A space to shape ideas Design Joburg transformed the Sandton Convention Centre into a covetable and inspiring design destination

THE DETAILS CLIENT Media 10 SHOW Design Joburg NUMBER OF VISITORS 10 000 VENUE Sandton Convention Centre DATE 12 to 14 May

THE BRIEF Media 10, creator of leading global design shows, was looking for a venue at which to launch Design Joburg. The organisers were bringing a groundbreaking number of the best design brands under one roof – combining the pioneers, trailblazers and even relative unknowns of the design world to create an unprecedented design event. As a result, the venue needed to provide a blank canvas for collaborative exhibits, and uniquely curated installations and features. “Not only did Sandton Convention Centre have the space the organisers were looking for, but our staff went out of their way to deliver beyond the brief – which is something we pride ourselves on." Shaun Bird, general manager of Sandton Convention Centre

A SPACE TO SHAPE IDEAS

Showcasing the very best of both international and local design, Design Joburg transformed the Sandton Convention Centre into Johannesburg’s most covetable and inspiring design destination.

ITH MORE THAN 10 000 m 2 of modern, flexible exhibition space, the

Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) is the premier exhibition centre in South Africa and is renowned for hosting a variety of leading African and international exhibitions. Strategically placed pillar configurations, a ceiling height of 6.5 m, and state-ofthe-art audiovisual and presentation technology enables the convention centre to house exhibits and assemblies that are often prohibitively large for many other venues. With almost 11 000 parking bays available in close proximity and convenient access to adjacent hotels, business centres and shopping malls, the SCC can accommodate thousands of visitors daily.

WHY THE SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE? SCC is intelligently designed, uniquely African, and internationally renowned. It is ideally situated in central Sandton – making it accessible to exhibitors and the public alike. The centre’s popularity is enhanced by its proximity to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, high-speed Gautrain, and other amenities. Besides its location and the ability to host events of virtually any size and nature, the organisers were impressed with the highly-trained staff who exceeded all expectations for this inaugural event. • EXHIBITION AND MEETING SPACES The dynamic seven-storey conference facility provides the most comprehensive choice of exhibition, event and conference venues in Johannesburg. The award-winning centre is designed to exceed the expectations of its visitors. The interior design and well-balanced architecture reflects generous space, ease of movement and a sense of flow. The SCC’s luxurious, contemporary Afro-chic decor makes it as well suited to corporate events as it is to elegant weddings. The ambience is further enhanced by a permanent art collection of more than 100 authentic works by world-renowned Southern African artists. The centre also provides easy access and full amenities for delegates with disabilities. Design Joburg used the Exhibition 1 venue, which ensures convenient set-up for exhibitors and ease of access at street level for visitors. The venue includes 5 430 m² of floor space, a ceiling

A space as expansive as your imagination

height of 6.5 m, ample overhead rigging fixtures and electrical outlets, as well as climate control. A non-intrusive system of pillars, set at 18 m intervals, brings services like water, wet waste, normal and three-phase electrical power and telecoms links within easy access to exhibitors. Communication links include digital, analogue and fibre lines. Floor hatches are spaced at 9 m intervals, also providing access to these services, and any number of these can be interconnected. • CATERING SCC prides itself on the innovative menus devised by its world-class chefs. The chefs often use their initiative to add an extra something to the mix, which was the case for Design Joburg. “A unique menu was designed for our leafy pitstop, A Walk in the Park, where guests gathered every day, with decor and design in mind as well as our high-end clientele,” says Sandra Barrow, Media 10’s consumer events manager in South Africa. • ACCOMMODATION The show attracted various designers from around South Africa as well as internationally. These visitors had a choice of over 1 000 Tsogo Sun hotel rooms plus another 4 000 in the SCC’s vicinity. Sandton Sun and InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers are both conveniently linked to SCC by means of a skywalk. Both hotels also offer a gym and a Business Suite for business, travellers which ensures they can catch up on work while attending events at SCC. The Spa at Sandton Sun – voted one of the top spas in the area – caters for the R&R needs visitors may have after a hard day spent walking the expo. Direct access to Sandton City’s Diamond Walk from Sandton Sun opens up the scope of restaurants

and entertainment on a large scale for guests and visitors alike. Garden Court Sandton City flanks SCC on the other side of the Tsogo Sun Sandton Mile, offering a more budget-conscious stay without compromising on comfort. Uniquely Garden Court’s, Riff’s Bar & Grill has street access that is a twominute walk from the main entrance of SCC. All three hotels have swimming pools.

PART OF THE FAMILY Sandra says that the inaugural event had its challenges but the SCC team – from the on-site staff to management – stepped up and worked tirelessly with them to produce a show that met the demands and expectations of the exhibitors, visitors and themselves.

“It was incredible to see a new show with such a high level of exhibitor content. Feedback was unanimously brilliant and the event attracted the great and the good of the design world in the region. Happy exhibitors, happy visitors and happy sponsors throughout the three days made Design Joburg one of the most successful launches in recent times for Media 10,” says Rob Nathan, marketing director, Media 10.

Shaun sums it up perfectly, “Sandton Convention Centre was proud to host the inaugural Design Joburg expo, it is always exciting to work with new clients and know that we have gone the extra mile in helping them make their event successful. We look forward to welcoming the show back next year, as we do with many of our annual expos.”

THE SHOW ORGANISERS

Media 10 has produced events on every scale – from large exhibitions, festivals and concerts right through to experiential events, corporate seminars and awards ceremonies. For over 10 years now, Media 10 has been running some of the most iconic and successful events in the UK, South Africa, Australia, Germany and China. “Thousands flocked to the Sandton Convention Centre for Media 10’s inaugural Design Joburg, featuring Rooms on View. The success of the show was partly due to the flexible space that the centre offers. We will definitely be using SCC again.” Sandra Barrow, Media 10’s consumer events manager in South Africa

+27 (0)11 779 000 scc.info@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com