In-person interaction

The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2022, held between February 16 and 18 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, was the first trade show of its kind in South Africa to open its doors after an industry trade show hiatus of almost two years.

“The excitement was tangible as the 80 exhibitors awaited the arrival of the thousands of visitors. It was equally evident in the long queue that had formed to register on day one of the expo. This clearly underlined that an event which allows visitors and suppliers to interact on a more personal level was sorely overdue. We are thrilled to have initiated the reopening of trade shows in a controlled manner, with all Covid-19 safety regulations in place,” says Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions.

Positive exhibitor feedback

“KITE gives the public the opportunity to see new products available to the market in an easy-to-access manner. The long-term benefits of the momentum created by being at KITE are immeasurable. There is a lot of competition in Durban and because we can showcase our current and new product lines, KITE provides us with a definite edge. We had a brilliant response to our PV/solar systems and fire detection products,” says Stevan Elion – Switch Technique.

“This is our fourth consecutive KITE show. Many companies have had to reconsider how their businesses operate and are starting to fast track their digitisation adoption. KITE is contributing to these decisions by offering suppliers and partners a platform to showcase their solutions, so that companies can choose from the best technologies and innovations to help move their businesses forward and mitigate future challenges,” says Mellisa Govender – RS Components. “KITE has always been a premier event for RS and we’re glad that it finally had the chance to take place. It has allowed us to finally reconnect with many customers in Durban and discuss how we can help them improve their businesses and achieve their design, production, and maintenance goals. As always, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with other industry players and share information about new products and solutions. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

“There was such an excited and contagious vibe at KITE 2022 and it was great to be back at a trade expo. We introduced a new safety boot and our formal corporate wear range to the market at the expo and the response was extremely favourable,” says Lyndall Farrer – Dromex (a platinum sponsor of the show).

Satisfied visitors

“We are regular visitors to KITE, so it’s really refreshing to have trade shows open again. Well done to KITE for taking this initiative,” says Andre Jansen – Compunet Automation.

“KITE gave me a great opportunity to reconnect and network with my current suppliers,” says Richard Davies – Dizonet.

In addition to a diverse array of industrial technology products and services, visitors were able to expand their knowledge base at the free-to-attend South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering seminar theatre sessions and the well-attended, paid-for Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa conference.

“We are thrilled with the success of KITE 2022 and we are already well into the throes of preparing for KITE 2023, which will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from July 19 to 21, 2023. A number of current exhibitors have already signed up for the next expo, so we encourage suppliers of industrial technology products and services to reserve their exhibition stands as soon as possible,” says Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions.