Associate Member News

Scan Display’s MD elected global association’s first African President

Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, has been elected President of the Brussels-based International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) for 2021 and 2022.

The appointment was made at IFES’ AGM last Thursday, 25 June 2020. For the first time, this year’s meeting was a hybrid event with 40 members meeting in Hanover, Germany and over 100 members joining the meeting on Zoom.

IFES represents 250 contractors in the exhibition industry from 40 countries, and fifteen industry associations from around the world. South African exhibition, events and display company, Scan Display, was IFES’ first member from the African continent. The company became a member 15 years ago when Hawes attended his first IFES World Summit in London in 2005.

Scan Display’s involvement with IFES has been very beneficial, allowing the company to build a global network of partners which has enabled them to build exhibition stands throughout the world.

Hawes was the first person from a developing country to be elected to the IFES board when he became Treasurer in 2013. He has served as the association’s Treasurer since 2013 and as Vice President since 2015.

Hawes joined last week’s AGM via Zoom from Scan Display’s head office in Rosebank, Johannesburg, from where he shared his vision for IFES in 2021/2022. The industry is facing challenging times and he believes it is important that IFES remains relevant and provides support for members. Hawes concludes: “I am grateful to the board and members for giving me this opportunity as we navigate the way forward in the global exhibition industry.”

 

For more information, please contact:

Ceri-Leigh Craig | Scan Display Marketing Manager | ceri@scandisplay.co.za | +27 11 447 4777

Or visit: www.scandisplay.co.za

RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN REOPENS ITS DOORS

With South Africa currently on level 3 of the nationwide lockdown, business travel has commenced and as a result, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton is scheduled to reopen their doors on 22 June 2020.

Last month, the hotel provided assistance with South African citizen repatriation, with extensive measures and efforts in place,preparing for the “new normal”.

Radisson Hotel Group recently announced its Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol, a new program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection procedures, in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

These enhanced protocols, operational guidance and comprehensive health and safety procedures validated by SGS, has been adapted by Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel accordingly to the local requirements and recommendations, to ensure guests’ safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.. Distance markers on the floors and lifts along with revised seating capacities in restaurants and public areas have already been implemented within the hotel. Sanitation stations have been conveniently placed throughout the property and team members are utilizing the Personal Protective Equipment provided. Our check-in and out procedures have also been revisited to ensure as little contact as possible with Plexi screens to maintain protection.

“One of our highest priorities is the continued health, safety and security of our guests, team members, and business partners. We have undertaken extensive measures to ensure our new safety protocols strictly adheres to the South African government’s regulations and upholds the highest global standard of expanded hygiene and sanitation,” said Nikola Jelenovic, General Manager at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel.

The hotel has assessed all areas of the hotel and are confident that the safety measures put in place are of the highest cleanliness, hygiene and safety standards. In compliance with local government lockdown legislation, some facilities will remain closed until further notice, such as the pool, gym and restaurant.

“At the beginning of the lockdown, we partnered with Babuyile Community Development and their sister company Township Fleva, by donating linen which was repurposed into facemasks for those in need. It is through initiatives like this that we continue to recognize the importance of uniting with our communities and supporting each other in any way we can, especially during this challenging time. We look forward to welcoming our guests and will continue to find ways to support our team members and communities as we navigate towards the new normal.”

For more information on the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol, click here: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/social-responsibility/health-safety

Media Contact
Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel
Marcel van der Linde
Marketing Manager
marcel.vanderlinde@radissonblu.com

About Radisson Blu®
Radisson Blu® is one of the world’s leading hotel brands with 300 hotels in operation in 69 countries and territories. Radisson Blu’s vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality is characterized by a unique Yes I Can!SM service philosophy and all of its first-class hotels offer a range of signature features that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Distinguished the world over as the brand with Hotels Designed to Say YES!SM, Radisson Blu offers a vivid visual celebration of leading-edge style where the delight is in the detail. Radisson Blu hotels are located in prime locations in major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations across the world.

Radisson Blu is a part of Carlson Radisson Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM. For reservations and more information visit, www.radissonblu.com. Connect with Radisson Blu on social media: @RadissonBlu on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/RadissonBlu.

