02/09/2025
SPECIALISED EXHIBITIONS TRANSITIONS TO MONTGOMERY GROUP AFRICA
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment, and support long-term growth, Southern Africa’s largest trade show organiser, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.
In a press statement signed by Natasha Heiberg, Head of Marketing, and made available to WHERE To Print Magazine, the name change reflects the consolidation of Montgomery Group’s regional divisions across Africa under one unified management structure, hence creating a more agile, efficient, and future-focused organisation.
According to Gary Corin, who continues as Managing Director following the transition to Montgomery Group Africa, though the name is new, the company’s commitment to its people, partners, and purpose remains unchanged. "This transition is more than a name change — it's a reflection of where we're headed. By bringing our teams together under one identity, we're building the clarity, strength, and agility needed to grow with purpose across all regions,” says Corin, noting further that; "By simplifying structures and aligning leadership under one cohesive vision, Montgomery Group Africa will enhance collaboration, improve resource allocation, and enable faster decision-making. This transformation will not only strengthen support for regional teams but also unlock greater opportunities for innovation, consistency, and long-term growth across all markets," he added as he stressed further that; "This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution — building a stronger foundation to better serve clients, empower teams, and deliver lasting impact in the communities we operate in.”
Celebrating 130 years in 2025, Montgomery Group is the UK’s longest-running independent events organiser. A fifth-generation family-owned business, its portfolio includes over 50 events and co-locates across 15 countries. The global team is made up of over 150 passionate events professionals, united in their mission to deliver world-class exhibitions that provide meaningful platforms for industry connection, business generation, and community engagement.
"Montgomery Group has proudly organised events across Africa since launching Specialised Exhibitions in South Africa in 1968,” notes Damion Angus, Group Managing Director and Chairman of Montgomery Group. “Since then, the Montgomery presence has expanded to include events in Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Libya, and Zimbabwe — alongside our well-established portfolio of trade exhibitions throughout South Africa.”
"Bringing the full African events portfolio under Montgomery Group Africa supports the vision of an ambitious new phase of growth across the continent. We have strong, experienced teams in every region who are energised by the opportunities this consolidation unlocks.”
The move will see Propak Africa, Propak Cape, Propak West Africa, and Propak East Africa leading as the largest packaging, plastics, print, food processing, and labelling exhibitions across Africa. East Africa’s principal event for the security, fire, and safety industry - Securexpo and its co-locates - will complement a growing portfolio including Securex Expo, A-OSH Expo, Facilities Management Expo, and Fire Expo, hosted annually in Johannesburg, and launching for the first time in Cape Town in October this year.
In the new structure, Gary Corin has additionally taken on the role of Managing Director for West Africa events, while Angela Kinyua continues to lead as Managing Director of the East African events, both operating within the unified Montgomery Group Africa structure.
"Our locally based marketing teams are leading the rollout of the Montgomery Group Africa brand across the African region," says Corin. "This includes overseeing all marketing communications and collateral development. They are working closely with our East and West African marketing teams, drawing on their valuable regional insight and experience to ensure a consistent and impactful brand presence across all markets."
As the name change takes effect from 01 September 2025, the change will, however, not impact day-to-day operations as the registered business entities in each region — including South, East, and West Africa — remain unchanged, and all current invoicing and banking details will continue as usual.
