The Africa Print Expo, which took place from 21-23 August at the Sandton Convention Centre, was a major success, with companies making quality leads and numerous sales. There was also an increase in international visitors who visited the event, including attendees from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe to name a few.
Highlights at the Expo included:
Africa Print Expo sponsor Xerox launched the wide format IJP 2000. The company also announced that Ren-Form CC is the first customer in the Middle East and Africa to buy a Xerox iGen 150 press.
Antalis South Africa showcased the latest solutions from Kodak, including the NexPress Gold HD ink, as well as solutions from Esko and EFI.
Ricoh SA unveiled its new Pro C5100 entry-level production device and heavy-duty production equipment.
Konica Minolta South Africa demonstrated its award-winning digital presses to delegates and media, and gave one-on-one demonstrations of its kit and software solutions.
Kemtek showcased the full range of Duplo finishing machines.
FESPAS managing director Neil Felton and Michael Ryan, exhibition manager from FESPA, attended the Expo. Next year, visitors can look forward to FESPA Africa, which will take place from 2-4 July 2014 at the Gallagher Convention Centre. FESPA Africa will be co-located with South African event organisor Practical Publishing’s established Africa Print exhibition, which is targeted towards commercial printers, though there is significant cross-over between the commercial and wide format print audiences. The combined events will cover 13500 sqm with an estimated 150+ exhibitors, and will set out to attract 6000+ visitors from sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Please visit www.fespaafrica.com for more information.
Some exhibitor quotes about the Expo include:
It was a great honour to win the award for best Mega stand at Africa Print. We also took the opportunity to announce several customer wins and new product launches. Overall, the Expo was a great success for Bytes Document Solutions, – Johan Basson, CEO of Bytes Document Solutions.
The show continues to bring dividends. Last year, many attendees found the Ricoh brand a new experience, particularly in the production printing arena, but this year they knew the brand, had been exposed to the equipment and solutions and were better educated. The various technology and solution sessions we hosted at our stand also helped tremendously to gain exposure for our expertise and specialties, – Vaughan Patterson, sales manager for the production printing business group at Ricoh SA.
Once again, Ipex is extremely happy with the outcome of the Africa Print Exhibition. An excellent product range and dedicated sales personnel supported by our Africa Print award-winning international guest has all contributed to the success at this years Expo. At Africa Print, we were pleased to meet customers from all over South Africa and many of the neighbouring countries. As a regional exhibition, Africa Print provides a platform for customers who do not attend a drupa or Ipex international Exhibition to see some of the world leading brands represented by Ipex, – Bruce Allen Managing Director, Ipex Holdings (Pty) LTD.
Small Stand Floor Space Award
First place: Keymark
Runner up: ITSA Copier Consumables
Small Stand Shell Scheme
First place: Printers Parts & Equipment
Runner up: CPAC Imaging & Printing SA
Medium Floorspace
First place tie: AGFA, AWT swissQprint and Sign-Tronic
Medium shell scheme
First place: Applied Imaging
Runner up: Kemtek
Large Floorspace
First place: Nashua
Runner up tie: Sharp and Ricoh
Mega Floorspace
First place: Antalis South Africa
Runner up: Graphix Supply World
Mega Shell Scheme
Winner: Xerox
