The Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo, organised by business-to-business professionals Exhibitions For Africa, has received massive support from the industries targeted for all of the nine specialist pavilions. The event, from 22 to 24 October, looks set to be the largest gathering of industrialists under one roof. The Expo forms part of the Blue IQ Means Business Week, which is aimed at encouraging collaboration between government and business to drive Gauteng’s economy forward.
The Smart Industry Expo is a three-day, industry targeted exhibition that will showcase domestic and foreign businesses operating in the Blue IQ focus economic sectors - smart industries and high value-added manufacturing. Exhibitors represent the biotechnology, electronics, financial and auxiliary services, ICT, energy technology and renewable energy, logistics and supply chain management, materials handling, machine tools, process control and automation, and fluid power and air technology industries.
The Expo has received the support and endorsement of a number of industry associations who have realised the benefits of the networking opportunity afforded to their members.
Member companies of The Electrical Switchgear Association of South Africa (ESASA) are exhibiting en force; during the event, visitors will meet the ESASA members and hear some of the strategic approaches that are being contemplated, sharing their points of view on some pressing issues such as 'proof of compliance'.
The South African Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) membership comprises major corporate players and individuals whose combined energies and synergy supply the SA fluid power industry with components and expertise for both pneumatic and hydraulic applications. They have pledged their support to the Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo. One of their member companies, Festo, will fly 'Tron-X' in from Europe to welcome visitors to the Smart Industry Expo. Tron-X is a 2 m tall, well-spoken, air-breathing, stainless steel bionic man. An electro-pneumatic representation of a human being, Tron-X was built using product from motion control specialists Festo, utilising advanced pneumatic technology.
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA) is an employer federation that represents and promotes the interests of their members in the metal and engineering industry. This year, SEIFSA celebrates its 60th anniversary and their commemorative programme of networking and business opportunities will culminate in their participation in the Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo in October 2003 and their Gala Anniversary Banquet to be held during the same week. SEIFSA has secured a number of stands at the exhibition, offering their member companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services. They are convinced that "this will be the networking event of the year, providing companies with opportunities to secure business links with the right players".
The South African Institute of Measurement & Control (SAIMC) has encouraged its members to participate in the Expo and the response from this sector has been encouraging.
Although the South African biotechnology sector is still in the early stages of development, the support by exhibitors for their specialist pavilion is indicative of the potential for growth in this area. The CSIR maintains that it is possible in the next six years or more to stimulate local industry to a point where the bioeconomy could be the leading gross domestic product earner in this country. The government's commitment to the development of biotechnology has created an environment conducive to fast-paced growth.
The ICT and financial auxiliary services pavilion will be of great value to both exhibitors and visitors as their products and services cross the boundaries of all the respective industries. It is evident that exhibitors have shown their commitment to high level value-added manufacturing - and to the growth of Gauteng - and are looking forward to meeting visitors from South Africa and the rest of the continent, thanks to a comprehensively targeted marketing campaign undertaken by Exhibitions for Africa, both locally and across Africa.
Apart from the Smart Industry Expo, the Blue IQ Means Business Week 2003 will be focused mainly around two other strategic programmes, the Blue IQ Smart Partnerships Conference, and Blue IQ Smart Young Minds Challenge. The Blue IQ Smart Partnerships Conference is a two day, in-depth, insightful and dynamic investor programme, directed at facilitating the creation of partnerships. The awards ceremony for the Smart Young Minds Challenge - a Blue IQ initiative aimed at encouraging Gauteng school learners to contribute and participate in the creation of a smart province - will be held during this time. Learners have developed innovative business ideas, identifying a need and motivating a solution - in an entrepreneurial spirit.
The Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, on 22 to 24 October 2003. For further information contact Exhibitions for Africa, 011 886 3734.
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