While MTE’s regular suppliers will no doubt be familiar with its extremely effective formula for high-impact expos, new or prospective suppliers may be wondering how exactly these shows are put together and what they can expect once they have signed up to be part of one of these events.
The heart of it all
In the first and second part of the 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. Your solutions are at the heart of the MTE offering and what our visitors want to see. In this edition of our series, the team shares some tips to increase the success of your show on the day.

The Mining and Technical Exhibitions are well-known for their yellow and orange striped tents. To stand out, exhibitors should use colour and live demonstrations that appeal to the senses to attract visitors to their stands. Be engaging, and approach your target market/designations/disciplines identified by the colour of the sticker allocated to them by MTE staff. Image credit: ©MTE
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 07h00 in the morning. Remember, free-standing options are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. This gives suppliers enough time to build their display and be ready to engage with visitors from the moment the expo opens to the public – which is generally 13h00. (Keep an eye on timings by show, as there are some exceptions where expos may be scheduled to start at 12h00.)
A special request from the MTE team is that you enter first 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 your tables and chairs beforehand. The most convenient way to handle this is to add it to your order when first booking your stand with your dedicated MTE sales representative. Caryn Kitching, mine liaison and exhibitions coordinator, 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 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, 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 MTE sales representative, as there is a cost involved.
Safety is a priority for all. Please abide by all 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 on the operations in the area of the exhibition ahead of time.
Guided walkways will be set up 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, however, to attract the attention of the visitor and draw visitors to your stand.
It is important to select outgoing and gregarious members of your team to man your stand. The trick is to be engaging and invite the visitor to converse. Remember that visitors are allocated and wear colour-coded stickers that indicate designations, so that you can target the people you are particularly looking to engage with.
Create activity on your stand: live demonstrations that appeal to the senses 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 of the expos as senior decision makers on the mines are exceptionally busy and they may arrive at the exhibition late – availability is key, so pack up only after the expo closes at 17h00, 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 leave 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 at the expo– look out for their black and orange shirts. Remember, it is better to communicate at the moment of need, rather than ‘after the fact’.
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