Mark September 2020 as the month of importance on your calendar. Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2020, as the most impressive aerospace and defence expo, will be hosted from 16 to 20 September 2020 at the Waterkloof Air Force base in Centurion.

The AAD Expo ranks amongst the country’s top GDP contributors. It is also the only event of its kind that combines an air show with a trade exhibition in Africa. With its status as an income generator for the country, it is revered as a valuable asset for South Africa. The AAD Expo also adds tremendous prestige for the event hosting industry.

Timetable

• Business from 10h30 to 17h00 on 16 September 2020.
• Business from 09h00 to 17h00 from 17 to 18 September 2020.
• General from 09h00 to 17h00 from 19 to 20 September 2020.

Attendance

More than 480 exhibitors are expected at the bi-annual event with an estimation of visitors set at over 32 500.

Address

The AAD 2020 is hosted at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, Gauteng.

Partners

• Department of Defence, South Africa
• City of Tshwane
• Armscor
• AMD – South African Aerospace Maritime & Defence Industries Association

The main sponsors include the likes of Reutech and Milkor.

Exhilarating Air Show

The AAD air show impresses by any standard. It includes mobility track demonstrations, aerobatic displays and air demonstrations. In addition, visitors are treated to an exceptional range of static displays of air force and aviation technologies, including a range of aircraft from the most prominent names in the aerospace industry.

Several facilities are offered to entertain the young minds as well, including a Youth Development Programme that entails plastic model building, target practice, forensic investigation, aviation simulator and introduction to first aid. These activities are hosted at a pavilion, specifically purposed for the youth activities.

Reasons to Visit

Public visitors are impressed with the range of displays, many activities offered, and the exceptional air demonstrations. Trade visitors attend because it is the only event of its kind in Africa that includes an international conference and defence exhibition, covering sectors in defence on land, sea and air.

The latest technologies are on display, providing insight as to the design trends in the industries. In addition, it provides the perfect platform for meeting key players and forging new business relationships. Of course, the event also provides opportunities for reinforcing existing relationships among government departments and defence force sectors across the African continent.

Why Exhibit?

With thousands of trade and public visitors attending, it provides for the ideal platform to showcase your products and brand. The AAD attracts many international investors and key decision-makers in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Participation in the event provides for access to policymakers and opportunities to showcase projects to defence and prime contractors. Global media coverage of the event provides superb brand exposure and the chance to align your firm’s brand with top international brands. The event also includes a jam-packed programme for the international defence delegations.

Exhibition opportunities exist for small- to medium-sized businesses to gain more brand exposure on the local market at the Country Pavilions.

More information is available at the official website for AAD 2020.

Source:

• http://www.aadexpo.co.za/
• https://10times.com/africa-aerospace-defence

Travel Indaba is a travel and tourism event of format, specifically hosted in celebration of the African economy. With the main aim being to promote travel and tourism on and to the continent to boost the economies of African countries, it is an exciting event by any standard.

The 2020 Travel Indaba is to be hosted from 12-14 May in Durban, known for its superb tourism opportunities and high turnout of holidaymakers over the December festive season. With the event hosted during the winter, attendees can look forward to fair weather during the exhibition period.

The 11^th of May 2020 is reserved for business networking before the big event. As such, exhibitors and visitors hoping to work on their contact lists and possible agreements, should mark the date on their event calendar.

From 12-14 May 2020 will be allocated to an international and local trade exhibition. Showtimes will be from 10:00 to 18:00 on the 12^th and 13^th with the showtime for the 14^th being from 10h00 to 17h30. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to set-up and get ready daily from 8h00.

Considered one of the top three bucket-list events to attend if operating in the travel and tourism industry, Africa’s Travel Indaba attracts thousands of visitors. The trade show will be hosted in the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC). With the largest part of the event hosted indoors, the risk of rain-out is minimised.

South African Tourism owns the event, which is hosted every year by Synergy Business Events (Pty) Ltd. It is an award-winning exhibition with the event having won the best travel and tourism trade show award from the Association of World Travel Awards.

