The largest and most impressive conference and exhibition in the African rail industry will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 30 June to 1 July 2020. Called Africa Rail, the event is for stakeholders and leaders invested in the rail and transport service delivery in Africa.

More than 7 500 attendees are expected at the event where more than 250 exhibitors will showcase their products and services. The exhibition will run alongside the conference where 250 speakers will deliver exciting and thought-provoking speeches. Discussion groups and 220 sessions are more reasons to consider visiting or exhibiting at this impressive event. Representatives from over 30 countries are expected at the two-day event too.

Key Focus of Africa Rail 2020

The event is about investment opportunities, development discussions, and technology exhibitions by and for rail stakeholders, operators, investment partners, consultants, transport experts, governments, and users of the services. It provides a platform for idea development, industry disruptions, and staying in the loop regarding freight and passenger rail transport services and needs on the African continent.

Industry professionals, end-users, and other attendees visit the exhibition and participate in the conference because they have a vested interest in rail technology and innovative projects in transportations of goods and people.

The Africa Rail 2020 will be hosted for the 23^rd time. As a long-standing event, it has become the most important of its kind for all role players in Africa. It is the go-to-event for networking with solution providers in the rail industry.

Among the many important speakers are:

• Professor Johan du Plessis from the University of Johannesburg
• Victor Radebe as the Executive Director at the Mobility Centre for Africa
• Duncan Bonnett as Director at Africa House, South Africa
• Howard Rosen as Chairman of the Rail Working Group from Switzerland
• Leonard Makwinja as CEO of Botswana Railways

With more than 245 other speakers also on the list, the event will be jam-packed with important discussions.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

The event organisers have called for sponsors and exhibitors to book their stands and pledge their sponsorships. The target audience is mostly senior-level decision-makers in the rail and transport industry. Africa Rail’s event organisers provide tailored spaces for exhibitors. Sponsors benefit from naming rights, opportunities to host panels and guaranteed meetings, in addition to keynote branding.

Top Reasons to Attend Africa Rail 2020

Attendees benefit from the exceptional programme packed with innovative keynote addresses, product launches and demonstrations, and peer-to-peer meetings. The event will also feature:

• Skills development seminar
• Workshops on leadership
• Rail tech academy
• Start-up pavilion
• Rail maintenance discussion
• Inter-model display
• Smart mobility display
• Hosted purchaser programme
• Operators pavilion
• Site visits
• Women in transport
• Transport awards
• Africa Rail bursary

Influential buyers will attend, while top brands and players in the industry will exhibit. Past sponsors and exhibitors include names such as RailPro, Liquid Telecom and Union Tiles, to name only three.

Interested parties should not pass on the opportunity to visit, host, and participate at the Africa Rail 2020.

Source:

• https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/africa-rail/agenda.stm
• https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/africa-rail/index.stm

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

Seamless Africa, with its over 200 exhibitors and 1000 attendees, is hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 7 to 8 April 2020. The event is relevant to the retail finance and insurance industries.

As the leading event on payment and commerce systems in southern Africa, Seamless boasts a conference and tradeshow. With separate agendas for the tradeshow and the conference, it is an exciting and must-attend event for anyone interested or involved in payment systems, retail, and E-commerce.

Seamless Africa 2020 also includes the free shared expo where the leading technology service providers in southern Africa display their newest technologies. Several product demonstrations form part of the event. These demonstrations take about 30 minutes each.

With a networking app in place, attendees can connect with participants at the event. To do so is as easy as downloading the app and scheduling meetings for the event days. In addition, the event includes seminars where experts share their knowledge and insights. It provides the perfect platform to exchange ideas and benefit from credible peer-to-peer teaching and learning.

The event also includes the Seamless E-commerce University that covers all the how-to questions regarding the setting up and managing of an online business. Attendees thus gain valuable knowledge and tools to achieve a competitive edge in the world of online business generation.

The exhibitor component is equally exciting with top players in the industry displaying their innovations alongside start-ups gaining a foothold in the industry.

Organised by Terrapin (Pty) Ltd South Africa, the event addresses the disruptive elements in the payment industry. Revolutionary technologies for payments in the retail industry, banking, lending, and insurance technologies are introduced at the event.