 

 

5 display trends seen at EuroShop 2020

EuroShop, the world’s no 1 retail trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany is where the trendsetters of the retail and display industries gather every three years. Showcasing what is new and how best to apply it, the show sets the design tone for the foreseeable future.

South African exhibition, events and display specialist, Scan Display, sent a team to exhibit at EuroShop this year. “We have been to every show since 1999,” says Justin Hawes, the company’s Managing Director. “It’s important we are there, so we can learn about new developments in the industry and make them available to our clients.”

This year, Scan Display identified the following five key trends at the show:

Trend #1: Digital innovation

It’s no surprise that advances in digital technology are having a huge impact on how we communicate with our customers. “Video is taking off in a huge way, and LED screens were everywhere – sometimes occupying whole walls of stand structures,” says Hawes.

More screens than walls.

Improvements to LED screens mean the resolution is incredibly high, while screens are thinner and can be flexible or curved. Ultimately, any surface or shape can become the canvas for AV.

Holograms and projections offer another way to create moving and changing visual displays. And just as LED screens are going onto all kinds of surfaces, so too are projections – onto floors, mesh fabrics, Perspex and other transparent materials, all of which creates interesting effects and textures.

In some cases, AV is even replacing lighting, because it creates enough ambient lighting.

Trend #2: Lighting leaps forward

Technological advancements are also impacting the lighting industry, allowing for new ways to light displays. Front lighting, back lighting, down lighting and lights in the edging of shelves and in other structures all offer different techniques to draw attention to displays. Meanwhile flexible LED lights give designers a tool to ‘draw’ with lighting.

Lightboxes creating vibrant graphics.

Lightboxes remain hugely popular and have in many ways displaced the traditional graphics panels with spotlights. The lighting quality of lightboxes ensures the graphics are vibrant, and there are no spotlights to detract from the graphic.

Fluorescent lighting has disappeared, and LEDs rule this space, offering improved colour intensity, as well as cost savings because of their energy efficiency.

Trend #3: Texture, texture and more texture

As touched on with the above trends of projecting AV onto different surfaces, interesting textures remain a popular feature of modern displays.

Creative carpets for retail.

Another way to create texture is by using cut-outs, especially in stand walls where cut out patterns allow partial visibility into the stand, adding depth and perspective. Floating beams add to this effect, as does the use of interesting materials like patterned carpets and marbled floor vinyl.

“Texture is a useful design feature, as it attracts and holds the eye of visitors as they pause to make sense of what they are seeing,” says Hawes.

Trend #4: Sustainability is growing

Global warming has entered the mainstream media and our everyday conversations, which is driving greater consciousness about the impact of business on the environment.

  Signage explaining that products are made with renewable energy.
Stand made from repurposed untreated wooden crates.

Many of the stands at EuroShop included messaging about their sustainable initiatives. From going plastic-free, to offering energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions, a number of eco-friendly labels and statements were prominently displayed.

Exhibitors are also exploring how best to use sustainable materials – from natural wood (free of varnishes and paints, which can be environmentally harmful and reduce its re-use applications), to lightweight fabrics, cardboard and even paper.

Splashes of greenery were also apparent – although many used plastic plants. While plastic isn’t a sustainable material, it is low maintenance, re-usable and transports easily, which could be seen as having advantages in the long-term.

As touched on in the lighting trends, energy efficiency is on the rise and was especially evident in retail applications like low-energy refrigeration.

Trend #5: Telling stories

Experiential design – using your display to tell a story that engages your client’s senses and imagination – is another trend that continues to dominate this space.

Interactive display with eco-friendly mannequins being made.

“AV lends itself to telling stories, and interactive technology opens the door to more personalised experiences,” says Hawes. “But the overall stand design, choice of colours and materials, the finishes used – all of these design choices help to tell the story of your brand, and this needs to stay top-of-mind when designing an exhibition stand.”

He adds that, to be effective, it’s critical that your story remains authentic and true to your brand.

Looking forward

“Seeing the trends at EuroShop 2020 is one thing but knowing how to interpret them and best use them for our clients is really where a lot of our energy goes after the show,” says Hawes. “We don’t want to fall into the trap of using a trend because it is a trend. It has to serve a purpose and create value for our customers.”

