2024 marked our debut at the Matus Johannesburg Trade Show. The theme, “A Colour Festival,” was inspired by Matus’ new corporate colours.
Active Concepts did an outstanding job designing and constructing our stand. We spent a labour-intensive weekend sanding and painting rebated MDF boards that represented our dowels. On Wednesday, October 2nd, we packed up and headed to Killarney Country Club. It took most of the day to assemble the stand, but the final result was stunning. Our stand also featured a cross-laminated timber counter manufactured by Mass Timber Technologies, and a cross section of a laminated timber beam from RSB for our dowel harp.
Despite a sleepless night, we were ready to welcome guests promptly at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Matus treated us all day, everyday with coffee, cool drinks, popcorn, candy floss, and a delicious lunch. Their team not only made the event enjoyable but also demonstrated an impressive knowledge of their extensive product range, which includes around 16,000 items.
It didn’t take long for Matus’ clients to fill the halls. Visitors came to see what is new from the exhibitors they were familiar with, but also stopped to explore and ask questions about other interesting displays. The guests were also treated to lunch, refreshments and exiting competitions.
By 5:00 p.m., we packed up and prepared for the awards evening. Drinks and finger snacks were served, and the day’s hard work quickly faded as everyone began to relax. Matus presented seven trophies that night, and I’m proud to say that Robin Coen, MD, and Dewald Kotze, Procurement and Sourcing Manager, awarded us the trophy for “Most Creative Stand 2024.” It was a tremendous honour, especially since Dowel & Co. is one of the smallest suppliers in the Matus family, and the competitors formidable. I must give credit to Active Concepts again for their inventive design of our stand and the award trophies.
After the ceremony, we hit the dance floor to unwind, and later I was too excited to sleep, replaying the day’s events in my head.
Friday was another busy day. Each stand was required to feature a game, and we had wooden guns that shot elastic bands at tin cans. As expected, it was a hit, and we didn’t have a moment’s rest. We also found many opportunities to explain to those interested either what a dowel is, or what it is used for.
Saturday was family day, with staff and visitors bringing their children to join in the fun. The kids enjoyed a jumping castle and various activities, while the adults browsed the displays. By noon, lunch was served, and while some visitors lingered in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney golf course, the exhibitors began dismantling their stands.
After nearly four days together, saying goodbye to everyone in the MTS hall was bittersweet. We left with heavy hearts but also with newfound friendships we are eager to nurture.
Robin, Dewald, and the entire Matus team, thank you once again for an outstanding trade show. We met incredible people and had the opportunity to witness the camaraderie, respect, and admiration within your team. Every staff member, visitor, supplier, and customer were made to feel valued. I’ll carry that spirit with me and aim to emulate it.
We wish you all the best for the next two legs of the Trade Show in Durban and Cape Town. Organizing such a large-scale event requires immense effort and dedication, but if anyone can pull it off, it is Matus.
- https://www.matus.co.za/
- https://activeconcepts.co.za/
- https://www.masstimbertech.co.za/
- https://www.rsbgroup.co.za/