Participants from the bank, insurance, and financial technologies attend and exhibit, catering to the knowledge and networking needs of the senior-level audience. Commerce professionals have opportunities to forge new business partnerships, gain access to the best technologies, and discuss challenging issues.

Who should attend, sponsor or exhibit at Seamless Africa?

Role players, start-ups, manufacturers, representatives, and marketing teams operating in the categories listed below benefit from attendance, sponsoring and exhibiting at the event:

• Payment processors
• Chip manufacturers
• Chip integrators
• NFC
• Banking technology
• Fintech innovation
• ID & security
• Payment platforms
• Payment issuers
• CRM
• Loyalty programmes
• Implementation partners
• Mobile commerce solution providers
• Cash handling
• POS solutions
• Data analytics

The event provides a venue for meeting up, sharing ideas, exhibiting technologies and learning from experts. With its target audience being mainly professionals in the categories mentioned, exhibitors and sponsors have a targeted audience, relevant to their particular industries. As such, they receive superb value for their time and money.

More than 150 speakers from over 25 African countries address delegates at the conference.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

• Block-chain
• Open banking
• Payment evolution
• Mobile interoperability
• Transforming banking
• Data-driven innovation
• Cryptocurrencies
• Digital banking
• Alternative technologies
• ID and authentication
• Cybersecurity
• Digital ID
• Financial technology
• Financial integration
• VAS, CX and UX
• Insurance technology
• Regulatory framework for insurtech
• Insurtech customer technology
• Data and analytics relevant to insurtech
• Core banking technology
• Data innovation in banking technology
• Innovation in banking
• Connected banking

Separate agendas are set for insurance technology, bank technology, financial technology and payments. Don’t miss the leading payments conference and expo. Visit, sponsor, and exhibit at the Seamless Africa 2020 event.

Source:

• https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/seamless-africa/index.stm
• https://10times.com/seamless-southern-africa
• https://10times.com/seamless-fintech-johannesburg
• https://tradefest.io/en/event/seamless-africa

The traditional shell scheme used by event organisers and exhibition venues have some limitations, especially when it comes to the creation of custom display booths.

Problems with traditional shell schemes

The panels are heavy and difficult to set up. With posts separating the panels, it is almost impossible to create seamless graphic display walls. In addition, the panels scratch, and the vinyl-based graphic prints cannot be re-used. This makes custom display stands expensive and tedious to design and set-up.

How our solutions make it easier to set up exhibition stands

With the new and innovative fabric shell scheme as available through us, it is possible to address all the mentioned problems. Seamless fabric walls are easily attached to the posts. With the lightweight of the scheme, setting up event booths is faster and more cost-efficient; the latter being an added bonus.

Components of the fabric shell scheme

It consists of a modular aluminium system that makes it easy to create display stands that feature seamless fabric walls. This is possible because of the silicone edge graphic technology offered. The white poly twill fabric is stretched over the posts, from one corner to the other. These panels can be replaced with custom graphic fabric walls.

The standard scheme consists of a 3 x 3 m booth. With only four aluminium posts as compared to the 10 posts of the traditional scheme, it is faster and easier to set up. Traditional schemes for exhibition booths consist of 32 locks and nine panels to insert. The new schemes have only 12 locks to tighten with three panels to attach.

The system is dark grey powder-coated for easy fading into the background. This also helps to emphasise the graphics. We offer the scheme in 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, and 4 m wall modules. As such, it is possible to create display booths according to space availability.

The fabric can be re-used, washed, and stored. With several wall-length options, all the exhibition booths at an event can look as if custom designed. The scheme has a sophisticated look and feel, which adds visual appeal to any stand. The fabric scheme can also be used at conference entrances.

Re-usability of graphics and easy transportation

The lightweight components of the scheme make it easier to dismantle and transport. Clients can use their graphics at other events as well. With such, fully customisable display booths are possible at a fraction of the time and cost of the conventional plastic panel schemes that are heavy and take up more space in storage.

