The 20th edition of African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa may now be postponed in person, but is still scheduled to take place from 24-26 November this year as the organisers have promised attendees and partners an inspired and inspiring online platform with world-class speakers, live discussions and virtual networking and product showcases.
The postponed live, in person edition of this leading conference and exhibition at the Cape Town International Convention Centre will take place from 11-13 May 2021.
In announcing the postponement to industry, “the global pandemic has impacted live events from across the globe, and our local market is no exception,” says David Ashdown, MD of Clarion Events Africa, which has been organising this multi-award-winning power, energy and water utility event for the last two decades.
“The live events industry is a core economic revenue generator for suppliers and buyers alike, and our commitment to the energy industry, despite being unable to meet in person, is to provide a market leading digital platform for buyers and sellers to connect and conduct business. Our project teams will be introducing this exciting pivot opportunity as they talk to customers individually.”
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Remaining engaged with the industry
He adds: “Since the start of the pandemic we have made a very successful and innovative transition from live events to digital and virtual conferencing and networking. Throughout these challenging times we have made sure to remain engaged with the industry and stay focused on meeting our clients’ and partners’ needs as there is a demand from the industry to engage, ask questions, find solutions and close deals.”
“Whilst looking ahead at the post-pandemic energy landscape we are aware that technology has been, and will remain, an important part of this journey. The innovation shown by the project teams and their commitment to customer outcomes has been wonderful to watch and support. These are tough but exciting times and I believe with certainty that African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa will be a stronger industry platform with greater industry reach in years to come. We are excited to meet again in person in Cape Town in May and with our technology advancement this year, we believe there is an opportunity to also engage a digital audience to the live edition in 2021.”
More interactive, full value chain
The first Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa took place from 11-15 May this year and was the first event in the sector to pull this off and the attendee numbers and level of engagement speak for themselves: 3,642 registrations and 7,015 matchmaking recommendations.
According to David Ashdown: “As event organisers we also heed the attendees’ feedback and the upcoming Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa will be even more interactive and the content will be of interest to the sector’s full value chain, from utilities and regulators to project developers and technology and service providers.”
Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa will run a three-day programme from 24-26 November. See the highlights here.
