The Exhibition Association of Southern African (EXSA) has appointed Justin Hawes, MD of Scan Display Solutions, as its new Chairman. His mission is to put exhibitions on par with traditional marketing methods.
Hawes, a Chartered Accountant, is well qualified for the position having been in the exhibition industry for eight years and served as Vice Chairman of EXSA for the last three years. Scan Display Solutions, a leading exhibition and display company, currently has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Gaborone and employs 47 staff.
When asked about EXSA's future role, Hawes responded: "It's time to put exhibitions on a par with traditional marketing methods as the exhibition industry has been in the 'other' category too long. The future for exhibitions is fantastic. I believe we are going to see great growth in the industry and EXSA has a big role to play in promoting and regulating this medium."
Hawes acknowledges the recent steady growth in the number of shows and attendees. "Visitor numbers are up. This means that exhibitors are getting more exposure and better returns at shows. As a result, they are buying more floor space and spending more on exhibiting, improving the overall quality of exhibitions. This in turn results in more visitors."
EXSA will be conducting research into international exhibition trends. Having recently led a tour group of 28 EXSA members to Euroshop 2005, Düsseldorf, Germany, the world's leading global retail trade fair, Hawes was impressed with the professionalism of the international exhibition industry and has highlighted experiential marketing and interactive stands as ways of attracting more visitors. He was also impressed with the support provided by the host city in terms of free public transport for Euroshop visitors and branding of the event.
Hawes will be supported during his term as Chairman by the following members of the Executive Committee: Lynn Chamier - Vice Chairman (Exhibitions for Africa), Andrew Dunkley - Treasurer (Gallagher Estate), and members Andrew Ross (Maverick), Hannes Venter (JHB Expo Centre), Jerry Mabena (Kagiso Exhibitions), and Spencer Pillai (Gallagher Estate). Jacquie Nel (Exhibition Freighting G.S.M.) represents the Western Cape Regional Forum while Vivienne Bate (ICC Durban) is responsible for KwaZulu Natal. Craig Newman (Oasys Innovations) and Mike Lord (The Coca-Cola Dome) have been co opted on to the Executive Committee. Carol Weaving (Immediate Past Chairman) and Mandy O'Connor, EXSA's General Manager, make up the rest of the committee.
