Pronounced a resounding success by industry pundits and exhibitors alike, here are the highlights of Decorex Joburg 2022

Driving home its Reimagined proposition, the newly reinvigorated Decorex Joburg delivered on its promise of providing vital direction and leadership for the architecture, decor and design industries. The exposition has thoroughly reclaimed its position as the continent’s leading and most relevant trade and consumer show via a multi-pronged approach embracing tight curation, progressive creative direction, a new venue, and a fresh corporate identity, all of which was rewarded by supportive exhibitors, a robust trade programme, and enthusiastic crowds.

More than 30 000 guests visited Decorex Joburg from 28-31 July 2022, browsing all four exhibition halls at the upmarket Sandton Convention Centre (SCC). The show was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on the Thursday morning. Organizer RX Africa’s MD, Carol Weaving welcomed guests and did the honours alongside Gauteng Tourism Authority representatives - Ms Sthembiso Dlamini and X - declaring the event officially open. That same evening a bustling VIP Networking and Awards Ceremony celebrated the relaunch of the show with more than 500 guests in attendance, filling the balcony level at the SCC.

Early indications from the trade and media guests on the Thursday and Friday revealed that the show was set for further success over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday saw steady streams of visitors queuing up to enter throughout the day. Visitors got to see both Decorex Joburg and its co-located local product showcase 100% Design Africa. A one-day, CPD-accredited design Summit presented by ASUS ran on the Friday and boasted a stimulating speaker panel of change-makers and thought-leaders. For 2023, Decorex Joburg will also incorporate Design Joburg, creating a centralised, maximized decor and design destination.

“We didn’t get a chance to stop,” comments 100% Design Africa exhibitor Lana Fredericks of Okra X Muyzu, “just as we were finished talking to one customer, there’d be another waiting in line!”

Houtlander’s Stephen Wilson explained that “Houtlander had an outstanding exhibition which was not only commercially successful in terms of sales but also great for our brand overall. It was a pure delight to reconnect with some of our fellow designers and meet fantastic new ones and we can’t wait to participate again!”

This experience was echoed in the Decorex Joburg Decor Hall, where MONN launched its new range of reversible flatwoven rugs. “We usually use our Decorex stand to connect with our trade clients and this is the first year that we have launched a direct-to-consumer product at the show. It went very well. We had an extremely positive response to our homegrown rugs and we secured far more sales and sign-ups than we were expecting!” says MONN’s Marcus Nouwens.

MONN is not the only rug supplier to have achieved substantial sales.“As challenging and intense work as the show was, it has already paid for itself in a mere 3 days back at the showroom!” states Sarah Craig of Herringbone. Her eye-catching rugs were on display at 100% Design Africa, where many bore “reserved” signs as a result of trade enquiries.

Decorex Joburg’s inward trade mission saw buyers from Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Dar es Salaam and Tanzania sourcing suppliers and products at the show. Over 4 000 local trade delegates registered to attend the show, and Decorex Joburg’s trade “matchmaking” service brokered over 400 meetings between professionals and exhibitors.

The event also offered a significant return on investment for the sponsors and suppliers aligned to it. Says Gavin Rooke of Fliptile: “All round applause from the respective designers and businesses I personally know that participated. Great commercial ROI for them too, as far as I understand. Fliptile project was by all accounts a success… the cost of the sponsorship itself was great ROI. Curation wise - this is fundamentally different to the Decorex of old.”

This same sentiment has been echoed by members of the press. Storm Ross, Style Editor at House and Leisure, sums it up as “An incredibly inspiring show. Well curated, easy flow, and an overall enjoyable experience.” Of high interest to the media was the multitude of new collections, product lines and updated ranges launched at the show, giving evidence to industry health post Covid.

“We’re extremely heartened to see the affirming responses from both professionals and the public after not being able to attend this much-loved event for over two years!” enthuses Weaving. “We’d like to thank all our exhibitors for the tremendous effort that went into creating their stands, thereby contributing considerably to the outstanding quality of the event. We provide a platform for them to shine, and shine they did!”

Due to positive reception and demand, the Decorex Africa team has already opened bookings for 2023’s Decorex Cape Town and Joburg. For more information, click here to apply to exhibit.