The popular annual Africa Print Regional Expo, held in Durban from 26 to 27 August at the International Convention Centre, was a huge success for platinum sponsor Xerox, represented locally by Bytes Document Solutions. The company won the Africa Print Award for Best Large Stand, and concluding the sale of a Xerox D125 copier/printer and a Xerox X570 light production/multifunction printer at the show.
A total of 1 292 visitors attended the event, a 21% increase on 2013, and exhibitors reported good leads and sales on the day, with the Xerox team taking advantage of the event to focus on highlighting winning strategies that can help print shops succeed in the digital industry.
“Last year we ended the Durban show with two sales of the Xerox 770 and we expected nothing less this time around,” says Paul Haglich, marketing manager for production systems at Bytes Document Solutions. “Our team was confident about the show, and their optimism paid off. We were enthusiastic about all the products we showcased, including the highlight – the recently launched Versant 2100 press. It was a great event all round, concluding with the sale of two copier/printers.”
Haglich says the wide format IJP2000 and the Versant 2100 were the hits of the show and attracted lots of attention. “In addition to the devices we sold, we have a list of prospects for these popular new machines, thanks to our Durban sales staff and partners who were amazing and planned many pre-arranged customer visits and ran internal marketing campaigns to ensure that the right customers attended the show.”
Xerox won the award for Best Large Stand in recognition of having the “most flair and innovation in exhibiting and demonstrating products and services, for showing a strong, stylish and confident visual presence that highlights an accomplished and distinguished brand”.
“These shows continue to be a strong platform for success,” says Haglich. “The return on investment for our marketing spend and brand awareness building is really worthwhile, and I am proud of our stand award. With the on-going support of our teams countrywide, next year’s event can only get better.”