A new networking platform, an African-based design forum and an online ‘match-making programme’ connecting exhibitors with traders are just some of the new features that Decorex Joburg will be launching to attract an ever-growing audience of trade visitors in 2015.
Next year, in addition to the existing two trade-focused days, Decorex Joburg will be introducing a trade-only morning on Thursday, 6 August 2015, giving exhibitors the opportunity to personally invite and exclusively entertain their industry guests.
The networking and business opportunities do not end here. An additional meeting platform will be set up to connect visitors and buyers with the exhibitors most relevant to their trade, with the option of using the exclusive trade lounge at Decorex Joburg as a meeting venue. For those who like to plan in advance, Decorex Joburg will also be setting up an online platform allowing members of the trade to book appointments with specific exhibitors ahead of time.
Decorex has always enjoyed a unique visitor mix of both trade and consumers. This has meant that exhibitors have been able to reach all segments of the decor and design audience, in one show. According to Sian Steyn, General Manager of the Decorex SA portfolio, “Decorex Joburg happens over five days, which means both trade professionals as well as homemakers have ample time to browse the largest gathering of décor, design and lifestyle products and services in Africa.”
Cairey Baxter-Bruce, head of Business Development for Decorex SA, said that an increased trade focus in 2015 would be particularly important to 100% Design South Africa, the global design exhibition that launched alongside Decorex Joburg in August 2014.
“For South African designers, being able to reach the decor and design trade across Africa is an incredibly important part of their business model going forward. We are confident that by attracting more trade visitors to Decorex Joburg and 100% Design South Africa, we will be contributing to the growth and success of our local design industry.”
To this end, the Decorex team will also host a number of international and African buyers at next year’s Joburg exhibition. A new two-day African design forum will take place alongside the main event on 6 and 7 August. The forum will host an important series of talks by local and international industry leaders with a focus on all aspects of design, architecture, curation and craft related to the African continent.
Carol Weaving, Managing Director of Thebe Reed Exhibitions who owns Decorex SA, emphasises the importance of trade professionals visiting the show: “We would like to encourage the increasing presence of architects, spatial planners, interior designers and decorators, specifiers, developers and retail buyers that attend Decorex Joburg. In order to do this, we will be significantly increasing investment in this area for 2015.”
Decorex Joburg details:
6-10 August 2015
Gallagher Convention Centre
10am – 6pm daily.
Ticket prices: No charge to trade professionals who pre-register online
Non trade: Adults R100, Students/pensioners R85 and Children under 12 R15
For more information e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za
