CST Expo brings together creativity, sport and tourism
The highly anticipated Creative, Sport and Tourism (CST) Expo kicks off this week at the Hage Geingob Stadium, running from 2 to 4 September.
A curtain-raiser event takes place today, with the CST Awards ceremony taking centre stage at the National Theatre of Namibia.
The CST Expo aims to promote collaboration among industries that significantly contribute to Namibia's economy, giving businesses a platform to connect with investors, customers and partners, while offering strong exposure for small and medium enterprises that rely on public events to market themselves and build networks.
"Being part of CST is important to IUM Radio because it celebrates the power of sport, creativity, and tourism to connect and inspire people," said Junior Kapofi, the station’s administrator and sales and marketing officer.
"CST aligns with our values of community, youth empowerment, and using media to showcase the talent, stories, and opportunities that exist in Namibia," he added.
Tourism will feature prominently, with exhibitors showcasing Namibia's travel experiences, accommodation and adventure activities.
The creative sector will highlight local music, fashion, visual arts and cultural performances, while sport will bring interactive sessions, competitions and exhibitions spotlighting youth development, health and economic growth.
Eva-Rakel Johannes, group brand and marketing manager at N/a'an ku sê Group of Companies, will lead a session titled 'Beyond Bookings: What the Enjoy Platform Means for Namibia', exploring how integrated tourism marketing can strengthen the industry through storytelling and strategic partnerships. "We're moving from simply selling bookings to building destinations, brands and stories that create long-term value for the tourism industry," she said. "How we tell that story directly influences how people discover us... and who chooses to engage not only with N/a'ankusê, but with Namibia as a whole."
Organisers have confirmed a headline entertainment and workshop line-up. South African DJ Oscar Mbo joins Namibian music icons Gazza and Cleyton M as headline acts. Workshops include Monica Geingos on 'From the Field to the Boardroom', education and sports deputy minister Dino Ballotti on 'Sustainable Funding for Sports Development' and author Frans Cronje on 'Storytelling and Impact'.
Ashwyn Mberi, executive director of NTV Afrika and a member of the organising team, described the expo as a convergence point. "It creates a space where these industries can intersect, collaborate and recognise their collective potential in shaping the country's identity, economy and future," he said.
Final countdown
This is also where Republikein’s popular 'Bruidspaar van die Jaar' competition reaches its grand finale, with the winning couple to be announced on Thursday at 19:00.
This year’s competition has reached new heights, with more than 50 000 votes cast to select the finalists. Republikein’s latest magazine, ‘Trou’, will also make its elegant debut at the CST Expo, featuring some of the finalists’ personal experiences of planning their big day, tips on choosing a wedding dress that best suits you, and a consumer guide to wedding suppliers, from DJs to wedding cakes.
