After five years of successful road shows in other industries, Penmac Exhibitions this year launched the Security Link Road Show.
The first two shows were held in Polokwane and Phalaborwa two days apart, and the third event took place in Rustenburg in the month of April.
These shows differ from the national exhibitions as they are very focused, with visitors being selected and sent a personal invitation. Because the shows are not open to the public, there are fewer visitors but they meet the desired profile. The exhibitors are assured that everyone that they speak to is a decision-maker. The relaxed and unhurried atmosphere of a smaller number of select exhibitors enables visitors to linger and take time to interface with exhibitors.
The first show got underway quietly with a band of hardy pioneering exhibitors who, having seen the potential, required little persuasion to 'give it a go'!
In Polokwane the visitors began to arrive from almost the moment the doors were opened and the flow continued for the next three hours before a lull allowed exhibitors to catch their collective breath. Most visitors were observed to stay at the show for upwards of three hours and the serious players even longer.
Phalaborwa was a wonderful venue with wild animals to be seen within metres of the exhibition hall. Although a little more laid back and with fewer visitors, those who visited the show were even more focused, with every attendee being a decision-making representative of the local industry.
In Rustenburg, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, we experienced a steady flow of visitors from just before noon until the last visitor through the door at 5:45 pm. The slow but steady flow of visitors throughout the day ensured that a greater number of visitors could be accommodated by the exhibitors.
Among the exhibition pioneers were Bosch Security; Centurion Systems; Cochrane Steel Products; Doculam; EMS; Fibre Management Systems; Frank Street; Guard Track; Honeywell Security; Imperial Armour; Regal Security; Saflec; Sagem SA; Security Warehouse; Sesco Security.
Here are some of the comments made by exhibitors after the shows:
"Approximately 80% of all visitors took interest in our products. That made the show worthwhile for our company. I think if more companies are prepared to get involved you will be able to present an even better show in future. I would definitely recommend the show to other exhibitors providing that every participant gets involved and also invites clients to the respective shows. Good luck with the next show."
Wessel Theron, Cochrane Steel Products
"We found the show to be a very cost-effective way of getting to decision-makers in the area."
Philip Addicott, GuardTrack
"The show allows for direct contact with the decision-makers of organisations using our products. We feel confident that contacts made at the show will result in positive sales."
Noal Brooks, Cochrane Steel Products
"Fine show, allows more sales time to be spent with the clients."
Gerry Gebhardt, Sagem SA
"A more direct type of show, the number of visitors is low, but the quality of client and the time that they are prepared to spend seems to make it worthwhile."
Louis Cronje, Doculam
"The show was very worthwhile as we were able to attain the contacts we were looking for. Fewer visitors than at other shows but definitely a better class. All visitors were from the industry in one way or another and the decision-makers were there to open doors."
Mark Middleditch, Sesco Security
"The two shows that were held on location at Polokwane and Phalaborwa were worthwhile for the fact that they were industry orientated and the client base was more intensive and interactive."
Frans Dreyer, Saflec
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