Three important groups will attend:

• Buyers
• Exhibitors
• Media

Buyers consist of airline operators, booking agencies, foreign travel agencies, inbound tour operators, online booking firms, DMCs and transport providers.

The Travel Indaba exhibitors consist of provincial authorities and African country representatives who exhibit in the Durban Exhibition Centre while the International Convention Centre hosts exhibitors from various categories. Such categories range from tour operators to luxury product providers, online travel agencies and media, game lodges, industry leaders and media applications. The outdoor exhibitors also showcase at the event. This category consists of exhibitors from camping and safari operators, suppliers and transport firms.

Media attendees include top travel magazines, website companies, television media operators, and newspapers.

The organisers have set up a website where guidance is given to exhibitors on how to exhibit, prices and rules to keep in mind. Specific criteria must be met before exhibitors are approved. A careful study of the criteria is thus essential before booking a stand.

Buyers welcome the opportunities to gain insight on global travel and tourism trends and developments. They get to meet the key players in the industry and forge stronger relationships with suppliers at the event. With over 1100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, it is an event that has something for everyone.

The Africa Energy Indaba Conference will be hosted from 3 to 4 March 2020 in South Africa’s Mother City. The Cape Town Convention Centre will play host to the prestigious event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The energy conference plays an integral part in the development and direction of the African continent’s energy sector and policy governing activities in the sector.

Important issues relevant to energy production and supply on the continent are investigated, analysed and discussed at the key event. With it being the premier event of its kind and focus in Africa, the conference and exhibition bring together top influencers, buyers, and suppliers in the industry.

The event belongs to the World Energy Council (WEC) and is a regional event of the WEC, in which close cooperation with the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency and the South African National Energy Association take place, in addition to the partnerships with key trade associations with the likes of SAOGA and SAEEC.

Attendees from many countries around the globe attend to discuss and seek solutions for energy supply to the African continent. Role players include financing houses, investors, industry leaders, government representatives, developers, manufacturers, and energy clients.

With sustainable energy supply being the focus for industries today, it is also a key discussion point at the conference. Solutions are sought for ongoing sustainable energy supply to reduce environmental impact and improve the wellbeing of people on the continent.

Improved energy supply is essential for economic growth, better healthcare and improvements in education on the African continent. With it being the 12^th Africa Energy Indaba, the event already has a substantial media following as well.

Reasons to attend and exhibit at the Africa Energy Indaba in 2020 are briefly noted below.

Gain Insight from Industry Gurus

Expert keynote speakers will share their knowledge and insights with conference attendees about the changing energy sector on the continent. Top company executives and high-ranking government representatives will also address attendees.

Several Networking Opportunities

With conference lunch and refreshment intervals, receptions and business matchmaking initiatives on the cards, attendees have ample opportunities to forge strong business relations.

Insight into the Future of the Energy Sector

The landscape is changing fast and with disruptive processes eminent, new and innovative financing methods may be needed. The proposed changes are in the pipeline and knowing how it will affect companies in the industry and end-users, will help you gain a competitive edge.

New and Improved Technologies Will Be Introduced

Grid technologies are rapidly changing and so are the off-grid energy supply technologies. Learn about the new ways forward and how such will affect everyday business and life. From electric cars to more efficient energy storage technologies will come under the spotlight.

Exhibitors and attendees hoping to attract investment cash for energy projects will benefit from the matchmaking opportunities. Access limits to energy in Africa remain a problem. With over six million people still without access to reliable energy and more than 700 million still relying on biomass for energy supply, there is still a long road ahead.

Become part of the solution, rub shoulders with the industry leaders and expand your business footprint by joining many other company leaders for discussions and exhibitions at the 2020 Africa Indaba.

Meetings Africa 2020 will be hosted in Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre from 24 to 26 February 2020. It is considered the epitome of international travel, tourism and recreational services events.

The focus of expo is the highlighting of the continent as a prime tourism destination. During the expo, an extensive view is given about the travel industry on the continent. The exhibition is a superb spot for meeting influencers in the industry and developing an international network of experts, investors and key role players.

