The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) hosted their AGM on 25 June, and have announced their new board roster for 2020/21. AAXO represents the event organising industry at large and focuses on the development and growth of the sector. Furthermore, AAXO considers best practice for governance and improved skills development in the sector, which was again highlighted as a priority for 2020.

The association will once again be led by the founder and MD of Exposure Marketing, Projeni Pather. In her second term as chairperson, she will continue to focus the association’s efforts on partnerships within the sector in South Africa and throughout Africa, as well as support the industry as it navigates very unprecedented times.

 “As the voice of credibility and professionalism in a developing and growing industry in Africa, we will continue to build partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders and will be working tirelessly to support our members and the industry at large through this challenging and unique period,” comments Pather.

Joining the board are Carol Weaving (Reed Exhibitions), Chanelle Hingston (Clarion), Phetogo Kubheka (Synergy Business Events) and Suzette Scheepers (Messe München) who have been elected as directors; while Devi Paulsen-Abbott of dmg events will serve as Vice-Chairperson and Mark Anderson from Specialised Exhibitions as Treasurer.

“I’m delighted to welcome every board member and thank them for their contribution, not only to AAXO but also for the wider growth of events and exhibitions. We have an exciting year ahead that will focus on evolving our educational and mentorship offering whilst cultivating our footprint continentally. Our board comprises an experienced group of professionals all of whom possess a wealth of knowledge and a firm mission-critical commitment to our vision of promoting and strengthening the continents exhibitions and events sector,” says Pather.

During the AGM, Pather further shared her vision for the association for the second half of 2020. This included embracing the opportunities faced within the sector, even during unprecedented times. She also encouraged driving the narrative for events across Africa and ensuring events are perceived as a critical part of the marketing mix. Her input highlighted skills development across the sector and she requested relevant programmes be put in place to assist the industry’s youth; with that of course means ensuring all protocols are put in place for events to once again run safely when the time is right.

AAXO includes exhibition organisers across a range of trade, consumer and conference-driven exhibitions, namely Agri Expo, Clarion Events – Africa, Exposure Marketing, dmg events, Foundation for Professional Development, Media 10, Messe München, Reed Exhibitions, SA Confex Services,  Specialised Exhibitions, Synergy Business Solutions, TE Trade Events, Terrapinn and Velocity Vision.

Issued by:

Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO)

Media contact:

Molebogeng Masote

Association co-ordinator

t: +27 76 747 0183

e: mole@aaxo.co.za

w: www.aaxo.co.za