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Personality profile
Andrew Gibbs – going beyond ordinary Humble Andrew Gibbs, 49, managing director of ConCept G Exhibitions & Events, dreams of leaving a legacy in the exhibition industry.
H
e started in the exhibition industry as a chartered accountant, but soon realised operations was where he wanted to be. “I was mentored by the best the exhibition the industry had to offer, Hans Zwets and Keith Lydon. My training ground was covered in sawdust in the shopfitting and bespoke environment and it was not too long before I came to know Octanorm – the best aluminium and infill panel system available in our industry. “From operations to key account management and finally, business development, I was witness to many changes in the exhibition and event industry over the 16+ years, and realised many successful projects for the respective companies under which I worked. “My partner and I started ConCept G Exhibitions & Events in April 2010,” Mr Gibbs said. ConCept G recently opened in Cape
Town. ConCept G is a single source supplier, specialist exhibition stand contractor and event infrastructural supplier. “We are active members of EXSA and IFES (International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services). Also proud OSPI members (Octanorm Service Partner International), we are one of only two companies in Southern Africa. OSPI is an international network of exhibit builders and stand contractors who are qualified as experienced full service companies with expertise in all facets of Octanorm Exhibition Systems, as well as other bespoke methods of exhibit design and fabrication.
How do you see the industry at present? 2014 was a celebration of the culmination of a very busy and productive year for the exhibition and event industry and for ConCept G, one of exponential growth. We cannot exclude the fact that business has been tough and is certainly being conducted very differently from that of the past. There is the effect of the economy on our industry. The first and second quarters of 2014 certainly felt this impact, with a gradual and positive rise in the latter part of the year. Business
activity expanded at the fastest rate in 21 months in September. We have to keep up with trends, constantly evolve and move forward. We have to go beyond the ordinary.
What are the main trends in the exhibition industry? There is the impact of technology, which is a constantly evolving phenomenon and if used correctly, a powerful and effective tool. It’s an APP world, where everything happens immediately. Brand loyalty is not guaranteed and therefore, we need to instil and build trust in business and we do this by most importantly, keeping the human factor, delivering an exceptional product on time, and maintaining consistency in business and delivery excellence. Design is everything and we must constantly strive to provide a unique experience, visual experience and appeal. The challenge lies in keeping Generation Y and Z happy, while also making sure that Generation Xers feel as if they’re being catered for. Cost pressures remained high, with both purchase prices and staff costs climbing sharply. Power and water outages will continue to affect productivity and deliverables. Yet, we will continue to make a plan. South Africans are world-renown for being the most adaptable. With adaptation and change, comes growth. A major is greening. We should strive to recycle, re-use and reduce wherever possible. It means constant educating, with regular meetings to assess and change the way we do things.
Where were born? I was born in Burmingham in the United Kingdom. At age three my parents immigrated to South Africa. I have two brothers and we are all seven years apart.
Where did you grow up? Benoni, Johannesburg. I went to Bonero Park Primary and Willowmore High.
Where did you start your career? At the Perm SA in Kempton Park. Andrew Gibbs