MARCH/APRIL 2019 • Issue 84
African island style
Meetings and events on Africa’s most idyllic islands
Cape Town 360°
Choose the right tech for your next event
Delegates don’t want to feel as if they are going to just another conference or business trip – they want to be left with a lasting impression and we now have to go even further to create memorable experiences.”
Greg Hoffmann, Marketing Manager, Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre
To make sure your next event makes all the right connections, host it in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and sought after venues.
To book your event, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za, or visit www.cticc.co.za. Be sure to also confirm your attendance at the CTICC Open Day on 7 May 2019.
*Book and confirm an event before 30 April 2019.
A winner will be drawn at the CTICC Open Day on 7 May 2019 and must be present to claim the prize. Ts & Cs apply.
Stand to WIN a 3-day City Pass for 2 to over 70 top attractions when you book*
Centre (CTICC) has been embracing Africa and welcoming the world.
and business events on the African continent. The CTICC boasts two state-of-the-art buildings – CTICC 1 and CTICC 2. delegates, respectively; two terrace rooms for up to 330 and 450 delegates; 47 breakout rooms accommodating between 20 and highly professional and friendly staff will ensure that your event is seamlessly delivered and one that your delegates will not forget.
HOMEMAKERS
Expo celebrates our 15th exhibition with the CTICC in 2018...
it has been a pleasure working with the management team and the dedicated staff on the ground all these years!
Sandy Edwards Branch Manager & Expo Organiser - Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expo
Nestling in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, and overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, the CTICC is a magical place where the imagined becomes real, visions turn into strategies, consumers become customers, and strangers from across the globe become colleagues, partners and friends.
So much more than a multi-purpose event destination, this African icon combines expansive venues, impeccable service, cutting-edge technology and the finest global cuisine, to transform your convention, conference, exhibition, banquet or meeting into an extraordinary experience.
For more information, or to book your event at the CTICC, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za.
As Meetings Africa 2019 comes to a successful end, the South Africa National Convention Bureau is charting a course, and setting the tone, for the continued success of business events across the continent. Meetings magazine takes stock of the show’s achievements.
Greg Hoffmann, marketing manager for
Island incentives with tropical climates, beautiful beaches, ocean views and exotic cuisines.
18 Moving with purpose and intent
With an established global footprint and a close eye on the South African market, GL events keeps evolving and expanding. Meetings explores what’s in the pipeline for the growing market leader.
19 An event is always about the attendee How do you choose the right technological innovations for your next event? Gavin Burgess provides some answers.
15 The next chapter
The Johannesburg Expo Centre is moving into a new era to affirm its position as a leading venue. Craig Newman speaks to Meetings about what the future holds.
23 Micro-moments
Could meeting instant gratification spell the end of ‘now-now’? TALKING
AAXO + EGF
SAACI + Travelbags
Managing editor Shanna Jacobsen (shanna@3smedia.co.za)
Digital editor Mpinane Senkhane
chief Sub-editor Tristan Snijders
head of design Beren Bauermeister
contributors Aloysius Arlando, Michelle Hinrichsen, LisaJade Merven, Brad Montgomery, Rudi van der Vyver, Leatitia van Straten
operations & Production Manager
Antois-Leigh Botma
financial Manager Andrew Lobban
Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina
Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham
advertising Vanessa De Waal +27 (0)84 805 6752 | vanessa@3smedia.co.za
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Publisher Jacques Breytenbach
Paarl Media (Pty) Ltd t/a 3S Media
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noTIce of rIGhTS Meetings is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or associated professional bodies. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.
We are now in the full throes of 2019 and can see that the rest of the year ahead – while exciting and brimming to the hilt with opportunities – will require exceptional work.
As an exhibitor at the recent Meetings Africa event, Meetings magazine had fantastic experiences talking to various buyers and other exhibitors. It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of each participant, in particular our African counterparts. You can read more about the success of the event on page 4, where we also hear from the South Africa National Convention Bureau on its activity promoting the country and the continent as a destination.
Interestingly, according to the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, incentives are the fastest-growing element within MICE and, when it comes to presenting a range of options within this, South Africa and Africa are primed for these opportunities. In this instalment of The Incentive Planner (see page 28), we travel to Africa’s island hotspots to identify some of the most idyllic bleisure options.
We take a 360-degree tour of Cape Town on page 10 to reveal some of South Africa’s best meeting and event offerings; from the winelands to the beating heart of Cape Town’s CBD, we explore the Mother City and its surrounds.
Venues are becoming increasingly challenged in their endeavours to achieve superior client satisfaction, where delivering a Goldilockstype offering is the order of the day. We see in our analysis of convention centres,
on page 16, how the approach has shifted towards ensuring every little comfort of each delegate is taken care of, and highlight the importance of collaboration.
Our expert association representatives provide their take on where the business events industry is headed on page 37 and we see once again how important mentorship is to further the industry.
Mentorship is close to our hearts and activities at Meetings, and we have grown the Women in MICE Mentorship & Development Initiative platform on theplanner.guru. We announced this during the Top 40 Women in MICE 2019 launch breakfast, which ran alongside Meetings Africa, where we were exceptionally privileged to have had Lindiwe Rakharebe, CEO of Durban ICC and past Women in MICE winner, as our keynote speaker.
We are eagerly looking forward to hosting our sixth annual Top 40 women in MIce awards in August this year; so, in the spirit of encouraging excellence, turn to page 36 for the nomination form or visit our new Women in MICE landing page for more information on how you can nominate your favourite women in MICE.
We hope you enjoy this exciting issue of Meetings!
As Meetings Africa 2019 comes to a successful end, the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is charting a course,
and setting the tone, for the continued success of business events across the continent. Meetings magazine takes stock of the show’s achievements.
After launching in 2004, the Meetings Africa event has seen incredible growth. Known as ‘Africa’s business tourism lekgotla’ (Setswana for ‘gathering’), the 2019 show immersed visitors, exhibitors, buyers and the media in what was a truly panAfrican experience.
The success of this year’s Meetings Africa is clearly evidenced by the number of African exhibitors that participated: 102 exhibitors from 15 African countries showcased their offerings, with Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia all making their debut.
The growth and success of the show were further underscored by the 343 exhibitors
showcasing their products and services to potential buyers. With 37 more exhibitors than in 2018, this represents growth of close to 12% from the previous year.
Demand to attend Meetings Africa this year was staggering – with 721 hosted buyers demonstrating their interest; however, due to capacity constraints, not all could attend and the organisers accepted 462 buyers from 65 countries.
South Africa and Africa present an array of exciting opportunities to the world of events, with destinations within the country
and continent delivering superbly organised events, and sideline activities and attractions ensuring a highly impactful and memorable eventing experience.
“Looking to the future, the SANCB – in conjunction with provincial and city convention bureaus – has submitted no fewer than 96 bids for the 2018/2019 financial year. These bids have the potential to generate R1.9 billion in economic impact and attract approximately 65 379 delegates to our destination over the next five years,” remarked Amanda KotzeNhlapo, chief convention bureau officer for the SANCB, during her opening of Meetings Africa.
Tourism, broken down into both leisure and business tourism, plays a major role in the economy. According to statistics from national government, tourism contributed R136.1 billion, or 2.9%, to South Africa’s total GDP in 2017.
The indirect benefits of tourism are seen across a longer value chain, with the total contribution amounting to closer to 8.9% of GDP, or R412.5 billion. Within this, business tourism, travel and events can also have a far wider reaching economic spinoff. By their very nature,
meetings and events are intended to create engagement among industries, with networking and business matchmaking becoming an aspect of every event, whether at a tradeshow or conference.
“It all starts with a meeting – there’s economic development, there’s education, there are new business opportunities that can all come out of it and we have the platforms to showcase this,” Amanda noted to Meetings magazine in an exclusive one-on-one leading up to Meetings Africa.
cooPeTITIon for The wIn
Business events have the potential to tap into and drive massive consumer shifts and this
“It all starts with a meeting –there’s economic development, there’s education, there are new business opportunities that can all come out of it and we have the platforms to showcase this.”
opportunity comes with enormous economic benefits; however, there is still work to be done in building out a blueprint that will truly advance Africa together.
Collaboration was at the fore of Meetings Africa’s agenda, with shared economies being the overarching theme for the event. In this regard, the SANCB works hard to nurture camaraderie among its African counterparts and is particularly excited about its work on the continent, as well as with up-and-coming players. A number of African countries are making names for themselves and Rwanda, in particular, has seen remarkable development in its MICE sector – its brand-new international convention centre has already become a key feature of the Kigali skyline.
