Mica Market 2024 delivered an exceptional experience. Hosted in Cape Town over three nights under the banner of #♥Mica, every detail was meticulously planned.
DAY 1: A WARM WELCOME
The festivities kicked off with check-ins at the hotels where guests were treated to a personalised welcome on their in-room TV’s – a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the rest of the event.
The first evening took delegates to the Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront, sponsored by Duram Paint. Themed ‘We ♥ the Blues’, attendees enjoyed a night filled with delectable food, great company, and live blues music, making for a memorable opening night.
Brad Carter, chairperson of the Membership Advisory Committee, officially opened the event, acknowledging the sold-out trade show that would follow, with 120 suppliers represented at 170 stands. Francois Swart of Duram expressed gratitude for being part of the #♥Mica theme, highlighting the strong partnership between Mica and its suppliers.
DAY 2: TRADE SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA
Day two was dedicated to trading, aptly themed ‘We ♥ a Great Deal’. Held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CICC), the trade show saw suppliers going all out to impress with spectacular stands that showcased their commitment to the Mica Group and its members. The event, sponsored by Plascon, featured a popular ‘Plascon Handy Heroes’ coffee stand and a unique Build-A-Bear initiative. Delegates could create their own Bear it Yourself (B.I.Y) Mica keepsake, which doubled as a charitable gesture, with Plascon and Mica donating over 200 bears to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. This act of giving reinforced Mica’s dedication to community support, underlining their values beyond just trading and profits.
Another notable highlight of the trade show was the innovative flash sales announced via the Mica Market WhatsApp group, allowing members to secure exclusive deals at specified times throughout the day. With nearly 98% of Mica stores in attendance, the trade show was a resounding success, fostering a dynamic and engaged atmosphere.
DAY 2 EVENING: BLING IT TO THE BEACH
The day concluded with the ‘We ♥ to ‘Bling it’ themed event at the Cabo Beach Club, sponsored by Dulux. Delegates were encouraged to add a bit of sparkle to their beach attire, with complimentary ‘bling’ available to everyone. The evening was filled with gratitude, farewells, and new beginnings, as Shaun Benn, sales director of ICI Dulux, announced his move to Akzo Nobel in Athens, introducing Frank Wagner as the new Dulux South African sales sirector. Wagner highlighted Dulux’s commitment to integrity, brand equity, and competitiveness, underscoring the longstanding partnership with Mica.
A family style dinner and entertainment from Cape Town’s own internationally acclaimed Will Linley capped off a fabulous evening.
DAY 3: PERSONAL GROWTH AND EXPLORATION
The morning of day three themed ‘We ♥ Personal Growth’, was a conference session hosted by Jaco Hattingh, managing director of Legendary Retail Brands. Hattingh highlighted the pillars of Mica’s success: exceptional customer service; the flexibility of owner-run stores; and a commitment
to rewarding both customers and members. He also recognised the New Mica Members – Emmarentia Mica Paint Centre, Langebaan Mica, Mbombela Mica Paint Centre, Phuta’s Mica, Wohnen Mica Paint Centre, Xpress Mica Build Paledi, Action Mica Paint and Hardware, Kimberley Mica Build.
The session included inspirational insights from guest speaker Vusi Thembekwayo, a renowned venture capitalist and public speaker. Thembekwayo’s presentation captivated the audience as he delved into the challenges of the South African economy, the importance of customer lifetime value, and the critical role of community in retail success. His energetic delivery and thought-provoking case studies provided attendees with valuable takeaways to implement in their own businesses.
DAY 3 EVENING: GALA BANQUET AND AWARDS
The final night culminated in a glamorous gala banquet and awards ceremony, themed ‘We ♥ Celebrating Success’, and sponsored by Ingco, Wadfow, and Decakila. Hosted by Leigh Anne Williams of Good Hope FM and SABC, the evening celebrated the achievements of Mica members and suppliers. Angelo Angelos, Skillcraft managing director and the evening’s event sponsor, delivered the opening address, emphasising the cost-effectiveness of participating in Mica Market. He highlighted the valuable opportunity to showcase their product range directly to key decision- makers. Angelo also underscored the importance of minimising the ‘noise’ around negativity, urging attendees to distinguish between perception and reality. He noted that despite challenges, South Africa is persevering, and in difficult times, it’s crucial to be proactive to secure the largest share of available opportunities.
Awards were presented across several categories, recognising excellence in throughput, growth, and overall contribution to the Mica community. Steven Sollinger closed the evening by thanking the service providers, sponsors, and the Mica support team, celebrating the 98%-member turnout at the trade show and the success of the Build-A-Bear initiative.
// The Gala Banquet celebrated the achievements of Mica Members and Suppliers //
Key award winners
- MEMBER THROUGHPUT AWARDS: Amper Alles Mega Mica Silverlakes; BBS Mica Ballito; Bela-Bela Mica; Kwa-Mnqandi Mica Build; Riverside Mega Mica.
- MEMBERTHROUGHPUTPERCENTAGE GROWTH AWARDS BY REGION: o KZN, Free State, Swaziland, and Lesotho: Parys Mica o Western, Eastern and
Northern Cape: Vredenburg Mica o Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Botswana: Heqlen Mega Mica o GautengandNorthWest: Parktown North Mica. • SUPPLIER THROUGHPUT AWARDS: Akzonobel Dulux; Duram; Eureka DIY Solutions; Excelsior Paints; Kansai Plascon; Kwikbuild; NPC; PPC Cement; Skillcraft Agencies; Stevens & Co.- SUPPLIER THROUGHPUT PERCENTAGE GROWTH AWARDS: Akzonobel Dulux; Hamilton’s Brushware; JoJo Tanks; Kwikbuild; Skillcraft Agencies.
- MEMBER’S CHOICE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR BY REGION:
o KZN, Free State, Swaziland, and Lesotho: Duram
o Western, Eastern and Northern Cape: Duram
o Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Botswana: Skillcraft Agencies o Gauteng and North West: Vermont Sales. - MICA PROMOTER OF THE YEAR: Riverside Mega Mica.
- MICA BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: Hewitt Street Mega Mica.
- MICA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Bela-Bela Mica.
- MEMBERS CHOICE NATIONAL SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: Duram.
- MICA MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Middelburg Mega Mica.
CONCLUSION: A MARKET TO REMEMBER
Mica Market 2024 was more than just a trade show – it was a celebration of the Mica brand, its community, and the values that drive its success. From insightful presentations to community- driven initiatives, the event embodied the spirit of #♥Mica, leaving attendees inspired, engaged, and ready to carry the momentum forward into the next year.
// Mica Market 2024 was truly a Celebration of Community, Innovation and Excellence //
