Cold Link Africa September 2020 | Page 23

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS Frigair postponed to June 2022 After wide stakeholder engagement, SAIRAC and its partners Interact Media Defined and Specialised Exhibitions, have taken the decision to move the dates of the Frigair Expo 2021 to 1 – 3 June 2022. The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC), Interact Media Defined (IMD) and Specialised Exhibitions (SE), have consulted extensively in the HVAC and Refrigeration industries, and the decision was primarily based on the prolonged effect that the global Covid-19 pandemic has caused for both the local South African and international economies. Many businesses (including international manufacturing plants) have been forced to near standstill over the last few months. Lockdown levels transitioning businesses not classed as essential services back to activity only began in July 2020, and the associated re-prioritisations will no doubt play a role in short-term decisions for both exhibitors and visitors alike as navigation of these unprecedented times is upon the world. With measures declared by the South African President that include a ‘ban on mass gatherings’, all scenarios were evaluated, however the team concluded that for the near future, circumstances will not change drastically nor will the resulting mandatory management of social distancing measures and screening protocols. It would therefore not be practical for an event such as Frigair, which hosts thousands of people, to continue and potentially affect the experience of Africa’s largest dedicated HEVACR exhibition. Many, if not all, events and exhibitions around the world have been affected and other major international HVACR events such as MCE and Chillventa have also been postponed as the well-being and safety of participants is front of mind. Many organisers have opted for virtual solutions, however this takes away from the muchneeded personal interaction that trade exhibitions and events offer. Both IMD and SE strongly believe in face-to-face engagement on these platforms and expect a ‘hungry for interaction’ exhibition in 2022 after most industries are likely to be exhausted on IMD The Frigair Expo has been postponed and will take place in June 2022. electronic or virtual media. All exhibitors’ bookings and space After the announcement at the end allocations will be carried over to the of June 2020, there has been great 2022 show. general acceptance of the decision, and Queries around Frigair can be directed exhibitors have shown their continued to: [email protected] or support in moving the event. [email protected] CLA Chillventa organisers opt to continue 2020 event with virtual experience Following the cancellation of the 2020 Chillventa exhibition due to the global pandemic, the organisers of Europe’s largest air conditioning and refrigeration show is to host a virtual event instead. Chillventa The Chillventa eSpecial will offer three days of industry knowledge, dialogue and innovation from 13-15 October 2020. NürnbergMesse maintains that the spirit and drive of the Chillventa exhibition will be reflected in the online event, with participants being able to establish contacts, cultivate networks, share knowledge, and discuss new products, projects and developments in the sector. “In recent weeks, our customers’ wishes for an industry platform offering intensive knowledge-sharing has taken shape – at least in digital form in the absence of a live event at the Nuremberg exhibition venue,” said Chillventa director Daniela Heinkel. “The Chillventa eSpecial is our The virtual event will offer three days of dialogue and the opportunity of knowledge-sharing. response to the level of interest from our community, and will reflect a large part of the world’s leading exhibition for refrigeration technology in virtual form.” The Chillventa Congress will be held on Tuesday 13 October, the first day of the Chillventa eSpecial. On Days 2 and 3, the digital event will focus on lectures by the participating companies. During the event, a range of communication options will enable participating companies and individuals to contact each other quickly. For example, a matchmaking system will give all event participants suggestions regarding contacts that most closely meet their requirements. Other services will include chatrooms and many other options to meet business friends, and directly discuss and learn about new and innovative products and news from the sector. “With the Chillventa eSpecial, we place particular value on direct and personal interaction for the entire duration of the digital event,” said Heinkel. “Just as our customers are accustomed to at the on-site event, we must remember that Chillventa is the international business platform for the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pump sector. And if we can’t see each other in person at the exhibition venue in Nuremberg this year, we can enjoy meeting up with our customers via the web at the Chillventa eSpecial.” A range of communication options will enable participating companies and individuals to contact each other quickly. Further information about the virtual experience is available by visiting the official Chillventa website. CLA COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2020 www.coldlinkafrica.co.za 23