Among the recommendations for better collaboration between South Africa and the rest of the continent are mentorship and “stronger unity”, as Nelly Mukazayire, Rwandan economist and public administrator, asserted during the closing plenary, which was focused on promoting Africa as a destination through collaboration.
• 96 bids submitted for the 2018/19 period
• Business events support over 250 000 jobs directly and indirectly
• 194 international hosted buyers, 55 associations and 55 local corporate buyers hosted at Meetings Africa in 2019
• It is expected that between 2016 and 2020, South Africa will have hosted more than 160 conferences, attracting 150 000 delegates
“Everything Rwanda achieved since the genocide is through accountability and unity. Be decisive and innovative in selling the destination,” said Nelly. Alluding to the ideal, whereby we need African solutions to African problems, she highlighted how “we have seen that home-grown solutions are easily adapted.”
In line with the SANCB’s ‘Meet Here, Grow Anywhere’ campaign to promote South Africa, as a whole, as a business events destination, the bureau actively encourages the development of the sector in each province. This is not just a means to ensuring that there is an even spread of events across the country, but to sharing the opportunity and making sure everyone gets their fair share to stimulate real industry growth.
www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business
Meetings’ must-know minutia
Marriott International is demonstrating its enormous appetite for Africa, with the announcement of three new hotel signings in February at the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain, held in Marrakech, Morocco.
Among its latest deals, Marriott will make its debut into Liberia, with the Four Points by Sheraton Monrovia. Located in Monrovia’s CBD, the hotel is expected to open in 2020. It will comprise 111 guest rooms and include a rooftop bar and lounge and speciality restaurant. The hotel will be managed by Aleph Hospitality.
Marriott International will also expand its footprint in Ghana, with the Residence Inn by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport. Scheduled to open in 2023, the 12-storey hotel will consist of 160 suites all equipped with fully functional kitchens and with zoned living, working and sleeping spaces.
Further north, the St. Regis Marrakech Resort in Morocco, anticipated to open in 2024, will include 80 luxury guest rooms and villas, all offering views of the Atlas Mountains. Offering an array of leisure facilities, the St. Regis Marrakech Resort will be in close proximity to the 18-hole Assoufid Golf Club, which is touted as among the best courses in Africa.
Marriott International aims to grow its footprint into Africa to 200 hotels by the end of 2023.
GL events announced in February that it has acquired 60% of Johannesburg Expo Centre 2002 (Pty) Ltd (JEC), making it the majority shareholder in the business.
With a presence in South Africa that spans over a decade, through subsidiary GL events South Africa, the company now owns the lion’s share of the largest exhibition centre in Africa, whose site totals 510 000 m2
The Montgomery Group is a historic shareholder of the JEC and, alongside GL events, will remain an owner of the company, which hosts South Africa’s biggest trade shows – most notably the Rand Show, Bauma, Electra Mining, Propak Africa and Automechanika.
The synergies between Montgomery and GL events will pave the way forward for the success of new events to be developed for the site.
The JEC has 16 employees and is a shareholder of Dogan Exhibitions and Events, the exhibition organiser for the Rand Show – one of South Africa’s longest running and most popular consumer exhibitions – which celebrates its 125th show in April 2019.
The acquisition will see GL events deploy an integrated business model, which it believes has underpinned its success and achieved combined annual revenue in South Africa of more than €15 million (R240 million).
Radisson
Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, has launched a new commercial strategy for South Africa. The group currently operates 11 hotels across the country and is also one of the fastest growing hotel brands in Africa, with more than 90 hotels currently in operation or under development.
Its new commercial strategy will aim to drive market share and revenue. With a particular focus on its portfolio in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Radisson’s sales team will be geared towards each of the following segments: MICE, leisure and airline crews, TMC, corporate, and government.
“The creation of dedicated teams to focus on each sales segment allows for a more focused approach, streamlined contact and cumulative knowledge. As a group, we’re always seeking ways to increase efficiency and answer the requirements of each of our stakeholders,” says Caroline Thissen, senior area director: Sales & Revenue Optimisation for Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.
Radisson’s sales team has been restructured to ensure that it has the expertise needed to deliver on the continued evolution of the group’s strategy.
Meet South Africa, a country rich with opportunities. Grow your networks at our world-class conferencing facilities, savour every moment at our elegant hotels, then wind down at any of our iconic landmarks. Engage in conversations that build you, and experiences that stay with you. Make South Africa the ultimate place to meet.
The Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre has a unique and comprehensive offering that places it a cut above the rest. Greg Hoffmann, marketing manager for Birchwood, discusses what’s next for the
where do you see the meetings and events industry currently and how is birchwood positioned in this context?
It’s an evolving industry where the paradigms of standard conferencing and events are now outdated. Innovation, distinction and variety are the new benchmark. Smart features with technological enhancements are no longer luxuries, they’re necessities. Birchwood has invested heavily in making this a standard when utilising our services.
We’ve upgraded our Wi-Fi infrastructure, which now offers free high-speed connectivity for all guests. It also supports dedicated networks for conference groups and premium networks for power-users requiring streaming, large downloads and teleconferencing. Adding to this, the installation of digital signage screens and advanced audiovisual equipment is easily hosted, and the capacity to cater for just about any requirement makes for an incredibly memorable event.
Talk us through how birchwood has evolved to keep up with everchanging delegate needs and trends? Delegates don’t want to feel as if they are
going to just another conference or business trip – they want to be left with a lasting impression and we now have to go even further to create exceptional experiences.
Since inception, two decades ago, Birchwood’s goal has been to create a one-stop hospitality hub in the airport node. Our property is now the best it’s ever been.
We’ve grown by listening to client feedback and have created a product that is now unrivalled in Southern Africa. With over 60 venues (hosting 3 to 3 000 delegates), five restaurants, Mangwanani Spa, indoor and outdoor venues, event organisers and visitors are spoilt for choice.
Our product’s evolution is the result of meeting guests’ evolving needs and wants. Birchwood’s success belongs to our guests.
where do you see the most demand in terms of the full birchwood offering and how do you cater for this?
Conferencing and accommodation have always been at the core of what we do and, in a sense, we’ve created our own demand. We took it upon ourselves to alter the idea of what is actually possible for a conference, event or accommodation stay by creating an all-in-one product offering that ensures absolute variety.
Delegates wanting something new every day, during every stay, led to us adapting and renovating, which further resulted in clients ‘demanding’ something new every time they visit Birchwood.
Naturally, the greatest demand is in the conferencing space but it is the nature of the demand that truly intrigues us and drives us to explore how we can build on what we’ve created already. Our facilities have the unique ability to provide something new and memorable, every day, during a multiday stay.
from quick, light meals at BC Café to the rustic elegance of our sun-kissed decks of the Boma. Visitors can grab a free airport shuttle, relax in the waiting lounge, decompress at Mangwanani Spa, hit the gym, swim some laps in the pool and get a great night’s rest in one of the 665 accommodation rooms – there truly is nothing like Birchwood.
what are some of the challenges birchwood has faced as a venue and have notable achievements been made in this regard?
“Birchwood’s goal has been to create a one-stop hospitality hub in the airport node. Our property is now the best it’s even been.”
what are birchwood’s unique selling points and how do distinguish yourself from the rest of the venues?
There is simply no other venue that can provide the various facilities on offer, on one property, that cater for everything from the individual traveller all the way up to a 3 000 delegate convention.
Variety underpins our every offering. Our vast selection of on-site dining options range
where do you see the industry in the longer term? are there any developments or projects in the pipeline that you can share with us?
As Birchwood grew, we faced the challenge of losing touch with the individual traveller. We developed a reputation of being a large-group venue only. While capable and happy to be known for handling large groups, being limited to this perception was not what we wanted. So, we took it upon ourselves to develop a portion of our accommodation offering and conference facilities into an upmarket product, called Silverbirch at Birchwood. Its 235 accommodation rooms and accompanying meeting rooms are available in a strategically located position on the grounds, far from the large conference bustle. Services include exclusive dining options, an express check-in, dedicated porterage and concierge, and more. The public reception was incredibly positive, as Silverbirch was the recipient of awards in the Best of Ekurhuleni Awards such as Best Local Hotel, as well as two consecutive Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor for consistently positive reviews – all of this since its creation in 2014. www.birchwoodhotel.co.za
It’s exciting to watch our industry evolve. As technology advancements drive new and innovative ways to host conferences or events, we see this industry becoming a ‘living’ industry. It will never be static and, to stay relevant, one has to continue evolving, adapting and keeping ears to the ground, not only to see what is trending, but to predict what may come next and implement it.
