Doing business demands a new approach to exhibitioning

With increasing competition and a constant drive to improve operational efficiencies, the way in which South African companies are doing business is changing rapidly. There has been a distinct move away from lengthy, time-consuming networking events, with a focus on optimising opportunities in the shortest time possible. Montgomery Africa, a leader in developing events that drive business value, has thus launched a unique concept in business-to-business exhibitions, called Network Expos Africa.

The concept – a first of its kind in South Africa – is a time-efficient, value-for-money business development solution, aimed at facilitating business growth opportunities through niched exhibitions offering effective networking and quick lead generation.

According to Montgomery Africa’s Business Development Manager, Lydia Botha, research has found that exhibitors and exhibition visitors in the small to medium business space are both pressured in terms of time, financial and human resources.

“They both want the same thing: an exhibition format that delivers a time-saving, cost-effective, easy way to network face-to-face with business prospects in a specific industry sector,” she says.

“Many companies want to exhibit at a trade show but can’t afford a large, expensive stand.  Our shows put all exhibitors on a level playing field as the stand sizes range between 9m² and 18m² and all use a Shell scheme format so there is no pressure to compete on size or design.  Also, smaller companies do not typically have staff who can afford to spend days away from the office, which is what a traditional exhibition requires.  Network Expos Africa takes care of the build-up and break down of the stand so all the exhibitor needs to do is arrive and start networking.”

Exhibitors and visitors want to network in a business environment and this is what Network Expos Africa provides.  The focus is on lead generation so the show format is aimed at direct, face-to-face contact with buyers through an easily navigable, compact exhibition layout. Added value takes the form of mini-seminars, which will take place on the exhibition floor during the show.

Network Expos Africa will kick off with four back-to-back shows in March 2012, at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg. “We look for growth and development in niched sectors and focus on industries not covered by “traditional” shows,” says Botha.  The first four shows will cover Retail, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Packaging and the Entrepreneur.

“Our intention is to kick-start the programme in Gauteng and then roll out these shows in regions that are hungry for this type of networking opportunity,” says Botha.