AAXO NEWS

AAXO moving ahead in 2022

The efforts of AAXO’s leadership in navigating the association through the pitfalls of the Covid-pandemic and the resultant devastation of the industry showed an unprecedented level of dedication and commitment by the board.

By Devi Paulsen-Abbott, AAXO chairperson.

After two years of lobbying government to reopen the industry, participation in developing and implementing industry Covid safety guidelines, mounting proof-of-concept events, and unrelenting advocacy, the industry is entering a new phase of recovery and AAXO is ready for it.

The results of the vote for the new AAXO board were announced at the AGM on 25 May, with Devi Paulsen-Abbott (dmg Events) taking over the reins as chair, supported by Tiisetso Tau (Synergy) as vice-chair and Mark Anderson (Specialised Exhibitions) as treasurer. Chanelle Hingston (Vuka), Projeni Pather (Exposure Marketing) and Sandra Barrow (Media 10) make up the full complement of the board. Of course, along with the new leadership comes new administrative support. The association is pleased to welcome Anthea Buys on board, as she takes on the role of AAXO office manager.

As the industry begins to show dependable signs of recovery and intra-African work increases, the Association also announced the culmination of months of work spent compiling the brand-new Exhibition Portal. This high-quality online exhibitions industry resource connects exhibition organisers, venues, and suppliers across the African continent - providing a powerful event facilitator for both the African and international exhibition industry.

It may not be easy to know where to begin in a new country. It takes research to find a suitable venue, a trustworthy supplier or safe ground travel before an organiser is able to concentrate on putting an event together. The essential African exhibition portal’s reservoir of pre-vetted, reputable exhibition organisers, suppliers, and venues allows industry players to search for the ideal exhibition partner by name, category and/or by country and connect with that perfect exhibition partner in a matter of minutes.

The African exhibition portal aims to be truly representative of the growth in Africa. It will strengthen the local industry’s connection with the continent and African cross-country relationships, allowing each to learn from the other and promote best practices.

AAXO is offering a free listing for everyone in the industry, with the option of a paid upgrade to add standout features like logos and brochures. AAXO-approved members, who have already undergone high-level vetting, qualify for a preferential listing, but this resource is for everyone in the industry, not only AAXO members.

The AAXO board has served the greater industry, not only AAXO members, over this turbulent period. Every meeting we had with government and every contact we made during our advocacy efforts brought our industry to the forefront. The value of the exhibition platform is finally being recognised, along with our industry’s contribution to GDP. Much gratitude goes to Projeni, our past Chair, and the outgoing and incoming Board. Their invaluable and selfless contribution of time and effort to our industry has built a strong and collaborative association. We are excited by the prospect of supporting the recovery and the opportunity to develop our sector back better, our theme for the coming year.

The Exhibition and Events industry has achieved a great deal over the past two years. The powerful legacy left by the outgoing Board clearly demonstrates the value of the Association to its members and the greater industry.