Viva analytica Lab Africa 2023, the biggest African Scientific Exhibition that happened this July in Johannesburg at Gallagher Convention Centre. The show was a resounding success with 4762 delegates and over 100 exhibitors showcasing 300 brands in the largest gathering of laboratory professionals, industry experts, and cutting-edge technologies since before the pandemic in 2020. Furthermore, the co-location of analytica Lab Africa with IFAT Africa (reaching over 6000 visitors in total) provided an unparalleled opportunity for networking and collaboration within the laboratory technology, water treatment, waste management, and recycling industries.
LABOTEC STAND HIGHLIGHTS
The Labotec stand had visiting suppliers from Europe and showcased over 55 equipment pieces representing their 30 international brands with companies such as Buchi, Integra Biosciences, Elga, Hettich, and Thermo Scientific. There were solutions and discussions around various topics from water purification, extraction, chromatography, centrifugation, and pumping technology to manual and automatic liquid handling, bioprocessing, clean air technology, lab washers, and microscopy. Labotec also featured their own branded local range with the Labcool fridges, Labotec Precision balances, and the Eco range which emphasizes local manufacture, durability, and quality all available at an economical price for the local market.
Labotec’s stand featured the latest in robotic pipetting and a revolution in reagent dispensing from Integra plus award-winning electrochemistry from Thermo Scientific Orion (they recently won the SelectScience Best New General Lab Product of 2022). You could experience ELGA, lab water purification specialists, and their unique PURESURE technology, which included medical ultra-pure to unique Quest 3 purities in 1 system, and enter the competition “Quest for the oldest water purification system in the land”. Miele Professional launched new Slimline lab washers with an EasyLoad system. This was linked to a competition where three delegates won a Miele vacuum cleaner on the three exhibition days. In addition, one could also see and taste how the Labotec team distilled gin on the iconic Buchi rotavapor(recipes).
Getting the best possible centrifugal force to separate samples is Hettich’s passion with their range of German-engineered market-leading centrifuges were also featured. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s bioprocessing solutions from cell culture to purification to the latest in cGMP workflows were discussed. Delegates could find out about permissible chemical exposure limits to ensure your lab is a safe environment with Captair ductless fumehoods. Vacuum filtration and a modular oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump approach from KNF provide cost-effectiveness to expand functionality as needs grow and an impressive range of microscopes from VWR with handheld to sophisticated digital imaging software models. Most of the equipment on the stand was operational with product specialists ready to assist with any questions.
INTERACTIVE MOCKTAILS INSPIRED BY SCIENCE
The Labotec stand also featured an interactive fun experience where delegates could join in the journey “How a Scientist makes a Caribbean Mocktail”. “We collaborated with one of our clients to purposely design a virgin Piña colada extract for the show, which was dosed, and vortex mixed using equipment on the stand”. “We would like to thank our visitors, suppliers, African Scientists, laboratory managers, and everyone involved for making this experience truly remarkable. More importantly, we are pleased to have had the chance to exchange ideas, insights, and expertise on this African scientific platform”, says Marketing Manager Deborah Shaw.
TESTIMONIAL
Good day, Louis, Karabo
I trust you are well.Just wanted to thank you for the unique experience in creating a Caribbean Mocktail at your analytica Lab Africa stand last week.
Your team was extremely patient with my content capturing and my husband thoroughly enjoyed the drink I took home. Very creative and interactive and I applaud everyone involved! Have a phenomenal week.
Best Regards,
Cindy Bode
Vertical Manager – Healthcare Schenker South Africa (Pty) Ltd
WINNERS & NEXT SHOW
Congratulations to the three lucky winners who won a Miele vacuum cleaner on the stand and partook in the “How a Scientist Makes a Caribbean Mocktail”. They are; Vincent Khumalo, Phinda Rikhoto, and Simphiwe Khoumbula.
The next analytica Lab Africa is scheduled to take place in July / Aug of 2025.
