MEDIA PARTNER
Our media partner for Markex & World of Events 2009 is The Event.
Markex 2008 ranked alongside the best of European trade shows in regard to organisation, quality of stands and numbers of visitors.
That’s according to Freddy Lacamera, International Export Manager for Supreme Promotional Services (SPS), one of the largest and oldest promotional items manufacturers and suppliers in the United Kingdom. Lacamera was in South Africa to assist with the launch of local distributor, PS..., at Markex.
"I have been to countless shows in the UK and Europe and this show, in my view, is the best I’ve seen and is certainly on a par with PSI, the biggest annual showcase of promotional products in Germany and the most professional show on the European calendar," he said.
"I was blown away. If you didn’t know you were in South Africa you would say that you were in the heart of sophisticated Europe. The stands were
world-class and the calibre of visitors was outstanding."
Show director, Lynn Chamier, says this was the best Markex in the show’s history. "We were absolutely delighted with it and have been receiving
numerous accolades from exhibitors and visitors.
"The exhibition provided an outstanding taste of what visitors can expect at Markex (Cape) which takes place at the Cape Town International
Convention Centre, from 19-21 August."
Visitor numbers were up from 10 500 to 11 007 and overall feedback from exhibitors was that the quality of visitors was much higher than in previous years.
Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display, says his company had a 30 percent increase in its sales leads over last year and is already counting on a 120% return on investment.
Quality of visitors was also what impressed Praveen Naaidoo, part-owner of Abelanani. "Their questions were insightful and businesslike. We had a
very good show."
First-time exhibitors Touchless, Nimtec, Epistatic Communications, Smart Card Technologies, RBJ Marketing Solutions, Business InScentives and
Cartoon Candy were unanimously enthusiastic about Markex.
Digital communications company, Epistatic Communications, launched its end to end managed services network, incorporating digital signage, corporate TV, live broadcast, proximity marketing, interactive mobile communications and interactive kiosks, enabling its customers to run simple or complex marketing communication campaigns - without the necessity of installing, supporting and managing the infrastructure. "We had some very positive leads," said Craig Fulford, responsible for strategy and architecture at Epistatic.
Cartoon Candy’s Tracey Turnbull said the show went way beyond her expectations - so much so, that she will be taking a stand at Markex (Cape)
in August. "It was an absolutely awesome show - we had no idea of the kind of fabulous reception we’d receive and I expect to get some serious
business from Markex. We’ll definitely be here again next year."
Lorraine Clayven of New Era, which sponsored packets for visitors at the door, commented: "We’ve been at Markex for 13 years and each year it just gets better and better."
General quality of stands this year was exceptional, according to the organisers. Winner of the Best Small stand was Mezzo Systems, with Highly
Commended awards going to Inspirit Inspirations, Oranges, Sandton convention centre and Badges Unlimited.
The winner of the Best Medium Size Stand was 3 D Group, with Scan Display, KMQ Promotions, Tie Weavers SA, Hippo Group, Woodline, Mirror Magic, Effervescents, Therma Card, Abelanani and Leisure Brands receiving Highly Commended awards.
Hewstone Corporation walked off with the Best Large Stand award, with Highly Commended awards going to Trubok , Kevro, Thuso Exhibitions, Amrod Corporate, C & R Promotional Advertising and Eezi Event Solutions.
The Best Stand Staff award went to EIM-Laycol and the Special Exhibit Award to 3 D Deco.
This year, visitors had the chance to vote for the exhibitor on whose stand they had the "best experience", noting which exhibitor went out of their
way to provide the best attention or service. The first ever winner of the prestigious Visitors Choice award was KMQ Promotions.
ends
Publicity managed by:
Exhibitors wishing to submit relevant Markex & World of Events & Business of Sport press releases, send to:
Alison McDonald
Tel : +27 (0) 11 468 1192
Email : alison@pr.co.za
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