Messe Frankfurt South Africa is set to elevate the experience at Futuroad Expo 2024 by hosting three significant industry events concurrently, offering a rich platform for knowledge exchange and networking. These events—the Regional Logistics and Transport Conference, Township Mechanics Summit and Awards, and E-Hailing Mobility Indaba—are poised to add immense value to the expo, scheduled to take place from 19-21 November 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Regional Logistics and Transport Conference
Organized by the South African and Zimbabwe branches of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Regional Logistics and Transport Conference is a key event for the logistics and transport sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
Over the course of three days, the conference will focus on five crucial pillars: Infrastructure, Harmonisation, Safety and Security, Skills Development, and Technology & Digitalisation. These discussions will address challenges like the high logistics costs in Africa, inadequate transport infrastructure, and the complex regulatory environments across the continent.
The conference will gather industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing regional integration, promoting economic development, and improving safety and security within the transport sector.
Township Mechanics Summit and Awards
The Township Mechanics Summit and Awards aim to bridge the gap between informal township car service providers and the wider automotive aftermarket industry.
This two-day summit will feature interactive sessions that tackle key issues such as access to finance, market opportunities, anti-competitive practices, skills development, and the availability of accredited workshops. The event is designed to expose township mechanics to the broader automotive industry, facilitate networking with major industry players, and encourage collaboration between township mechanics and established stakeholders.
An awards ceremony will also be held to recognize excellence among township mechanics, celebrating their contributions to the automotive industry and their communities. The summit provides a platform for corporates and OEMs to engage their suppliers and SMMEs in meaningful ways.
E-Hailing Mobility Indaba
Organized by the South African Metered Taxi Association (SAMTEA), the E-Hailing Mobility Indaba will focus on empowering e-hailing entrepreneurs to transition from owner-drivers to fleet owners.
This one-day event will tackle key challenges in the e-hailing sector, such as rising operational costs and market saturation. It will also highlight technological innovations, including telematics, electric vehicles, and app-based management tools.
The indaba will feature workshops and seminars on advanced driving, customer service, and fleet management, providing valuable skills to attendees. An interactive exhibition will showcase the latest products and services in the e-hailing and automotive sectors. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony to celebrate excellence in the e-hailing industry.
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, emphasized the value of these co-located events: “By hosting these three cutting-edge industry events alongside Futuroad Expo, we’re creating a powerhouse of knowledge sharing, networking, and business opportunities.
“Attendees will gain insight into the full spectrum of the commercial vehicle sector—from grassroots mechanics to e-hailing entrepreneurs and logistics experts. This comprehensive approach ensures that every participant, whether an OEM, fleet owner, or independent operator, will find immense value in attending.”
These co-located events will offer attendees a comprehensive view of the industry’s current state and future direction, covering everything from vehicle technology and maintenance to logistics challenges and the evolving landscape of e-hailing services.
