RX is a global advocate of inclusion and diversity (I&D) and it is with great pride that we announce Martin Hiller as the 2021 Inclusion & Diversity Champion for RX Africa.
Martin’s position with RX Africa is portfolio director: content + creative for Travel, tourism, creative industries and besides his professionalism and expertise in his field, he is also known among colleagues and clients for his passion for an inclusive, diverse culture and his drive to provide platforms for various communities to be heard.
“Making a difference starts with one individual who is prepared to learn, listen and take the appropriate action when required. We all have stories to tell,” he says; “stories that inspire, motivate, and ignite.”
As a gay man Martin feels strongly that it is vital to have a safe space to share these stories and experiences. “It is these spaces that allow us not only to build fruitful professional and personal relationships with one another, but to be advocates for all minority or marginalised groups.
“It is about being able to provide understanding and support. These conversations can spark change,” Martin asserts.
Noting that the ability for an individual to choose where in the world they feel like they really belong – safely – is something Martin strives for daily, both in his business and personal life.
“I have been fortunate enough to have worked in environments that have supported me both personally and professionally, he says, “so I’ve not really been subjected to the kind of exclusion many others have.
“The fact that I haven’t been marginalised means I must take stand for groups and individuals who have. Being named 2021 Inclusion & Diversity Champion for RX Africa is an honour, and one that will spur me on to continue to seek solutions and create opportunities for cultural change,” Martin concludes.
About RX
RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors.
RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.www.rxglobal.com
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 33,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalisation is approximately £36.6bn, €42.4bn, $51.5bn.*
Congratulations to Tracy-Lee Behr, CEM of dmg Events on becoming a #CEM gamechanger! Read why she pursued her #CEM journey and the fresh insights she learned to compliment her experience of over 20 years in the events industry!
Hometown: Cape Town
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
Being in the event industry for over 20 years, it has provided me with fresh new insights as well as improved my overall knowledge. It has allowed me to look at how I am currently doing things and adapt where necessary.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
Things are constantly evolving and with unforeseen circumstances like a pandemic, one has to remain knowledgeable to ensure that your events are delivered in the safest way possible.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
I wanted to brush up on my skills and saw it as a good opportunity to evaluate my own expertise in the industry.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Do it! It is easily manageable time wise, the modules are informative and assignments allow you to interact with colleagues and see how they would handle situations.
How did you start your career in this industry?
Events really chose me – what started out as a temp position, turned into a lifetime career!
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
We haven’t had any shows this year but the contract and insurance modules have definitely made me rethink how we approach things and I will be implementing changes which I believe will decrease our risk.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
I have just qualified, so still have to implement the above changes.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
I enjoyed getting to know and interacting with industry colleagues from across the world.
Congratulations to Zinhle Khoza, CEM of Reeds Exhibitions South Africa for earning her CEM! Read about her CEM journey, and catch her and other recent graduates during the 2020 CEM Presentation at #ExpoExpo!
Hometown: Johannesburg
University of Education: University of Johannesburg
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
It was helped me gain solid essential industry knowledge as well as learning from other members based on their industry experiences.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
International or global exposure, as well as upgrading your knowledge. Also to be recognized by other key industry players.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
Upskilling myself. Be accredited by an organization such as the IAEE.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
It’s doable and manageable. Set aside at least 3 hours per week to engage , share ideas (module group on the website) and revision. Always ask where necessary and the CEM instructors for each program are always available.
How did you start your career in this industry?
My story is actually funny. Looking back to the years at school I did not even think I would be where I am. I studied Tourism years ago , later in life advanced my studies to a Project Management certification which landed my current position as an events coordinator. That’s how I landed in this industry and what a great shift that was. I am loving every moment along with the challenges , its really been epic!
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
Well I am still new and with the current global pandemic we haven’t had any activity, I am planning to share all my learning with my team and my company as soon as we back on.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
Well I am still new and with the current global pandemic we haven’t had any activity, I am planning to share all my learning with my team and my company as soon as we back on.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
I loved the handout contents / study materials. The commitment , engagement and patience of the module instructors. The courses outlined modules were straightforward and will be used as reference going forward.
Congratulations to recent #CEM graduate Dain Richardson, CEM of Messe Muenchen South Africa! Read about Dain’s CEM experience and how it broadened her knowledge in conducting exhibitions and conferences!
