – Discover the Potential” and key topics range from local government to political change to untapped potential in 2010.

"2010 is a year for optimism and unearthing new possibilities and exploring new horizons, after several years of focusing on risk management and consolidation," says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

“The annual convention aims to reflect the industry’s mood, and this year the mood is ripe with opportunity.”

Frank Berkeley, managing executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, says that the convention will be about gearing up for the market recovery. “Last year was a particularly difficult year for the property industry and, while we are not yet in the clear, it is important for all players in the property industry to explore opportunities in preparation for when the recession ends.”

Apart from the exceptional networking opportunities offered by the convention, two key focal points for discussion and debate are the politics and economics of 2010 and how the bumpy ride of the last few years has changed both.

National Minister of Public Works Geoff Doidge will be a keynote speaker on the first day of the Convention, followed by what is expected to be an energetic panel debate featuring political analysts like columnist Justice Malala.

Erstwhile Mayor of London Kenneth Livingstone will be sharing his views and experiences on the political arena, and specifically on how to make local government as effective as possible.

Economic trends will be addressed by respected economist Azar Jammine, and debated by the likes of Alan Knott-Craig, the ex MD of iBurst and economist Roelof Botha.

"The SAPOA Convention aims to provide a space for property leaders to come together, share experiences, and soak up new ideas," says Gopal.
 
“Our aim is to offer a diversity of views and perspectives, spark different ideas and foster constructive debate amongst the sector’s leaders.”

But the convention is not all work and no play, especially with the spirit of optimism being felt by the sector this year.

The SAPOA Awards for Innovative Excellence shine a spotlight on the industry's most notable development projects in nine sectors of the market, while the SAPOA Property Journalism Award is a coveted acknowledgement of excellence in reporting.

Excursions to Bafokeng Stadium, a golf day at the renowned Gary Player course, and some spectacular evening entertainment are on the cards, too.