Improve your exhibition spaces with our range of solutions

We offer a range of options to create stunning and innovative stalls. Such also includes counters, pop-up displays, brochure stands and banners. Offer your exhibitors more choices and improved booths with our custom options. Get in touch for more information about our stand building options including the innovative fabric shell schemes for your exhibition or trade show.

Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a fabric pop-up system, the new fabric shell scheme available from us makes it easier for exhibition centres to set-up and provide booth frame spaces for exhibitors.

Problems with the Conventional Exhibition Booth Systems

The traditional shell scheme has been in use for many years. However, exhibition centres require systems that make it possible for exhibitors to set-up booths at their trade shows or events without having to design and fit entire booths.

Instead, the exhibition centres already provide the basic shell systems to which panels can be attached for display. The problem with the conventional structure is heaviness and size, making it difficult to set-up. The posts that separate the walls or panels pose a challenge for creating seamless graphic and image walls. The panels are also prone to damage such as scratches. With vinyl printed graphics not being reusable, these systems are not cost-effective for the exhibitors or the exhibition centres.

What is the Solution?

With the introduction of our fabric shell schemes, the mentioned challenges are overcome. Seamless fabric walls and easy to set-up booth structures, make this the perfect solution for exhibition centres and the exhibitors.

Design

The system consists of a modular frame, made from aluminium. This makes it lightweight and thus easier to handle. The design allows for seamless fabric walls, possible through the usage of silicone edge graphic technology. The corner posts no longer pose a challenge for the wall additions as white poly twill fabric is stretched to create a smooth graphic surface from one corner post to the other. The panels can be substituted with fabric graphic print panels.

A fabric shell scheme, for instance, makes up a 3 x 3 m exhibition booth, consisting of only four aluminium posts instead of the ten posts required with the more traditional a 3 x 3 m system. With it being lightweight with fewer posts, set-up is quick and doesn’t require special equipment or several labourers.

The system is powder-coated in dark grey that makes it seamlessly fade into the background, helping to highlight the graphics. We offer the scheme in 1, 2, 3 and 4 m wall units. This gives the necessary flexibility to design and set-up booths according to exhibitor requirements.

Distinct Advantages

With innovative technology and design, we have made it possible for exhibition centres and their exhibitors to improve the appearance and neatness of the display booths. The customisation options are endless, helping to create the impression of uniquely designed and highly professional exhibition spaces. With such, the visitor experience is greatly enhanced. Sophistication and practicality are two words that come to mind when having to describe the lightweight fabric shell scheme.

Fabric panels can be used over and over as the material is washable. This makes it more cost-effective to host exhibition spaces. In addition, the panels are lighter and thus easier to handle. Furthermore, these panels can be folded and stored. With the small space footprint when stored, it makes sense to use the fabric panels. These systems are versatile as the shell schemes can be used for branding, signage and entrance areas.

With only three panels to fit and 12 locks to tighten, as opposed to nine-panel inserts and 32 locks of the conventional booth systems, the fabric shell schemes make it easier to set-up a comprehensive exhibition venue. Reduce cost and set-up time while also improving the flexibility and sophistication of exhibition spaces.

Get in touch for more information about the innovative solution for your exhibition centre.

Africa Health is considered the largest event for healthcare professionals in Africa, to be hosted from 12-14 May 2020 in Johannesburg at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. It is the must-attend convention for manufacturers, pharmaceutical representatives, and healthcare professionals.

With hospital services, clinic offerings, accessories, equipment and services on display, in addition to medicine showcasing and discussions on medical chemicals to form part of the prestigious event, it is one of the best-attended medical conventions on the continent. Healthcare professionals from around the world attend while the exhibitors gain opportunities to showcase their latest breakthrough technologies to a targeted audience.

With over 600 exhibitors and more than 10 500 professionals expected to attend from several exhibiting countries, it is the convention to visit for optimal networking, brand exposure, and product launches. With so many visitors to attend, companies have every reason to display their products and services, enhance their corporate images, and build brand visibility.

Attendees from 68 countries provide for an exceptionally large target base, all interested in the newest, most innovative and cost-effective technologies and services relevant to the healthcare industry.

Visitors and exhibitors alike have ample opportunities to network with trade specialists and healthcare professionals. From suppliers to customers and investors will attend in the hopes of establishing contacts and meeting potential suppliers or clients.

