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that isn’ t always guaranteed. There’ s also growing space for differentiation in design approaches that combine international best practice with local cultural and market relevance. As the industry evolves, those who can balance global expertise with regional insights stand to gain the most.
What are the biggest challenges organisers face when trying to create high-impact exhibition spaces in Africa? A recurring challenge for organisers is aligning ambitious creative visions with the realities of infrastructure, budget, and logistics in different
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regions. In some markets, access to materials and specialist skills can be limited, while in others the challenge is meeting rising sustainability expectations. Balancing scale with a tailored experience is another pressure point, as larger projects often risk losing the personal touches that resonate with audiences. What we see across the continent is that organisers who work closely with trusted local partners and adopt flexible, innovative approaches are often best placed to overcome these hurdles. |
Partnerships are key in this industry. How do collaborations with stand builders, venues, and organisers across borders ensure a seamless delivery? Cross-border projects in Africa demand a high level of collaboration, as each country has its own regulatory environment, supply chain strengths, and cultural nuances. Partnerships with reliable local providers are essential, not just for efficiency, but for ensuring that design and delivery are contextually relevant. At the same time, organisers and builders are increasingly sharing innovations across markets, creating a two-way flow of knowledge that elevates quality across the board. This combination of local expertise and shared learning |
“ Where information is at overload and senses are saturated, the margin for being remembered and overlooked can come down to one simple thing: your stand” |
helps maintain consistency while allowing for the flexibility each market requires.
Sustainability and legacy projects are becoming increasingly important. How are environmental considerations being integrated into exhibition design in Africa? Sustainability has become a pressing issue across the events sector, though the level of emphasis differs by country. In South Africa, for example, there is strong demand for eco-conscious solutions, while in other regions the conversation is still emerging but gaining traction quickly. The challenge lies in balancing cost, creativity, and sustainability; clients want impactful designs that also reduce waste and carbon footprint. What we are seeing is more use of modular systems, recyclable materials, and locally sourced resources, which not only address environmental concerns but also create longer-term value through reusability.
Recruitment and training are essential for consistent quality. How is talent development shaping the industry? The stand-building and exhibition industry rely heavily on skilled craftsmanship and innovative design thinking, both of which require ongoing investment in people. Across Africa, there’ s a clear need for training initiatives that keep teams up to date with emerging technologies and design practices. At the same time, building capacity within supplier networks is just as important, particularly in regions where access to specialised skills is limited. Companies that commit to developing both in-house talent and their wider ecosystem tend to be the ones delivering consistent quality, even in challenging environments. This focus on people is ultimately what drives resilience and long-term growth in the sector. EW
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www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |
Issue 5 2025 41 |