For visitors to the expo, it also represents the ideal place for booking holiday trips to places across the continent. With the aim of the event being to create a platform for business to business networking and business to client marketing exposure, it covers the entire spectrum of tourism, travel, recreational, and hospitality services on both the business- and client-side of things.

A diverse range of brands, services, products, and opportunities are displayed and introduced during the event. Industry professionals meet up to promote the continent and create awareness of Africa as a holiday destination.

It will be the 15^th event, and as such, the event is expected to be exceptional. It is hosted by the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB). Trade exhibitors have been invited to showcase their offerings at the event whilst interested attendees are invited to book tickets early on.

The Pan-African trade event has the theme of Shared Economies for 2020. This highlights the collaboration needs of industry professionals and the importance of working together as a continent because tourism is key to improving the economies on the African continent.

Products from many countries will be on display. In addition, the Meetings Incentive Conference and Exhibition (MICE) will add the discussion and decision-making element to the event.

With thousands of meetings taking place between exhibitors and visitors, it is an event not to miss as a trade exhibitor or buyer. The impact of the MICE players is huge as it affects not only the tourism industry, but also larger economies because of the positive ripple effect of job creation and business opportunities.

The event targets from travel agencies to associations, event planners, executives, and booking agencies. Exhibitors benefit from opportunities to meet with more than 400 qualified hosted buyers in face-to-face meetings. A targeted business match-making platform is in place and industry peers can network across the different sectors. Participants can launch their new products or be introduced to such, have opportunities to network, in addition to gaining information through educational sessions.

Participants from cruise liners to spa resorts, conference organisers, travel publications, accommodation providers, and tourism authorities form part of the participant and buyer lists. PR agencies, marketing companies, incentive houses, association buyers, and sales agents also participate in the expo. The participating country list is impressive whilst people and organisations from countries such as Argentina, France, Singapore, Sweden, Kenya, China, and Korea, to name only a few, are expected at the event.

Thousands of visitors are expected with the estimated exhibitor count at more than 500. It is a must-visit and participate event. Join other role players, exhibitors, and buyers at the significant Meetings Africa 2020 expo.

Since you will invest a lot of time and money to display your services, brand, and products at trade shows, it makes sense to ensure that your exhibition booths are attractive, functional, and unique. We share a few tips below to help you maximise the potential of your exhibition booths.

1. Work with Available Space

If the space is restrictive, you need to minimise obstructions, especially stands, display cases, and furniture at the entrance or exit areas of the exhibition booths. You want a natural flow. As soon as visitors feel restricted in their movement, they will become irritated and won’t pay attention to the exceptional displays.

• Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage

It is not all that easy to stand out from the crowd, especially if all the exhibition booths are of superior design. To this end, enquire if there is a vertical space limit. If not, use the space above your exhibition stand for tower signs, and hang displays or any other type of advert that can draw attention to your stand. This is especially helpful if the trade show is rather crowded. Attendees are likely to see the displays above the booths and follow them to find your particular stand.

• Work with Fewer Rather Than More Words

Visitors to trade shows have limited time. They are bombarded with information. Give them something easy to remember. Think of a slogan that’s catchy and go with it, rather than use long sentences to convey messages. Grab their attention with the displays by making them memorable with short action verbs and drive the message home with a catchy slogan. Place text at the top part of the booth to minimise the risk of it being obstructed by people passing it.

• Light Up the Message

Far too many exhibition booths rely on the trade show’s lights for illumination. Be different. Use uplights, downlights, angle lights, LED light boxes, and even colour lights to highlight messages. Create the right mood with lights and use angle lights at the entrance to direct people into the stand.

• Images Sell More Than Words

People are lazy when it comes to reading, especially if bombarded with thousands of text ads. They scan and they walk past. If you want them to stop, pay attention, and remember, use images. Make sure that the images are powerful or memorable. Go big on this with life-size images to attract attention. The images must be visible, so avoid placement at the bottom part of the stand.

• Be Creative with Materials

Speak to our consultants about possible materials to use. You can create different textures – highlight your involvement in tech products with aluminium materials for counters or use graphic walls to display nature images if you supply natural products. Smooth and silky materials work well if you operate within the medical industry, while a feeling of ruggedness can be attained with roughly textured materials if you operate a 4×4 dealership.

