Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Working World Exhibition is designed to empower learners by providing essential tools and resources for informed career choices. This event showcases a diverse range of options available to school leavers, including further study, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
With a focus on interactive experiences, the exhibition aims to inspire and motivate attendees through seminars and direct engagement with corporates. Working World Exhibition takes place in Port Elizabeth, ZA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Working World Exhibition takes place from 16 to 18 February 2027 at Tramways Building, Port Elizabeth.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a leading career fair in South Africa, expected to attract over 15,000 learners and 100 exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Inkanyezi Event Organisers, details available at workingworldexpo.co.za.
- 4Buyer Authority: Targeted at school leavers, current students, educators, and parents seeking career guidance.
- 5Entry: Free entry for all visitors, with informative seminars and interactive areas.
Why visit
School learners, matriculants, TVET students, graduates, parents, teachers and career changers can compare accredited universities, TVET colleges, SETAs, private training providers, learnerships, apprenticeships and bursary options in one hall at Tramways Building. Free entry for all visitors, with informative seminars and interactive areas.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors can recruit students, promote their brands, and demonstrate their offerings to a large audience. This event is a leading career fair in South Africa, expected to attract over 15,000 learners and 100 exhibitors. Targeted at school leavers, current students, educators, and parents seeking career guidance.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
High school students exploring career options
Parents seeking guidance for their children
Educators looking for resources to assist students
Career development professionals
Corporate representatives from various industries
Students interested in further education opportunities
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Universities, TVET colleges and private training providers presenting accredited courses and learnerships
SETA-accredited skills development and apprenticeship programme organisers
Corporate employers recruiting for internships, graduate programmes and entry-level jobs
Bursary, student loan and financial aid providers
NGOs and youth development organisations running work-readiness campaigns
Career counselling and psychometric assessment services
SAQA-recognised qualification and certification bodies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Career guidance resources and tools
Educational programs and courses
Skill development workshops
Apprenticeship opportunities
Financial aid and scholarships
Corporate social responsibility initiatives
Location & Facilities
Venue
Tramways Building
Valley Road, Gqeberha
Facilities
Parking
Tramways Building in Port Elizabeth typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Tramways Building in Port Elizabeth typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Tramways Building for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Exhibitors: 100
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Port Elizabeth, ZA
Why it matters
On 2027-02-16 to 2027-02-18, Working World Exhibition in Port Elizabeth covering Career guidance resources and tools, Educational programs and courses, Skill development workshops, Apprenticeship oppor gives energy buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · ZAR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Formerly Port Elizabeth Airport and the closest airport to the venue. Confirm flight schedules, baggage rules and transfer arrangements before travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 5-10 minutes by taxi or ride-hail
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Paxton Hotel
4-star
Approx. 670 m from Tramways BuildingUSD 130–180 / night
Closest captured hotel option to the venue. The Google Hotels capture showed a discount against its usual rate, but the nightly figure was displayed in a non-ZAR currency at capture time.
The Windermere Hotel
4-star
Approx. 2.1 km from Tramways BuildingUSD 150–190 / night
Larger 4-star option about 25-30 minutes on foot from the venue; use a short ride-hail trip if carrying materials or arriving after dark.
Jikeleza Lodge
3-star
Approx. 1.1 km from Tramways BuildingUSD 95–122 / night
Mid-range lodge within a 13-15 minute walk of Tramways Building, useful for visitors who want to avoid daily transfers.
Luxury Backpackers
2-star
Approx. 2.1 km from Tramways BuildingUSD 70–110 / night
Budget 2-star option with Wi-Fi and parking listed. The Google Hotels capture showed a deal about 24% below its usual rate, so confirm the ZAR nightly figure for the show dates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hail
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forChief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) to Tramways Building
Confirm the live fare in the app. Airport pickup zones may add a small surcharge.
Metered taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forChief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) to Tramways Building
Agree the fare or confirm the meter before departure, especially for early-morning arrivals.
Walk
Estimated costFree, no fare
Best forAirport precinct to Tramways Building via Upper Valley Road
Only realistic for light-pack travellers in daylight; use a taxi or ride-hail with luggage.
Algoa Bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forNelson Mandela Bay metro bus network to central Gqeberha
Bus frequencies can be limited outside peak periods, so keep a ride-hail backup.
Metrorail Eastern Cape
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forCommuter rail within the Nelson Mandela Bay metro
Commuter rail does not provide a direct airport-to-venue link; confirm the nearest station before relying on it.
Long-distance coach
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forIntercape and Baz Bus services into Gqeberha
Useful for delegates travelling from other South African cities; book early for February.
Parking
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forTramways Building on-site or nearby CBD parking
Confirm the current rate with the venue or organiser and arrive early on show days.
