An Exploration of Endless Possibilities
On Thursday, 7th September 2023, over 650 industry delegates from across the country poured into The LookOut, V&A Waterfront for an event everyone had in bold on their calendars; a day set to ignite the world of design and build by asking: What If?
The SCAPE Team opened its doors to our discerning delegates on a chilly but electric Thursday morning, and as SA’s thought leaders filled the venue, the exploration of endless possibilities was about to begin! Amidst the bustle of excitement, 34 Exhibitors proudly presented the latest in innovative products, setting the standards for the specifying of tomorrow.
After hearing from our leaders of the trade, it was time to look to our youth and introduce the Faces of the Future. Reimagining Robben Island, 7 students that wowed in the SCAPE Magazine and Geberit-sponsored 2023 Student Competition were honoured at an Awards Ceremony, where dhk’s Guy Briggs announced the winners – a wonderful celebration to end the sessions. A huge congrats to Aadam van der Schyff and Ziyaad Manie who walked away with the R20 000 Grand Winner cash prize!
Between browsing and networking, professionals grabbed their seats at the curated stage, designed alongside Always Welcome Store, for a world-class CPD-accredited programme of TED Talks that catered to all – developers, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and everyone in between. Influential figures like Robert Silke, Mokena Makeka, Stefan Antoni, and David Cohen graced the stage throughout the day, bringing a dose of dynamism to our delegates. The crescendo was a panel discussion hosted by 4 legends who entered a lively dialogue about the future of the industry and addressed thought-provoking questions from the edge-of-their-seats audience, who spilled over into the stands to watch the spectacle. This enriching interaction was realised through sponsorships from 5 of the biggest brands in the business – Water Wise by Rand Water, Flush Bathrooms, Plascon, Samsung Fourways, and our headline sponsor, Safal Steel.
Delegates also had the opportunity to discover fascinating installations presented by the incredible Studio H, who collaborated with our team at SCAPE to imagine scenarios of the future. They brought forward-thinking interactions with lights powered by vegetables, delectably cured sausages infused with coffee, and swimmingly salty G&Sea’s – an inspired Gin and harvested seawater refresher in collab with Pienaar & Son.
Outside, in a cosy tent filled with luxurious lounging, brilliant bubbly, and beats by our resident DJ, Funk Town, a Battle of the Bats tournament between Cape Town’s elite firms took the hype to a new level with an afterparty of entertainment and buzzing energy… Enter the Pedersen + Lennard bespoke table tennis set to bring the scenario to life!
As the SCAPE Trade Show wrapped up and the guests departed with both their CPD Points and a fresh perspective, a sweet sunset decorated the sky. A perfect end to a successful day all-round, the SCAPE Team knew that this year’s event had set the tone for the way forward and fostered career-changing connections in the country’s promising and flourishing Mother City.
In conversation with Chanel Besson, the Director of Paper Plane Publications & SCAPE Trade Show, she remarks on the day:
‘We are passionate about our industry! It is written on our faces; it pours out into our work and – at times – becomes us! Our connection to what we do is honest and curious, and this openness means our team is always eager to take on exciting challenges. These trade shows challenge us to think laterally and stand firmly as a brand that doesn’t just sit behind a magazine title and a desk but is an active and involved player in this dynamic industry we represent. These events are so important! Not only for the future thought leaders and youth in our industry, but for opening channels of communication between various sets of professionals. They are for connecting stakeholders and for challenging the status quo, and we, as a brand and as a team, continue to be surprised and fuelled by the sheer support of icons within the industry, who are willing to step forward and start the conversation with us. That makes me so hopeful for our industry and its future and makes me so proud to represent and be the platform for these professionals. This seems the perfect time to announce that we will be continuing the conversation with a Joburg leg of SCAPE Trade Show in March 2024. Are you ready to venture into the unknown? I am sure you can guess… We are!’
She continues:
‘It is also widely known that our events are free for industry members, which in this economy is unheard of, and it is because we have such amazing suppliers and loyal brands committed to the trade. To continue building on a foundation of purpose and promise, there is one name that’s always here to support the makers, developers, and creators who know how to leave their mark: Safal Steel. Safal Steel is a huge player in the industry and a huge player at our events, headlining both our 2022 and 2023 shows. We couldn’t do it without support from Safal, and we are truly grateful for their support!’
Find more photos available to download and use here
Watch the recordings of the Seminars on our YouTube channel here
