AAXO is committed to growing the South African and African exhibition industry. The UFI global congress was recently held in South Africa for the first time ever and AAXO hosted the Africa Focus Session during this industry leading event. With more than 400 delegates from over 56 countries, this was certainly the perfect networking opportunity for AAXO to meet global organisers and industry associations.
One of the highlights for AAXO during the UFI congress was that we signed a reciprocal agreement with the IELA. The International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) is the global industry network that provides top quality performance and expertise for all exhibition logistics needs.
It is vital for the exhibition industry to stand together globally. AAXO will sign various agreements with international associations in the coming months to profile our region, members and their shows to the global community. These collaborations are vital to ensure our members can glean knowledge and insights to global trends and best practice. South Africa is open for business.
In the picture from the left Carol Weaving (AAXO Chairperson), Mariane Ewbank (IELA Chairperson) and Llewellyn du Plessis (AAXO General Manager) celebrating the partnership at the African themed UFI gala dinner held at Expo Centre on 2 November 2017.
For more information on AAXO, visit www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn du Plessis on 011 549 8300 or at .
All membership inquiries, including a full list of membership benefits and information on how to join can be directed to .
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 1 November 2017 – The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) and the Association of African Exhibition Organizers (AAXO) are pleased to announce a new partnership to actively promote the business events and exhibition industry within Africa.
This ground-breaking agreement aims to strengthen and promote both industries in the Southern African region. SAACI and AAXO are looking forward to the mutual benefits both associations and their members will enjoy through this cooperation – chief among these a commitment to extend SAACI and AAXO members reciprocal membership benefits.
“It is truly a massive step forward for us as associations to be able to bring cohesiveness to the business events and exhibitions industry in Southern Africa,” says SAACI CEO, Rudi van der Vyver. “Partnerships like these will allow our members to create stronger businesses in the future. With these industries having such a massive impact on South Africa’s economy and placing Africa on the global stage we are proud to be driving the industry to new heights, together.”
By agreeing to this cooperation, SAACI and AAXO will not only mutually benefit, but will also strengthen and promote the business events and exhibition industry through various initiatives. These include the sharing of relevant research data and information, the creation of jointly sponsored activities and events that will encourage interaction between members of both organisations, the participation of the leaders of both associations in the major events of each organisation, as well as collaboration from both parties at the SAACI Conference and AAXO Exhibition of Exhibition respectively.
Chairperson of AAXO, Carol Weaving states that both SAACI and AAXO contribute greatly to the overall economy of South Africa. “The estimated economic impact totalled a remarkable R75 billion and the tourism impact is estimated at R23 billion. AAXO and SAACI will work together to promote further growth in the exhibition industry, not only in South Africa but in the rest of Africa.”
SAACI and AAXO are extremely excited by the myriad of opportunities this agreement will provide both associations to effectively promote business events and the exhibition industry in our region and are confident that this partnership will benefit the larger industry and its members for years to come.
Additional information:
SAACI is the recognised umbrella body of the business events industry in Southern Africa and membership is a vital recognition of professional practice. Since 1987 SAACI has been dedicated to efficiency and professionalism in the industry.
The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) was formed to provide a collective platform of address and representation for professional exhibition organisers throughout Africa. AAXO aims to promote the industry, encourage people to invest and participate in exhibitions, and give members the tools and resources to run successful exhibitions.
Following months of rigorous consultations and negotiations AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers) and EXSA (Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa) have signed an agreement to work together under the EIA (Exhibition Industry Alliance) umbrella. EXSA will focus on being a Supplier and Venue focused Association whereas AAXO will be Organiser focused. The respective associations are dedicated to ensuring that members receive the best possible benefits by sharing an annual industry directory, EIA Awards ceremony, market research, various training sessions, collaboration at the annual Exhibition of Exhibitions as well as the popular EXSA annual conference.
AAXO and EXSA will continue to run independently under their respective management teams and collaborate on major projects as listed above. Parts of the agreement include the introduction of the EIA package, which will see members paying discounted rates for membership of both associations with access to intellectual property and research conducted by both institutions. The EIA package will allow members to attend training offered by the associations at member rates.
