Power Build Power Fest 2025 delivers business innovation and networking excellence
The fourth annual Power Build Power Fest 2025 concluded successfully at Durban ICC from August 27-29, demonstrating how effective business networking can be enhanced through innovative event design and supplier engagement strategies.
Opening day sets tone with interactive experiences
The festival commenced with Promac Paints sponsoring an Arcade Adventure Fun Day, featuring retro gaming experiences including racing simulators, claw machines, and AI-enhanced photobooths. This nostalgic approach created an immediate networking atmosphere, allowing hardware retailers and suppliers to connect in a relaxed environment before formal business proceedings.
Registration was streamlined through Vermont Sales’ VS Events platform, enabling attendees to focus on relationship building from arrival.
Beach evening showcases digital innovation
Ingco’s tropical-themed welcome dinner highlighted significant industry developments, including the unveiling of cutting-edge store-in-store and concept store models designed to elevate retail merchandising standards. Power Build directors Jacques Joubert, Rashid Mohammed, and Armand Feldtmann presented the evolution of The Honeypot, a sophisticated digital platform enabling live order tracking and data-driven operational efficiencies.
The evening featured Top Choice Awards recognising supplier excellence, with winners including Ingco and Sephaku Cement across various categories.
Trade day demonstrates industry collaboration
Sponsored by Trade Build, the main exhibition day brought together over 300 suppliers and 600 retail members at Durban ICC. The trade show floor buzzed with activity as exhibitors, including Academy Brushware, Tork Craft, Bosch, and Plascon showcased innovative product lines and exclusive retail deals.
A standout moment was GlueDevil’s 30th anniversary celebration, complete with themed decorations and a milestone cake, demonstrating how established suppliers continue driving industry growth through sustained innovation and relationship building.
Formula 1 finale celebrates achievements
The closing evening’s Formula 1 theme, sponsored by GlueDevil, combined race-inspired décor with industry recognition. GlueDevil MD Shane Nadauld addressed attendees about business resilience, noting, “It took us 20 years to become an overnight success.”
The evening culminated with Brian’s Choice Best Stands Awards, recognising GlueDevil, Ingco, and Ruwag for exceptional exhibition presentations. Selected attendees also received Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix tickets, sponsored by multiple industry partners.
Digital platforms drive future efficiency
The event highlighted significant technological advancement through the expansion of The Honeypot platform and the introduction of the TenX rebate multiplier program. These digital tools represent Power Build’s commitment to providing members with competitive advantages through technology-driven solutions.
Industry impact and networking success
Power Build Power Fest 2025 successfully demonstrated how combining business objectives with engaging experiences creates lasting supplier-retailer relationships. The three-day format allowed for comprehensive product exposure, deal negotiation, and strategic planning sessions.
The event’s success reinforces the importance of face-to-face networking in the hardware retail sector, where trust and personal relationships remain crucial for business development and long-term partnerships.
