It was a memorable event where industry partners, exhibitors, suppliers, media, employees both past and present, shareholders and owners joined together at the Expo Centre Clubhouse in Johannesburg to celebrate the 50th birthday of exhibition organiser, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery.

It was an evening of catching up with old friends, sharing memories of the past and excitedly talking about opportunities for the future. After five decades of serving the exhibition industry, it was a fitting celebration for a company that has stood the test of time with strong leadership, high values and unwavering ethics. A company that has built a reputation for consistently delivering shows of excellence across a broad spectrum of industries.

“We have built a proud heritage over the past 50 years,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. “Our experience and strong reputation bring confidence to our stakeholders. We also recognise that it’s through their continued support that we have reached this important milestone. So many people have contributed to our success. Today is an opportunity to thank our industry partners, our exhibitors, suppliers and media partners. We also thank our staff both past and present for their immense contributions.”

It is an exciting time in South Africa’s history to be celebrating 50 years of achievement and success. South Africa has entered a new era with a new leader and President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he is committed to driving the economy out of the doldrums. In the days since Ramaphosa was sworn in as President, the rand has strengthened, the bond market is at its best level in almost two years and the equity market rose nearly 4% on the day Ramaphosa delivered his maiden state of the nation address.

Ramaphosa believes that the country has entered a period of change and, while change can produce uncertainty, it also offers great opportunities for renewal, revitalisation and progress. This will require collaboration and support.

“The tide is turning and we look forward to renewed business confidence and growth,” says Corin, “The very nature of exhibitions is to stimulate trade and we have been providing this platform across many different industry sectors through our portfolio of exhibitions. It is reassuring to hear the President speak of opportunities for renewal, revitalisation and progress, and his call for collaboration. We have recognised the importance of collaboration over many years and remain committed to our industry partners and look forward to further collaboration within the sectors we serve.”

Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is wholly owned by the prestigious Montgomery Group, one of the most widely respected exhibition companies in the world with trade shows, consumer shows and specialist projects currently spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Special guests at the 50th celebration were Sandy Angus, Chairman of Montgomery and Angus Montgomery, and Damion Angus who is Group Managing Director of Montgomery and Angus Montgomery.

“You are only able to build a business like this over 50 years if it has a solid foundation,” said Sandy Angus. “The ethos of the business is all important; high values and ethics are strongly embedded in all that we do. This drives our vision and purpose. Success also involves staying close to the industries you serve and a willingness to put money back into these industries. There is no room for compromising on quality. We invest in long-term partnerships with our industry stakeholders.”

Damion Angus shared his view on the importance of collaboration and why it’s so crucial to business success. “Without teamwork, without partnerships and without co-operation, a business is less likely to succeed. Our business has been built on collaboration. It is vitally important that we work together with industry as a whole, servicing the needs of industry. We spend time building strong relationships, even with our fiercest competitors.”

Damion also shared his thoughts on the importance of being local. “Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is a proudly local business – local skills, using local suppliers, local products and services. We invest in the local economy, assist with local job creation and boost local business whilst creating opportunities for growth for our exhibitors.”

Special mention was made of the industry partners that contributed towards the 50th birthday celebration: Expo Centre, EMC, GL Events, Z.F. Cleaning Services, GAP Factor, Screencom, Lodge Security, TIS Expo Systems, Green Stylist, Orange Orbit, Liquid Chefs, Sketch Advertising, Station One Designs, Something Old Something New, and RSA Draping and Balloon Specialists.

Asked for a final comment to conclude the evening, Corin said that “combining the successes of the past with a clear vision for the future is what will continue to drive the success of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. We will continue to work hard to leave a lasting legacy.”