2022
Events and Exhibitions
FRIGAIR 2022 IS HERE ,
MAKE THE MOST OF IT !
By Benjamin Brits
Just like the planning you do when you are going on a trip , identifying all of the attractions you want to see – visiting an exhibition should be planned in the same way .
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Since the reintroduction of exhibitions and conferences in
South Africa this year , perhaps some of the strategies around ensuring a great experience have been forgotten , so , we would like to offer some tips based on our own experiences in attending these types of events .
For anyone that has been to an exhibition , especially the larger ones , it can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience . But with a little planning before hitting the isles , you can ensure a productive outcome .
For each individual there may be several reasons why you choose to visit an exhibition , but in all honesty if you don ’ t go with a plan , there is always so much happening that you can quickly fall into “ wandering visitor syndrome ” and not gain anything of real value , or pass by the same stands over and over while missing the ones you should see !
No matter if you are there to gather general information , create connections , learn about specific technology or find new suppliers , having a focus is always key . Exhibitions have been , and will continue to be , the preferred platform for people to engage on – even though so much information is available at your fingertips , nothing can beat the face to face transfer of information . This is one reason why exhibitions have enjoyed success around the world for over 150 years .
An exciting opportunity to take advantage of at this year ’ s FRIGAIR is that three other shows will be co-located at Gallagher Convention Centre with overlapping dates – These will be AOSH , Securex and Facilities Management – all relevant industries to business visitors – make sure you add these to your planning too .
WHY VISIT THE EXHIBITION Perhaps a question that you may know the answer to , but perhaps also some reasons or reminders will be included here that you haven ’ t thought about and can use for your own business or personal developments .
• Getting out of the office
Today a business needs to balance a whole lot of elements and balance itself is one of those which has become particularly important for employees . Getting out of the
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office you may see as an excuse for employees to not get any work done , however several studies have shown that boredom and dissatisfaction can in fact be fatal . Especially since many people have become home-bound in their home offices dealing with endless virtual or digital interactions , getting out to a different environment will already generate creative stimulus . Also , for office employees the opportunity to escape seeing the same wall and computer screen day after day may just help to shift some energy towards the positive . Attending exhibitions should actually be compulsory for all business owners and staff alike .
• Networking
Exhibitions provide many opportunities to connect with the
local and global industry suppliers and service providers . It further enables visitors to engage like-minded individuals and create relationships which are invaluable in the currently highly-competitive environment . Meeting on a more relaxed platform further breaks down those often-awkward barriers around professional interactions . Exhibitions also provide key opportunities to meet other contacts such as investors , or foreign delegates that can share their experiences from
FRIGAIR 2018 hosted well over 4000 visitors .
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