By Sharyn Macnamara, senior writer at African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror
While MTE’s regular suppliers will no doubt be familiar with its extremely effective formula for high-impact, face-to-face expos, new or prospective suppliers may be wondering how these shows are set up and what they can expect once they have signed up to be part of one of these events.
An aerial shot of the MTE 2023 Kathu trade show showcasing free-standing options and guided walkways, and where 115 exhibitors and just under 500 visitors were hosted in the Northern Cape combo tour. Supplied by C-Chip
The heart of it all
In the first and second part of this series we looked at some of the behind-the-scenes MTE team processes, which are an essential part of making MTE expos so successful. A critical ingredient, however, is of course “you, our valued supplier, your industry innovations and very, importantly your, expertise”, says Andrew Macnamara, operations director of the company. “Your solutions are at the heart of the MTE offering and what our visitor’s want to see.” In this edition of our series, the team shares some tips to increase the success of your show on the day.
Tip 1: The early bird…
Exhibitors are encouraged to start the day early. The MTE team are ready to guide suppliers to their stands from 7:00 in the morning. Remember, free-standing options are first come, first served. This gives suppliers enough time to build their display and be ready to engage with visitors from the moment the expo opens – which is generally 13:00. Keep an eye on timings by show, as there are some expos that are scheduled to start at 12:00.
A special request from the team is that you enter at the registration tent, which is at the front of the exhibition as there is paperwork that must be completed before you are shown to your stand.
Tip 2: Be prepared
It is important to ensure that you book tables and chairs beforehand. The most convenient way to handle this is to add it your order when first booking your stand with your dedicated MTE sales representative. Caryn Kitching, mine liaison and exhibitions co-ordinator, manages the table and chair allocations on the day, and card facilities are available at the local South African MTE expos, should you require last minute assistance.
Electricity is available on the day, but please advise your dedicated MTE sales representative ahead of the expo about any electrical requirements or special requests.
Food and refreshments will be on sale on site, so please ensure you have cash available; although some caterers do have card machines on occasion, as a rule of thumb, only cash is accepted.
Tip 3: Be mindful
Please stick to your allocated space. If you require additional space on freestanding, please ensure you talk to your sales representative, as there is a cost involved.
Safety is a priority for us all. Please abide by safety rules at the expo – these are available on the MTE website.
Tip 4: Plan to succeed
Setting objectives ahead of time is critical to success at an expo. Invite your current contacts for the operations in the area of the exhibition well ahead of time.
Guided walkways will be created at expos of less than 60 exhibitors, where a one-way flow will be created to allow visitors to pass all stands. It is up to you to draw the attention of the visitor to your stand. It is important to select the gregarious members of your team to man your stand. The trick is to be engaging and invite the visitor to converse.
Create activity on your stand with live demonstrations, engaging the senses. These work well to attract visitors to a stand. Your stand should say things the mines like to hear, not things you like to say.
Network right to the very end. Senior decision makers on the mines are exceptionally busy and they may arrive at the exhibition late – availability is key, so pack up after 17:00, rather than losing out on a key contact opportunity.
It is important to be admin savvy in the fast-moving environment of an expo – have your business cards and marketing tools, like pamphlets, at hand to make your mark; take notes and do not rely on memory to notate discussion points and requirements of the key personnel visiting the expo.
Tip 5: Communicate
“Never forget, the MTE team has your back! They are available at the reception desk and are constantly circulating – look out for their black and orange shirts. Remember, its better to communicate at the moment of need, rather than after the fact,” concludes Macnamara.
Intrigued?
For more information about upcoming shows and how to get registered, contact one of our dedicated salespeople:
Sheldon Greybe: +27 (0) 84 569 3516 | sheldong@interactmedia.co.za
Cathylene Labuschagne: +27 (0) 11 579 4940 | cathylene@interactmedia.co.za