AAXO and EXSA hosted the first ever Exhibition Industry Awards ceremony under the EIA, Exhibition Industry Alliance in January 2017 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. The event was a massive success with just under 350 industry players in attendance in celebrating the highlights of the exhibition industry for the past year. The entries are now open for the second edition of the awards which will take place on 1 February 2018 and it promises to be bigger and grander than the inaugural show. Organisers, venues and suppliers are urged to submit their entries whilst booking their tables for the event which sets the tone for the year.
AAXO is committed to working with EXSA to form a united front for the exhibition industry where exhibition organisers, venues and suppliers can work together for the greater good of the industry but at the same time focusing on their respective industry sector issues and priorities. September 21st has been marked as a historical date within EXSA as the members voted to transform EXSA to become the new progressive exhibition and events industry venue and supplier focused association.
“We are eager to start implementing the points of the agreements which will benefit the industry whilst ensuring that the sector is professional and credible for all” commented Carol Weaving on the partnership. “We are excited about the new strategic direction of transforming the association and in turn the sector through the EIA agreement,” said Doug Rix, EXSA Chair till January 2018 AGM, ‘’Transformation, not change, became inevitable, for they are not the same. Change means implementing finite initiatives which may or may not cut across the Association and where the focus is on executing a well-defined shift in the way things work. Transformation focusses on a portfolio of initiatives, which are interdependent or intersecting. More importantly the overall goal of transformation is not just to execute a defined change, but to reinvent the Association and discover a new or revised business model based on a vision for the future of OUR Industry.’’
The EIA is excited to unite the exhibition and events industry in South Africa and as an industry we can stand together and work towards a common goal.
“We are only as strong as we are united” – JK Rowling
One of the core elements of AAXO’s mandate is to formalise and standardise the industry, by offering extensive and comprehensive training to both members and non-members. We believe that this is perhaps one of the most promising ways in which we can help the industry move forward and grow – which is why we created the Exhibition of Exhibitions (with the various training workshops it encompasses).
The EoE provides a place for members of the exhibition industry to meet, showcase their products, receive world-class training, explore innovation and network with industry leaders. Organisers, suppliers and venues who exhibit, will also receive a listing in the show guide or passport to the world of exhibitions.
With AAXO and EXSA collaborating at the popular annual Exhibitions of Exhibitions – which will be held from 31 January to 1 February 2018 at the Ticketpro Dome – both AAXO and EXSA members now enjoy access to the entire exciting line-up and can book their seats for the various training sessions and member activities.
These include, but are not limited to, Organiser and Exhibitor Training facilitated by Andy Preston, an expert on sales in the exhibition industry. EXSA will also be presenting Supplier training targeting industry-related content.
In addition, following training sessions will be available at the Exhibition of Exhibitions:
Date
Course
Member rates
31 January 2018 – 1 February 2018
Organiser Training
R895.00 excl Vat
31 January 2018 – 1 February 2018
Exhibitor Training
R625.00 excl Vat
31 January 2018 – 1 February 2018
Supplier Training
R895.00 excl Vat
International Safety Training
Another key benefit that the respective bodies’ memberships will continue to enjoy is access to world-class industry-specific training events, like the International Safety Training that AAXO is hosting from 31 January to 2 February 2018.
With the global focus on safety, security, wellness and preventing terrorism, safety training is in high demand – particularly since organisers and venues are responsible for the safety of visitors, suppliers, venue staff and everyone involved in the setup of an exhibition.
At this International Safety Training, Simon Garret, safety expert from X-Venture, will be presenting intensive sessions for all levels of exhibition personnel. He has a master’s degree in management practice and was formerly the Operations Director of an international venue.
AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers) and EXSA (Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa) just released that they will be working together once again under the Exhibition Industry Alliance (EIA) banner. These two industry giants will be co-hosting the AAXO ROAR Awards and EXSA-llence Awards at a glamorous gala dinner, dubbed the Exhibition Industry Alliance Awards.
As the exhibition event of the year, this groundbreaking celebration – set to take place on 1 February 2018 – promises to attract the best in the exhibition industry, all under one roof and under one partnership, that of the EIA.
This will mark the second time ever where exhibition organisers, exhibitors and stand builders are represented at industry awards thanks to AAXO’s ROAR Awards. The overarching goal of the ROAR awards is to create a platform for talented and dedicated industry professionals to enjoy: RESPECT for their participation, OPPORTUNITIES to grow their businesses, acknowledgement for their wonderful ACHIEVEMENTS, while taking RESPONSIBILITY for their safe practice and participation in exhibitions.