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM has helped me gain a greater understanding of industry and helped me broaden my knowledge in conducting exhibitions and conferences.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
We are in a continuously evolving industry, by maintaining the CEM designation, we are ensuring that we are always on top of the industry and we are compliant to global standards.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
As I have been in the trade fair industry for over 7 years, this was an ideal opportunity to “brush up” on my knowledge and allow me to further my career by understanding conferences and consumer exhibitions.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Take your time and read through what your peers have to say. We are all in different parts of industry and each person has a story to tell. Your peers can help you in their experience, as well as support you throughout the course.
How did you start your career in this industry?
I started in sales & marketing for a trade show that was launching in South Africa. We lost our Operations Manager a few months prior to the show opening, so I learnt very quickly on how the overall show was brought together. Five years later I worked my way up to a Senior Exhibition Manager.
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
The course has helped my gain a better understanding in how to negotiate with venues and hotels, helping out the internal team and meeting the requirements of the brands we represent.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
Stronger communication channels and internal reporting systems with my team on budgets and marketing.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
The interaction with my peers. The group we had were all members of leading organising companies, so the discussions were all relatable as we use the same venues, security, stand builders etc. it was also reassuring to see that we were all learning something new and useful over the 8 months of the course
We are navigating through unchartered waters as far as the situation goes, and no one is certain of the end. BUT the Exhibition Industry must rally together to secure our collective business futures. AAXO called an open discussion amongst exhibition organisers and suppliers on Tuesday 17th of March to discuss strategies to survive the latest threat to our industry and find out what everyone is doing to secure the future of their business. The African exhibition industry has proudly hosted hundreds of exhibitions that have been an essential marketing platform for thousands of brands across industry sectors. The success of these exhibitions is supported by the service excellence of venues and suppliers to the industry.
We stand united during this time and suggest that organisers follow the guidelines below for greater transparency and assistance to all those affected:
Identify events that fall within the 90-day ban period that may require postponement or cancellation.
Before cancelling, asses the financial risk, negotiate with suppliers where spend has already been allocated and if possible, transfer and extend their services to a new event date.
Enquire about venue availability later in the year to establish if the event can be postponed.
Investigate opportunities to partner with other organisers where events cross over, be open to different ways of doing business. We must be careful about flooding the market with similar events in within close timelines just because we couldn’t space them out throughout the year! This will be detrimental to exhibitors and suppliers to the industry.
Communicate your decision with all entities involved: from exhibitors, visitors, staff and suppliers through all lines of communication: Website notification, social media notification, a formal press release sent to media partners and the press in general, send out notifications via email and SMS and follow through with a telephone call.
Publish contact details through which stakeholders can contact you for more information.
Have a follow-up plan. Don’t just postpone or cancel, communicate with all stakeholders when the next event will be, ensure there is longevity for your brand.
Where possible, move exhibitors onto the next event / new event dates seamlessly.
Do not refrain from refunding customers or issuing them with credits for the next event where necessary and do not refrain from paying suppliers for services already rendered.
Refund paying visitors or delegates, but also exhaust alternatives; like moving them straight onto the new event dates, providing them with a credit towards the next event, or upgrading them for new event dates at no cost, etc.
Encourage exhibitors to continue with their marketing plans and stand build preparations for their participation in your next event. This will assist suppliers in the industry to plan for the chaotic second half of the year when exhibitions are back to back. In addition, exhibitors may be motivated to secure current pricing and ensure efficient delivery.
Make sure that your internal teams are fully aware of plans and procedures around postponement or cancellation and have a consistent message to all stakeholders.
Don’t forget to take care of your staff. Ensure they understand everything about COVID-19, what the symptoms are, and the strict hygiene controls required. If possible, create an environment where your staff can work from home where possible which will allow for self-isolation.
If you intend to postpone to 2021 or your new financial year, and have access to insurance, fully understand the requirements of the insurer, follow the protocols that will enable you to make a claim.
In the event of postponement work with the venue and have them create a sign to put up at the venue during show days in case your event participants arrive on the original dates.
Monitor social media platforms, in case of questions or negative sentiment.
Cancel permits and or licences for shows outside of South Africa if applicable.
Communication is key during the next few months and is essential to maintain relationships with our exhibitors, partners, employees, and suppliers; this will assist us in ensuring the continuance of our businesses and future prosperity of our industry.
