A Message from our Chairperson — Sibusiso Mncwabe

The Exhibition industry represents diverse industries, cultures, backgrounds, and age groups, we are united by our shared vision and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of exhibitions. Exhibitions have always been a vibrant tapestry of ideas, knowledge, and inspiration, weaving together people and businesses from all corners of the world.

Events and exhibitions provide opportunities for businesses to engage with their target audience in a face-to-face setting and promote their brand and offerings. They also offer a platform for businesses to generate new leads, close deals and drive sales. They are also the breeding ground of ideas, where cutting edge technologies, groundbreaking discoveries, and visionary concepts converge to shape our future. This serves as a catalyst for collaboration, fostering meaningful partnerships and igniting the sparks of innovation.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, events and exhibitions have the remarkable ability to transcend borders and bridge divides. They embody the spirit of inclusivity, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, cultures to be celebrated and stories to be shared. We are able to celebrate our shared humanity and remind ourselves of the incredible richness and diversity of our global community.

The Covid-19 pandemic has tested our resilience and being able to adapt, forcing us to reimagine the way we connect, collaborate and create. It is a testament to the unwavering spirit of our industry that we have embraced digital platforms, virtual experiences, and hybrid formats to keep the flame alive.

This speaks to the ability of change. Adaption to change is key, in this way we are able to pass on the knowledge, skills and even our lived experience to those following us. The past built us and it is time to pass it on.

Let’s pay it forward.

Events and exhibitions are an important driver of economic growth, creating jobs and generating revenue for local economies. They attract visitors from around the world, who in turn spend money on accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and other goods and services. In addition, they often serve as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and start-ups to exchange ideas and collaborate on new projects.