Scan Display to identify EuroShop 2020’s industry trends

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Exhibition, events and display specialist, Scan Display, first visited the world’s #1 retail trade fair, EuroShop, in 1999. Since then, the South African company has returned to Düsseldorf, Germany, every three years for each subsequent show – and is preparing to visit its 2020 edition later this month.

“For us, it’s a must-attend event,” says Justin Hawes, MD of Scan Display. “Not only is it a unique opportunity to see what new products and trends are shaping our industry, but it’s an unparalleled marketing platform to grow and strengthen our international partner and client network.”

In 2017, a total of 113 906 visitors from 138 countries visited EuroShop, to explore its 15 halls dedicated to industry sectors such as: expo & event marketing; retail marketing; shop fitting & store design; lighting, and more. The total footprint of the trade fair was an impressive 127 598m².

Scan Display is a proud member of the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) and has chosen to exhibit at the IFES Global Village pavilion which is located in a busy thoroughfare section of Hall 4 – one of two halls dedicated to expo and event marketing.

Hawes says, “IFES is a well-recognised and respected global association, and we believe their pavilion will help us stand out from the other 2 000+ exhibitors who will be at the show.”

Scan Display’s marketing message will focus on the company’s strength as an African partner, showcasing its African network and capabilities to operate across the continent through its 15 offices and distributors.

Typically, EuroShop attendees are the top-level management and decision-makers at their companies. Reflecting this, the team that will represent Scan Display at EuroShop 2020 is:

  • Justin Hawes – Managing Director
  • Paul Hugo – Creative Director
  • Henriette Havenga – Johannesburg Sales Manager
  • Jane Steel – Cape Town Sales Manager
  • Rene Fielies – Johannesburg Head of Design

EuroShop will run from 16 to 20 February 2020. You can catch the highlights with Scan Display’s daily diary on Bizcommunity.com over this period, featuring video interviews with industry experts from around the globe and photo galleries of their favourite marketing displays.

For more information about Scan Display, please contact Justin Hawes on justin@scandisplay.co.za or +27 11 447 4777. For more information on EuroShop, you can go to www.euroshop-tradefair.com.

All the 2019 AAXO ROAR Award winners

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Best Exhibitions 2019

2019 Best Exhibition of the Year

World Travel Market Africa by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: CTICC | Stand builder: ExpoGuys | Security: Lodge Security | Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting | Cleaning: CTICC | Registration: EAS, UK | AV: Brandex and InHouse Venue Management (CTICC)

Best Trade Exhibition under 6000 sqm

Africa Ports and Rail Evolution by dmg events

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Durban ICC | Stand builder: GL Events | Security: Lodge Security | Logistics: DB Schenker | Cleaning: Bidvest Prestige outsourced by Durban ICC | Registration: Green Exhibitions | AV: Gearhouse SA

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: ICE Africa organised by Clarion Events

Best Trade Exhibition: 6 001 – 12 000 square meters

World Travel Market by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: CTICC | Stand builder: ExpoGuys | Security: Lodge Security | Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting | Cleaning: CTICC | Registration: EAS, UK | AV: Brandex and InHouse Venue Management (CTICC)

Distinction in Marketing: WTM Africa by Reed Exhibitions

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: Africa’s Big 7 by dmg events

Best Trade Exhibition: over 12 000 square meters

Africa Utility Week and Powergen Africa by Clarion Events

SUPPLIERS: Venue: CTICC | Stand builder: GL Events | Security: Event Solutions | Logistics: Exhibition Freighting | Cleaning: CTICC | Registration: Gearhouse SA | AV: Gearhouse SA

The Marketing Distinctions: Analytica Lad, FDT and IFAT Africa organised by Messe Meunchen Africa and Propak Africa organised by Specialised Exhibitions

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: African Utility Week & POWERGEN Africa organised by Clarion Events

Best Consumer Exhibition 6 001 – 12 000 square meters

MamaMagic Baby Expo Johannesburg Winter by Exposure Marketing

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Ticketpro Dome | Stand builder: Expo Solutions | Security: Lodge Security | Cleaning: Dr Clean | Ticketing: Ticketpro | AV: Brandex

Distinction in Marketing: MamaMagic Baby Expo Cape Town organised by Exposure Marketing

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: MamaMagic Baby Expo Joburg (Winter) organised by Exposure Marketing