In 2018, we completely overhauled our Domestic Centre – one of our flagship buildings on the property – with modern and comfortable facilities, as well as AV enhancements and digital signage capabilities. While this was the second building to receive this treatment, every building at Birchwood is on the list to be renovated. We also will be implementing new ways for our guests to interact with us, by installing on-site touch points, online innovations and so much more! Watch this space.
Cape Town is home to some of South Africa’s most popular and beautiful attractions and draws the highest number of meeting bids out of any local region. Meetings goes on a 360-degree tour around the Mother City and unpacks its offerings.
Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city and before the Witwatersrand gold rush, it was the country’s most populous. A popular tourist hotspot, the city and its surrounds offer some of the top meeting spots in South Africa.
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the city’s foremost venue for conferencing and exhibitions, and offers a variety of spaces that cater for groups from just a few individuals to upwards of 15 000 people. The CTICC can assist with a full turnkey solution for your event and
has expertise in arranging everything from large-scale international conferences and events to intimate meetings in one of 47 breakout rooms, with services offered in event management, catering, audiovisual and IT.
Adjacent to the CTICC and renowned as one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, The Westin Cape Town can accommodate up to 600 guests in the largest of its 19 spaces. With its glass facade, the hotel offers a splendid vista of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Table Bay across its 482 rooms. Eventing spaces are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and The Westin offers services that include AV and technical, security, decor and it prides itself especially on its catering offering.
One of the city’s newest hotels, SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl , is ideally situated within Cape Town’s city centre. Its conference centre consists of five meeting spaces ideal for meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions or cocktail functions, and can be set up to accommodate groups of up to 140 people.
Guests who need to a place to rest their heads are comfortably accommodated in rooms ranging from standard rooms to suites and will be wowed with views of the city from the hotel’s 14 Stories Rooftop Bar.
The Hilton Cape Town City Centre offers flexible spaces and catering options for not just weddings and social occasions but also meetings and corporate events. Its versatility means that the venue can meet the needs of everything from board meetings for just 12 people to banquets for up to 120 guests. The Hilton’s dedicated, on-site team of professionals
can assist with a complete experience – from conception to execution – with bespoke menus for every type of event.
The Taj Cape Town premises is situated on was originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers and, later on, the Board of Executors. The hotel is sprawled across two heritage buildings, with 176 rooms that offer splendid views of the city as well as Table Mountain. The Taj has 10 ideal meeting spaces that provide a range of options and sizes. Accommodating 8 to 300 guests, the Taj’s meeting rooms and banquet facilities located on the first floor in the Heritage
and events.
For something a little different, Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium offers five delightful meeting spaces with stunning displays of marine life as backdrops for up 1 000 guests. Located at the V&A Waterfront, the venue provides AV services as well as conferencing facilities and offers a variety of catering options to suit your event. As the venue does run as an attraction during the day, it is only
possible to utilise certain spaces within the aquarium from 18:00 onwards.
One of Cape Town’s most opulent venues, the One&Only Cape Town offers three spaces that can be set up to exact specifications, with AV and conferencing equipment forming part of its standard meetings and events offering. Its largest space, The Ballroom, can accommodate up to 250 people and its professional team can assist with add-ons for every occasion – from team building to entertainment – which can be tailored for each group and event.
Just a short distance from the waterfront is the ultra-modern Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront Cape Town . Guests will be kept cool during the day in air-conditioned meeting spaces and can get a good night’s rest in one of the hotel’s 177 rooms/suites. The property’s four meeting spaces include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and come equipped with the latest in AV technology. Organisers can host up to 300 guests for a cocktail-type function at the hotel, with marina views and boardwalk access providing a unique feel for your event.
The beautiful Tintswalo Atlantic is a short drive from Cape Town’s main city centre and offers an idyllic and intimate retreat for guests. Nestled between Chapman’s Peak and the Atlantic Ocean, the venue services smaller groups only, with a maximum of 12 delegates accommodated in its largest space. The venue offers packages that include the full set-up of the meeting space, with everything from catering to conferencing equipment. Additionally, activities such as spa treatments, trips to the Winelands, paddle boarding and rock climbing can be arranged for your team.
Located in Newlands close to the famed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the Vineyard Hotel offers beautiful meeting and event spaces against the dramatic backdrop of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. From casual cocktail functions to banquets fit for a king, and through its greened conference centre, the Vineyard Hotel can service a wide variety of events, with 220 seated guests in a cinema set-up in its largest space, and offers a range of accommodation options.
The Asara Wine Estate & Hotel , just 4 km from Stellenbosch and 25 km from Cape Town International Airport, is ideal for exploring the beauty of the Cape Winelands and some of the many attractions of the Cape Peninsula. Asara presents a range of meeting and eventing options, offering everything from intimate spaces suitable for just six people to a combined area for 500
guests. The on-site team can also assist with coordinating your meeting or event.
The Spier Hotel on the historic Spier farm in the Stellenbosch Winelands has a superb meetings and events offering to entice visitors. Up to 370 guests can be served for a cocktail function in the largest of the hotel’s 12 meeting spaces. There are also 153 beautiful rooms at Spier for your guests, who can make use of the property’s six swimming pools. Team-building activities can also be arranged through preferred partners.
The sprawling Val de Vie Estate offers an on- and off-site eventing service and its extensive expertise means that you can host any occasion – from a private party to a corporate event – and be assured that it will run seamlessly. Located in the Paarl Franschhoek Valley, Val de Vie’s range of meeting space options will ensure you are provided with an ideal setting for almost any function.
The Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) is moving into a new era to affirm its position as a leading venue. Craig Newman speaks to Meetings about what the future holds.
South Africa is no stranger to the worldwide MICE industry with Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC), having first been elected in 2014 to the Board of Directors at UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and then on to UFI’s Executive Committee.
As the leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations and selected partners of the exhibition industry, UFI with Craig at its head has brought South Africa’s experience, expertise and stellar service to the fore of the global industry – along with much local prestige.
main airports, the JEC is also easily accessible by all major highways.
navIGaTInG foreIGn waTerS
Craig was appointed as vice chairman of UFI’s Middle East Africa chapter before being appointed as president of UFI in November 2018. His appointment is further testament to both his commitment to grow and develop Africa as the ultimate business tourism destination and the increasingly important role that Africa is playing in the industry worldwide.
Craig newman CEO, JEC
From working with key industry associations to having its CEO head up UFI, there is no doubt that the JEC is setting the benchmark for venue standards.
Along with its dedicated team of service providers who are based permanently on-site, the JEC has 20 000 parking bays and 150 000 m² of space available across both its in- and outdoor facilities. In addition to a helipad and being located just 30 minutes away from Gauteng’s
“It is an incredible honour for me and for South Africa,” Craig has previously noted on his appointment.
At the helm of this auspicious association, Craig’s main objective is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibitions industry. UFI directly represents around 50 000 exhibition industry employees globally, and also works closely with its 52 national and regional associations’ members.
While representing a global industry body, Craig is also positive about the future of South Africa’s strength as an events destination: “It
is evident that the rest of the world is looking at us as a key player in the industry. This wasn’t always the case. But today, with our world-class facilities, exceptional service and thorough work ethic, South Africa is setting the standard for best practice, and it is an incredibly exciting time.”
The JEC has a number of accolades to its name including the PMR Diamond Award for Best Exhibition & Events Venue at the PMR.africa Awards 2018 and is a crucial player not just in the local industry but also globally, as a result of the role it plays as an industry trendsetter. In addition, the venue works closely with a number of key local and regional associations, including the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), SOJO Business and Tourism Forum, and the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI).
“Working with these key players in the industry is crucial to ensure the MICE industry’s continued growth and development as an important contributor to the country’s image and economy,” says Craig.
During an era in which we’re all having to think outside the box to diversify our offerings and maximise revenues, convention centres in particular have their work cut out for them. Meetings explores this further.
Convention centres are intended specifically for meetings and events but are challenged in their own way in ensuring they are effectively positioned to keep up with market trends and meet client expectations on exceedingly tight budgets.
As far as event organisers are concerned, holding an event at a convention centre is intended to be as straightforward as possible, where what you see is what you get and an item is either part of what is offered and made clear as a line item on the quote, or it’s not. However, well into the 21st century, expectations from customers, consumers and end-users alike to have almost everything tailored to their needs – and wallets – have completely changed the game. Massive venues are now going above and beyond the norm because of stiff competition from hotels and venues that may not have previously had a meetings or events offering but now do.
MeeTInG ITS PurPoSe
“There has to be return on investment. That needs to be the first point on the agenda from the very first conversation about the meeting or event,” noted Cindy Fisher, senior vice president and global head of CWT Meetings & Events, in a 2018 report.
