Events and Exhibitions
FRIGAIR POSTPONED
TO JUNE 2022
After wide stakeholder engagement,
SAIRAC, and its partners Interact
Media Defined and Specialised
Exhibitions have taken the decision
to move the dates of the Frigair Expo
2021 to 1 – 3 June 2022.
The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning (SAIRAC), Interact Media Defined (IMD) and
Specialised Exhibitions (SE), have consulted extensively in the
HVAC and Refrigeration industries and the decision was primarily
based on the prolonged effect that the global Covid-19 pandemic
has caused for both the local South African and international
economies. Many businesses (including international
manufacturing plants) have been forced to near standstill over the
last few months. Lockdown levels transitioning businesses not
classed as essential services back to activity only started as of July
2020, and the associated re-prioritisations will no doubt play a
role in short term decisions for both exhibitors and visitors alike as
navigation of these unprecedented times is upon the world.
With measures declared by the South African President that
include a ‘ban on mass gatherings’, all scenarios were evaluated,
however the team concluded for the near future circumstances
will not change drastically nor the mandatory management of
social distancing measures and screening protocols.
It would therefore not be practical for an event such as Frigair,
that hosts thousands of people to continue, and potentially affect
the experience of Africa’s largest dedicated HEVACR exhibition.
Many, if not all, events and exhibitions around the world
have been affected and other major international HVACR
events such as MCE and Chillventa were also postponed as the
well-being and safety of participants is front of mind. Many
organisers have opted for a virtual solution, however this
takes away from the needed personal interaction that trade
exhibitions and events offer.
Both IMD and SE strongly believe in face to face engagement
on these platforms and expect a ‘hungry for interaction’ exhibition
in 2022 after most industries are likely to be exhausted on
electronic or virtual media.
After the announcement at the end of June 2020, there has
been great general acceptance of the decision and exhibitors have
shown their continued support in moving the event.
All exhibitors’ bookings and space allocations will be carried
over to the 2022 show.
IMD
The Frigair Expo has been postponed and will take place in June 2022.
Queries around Frigair can be directed to:
sales@interactmedia.co.za or svens@specialised.com RACA
www.hvacronline.co.za RACA Journal I September 2020 23