AAXO appoints General Manager – Pat Lofstedt
In keeping with their continued endeavours to professionalise and grow the exhibition industry in Africa and South Africa, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) have welcomed Pat Lofstedt to the position of General Manager of AAXO as from the 3rd of April 2017.
“From the outset, Pat displayed in-depth knowledge of the exhibition industry and the ambition to drive growth on an operational level not only within the association, but also in the industry,” says AAXO chair, Carol Weaving. “We are pleased to have her on our team and look forward to the contribution we will make together for our members.”
With 24 years’ experience in the exhibition industry, Pat is no stranger to the challenges organisers and exhibitors face. Part of the management team of Homemakers Expo from 2009 to 2017, she received a solid foundation in operations covering logistics, planning, exhibitor services and supplier management. She initiated and subsequently provided an ongoing efficient and effective events management infrastructure ranging from coordination, sales control & stats, appointing and managing relevant service providers and contractors.
Though her responsibilities will mostly be operational, her contribution will be pivotal in developing the service offering of AAXO to its current and new members. “I am excited about joining this dynamic association and playing a part in growing the industry. In the short time I have been here, I have already seen the immense benefit that AAXO provides in terms of the research, training and excellence it drives. We can only go from strength to strength,” says Lofstedt.