After wide stakeholder engagement, SAIRAC and its partners Interact Media Defined and Specialised Exhibitions, have taken the decision to move the dates of the Frigair Expo 2021 to 1 – 3 June 2022.
The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC), Interact Media Defined (IMD) and Specialised Exhibitions (SE), have consulted extensively in the HVAC and Refrigeration industries, and the decision was primarily based on the prolonged effect that the global Covid-19 pandemic has caused for both the local South African and international economies.
Many businesses (including international manufacturing plants) have been forced to near standstill over the last few months. Lockdown levels transitioning businesses not classed as essential services back to activity only began in July 2020, and the associated re-prioritisations will no doubt play a role in short-term decisions for both exhibitors and visitors alike as navigation of these unprecedented times is upon the world.
With measures declared by the South African President that include a ‘ban on mass gatherings’, all scenarios were evaluated, however the team concluded that for the near future, circumstances will not change drastically nor will the resulting mandatory management of social distancing measures and screening protocols.
It would therefore not be practical for an event such as Frigair, which hosts thousands of people, to continue and potentially affect the experience of Africa’s largest dedicated HEVACR exhibition.
Many, if not all, events and exhibitions around the world have been affected and other major international HVACR events such as MCE and Chillventa have also been postponed as the well-being and safety of participants is front of mind. Many organisers have opted for virtual solutions, however this takes away from the much-needed personal interaction that trade exhibitions and events offer.
Both IMD and SE strongly believe in face-to-face engagement on these platforms and expect a ‘hungry for interaction’ exhibition in 2022 after most industries are likely to be exhausted on electronic or virtual media.
After the announcement at the end of June 2020, there has been great general acceptance of the decision, and exhibitors have shown their continued support in moving the event.
All exhibitors’ bookings and space allocations will be carried over to the 2022 show.
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