The SA Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA) has announced that the next - substantially expanded - OCCA/SAPMA Coatings for Africa (CFA) symposium and exhibition will take place at Gallagher Estate from 21 - 23 May 2013.

The 2013 Coatings for Africa symposium and exhibition will be the biggest event of its kind staged in South Africa.

Danny Grady, Coatings for Africa Committee Chairman, says because the event - presented in SA every three years in collaboration with the Oil and Colour Chemists' Association of the UK - has grown so much over the years, it is now necessary to move the venue from the Drakensberg to the more central and easier accessible Johannesburg. "Gallagher Estate is closer to the market and global air connections which means more local and overseas visitors and delegates will be able to attend - many without the added cost of overnight accommodation," Grady states.

"Gallagher Estate is also close to a Gautrain station, improved freeway connections, and hotels and guest houses are available in the vicinity, offering packages to suit the needs and budgets of visitors that stay for the duration.

"The format of Coatings for Africa will also be changed to accommodate a greater commercial element in addition to the traditional technology transfer programmes.

"SAPMA and the Oil and Colour Chemists' Association (OCCA) of the UK are co-presenters of Coatings for Africa and OCCA - with its ties to many trade and technical associations around the world - will be encouraging increased overseas participation. There have also been initial discussions with the South African Department of Trade and Industry that have shown great promise. With the DTI support, there could be attendance by a number of trade delegations arriving from Sub-Saharan African states, ensuring that CFA will continue to grow in stature as the only recognised coatings exhibition and symposium in Africa," Grady says.

For more information, contact Mandy Linossi on tel 011-455-2503 or visit www.sapma.org.za.