Weather
February is late summer in Gqeberha. Expect warm, humid days with average daytime highs around 26-28 C and overnight lows around 18-20 C. Coastal sea breezes can make the venue feel cooler in the evening, and short rain showers are possible. Treat these as climatological ranges rather than a forecast and check a local weather service in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
South African mobile networks including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C cover central Gqeberha; a local prepaid SIM or eSIM is usually the cheapest way to get data. Confirm Wi-Fi access at Tramways Building with the organiser, because public venue connectivity can be limited during busy show days. South Africa uses 230 V with Type M, N and D plugs, so bring a universal adaptor. Keep a power bank, a downloaded copy of your ticket and offline screenshots of the seminar timetable.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and language
A handshake and eye contact are standard in business settings. English is widely used in Gqeberha, alongside isiXhosa and Afrikaans, so a friendly hello or Molo is appreciated.
Tipping
A 10-15% tip is customary at restaurants. Small tips of around R10-R20 are common for porters and car guards, but check whether a service charge is already included.
Getting around safely
Metered taxis and ride-hail are easier for visitors than minibus taxis unless you know the local routes. Avoid walking alone after dark and keep valuables out of sight.
Load-shedding
Scheduled power cuts can affect venues, traffic lights and mobile reception. Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank and allow extra time when travelling across the city.
Business dress and show floor
Smart casual or business casual is appropriate for a career exhibition. Comfortable shoes matter because you will spend hours on concrete floors moving between stands and seminar rooms.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PLZ
Google Flights captures for 16 February 2027 showed ZAR 16,593 for London-Gqeberha on Etihad with South African Airways, taking about 21 hours 5 minutes with two stops, and ZAR 24,145 on Lufthansa with South African Airways, taking about 16 hours 30 minutes via Frankfurt and Johannesburg. Every PLZ itinerary from Europe connects at least once. Book the inbound for 15 February to allow a buffer before the 16 February opening, and choose a return from 19 or 20 February if you stay through the close. Confirm baggage rules, connection times and live fares before paying.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ): Approx. 5-10 minutes by taxi or ride-hail. Allow road or rail time to Tramways Building; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Tramways Building: Approx. 670 m from Tramways Building: The Paxton Hotel; Approx. 2.1 km from Tramways Building: The Windermere Hotel; Approx. 1.1 km from Tramways Building: Jikeleza Lodge.
Ride-hail: Ride-hail services such as Uber operate in Gqeberha, and local alternatives may be available through apps. From PLZ to Tramways Building the trip is about 5-10 minutes and an estimated ZAR 80-150 depending on demand. Confirm the pickup zone at the airport, check the driver and vehicle details in the app, and keep a metered taxi number as a backup for early departures.
Public transit: Algoa Bus Company runs the metro bus network across Nelson Mandela Bay, while Metrorail Eastern Cape operates commuter trains within the metro. Neither provides a direct airport-to-Tramways Building link, and frequencies can be limited outside peak periods. Confirm the nearest stop or station to the venue before relying on public transport, and keep a ride-hail or metered taxi as a backup. For most visitors staying within 2 km of the venue, walking or a short ride-hail trip will be simpler.
Parking: Tramways Building has on-site parking, with additional street parking in the surrounding CBD blocks. Daily rates are not published in the captured sources; budget an approximate ZAR 20-50 per day if a fee applies and confirm with the venue or organiser. Arrive before the first seminar block on 16-18 February 2027, because the closest bays fill quickly during school career events. Do not leave valuables visible in vehicles.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February (late summer)
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs of 26-28 C and overnight lows of 18-20 C; coastal humidity and sea breezes can make the venue feel cooler near the harbour. Confirm with a local forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Late summer is warm and humid with occasional short rain showers, and the Eastern Cape coast can be windy. February is not the main winter rainy season, but a light rain layer is still useful for the walk between hotels and Tramways Building.
Packing: Pack light breathable layers, a compact rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Add a power bank, a Type M, N or D plug adaptor, and a document folder with certified copies of your ID, results and CV if you plan to apply on site. Smart casual clothing is fine for seminars and stand meetings.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Working World Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Recheck your document folder and make sure certified copies, results, ID and CV are complete — Applications and bursary desks may ask for paper copies rather than digital files.
Day 2
Pack light layers, a compact rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a Type M, N or D plug adaptor — February is late summer in Gqeberha, with warm days and a coastal sea breeze.
Day 3
Print or download the floor plan and seminar timetable, and mark the stands and talks you do not want to miss — Leave gaps between sessions so you can queue for popular exhibitors.
Day 4
Plan the airport transfer from PLZ to Tramways Building, which is about 3.4 km and roughly 5-10 minutes by taxi or ride-hail — Budget an approximate ZAR 80-150 for the trip and confirm live fares in the app.
Day 5
Book flights to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), allowing at least one connection from major international hubs; Reserve accommodation near Tramways Building, such as The Paxton Hotel at about 670 m or Jikeleza Lodge at about 1.1 km — Confirm the ZAR nightly rate for the show dates and check cancellation terms.
Day 6
Check bursary and NSFAS information for the programmes you are considering, and note any documents you still need; Gather certified copies of your ID, matric results or latest academic transcript, and a short CV if you are looking for work or learnerships — Keep paper copies in a folder and scanned copies on your phone.