This means that, for event organisers and marketers alike, all expenditure on overheads – such as venue hire, catering, decor, AV and technical – needs to be covered by sponsorship and ticket sales, with something to spare, which can be deemed profit. This is reflected in how the offering by convention centres has evolved and is currently positioned; gone are the days where you would negotiate with the convention centre on the venue hire and still have to manage external and individual teams. If you were lucky, the venue might have been able to call in a favour by speaking to some of its contacts in service provision to see if a preferential rate could be negotiated on your behalf.
Now, convention centres will either have a full complement of staff or on-site service providers who specialise within a particular area and a final, all-inclusive cost per person is given with set minimum and maximum numbers.
coMPeTITIon or collaboraTIon?
There is something hotels have that convention centres will never be able to provide, and vice versa. An exhibition designed to attract tens of thousands of visitors will never be held at a hotel
because they don’t have the square meterage to dedicate to an event of this scale, while a convention centre cannot directly provide the accommodation needed for thousands of exhibition attendees.
“Demand continues to outpace supply of meetings-eligible hotels. The demand for meetings, which includes accommodation, is going to be significantly challenged by a lack of inventory. Continuing industry consolidation means fewer options for buyers and that will push prices up,” notes Nathan Brooks, senior director and global lead: Supplier Management at CWT Meetings & Events.
This means that there is an opportunity for hotels and convention centres to work far more closely together to ensure a full solution is provided for both event organisers and their delegates.
The Century City Conference Centre and Hotel (CCCC&H) is one of a few examples of a convention centre already leveraging and benefiting from its own mixed-use model. Opened in February 2016, the conference centre was designed to fulfil both conferencing and accommodation needs and is already seeing repeat business with its unique positioning within the Century City development, which is paying dividends.
“CCCC&H’s considerable percentage of repeat business is testament to our service excellence and our attention to detail across all guest and client touchpoints,” says Glyn Taylor, joint CEO of CCCC&H.
The hotel offers only 125 rooms while its conference centre can provide space for 1 900 delegates, across its 19 meetings spaces, at any given time. This means that, at capacity, there is
still not enough space at the hotel for attendees but the group has taken the discussion a step further by engaging with other hotels in the area so that, should there be a large-scale function that exceeds what can be accommodated, CCCC&H can turn to its local partners, thus ensuring that the opportunity is shared.
For now, while it might not be entirely possible to find a convention centre that offers a complete 360-degree offering that includes accommodation, we need to plan ahead.
According to its most recent stats, CWT Meetings & Events says, “The optimum time for booking meetings and events activity for small groups is 30+ days, while for large groups the sweet spot is 75+ days. Outside of these booking times, potential savings dip by 5% to 10%. Our data shows strategic meetings management can save 22% in time on sourcing and an average of 19% additional negotiated savings on room nights.”
With a major emphasis on events being experiential, venues that are able to provide not just the facilities, but an entire offering to support these experiences, are the ones that will lay claim to the greatest market share going forward.
With an established global footprint and a close eye on the South African market, GL events keeps evolving and expanding. Meetings explores what’s in the pipeline for the growing market leader
GL events is a global brand with a footprint in more than 20 countries. Established in the late 1970s and headquartered in France, the company is known across the world for its first-class executions of large-scale projects in the eventing space. GL events’ strategy in South Africa, however, has an interesting history behind it that has spawned an offering uniquely tailored to the local market.
GL events has three core businesses globally: GL events Live, GL events Exhibitions and GL events Venues. The success of its integrated business model is evident in the numbers and, during its 2018 financial year, GL events generated in excess of €1 billion (R16 billion) in turnover – an all-time record for the group that has made it one of the biggest events companies in the world.
While GL events South Africa accounts for between 20% to 30% of local market share, the country currently only contributes around 2% to GL events’ total global revenue, but there is potential for this to grow with the latest of its acquisitions – a majority stake in the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
“With this venue, we hope we will be able to provide new and improved solutions for our clients and ensure continued growth for the market, not just in South Africa but globally as well,” explains Maxime Rosenwald, managing director of GL events South Africa.
GL events has had a presence in South Africa since 2009, when it was awarded a contract to supply equipment and services for both the FIFA Confederations Cup and the World Cup that was held in the country a year later.
“We supply temporary equipment for event organisers across the length and breadth of the events industry, from the rental of a simple chair to supplying massive structures and installations for major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups,” explains Maxime.
GL events South Africa will remain focused on the area of service provision in addition to strengthening its venue offering. GL events manages 48 venues worldwide, growing from 40 at the beginning of 2018. In a bid to stimulate, elevate and enhance the local market, GL events South Africa is mindful of how it structures its activity and aims to concentrate primarily on providing a complementary, if n ot supplementary, service to the market, says Maxime.
To avoid competing with its existing client base, GL events will not be organising or attracting any shows to South Africa, of which it manages 250 annually through its other global entities. This strategy has allowed GL events South Africa to focus its energies on services and venues and leverage opportunities based on existing resources and capacities. And it is paying dividends.
broaDeneD horIzonS
GL events recently concluded a major international contract to provide the
infrastructure and staff for the Asian Games, for which 24 containers comprised of more than 1 500 pieces of furniture, 7 100 m2 of flooring and 11 800 m2 of marquee stock were shipped to Jakarta, Indonesia. The team of 15 staff from GL events South Africa contributed to the design, project and site management of the event, with Maxime taking the lead on the project execution.
“The local team was able to travel to and work with GL events’ Middle East team in Jakarta; for some of them, it was the first time they had travelled abroad, which was an exciting opportunity,” notes Maxime.
Maxime has worked in some very challenging environments and, after having been with GL events for 13 years and having lived in 16 countries during his career, he is particularly upbeat about South Africa: “It is an exciting time for the events industry in South Africa and our objective here is to support the local market in the best manner possible over the coming years,” he concludes.
on how to choose technological innovations for your next event.
As events professionals, it is easy to get caught up in the mayhem of interfacing between clients, organisers, infrastructure providers, stand builders, and everyone in-between. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of producing an event, your role is often complicated by being an unexpected interface between various stakeholders. However, an event is always about the attendee, and it is important not to lose sight of this.
When designing an end-to-end solution for attendees, the question at the pinnacle is, “What will give the attendee the best possible experience?” From the frame of event technology, there are certainly multiple pathways to achieving this goal. But are you implementing a solution just for the sake of using technology at your event? Or are you doing this to enhance attendees’ overall experience?
People fundamentally need choice, but too many options result in a choice not being made. If you are implementing multiple technological innovations at your event, be aware that there is a balance to be found in the number of choices
*Gavin burgess is a systems analyst, and the managing director of Ultimate Data Sciences, a company renowned for innovatively transforming concepts into experiential reality by harnessing the power of technology.
What works at an expo may not work at a conference. And what works in one geographical location may not work elsewhere. These are literally ‘tip of the iceberg’ questions to consider when contextualising your event. When we consider the context of an event, we must have the best interests of the attendee in mind –leading to decisions around what technology is implemented.
A vast subfield in technology, user interface/ experience design (or UI/UX design), appears to be an untapped resource for events professionals. Rigid interfaces that do not cater for attendees of all levels of technology literacy are likely to result in a reduced ROI at your event. When systems are too complicated, people are less likely to interact with them.
Human-machine interaction needs to be considered at all levels of your event. Online pre-registration, on-site registration, event apps, payment systems, and connectivity are just a handful of ways in which your attendee will engage with your event. Are these systems all necessary? Are they integrated and do they provide a fluid experience? Getting clear on your event’s context will serve as a value statement for reference when considering what technology to implement.
Can technology give event organisers more choice? Scan the QR code to find out!
are unwilling to work with each other to develop integrated systems – understandably, owing to the cost of doing so. The result is that an event organiser is likely to select one service provider that has a turnkey solution that covers 90% of the bases.
In the digital age, we have a plethora of technologies and service providers available to us. Seek out those willing to engage with each other and share knowledge, pool resources, and conceptualise the best possible experience for your attendees. Technologies that do not interface with each other lead to human error and more admin time for event organisers. If your service providers are willing to work with each other, you can overcome this.
There are several benefits to sharing knowledge in the field of event technology. Apart from removing human error, you can prevent overpromising and under-delivering to your attendees. Service providers willing to work together are more likely to prepare contingency plans for inevitable problems – and their collective experience will reduce the number of problems that arise. Reduce organiser stress and visitor frustration by forming the right team of
WTM Africa is a vibrant, culturally diverse, must-attend business-to-business travel and tourism tradeshow. Meetings looks forward to its next iteration, taking place in April 2019.
