Following the announcement that, as of 21 September 2020, events could now take place under strict restrictions, the Restart Expo running over two days between 25 and 26 November will demonstrate the industry’s readiness to start safely hosting live exhibitions.
“As leaders in the exhibitions and events industry, the Restart Expo reflects Johannesburg Expo Centre’s commitment to the industry and its forward-thinking leadership.” – Craig Newman
The Restart Expo is a small-scale proof of concept exhibition designed in collaboration between Specialised Exhibitions and the Johannesburg Expo Centre as a showcase for “government, industry, media, PCOs, exhibitors and visitors to see what exhibitions will look like post COVID-19,” according to an official press statement issued on behalf of Specialised. Under the current Alert Level 1 restrictions, gatherings occupying 50% of a venue’s capacity with a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors are permitted.
The exhibition has the support of both the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, better known by its acronym, UFI, as well as the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), together with several exhibition industry suppliers.
“There really is no reason to keep the industry closed. We have big facilities available, we are professionals and we are able to ensure compliance to COVID-19 protocols.”
“The Restart Expo is an opportunity for government authorities and officials to attend the show to see how exhibitions and events can be held in strict accordance with COVID-19 protocols and requirements, and be confident that the exhibitions and events industry is ready to move ahead and reopen… There really is no reason to keep the industry closed. We have big facilities available, we are professionals and we are able to ensure compliance to COVID-19 protocols,” notes Craig Newman, group CEO of GL events South Africa and former president of UFI.
For more information, get in touch with Leigh Miller, marketing manager at Specialised Exhibitions, on +27 (0)11 835 1565 or leighm@specialised.com.
