The ‘African Exhibition Industry Outlook – Unlocking untapped opportunities in Africa’ workshop will be held on Wednesday 13 September at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. It is organised by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, in collaboration with AAXO, the African Association of Exhibition Organisers, and hosted by GL Events, and supported by Johannesburg Tourism.
A continent of untapped potential
Africa holds a wealth of largely untapped potential. Today, roughly 17% of the world’s population call it home, while it is also the world’s youngest and fastest-urbanising continent.
“Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for the exhibitions industry.”
There are many opportunities to invest in Africa across all sectors, and especially the exhibitions industry as it can both facilitate and drive intercontinental collaboration between Africa and the rest of the world.
Seminars & networking
Expert speakers from across Africa and the Middle East will unpack these business opportunities, looking at key African markets, economic outlook, incentive schemes for new entrants, cross-borders collaboration, and how convention bureaus support the industry in South Africa. A presentation on UFI’s Global Barometer Study will also be given, with a focus on Africa and the Middle East.
The multi-award-winning journalist and author Bruce Whitfield will give the keynote address. He will share inspiring case studies of people and businesses that have succeeded against the odds.
To view the full programme, click here.
The day includes a business lunch for attendees and will end with networking drinks.
Naji El Haddad, Regional Director MEA at UFI, says, “Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for the exhibitions industry. There is great potential for investing in, developing and bringing global events to Africa. It’s particularly interesting to note the launch of geo-adapted events that are being brought to Africa, which is a testament to the ever-increasing confidence and opportunities available on the continent.”
Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO, concludes, “South Africa remains the ideal ‘gateway to Africa’ and is an appropriate base of operations from which economic connection to the rest of the continent can be formed and business developed thanks to its strong financial sector, sound infrastructure and competitive talent-pool.”
Seats are limited
There is no fee to attend the event; however, places are limited. To RSVP send an email to mea@ufi.org with subject line: “UFI Africa Event 2022”.
To find out more, visit ufi.org.
