What a great breakfast morning it proved to be. The 8th June is THE global exhibition day and EXSA celebrated in style at Joburg Expo Centre.
The manner in which the programme had been planned by former GM Sue Gannon left no one in doubt as to the value of exhibitions and the way the continued growth was indeed justified going forward.
Punctuality was the order of the programme ably facilitated by Yvonne Johnston, a well-known presenter in her own right and Business Consciousness Coach, Creative Thinker & Strategist.
After a hearty breakfast and welcome by Exsa Chairman Neil Nagooroo – the new Exsa GM Phumulani Hlathwayo – cutting a dashing figure – set the scene for the highlights to come.
The EXSA Academy’s plans were revealed by Sue Gannon and Joy Donovan – exhibition stalwarts with extensive industry knowledge. Their work is cut out over the next six months to provide the exhibition industry with a strong foundation to confidently support the various endeavours put forward.
Craig Newman – Vice Chair of the Middle East Africa Chapter of UFI – shared startling figures of the actual size of the global exhibition industry. For example did you know that each year around 260 million visitors attended exhibitions, 31000 exhibitions took place and 4,4 million companies exhibited at these exhibitions?
Gauteng Tourism’s Head of Convention & Events Bureau Nonnie Kobeko spoke passionately of the exhibition impact on business tourism while Director Gift Luthuli of Gintan Luthuli Associates revealed the risks and limitations of liability within the events space.
Trend Forward’s Dave Nemeth ended the presentations with six points on how to design differently.
With about 10 minutes per presentation coupled with excellent catering and food display design – the MICE industry are well-advised to take another look at the Expo Centre as a most suitable venue which has all the bells & whistles required for a successful event – irrespective of capacity or type.
Sponsors Scan Display, Compex, Larouxnelle, Main Event Catering and Expo Centre made it all possible. Well done indeed!