Best Consumer Exhibition over 12 000 square meters

ComicCon Africa by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre | Stand builder: ExpoGuys | Security: African Show Services & Seriti | Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting | Cleaning: ZF Cleaning | Ticketing: Computicket | AV: MGG & Huski

Distinction in Marketing: Comic Con Africa organised by Reed Exhibitions

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: MamaMagic Baby Expo Joburg Summer organised by Exposure Marketing

Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition under 6 000 square meters

Design Joburg by Media 10

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Sandton Convention Centre | Stand builder: GL Events | Security: Stable Management Group | Logistics: Inhouse Exhibitions & Logistics | Cleaning: ZF Cleaning | Ticketing: Webtickets | AV: Brandex

Distinction in Marketing: Design Joburg organised by Media 10

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: Fire & Feast, Meat and Food Festival organised by Reed Exhibitions

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition 6 001 – 12 000 square meters

FIBO Global Fitness Africa by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Show Stand builder: Scan Display | Security Company: African Show Services | Logistics & Cleaning: Company: Dr Clean | Registration Company: Webtickets | Venue: Ticketpro Dome | AV: Brandex

Distinction in Marketing: Decorex Cape Town organised by Reed Exhibitions

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: FIBO Global Fitness Africa organised by Reed Exhibitions

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition over 12 000 square meters

Decorex Joburg by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre | Stand builder: ExpoGuys | Security: Lodge Security | Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting | Cleaning: ZF Cleaning | Ticketing: Computicket | AV: Brandex

Distinction in Marketing: Decorex Joburg organised by Reed Exhibitions

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: Die Groot Plaasproe – Livestock organised by Agri-Expo

Best Table Top:

In this category there was only one entry and who scored over 80% and received a marketing distinction, the winner is:

International Luxury Travel Market by Reed Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Moyo, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town | Stand builder: ExpoGuys | Security: Lodge Security | Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting | Cleaning: Moyo Kirstenbosch & Botanical Gardens | Registration: EAS, UK | AV: Brandex

Africa Bound Exhibitions:

Electra Mining Botswana by Specialised Exhibitions

SUPPLIERS: Venue: Fairgrounds Holding, Gaborone, Botswana | Stand builder: Fair Grounds / GL Events | Security Company : G4S | Logistics Company : In-House Logistics | Cleaning Company: Fair Grounds Holding | Registration : TIS | AV: AV Worx

Distinction in Operations & Logistics: Electra Mining Botswana organised by Specialised Exhibitions

Best Social Media Campaign went to:

ComicCon Africa by Reed Exhibitions

Distinctions goes to all entries who scored over 80%:

  • FIBO Global Fitness Africa organised by Reed Exhibitions

  • 100% Design organised by Reed Exhibitions

  • MamaMagic Baby Expo organised by Exposure Marketing

Best industry member venue:

Ticketpro Dome

DISTINCTIONS IN EXHIBITING goes to:

IFM DIO built by Brilliant Branding at KZN Industrial Technology organised by Specialised Exhibitions

Tata Zambia built by Tata Zambia at Caminex organized by Specialised Exhibitions

Invincible Valves built by Red Ant Design at Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo organized by Specialised Exhibitions

Fidelity Security Group built by Zig Zag Expo at Facilities Management Expo organised by Specialised Exhibitions

ZKTeco built by Dzines at Securex organized by Specialised Exhibitions

USS Pactech built by Brand Dimensions at ProPack Africa organized by Specialised Exhibitions

Labotec built by Spacematters at analytica Lab Africa organized by Messe Munchen SA

Sweet-Orr built by GL Events at Electra Mining Botswana organized by Specialised Exhibitions

BBF Safety Group built by Sugo Projects at A-OSH 2020 organized by Specialised Exhibitions

IFM ELECTRONIC built by Brilliant Branding at Africa Automation Fair organized by Reed Exhibitions

City of Cape Town built by Kilowatt AV at World Travel Market Africa organized by Reed Exhibitions

Johnson and Johnson built by Resource Design at MamaMagic Baby Expo Joburg Winter organized by Exposure Marketing

Bepanthen built by Shades of Green at MamaMagic Baby Expo Joburg Summer organized by Exposure Marketing

