SCC claims the edge on exhibitions market

STATISTICS – conducted by the centre’s own in-house research team - confirm that Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) is attracting the largest component of exhibitions in Johannesburg, says Nomaxabiso Majokweni, executive director of the centre. Markex & World of Events, South Africa’s premier marketing and promotions exhibition organised by Exhibitions for Africa, showed an increase of over 1 700 visitors compared to last year. "We are extremely satisfied with our decision to move our Gauteng-based events to Sandton Convention Convention Centre as not only have we had rave reviews from our exhibitors but also have witnessed an increase in quality visitors to our shows," says Jo Melville, managing director of Exhibitions for Africa. Location is also a key factor in the success of the centre. With Sandton housing South Africa’s top hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, Sandton Convention Centre tends to draw a higher calibre of visitor to their exhibitions, believes Majokweni. According to Marc du Toit, centre manager of Sandton City, a lot of synergy exists between this Sandton landmark and the centre. "We are extremely satisfied with the value both Sandton Convention Centre and Sandton City adds to the area. With visitor attendance up, we can offer visitors the benefit and convenience of high profile retail shops, restaurants and coffee bars, all in the same radius," says du Toit. Upcoming exhibitions at the centre this year include the Jewellex International 2003, Afribuild/Afriwater, Hardex, The Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo and Winex to name but a few. Majokweni adds that South Africa’s growing trade relations and agreements with other countries and regions now also offer Johannesburg a “golden opportunity” for attracting visitors to trade exhibitions. (Adéle Mackenzie)