The Totally Concrete and African Construction Expos – Africa’s largest concrete and cement event for the construction industry – held at the Sandton Convention Centre in May 2014 was a “resounding success” with a dramatic increase in visitor numbers to 4 457 this year, from 2 500 visitors in 2013, according to organiser Hypenica CEO Devi Paulsen-Abbott.
Over 170 exhibiting companies displayed an array of products over two expo floors that showcased the manufacture, transport, processing and use of concrete as well as the latest trends, tools and technologies available to Africa’s construction industry.
“Over and above that, we had 130 industry experts addressing over 600 delegates at the successful two-day conference,” adds Paulsen-Abbott. Visitors and delegates were drawn from 43 countries around the globe, positioning it as a key international exhibition and conference on the construction industry calendar.
The aims behind the expos were to create an ongoing platform for dialogue among policy decision-makers and the private sector; to be a facilitator for the promotion of partnerships and joint ventures; and to support the industry.
“The Sandton Convention Centre has the capacity and the profile to cope with all the demands of a conference and expos of these dimensions, and we were extremely satisfied with the facilities, the services, and indeed the service we experienced before, during and after the event, by all service providers, including SCC’s catering services, the in-house AV company, security and more,” says Paulsen-Abbott. “The SCC team is always great to work with.”
Apart from the large expos and the conference, a cocktail party and a launch event were also held.
“Sandton Convention Centre is centrally located in Johannesburg’s business hub, close to hotels and malls, as well as the Gautrain, making it an ideal venue for both local and international visitors.”
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