The Institute of Estate Agents has been chosen to market to South Africans the 2006 SIMA (Salon Inmobilario de Madrid) international property conference/expo to be held in Madrid in April. IEA president Bill Rawson says the event, which is the biggest in the European property sector and one of the biggest in the world, will focus on globalisation, and will include a specific session on South Africa. All South African estate agents are welcome to attend, and can book online through the SIMA website.

(A 25% "early bird" discount is offered to those who book before the end of January).

"This is a wonderful opportunity," says Rawson. "This country has become very attractive to foreign investors, and any South African estate agent who does business in the international arena should seriously consider exhibiting at SIMA and/or attending the conference. Where else will they be able to meet their peers from so many other countries, and see what other property opportunities South Africa is competing with?"

The first day of the conference focuses on globalisation and the Americas. The second day focuses on international marketing, Spain, eastern Europe, Morocco, South Africa, and China. The third day covers professional standardisation, and a two-hour international referral session.

The IEA, founded in 1937 to promote the interests of the South African estate agency industry, has been affiliated with the American National Association of Realtors since the 1980s but, says Rawson, SIMA is its first formal association with Europe.

Last year's SIMA expo attracted more than 700 exhibitors and more than 140 000 visitors, including 15 000 estate agents from more than 40 countries.

Q&A’s

• What are the costs for Registration as a visitor or an exhibitor?
  
  
  
  
  The registration cost is exactly the same whether you exhibit or merely attend the event as a visitor. 300€ before January, 31st and 400€ after that date.
  

  
  
  

• What are the costs of 90€ & 50€ referred to on the Registration?
  
  
  
  
  90€ & 50€ show the prices for the two ticketed events which will be held during the program. As it mentions, there will be two ticketed events (which we strongly recommend to attend but which are optional). Please, see details below:
  

  
  April, 6th
  
  21:00 – 24:00 International Dinner at Hacienda Jacaranda
  
  Located outside of Madrid’s city center. Enjoy delicious Spanish food while watching an incredible Spanish horse show. (ticketed event: 90€)
  Visit their Web site
  

  
  April, 7th
  
  20:00 International Farewell Dinner
  
  It will take place at Palacio de Gaviria. Located at Madrid old town. An opportunity to say good bye to your new friends and colleagues. Ticketed event (50 €). Grupo Planner will provide the partipants with information about the most typical places to visit in Madrid during that night.
  Visit their Web site
  

  
  

  
  
  

• Where can I find a full Program of Events?
  
  
  
  
  A Program as well as a list of optional Social Events is available on the website under International Program: http://ipp.saloninmobiliario.com/ieasa
  

  
  
  

• Who will be exhibiting at the show?
  
  
  A list of exhibitors is available on the website: http://ipp.saloninmobiliario.com/ieasa
  

  
  
  

• Where can I locate a list of recommended hotels in the area?
  
  
  
  A list of hotels, local travel info, map etc is available on the website under Practical Information: http://ipp.saloninmobiliario.com/ieasa