Recognising the significant impact of events and exhibitions, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) – in collaboration with the Event Greening Forum (EGF) and the Exhibition and Event Association of Africa (EXSA) – will be hosting the AAXO Leadership Summit.
This forms part of the ninth annual Global Exhibitions Day (GED) celebrations, designed to bring together industry leaders, professionals, and experts from various sectors to discuss and explore the potential of exhibitions as a driving force for economic growth and success.
Hosted in Johannesburg on June 4, this year’s AAXO Leadership Summit will feature thought-provoking discussions, masterclasses, expert panels, and interactive workshops, offering valuable insights and strategies for success in the ever-evolving exhibition landscape.
The Summit will culminate with GED on June 5 under the theme ‘Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures’.
According to the 32nd UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) Barometer, a 94% revenue increase is forecast in 2024 from 2023 in South Africa, highlighting growth potential, with 43% of South African respondents aiming to enhance their workforce in the current year, indicating a focus on development.
GED 2024 aims to emphasise the crucial role of exhibitions in promoting sustainable development through four key messages: Exhibitions drive progress and serve as platforms for discussing, creating, and showcasing solutions to universal challenges; exhibitions facilitate economic growth, connecting industries and driving job creation; by providing a sustainable way to drive business and development, exhibitions gather communities in one place and manage environmental impact effectively; and exhibitions are community builders, bringing people together face-to-face to connect, collaborate, and contribute.
Embracing the Ubuntu principle of ‘I am because we are’, the GED South African Experience will showcase various activations centred on the three pillars of Ubuntu: Compassion, Cooperation, and Community.
“This initiative aims to highlight the essence of the Ubuntu philosophy, emphasising the interconnectedness and shared humanity among individuals. Through a series of engaging activities and events, the GED South African Experience seeks to promote understanding, collaboration, and solidarity within the community, fostering a spirit of togetherness and mutual support,” said Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of AAXO.
Compassion
From May 30 until June 4, AAXO is hosting collection points nationwide, urging the events industry to donate old banners or lanyards that will be gifted to Skills Village in Johannesburg on the morning of GED (June 5), who will repurpose the items to create school bags, making a positive impact in the community.
Co-operation
The AAXO Leadership Summit will be held under the theme ‘Empowering Economies: Unleashing the Power of Industry Success and Economic Growth in 2024 and Beyond’. The Summit aims to explore how exhibitions drive economic growth and will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops, offering learning opportunities and networking sessions. View the programme for the Leadership Summit here.
Community
Attendees at the GED South African Experience will enjoy adventures, food, and networking opportunities while expert instructors will guide guests through driving challenges.
To register for the Leadership Summit or GED South African Experience, click here to complete the registration form.