The above tips are only starting guidelines. Speak to our design consultants for professional assistance in making exhibition booths successful.

For a successful exhibition at one of the upcoming trade events, you need a display booth that attracts more visitors. The same old designs simply don’t cut it. Everyone at these events wants to attract visitors. The design of your display booth must be unique for it to be noticed.

We share a few ideas to spark interest, helping you to see how being different can attract more attendees.

Secret Space

Humans are curious by nature. So, when something is hidden or secret, the urge to investigate quickly takes over. But, how can you be secretive?

Enclose your stand, almost as if it’s a cube. With most of the display stands open and airy, the enclosed design will spark interest. With this concept, the visitors must enter to see what’s inside. Don’t disappoint them once they’re in. This is where you must optimise the use of our display walls, event flooring, and lights to create the right highlights. Hand something out, spoil them with beverages and a relaxation area, and give them a reason to talk about their amazing experience.

Mini Spa, Kitchen, or Demo Room

Visitors want something different and they enjoy being pampered. A mini cook-off or spa treatment appeals to the need for attention. Of course, your product doesn’t have to be related to the kitchen or food. You can use the cooking demonstration to explain how your product or service works and then hand out delicious food samples. The same applies to the spa idea. If a scientific approach is more appealing, consider hosting a little science show as if in a lab. Remember to create interest through engagement.

Small Space? Use the Ceiling as a Hanging Space!

Even if your floor space at the Propak Cape event is limited, you can still get your brand noticed. Do so by hanging displays from the ceiling over your booth. Visitors will see the displays from far and come closer to investigate.

Lifestyle Booth

Appeal to the need for relaxation with elegant and inviting couches. Add two trendy hanging chairs and spruce up the ambience with stylish beverages.

Magic for Stopping Power

People are intrigued by the mystique of magicians. Having an experienced close-up magician at your display booth to entertain ensures a large crowd. Add brand power through giveaways or let the magician use some of your products in his or her show.

Virtual Reality – Space Exploration

Create a space where visitors have opportunities to try out virtual reality hardware. Take them to fantasy worlds or let them play games. This type of interactive display booth tends to attract the younger tech-savvy crowds.

Everything you need to stand out at the Wines2Whales event on the 25^th of October to the 3^rd of November 2019 is available from us. Don’t forget about Windaba from the 4^th to the 6^th of November and the Africa Oil Week from the 4^th to the 8^th of November 2019.

We provide trade booths and a range of modular stands according to customer needs. Get in touch for more information about our award-winning stand designs for the above and other exciting display opportunities.

Booking space for an exhibition booth is only the first step. True, pitching up to engage with attendees can be the second step if you make use of our expertise to help your brand stand out at the next event.

Considering that every exhibitor wants to be seen and competes to attract attendees, what can you do to get the best value for time and money with your exhibition booth? Besides letting our team get creative on the layout and attributes, you can think of innovative ways to highlight your brand.

Product Prop

If your firm sells laptops, consider using a large flat-screen television and cardboard design keyboard to give it the feel of a larger-than-life notebook. Add your best brand advert and the visitors will notice. Of course, your exhibition booth may not have all that much space. In this instance, read on as we share more tips on how to make your exhibition booth the talk of the show.

Special Offer – Limited Time

Many event attendees expect discounts and giveaways. Advertise a special offer only available to visitors at the event. Promote the discount through your website, social media pages, and newsletters. But, don’t stop there. Yourdisplay stand must be visible and so must the special.

Forward to Freebies

Swag bags, free beverages, gifts, and discount vouchers are the honeycombs that attract the bees. Make sure that you have enough and advertise them boldly. Everything you give away must have your brand all over it.

Create engagement with competitions at your exhibition booth, enabling attendees to win several small items and have the chance to win something impressive. Announce that attendees must be at your trade stand at a certain time and day for a chance to win the big item.

Go Big or Go Even Bigger

Gigantic swag bags with your brand splashed all over will attract attention. Best of all, the visitors will walk around the trade show advertising your brand. Many more attendees will pop in for their free bags.

Phone-Charging Station

Show you care about customer needs. Add a phone-charging station and offer free beverages for the visitors while they wait. Think about it. The visitors are in your booth, glued to the phone-charging station. They have nowhere else to be and you have their attention. Create interactive displays and use the opportunity to engage with them.

Notebook or Laptop Stations

Provide free Internet access and notebook stations. Add comfortable seating and you have people willing to stay. During this period, your interactive displays run and customer engagement activities are offered.

Selfie Booth

Gone are the days of photo booths. Today, we have selfie booths. Make yours so amazing that visitors will want to stop. Guess what’s in the background? Your brand message is all over it. Every selfie taken is thus an advert for your brand. Create hashtags and provide a range of props to intrigue and inspire. Your exhibition booth will become the hotspot for sharing and posting selfies.

Make the most of events such as the upcoming Wines2Whales, Windaba, and Africa Oil Week. Let us provide you with the ultimate exhibition booth.

If you missed the ninth annual Windaba conference hosted in Cape Town at the start of October, don’t despair. You will get another chance to visit the premier international wind energy event next year. This year’s conference was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from the 8^th to the 9^th of October.

Windaba is the leading power and wind energy event in the country and worth attending if you are interested or operate within the renewable energy sector.

Windaba October 2019 was made possible by the South African Wind Energy Association and the Global Wind Energy Council. Influencers and many government representatives attended. Important decision-makers and numerous stakeholders participated in the discussions about the future of wind energy supply in Africa.

As many as 500+ exhibitors displayed their products and brand messages. With the visitors to Windaba already in the market for renewable energy products, exhibitors benefited from having their target audiences right at their booth entrances.

With the conference in its ninth year, it has become almost a household name in the wind energy circles. Several top delegates attended to support the focus on creating sustainable energy sources for the people of Africa. The Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources, Gwede Mantashe, also attended this year’s Windaba.

Among the delegates to this year’s Windaba were OEMs, investors, and bank representatives, as well as insurers.

Minister Gwede Mantashe was one of the key speakers at the conference. He noted that conventional electricity supply is too expensive, thereby verbalising what is on the minds of many South Africans. In his address, Minister Mantashe noted the importance of wind power for energy creation. With government also showing interest in wind energy supply, it is certainly good news for service providers and inventors hoping to promote wind energy in Africa.

Why You Should Not Miss Out on the Opportunity to Attend and Exhibit at the 2020 Windaba

The next Windaba event will be hosted in October 2020. If you missed out on the opportunity to have a display stand at the premier wind energy event this year, book your spot early for next year.

Delegates to the event have opportunities to participate in discussions, learn more about wind energy supply trends, and gain a better understanding of trends in the industry. You should attend if you want to brush up on your knowledge of renewable energy supply, are a supplier of wind energy products, and want to find out more about solutions from your peers in the industry.

You will also get to network with influencers and experts from government departments, the environmental engineering sector, and operations and maintenance service providers.

Still on the topic of energy sources, the Africa Oil Week is just around the corner. The event will be hosted in Cape Town from the 4^th to the 8^th of November 2019, also at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. According to the Africa Oil Week website, as many as 29 ministers will attend. You can download a brochure for the prestigious event from their website.

Whether you intend to exhibit at the Windaba 2020 event or the Africa Oil Week, you can rely on us for an extensive range of display stands.

The SA Innovation Summit is the leading events platform for entrepreneurs in South Africa. This year’s event was hosted from 11 to 13 September 2019 in Cape Town. The 2019 theme was “From Africa to the World” with the focus on true leadership aimed at being the change and the capacity builder. In addition, it was about showcasing entrepreneurial talent. With over 450 entrepreneurs, more than 150 investors, and as many as 600 companies on the attendance list, it is certainly an event that represents the creative and innovative spirit of South Africa very well. The event has something for everyone. Everything from striking exhibits and incredible learning opportunities to exceptional networking potential and unforgettable keynote deliveries form part of the exciting programme.