Africa is alive with possibilities – and tourism is a major potential revenue stream that could help significantly grow the continental economy. WTM Africa 2019, in partnership with the host city of Cape Town, will, between 10 and 12 April 2019, bring travel exhibitors, buyers, experts, media and stakeholders from across Africa together for three action-packed days of meeting, networking, interacting and learning, to drive the growth of the continental industry on a global scale.
WTM Africa’s three-day speaker programme will cover topics that matter in the travel and tourism industry, offering insights to stakeholders across the spectrum via individual presenters, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions.
the travel and tourism sectors across various countries in Africa.
The African Tourism Investment Summit, in partnership with the African Business Group, is a dedicated summit for tourism investors and associated investment opportunities. It will provide attendees with an opportunity to meet a number of local and international investors searching for investment opportunities in
WTM Africa is the ultimate meeting place for the African travel industry, with more than US$402 million (R5.7 billion) in business deals written in 2018 alone! It focuses on both inbound and outbound travel on the African continent, offering attendees a comprehensive exhibition that brings together both aspects of the travel industry. Through its Buyer Programme, WTM Africa is able to assist exhibitors in both presenting and positioning their products to international and local buyers. On top of all of this, a host of international speakers from across the globe will focus on pertinent topics and travel trends affecting the modern travel industry.
For travel buyers with serious purchasing power, the WTM Africa Buyers’ Club delivers standout, concrete opportunities to interact with exhibitors. Buyers’ Club members at #WTMA19 will receive distinctive badges, marking them as key decisionmakers with real purchasing power. They will
Jointravelprofessionals from over 70 countries overthreedaysinCape town to connect with leadingtraveland tourism traders and buyers.Keepaneye on the africa.wtm.com website for the latest programmeandnews, andbesuretoregister online for WtM Africa 2019,freeofcharge.
also have access to a dedicated lounge, an online diary for easy meeting arrangement (prior to the event itself) networking event invitations, and speed networking sessions. The speed networking sessions, in particular, have proved invaluable as they pair buyers and exhibitors for five-minute meetings, getting to the heart of business requirements and laying the foundation for longterm partnerships.
oPPorTunITIeS abounD
Responsible tourism is on the global industry agenda. At WTM Africa 2019, the African Responsible Tourism Awards will once again be hosted, alongside a series of dedicated events, including a two-day conference catering for one of the most important debates in the travel world. The industry has been working hard to embrace its role within the parameters of responsibility for the environments in which it operates – but there’s always more work to be done.
WTM Africa 2019 offers an abundance of opportunities to help grow your business, understand the role it plays in the tourism ecosystem, and deliver opportunities to be a more responsible participant in the global tourism economy. Endless opportunities await the approximately 6 000 global, regional and local travel professionals, stakeholders and media expected to attend WTM Africa 2019.
Natasha Heiberg, trade marketing manager at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Be it in a business or social setting, it takes only a simple glance around a room of people to see how the smartphone has changed human behaviour. In addition to the physical actions – and more importantly to marketers – there are definite cognitive changes taking place.
instant gratification: a consumer behaviour that marketers need to heed now, as in present time.
Defined by Google, “micro-moments occur when people reflexively turn to a device –increasingly a smartphone – to act on a need to learn something, do something, discover something, watch something, or buy something. They are intent-rich moments when decisions are made and preferences shaped.”
On average, consumers encounter 150 micromoments every day, spending around five hours on their smartphones. With the number of smartphone users forecast to grow to around 2.5 billion this year, according to Statista, that’s 375 billion micro-moments daily!
This means, roughly one third of the world’s population is currently being bombarded by ads, offers, push notifications, texts, emails and more – if we spoke of an information overload in the past, this is now a glut of information. And, just how much information can an individual absorb and then also act on? How do brands gain the attention of today’s consumers, stay ahead of competitors and ensure smooth sailing to the purchasing finish line in the new, cut-throat ‘Game of Sales’?
Google identified four moments when a person turns to the smartphone and categorised them as: I-want-to-know moments, I-want-to-go moments, I-want-todo moments, and I-want-to-buy moments. Statistics in each ‘moment’ blatantly show that brands should have a presence in each step in order to satisfy consumers’ needs across the entire consumer journey and not only focus on the purchasing decision. Consider these statistics from thinkwithgoogle.com:
• 65% of online consumers look up more information online now versus a few years ago
• 66% of smartphone users turn to their phones to look up something they saw in a TV commercial
Importantly, how can brands avoid the dreaded ‘hang-up’ and engage with customers in a marketing journey that is no longer linear but dotted all over the place? In addition, how do marketers achieve this with consumers whose behaviour has changed to one that is curious, demanding and impatient?
The answers to these questions seem to lie here:
By being tactical.
By offering value.
And, by being quick!
Micro-moment marketing only allows for short, swift interactions. Messages must therefore be clear and concise, as opposed to vague and long-winded.
So, where to start? Use the tools available already: data and analytics and SEO. Ask and answer the questions: who are your consumers, how do they think, what do they want to know, is everything offered optimised for fast and effective results?
Having a ‘moment’ right now? Find out more about burning marketing issues at Madex 2019, with two seminar theatres – The Fundamentals and The Marketing Academy – focusing on the latest in industry content.
• ‘Near me’ searches doubled in only one year, with a whopping 82% of smartphone users using a search engine when looking for a local business
• 91% of smartphone users turn to their phones for ideas while doing a task
• More than 100 million hours of ‘how to’ content has been watched on YouTube so far this year
• 82% of smartphone users consult their phones while in a store deciding on what to buy
• There has been a 29% increase in mobile conversion rates in the past year
Madex 2019 takes place between 5 and 6 June 2019 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. For more info about #Madex2019, visit www.madex.co.za, or contact info@madex.co.za. #TheOriginalMarketingExpo Entrance costs R50, payable online, or R100 on-site at the show.
Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Natasha Heiberg, +27 (0)11 835 1565, info@madex.co.za, www.madex.co.za Icomm
Nicola Read, +27 (0)83 269 2227, nicola@pr.co.za, www.icomm-pr.co.za
For more information, please contact: info@madex.co.za
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lindiwe rakharebe, CEO at Durban ICC, shares what it takes to be successful in the game of major-scale meetings and events.
where do you see the events industry currently?
Innovation is key. One needs to constantly reinvent one’s business model in order to remain relevant. In 2019, we need to be open to developing innovative conference platforms and using modern technology to deliver a unique experience for our attendees.
where would you like to see the industry in the next five to ten years?
I see infinite opportunities, as both Durban and KwaZulu-Natal are becoming increasingly attractive to domestic and international visitors as business and leisure destinations.
what role or influence do you believe your organisation plays in the industry?
The Durban ICC contributes massively to the Durban, KwaZuluNatal and South African economies; that to me is paramount because our economic contribution creates employment and positively impacts disadvantaged communities.
what is the most challenging aspect of what you do?
As women, we are often underestimated and have to work twice as hard as our male counterparts to demonstrate our capabilities. Ultimately, success is the result of diligent management, strong collaborative relationships and an attitude of perpetual learning.
what do you enjoy the most about what you do?
People – employees, suppliers, clients, heads of state, celebrities, royalty. I am blessed to meet, engage and learn every day from people of all walks of life.
what was the best piece of advice you ever received?
My grandmother taught me to have a winning spirit and never to quit.
what was your very first job?
My first job was at Standard Bank. what drives you both personally and professionally?
Developing people, giving back to those in need and improving the lives of others. I strive to do it in both my professional and personal capacity.
what are some of your career highlights?
I have over 30 years’ experience in the corporate environment and have had the privilege of holding management positions in all four of South Africa’s major banking institutions.
who were your role models growing up?
My late grandmother who was a strong, disciplined and compassionate woman inspired me to be the best I could be. From my mother, a retired nurse, I learnt compassion, love and care.
who most inspires you professionally and why?
I am inspired by other great women leaders like Sheryl Sandberg and Michelle Obama who are making an impact in their own unique ways.
what quote best describes your outlook towards life?
“Treat others the way you would like to be treated” and “To whom much is given, much is expected”.
what do people most often wrongly assume about you?
I have a very open and approachable style, but some people incorrectly assume that I am a pushover. I know how to be tough when I need to be and when to crack the whip to get results.
what values will you not deviate from?
I believe that leading with love
and respect brings the best out of people. Empathy is also very important in today’s workplace.
what is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending quality time with my family.
what was your best holiday and why?
My trip to Jamaica was an unforgettable experience, for all its amazing food and culture. The people were especially warm and loving.
what are some of your ‘bucket list’ items?
