EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
21
AfriBuild and PlumbDrain
Africa 2020 cancelled due
to Covid-19
Specialised Exhibitions and Interact Media Defined
(IMD), the organisers of PlumbDrain Africa, the only
dedicated plumbing, draining, sanitation, water,
sanitaryware and engineering expo; and AfriBuild,
the building services trade show and in Africa,
has announced that the 2020 show, due to take
place from 13–15 October at the Expo Centre in
Johannesburg, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19
pandemic. The next edition of the show will be held
from 20-22 September 2022 at the same venue.
“Following the measures declared by the
President of South Africa on Sunday
15 March when a national state of
disaster was announced, and in view of
the subsequent various levels of lockdown
that have been and will be effected,
which includes the continued temporary
prohibition of large gatherings and
restrictions on local and international travel,
we have made the difficult decision to
cancel this year’s AfriBuild and PlumbDrain
Africa,” says Gary Corin, managing director
of Specialised Exhibitions.
“Although disappointed that the 2020 show
will not go ahead, it is the right decision for
all stakeholders involved. We fully support the
measures taken by government. The safety and
wellbeing of our exhibitors, suppliers, visitors,
and the industry as a whole continues to be of
paramount importance to us.
“Exhibitions post-COVID-19 will play an
essential role in providing a fast-track to
economic recovery. They will enable the allimportant
face-to-face connection between
buyers and sellers, bring new products to
market, drive innovation, forge partnerships,
build brands and community, offer immersive
experiences and provide intellectual content and
educational opportunities through seminars and
workshops,” says Sven Smit, portfolio director at
Specialised Exhibitions.
“We have some exciting new ideas and innovative
plans for more value-add show features and
having this extra time will allow us to put these
in place. These will be in addition to our popular
‘every-day-a- theme day’ experience, industry
conferences, free-to-attend seminars, skills
development and drone zone, business matchmaking
and live demonstrations. So, it’s exciting
times ahead and we look forward to AfriBuild and
PlumbDrain Africa 2022.” PA
August 2020 Volume 26 I Number 06
www.plumbingafrica.co.za