Leading Cape Town-based confex organiser Spintelligent has announced the appointment of Russell Hughes as Event Director for its leading event, African Utility Week. Russell joins the company from the Clarion Events head office in London in what is a new position in the event team – an indication not only of the growth of the conference and exhibition but also of Spintelligent's ambitions for the event. The 12th edition of African Utility Week took place in May in Johannesburg this year and broke records on all fronts.The event returns to Cape Town next year and the organisers have set exciting targets for 2013, namely 220 exhibitors and more than 5000 attendees. Hughes says he is excited to become part of such a respected company as well leading the team for what is a flagship utility industry event: "the African Utility Week team pulled off an impressive event in May and thereby turned it into an internationally recognised, must-attend power and water event for all African utilities."Says African Utility Week's Event Director: "for 2013 we have already confirmed the participation from top power companies such as Powertech, ADC Energy and Itron. The new, world class conference programme and vastly improved exhibition opening times will deliver a quality service to all attendees and double the engagement time between delegates and exhibitors. A key development of the event is the impressive, additional investment we have made to create a more engaging exhibition floor with power features that will provide more business opportunities for our exhibitors."Sterling reputation in market-leading exhibitionsRussell Hughes comes from Clarion Events in London with a sterling reputation in developing and managing large, market-leading, experience-based exhibitions for both consumer and business to business events such as the International Caravan & Motorhome Show, Top Gear Live, Destinations and the international gaming show ICE.The dates for next year's African Utility Week are:Exhibition & Conference: 14-15 May 2013Pre-conference Workshops: 13 May 2013Site Visits: 16 May 2013Location: CTICC, Cape TownWebsite: www.african-utility-week.com