I don’t have a ‘bucket list’ per se, but I enjoy travelling. There are many places in the world I would love to visit.
what is your favourite read?
I am constantly reading and always have a few books on the go – I particularly enjoyed Yesterday I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, and The Princess Within by Seritan Jakes.
what three items do you never leave home without?
My car keys and two cell phones.
what is your most prized possession?
Possessions are merely tools to get things done or to bless people with. I try not to get too attached to worldly things.
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The third annual Exhibition of Exhibitions event wowed the industry with its impressive range of industry innovations. Meetings was part of the action as an exhibitor and details the experience.
the Exhibition of Exhibitions (EoE) made a splash among the industry, attracting interest from not just the local sector but from across the continent. Attendees and exhibitors displayed the latest innovations in exhibition stand designs, the use of technology and, of course, creativity.
During panel discussions and speaker sessions, industry professionals were able to identify trends within the exhibitions industry and various challenges, as well as how to overcome them.
EoE is intended to provide exhibitors, organisers and suppliers with world-class industry experience and training. Visitors attending the show were able to network with the crème de la crème of the exhibition
Best Trade Exhibition 6 000 m2 & under
Best Trade Exhibition 6 001–12 000 m2
Best Trade Exhibition 12 001 m2 & above
industry on 30 and 31 January 2019, at the Blue Wing Conference & Events Venue, Ticketpro Dome.
EoE 2019 was sold out and attracted interest from exhibitors, organisers, suppliers, service providers, venues, marketing agents, creatives and various exhibition industry professionals. And as a B2B event, EoE allowed for visitors to connect with reputable organisers and suppliers in the exhibition industry.
The annually hosted AAXO ROAR Awards, which runs alongside EoE and recognises excellence within the exhibitions industry, took place on 31 January 2019 at The Ballroom at Montecasino, during a Great Gatsby-themed evening attended by more than 350 industry professionals.
Madex, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
WTM Africa, Reed Exhibitions
Electra Mining Africa, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Best Consumer Exhibition 6 000 m2 & under The Getaway Show JHB, Ramsay Media
Best Consumer Exhibition 6 001–12 000 m2
Best Consumer Exhibition 12 000 m2 & above
Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition 6 001–12 000 m2
Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition 1–6 000 m2
Best Trade & Consumer Exhibitions 12 000 m2 & above
Best Social Media
MamaMagic Cape Town, The Baby Expo, Exposure Marketing
MamaMagic JHB, The Summer Baby Expo, Exposure Marketing
Decorex SA Durban, Reed Exhibition
Fire & Feast Meat Festival, Reed Exhibitions
Livestock – Die Groot Plaasproe, Agri Expo
Comic Con Africa, Reed Exhibitions
Africa Bound Caminex 2018, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Best Overall Exhibition Winner 2018
Best Stand 36 m2 & below
Best Stand 37–140 m2
Best Stand 140 m2 & above
Certificates of Excellence
MamaMagic Cape Town The Baby Expo, Exposure Marketing
Scan Display, Madex June 2018
SSQ Design, Mobile – SHC, Electra Mining 2018
EFAM, ITR Africa, Bauma Africa 2018
Best Venue 2018 Voted By Organisers Gallagher Convention Centre
Best Cleaning Company Voted By Organisers ZF Cleaning
Best Supplier Expo Guys
Best Security Company Lodge Security
Best Logistics Company La Rouxnelle
Stand Design Scan Display
All trophies for
Awards were sponsored by Sandton Convention Centre
Famous for its picturesque beaches and azure waters, Zanzibar is the jewel of East Africa – and the perfect backdrop for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
the famous islands of the Zanzibar archipelago are located about 40 km from Dar es Salaam on the mainland coast of Tanzania, and are known to be the perfect place to unwind after a safari or trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. The water is warm, beaches are beautiful, excursions are numerous and historic Stone Town, the archipelago’s capital, is a hub of activity and home to old crumbling stone buildings with elaborate doors and balconies, narrow streets teeming with bazaars and bicycles, a wonderful
marketplace, old sultans’ palaces, and a site of historic slave trade.
For business tourists in particular, the Zanzibar islands offer a relaxing and soothing environment for guests to unwind and recharge themselves for greater productivity.
Zanzibar has a range of accommodation options to suit different interests and budgets. Generally, the hotels in Stone Town are ideal for exploring the historic city, taking spice plantation tours and visiting the little isles around the main island.
35
Tropical climate • Abundant reefs • Myriad activities • Beautiful beaches • Exotic cuisines
The East Coast is very popular, with superb white sandy beaches and coral reefs bustling with underwater life. The North Coast is generally considered to be the best for incentive groups seeking more adventurous underwater safaris –whether scuba or deep-sea diving.
Most resorts offer five-star facilities, including conference centres and meeting halls, which are specially allocated for MICE events. These venues are home to numerous annual international business meetings, diplomatic meetings, conventions and trade fairs. Every need of both organisers and guests is met by professional staff with years of experience in planning, booking and facilitating conferences and seminars.
The fuTure of MIce In zanzIbar Zanzibar is planning annual tourism exhibitions, cultural festivals and foreign investment promotions to attract international tourists and increase the number of days visitors spend on the Spice Isles.
The President of Zanzibar, Dr Ali Mohammed Shein, has said his government is seeking to boost tourism earnings following the downturn in clove prices on the global market.
Zanzibar is an ideal location for tourism exhibitions, as highlighted by the inaugural Zanzibar Tourism Show late last year, which attracted over 150 tourism companies.
The annual show is part of a new trend of tourism business and service gatherings in East Africa hoping to promote tourism in Zanzibar and other African destinations sharing the Indian Ocean waters.
The target is to increase the number of tourists to Zanzibar from the current 376 000 to 500 000 by the end of 2019, Shein said. He added that his government will market tourism to draw hotel and service investments to the island, while convincing tourists to spend more days in Zanzibar.
Shein said the average tourist stay had increased from six to eight days over the past five years, adding that the conservation of key historical sites such as Stone Town and the Indian Ocean beaches was a key priority.
With a population of about 1.4 million people, the Zanzibar economy mostly depends on tourism and international trade. The archipelago has been a target for high-class tourists, competing closely with the Vanilla Islands of Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. Due to its geographical position and proximity to the Indian Ocean ports of Durban, Beira (Mozambique) and Mombasa, Zanzibar is also a popular cruise ship destination.
There are 473 hotels in Zanzibar, with more than 8 721 rooms. About 5 000 more rooms are needed to cater for the growing number of tourists visiting the island, making it the African destination to watch, according to Meetings
VISIT SWAHILI HOUSE IN STONE TOWN
The climb up 12 flights of steps to the roof of the Swahili House hotel is worth it. At the top, you can order a local Kilimanjaro beer, lean on the balcony and catch your breath as you admire a view of church and mosque spires, people milling about in alleyways, and bicycles and Brahman-cow-driven carts jostling in the streets. Here, you’ll find one of the best panoramic views of the island.
HOP ON A DALA-DALA
These renegade minibus taxis stop anywhere along their routes to pick up and drop off passengers, and they’re far cheaper than air-conditioned taxis or hiring a car (a taxi ride from the east of the island to Stone Town will cost up to US$45 (R630), while going by dala-dala will cost only $1.50 (R21). Just remember, dala-dalas never say no to an extra passenger, so you might find yourself sharing a seat or sitting on a lap, which will probably add to the experience.
Visit Stone Town’s waterfront. Arrive before sunset to watch stalls being set up and dhows coming in from a day spent at sea. Then savour the infusion of flavours on offer with some amazing street food.
The intricate designs are a favourite among children and adults, but you don’t want to pay too much. Roadside stalls in Stone Town charge about $5 (R70), while a lone peddler on the beach will ask about $3 (R40) for the same thing, and they’re happy to bargain.
If you aren’t staying at a resort, you need only pay an average of $14 (R190) to feast on spice-infused tea, coconut ugali (a type of porridge), chapatti, tomato and coconut-milk soup, fragrant curries and sweet banana with coconut milk.
Source: getaway.co.za
Rather Meet in Mauritius… and ‘MICE’ island-style ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MICE PROMOTERS
Sponsorship to MICE Promoters will be in kind or cash, subject to availability of funds, on the following conditions:
The sponsorship should be used to cover costs incurred in Mauritius relating to, inter-alia:
Local representatives / organisations facilitating MICE groups should be duly registered with the Registrar of Associationsor any other relevant body acceptable to theMTPA
Organisations involved in political or religious activities will not qualify for sponsorship
Government will extend the following facilities to MICE Promoters:
Mauritius is the perfect MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination, combining quality, elegance, and style! MICE buyers will see big potential in Mauritius with its e ective infrastructure to cater for MICE groups, large or small, all year round.
