While large events and gatherings remain prohibited as a mechanism to control the potential spread of COVID, the Eastern Cape’s long-standing careers exhibition – the Working World Expo – will go ahead thanks to a world-leading game-play expo platform developed locally.
Inkanyezi Events CEO Andrew Binning, said the 3D platform, developed by Inkanyezi in partnership with a Port Elizabeth-based technology start-up, would not only stage the 22nd consecutive edition of the careers expo, but was also receiving “intense global interest.”
“I have had meetings with organisers of events across the globe, including from Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Greece, Russia and Brazil, among others who are looking for a virtual exhibition solution that is interactive, 3D and provides a visitor experience.”
Binning said the platform would be piloted at three upcoming Inkanyezi managed events: the 260 exhibitor strong Eastern Cape Virtual Exhibition on July 23 and 24, the Working World Careers Expo from August 12-14 and at the International Personal Protective Equipment Expo from August 25-28.
The Working World Careers expo, one of the largest careers fairs in Africa, has been run for the past 21 successive years but was placed in jeopardy by lock-down regulations this year spiking concerns that the Class of 2020 would not get access to essential career resources.
Binning said the virtual technology solution would ensure that it would continue this year, despite the prohibition on public gatherings.
“Our exhibitors have embraced this shift and the new dates from 12-14 August when, over three days, all schools, job seekers and individuals interested in study options, funding mechanisms and careers are invited to enter the expo app to interact and gather resources,” Binning said.
“The virtual nature of the Working World Expo this year means that visitors are not restricted by the limitations of venue capacity, parking and geographic distance, which means the expo and its resources are now globally accessible, for free, to all visitors.”
According to Binning, virtual visitors, once they have downloaded the app to their computer, will be able to live voice or text chat with exhibiting organisations, view company videos, download brochures and experience traditional features of the expo including career guidance counselling, watch a customised DVD on Careers of the Future and attend a leadership seminar designed to equip young people for the world of work.
“Annually around 15 000 visitors attend the traditional expo and benefit from its resources, but we are working with schools to ensure that they now can access all the functionality of the expo without leaving their class-rooms. We think that we could reach record visitor numbers this year,” he said.
The 22nd Working World Exhibition is supported by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the PE Express and Die Burger, Coega Development Corporation, Vodacom, Kingfisher FM, Food for Mzantsi, Magnetic Storm and the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
School groups and all individuals can register to attend, free, on the website www.workingworldexpo.co.za.