The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) released the schedule for the African exhibition event of the year, held from 29 January to 2 February 2018. With the Exhibition of Exhibitions (EoE), AAXO ROAR Awards, International Safety Training and organiser, supplier and exhibitor training hosted at the Ticketpro Dome, there is something for organisers, suppliers, exhibitors, service companies, venues and all exhibition industry professionals.
Since it was founded in February 2016, AAXO positioned itself as the leading authority in exhibitions and the custodian of credibility and professionalism in the industry in South Africa and Africa through observing global best practice. And the trust they have gained, shows.
Their latest Associate Membership offering, which includes exhibition suppliers, service companies and venues for the first time, has been well-received. Over 35 associate members have signed up already, with more members joining weekly.
Carol Weaving, Chairperson of AAXO said, “We measure our success as an association by the confidence our members and associate members display in us and the opportunities we present for them to gain knowledge, improve standards and grow. We consider organising events for the benefit of the exhibition industry in South Africa and Africa, as part of our mandate.”
International Safety Training
This immense educational opportunity kicks off with International Safety Training, from 29 January to 2 February 2018. Considering the global political climate, safety training is in high demand. Organisers and venues are responsible for the safety of visitors, suppliers, venue staff and everyone involved in the setup of an exhibition.
Safety expert, Simon Garret from X-Venture, will be presenting the intensive sessions for all levels of exhibition personnel. He has a master’s degree in management practice and was formerly the Operations Director of an international venue.
Safe Management at Exhibitions & Events (Two-day course) – R4 200*
Dates: 29 to 30 January / OR 31 January to 1 February
Directing Safely at Events and Exhibitions (One-day course) – R3 700*
Date: 2 February
To book your seat for International Safety Training, contact Llewellyn du Plessis on Llewellyn@aaxo.co.za or (011) 549 8300.
* Cost per delegate. Excludes VAT
Exhibition of Exhibitions
The popular annual EoE will be held from 31 January to 1 February 2018 in the Blue Wing. It provides a place for members of the exhibition industry to meet, showcase their products, receive world-class training, explore innovation and network with industry leaders. Organisers, suppliers and venues who exhibit, will also receive a listing in the show guide or passport to the world of exhibitions.
Pat Lofstedt, organiser of the EoE says, “Exhibitions in South Africa have a direct economic impact. In 2015 alone, its estimated contribution to the economy via direct, indirect and induced spend was R74 billion and the tourism impact R24 billion. It makes sense to unite this dynamic industry at least once a year to work towards the common goal of building a successful industry.”
Details of further organiser, exhibitor and supplier training sessions will be released closer to the time.
To book your stand for the EoE, contact Pat Lofstedt on 082 411 7871 or pat@aaxo.co.za.
AAXO ROAR Awards
The highlight of the week will be the second annual AAXO ROAR awards on 1 February 2018. Bigger than before, this glamorous event will celebrate excellence in the exhibition industry in Africa at a gala dinner.
Judges will include some of the best in the exhibition industry. The overarching goal of the ROAR awards is to create a platform for talented and dedicated industry professionals to enjoy: RESPECT for their participation, OPPORTUNITIES to grow their businesses, acknowledgement for their wonderful ACHIEVEMENTS, while taking RESPONSIBILITY for their safe practice and participation in exhibitions.
Entries are open and will be accepted in various categories for organisers, exhibitors and stand builders entering on behalf of exhibitors. Award Categories range from various trade exhibition categories to various consumer exhibition, Confex and table top categories. Brand new categories include ‘Social media” and “Africa Bound”.
Weaving adds, “AAXO’s vision is of a united, credible African exhibition industry. South Africa is one of the biggest exhibition industries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has every potential to compete in the international market. Initiatives such as the EoE, International Safety Training and AAXO ROAR Awards places the key players in the industry in an ideal position for faster growth.”
To enter a show for the ROAR Awards, go to www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn du Plessis on Llewellyn@aaxo.co.za.
For more information on AAXO, visit www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn Claasen on 011 549 8300 or at Llewellyn@aaxo.co.za.
All membership and associate membership inquiries, including a full list of membership benefits and information on how to join can be directed to members@aaxo.co.za.
