EVENTS
General optimism ahead of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018
By Robyn Grimsley
This year sees the third edition of the bauma CONEXPO AFRICA construction and mining equipment exhibition taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from 13 to 16 March 2018, and expectations among exhibitors are high.
© Messe München GmbH bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2015.
With exhibitors coming from all over the world to show off their portfolio to prospective customers, not just from South Africa, but from Africa as a whole, bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 promises to offer even more experience to those who pass through its doors.“ In 2018, we will be introducing TECH TALKS, presented by CONEXPO-CON / AGG,” says Elaine Crewe, CEO of Messe München South Africa, organiser of bauma CONEXPO AFRICA.“ These talks will allow visitors to take advantage of a comprehensive technical programme, with a variety of presentations focused on future technology for the mining and construction industries.”
Over the course of the four-day event, exhibitors will also present innovations, case studies, challenges, and solutions for the industry in the all-new Speakers Corner.
While the first two editions of the event took place on a two-year cycle, the organisers decided to adjust the timing to better serve both the local and the international visitors and exhibitors.“ As we have now moved into a three-year cycle, we are encouraging our exhibitors to show off their latest innovations,” says Crewe.“ Our demo area will cover the full product categories of the trade fair, and a revised layout will improve the visitor experience.”
“ Our aim for 2018 is to increase the number of visitors from Africa,” she continues,“ and we are working closely with our agents in various African countries to promote this. In November, we went on a promotional roadshow to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Kenya, and delegations from these countries will be visiting bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018.”
In the lead up to the show, we spoke to some of the exhibitors that will be present at this year’ s event about their expectations for the show and for the southern African— and African— mining and construction industries in general. We also asked them about the challenges facing those operating within the equipment industry, and what they believe to be the prime areas for investment and the important trends to watch.
The feeling among these exhibitors was of general( if somewhat cautious) optimism, with many pointing to the expected upswing in the mining and construction sectors. A
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MARCH 2018