UFI-audited figures for Electra Mining Africa 2014 confirm that Electra Mining Africa is still the best attended trade show in Southern Africa. As the biggest mining, industrial, machine tools, electrical and power trade show in Southern Africa and ranked as one of the world’s largest mining shows, it’s long history and credibility has ensured that it has consistently attracted more than 34,000 visitors at each of the past five shows, including two record years of 41,000 and 38,000 visitors.

Over 850 companies exhibited in 2012 and in 2014, whilst total exhibition space in 2014 was 38,000m2 net (76,000m2 gross).

More than 70% of exhibition space has currently been sold for the 2016 show, which is taking place from 12-16 September 2016 at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. All indications point to being fully sold out across Halls 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, all outside precincts and the additional marquees at the 2016 show. International Pavilions have been confirmed for China, France, UK and Turkey.

Over 34,000 local and international visitors attended the 2014 show. 40.8% of visitors cited the reason for attending as wanting to find out about the latest industry trends and technologies. 32% of visitors were there to source new products and services, whilst 20% were there to find new suppliers. 77.9% of visitors had either direct purchasing power or strongly influenced purchasing decisions. Visitors were given the opportunity to view the latest in energy saving technology, engage with live demonstrations of the newest machinery, and learn about many newly-launched cutting-edge products. Simulation booths enabled visitors to experience state-of-the-art machines and equipment, whilst on-site entertainment provided light relief during the busy days.

“Although the mining industry is currently facing tough challenges and general industry remains under tight economic pressure, there is still a need for trade exhibitions and face-to-face interaction with customers,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, organisers of the show. “Companies need to find solutions that are cost effective, reduce operational spend and focus on streamlining operations for maximum benefit. That’s why Electra Mining Africa will be so important next year. Visitors will be able to source new products, equipment, machinery and the latest systems and services which will address these operational and business needs.”

“An exciting innovation for 2016 is the launch of Power Ex, an electric power and energy showcase which will run alongside Electra Mining Africa,” says Corin. “The show will focus on power generation, transmission and distribution, application and renewable energy. There are many synergies between Electra Mining Africa, Power Ex and Elenex Africa, and we are excited about this new addition.”

Power Ex exhibitors will be leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the latest products, technologies, services and solutions across a broad range including biofuels; boilers, heat exchangers, combustion systems; cable and wire; diesel and gas engines, equipment and services; energy technology; generators and all accessories; hydropower; lighting; metering and related components; renewable energy, equipment and services; sensors; solar power; switchgear and other related equipment; transformers; wind and gas turbines.

“The visitor experience at Electra Mining Africa is educational, enjoyable and greatly beneficial,” says Corin. “We will enhance this experience further through the expansion of our local and international visitor programmes. We will be introducing a dedicated African Visitor VIP campaign that will look to attract a higher number of neighbouring African visitors next year. This will include discounts on some of the conferences for delegates from Africa amongst other benefits. We are currently meeting with key African embassies to discuss this further.”

Electra Mining Africa will be supported by a programme of content-rich conferences and workshops running alongside the co-located exhibitions. They will provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss issues and challenges they are currently facing.

Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is a member of 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.