The summit will be live streamed across multiple online and social media platforms from the Sandton Convention Centre. Those panelists that are unable to join us in person will participate via video link.

All sessions are free to join and will be packaged and available on demand on the website even after the close of the event.

"The new online format allows for many more delegates to tune in than the seating capacity and geography of the venue allowed in previous years and we look forward to many more visitors from around the country and even the world," says the team behind the event.

According to the team, the virtual expo allows more participation from Proudly South African member companies, who this year are not required to travel to Gauteng, transport products and to be present on the stand for two days away from their business.

The virtual expo will feature over 100 companies, showcasing their products and services in a short video with an online meeting hub where buyers and sellers can connect.

"After the close of business, our lifestyle activations celebrating South African food, music and clothing will ease delegates into their evening. These sessions will underline how local products and services can be fully integrated into our everyday reality," adds the team.

Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye says, "After the disappointment of having to cancel our 2020 edition of the Buy Local Summit, we are excited about the new format we have created in order for our 2021 event to go ahead."

"The hybrid nature of the event allows for real interactions between panelists and presenters, which will translate into very viewable and entertaining content for delegates watching from their laptops and other devices," adds Mashimbye.

"We are looking forward to a great virtual attendance and urge anyone with an interest in contributing to the recovery of our economy to tune in to find out how," Mashimbye says. 

The team says that growing our economy and putting it back on the road to recovery is something to which we can all make a contribution. "Buying and supporting locally grown, produced and manufactured goods is a critical driver of job creation and growth and there are many lessons to be learned at Proudly South African's flagship event," the team adds.

Some of the speakers, panelists and participants in the lifestyle sessions include:
  • Prof. Bonang Mohale
  • Tim Modise
  • Adv. Dali Mpofu
  • Peter Bruce
  • Leanne Manas
  • Maps Maponyane
  • Gareth Cliff
  • Theo Baloyi
  • Matthew Mole, and
  • Boskasie.
Brand guru Thebe Ikalafeng will run a coaching session on transforming good products into great brands.

For more information, visit www.buylocalsummit.co.za.