The island o ers easy accessibility through its simple visa entry programme and direct access from a large number of global destinations, and accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Refund of expenses will be made after the event, on production of original invoices duly certified by the local representative / organisation. In the case where payment needs to be e ected directly to the service provider, the local representative / organisation will need to submit the business registration number of the local service provider or an attestation / evidence from the overseas service provider
Whether you are interested in buying for large, medium or small groups, and are looking at Mauritius as either a long-haul or short-haul destination, we deliver world-class, luxury MICE packages at superbly-fitted, business-friendly venues on the island.
Make a splash and treat guests to an idyllic getaway that refreshes, revitalises and leaves a long-lasting impact.
Known more as a destination for its safari experiences than its postcard-worthy beachscapes, many might not know that the coastline of the vast continent of Africa is dotted with archipelagos and islands that dazzle the senses. Far and away from the big five of the Serengeti, we explore some of Africa’s island hotspots and all that they have to offer.
caPe verDe
Famed for its unique Portuguese-African creole culture, traditional morna music and numerous beaches, Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, is its own independent republic established across a volcanic archipelago off the north-west coast of Africa, spanning an area of 4 000 km2. The largest of its 10 islands, Santiago, is home to nation’s capital, Praia. The 16th-century fortress Forte Real de São Felipe in the old capital, Cidade Velha – a Unesco World Heritage Site – is a popular attraction.
For a blended experience, the Pestana Tropico offers five meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 200 and a total capacity of 450 across its entire meeting space.
Just 6 km from the main city centre, guests will be comfortable at one the 100 suites at Pestana Tropico, which is fully equipped to host meetings, conferences and teambuilding activities.
The island of Sal, meanwhile, is best equipped from a tourism perspective. The Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is 15 minutes away from Amilcar Cabral International Airport and close to several attractions, including Santa Maria Beach, Viveiro Botanical Garden and Olho Azul – a lagoon with a cave famed for its deep-blue-coloured waters. The largest of its six meeting rooms is 322 m2 with a capacity of 310, and Wi-Fi comes standard in all 241 rooms.
Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, this two-island republic is Africa’s second smallest nation. Blending an abundance of natural beauty with a rich history, São Tomé & Príncipe is a hit among eco-tourists, particularly on the unspoiled island of Príncipe, with its population of just 7 000 people. Príncipe is a haven of beaches, jungle walks, snorkelling, fishing and bird watching.
The Pestana São Tomé, a five-star hotel on the Island of São Tomé, is located only 1 km from the main city centre and is just a minute away from the beach. Located on Ana Chaves Bay, rooms are elegantly decorated and each is equipped with a TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Host an event for up to 200 people at the Pestana São Tomé in one of its six meetings spaces. The hotel’s excellent facilities will allow you to host the highest-level guests in comfort and sophistication.
laMu ISlanD
Get back to basics on Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago off the coast of Kenya, where there are very few motorised vehicles and most people get around by foot or boat, using donkeys to transport other goods and materials. Accessible
Oyster King Group is South Africa’s premier Food Theatre Group (with offices in JHB & CT) offering innovative culinary experiences (and activations) where we entertain your guests in the language everybody speaks, the language of food. We spice up events by offering something unique and unexpected.
by boat from Mokowe on the mainland or Manda Island’s airport, getting to Lamu is an adventure in itself.
The Majlis provides a light and bright beach venue for meetings, intimate events, banquets and retreats. Its conference offering includes Wi-Fi, AV equipment, stationery, morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a gourmet three-course lunch. With its 25 air-conditioned rooms, the Majlis can accommodate groups of up to 60 people at the hotel. Excursions for your group – including sunset dhow cruises, Lamu Town cultural visits and beach dinners –can be arranged through the hotel.
For a pure beach experience, Manda Bay Lodge, linked to the island of Lamu by ferry, is noted for its laidback ‘no shoes, no news’ vibe. The lodge is accessible either by private chartered flights that can land directly on the lodge airstrip or commercial flights from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi into Lamu. Enjoy the serenity of Manda Bay’s open living spaces and cottages thatched with palm.
MozaMbIque
Pemba is the gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago and Niassa Reserve. The Quirimbas Archipelago is Mozambique’s best kept secret – a 250 km long string of tropical islands surrounded by dazzling coral reefs and a wealth of untouched marine life.
Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa in Mozambique is situated in the country’s far northern province of Cabo Delgado, in the ancient port town of Pemba. With its striking architecture blending African and Arabian design, the hotel is a sought-after conference and incentive destination. After a day’s meetings in its functional 12-seater executive boardroom or main conference room, delegates can board a sunset boat cruise that drifts across Pemba Harbour. With 185 rooms and 10 different room types, from one to three bedrooms, Avani Pemba Beach has something for everyone.
Part of the protected Quirimbas Archipelago that stretches along Mozambique’s northern coastline, Medjumbe is a small private island and one of the archipelago’s 32 islands, which run along the northern coast of Mozambique all the way up to the border with Tanzania. Live in the lap of castaway luxury at the Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort Mozambique. With only 12 villas on the island, enjoy the exclusivity of your private slice
of paradise. Thatched-roof simplicity meets vibrant African prints, with views of the ocean featuring from every angle. Spend sunny days on your deck taking in the changing hues of the ocean. Cool off in your plunge pool or in the shade of the cabana. Bathe with a view, soaking in a tub or rinsing under your garden shower. Dine on the catch of the day brought in by local dhow fishermen, and sample the spices and aromas of Mozambique – a rich blend of indigenous, Arab and Portuguese influences.
The Top 40 Women in MICE Awards achieved new heights in 2018. With the high calibre of nominees and a beautiful awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of these women, we are looking forward to the next instalment of this exceptional event.
Nominee name
Is the nominee a service provider or buyer/event planner?
Qualifications
Is the nominee an association member; if so, which association? (SAACI, EXSA, SITE, PCO Alliance Network, ICCA, etc.)
To nominate your candidate, please fill out the nomination form below, scan and send this back to wim@3smedia.co.za. Alternatively, download the nomination form from www.theplanner.guru/women-in-mice-2019
Current company
Current position
Career to date
Significant achievements in the last 12 months
YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS
Carefully considering the above criteria, please provide a motivational paragraph about the nominee. Where possible, please provide examples of where the above traits/achievements were exhibited/made.
Please include a high-resolution photograph of the nominee. All nominations must reach wim@3smedia.co.za by 31 May 2019.
Only nominations submitted on the official nomination form will be considered.
Striking a balance to achieve the ultimate offering
a loysius a rlando unpacks the challenges posed to convention centres in delivering an offering to keep delegates engaged and event organisers coming back.
According to member surveys and analysis, the three biggest challenges right now are increasing competition, adapting to changing organiser and delegate expectations, and retaining the political and community support to secure investment. Further behind are rising hotel and flight availability and pricing, along with operational concerns like maintaining good security, both physical and cyber.
Of all these challenges, competition is seen as by far the biggest, driven by many new market entries and product expansions around the world. These challenges are essentially the same now as they will be in five years, subject to an economic downturn (which might ease pressures on hotel and air supply) or a tech breakthrough that would require major reinvestment in order to remain competitive. The rate of growth already under way will ensure increasing competition remains the greatest overall challenge for many years to come, as such projects have a lengthy development period.
f un Da M en Tal fac Tor S
Capacity and capability in all respects, including technical, are fundamental factors, without which a centre would not even be considered by organisers.
Beyond that, the quality and availability of associated components such as accommodation and travel are also key. There is currently a major focus on the delegate experience, which is a reaction to so many delegates looking for a unique and interesting component in a time when many have already travelled widely. And social/networking outcomes are often more important purposes than securing actual content that may already be widely available via the internet. This means a centre should suggest what can
contribute to the success of the event from the perspective of organisers, including offering access to local institutions and experiences.
huMan caPITal
Recruiting and staffing issues are big factors in many centres, as with many other industry sectors today. A big part of this is the fact that many centre-specific skills are not directly transferrable from adjacent sectors such as hotels and tourism. This means that centres must not only develop better recruiting and retention programmes but must also invest in specialised training – which is, in fact, one of AIPC’s biggest and best developed priorities right now.
