The Rand Show, the 115-year-old South African milestone, will take a new direction in 2010 under new ownership by returning its focus to family entertainment and to provide the largest consumer interaction platform in Southern Africa.

New owners, the Johannesburg Expo Centre, have appointed South African Show Services (SA Shows), who pioneered Auto Africa to manage the show after purchasing the brand from Kagiso Exhibitions.

"We have already made a considerable investment to ensure that the 2010 Rand Show will be a unique event which everyone will remember. To demonstrate their commitment the owners of the Rand Show have already invested more than R30-million in upgrading the old Nasrec Show Grounds.

"As management of the Rand Show we have further invested over R3-million to attract world-class entertainment that will ensure an exciting experience for families. The investment by the owners of the Rand Show demonstrates their long-term commitment towards the brand. The 2010 Show serves as the kick-off for a three-year plan to ensure the show becomes a consumer interaction platform that will once again be a highlight on the business calendar," says Ms Pula Dippenaar, Show Director and CEO of SA Shows.

Dippenaar says it is in the interest of especially the retail industry in South Africa to restore the show to its former glory and to make use of the platform offered by the Rand Show to in-teract with consumers. The targeted number of visitors expected in 2010 is 250 000.

This is almost double the number of visitors at the second largest show in South Africa, the Johannesburg International Motor Show. It will be the biggest one-on-one consumer show ever seen in South Africa and will bring unparalleled opportunities for companies to interact with visitors in a relaxed and family oriented environment.

The entertainment line-up includes the world's most popular Strongman competition. World number one and five-time World's Strongest Man winner, Mariusz Pudziankowski from Poland, has committed to take part.

Dippenaar says the Rand Show, which opens on Thursday, 1 April 2010 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre adjacent to Soccer City will have something for everybody. The South African Chefs Association is hosting a Food Theatre at the Rand Show and other entertainment on the line-up includes air shows; a daily show parade; a comedy festival; and circus shows put together by Karen Wilkie of Boswell-Wilkie fame and the ever-popular funfair.

The Rand Show is moving up into high gear for 2010, with a packed programme of events in the arena over each of the eleven days that includes the internationally renowned Lipizzaner Horse display. These beautiful and astounding stallions will perform such famous acts as the Tribute to the Horse and the Ballet of the White Stallions.

These are just some of the highlights during the show that will see more than 20 different themes taking place during the expo that will delight the crowds and provide a platform for exhibitors the like of which has never been seen before on our shores.

For those with a passion for food, a three day Food Festival will allow visitors to experience the best cuisine that some of the country’s top chefs and culinary institutions have to offer. If your fill comes from things on four wheels, then the Car Theatre will display the latest and greatest from the world of motoring, while those who prefer their adrenalin to be further off the ground will be mesmerised by the best in Aerobatic Air Displays.

With soccer being such an important element of 2010, the expo will also include a three day Soccer Festival and there is no better venue to experience all that the World Cup has to offer than in the shadow of the awesome new Soccer City stadium. Perfectly manicured stadium turf may be the order of the day for football fans but for those who are seeking new ideas for their own lawns and gardens, the Garden Section on the esplanade will provide a wealth of inspiration through products, displays and demonstrations.

The Rand Show will be all about family entertainment and the children will find themselves enthralled at every turn by a five day programme of horse and animal shows, as well as some of the best circus acts in the business. In fact many of the arena acts have been de-signed by the well known Boswell Wilkie circus owners in order to ensure the very best in entertainment.

Modern day living is all about style and if it is decor you are looking for then the Home Empo-rium will have something to cater for all tastes. Interior designs and furnishings will inspire while numerous artists and art galleries will show how you can brighten your home with the best in artistic creation. If you prefer to do it yourself then the DIY enthusiast will find nirvana in Hall 3 with projects and demonstrations, together with a range of courses and workshops, as well as a range of innovative product displays.

These days we live in a digital age and whether you are looking for the highest quality sound or the latest in big screen televisions, the Digital Zone will show you what true home enter-tainment is all about. There will also be a chance to see what the Information Superhighway can do for you with IT service providers and computer companies together will the latest in mobile technology such as cell phones; PDAs; and music players.

The future is all about going green and the Rand Show will be a platform for the environment with an Eco-Living area that will help you to do your bit for our world. From solar panels to organic products and even recycling ideas for your home or business, there will be plenty to get you on the greener path.

Health and wellbeing is very much the order of the day as we aim to get more from life and the show will be a true one stop venue if you are looking for products, equipment and new ideas for every aspect from beauty care to the beauty of your soul. Taking this a step further you will even be able to discuss your own personal skills development with universities, train-ing colleges and other organisations that can help to enhance your life.

If the great outdoors is your playground then there will be no better place to find new ways to get out there than at the Rand Show 2010. The Outdoor Living section will show you the lat-est in caravans and camping, 4x4 equipment and courses in how to take that perfect photo-graph to capture the moment. There will also be boating displays on the lake and a vast range of lifestyle products from fishing to diving and information on some of the best water-front properties if you are looking for that ideal home away from home.

Finding places to visit is perhaps half the fun and the show will see exhibitors from major tourist organisations as well as hotels and guest houses; tour operators; and holiday companies; cruise lines; and national parks boards.

If you like to shop up a storm then you will not be able to wait for the gates to open because the World Bazaar will provide an eclectic shopping experience like no other. Country pavil-ions will feature products from around the world, from arts and crafts to clothing; curios; and accessories. There will be something for everyone and you may find yourself needing to visit the Outdoor Living area to invest in a trailer to carry everything home.

The Rand Show has been a calendar favourite for more than 115 years and now it moves into a new era with lifestyle solutions for the whole family. Under the management of exhibi-tion leaders and pioneers, SA Show Services, it will be an unmissable event and you are well advised to block off the period from 1 to 11 April 2010 in your diary now.

There has never been a show that provides so much in one venue and you can be assured that the Rand Show 2010 will inspire and entertain you in ways you never imagined. In the meantime you can find more information at www.randshow.co.za.