THE VOICE OF CREDIBILITY & PROFESSIONALISM FOR EXHIBITION ORGANISERS
Total expo’s
130
Total square meters
165000
Total expo visitors
330000
Total exhibitors
105000
African Exhibition News
Exhibition Organisers unite to launch new industry association
Some of the largest and most successful exhibition organisers in Southern Africa, namely Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, MMI South Africa, Hypenica, Thebe Reed Exhibitions, Spintelligent, Terrapinn, The Wedding Group, SA Confex Services, TE Trade Events, Exposure Marketing, LTE and Synergy Business Events, have announced that they will be launching a new . . . You need […]
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Scan Display can build vaccination centres at scale
“South Africa’s exhibition industry has a proven track record of providing quick and affordable solutions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. From testing and isolation centres to field hospitals, the exhibition industry’s temporary structures have allowed us to re-purpose our stock and create solutions in response . . . You need to be a registered […]
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Africa Travel Week unveils 2021 roadmap to reignite travel and tourism in Africa
WTM Africa and suite of sister shows to run as a virtual event from 07-09 April 2021 with a live element from 01-03 September during Tourism Month. The virtual and live events form part of a 365-day plan to offer . . . You need to be a registered AAXO member in order to view […]
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UFI Global Barometer provides 2020 results and 2021 perspectives for the exhibition industry
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest edition of its flagship Global Barometer research, which takes the pulse of the industry. Results highlight the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exhibition industry worldwide, in2020. There are also positive signs regarding a quick . . . You need to […]
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Africa’s resilient energy sector celebrated in latest African Power & Energy Elites
“The timing is perfect for utilities to embrace the shift to digital” “The benefits of solar and the effectiveness of minigrids continue to shine bright on our continent,” says Ashley Theron-Ord, editor of the annual African Power & Energy Elites
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Scan Display launches affordable and flexible shopping kiosks
Branding and retail display specialist, Scan Display, has devised a new cost-effective solution for shopping kiosks. Its Showcase Kiosk range is available for short term rental, and the standard modular components can be readily configured for retailers’ unique requirements. “With the disruptions that Covid-19 is causing to our . . . You need to be […]
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RECHARGE 2020
Irish Technology deployed in South Africa as part of International Music Events re-opening Irish-based Health Passport Europe has partnered with Big Concerts and The Entertainment Group to safely re-open the events industry in South Africa, using latest developments in rapid COVID-19 testing and the . . . You need to be a registered AAXO member […]
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CEM Spotlight on Tracy-Lee Behr
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 […]
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New professional designation for Event Safety Officers
Back in late 2018 SACIA’s Event Safety Council set about the development of two new professional designations for Event Safety Officers. It was a process that involved active engagement with various government and regulatory bodies, as well as local practitioners and industry colleagues from around the world. The draft . . . You need to […]
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CEIR Releases Landmark Report Series on Global Virtual Event Trends
Report One – Anatomy of Virtual Events and Financial Outcomes The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the first report in a three-part series that will provide hotly sought-after details on virtual events. CEIR’s Global Virtual Event Trends Series examines insights among organizations that . . . You need to be a registered AAXO member […]
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DRC Mining Week June 2021: Returning in safety and in numbers
“Digital was good but a live event is for everyone” “There is no doubt that the DRC’s mining sector will have a solid year in 2021 and the mining community is ready and looking forward to gathering in Lubumbashi from 15-17 June for the annual
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CEM Spotlight on Zinhle Khoza
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 […]
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Restart Expo sees industry united in reopening of exhibitions and events
Taking place from 25-26 November at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, the Restart Expo was an opportunity for the collective industry to unite in demonstrating to the authorities how exhibitions and events can take place safely with all the required COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place . . . You need to be […]
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African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa announces new brand and vision: Enlit Africa, after 20 years
African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, for some two decades the flagship power, energy and water event on the continent, last week unveiled its new name, identity and vision, Enlit Africa, during the opening session of the digital edition of the event. “The dynamics . . . You need to be a registered AAXO member […]
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CEM Spotlight on Dain Richardson
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 […]
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Africa’s first Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) graduates
The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), in conjunction with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), hosted the internationally recognised Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) programme in Africa for the first time this year. The CEM qualification is a globally recognised designation that demonstrates the highest professional standard . . . You need to […]
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AAXO announces the formation of Venue Committee
The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) has announced the formation of the AAXO Venue Committee. AAXO, representing the event organising industry, has established the Venue Committee to advocate for safety and security at exhibitions. Furthermore, the committee will ensure international standards are maintained, encourage professionalism and ethical behaviour, and foster a collaborative environment for […]
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Team Messe Muenchen SA stays on top of trends with CEM qualifications
Three key team members of Messe Muenchen South Africa are among the elite Class of 2020 to have graduated from the first Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) programme in Africa. AAXO, in conjunction with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), hosted the internationally recognised CEM programme in Africa . . . You need […]
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Clarity on City of Johannesburg JOC Event Guidelines for COVID-19
On 21st October, the City of Joburg JOC (Joint Operations Committee) which manages event compliance for the Johannesburg Metropolitan area published COVID-19 protocols for the City. These protocols reiterate that ALL events staged within the City of Johannesburg under Alert Level 1 are subject to JOC compliance and COVID . . . You need to […]
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Polokwane event jeopardises the events industry
It is with extreme concern and disappointment that the SA Events Council (SAEC) noted the blatant disregard of government-issued restrictions by the Event Organisers of the ANC Siyanqoba Rally in Polokwane on Sunday 8th November. Video footage shows thousands of attendees flouting social distancing regulations, the majority of whom . . . You need to […]
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#BuildBackBetter – Creating the new normal for sustainable events
The upcoming Event Greening Forum’s Master Class will unpack how to create safe and sustainable events. The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to help the South African business events industry become increasingly sustainable. In line with this, this year’s Master . . . You need to be a […]
Agile Leadership Interviews
About Us
AAXO was formed as a collective platform to represent the organiser industry at large by promoting growth and development while addressing the industry’s challenges. Its efforts are directed towards its mission of being the respected authority and representative of the exhibition organising industry responsible for governance, skills development and research while upholding world-class industry standards. This, in turn, is designed to be the engine that drives the African exhibition and organiser growth.
AAXO includes exhibition organisers across a range of trade, consumer and conference-driven exhibitions, namely Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, Messe Munchen SA, Reed Exhibitions, Spintelligent, Terrapinn, SA Confex Services, TE Trade Events, Exposure Marketing, Agri Expo, Synergy Business solutions, Media 10, DMG Events, Agri Expo, Foundation for Professional Development and Velocity Vision.
With the wealth of knowledge and experience brought to the association by these organisations, AAXO has the energy and expertise to deal with the unique challenges and needs that organisers are faced with, and give them a powerful and credible voice.
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.
This includes introducing a code of conduct that is fair, ethical and with remedy and confidentiality; running training programmes that improve the outcome of exhibitions; mediating disputes fairly and with sensitivity; conducting research to provide organisers and exhibitors with growth and business opportunities; engaging with government on greater recognition of the industry; and networking with relevant conference and exhibition bodies to share issues.
Throughout these and all other activities, AAXO strives to represent all its members with honesty and integrity, and to provide them with guidance and leadership.
Meet the Board

Exposure Marketing (Chairperson)

Dmg Events

Synergy Business Events (Vice-Chair)

Reed Exhibitions

Specialised Exhibitions (Treasurer)

Spintelligent

SA Confex (Advisory Member)

Messe München South Africa (Pty) Ltd