Thule built by Scan Display at MamaMagic Baby Expo Joburg Durban organized by Exposure Marketing

Franke built by Penny Patrick at Decorex Cape Town organized by Reed Exhibitions

Xperience luxury built by Xperience luxury at Decorex JHB organized by Reed Exhibitions

TASK Interior Styling built by Next Exhibitions at Decorex Joburg 2019 organized by Reed Exhibitions

Belgotex built by Expo Solutions at Design Joburg organized by Media 10

Scan Display built by Scan Display organised by Specialised Exhibitions at Madex/Markex

 

 

Scan Display Rwanda delivers seamless solution at AIDS conference

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The 20th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) was held at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, from 2-7 December 2019. It attracted over 10 000 delegates from around the world, and featured a 3 500m² exhibition – for which Scan Display Rwanda was contracted to supply shell scheme and custom package stands.

Scan Display Rwanda is South African exhibition and events supplier, Scan Display’s Rwandan branch. The branch allows Scan Display to offer exhibition products and technology that are new to the Rwandan market.

One such new product which Scan Display Rwanda provided for ICASA 2019 is the Tension Fabric System (TFS) – printed graphics which are stretched into frames to create walls and exhibition structures. It is a flexible system as the frames create modular structures. The decision to use TFS proved a wise one, as it allowed for last-minute modifications, says Alastair Stead, Scan Display’s African Business Development Manager.

“A number of our clients also commented about how cost-effective it was to use our TFS package solution, compared to bringing in items from the UK, Canada or the US,” adds Stead. Again, this is because of the compact, lightweight nature of TFS, which means its transport-related costs are minimal.

The system’s fabric graphics pack small and are lightweight, making them easy to transport. They can also be washed and re-used. Freight delays can sometimes cut into the available build-up time, but because assembling TFS is quick and easy, all the stands can be completed on time.

Alastair Stead says, “The clients on the ICASA show were thrilled with the quality of their stands and commented on the professional look and feel of the show.”

He continues, “Having Tension Fabric System for ICASA 2019 has added a new dimension to the exhibition industry in Rwanda. The ICASA stands looked fantastic and we have had a number of enquires for other events.”

He added that Scan Display Rwanda has TFS stock in Rwanda, having just recently added another 50 3×3 metre fabric booths to the ICASA stock, for future projects.

For more information about Scan Display Rwanda, please contact Alastair Stead on alastair@scandisplay.africa or +27 73 236 6618, or visit www.scandisplay.co.za.

Sandton Convention Centre wins prestigious Lilizela Tourism Award

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Sandton Convention Centre is the national five-star winner in the Conference and Exhibition Venue category of the prestigious 2019 Lilizela Tourism Awards, announced at the highly anticipated awards ceremony in Pretoria on Saturday 9 November.

Sandton Convention Centre AAXO associate member

Shaun Bird, GM of Sandton Convention Centre, was delighted at his team’s achievement. “I have no doubt that this significant award won by Sandton Convention Centre can be attributed to team dedication, to the fact that everyone works together to ensure that every event runs smoothly, and that clients receive the best service possible.

“Our core strategy this year is customer focus – being flexible and listening to what our clients want. This has definitely paid off.”

SCC’s ability to listen to clients’ wants and needs ensures that events are tailor-made to requests. “Another of our key differentiators is our world-class food and beverage offering, and earlier this year, Executive Chef James Khoza and his team introduced new menus in line with client requests, while also taking into account changing trends in the food industry as well as sustainability. Our chefs are available to host food tasting sessions for our clients to ensure that their menu preferences are accommodated.”

The acclaimed Lilizela Tourism Awards presented by SA Tourism, now in their seventh year, recognise and reward tourism businesses that deliver a world-class product and service, and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s global competitiveness. They also give hospitality and tourism businesses the opportunity to compete and assess how they measure up against similar businesses in the industry, providing a further boost to South Africa’s already high quality and wide-ranging tourism offerings.

The fact that this industry accolade is awarded by SA Tourism allows Sandton Convention Centre to showcase the hard work and dedication that was delivered in the past year. “As an international convention centre, represented on the global stage at various trade shows, we believe that this award will benefit SCC in growing our international conference business,” says Bird.

