EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS 19
Opportunities gained and missed
By Tanya Olckers
PTE held its first exhibition for 2024 in Bloemfontein on 14 March 2024 .
The common misconception about Bloemfontein – and indeed the Free State as a whole – is that it is no more than a gigantic farm , and what possible opportunities can there be for any suppliers and merchants in the plumbing industry there ? Turns out , quite a few .
The first Plumbing Travelling Exhibition ( PTE ) of the year took place in Bloemfontein on 14 March 2024 . Close to 300 guests turned up on the day , making it the second largest PTE show ever . The show incorporated irrigation .
We would like to commend all the visitors who attended the exhibition – which included representatives from the students at Vanderbijlpark Technical College , business owners , plumbers , farmers and facility managers .
Visitors were able to learn about new technology in the industry and got the chance to connect with suppliers and merchants who could help them with their specialised needs . This included helping farmers .
Students from Vanderbijlpark Technical College .
Images by © PTE
The sad thing is , though , that there were a number of missed opportunities for those who didn ’ t participate . There was only one pipe manufacturer at the show , and they were the ones that got to talk to a farmer about upgrading his water supply and drainage . Those who weren ’ t there lost out on the chance to market their products and services to a community hungry for the right knowledge and suppliers .
Exhibitions , ultimately , are a serious business . For those suppliers and manufacturers who made the effort to attend , it was a successful day – getting leads on new clients , developing relationships with the market and having a chance to connect directly with their target audience .
Participants learn through an IOPSA workshop .
PTE is an independent show – not dependent on bodies or groups – and uses the same successful formula that has worked for over 30 years . There are manufacturers and suppliers who have sorely missed out on a prime opportunity to get in front of their clients and help them to understand how they – the exhibitors – can make a difference in the businesses and lives of those attending PTE .
PTE wishes to thank IOPSA Bloemfontein for their support and the exhibitors that were in Bloemfontein – who are now one-up on their competitors . PA
“ The sad thing is , though , that there were a number of missed opportunities for those who didn ’ t participate .”
May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za