To some extent, we also have an image problem in many parts of the world; when we are seen to be offering ‘tourism-related’ work, this is often seen as low-skill/low-pay by an increasingly mobile and picky workforce. We’ll, therefore, also have to do a better job of stressing the advantages of working in our sector, such as the engagement with important events and the range of opportunities we offer.
a rTI f I c I al I n T ell IG ence
AI is not yet a big factor in many centres, at least partly because we want and need to emphasise the importance of human interaction as our biggest strength as an industry – and that extends to the interactions they have with clients and delegates.
There is currently a major focus on the delegate experience, which is a reaction to so many delegates looking for a unique and interesting component in a time when many have already travelled widely
AI will undoubtedly play a bigger role behind the scenes as times and technologies advance, but the frontline interface will continue to stress the human factor for the foreseeable future. AI is, however, increasingly being used in online marketing/ visioning tools where it can help potential clients get a quick sense of whether or not a centre is a good fit for their event.
The role industry associations play
Following a very successful awards function for the Exhibition Industry Alliance (EIA) in January, it is clear that industry associations play a major role in the success of any industry.
iIND us T r Y VIEW s
Greening doesn’t get easier than this…
GAvIn BuRGeSS is an EGF committee member and MD of Ultimate Data Sciences.
t is important in our industry for associations to reward members by recognising and celebrating their successes. This goes a long way towards boosting morale and promoting networking, as was evident at the recently held Exhibition Industry Alliance (EIA) awards function. The EIA is a partnership between the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA). AAXO as an association works with members who compete with each other; however, the role of the association is to encourage members to work with, not against, each other. Ultimately, associations should be mandated to promote healthy competition and to ensure members stand together to make big decisions affecting the industry –for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
It is important in our industry for associations to reward members by recognising and celebrating their successes
Regulating the exhibition industry is nowhere near as formal as getting ISO standards in place and there are subtle ways to ensure that the industry applies best practice in its business dealings. It’s about encouraging good business etiquette and doing business with a conscience. And it’s about identifying businesses that do not prescribe to the industry’s code of conduct and helping them conform.
As an association that works hard to promote the exhibitions industry, educate our members through various educational interventions, promote networking and business, as well as secure the general acceptance of nationwide standards, we strive to increase the economic welfare of our industry.
As a relatively young association, we’re proud of what we have achieved thus far and we’re looking forward to taking the exhibition industry to the next level in the future!
The Event Greening Forum’s latest tool for creating sustainable events is free and easy to use. Gavin burgess encourages you to put your reservations aside and try it at least once.
Many people find the idea of event greening daunting because they expect to spend huge amounts of time, effort and money on it.
Therefore, a considerable part of the task at the Event Greening Forum (EGF) – promoting sustainable event practices – is to show that this doesn’t have to be the case.
One way the EGF is making responsible event management easier is through its newly launched Green Database: www.greendatabase.co.za. It’s a free-to-use, online directory of service providers, suppliers, products and venues for the South African events industry. And it only lists businesses that state they are committed to sustainability.
As a result, the Green Database helps you find the greenest, or at least greener, options for events. A venue can find sustainable waste management solutions, an event organiser can find eco-conscious stand builders, and a conference organiser can find socially and environmentally responsible gifts, for example.
What’s more, the listings are generally competitively priced compared to less sustainable alternatives.
So, if there is only one event greening principle you decide to adopt in 2019, consider making it a policy to
for the eGf’s free checklist of useful eco-procurement questions to ask prospective new vendors, go to www.eventgreening.co.za/ resources. If you are already on your sustainable journey and would like to be listed on the Green Database, contact info@greendatabase.co.za to find out how
use sustainable service providers, suppliers and products wherever possible. Start with (but don’t limit yourself to) the Green Database, and remember to ask why something is green, and how it can benefit your business. This is a necessary step to understanding the options available to you, and choosing those that best suit your brand and values.
ensures industry cohesion and growth Planning for networking success
With such phenomenal growth in the business events industry, it is absolutely crucial that we, as SAACI, protect both our members and the industry across Africa, writes rudi van der vyver.
our industry has a huge impact on not just brand South Africa, but also brand Africa as a leading business events destination.
With SAACI’s drive to truly professionalise the business events industry, we have recently further strengthened our code of conduct. And as the industry body, we will enforce this code of conduct strictly to ensure that we promote the highest ethical business practices and standards across the sector.
We also took the decision towards the end of 2018 to distribute all membership applications to our membership base for objections, providing us with additional industry security, where our members and clients can now formally object to a company or person being approved as a SAACI member.
We also allow members and non-members to lodge complaints against SAACI members believed to be in
contravention of our code of conduct. The SAACI code of conduct also provides other industry players with a form of security and enables a safer business environment for all.
SAACI takes all complaints and disputes very seriously and we have a formal process we follow for these industry issues. Our first port of call is to use a complaint or dispute as a trigger to identify opportunities for our members and others alike. We will first engage with our member on the circumstances and guide them on why the practice is seen as being in contravention of our code of conduct. Second, we will try to educate them on industry best practice and how they can correct their wrongdoing.
SAACI remains focused on creating value for our members, with the industry’s best interests being at the heart of what we do.
Planning and organisation are key to a successful lunch or event and, with the assistance of their sponsors, the team at Travelbags prides itself on being able to put together fantastic affairs each month, says Michelle hinrichsen.
the planning of an event starts months in advance, with every little detail to consider and every sponsor we work with wanting to ensure that each guest who attends their event walks away with a happy, memorable experience. Every event is planned with a purpose and there are always certain elements that each sponsor will want considered in order for their event or lunch to stand out.
This is what we want to ensure for the attendees of any Travelbags lunch or event, and in turn leave them wanting more. As a committee, we will continue to ensure that this specially put-together plan is followed and executed precisely for every Travelbags event or lunch.
Attending a perfectly planned event always makes the attendee enjoy the experience so much more. Everything works as it should, leaving the attendee to worry only about their reason for being there, which, in our case, would be networking with colleagues or potential clients. We feel that, just as we as the Travelbags committee plan our events and
lunches, our attendees should plan which events or lunches to attend and why.
A Travelbags event or lunch will be worthwhile for any attendee as long as we plan ahead. It is proven in all the events and lunches we host; planning is key and, more often than not, will guarantee a successful outcome.
Talk to the Travelbags committee to see how we can help you fulfil your networking needs in the travel and hospitality trades.
It is proven in all the events and lunches we host; planning is key and, more often than not, will guarantee a successful outcome
Knowing we have influenced the world in some way and made a positive and meaningful impact is an enormously motivating factor behind everything we do. But let’s not forget how we all started out, writes Miss Meet.
in an ideal world, our career trajectories would be incrementally increasing lines, straight as an arrow, which ultimately translate into greater opportunities to better sustain ourselves and those who may depend on us. Yet, the reality of this is, often, we might experience peaks from troughs and vice versa, particularly if we decide to change the direction or focus of our careers.
Career growth that is not steady or gradual could come as a shock to some of our millennially minded workforce but for those who thrive in routine lifestyles and environments, this could be decidedly nerve-wracking.
During the first few years of our careers, it becomes second nature to tread water, or wade through mud, or whatever analogy you choose to
use for work at this level being a general slog. By the end of our first 6 to 12 months in the game, we would all have gotten the idea that it is par for the course having a spotlight on us to perform meticulously under pressure and put in long hours to complete tasks, all the while being politely responsive to everything that is ever asked of us. However, it might help you more knowing we all started out at the bottom of the pile and that this is a crucial aspect of learning your craft inside and out, which could one day influence the entire industry.
Scaling the ladder to success beyond implementing the ideas of our employers and becoming an influencer in our own right may seem like an impossible dream for the eager ambitions of people currently entering the workforce. But unless you are in the running to be on the cover of the next issue of Forbes magazine, there is very little room to create any notable influence at this early stage of the game… or is there?
Take heart that, wherever you are, you can strive to be the best in what you are doing. While you
not be able to influence masses, excelling in your implementation of even small, menial tasks is meaningful enough and will get you noticed. Whether you have been tasked with grunt work such as tidying up a massive exhibition hall after everyone has left or researching an entire database, do it with pride and a level of care that speaks to how you would you want your own employees to work for you and is reflective of your own work ethic. This type of hunger is inspirational and, at its core, influential. At times, we will be forced to bite the bullet as a means to getting where we need to. Understanding this can potentially help us avoid falling into a slump or hitting a slippery, downward slope in more challenging moments. It’s no coincidence that both tough and rough can both be found in the word trough, so steel yourself because learning and growth are natural by-products of moments of adversity – we just need to see the bigger picture, realise that this too shall pass, and be willing to learn and grow. Being an influencer is great to have on your CV but without implementation, all this will amount to is a pipe dream, so put in the effort and the hours because nothing worthwhile comes easy.
