Cape Town does exhibition and event industry proud in hosting international conference:
EXSA stand at the IFES exhibition
From 27 to 29 June 2013 the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Suppliers (IFES) hosted the IFES World Summit 2013, the Association’s annual conference and AGM, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This was the first IFES conference to be held in Africa, and feedback from the 148 delegates representing over 30 countries was unanimous that it was a very successful event.
Delegates with flags representing their countries
Justin Hawes, MD of local exhibition supplier, Scan Display, and IFES Treasurer and the 2013 Summit Chairperson, explained that the decision to bring the event to South Africa was based on the fact that the continent is currently demonstrating annual growth of 7-8%.
Han Leenhouts power workshop
“There is a great deal of international interest in doing business here,” says Hawes. “I believe we effectively showed the IFES delegates what great capacity South Africa has for hosting world-class events.”
Best Dressed winners at the networking dinner
Hawes believes that the event also demonstrated what IFES is all about – connecting members of the exhibition and events industry from around the globe in an environment that is conducive to building partnerships.
Jason Drew’s book signing
Feedback from the IFES delegates was very positive. Bruno Meissner, the President of IFES, enthused: “This was the best IFES event I have attended! We will all keep great memories from Cape Town in our hearts.”
Bruno Meissner – IFES President
Delegates praised the event’s excellent organisation, its strong content (which featured five international and one local speaker), the venue and the host city.
The IFES World Summit 2013 side events were structured to ensure delegates could experience as much of South Africa and its culture as possible. As well as offering a variety of post- and pre-show tours around Southern Africa, the programme included a trip to Robben Island and the Cape Winelands, a Golf Day hosted at the Milnerton golf course with its backdrop of ocean and Table Mountain, and a networking dinner at Moyo at the V&A Waterfront. The evening’s food and entertainment provided a rich African experience.
Poken technology was given to all exhibitors and delegates
For more information about IFES and the conference, please contact Justin Hawes on +27 11 447 4777 or justin@scandisplay.co.za. Alternatively, visit www.ifesnet.com.
Scan Display won the sustainability award
