Early this week, we interviewed our very own sales engineer, Kate Kleingeld, with a degree in Chemical Engineering and experience in the plastics industry. Kate wants to become an advocate for sustainable plastic production and usage within society. Understanding plastics on a structural level and an insight into the elements influencing production and quality, she hopes to continue broadening her knowledge and experience in the industry and sharing that knowledge with others.
Trade shows can be a critical means of boosting brand awareness, generating new leads, and meeting with current and potential customers. 84% of leaders believe in-person events are vital to their company’s success. Trade shows allow you to showcase your products to a group of individuals who are already interested in what your industry offers.
This is the first time Kate has attended an exhibition as extensive as the K2022 that’s taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from today, the 19th -the 26th of October. Here’s a Q&A she did.
- Are there opportunities to speak at the K2022 exhibition?
I am unaware of any planned presentation or speaking at the event besides presenting new technology to the industry.
- Is this the best trade show for Plastic& Chemical Trading? If so, why?
This is the world’s most extensive plastic and rubber exhibition, with the best suppliers, manufacturers and partners exhibiting their products. From P&CTs perspective, it keeps us informed on which machinery suppliers are leading the industry and the level of technology available in the market.
- Is the trade show well-established within the plastic and rubber industry?
Definitely, we find small, medium, and large manufacturers from Southern Africa attending the show and getting to know potential partners for their businesses and projects.
- How is Plastic& Chemical Trading different from other competitors who will also be part of the K2022 exhibition
Well, this is my first show, so I can’t speak to what other companies will do in preparation for the show or at the show.
- Any pre-show marketing tactics before the main exhibition trade show?
Firstly, determining what I’d like to accomplish individually and as a team. And secondly, making sure our long-time, new and potential customers know about the show and where to find us.
- What are your goals for this trade show as a Sales Engineer?
Since this is my first show, I’m not entirely sure what to expect besides hearing my colleagues reminiscing about their previous shows.
I’m hoping to learn more about what our current partners have coming up in the future regarding technology development and expansion and how that relates to the South African market.
I’ll also be looking for potential partners for technology that isn’t being serviced sufficiently in the Southern African market. This way, I know I’m bringing value to my customers and improving their lives and their customer’s lives at the end of the day.
And of course, I’m excited to see my customers, listen to their experiences over the past few years, learn how we can do more and be better for them in the future, and meet new potential customers.
Personally, I find events like these a great opportunity to discuss industry concerns, environmental issues, and plastic-specific topics, as I have access to brilliant minds with decades of experience in the industry.
- Any future collaborations with new connects?
I definitely hope so!
- How will Plastic&Chemical Trading attract a crowd at the K2022 trade show exhibit?
It is a far journey to travel for South Africans, and we understand that it is a busy period for several industries. So, we are grateful to see many of our existing clients there with whom we can discuss past projects and future opportunities.
It’s also necessary to be proactive and identify businesses within the plastics and rubber industry that could benefit from the show and ensure they know about It and make it accessible to them.
Plastic enabled countless advances in our industry and way of life. Today, plastic is used not only by ordinary users in their daily affairs but also in aeronautics, the construction industry, electronics, packaging, transportation, energy conservation, scientific components, etc.
Plastic is not the problem. It’s the way how society uses it.
Kate Kleingeld