For too long, the South African electronics industry has not received the recognition it deserves on the world stage.
Today, there is simply no getting away from the fact that the country is a powerful emerging force in electronics, having invested heavily in this sector to the point where it is now more than able to compete at the leading edge. The time has come for South Africa to be recognised for its advanced manufacturing and design capabilities. As of 2010, there is a new show in town that promises to facilitate exactly this. National Electronics Week (NEW) SA is preparing to launch over 9–10 March 2010 at Sandton Convention Centre. From photonics through to process and automation, NEW SA 2010 promises to deliver a fresh approach to exhibition support for South Africa’s electronics industry.
Having run successfully in the UK for the past two years, National Electronics Week is coming to South Africa after exhibition organisers visited the country and were immediately impressed by its burgeoning industry. “When we visited the country and talked to industry representatives we were amazed that, given its potential, the South African electronics sector did not have a platform to truly represent or nurture further growth and development,” explains event director Claire Saunders. “Here at NEW, we felt the industry deserved something more; a show that encompassed the entire electronics sector. Featuring a host of educational, business and networking opportunities, we believe NEW SA is this show – I can guarantee it certainly will not disappoint!”
Being held at one of South Africa’s most prestigious international conference centres, NEW SA 2010 is being supported by ADEC, the country’s leading trade association for distributors and manufacturers of electronic components. With a successful track record established back in the UK, NEW is renowned for its unwavering industry focus; the exhibition is run for the electronics industry by people dedicated to it. This is reflected in every aspect of the event, from the technology on show, through to its unprecedented scope of coverage.
NEW’s South Africa début will provide extensive support for a wide range of sectors within the electronics industry including solar/PV, embedded, photonics, and process and automation. Given its broad reach, NEW SA 2010 has already attracted the attention of some high profile exhibitors, set to be revealed over the coming weeks. The exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for visitors to meet face-to-face with these exhibitors while evaluating leading-edge technologies on the show floor. Engaging networking sessions will be positioned throughout the hall to maximise available business opportunities by facilitating meetings amongst attendees.
While business and networking opportunities will form the heart of the show, this is only one half of the story. NEW will ensure it delivers for visitors and exhibitors alike by providing a comprehensive educational programme – reinforcing its scope of coverage and celebrating the pioneering knowledge-base that is driving the South African industry forward. Backed by internationally recognised trade associations, NEW’s extensive technical seminar lineup will see international speakers present four key topics over two days.
With National Electronics Week taking place in 2010, all eyes will be on South Africa as the world waits to see what its industry can deliver. Thanks to the infrastructure that is developing to support the soccer World Cup, the time is better than ever before to not only launch such a show, but ensure it delivers the new opportunities the industry needs to grow and develop into the future.
The timing is not something that is lost on show organisers, as Saunders explains: “Of course, recent investment channelled into infrastructure will be extremely beneficial for the country as a whole and, for an electronics industry that is just emerging onto the world stage, this effect is inevitably multiplied. The location of the show is not only highly accessible nationally, but internationally too. From the UK alone, businesses are receiving government support to attend and we are seeing a high level of interest in the South African show.”
She concludes: “I think that one of the main drivers behind the level of interest in NEW SA is the fact that people know the industry needs a serious platform for growth and, given our experience in the sector, have faith in our ability to deliver this. The nature of our organisation means that we are truly able to respond and adapt in line with demand. We do not have any bureaucracy to hold us back – the only people we answer to are our exhibitors and visitors. Combining a compelling Johnannesburg location, the most extensive technical seminar line-up available today and a vast scope of coverage, I am certain that the NEW age has arrived!”
For more information contact Claire, NEW, claire@new-expo.co.uk
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