Building businesses, connecting communities and creating platforms where people, ideas and opportunities meet.

For almost three decades, RX Africa has been creating platforms that bring businesses, industries and communities together across South Africa and beyond.

The South African legal entity behind RX Africa was established in 1997, with the business becoming part of Reed Exhibitions through a joint venture in 2013. In 2021, it adopted the RX brand identity, becoming part of a global network spanning more than 400 events across 22 countries and 43 industry sectors.

Based in Woodmead, Johannesburg, RX Africa organises exhibitions primarily in Johannesburg and Cape Town, connecting local, pan-African and international participants.

At its heart, the business describes its purpose simply: building businesses by creating powerful face-to-face and digital platforms where people can connect, learn, source products, build relationships and do business.

A Diverse Portfolio with Global Reach

RX Africa’s portfolio spans a broad range of industries, including travel and tourism, design and décor, pop culture and gaming, film, arts, media and entertainment, manufacturing and industrial automation.

Its recognised event brands include World Travel Market Africa, ILTM Africa, FAME Week Africa, Decorex Africa, 100% Design Africa, Comic Con Africa and the Africa Automation Technology Fair.

What sets RX Africa apart is the combination of local market knowledge with the resources, data capabilities and international reach of a global events business.

The focus extends beyond individual events. RX Africa builds year-round communities, connects African businesses with international markets and combines face-to-face engagement with digital tools and data to create more relevant experiences and measurable commercial value.

A Roar-Worthy Achievement

RX Africa had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 AAXO ROAR Awards, taking home an impressive 11 awards across event delivery, marketing, social media and operations.

FAME Week Africa was named Exhibition of the Year, while Comic Con Africa, Decorex Joburg, WTM Africa, ILTM Africa, Comic Con Cape Town and the Africa Automation Technology Fair were also recognised.

For RX Africa, the achievement reflects the creativity, commitment and high standards of its teams across the business.

Looking After People, Building the Future

One of the lesser-known chapters in RX Africa’s story came during the COVID-19 shutdown.

While the events industry faced unprecedented uncertainty, RX Africa retained its core team and continued paying employees their full salaries. This was made possible in part by a decision Managing Director Carol Weaving had made years earlier to take out communicable-disease insurance, recognising the potential risks associated with operating and travelling across Africa.

It was an unexpected example of forward planning that helped protect the company’s people during one of the industry’s most difficult periods.

Today, that focus on people extends to the next generation.

Through its NextGen initiative, RX Africa works with universities and industry partners to create meaningful pathways into tourism, hospitality and events. Young people are given opportunities to participate in conference content, practical workshops, live business challenges, networking and mentorship, with the programme also connecting participants to internships, employment opportunities and professional mentors.

What’s Next for RX Africa?

Over the next 12–24 months, RX Africa plans to deepen its data-led digital transformation, with a focus on more personalised customer journeys, stronger year-round communities and clearer measures of return on investment for exhibitors, sponsors and partners.

The business is also advancing its 2027 sustainability programme, focusing on reducing paper consumption, encouraging responsible travel, improving recycling and waste management, and promoting more sustainable exhibition-stand practices across its portfolio.

Meet the Person Behind the Business

Carol Weaving | Managing Director, RX Africa

Carol Weaving’s career in exhibitions spans more than 35 years, but her journey to leading one of Africa’s best-known exhibition businesses was anything but conventional.

After moving from the United Kingdom to South Africa, Carol built her career through a combination of entrepreneurship, leadership and a willingness to take on new challenges.

She became the youngest director and first female director of the Automobile Association at Kyalami Racetrack, before establishing her own business, International Exhibition Consultants. She subsequently sold a majority share to Dutch exhibition company RAI and went on to head RAI South Africa.

In 2004, she facilitated the sale of RAI’s shares to Thebe Tourism Group. Then, in 2013, Reed Exhibitions entered into a joint venture with Thebe Tourism Group and Carol to acquire a majority share in Thebe Exhibitions & Projects Group.

That business evolved through several iterations, from Thebe Reed Exhibitions to Reed Exhibitions Africa and ultimately RX Africa.

What started as a career in marketing and exhibitions became more than three decades of entrepreneurship, partnerships, acquisitions and growth.

From Radio to Exhibition Halls

Carol’s first job was actually in radio marketing in the UK, where she developed an early grounding in communication, understanding audiences and creating experiences that engage people.

After moving to South Africa, she entered the exhibition industry with Systems Exhibitions. One of the first events she managed was The Great Safari Show, which had just 30 exhibitors and attracted approximately 5,000 visitors.

Her career has since included organising and launching events across numerous sectors, managing major venues including the Dome for 23 years, and contributing to projects such as the early development of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The Magic Is Still in the Connection

What does Carol love most about the exhibition industry?

Taking an idea and bringing it to life.

For her, there is something particularly rewarding about watching a concept become a platform that connects people, creates opportunities and helps businesses grow.

And despite the industry’s rapid technological evolution, one thing remains constant.

“People continue to want to do business with people they know, like and trust.”

She enjoys seeing exhibitors secure new opportunities, industries come together to solve challenges and young professionals discover connections that can change the direction of their careers.

For Carol, there is also something special about watching an empty venue transform into a thriving business community.

What Comes Next?

Carol believes the biggest changes facing exhibitions over the next three to five years will come through data, artificial intelligence and digital tools, particularly in the way organisers personalise customer journeys and demonstrate measurable value.

Events are likely to become increasingly connected before, during and after the physical experience, creating year-round communities rather than one-off interactions.

Sustainability will also become an increasingly fundamental requirement, influencing everything from travel and stand construction to waste management and procurement.

But technology, she believes, will enhance rather than replace face-to-face events.

Because at the heart of the industry, human connection still matters.

A Career Built on Adaptability

If more than 35 years in events have taught Carol anything, it is to be adaptable and resilient.

Live events rarely go exactly according to plan. The ability to remain calm, find a solution and keep moving forward is part of the job.

She also believes in doing your homework, making informed decisions and then having the courage to trust your instincts.

“Not every idea will succeed, but it is always better to try, learn and move forward than to be afraid of failure.”

Beyond the Boardroom

There is another side to Carol that may surprise those who know her primarily as a business leader.

She describes herself as something of a contradiction: she loves socialising, travelling, Formula 1 and anything involving adrenaline. Her adventures have included skydiving, bungee jumping, fighter-jet flying and shark diving.

But she is equally happy being a homebody, enjoying peace and quiet and spending time building LEGO.

It is perhaps an appropriate combination for someone who has spent a career balancing entrepreneurial drive with the patience and focus needed to build something lasting.

The Philosophy That Keeps Her Moving

Carol’s advice is straightforward:

“Believe in yourself, work hard and never give up.”

For her, the principle applies equally to business, leadership and life. Self-belief, preparation and determination can take you further than you might imagine.

And judging by a 35-year journey that has taken her from UK radio marketing to the helm of one of Africa’s leading exhibition businesses, it’s a philosophy that has served her well.

RX Africa at a Glance

Established: 1997
Head Office: Woodmead, Johannesburg
Global Network: 400+ events | 22 countries | 43 industry sectors
Team: 42 full-time employees, plus contractors and temporary staff
Managing Director: Carol Weaving
Industry Experience: 35+ years
Key Sectors: Travel & Tourism | Design & Décor | Pop Culture & Gaming | Film, Arts, Media & Entertainment | Manufacturing & Industrial Automation
AAXO ROAR Awards 2026: 11 awards