Sandton Convention Centre was up against worthy contenders in the competition, which Bird notes continuously raise the industry bar alongside SCC. He says, “I am extremely proud of my team and what we have accomplished this year. This is an excellent achievement for us and on behalf of the entire SCC team, I would like to heartily thank all our clients who voted for us. We appreciate you all.” Taking a leaf out of the Springbok Rugby World Cup book, Bird says, “We can only grow stronger together.”

 

Africa’s exhibition challenges and opportunities

South African exhibition and events specialist, Scan Display, has extensive experience working on projects throughout Africa, with a network of distributors on the continent. Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, addresses some of the issues related to the African exhibition industry.

Scan Display AAXO associate member insight

History

Exhibitions are a great marketing medium for Africa. They have thrived here for centuries in the form of marketplaces; vibrant meeting spaces where people can present their stock to potential buyers. But despite Africa’s strong exhibition history, there are some factors that challenge the industry.

Under-utilised opportunities within the exhibition medium

The exhibition medium is versatile and can be adapted to different markets. One critical decision about any show is how targeted it will be. If it’s too niche, it might not pull in good attendance numbers. However, if it’s too broad, your exhibitors are unlikely to connect with enough of the right people, giving them a poor return on investment. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.

Unfortunately, because most industries and markets in Africa are fairly small, and exhibitions carry a significant cost investment, many organisers are risk-averse and tend to favour general broad-based shows. This makes consumer fairs popular, but there is a lack of specialised shows. This has affected people’s perception of exhibitions, and many believe exhibitions don’t deliver good returns. This misconception limits the industry’s growth.

The full potential of business tourism is untapped

Exhibitions are an incredible tool for growth and development across all industries. They bring professionals together to share best practice standards, and help businesses find new partners, suppliers and clients. Unfortunately, few African governments are actively growing business events.

The tourism associated with business events generates even more benefits for the host destination. Business tourism generated by Meetings Africa 2018 was reported to contribute R115bn to the South African economy.

Rwanda is the perfect case study on how this can be achieved. It has done an unbelievable job attracting business events (mostly conferences) to the country in just a few years. Its success is due to a purposeful strategy, which includes building a strong convention bureau that understands the industry; having convenient flights for delegates, visa-free travel access, and a first-class venue (Kigali Convention Centre) co-located with an upmarket hotel. As a result of these efforts, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has ranked Rwanda as the 2nd most popular destination for conferences and events in Africa.

Venue restrictions

Large and lucrative international exhibitions and conferences that are looking for a host destination will typically assess venues based on whether they offer the following:

  • A minimum of 5 000m² floorspace on one level, free of pillars or obstructions, and with a high ceiling.
  • Good ducting underneath the floors, for the tidy and safe laying of electrical cables.
  • A dependable electrical supply that can handle large loads, so exhibitors can run energy-hungry equipment if they want to.
  • Accessible loading bays.
  • Convenient hotel accommodation.

Most of the larger convention centres in South Africa meet these standards, while many venues elsewhere in Africa don’t.

This deters organisers, as it introduces challenges, increases costs, carries greater risks, and impacts the design of exhibition stands being built.

The challenges are also opportunities

The good news is that by identifying these challenges, we can also identify opportunities to grow the African exhibition industry. These can be summarised as follows:

While many exhibition organisers do have successful events, some events could be improved. Organisers need to educate themselves, and their exhibitors, on what they can do better. As more shows succeed, the industry will be able to showcase its capabilities, which in turn will stimulate uptake and growth.

Although many industries in Africa are too small to support large local exhibitions, there is scope to grow them through business events. Exhibitions co-located with conferences are a good way to do this.

Government can offer greater support to the business tourism sector, much as Rwanda is doing. They can make it easier to host international events by improving bureaucratic processes, such as simplifying the visa process, and ensuring customs is more business-friendly. And they can invest in the industry, possibly in the form of public-private partnerships, with a view to the long-term benefits business tourism will create.

It’s a good idea to use a local partner when working in another African country. They will be able to help you avoid border delays, and guide you through any unfamiliar processes with their insider knowledge.

Scan Display has distributors in Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you would like assistance with exhibiting in Africa, contact Scan Display’s Managing Director, Justin Hawes, on 27 82 570 7280 or justin@scandisplay.co.za.

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