The product scope is just as impressive as thousands of products will be on display. This, of course, gives visitors more options and chances to negotiate contracts or to compare offerings.

Attendance also serves to stay current with the latest developments and ongoing trends in the industry. Visiting helps to gain insight as to the direction of healthcare over the next ten years.

Attendees can improve their skills and expertise levels through participation in workshops, seminars, group discussions, training classes, and conference attendance. Visitors and exhibitors can also explore nearby attractions in the surrounding areas.

For parties interested in exhibiting, a warm invite has been given to book their spots as early as possible since 72% of the 2019 exhibitors have reserved space at the 2020 convention and exhibition. Space is thus limited and to stay competitive in the industry, it is important to have a stand at the 2020 event.

Companies not yet convinced of the benefits of showcasing at Africa Health 2020 should take note of the reasons 2019 exhibitors have rebooked their sites.

New Business Opportunities

With over 10 500 visitors to the event, opportunities to meet new clients and suppliers abound. Tradeshows provide the perfect platforms for informal contact building. Agreements worth millions of rands come in place at such exhibitions. If your plan is to grow your brand in 2020, then visiting and exhibiting at the largest gathering of its kind in the healthcare industry of Africa is a must-do activity.

An exclusive selection of opportunities only open for exhibitors gives even more reason to book a stand for maximum brand exposure. If you have not yet booked your stand or visitor ticket, do so right away to become part of the growing network of successful healthcare professionals and service providing companies in Africa.

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.

The Propak Cape 2020 event will be hosted from 20-22 October 2020 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape and will be open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Interested parties have been invited to connect with thousands of visitors to increase brand awareness, establish contacts and expand markets.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to generate sales leads, as well as increase conversion rates at the event where buyers and sellers get face-to-face meeting time. With over two decades of hosting the event, Propak Cape 2020 is already a favourite trade show with key players in the industry. With large scale face-to-face marketing, promotion, and sales opportunities to a targeted audience of close to 6 000 attendees, exhibitors have every reason to book their stands at the impressive packaging trade show.

Benefits of exhibiting at the Propak Cape 2020 event include:

• Opportunity to sell directly to willing buyers and key influencers.
• Build brand exposure in the Western Cape.
• Exposure to new customers.
• Generate qualifying sales leads.
• Forge stronger customer relations.
• Introduce products in front of important decision-makers.

The event is as beneficial for exhibitors as it is for the many thousands of visitors. Exhibitors and sponsors have opportunities such as brand exposure in the event’s e-zine publication, establishing a presence on the website, and gaining extra coverage of their brands through the Propak Cape app. Participants can also benefit from the profiling opportunities in the Propak Cape Visitor Guide and inclusion in the event social media marketing and platforms. Various types of sponsorship opportunities exist to maximise the potential of brand exposure.

Visitors can also realise several benefits including opportunities to learn more about products, services, and key industry aspects at the free seminars. The premier visitor lounge is expected to be as popular as ever and the opportunity to see new product displays before such products have reached the market is another reason to visit the event. Thousands of new and innovative products and services will be showcased at the exciting packaging trade show.

The event is co-located with the Print Expo, FoodPro Expo, Pro-Label Expo, as well as the Wine & Olive Oil Production Expo. The exhibitor and product portfolio includes but is not limited to substrates, polymers, paper, boxes, cans, containers, closures, pouches, drums, bottles, and flexible packaging, to name only a few.

From manufacturers and suppliers to agents of plastics processing materials and equipment will exhibit. Service providers and suppliers of blow moulding and injection moulding equipment are also on the exhibitor list. Providers of converting, extrusion and chilling equipment will also be among the exhibitors. In addition, suppliers and key role players in the provision of processing aids, recycling materials and equipment, as well as feeders will display their products.

If not comprehensive enough, the exhibitor list includes the likes of suppliers printing and labelling products such as bar-coding and label applications. The list is by no means exhaustive, and for a full exhibitor profile visit the Propak Cape 2020 website. Whether you want to showcase, meet with suppliers or buyers, or want to gain insight into the industry, it is the event to attend if you are involved in the packaging industry.