The National Association of Agricultural Show Societies of Zimbabwe (NAASZ) has moved the dates for its 2020 shows, which include the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, from the traditional July to September period to September and October 2020 citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The National Association of Agricultural Show Societies of Zimbabwe has revised the show dates for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the association said in a statement at the weekend.
Given the requirements of the ongoing indefinite lockdown requirements such as social distancing, the society is still working on the modalities of how the shows will be held.
“Details of how each show will be conducted shall follow,” the association indicated.
Responding to questions mailed to him by Business Events, NAASZ President, Godfrey Mavankeni (pictured) highlighted that the coronavirus-induced lockdown had negatively affected the association’s various member societies’ preparations for shows.
“It (lockdown) has affected show preparations (as) most stakeholder meetings could not take place. Annual general meetings for some could not take place. It is difficult to book artists (who entertain show visitors) because of the uncertainty surrounding social gatherings.
Mavankeni regretted that the lockdown was also affecting some societies financially as rental income which formed their main revenue stream was being affected.
“Rental income has been affected as some show societies rely on rentals to make initial deposits for their events,” he said.
The revision of the show dates has created a scenario in which a number of shows are scheduled to be held in the same week or on the same day. For example, the Masvingo Provincial Show and the Victoria Falls Show are pencilled to be held on the same days from 24 to 27 September. This is likely to negatively affect the smooth progress of the events and affect the plans of major stakeholders such as exhibitors.
Mavankeni admitted that there were likely to be problems in ensuring the smooth of the shows.
“Not all shows will be held as planned. Most will end up clashing which may result in some stakeholders attending major shows only,” he said.
He encouraged stakeholders to be hopeful and look beyond the pandemic.
“Our message to stakeholders is for them to remain hopeful and start to look for after COVID-19 strategies that will assist them in marketing their products. Together we will do it,” he said.
