Despite the exhibitions industry having been curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic during the past two years, exhibition company Specialised Exhibitions MD Gary Corin is excited about the portfolio of the company, a division of Montgomery Group.

First on this year’s calendar is the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition, which will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from February 16 to 18.

As KwaZulu-Natal’s premier show for the industrial technology sector for the past 40 years, the exhibition highlights the latest innovations and showcases state-of-the-art products, equipment and services. The event will bring together leading suppliers and manufacturers, as well as those wanting to source and secure productivity-enhancing solutions.

Packaging and related industries are also looking forward to the next edition of Propak Africa, to be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from March 8 to 11. Recognised for its ability to link together people and products, build quality business connections and facilitate sales, Propak Africa will provide a platform for more than 200 exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge products, machinery, consumables, systems and services.

Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Mark Anderson has confirmed that live demonstrations of machinery will take place daily, in addition to daily free-to-attend seminars, and two conferences: the Institute of Packaging SA’s think tank two-day conference, and the one-day Printing SA conference.

“Propak Africa and its colocated shows make up the largest and most successful packaging, food processing, plastics, printing and labelling exhibition on the African continent, making a world-class event for local and international visitors,” he adds.

Securex South Africa, A-OSH Expo, Facilities Management Expo South Africa and Firexpo South Africa, which are all taking place from May 31 to June 2 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, are other exhibitions on the diary for the year.

Securex is Africa’s leading security and fire trade exhibition, bringing together the continent’s security and fire protection professionals across the public and private sectors. A-OSH is where leading occupational, health and safety companies highlight latest industry trends.

Anderson explains that “the colocated events will also provide a variety of discussions, solutions and discoveries related to the facilities management and property management community”.

Further, Hostex, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, from June 26 to 28. Corin explains that this show delivers innovation and opportunity, with visitors making or influencing buying decisions and more than 200 exhibitors showcasing thousands of innovative products.

Hundreds of exhibitors will also showcase their latest innovations, products and services at Electra Mining Africa – Southern Africa’s biggest mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power and transport trade exhibition – at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from September 5 to 9.

“In the past year, we have been connecting with our partners, integrating the latest exhibition trends and technologies, and planning exciting new features to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Electra Mining Africa,” says Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Charlene Hefer.

She points out that Electra Mining Africa provides the ideal platform for buyers and sellers to connect, for industries to come together and, ultimately, for South Africa’s growth and development to receive the boost it needs.

“We are excited and we are ready, and have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver a show this year like no other.”

Moreover, she adds that facilitating the right connections will be key in invigorating the South African economy, following the effects of the global pandemic.

Corin highlights that Specialised Exhibitions’ ability to look ahead, embrace change and integrate latest technologies into the business is what drives the ongoing success of the companies’ exhibitions.

“It also enables us to identify and develop new opportunities that add value for stakeholders and we will continue to deliver high-impact shows.

“Our success is also underpinned by the people who work for us. We have a young and demographically diverse team on board and have created a vibrant, energetic and forward-thinking environment that keeps us at the forefront of our industry,” Corin concludes.