Meetings May June 2022

A Convergence of Business and

Let Ideas Expand Beyond the Office

We have the freshest of air, an abundance of wildlife, the best adventure tracks and trails, breathtaking sights and scenery, but most importantly, we have conference centres in these magnificent tranquil surroundings.

Didima Conference Centre accommodates delegates from 120 classroom style, 60 U-shape style to 120 seated cinema style configuration. Ntshondwe Conference centre offers a cinema style seating arrangement for up to 140, a lecture style for 90 or a single U-shaped for 45 delegates. Ntshondwe’s two breakaway rooms offers a cinema style seating arrangement for 30, lecture style for 18 and single U-shape for 16 delegates. Both conference facilities offer various accommodation options, are fully serviced and can comfortably be adapted from one-day events to multi-day workshops.

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06 COVER STORY: MUCH MORE THAN MICE!

Famed for its picturesque resorts, ATKV is a household name for many. With seven sprawling properties across South Africa, Meetings learns more about the opportunities available for hosting MICE experiences in some of the country’s most idyllic settings.

08 BIG INTERVIEW: REGROUPING ITS ENERGIES

Five years after its inception, Brandex is rebranding to BRX Group and focusing on its core strengths and competencies. Meetings hears from its directors on what this means for the company in the long term.

VENUE PROFILES

10 Wild Coast Sun

11 Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World

12 POST-EVENT REPORT #WTMAfrica22

14 LEADERSHIP Woman of Stature Awards

16 FOCUS Event add-ons + essentials

BUILDING FORWARD

Each time I write this column, I reflect back on what I wrote for the previous edition of Meetings, and I can hardly believe that so much has happened!

Since my last Ed’s Comment, we have had the National State of Disaster lifted and I attended two key industry events – Africa’s Travel Indaba and WTM Africa – which you can read about on page 12. During this time, a few of my teammates and I also came down with Covid-19, which is not something one hopes to get! We are all just glad and grateful that we were vaccinated and none of us ended up getting gravely ill, but it just goes to show that the dreaded ‘rona is still very much with us; for these reasons, we still need to be vigilant about our points of exposure and safety at events. Turn to page 26 in this issue to read more about how we create a health and

safety standard at events to manage public health concerns we are still trying to bring under control.

On 1 June 2022, the Meetings team trundled off to Gallagher Convention Centre to celebrate Global Exhibitions Day 2022 (#GED2022) together with the local industry. For those of you who aren’t familiar with GED, it is a day during which the global exhibitions industry comes together to celebrate what exhibitions stand for. If you would like to read more about the state of the exhibitions industry currently, flip through to our analysis on page 18.

One of my favourite features in this issue is on page 20. Meetings has been on a whirlwind adventure to source some of the coolest cultural and heritage hotspots across South Africa. Browse these pages for some inspiration, and if you’ve got any awesome finds like this that you would like to share, as always, our doors are open, so get in touch with us on email (my details are in the credits column) or on our social media @theplannerguru.

Until next time, stay safe!

CALLING ALL MICE INDUSTRY CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS!

Niche Partners, together with Meetings , would like to invite all clients and suppliers of the MICE industry to participate in the 2022 African Perspectives on the MICE Industry Report survey of which 3S Media, Meetings and The Planner Guru are media partners. The survey questionnaire will take no longer than 10 minutes and will be made available to the public during Q3 of the year. Have your say and make your voice count!

Supplier survey: https://forms.gle/Z9QPCSfnsi7tb5dq9

Client survey: https://forms.gle/FDa2YYbXpW8Cn6ss5

For more information, contact sales@nichepartners.org.

Managing Editor Shanna Jacobsen (shanna@3smedia.co.za)

Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders

Head of Design Beren Bauermeister

Contributors Mark Anderson, Sven Bossu, Glenton de Kock, James Khoza, Scott Langley, Morwesi Ramonyai

Production & Client Liaison Manager

Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk

Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

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Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising Vanessa De Waal +27 (0)84 805 6752 | Vanessa.DeWaal@3smedia.co.za

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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.

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Shanna

Despite its current challenges, the MICE industry is moving, writes Shanna Jacobsen.

