The arrival of some early winter rains, the abolition of ‘Day Zero’ and the gradually improving economic climate – thanks to positive political changes – are all harbingers of better things to come in the Western Cape. This is the view of Johnny Malherbe, owner of Industrial Showcase-Cape – the region’s longest-running industrial trade show – set to take place at the CTICC from 21 to 23 August 2018.
‘What a difference a few weeks make,’ says Malherbe. ‘We have seen Cape Town’s impending ‘Day Zero’ moved out thanks to improved water saving measures by its citizenry and a reduction in agricultural water usage. And the changes brought about by Cyril Ramaphosa’s elevation to State President have witnessed a palpable improvement in optimism both locally and internationally.’
‘Much remains to be fixed – politically and on the water front – but it appears that we, in true South African style, are up to the task. Early indications are that President Ramaphosa’s tenure is going to be vastly different from the previous era. This can only be good for business.’
In the face of these positive developments it behoves business to get on board and contribute to the region’s and South Africa’s revival.
One of the best places to grow your business is to exhibit and participate in this year’s Industrial Showcase Cape. It is the region’s longest-running trade show, successfully dating back to the mid-1980s. It is the ideal platform to engage face-to-face with existing and potential customers.
In spite of the increasing use of web or online marketing activities there are few channels that can beat the value of person-to-person interaction. Exhibitions allow you to engage prospects with all senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. And when you’re face-to-face you can take advantage of that most powerful all senses: extrasensory perception – the ability to perceive something that may not be immediately noticeable!
Previous Showcases have attracted exhibitors encompassing almost every aspect of the industrial space, and this year’s will be no different: industrial automation, machine tools, compressed air solutions, electrical, materials handling, logistics, power, instrumentation and control, energy, safety and security among others.
‘One of the cornerstones of the Showcase has been the Speaker Series, and this year we look to expand it further,’ explains Malherbe. ‘An increasingly important topic is the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Digital transformation is gaining momentum all the time and there will not be one business that is not impacted by this phenomenon.’
There’s no doubt that industry and manufacturing is going to become more competitive. Cheaper and more automation, mass customisation, small-scale manufacturing, new forms of manufacturing, and digitalisation are just some of the topics that need to be explored and understood.
Booking is open for space at this year’s Showcase.
- For more information download the brochure and floorplan from the website industrialexpo.co.za or email Johnny Malherbe on jm@impactexpo.co.za for more information.
