A fruitful future for EEW

Staff reporter

Since its inception in 2011, the Exhibition and Events Warehouse (EEW) has been a prominent player within the exhibition and events scene within Namibia and abroad. With work done for various Namibian entities, both private and public, the name is synonymous with some of the top events and exhibitions such as the Ongwediva Annual Trade, Namibian Tourism Expo, Mining Expo Namibia, Swaitex, Africa’s Travel Indaba, the World Telecommunications Expo as well as the Global Expo, amongst many others.

EEW has also reached beyond the borders of Namibia, with exhibition pavilions being set up in United Arab Emirates, China, Angola, South Africa, Germany and Switzerland. The most notable of these has been setting up the Namibian stand at the World Expo in Germany and China; noted as the biggest expo worldwide, and held every 10 years. EEW has in the past covered the financial, telecoms, government, mining, retail, hospitality, medical and petroleum sectors.

Led by Andre Bok, EEW saw an opportunity to expand into a bigger entity than it already is, and that growth does not include the partnership with The Sign Shop Group of Companies.

”EEW sets itself apart from everyone else because we focus on the client and what the client wants. We do not impose ourselves and offer what is unnecessary just to make a quick dollar. We have gained a good understanding of how the industry works, and in this, have worked hard to ensure we are right at the top. We offer turnkey services within the events and exhibitions industry, i.e. from design to set-up and everything in between. So we focus on exhibition pavilions, private and corporate events, furniture rental (for exhibits), displays, lighting, audio visual set-up, lighting and logistics. As we say at EEW, expect everything,” Bok recently said during an interview.

Bok, actually being a qualified hydraulic fitter by trade, said the struggle to find work forced him to take on a different career path.

“When I could not find employment in my chosen profession, I started working as a handy man, which then lead me to where I am. I run my own business, with an energetic and driven team that always strives to get the best for our clients.”

The success of the company according to Bok, wasn’t an easy seamless road.

“We get stuff done through integrity and hard work. Being a man of faith has also taught me that there are no shortcuts, and if money becomes the driving factor for why you do what you do, then you’re likely to fail, and fall dismally. Having integrity and working hard is my philosophy in life.”

The EEW business model has evolved into a format that calls for a standalone practice, focused on events and exhibitions, allowing for increased turnaround times, taking on of more clients, whilst focusing on quality and performance. All of EEW’s staff will be retained during the shift, with no job losses forecast. The opportunity to take in new talent may also arise as the company grows.

“We’re looking towards venturing into new partnerships with like-minded people that will allow us to expand into Africa, whilst maintaining Namibia as our hub. With growth come new opportunities. We’ve made contacts and engage a few people we would like to work with. The future does look bright,” Bok added.

EEW will forever be in gratitude for the opportunities made possible during the business tenure with The Sign Shop. The road has been mapped for a future that prioritizes the client, through focused and integrated event and exhibition services.

For young and upcoming entrepreneurs Bok says do something that you love and you are extremely passionate about.

“That’s the foundation of everything. By doing that, accompanied with discipline and dedication, you will reap the rewards of your labours.”