Celebrating Excellence: The 6th Annual ROAR Awards Honour Industry Leaders | The Planner

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) proudly hosted the 6th Annual ROAR Awards at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and excellence of the exhibition industry. This prestigious event not only recognised the outstanding achievements of industry leaders but also served as a key networking platform where numerous business deals were forged, reinforcing the value and impact of exhibitions on the African economy.

Under the theme FORGING STRENGTH: CELEBRATING RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION, this year’s awards showcased the unwavering dedication of professionals who have invested countless hours to ensure the success of exhibitions across the continent. The recognition provided by the ROAR Awards affirms the return on investment (ROI) for campaigns, encouraging greater industry spending and future growth.

Top Winners of the Night

The 2025 ROAR Awards saw leading industry players receive top honours, demonstrating excellence across various categories:

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition Over 6,000mΒ² – Decorex Cape Town by RX Africa
Best Trade Exhibition Under 6,000mΒ² – Fame Week Africa by RX Africa
Best Trade Exhibition Over 6,000mΒ² – Electra Mining by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Best PR Campaign – Music Ex, judged by esteemed media personality Mika Stefano, highlighting its impactful communication strategies.
Best Launch Event – Women in Festival by Vuka Group
Best Social Media Campaign – Mogull Media, underscoring the powerful role of social media in enhancing event engagement and reach.
Venue of the Year – Gallagher Convention Centre, reaffirming its status as a premier exhibition and events destination.
Chairperson’s Award – Alfred Mabule from GL Events and Goolam Ebrahim from ZF Cleaning, a special category recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Supplier of the Year – GL Events
Stand of the Year – Dromax at Electra Mining by Scan Display
Rising Star of the Year – Mmakgabo RammoneIn

In addition to the main awards, Distinctions in Marketing, Operations & Logistics, and Sustainability were presented to outstanding industry players. Big 5 Construct South Africa (DMG Events), Decorex JHB (RX Africa), Africa’s Big 7 (DMG Events), Securex (Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery), ILTM (RX Africa), The Hotel and Hospitality Show (DMG Events), MusicEx (Gallagher Convention Centre), WTM Africa (RX Africa), Enlit Africa (Vuka Group), and CEM Summit (Vuka Group) were all recognised for their excellence in these key areas.

  • Furthermore, Expo Guys received a Distinction in Sustainability for their forward-thinking initiatives that are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the industry.
  • Finally, Adele Hartdegen, Glenton De Kock, and Professor Nellie Swart were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the exhibition industry, acknowledging their dedication and impact in shaping its growth and success.

A Platform for Growth and Collaboration

Beyond recognising excellence, the ROAR Awards provide a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and secure future business opportunities. With exhibitors, organisers, and suppliers engaging in meaningful discussions, the event serves as a catalyst for increased investment in the exhibition industry, driving innovation and economic impact.

AAXO Chairperson, Gary Corin, emphasised the significance of these awards, stating, β€œThe ROAR Awards not only celebrate success but also highlight the resilience and creativity of our industry. These recognitions inspire continued innovation and encourage businesses to invest further in exhibitions, knowing the value they bring.”

Upholding Excellence in the Industry

AAXO remains committed to raising industry standards and providing platforms that promote best practices. Through the ROAR Awards, the organisation acknowledges the hard work and dedication behind every successful event, ensuring that the exhibition industry continues to thrive.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, Inspire Furniture Rentals generously provided on-the-spot prizes valued at approximately R150,000, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere and rewarding excellence within the industry.

The night concluded with winners celebrating their achievements, while attendees leveraged the event’s networking opportunities to establish strategic partnerships and secure future business deals. The 6th Annual ROAR Awards once again proved to be more than just an awards ceremonyβ€”it was a night of recognition, business growth, and inspiration for the future of the exhibition industry in Africa.