Johannesburg, South Africa | May 2024: The world is up against significant infrastructural challenges. Water shortages, sustainable energy, robust infrastructure, and complex market conditions are putting pressure on the construction sector, both in South Africa and abroad. In South Africa, the construction industry is anticipated to grow by 1.3% in 2024 with a 3.7% projected AAGR. Big 5 Construct South Africa, taking place from 04-06 June 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is bringing these challenges and narratives to light over three days of networking, exhibits and content programmes.
The event is set to host more than 8,500 attendees, who will connect with over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. Big 5 Construct South Africa will include more than 20 sessions across Big 5 talks alongside the African Smart Cities Summit and the Stakeholders Engagement Forum.
“Big 5 Construct South Africa brings together influential decision-makers, subject matter experts, and thought leaders in a space designed to enhance networking and learning opportunities,” said Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director - Construction, dmg events. “Big 5 Talks are CPD certified and currently there are more than 35 speakers set to provide educational and informative sessions that will count towards attendee CPD points. This is a significant benefit to those operating within the construction sector as they can not only connect with thought and market leaders but expand their skillsets while meeting their CPD requirements.”
Returning on the opening day of Big 5 Construct South Africa is the Stakeholders Engagement Forum which unites public and private sector leaders to collaborate on positively influencing the construction industry’s trajectory.
This year, the forum will be focused on the theme of ‘Building Tomorrow’s Cities’ exploring critical aspects including infrastructure, connectivity and the transformative impact of technology’. It will feature insightful discussions and conversations, with Aubrey Tshalata, National President, National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI) and Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, Chief Executive Officer, South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) delivering the welcome address. Among other engaging sessions, the forum will host a panel discussion moderated by Friedrich Slabbert, Director, Sciendum and featuring prominent speakers such as Refilwe Lesufi, Chief Executive Officer, Prama Consulting & VP SAICE; Vishaal Lutchman, Managing Director - Transport, Zutari; and Hubert Joynt, Head - Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure South Africa as well as Themba Mahambi the Chairman for the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
Commenting on the forum, Gürsoy said: “Prioritizing sustainable development, the forum advocates for eco-friendly practices and resilient urban planning to safeguard African cities against climate change. Beyond physical structures, discussions extend to the economic and societal impact of the built environment, aspiring to cultivate sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities ready for future challenges.”
One of the core events taking place is the African Smart Cities Summit which stands as a pivotal event on the continent. It is focused on unravelling the immense potential of smart cities and is an essential event for those interested in the intersection of urban development, technology and sustainability within the African context.
This year’s African Smart Cities Summit will be hosted by Professor Susan Bouillon, Extraordinary Professor in Planning Law at North West University and includes among its roster of speakers: Olivier Twagira Yezu, Unit Manager: Digital Trade and Services, Smart Africa, Rwanda discussing the current construction landscape; Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman, Smart City, Nigeria, unpacking smart infrastructure development; Faranani Gethe, Chief Building Inspector, City of Johannesburg, South Africa, talking about the balance of urban regeneration; and Cameron Mc Millan, Director, SA Clean Water, South Africa, focusing on leveraging the Internet of Things for water security and optimization.
The African Smart Cities Summit will be taking place on 5 June, the second day of the event, and will include panel discussions, case studies and engaging debates covering critical areas of concern in South Africa. Commenting on the value of the African Smart Cities Summit, Gürsoy said: “This event addresses real-world solutions that transcend theoretical sustainability concepts and turn them into tangible actions.”
Registration is now open with free admission to trade and industry professionals over the age of 18. For more information visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/
For media queries contact:
Ranju Warrier, Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com
Lavina Naidoo, Account Executive, Pulse Communications
lavina@pulsecomms.co.za
About Big 5 Construct South Africa
Big 5 Construct South Africa is the country’s largest construction event bringing together local and international companies to showcase products and services, innovation, expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry.
The three-day event offers 8,500 industry professionals the opportunity to connect with 200 local and international exhibitors to source the latest products and solutions for their upcoming and on-gong projects, as well as earn free CPD points through a curated talks programme.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is set to take place in Halls 2 and 3 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 4-6 June 2024 . The event is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
For more information and to register, visit www.big5constructsouthafrica.com
About dmg events
dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
With a presence in over 30+ countries and organizing more than 100+ events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, food & beverages, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment and transportation sectors.
To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.
Our flagship events include Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).
