Driving Decorex
GOING ONLINE: VIRTUAL EXPO THIS YEAR
There will be no cost to register and attend the virtual experience.
The decor industry has also been affected by Covid-19, says Sian Cullingworth, portfolio director of Decorex Africa, talking about the current state of the very popular decor expo and Decorex going online.
Cullingworth leads a team of creative and dynamic people who strive to achieve the best in award-winning exhibitions: Decorex Durban, Decorex Cape Town, Decorex Joburg, 100% Design South Africa and Decorex International.
Q. What sets Decorex Africa apart and makes it the stalwart in the industry for so many years?
Synonymous with ground-breaking concepts in décor, design and lifestyle elements, Decorex Africa has managed to keep ahead of the field by constantly introducing innovative features and showcasing the best of South Africa’s décor artists.
Established more than two decades ago, Decorex Africa has become entrenched as the ultimate reflection of incoming trends in décor and design.
Some 52% of trade delegates attend the show to familiarise themselves with the latest industry trends, and this is a responsibility we take seriously. Through an incredibly dynamic features programme, Decorex Africa provides a visual and sensory interpretation of style trends, bringing on board the most influential designers and suppliers.
A lot of work goes into every exhibition, and so many key stakeholders are involved in its success.
We are truly proud of the collaborative effort that has resulted in this award-winning portfolio Decorex Africa offers the trade and the public at large, with over 1 100 exhibitors across Durban, Cape Town and Joburg.
This brings together over 112 000 trade and consumer visitors from Africa and internationally. A dedicated hosted buyer campaign in Africa over the past four years has increased our African footprint and achieved more than R9 million in sales. Constantly breaking new ground, 100% Design South Africa is the largest curated exhibition platform for sourcing high-end contemporary design in Africa.
It is where top brands launch their latest products, and select designers put together special features.
Q. How has Covid-19 affected the shows for this year?
After understanding that it would not be possible to host our portfolio of shows in their usual venues last year due to lockdown restrictions, we looked to virtual solutions in a bid to continue to support the industry and exhibitors and help reignite the economy.
To continue to support and give back to the community, we have continued to promote the industry through our social media platforms.
In this light, we are pleased to introduce our first-ever virtual expo, which will replace this year’s physical iterations of Decorex Africa and 100% Design South Africa.
The aim is to provide exhibitors and members of the trade, with an online opportunity to engage and conduct “business as unusual”.
In this spirit, we hope that you will find the virtual expo both a positive and useful intervention.
We invite you to join us and experience our very first virtual world.
Q. With Decorex Africa going onlie, what value is there for the trade and exhibitors?
As Decorex Africa plays a pivotal role within the industry and in an endeavour to grow, strengthen the industry, there will be no cost to register to attend and be part of this trade only virtual experience.
Three days will be dedicated to bringing the design, décor, hospitality and retail industry together into one space to connect with over 300 carefully vetted exhibitors.
The specialised virtual offering facilitates maximum engagement for trade members, streamlining the process of product and service sourcing.
The three trade-only will offer industry members a unique networking platform that encourages the development of productive business relationships and keeping the industry connected.
Q. Dates to diarise and what to plan for?
The Decorex Africa portfolio, synonymous with sophisticated décor and design, is looking forward to bringing the finest localised products, interior stylists and creative inspiration this year in our live events.
In addition to an exciting lineup of features and installations, visitors will get to interact with some of the city’s most innovative trade leaders who are revolutionising the design, build and lifestyle industries as well as some of the most dynamic influencers in the creative realm.
The immersive 100% Design South Africa and Decorex International, co-located with Decorex Joburg, will also give trade visitors and consumers the chance to source quality interior design products.