AAXO is committed to working with our Members to ensure the continued success and longevity of our sector. For more information, please contact:
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
Plagued by protests, a trash credit rating and many political storms, South Africa’s economy has had a tough time. And then we won the Rugby World Cup and realised that we can still win at this game called business. It is going to take some hard work and a rock-solid strategy, but exhibition organisers are known for their tenacity. Here’s what we see happening in the exhibition space next year:
Always On, Always Connected
We are living in an ‘always on’ culture, where there is greater demand for what we offer. And when the economy is in a state of decline, demand is something exhibition organisers need to be tuned in to. Attendees want 24/7 engagement from organisers, and the organisers are not about to disappoint. 2020 will see a year in which exhibition organisers rise to the challenge by maximising the use of Chatbots to assist with immediate responses. Chatbots on apps and websites will allow visitors to find everything they need – NOW!
A Focused Strategy
Due to the slow decline in exhibitor participation, organisers will need to focus their strategy not only on exhibitor retention to ensure growth, but diversify their product offering, find new revenue streams and deliver exceptional value.
Regulation shapes how we market our events
With the CPA (Consumer Protection Act) and POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) coming into full force from 2020, organisers will have to be more careful when marketing directly to potential attendees. We will need to re- evaluate our opt-in marketing strategies or face severe penalties. And find new channels to reach old customers.
Embrace Digital Channels
The rise of digital marketing results in organisers being more inclined to spend the bulk of their budget on digital channels. We need to find a healthy balance between traditional and digital marketing and stop thinking of digital marketing as the enemy. When done right, digital marketing compliments our traditional efforts in ways we never thought possible. Further to this, the industry can see some interesting developments as organisers commercialise their own digital channels to establish new revenue streams.
Fiercely Protect Our Customers
There is a need to tackle the rise of deceptive practices from companies scamming exhibitors in the industry, pretending to be part of the organiser team. These fraudsters are scamming exhibitors into purchasing attendee lists from them, or services not affiliated with the organisers. Organisers will have to place more stringent communication in place to ensure clients don’t fall into this trap.
Innovation is key
Organisers are pushing forward by innovating in exhibitions to keep them relevant; exhibition attendees can look out for a more personalised experience overall especially with all the digital tools now available: personalised show journeys, highly targeted communications, add-on VIP-type experiences, improved overall event experience as organisers focus on visitor experience as opposed to just getting feet through the door.
A Big Focus on People
Sourcing, growing and retaining talent is more important than ever to help us grow our exhibition industry. Exhibition organisers will lead the way in sourcing talent for the industry and invest substantially to grow and retain talent for future stability.
Overall, exhibition organisers will again rise to the challenge – and we invite our peers, suppliers and customers to rise with us!
For more information about AAXO or to join as a Member of AAXO, please contact:
Sustainability is a journey, and one that exhibition and event display specialist, Scan Display, has embraced. Its most recent project to promote greening has been the Cape Town branch’s installation of its own plant nursery which exclusively stocks water-wise, non-invasive plants.
One of the company’s exhibition designers, Jacob van Zyl, drove the implementation process. He says, “The idea behind this is to promote the use of water-wise plants in our exhibition stand and display designs, and we can be inspired by the plants we have on-hand. This set-up also means we are able to offer our clients a lower cost to hire these plants, which makes them more accessible.”
Jacob designed the structure that shelters the nursery, which is made from repurposed gum poles and wooden pallets.
Given Cape Town’s current water shortages, a well-thought-out system has been put in place to keep the plants watered. “The City of Cape Town’s water restriction rules clearly state that no municipal water be used to water plants. Therefore we have installed an overhead irrigation system that relies exclusively on our grey-water system,” explains Jacob.
In 2017, Scan Display Cape Town set up a rainwater harvesting system which has helped the branch to become increasingly self-sufficient for its water needs. A reverse osmosis purification system cleans the collected rainwater, and creates some grey water waste in the process. This is then used for the nursery, together with grey water collected from the basins.
The team is also conscious of the importance of re-use as a greening philosophy, so the plants are grown, maintained and used in such a manner as to promote their longevity and minimise waste.
The company will continue to seek new ways to save water and offer its clients greater value, using the drought as an opportunity for innovation.
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