Booth Builders for IAS
IAS 2025, the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science, will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, and virtually, from 13 to 17 July 2025, with pre-conferences on 13 July. The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s...
IAS at a glance
Quick numbers to help you scope your booth strategy.
What most exhibitors get wrong at IAS
Three patterns we see in post-show debriefs — each one quietly burns 20–40% of a typical booth budget.
- Mistake 01Buying square footage instead of impact
A well-staffed 10x20 with a real demo outperforms a half-empty 20x20 every time.
- Mistake 02Ignoring drayage & show services
Services often add $4–9k on top of a booth quote — more in union cities. Budget line by line.
- Mistake 03No lead qualification flow
Badge scans are noise. Define one qualifying question and an agreed next step before the show.
What to know about IAS
The International Africa Show (IAS) serves as Rwanda’s primary multi-sector gateway for international manufacturers looking to penetrate the East African Community (EAC). Hosted at the KCC, the show is heavily weighted toward business-to-government (B2G) networking and industrial equipment distribution rather than high-volume consumer sales.
Rwandan trade shows prioritize established credentials; display ISO certifications, partnership logos, or government endorsements prominently on your backwall to build immediate trust.
Agriculture and construction dominate the local inquiry volume; if your product is multi-use, lead with its application in those two specific sectors for maximum engagement.
Decision-makers in Rwanda value punctuality and formal attire; ensure your booth staff are in business suits or formal traditional dress to match the senior government and CEO visitor profile.
Secure a local agent or logistical partner pre-show to handle the 'last-mile' delivery of equipment from the port of Dar es Salaam or Mombasa, as inland transit can be unpredictable.
AI-generated overview · verify specifics with the official organizer