Industry comes together for the Global Exhibition Day

The annual Global Exhibition Day took place recently on 7 June, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, as part of the global initiative to celebrate the vibrant, dynamic exhibition industry.

By Lee-Ann Alder, association manager of EXSA

This year, in a joint collaboration, AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers) and EXSA (The Events and Exhibition Association of Southern Africa) hosted an event in Johannesburg. The event was kindly sponsored by South African Tourism and Gallagher Convention Centre.

In following, UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry), theme: “We run the meeting places and marketing places for everyone,” a panel of industry experts discussed exhibitions as a tool for sustainable economic growth.

Sibusiso Mncwabe, chairperson of EXSA, opened the event. He said: “As we gather here, representing 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.”

The panel of Industry experts consisted of:

• Nomasonto Ndlovu, acting chief executive officer and chief operating officer of South African Tourism.

• Projeni Pather, immediate past chairperson and spokesperson for the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).

• Morwesi Ramonyai, chairperson of the Event Greening Forum.

• Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display and ex-chairperson of EXSA and immediate past president of IFES.

Noluthando Mthonti, a media personality was the MC and moderator for the event.

The outcome of the panel discussion

The discussion unpacked the relevance and importance that exhibitions play in the South African tourism economy.

• It is a vital cog in the system that sees many visitors come to South Africa to visit and exhibit at our exhibitions.

• Since Covid, Africa – and even the world – has become a much smaller place. We had to pull together to ensure a continuation of the industry.

• With government interest and intervention, that collaboration and growth will be even more pronounced.

• As the industry expands to meet the needs and demands of the everchanging landscape, it has to ensure correct greening strategies in exhibitions.

• The impact of greening on the environment is large, due to consumption, so plans need to be in place to deal with that responsibly.

• There is a large capacity for employment in the exhibition industry. There are many roles available to grow their knowledge and expertise.

Ms Pather, concluded the discussion:

“The MICE industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, driving economic growth, fostering innovation and facilitating trade and investment. By hosting conferences, exhibitions, and other MICE events, countries and cities can tap into the potential of this industry to create sustainable economic growth and generate employment opportunities.”

AAXO and EXSA are thankful to the sponsors for their generosity, as well as to the industry members who took the time to attend.

“Have the right people in the right places, working together.” — Roger Staubach.