Bytes, Bricks, and Boards: Our Rand Show Recap
Still feeling the ache in your feet? How about the buzzing of new ideas? If so then you probably found yourself at Rand Show 2026 last weekend! This year wasn’t just about the spin and drift shows or those legendary tiny donuts from 6 different stalls, it was a huge step for the maker community in South Africa.
At PiShop, we live for when curiosity meets hardware, and at hall 6’s Tech and Gaming theme was exactly that. Here’s our recap/breakdown of what made this past weekend a win for our communities!
Hall 6: The Heart of the Maker Revolution
For the first time, the Rand Show truly carved out a dedicated home for the next generation of creators. Moving through Hall 9 felt like stepping into a digital playground. Between the AI showcases and the Virtual Reality (VR) booths, there was a clear message: technology is for everyone.
We saw incredible interest in:
Robotics & Coding: From LEGO “unplugged” coding for the little ones to high-level robotics demos, the barrier to entry for engineering is officially gone.
The Live Hackathon: Seeing local talent build solutions under pressure was a reminder of why we do what we do—providing the boards and sensors that power these dreams.
Gaming with a Purpose
It wasn’t just about high scores. The collaboration between HONOR and RGB Gaming brought e-sports to life, focusing on empowering our youth with future-ready skills. Seeing professional-grade LAN setups right next to coding workshops proves that gaming is the “gateway drug” to a career in tech.
The "Messy Masterpieces" of Engineering
While there was a dedicated art zone filled with absolutely fantastic pieces, we saw many masterpieces from the tech world too. The NAG stand was an absolute powerhouse of innovation this year and we had a blast being right in the thick of it. The energy was electric – from racing simulators and the nostalgia of NAG Retro LAN
It was a true 360-degree look at tech:
The Giants: Big players like MSI and ASUS showed off the raw power of modern computing.
The Future: Experiences like the XR Activation and VR Zone gave us a glimpse into immersive digital worlds.
The Building Blocks: Between the massive LEGO Pit and the 3D Printing zone, it was clear that “building it yourself” is more popular than ever.
Hands-on at the PiShop Stand
We spent the weekend at Stand #16, and it was incredible to connect with our community face-to-face. While the show had a dedicated art zone, we saw “Messy Masterpieces” in the tech world too right at our booth!
The PiShop team was out in full force showing off our latest custom builds, from Raspberry Pi-powered gadgets to home servers and our custom claw machine. We met so many of you who are taking the “DIY” spirit of the Rand Show and applying it to home automation, 3D printing, and complex Arduino projects. Whether you were inspired by our hands-on demos, the Anime After Hours cosplay, or the sleek automotive tech in Hall 6, the takeaway was the same: if you can imagine it, you can build it.
Education & Competitive Edge
It was also inspiring to see stands like Resolute Education and GoDot empowering the next generation of developers. Seeing these educational tools alongside the competitive thrill of Mettlestate and the Honor gaming area proves that the path from “player” to “creator” is shorter than ever.
Missed the show? Grab the gear!
If the exhibits sparked an idea for a new project, we’ve got you covered. You don’t have to wait for the next show to start building.
Shop the Rand Show 2026 “Tech Favorites” at PiShop:
Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and Micro:Bit: For the makers and knowledge seeking visitors/hunters
Sunfounder Starter Kits and Picades: Perfect for those who saw the robotics demos and thought, “I could do that.”
Creality 3D Printers: Because why buy a souvenir when you can print one?
Final Thoughts
The Rand Show 2026 proved that South Africa’s tech scene is vibrant, young, and hungry for innovation. We’re proud to be the “engine room” for your creativity.
What was your favorite tech find at the show? Tag us in your project photos – let’s see what you’re building!