In addition to a highly-esteemed panel of judges, the EIA Awards also boasts fantastic sponsors. One such sponsor is the TicketPro Dome, who has come onboard to host this spectacular event.
How to Enter the ROAR Awards
Entries are now open and will be accepted in various categories for organisers, exhibitors and stand builders entering on behalf of exhibitors. Award Categories range from various trade exhibition categories to various consumer exhibition, Confex and table top categories. Brand new categories include ‘Social media” and “Africa Bound”.
Carol Weaving, Chairperson of AAXO said, “AAXO’s vision is of a united, credible African exhibition industry. South Africa is one of the biggest exhibition industries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has every potential to compete in the international market. Initiatives such as the ROAR Awards places the key players in the industry in an ideal position for faster growth.”
How to Attend This Glamorous Event
On the back of the ranging success of the first-ever ROAR Awards which took place in conjunction with the EXSA-llence Awards at the beginning of 2017, this EIA Awards Ceremony is much awaited with its reputation of being a glamorous event that attracts all the industry’s high-profile players.
Bookings for EIA Awards where the ROAR Awards and EXSA-llence Awards will take place are now open. Group bookings for tables of 10 are available from R7250 excluding VAT while individual tickets can be purchased from R775 excluding VAT.
To BOOK NOW, simply visit www.aaxo.co.za or email for more.
“We are delighted to, once again, be at the helm of what is set to be a spectacular EIA Awards,” notes Weaving. “As always, AAXO is committed to serving the exhibition industry and our members and associate members as best as possible – the collaboration with EXSA and the hosting of the ROAR Awards is just another example of that.”
For more information on the ROAR Awards, go to www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn du Plessis on .
EXSA members can enter the annual EXSA-llence awards by contacting Thuli at .
For more information on AAXO, visit www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn du Plessis on 011 549 8300 or at .
All membership and associate membership inquiries, including a full list of membership benefits and information on how to join can be directed to .
Spintelligent, the multi-AAXO-award-winning Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, had a strong first half of 2017 with all of four of its flagship events: African Utility Week, Agritech Expo Zambia, DRC Mining Week and Eduweek, pulling off record results and an exciting new Property Buyer Show drawing large crowds.
Spintelligent MD David Ashdown says “exhibition and conference revenues are up year-on-year and attendee numbers are growing exponentially. The demand for face-to-face events as a platform to share knowledge and facilitate trade is increasing and proven to provide African buyers and sellers an improved ROI over traditional marketing medium.”
“Winning four major AAXO event industry awards at the beginning of 2017 was immensely rewarding but it has also inspired us to work even harder and not rest on our laurels and the results to date speak for themselves,” says Spintelligent MD David Ashdown. He adds: “I am very proud of my team for their effort and commitment and am confident that the rest of the year will be as fulfilling and successful.”
• Education: Most recently, the 11th edition of Eduweek took place at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg from 12-13 July and gathered 3,738 attendees over two days, 90 expert speakers and 161 exhibitors.
• Mining: DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, DRC in June showed an astounding 67% growth with 2,691 attendees from 32 countries over three days with 131 exhibitors.
• Power & Energy: In May, Cape Town’s CTICC once again hosted African Utility Week and this year also did not disappoint. The 17th edition of the event welcomed 7,477 attendees from 91 countries who attended the three-day event – this was up from 6,445 attendees last year. The expo featured more than 300 exhibitors from 11 different countries and 284 expert speakers and 66 utilities from 20 African countries were represented.
• Agriculture: Agritech Expo Zambia in Chisamba in April featured a record number of more than 18,000 visitors, seven international pavilions and a VIP attendance that included five cabinet ministers and the Zambian President Edgar Lungu who visited the event for the third year in a row.
• Real Estate: Spintelligent also launched its first Property Buyer Show in Cape Town in April, a unique exhibition aimed at first-time residential buyers or property investors, which drew some 3,100 visitors.
Spintelligent’s publishing division has also been very busy so far this year. Says David Ashdown: “besides never missing a day to deliver daily headline news, we have published 14 editions of our long-running, leading trade publications ESI-Africa, Mining Review Africa, Metering & Smart Energy International and look forward to another 12 content-rich editions until the New Year.” He continues: “our prestige publications are boasting a new layout, the African Power Elites 2018 has achieved new heights by doubling incoming nominations in comparison to 2017, whilst for the first time, our African Mining Elites 2018 opens the door to new and exciting awards, highlighting excellence in the mining industry. Our Global Smart Energy Elites 2018, featuring the latest insights into the global leaders of the international smart energy network, is due to be released in October.”
