I got the following press release and thought this sounded like an awesome bead lovers’ vacation:

 BEADEX 2008

SOUTH AFRICA’S ICONIC BEAD CULTURE EVOLVES

INTO THE FASHION, DÉCOR AND WELLNESS LIFESTYLE ARENA

South Africa’s premier beading event, BEADEX is set to spotlight beading trends and innovation at the second edition, opening from 16 – 18 May at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

Consumer trends in the fashion, décor and health industries show growing interest in beads as a contemporary lifestyle expression. Emerging from the realm of tradition and culture, beads are taking centre stage as iconic statements of style.

 “BEADEX brings visitors a unique opportunity to experience a showcase of quality and creativity in the beading world. Much more than an expo, the annual BEADEX event is fast becoming a trend barometer for both trade and consumer. This year promises even more variety for beading enthusiasts, Fashionistas, cultural aficionados for visitors of all ages”, says Alison Truter, BEADEX Project Manager:

Thebe Exhibitions and Events Group.

BEADEX 2008 will profile fibre art, a fast growing trend in appliqué and beading technique. A workshop programme featuring a variety of techniques for all skill levels will be offered by South Africa’s leading beadwork educators and led by BEADEX Patron, US based bead educator, TV presenter and beadcraft writer, Tammy Honaman.

“Through its rich cultural heritage, South Africa is recognized across the world, as a leader in beading techniques. An event like BEADEX offers the industry and bead enthusiasts a necessary platform to trade, showcase, promote and profile the inspired evolution of beading in South Africa to the rest of Africa and the world”, states Tammy Honaman.

BEADEX 2008 introduces a new Lifestyle Pavilion in response to the growing demand for beads in all aspects of our lives including health and wellbeing and an international Pavilion of India.

The three day long event also features; a cultural village highlighting the history of beads in South Africa, the Estoril Book lounge for a wide range of bead publications, the market place – a shopper’s haven featuring a plethora of beads from across the world, a gemstone scratch patch and a kid’s creative garden for creative tiny hands.

The BEADEX Design Excellence Competition is open for entries through the BEADEX website. The entries will be judged by a panel of beading industry experts and the winners announced at the event. The finalist pieces will be displayed throughout the event.

For more information: www.beadex.co.za

Released on behalf of:

Thebe Events & Exhibitions Group

Released by:

Talawa Communications

Tel: 011 482 7288 Fax: 086 503 2851

Media contacts:

.. Dianne Regisford-Guèye: 083 449 0256 dianne@talawa.co.za
.. Afura Kan: 073 194 2591 media@talawa.co.za