Exhibitions News South Africa

Expanding to meet marketing demands

Focusing on the marketing, promotions and special events industries, Markex & World of Events 2006 is all set to take the industry by storm, with organisers Exhibitions for Africa, winners of the 2005 EXSA Best Organiser Award, catering to the market's changing needs. The Johannesburg show takes place next week, 6 - 8 June, at Sandton Convention Centre, and the Cape Town Show 26 - 28 July at Cape Town International Convention Centre.

According to Lynn Chamier, director of the exhibitions, "Markex & World of Events has grown to become the largest event of its kind in South Africa and we make a point of tracking trends in the marketplace."

The 2005 shows demonstrated the phenomenal growth in the marketplace last year, with an increase in attendance figures of 10% and 12% respectively: 10 440 visitors in Johannesburg and 3 867 trade visitors in Cape Town.

Chamier continues, "There is an increasing focus on events as part of the marketing mix and we have put together a show that includes a comprehensive exhibitor makeup of function co-ordinators, event planners, conference and seminar organisers , and location scouts - over and above everything else - to specifically cater for the expanding MICE market."

In keeping with this vision, AVL Productions, a provider of technical support and equipment for corporate events and productions, will be presenting its new range of technical services and equipment, including glass stages, Star Curtains (a curtain loaded with programmable multi-colour LEDs, used a stage backdrop in shows such as American Idol and Strictly Come Dancing), LED Mirror Panels, LED spheres, unusual trussing designs and other innovations.

In Johannesburg, over 350 exhibitors will now cover a jam-packed two halls and, in Cape Town, exhibitor numbers are currently sitting at 100. Bizcommunity.com is a media partner.

Individuals wishing to attend the show can find out more and pre-register online at www.markex.co.za and www.markexcape.co.za.

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