Africa, a continental approach“Spintelligent has a busy five months ahead,” says MD David Ashdown, “particularly rolling out our new Future Energy franchise of energy conferences and exhibitions across Africa” and in the process renaming some of Africa’s most iconic regional power events in East, West and Central Africa, including EAPIC and WAPIC, reflecting the optimism and potential of the energy and power sectors on the continent.” He adds: “Africa continues to show economic development and growth, and we look forward to continuing to realise our potential and, while growing our key sector portfolios organically, our strategic path also includes being open to partnership and acquisition opportunities.”
– Editor’s notes –
ROAR Awards 2017 Earlier this year Spintelligent won four major awards at AAXO’s ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg:
– Best Trade Exhibition 6001-12000 sqm category: African Utility Week, joint winner with World Travel Market
– Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12000 sqm Award: Agritech Expo Zambia
– Distinction in Social Responsibility Award: Agritech Expo Zambia
– Best Confex Award: African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit
– Social Responsibility Award (finalist): DRC Mining WeekUpcoming
Spintelligent events in 2017:
• 13-14 September: Future Energy Uganda, Kampala.
• 2-3 October: Future Energy Central Africa, Yaoundé
• 4-5 October: Eduweek Western Cape, Cape Town
• 16-19 October: Nigeria Mining Week, Abuja
• 25-29 October: African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit and Property Buyer Show, Johannesburg
• 7-8 November: Future Energy Nigeria, Lagos
• 13-14 November: Kenya Mining Forum, Nairobi
• 29-30 November: Future Energy East Africa, Nairobi
• 29-30 November: AgriBusiness Congress East Africa, Kampala
Spintelligent is well known for organising exhibitions and conferences across the continent in the infrastructure, real estate, energy, mining, agriculture and education sectors. Its publishing division reaches the key sectoral decision makers for metering, power and mining. Spintelligent is part of the UK-based Clarion Events Group.
The exhibition industry is always changing and as a result it is important to stay on trend and to push boundaries in order to appeal to a rapidly advancing market. Kim Kitchen shares what we can expect from exhibition stands this year.
LARGE AUDIO-VISUAL LED screens and lighting are gradually becoming the norm for an exhibition stand. The trend is to use these to greatly enhance the stand and create a dramatic effect. One can literally have a moving wall of imagery through the use of LED’s.
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY Think iPads and photobooths. More exhibitors are displaying live Twitter and Facebook feeds from their stands. This form of micro-blogging encourages people to post their opinions and comments in the name of interaction.
INNOVATIVE USE OF MATERIALS Wood, metal and fabric is getting notably popular. Fabric is versatile and can define space, while wood is less susceptible to damage and creates a nicer interior look. Metal creates a high tech look on a stand.
IMPRESSIVE STRUCTURES AND SUSPENDED ELEMENTS The trend towards shapes on stands is either large angled and intersecting shapes, or curves and waves which have been made possible through new technology and a better understanding of how shapes can be constructed.
STREAMLINED LOOK Exhibition stands are starting to move towards a cleaner, more streamlined look, utilising light and dark wood finishes with polished steel accents.
DRESSING OF THE STANDS Elements such as modern furniture, AstroTurf flooring and display plants are becoming a vital attractive element of all stands.
GREEN STANDS Whether it is a system or custom stand, exhibition stand companies must reuse materials either for future stands or through recycling and donation of stand elements
BEDOUINS Indoors is moving outdoors. Bedouins are gaining popularity as they create closed environments that are more reminiscent of what we usually see indoors.
HIGH STRUCTURES An easy way to attract attention to a stand in an outdoor area is to use high walling.
LARGE-SCALE DECOR OR OUTDOOR GRAPHICS The clever use of cargo containers to create exhibition space and double storeys are becoming a popular choice.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
In the picture from the left Carol Weaving (AAXO Chairperson), Mariane Ewbank (IELA Chairperson) and Llewellyn du Plessis (AAXO General Manager) celebrating the partnership at the African themed UFI gala dinner held at Expo Centre on 2 November 2017.