Innovation Summit – Value Proposition for Entrepreneurs

It provides an opportunity to learn from the industry gurus and influencers. The event also provides a myriad of networking opportunities, ways to find new markets, and a place to pitch concepts to investors. It is the event to attend if you want to be inspired or seek funding for innovative new ideas.

Innovation Summit – Identify Investment Opportunities

Where else can you discover such a variety of concepts, the most innovative new ideas, proven approaches, and tech start-ups to fund? With access to over 1500 entries, a range of masterclasses and several panel discussions, it is an event that potential investors simply must attend.

Headhunt Talent

Recruit top-tier talent for your business by making use of all the opportunities available at the event. Exploit the platform to expand your company’s support incentives and programmes for new companies. Use the event to host workshops and position your firm as a leader in your particular industry.

Full Programme to Attract and Retain Interest

TheSA Innovation Summit is about creativeness, technology, design, and invention. It is about the people who take challenges head-on and are agents of change. To this end, the event programme reflects the true spirit of the entrepreneurs attending the event. It includes keynote deliveries by local industry and thought leaders, researchers, and experienced entrepreneurs. The summit has an annual programme and this year’s offering did not disappoint. It included the launch of three crowdsourcing campaigns, the building of innovative ecosystems, and panel discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence investment, innovation in justice, and accelerating incubators. It also included pitching dens and lessons founders learnt on their entrepreneurial journeys. Panel discussions, furthermore, focused on topics related to the ethics of investors and commercialisation into Africa, to name only a few. If you have missed this year’s SA Innovation Summit in Cape Town, make sure you are at the next event.

Plan Your Exhibition at the Next Event

Though there is enough time to prepare for your business’s involvement or the pitching of your entrepreneurial concept for the upcoming event in 2020, it is vital to start early. Contact our professional design and print team for expert help to design, print, and manufacture your exhibition stand at the next SA Innovation Summit.

Even with the best exhibition display stands available, you still need to make the right choice regarding layout, ambience, and functionality. In addition, you and your marketing team need to plan for the event day. This means marketing ahead of time.

1. Pre-Exhibition Marketing

Of course, you depend on the visibility of exhibition display stands to attract visitors, but with pre-trade marketing, you can ensure that your loyal customers will visit your booths. Use your email newsletters to announce where you will host a stand or several such trade stands. Invite your clients to drop in at your booths. Better yet, offer an incentive to do so.

Have your clients register online at your website to attend the exhibition where you will have display stands. Give them free tickets to the event and offer further freebies for attending your exhibition display booths. Create a Facebook event and invite your page followers to attend. Add an incentive for sharing and provide them with useful information about particular trade fair events where your brand will be represented.

2. Offer Skills Workshops at Your Exhibition Display Stands

If you have space, consider hosting short skills courses in your particular product or service offering. Make sure you notify your current clients of the workshops. With such offered, visitors stay longer.Boothsthat look busy attract more visitors.

3. Offer Product Demonstrations

As an alternative to skills workshops, you can offer product demonstrations. Advertise such on your website and social media pages well ahead of time. Also be sure to advertise such on banners or LED light box displays at the venue. You can even offer freebies for attending or provide certificates for attendance. Discount vouchers should form part of the marketing campaign to drive current clients to your trade booths. The benefit of such is that the customers will want to use the vouchers while they can. Make the vouchers redeemable only at your trade booths if you use such as pre-trade marketing items. If you use such at your trade booths, make sure the vouchers can be used at your stores as well.

4. Social Media Hub

People no longer leave home without their iPhones, tablets, or smartphones. They tweet, like, post, share, and upload the entire time. They often do so even more when at trade fairs. Make sure your booths are interactive to attract attention. Indeed, by turning your booths into social media hubs, you create focus points. Have relaxation spaces in addition to live projected feeds. Tap into the power of hashtags to have your product demonstrations go viral.

5. Interactivity Creates a Bond

People do not just want to observe while visiting trade booths. They want to participate. Games enable them to interact with your product. This can be a solar experiment or perhaps a 3D puzzle. You can even create a social experiment. Think of your product and how you can have visitors interact with it, using some type of game set-up.