While MTE’s regular suppliers will no doubt be familiar with our 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 on the day whenever they are part of one of these events.
We have therefore put together a brief guide to give you some insight, though of course the best way to find out would be by attending one of our upcoming shows and seeing, feeling and experiencing it for yourself!
Planning and build-up
Travelling exhibitions are no mean feat to put together, though fortunately the MTE team has been doing so successfully for over 30 years, continually bringing value to the SADC region. Suffice to say, an enormous amount of planning and logistics goes into each event, with expos generally being organised more than a year in advance. Suppliers to the mining and adjacent industries can therefore be well informed at the start of each year thanks to MTE’s calendar, which is regularly updated to reflect developments as they occur. Operations director Andrew Macnamara does all the homework so that you don’t have to – travelling extensively across the SADC region to all the major mining operations prior to each show to gather intel on what each mine’s particular needs are, the obstacles and pain points which have been plaguing them as well as the types of products or services they would most like to see.
With this information compiled, Andrew returns to the company’s headquarters in Johannesburg South Africa to share it with his sales team, who will then reach out to MTE’s network of suppliers who fit the bill – put together over the course of many years. With stands booked and travel arrangements made, the team will market the event in advance to generate interest and awareness using print and digital avenues in addition to on-site marketing. For example, their monthly MTE catalogues provide everything you need to know regarding the suppliers who have registered and the MTE Expopedia provides background on the operations as well as MTE shows.
With MTE’s expertise and experience, you can be a successful exhibitor too! Image credit: © Mining and Technical Exhibitions
All set for the big day
When the day of each exhibition arrives, the MTE team arrive on site bright and early to set up the shell scheme tents and guided walkways, as well as to make sure that the event runs smoothly and all needs for suppliers are taken care of. While you will have to bring your own snacks, plugs and extension cords – MTE can rent out to you tables and chairs and electricity generation equipment (380V) which you will need to book in advance. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the MTE team, who will take you through to your stand and ensure that you are comfortable, with no unanswered questions.
Most shows begin around 13h00, when the entrance will opened up to the mining and industrial operations who can visit the expo free of charge. MTE’s guided walkway system ensures that no stand is overlooked, though if you want to succeed then the rest is up to you! Bring your best wares, your warmest smiles and loads of energy to entice high-quality visitors to come and see what you can offer them. For more tips, click here.
Remember that the connections you create at these events can potentially last for many years and so your networking capabilities will be essential. Procurement and management personnel from mining operations typically have very busy schedules, which is why MTE goes to the trouble of organising these high-impact events so that everything can be accomplished in a single day – so put your best foot forward.
With MTE’s expertise and experience, you can be a successful exhibitor too! Image credit: © Mining and Technical Exhibitions
Post-show
Once each show is concluded you will have a chance to conclude any successful sales made at the event and then you can visit our website to check the MTE calendar so you can start planning for the next show.
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