MTE EXHIBITIONS •
MTE : BORN OF SOUND CONCEPT , MAINTAINED IN CRISIS , EXPANDED THROUGH EVOLUTION
By Sharyn Macnamara
MTE has serviced the mining sector for 30 years now , while expanding its offering to other industries . Steadfast relationships and an agile adaptability quotient 1 have been the secret to the company ’ s success .
Andrew Macnamara , current operations director of the travelling exhibitions company reminisces , “ Mining and Technical exhibitions ( MTE ) was founded in 1993 by Tony Wightman – previously a manager for Stewarts & Lloyds – when he spotted a gap in the mining market . Leveraging off the South African mining culture at the time – built on and around community – and basing his business concept on what in those days was fondly compared to a ‘ travelling circus ’; he built a business on strong relationships and contacts with the mines ; and Mining Exhibitions cc , now known as MTE , was born .”
Born of sound concept Whiteman – a one-man band , with ‘ the gift of the gab ’, a land cruiser , trailer and caravan – would get ‘ buy-in ’ from mine managers and would work with their secretaries ( the ‘ bosses ’, in those days ) to organise the exhibitions . These were small gatherings , held at the rec clubs ( recreation clubs ) on mine premises , which were the hub of mine life and the community back in the day . Small groups of 8 – 20 suppliers would share information over a beer ; and a smart , efficient business concept was born : face-to-face , high-impact get-togethers that allowed business relationships to flourish , where more than one solution could be shared within a few hours with between 30 and 40 key decision makers .“ Built on solid relationships – this sound concept has stood the test of time ,” enthuses Macnamara on the company ’ s 30th anniversary recently celebrated with loyal exhibitors who have supported and booked stands at MTE ’ s tradeshows – some for more than 13 years and others for as long as the company has been in existence – precisely because the concept works !
‘ Consistency ’ stands the test of time and evolution Interact Media Defined ( IMD ) bought over Mining Exhibitions cc in 2004 and the hand-over of relationships and expertise took 18 – 24 months . These MTE relationships with both supplier and end user became the trusted vehicle that would bring supplier and buyer together for years to come .
MTE celebrates thirty successful years in the mining industry .
African Mining , incorporating Mining Mirror African Mining , incorporating Mining Mirror Supplied by Tony Wightman
“ Built on solid relationships – the sound MTE concept has stood the test of time ,” enthuses Macnamara at the company ’ s 30th anniversary celebration .
The late Tony Whiteman – a one-man band , with ‘ the gift of the gab ’, a land cruiser , trailer and caravan – would get ‘ buy-in ’ from mine managers and would work with their secretaries ( the ‘ bosses ’) to organise mobile exhibitions – in those days , fondly referred to as the travelling circus .
We thank all of those involved in our past and present journey for the part they have played in MTE ’ s longevity and successes .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 47