UFI Open Seminar and Expo Summit in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
15-17 March 2012
Venue: CTICC
 Programme


African Exhibition Industry: Reality, Potential, Access and Needs

 

Thursday 15 March  -   Inside Africa


 
10:00 – 11:30 UFI Middle East/Africa Chapter meeting

  UFI Members only

 
11:30 – 12:00 Registration and Welcome Coffee
 
 


12:00 – 12:30


Opening Remarks by the Moderator
Rashid Toefy, CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa



12:30 – 13:15 The South African Exhibition Industry Scene and Future Promises

by: Dirk Elzinga, Managing Director, Convention Industry Consultants, Cape Town
 

Africa is an interesting continent. Although economic growth figures are not comparable with the BRIC countries, South Africa is proud to be a member of that group now as well. In South Africa the economic growth last year was just above 3%, still very impressive if compared with the rest of the world.  Our continent, with more than one billion inhabitants, is increasingly recognized as potentially an interesting trade partner. In order for countries like China and India to sustain their growth, there is a need for many raw materials – of which many African countries are the suppliers. International and South African show organizers recognize these trade movements. Important economic sectors that are already or soon could be served with trade fairs and conferences are mining, IT and telecommunication, energy, food, fishing and agriculture, and also tourism.


13:15 – 14:45 Luncheon
At the kind invitation of


14:45 – 15:30 What Are the Influences of the Arab Spring on North African Market


by: Essam El Haddad, Chairman, Arabian Development Group, Egypt
 
What happened exactly?
What are the implications on economy in general and exhibition industry in particular?
What are the possible scenarios/opportunities?To invest or not to invest, that is the question?!The start will be with an overview of the economic, social and demographic situation of North African countries, addressing in particular current situation of the exhibition industry; the available venues and spaces (hard ware), number and quality of trade fairs (soft ware).
Then, the speaker coming from the heart of the storm, will share us his vision about the growth trends expected in the forthcoming years; in light of the expected democratic transition, followed by shifting toward the “good governance” values; which could lead - according to the lessons of countries of Eastern Europe which experienced similar transitions, and according to the study of the International Monetary Fund - to an economic recovery, accompanied by a boom in the growth of the exhibition industry.
Finally, what are the integrated policies, to focus on competitive advantage as a bridge between Europe and Africa, and to build global strategic alliances to benefit from the expertise and marketing channels in order to make benefit of opportunities and overcome challenges?


15:30 – 16:15 The Choices of Cooperation and Partnerships
with Franco Phonic African Show Organizers


by: Sylvie Fourn, Division Director, Reed Exhibitions, France
 
In North Africa as everywhere in the world a trade show is part of an economic dynamics and a tool, among others, to answer the needs of one market.
 
International open-minding, integrity, honesty and good-willingness to learn, share and improve together are the relevant items to succeed in creating and developing a trade show with a local partner.
 
If you want to get safe, successful and happy from the adventure you have to select people mentally prepared to the association with foreign partners and having a great consciousness that working together is complicated but really rich.


16:15 – 16:30 Closing Remarks




16:30 Networking Refreshments



18:30

Dinner Reception Strelitzia Restaurant 

At the kind invitation of






Friday 16 March  -   The Industry Needs



09:30 – 10:00 Welcome Coffee
 


10:00 – 11:00 How to use Technology to Achieve Business Goals

by: Thorsten Kolbinger, General Manager, Ungerboeck Software, Germany

Today's exhibition managers and venues are presented with more choices than ever for marketing and selling, planning and evaluating the success of their events. And to make it even more complicated, technology is changing so rapidly how can you be sure to make the best decision for your business? This session discusses the latest trends as observed by a global provider of software solutions to the exhibition industry, including concepts such as social media and mobile apps, executive dashboards, best of breed vs. integrated software, SaaS vs. inhouse, and other key considerations to ensuring the best fit is selected.



11:00 – 12:00 The Exhibition and Convention Infrastructure:
Perspectives for Emerging Markets


by: Gerd Weber, Senior Expert, JWC Gmbh, Germany

The exhibition and convention industry is still based on extensive investment in the infrastructure. Therefore all investment plans – new build, expansion or refurbishment – have to be generated on an intensive strategy and planning process. Long before architects and engineers take over this process the venue owner/management have to make important decisions which will shape the future development of the venue substantially.

This session will discuss decision guidance for venue owner/manager and perspectives for emerging markets.
Session Sponsor
12:00 – 12:30 Networking Refreshments


12:30 – 13:30 To Clone a Show or Introduce a New One in an Emerging Market


by: Douglas Emslie, Group Managing Director Tarsus Group Plc., UK

 
Labelexpo was described by Business Week as the only truly global brand in the exhibition industry. Started over 30 years ago in London labelexpo now has 10 events around the world. The largest events are in Brussels, Chicago, Shanghai and Delhi. 2012 sees the brand launch in South Africa and there are more launches to come.

So why has a niche event in the printing industry grown consistently over the last 30 years? Why has it expanded so rapidly in the emerging markets and what has been the strategy behind the launch, buy or partner strategies? All will be revealed at the UFI ME event.


13:30 – 14:45 Luncheon



14:45 – 15:45 Mobile Applications for Tradeshows:
10 ways that Smart Phones are revolutionizing Events


by: Corbin Ball, Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, USA
 
Most meetings and trade show attendees are carrying web-enabled phones. These “micro-computers” are increasingly being used for networking, lead exchange, electronic ticketing, way finding, audience polling, surveys, pocket programs, pocket exhibit guides, course notes/literature collection and much more. New phone apps for events are emerging daily. This program will cover the hottest new mobile trends for meetings and what is likely coming in the next few years.


15:45 – 16:00 Closing Remarks




16:00 - 16:30
Farewell Coffee



16:30
Tour of the Centre



18:30 Gala Dinner Bloemendal Restaurent
At the kind invitation of
              






Saturday 17 March


08:30 – 12:00

Half Day Tour

Visit to Parliament Buildings, City Hall & Green Market Square
 


 
 
Host          Supporting Partner
 
 
Event Sponsors
              
Session Sponsor
 
Fabrication Partner
 
 
Technical Partners
          


 
UFI Gold Sponsor
 
UFI Media Partners