The third edition of South African Automotive Week (SAAW), hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay during October, was recognised as South Africa’s Best Confex (exhibition held alongside a conference) in 2012.

Evaluation criteria for the award included Campaign Material, Quality of marketing Campaign, Visual Impact of Exhibition, Special Features, General traffic flow, Social responsibility programme, Greening and Disaster management plan.

Inkanyezi Events CEO Andrew Binning said the award was valid recognition for what had been achieved through the Automotive Week but also needed to be considered in context.

“It is an acknowledgment of the fantastic contribution made by all automotive roleplayers and government agencies and the obstacles overcome to create a vehicle for business in a centre where the events industry is poorly under-developed,’’ Binning said.

“SAAW is rightly a leading light with respect to international events in the region and is strong in the criteria the award evaluated but frankly speaking we are not overly flattered by the award because we know that there is lots of room for improvement, particularly logistically,’’ Binning said.

South African Automotive Week comprised a 10 000 square metre tradeshow, a two day conference, featuring national and international automotive experts hosted by the Automotive Industry Development Centre and an additional 14 complementary events and functions.

Over 4000 trade visitors and 117 international delegates representing 21 countries participated.

According to organisers, SAAW, hosted by industry bodies the National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, is projected to have contributed over R40-million into the regional economy.

The Week was supported financially by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, ECDC, The Eastern Department of Roads and Public Works, the Coega development Corporation, merSETA, Transnet, East London IDZ and the Industrial Development Corporation.

The Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa’s Annual Awards ceremony recognises both individuals and member companies for excellence achieved throughout the year.

The MC for the evening was John Walland with entertainment provided by Idols finalist, Tender Mavundla.