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Celebrating lasting partnerships in the event and exhibition industry

Players in the event and exhibition industry are continually trying to grow in line with the many changes in the global exhibition market. Companies have to be inventive in developing additional forms of value for exhibitors and visitors alike. Developing long-lasting partnerships with innovative suppliers ensures that exhibitors remain at the forefront of current trends and that shows are a success. Oasys Innovations has partnered SARCDA Trade Exhibitions (PTY) Ltd in creating successful trade shows for over twenty-five years.
Rina Fortman, Managing director of SARCDA
Rina Fortman, Managing director of SARCDA

Oasys Innovations has supported SARCDA in its growth over the years. In the early 1960's the show used to be a ‘trestle table' event at the old Milpark show grounds. As global trends started to have an impact on the South African event and exhibition industry, the show was converted into a heavy chipboard type stand structure. Says Andrew Gibbs, special projects and business development manager at Oasys Innovations: “Looking back now I am honoured when thinking about how much more advanced the industry is today. The old chipboard structures were incredibly heavy and fascia names used to be made out of polystyrene cut outs. A build up would take weeks, whereas today for a show that totals over 21 000m², only takes us four days to set up. The industry has evolved over time and we are constantly seeking innovative designs and infrastructure to supply to our clients.”

In keeping with global trends in the industry, towards the end of the 1990's Oasys Innovations drew on expertise from Germany and purchased a light weight aluminium modular exhibitions system called Octanorm, which could create the standard shell scheme structures. “The system had the perfect frame but was fitted with 3mm poly panels which were not practical for the display of products at the show. We improvised, applied creativity and designed 16mm chipboard panels which facilitated the most favourable display of the exhibitor's products,” says Gibbs.

Andrew Gibbs, special projects and business development manager at Oasys
Andrew Gibbs, special projects and business development manager at Oasys

Over the years the show has grown and has become more popular. Says Rina Fortmann, managing director of SARCDA: “The show began with a few exhibitors setting up folding tables to display their products. Now it is the largest trade exhibition in the southern hemisphere for retailers from all sectors looking to procure a wide range of toys, gifts and decorative materials. Partnering with innovative suppliers is crucial to the success of the show. To continually grow in line with the many changes in the global exhibition market, we have to be very creative in developing additional forms of value for our long standing exhibitors. We offer three full-scale exhibitions, with around 700 exhibitors and 27 000 trade buyers at all three shows held at the Gallagher Convention Centre and the Grand West Casino and Convention Centre.” Oasys Innovations supplies shell scheme, carpeting, Octanorm extras, electrics, furniture, marquees, project management and on-site assistance as well as designer elements to the show.

Says Gibbs: “When the show was moved to the Gallagher Convention Centre we introduced additional designer elements to further enhance the creative appeal of the exhibition. These elements included information towers, floor plan layouts and artistic application, a crèche area, registration marquees, competition showcase areas, organiser offices, smokers lounges, a press office, carpet decals, restaurant areas and the ‘Focus on Pharmacy' stand.”

The partnership between Oasys Innovations and SARCDA is a clear demonstration of how pioneering suppliers, organisers and exhibitors in the events and exhibition industry can contribute to the success and growth of a show.

“Our history with SARCDA speaks for itself. Our relationship is loyalty bound and due to our open communication and honest relations with key management of the show, our partnership has grown from strength to strength as we have forged ahead with creative and innovative ideas over the past twenty-five years. I am confident that SARCDA will continue to host dynamic and modern trade shows to the retail industry,” concludes Gibbs.

5 Oct 2009 12:12

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