AAXO announces the formation of Venue Committee

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) has announced the formation of the AAXO Venue Committee.

AAXO, representing the event organising industry, has established the Venue Committee to advocate for safety and security at exhibitions. Furthermore, the committee will ensure international standards are maintained, encourage professionalism and ethical behaviour, and foster a collaborative environment for all stakeholders.

Projeni Pather, the Chairperson of AAXO, together with the venue members, initiated the committee’s establishment to ensure that venues are instrumental in driving the development of the exhibition and event industry.  After an election at the end of October, Charles Wilson, the CEO of Gallagher Convention Centre, was elected as the Chairperson of the AAXO Venue Committee.

“We are confident that Charles will add great value and direction to this newly formed committee.  Venues play an integral role in our industry; AAXO is pleased to provide venues with a platform to engage, collaborate, and work towards our industry’s greater benefit,” explains Pather.

Joining the AAXO Venue Committee is Adele Hartdegen (Johannesburg Expo Centre), Craig Barrington (CTICC), Cynthia Penprase (Ticketpro Dome), Shaun Bird (Sandton Convention Centre), Scott Langley (Durban ICC), and Phumulani Hlatshwayo (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium).

“The formation of the AAXO Venue Committee is a clear reflection of the individual personalities of us as South Africans venues.  Despite us being competitors in the market, we all share a common goal; in the short term, to bring our respective businesses back to life, and in the long term, to set a bar of service excellence amongst the hospitality venue industry. In addition, it is vital to support our organisers’ events to ensure their success and create an environment that ensures attendees feel safe and comfortable,” explains Charles.

AAXO’s core member base includes exhibition organisers across various trade, consumer, and conference-driven exhibitions. Including 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,  Velocity Vision and Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company (ZITF).  Alongside the organiser member category is the associate member category, which profiles suppliers and venues to the industry.  The inclusion of both member categories enables AAXO to foster greater partnerships and collaboration between key industry stakeholders.

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