An expo that still draws marketing, promotions and event professionals in their thousands 28 years on, Markex 2014 once again exceeded the expectations of exhibitors and visitors alike with a showcase of innovation that lived up to its promise of providing inspiration to almost 10 000 visitors.
Exceptional feedback from a cross-section of the 200 exhibitors provides strong evidence of the success of the show, with the majority of comments focusing on both the sheer volume of people seen by exhibitors over the three days of the show and the extremely high quality of visitors seen in both the General Access and Trade halls.
The expo served as a hub for business people sourcing new products and services, while also providing excellent opportunities for networking and interacting with industry peers. Around 42% of the visitor’s main business activity was promotional gifts, followed by 21% as manufacturers/suppliers and another 21% in promotions, 16% are in event management, 14% respectively in advertising, agency/distribution and publishing/print, 7% in media, and the balance in entertainment; FMCG/retail; packaging/paper; IT & electronics; hospitality/catering; financial services; healthcare; travel/tourism/leisure; film/video; music/sound and others*.
“Markex never seizes to amaze us year after year. The number of visitors to Markex was extraordinary, the calibre of professionals that attended was impressive and the atmosphere created by the exhibitors was electric. The feedback we have received from exhibitors and visitors this year has been outstanding and we’re proud of the work we did. It seems that once again Markex has lived up to its excellent reputation”, says a proud Werner Douglas, Event Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery.
Every corner and aisle of the show was packed to capacity, buzzing with the vibrant atmosphere for which Markex is renowned. Exhibitor and visitor engagement, new product launches and an overwhelmingly display of the marketing, promotions and event industry’s creativity and innovation was complemented by top visitor attractions, including:
Evita Bezuidenhout
The Unique Speakers Bureau (USB) Pavilion, held in collaboration with the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM), which featured a line-up of well-respected industry professionals including Pieter Dirk-Uys, Lyn Baker, Vusi Thembekwayo and Debora Patta. “Bringing some of South Africa’s busiest speakers to this premier marketing expo was invaluable for USB while also giving our speakers the opportunity to connect with marketing players and leaders in SA,” says Marilyn Woolfrey of USB.
- The Loeries Travelling Exhibition showcased the best of brand communication, giving attendees the opportunity to view innovative campaigns for winning brands and businesses across a range of disciplines.
- As an addition to the Loeries Travelling Exhibition, a new collaboration between Markex, The Loeries and The Event, saw stand builders having the opportunity to win a chance to be recognised within the Loeries award programme for the first time.
- Visitors were given the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of email, mobile and social marketing on the Everlytic stand, where 45 minute workshops were held each morning.
Lyn Baker
A new partnership with the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Academy saw the launch of the MICE CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme, adding value to the exhibition and enabling people in the industry to accumulate verifiable credits.
- In the Trade hall, resellers had the opportunity to connect in a more exclusive face-to-face environment with wholesalers and distributors of promotional products, clothing and giftware. This year, the Trade Hall was supported for the first time by the Promotional Product Professionals of South Africa, formerly known as Corporate Gifts Association of South Africa.
This is what Markex 2014 exhibitors had to say about the expo:
- “Our experience this year was very positive. We met a lot of clients that we don’t usually get the time to talk to during a working year. It’s been very positive to spend quality time with different clients in one place and also to get the chance to show them new samples”– Andrew Murray of Mass Supply
- “Markex is a fantastic platform to showcase what our company is about. I think we’ve met a number of relevant leads which we’re excited to convert to loyal customers. It’s a great opportunity to see what other exhibitors have to offer too” – Louise Cameron of Monster Productions & Events
Comments from Markex 2014 visitors:
- “My experience at Markex was exceptional, it opened my eyes to creativity and innovation under one roof. Markex is a great platform to see industry experts gathered in one place to showcase the best products and services in the industry. I definitely recommend that anyone in the creative space should visit Markex next year.” – Teboho Mofodi, Director of TM Group
- “It’s extremely important to have a space where companies are able to have a whole new outlook on how marketing can improve their business. Whether it be promotional gifts or new and exciting ways to get a brand noticed, it’s all at Markex, making it the best marketing expo in SA” – El Broide, Managing Director of The Platinum Club.
*These figures do not add up to 100% as visitors were able to select multiple business activities.