Day 7
Write three questions for each shortlisted exhibitor, covering entry requirements, course costs and workplace placement options — Include questions about application steps and any documents needed on the day.
Day 8
List the exhibitors you most want to meet: universities, TVET colleges, SETAs, private training providers, employers and bursary offices — Group them by hall position or stand number if the floor plan is published.
Day 9
Check opening hours and the seminar timetable, and shortlist sessions on study pathways, learnerships, apprenticeships and financial aid — Download the schedule so you can still use it if venue connectivity is limited.
Day 10
Confirm the 16-18 February 2027 dates, Tramways Building venue and free visitor entry on workingworldexpo.co.za, then put the show window in your calendar; Arrive early at Tramways Building, collect any show guide, attend your priority seminar and work through your exhibitor shortlist — Keep your ID and results copies with you and allow extra time for security screening.
Day 11
Check in for your flights, confirm the hotel booking and save the venue name and address for your driver — Use Tramways Building, Port Elizabeth or Gqeberha, as the venue is known by both city names.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Tramways Building
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Working World Exhibition registration concourse
Tramways Building
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Tramways Building
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsZAR 190.00
- Per diem × 2ZAR 150.00
Estimated totalZAR 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Working World Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Working World Exhibition, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Career guidance resources and tools and Educational programs and courses solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Working World Exhibition in Port Elizabeth.
Min. budget
$530.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Career guidance resources and tools and Educational programs and courses products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,385.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Port Elizabeth show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the Working World Expo held in Port Elizabeth?
The venue referenced in the captures is Tramways Building in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape. It sits 3.4 km from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, roughly a 5-minute drive via Allister Miller Drive.
How do I get from Port Elizabeth Airport to the venue?
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) is 3.4 km from Tramways Building. The fastest drives are about 5 minutes via Allister Miller Drive and 6 minutes via Upper Valley Road; metered taxis and ride-hail are the usual option for arriving delegates.
Are there hotels within walking distance of the venue?
Google Hotels shows The Paxton Hotel, a 4-star property, about 670 m from Tramways Building. Jikeleza Lodge (1.1 km) and The Windermere Hotel and Luxury Backpackers (about 2.1 km) are the other near options in the captured results.
Is entry to the expo free for visitors?
Yes, visitor entry is free, and the show runs informative seminars plus interactive areas covering courses, training and apprenticeships.
What public transport serves Port Elizabeth and the venue area?
Algoa Bus Company operates the Nelson Mandela Bay bus network and Metrorail Eastern Cape runs commuter trains; both publish timetables online. For short hops around the central city and airport, taxis are quicker than bus connections.
Glossary
- Learnership
- A structured learning programme that combines theory with workplace experience, is registered with a SETA and leads to an NQF-registered qualification.
- Apprenticeship
- A trade-based programme that combines practical workplace training with technical instruction and leads to a trade test and artisan qualification.
- Artisan
- A qualified skilled trade worker who has passed a trade test in a recognised trade such as electrical, mechanical, welding or plumbing.
- Trade test
- The assessment that certifies a candidate as a qualified artisan in a specific trade after completed practical and theoretical training.
- NQF
- The National Qualifications Framework, South Africa's system for registering qualifications across levels 1 to 10.
- SETA
- A Sector Education and Training Authority, the industry body that registers learnerships and oversees skills development in a defined economic sector.
- TVET college
- A Technical and Vocational Education and Training college offering vocational, artisan and occupational programmes, often at certificate and diploma level.
- Matric
- Grade 12, the final year of secondary school in South Africa, completed through the National Senior Certificate.
- NSC
- The National Senior Certificate, the school-leaving qualification awarded to learners who meet the Grade 12 assessment requirements.
- APS
- Admission Point Score, a points total calculated from selected matric subjects and used by universities and colleges for admission decisions.
- Bursary
- A financial award that usually covers tuition and may cover accommodation, books or living costs, often with academic or work conditions attached.
- NSFAS
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, a government financial aid programme for eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges.
- Occupational qualification
- A qualification focused on a specific occupation, usually combining classroom learning with structured workplace experience.
- RPL
- Recognition of Prior Learning, a process that assesses skills and knowledge gained outside formal education for credit towards a qualification.
- Scarce skills
- Occupations or skill areas where employer demand exceeds the number of suitably qualified people available.
- Career guidance
- Advice and information that helps a learner or job seeker choose study, training and work pathways that fit their results, interests and circumstances.
- Gap year
- A year taken between school and further study, ideally used for structured work, volunteering, travel or skills development rather than unstructured time out.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Working World Expo Gqeberha
- Working World Expo Port Elizabeth
- career expo Gqeberha 2027
- learnerships and apprenticeships expo
- TVET college courses Port Elizabeth
- bursaries and financial aid expo
- skills development Eastern Cape
- career guidance seminars Gqeberha
- Working World Expo Tramways Building
- training providers Port Elizabeth
3 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Working World Exhibition
- event_website
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