EventMB rebrands to Skift Meetings

A popular content resource for planners and those within the live events space, EventMB, is rebranding to Skift Meetings. This follows the acquisition of EventMB by Skift in 2019 and ushers in a new era for the consolidated company that will emphasise innovation and adaptability. It is hoped that the decision to rebrand to Skift Meetings will continue to inspire meetings professionals and event organisers while drawing on Skift resources.

“Being more closely connected with Skift and all of its stakeholders means that we are connected to a much larger global audience of travel executives. This closer connection not only gives a larger reach but allows us to interact across sectors, which is a perfect match for a horizontal industry like meetings. This will allow us to look far beyond the meetings industry and breathe fresh air into the space,” it was noted in an official announcement.

Meetings’ must-know minutiae

New Limpopo hotel on track to open doors in May 2023

African Century Group has broken ground on a development that will result in the eventual opening of a four-star Premier Hotel in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Residents and visitors can look forward to a 120-room establishment, following a sod-turning ceremony that took place on Friday, 22 April 2022.

It is hoped that the construction of the hotel will provide around 480 jobs, allowing local construction workers to develop the skills needed to build a hotel.

Once the hotel is open, it will have close to 8 697 m 2 of usable space, with a conference space large enough to host up to 450 delegates, a business suite, bar and restaurant, outdoor pool, and gym facility. The premises is just a stone’s throw away from the Kruger National Park’s Punda Maria gate and is said to be “a major milestone in the tourism sector”.

RX Africa’s Daniella Galante secures UFI grant

Following the conclusion of its judging process, Daniella Galante, senior digital marketing executive at RX Africa, has become one of six recipients of UFI’s Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant programme.

“The UFI NGL Grant promotes next-generation leadership in the exhibition industry, rewarding professionals who show clear initiatives in driving change and innovation in their area of activity. This year, the focus of the NGL project is to develop a new talent narrative for the exhibition industry, a topic of critical importance to the future of our sector,” notes UFI on its website. The full list of grant recipients is as follows:

1. Monika Baro, VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co. – Thailand

2. Daniella Galante, RX Africa – South Africa

3. Joseph Kowalsky, Emerald X – USA

4. Justine Rabel, Eventmaker – France

5. Maria Victoria Piñeres, Costa Rica Convention Center/Grupo Heroica Volio & Trejos – Costa Rica

6. Jon Yahirun, Clarion Events – USA.

Ethiopian Airlines mulls deeper commercial ties with India

Ethiopian Airlines, voted Africa’s top airline by both Business Traveller and the Skytrax Awards, is considering a commercial venture with several India-based operations.

One of Africa’s top carriers, Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly exploring “commercial tie-ups” with domestic budget carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet, a company representative has said. This is off the back of its codeshare agreement with Air India, owned by Tata Group. The airline also said it would be considering prospects around setting up aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities on the subcontinent.

“India is one of our strategic markets in Asia and we have been providing critical air connectivity between India and Africa for decades. It is one of the critical destinations for the passenger and cargo services for Ethiopian Airlines,” Tigist Eshetu, regional director: Indian Subcontinent, Ethiopian Airlines, was quoted as saying.

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MUCH MORE THAN MICE!

With a history spanning close to 100 years, ATKV Resorts has become one of South Africa’s best-known ranges of home-grown venues. ATKV is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of all its patrons, with each of its properties offering an expansive variety of exciting activities and accommodation options that are popular among both business and leisure travellers.

“It was to be expected that travel and conferencing needs would change over the past two years but, as part of our promise, ATKV is committed to providing memorable experiences at

exceptional value,” enthuses Pretty Mvune, sales executive: Business Events at ATKV.

Pretty is passionate about ATKV’s MICE offering, noting that this has grown in demand as people seek more authentic experiences in which they can connect with nature and feel grounded.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly shifted perceptions towards what people value and what they uphold as important. At ATKV, we believe we provide an ideal space and environment in which engaging and impactful discussions can take place,” emphasises Pretty.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

The ATKV Resorts offering spans seven beautiful properties within South Africa – each diverse and unique in its own way.

“Our approach towards business events is that we can offer you an all-encompassing solution,” comments Pretty.

ATKV’s skilled teams are on hand to assist planners, organisers and facilitators in bringing together full experiences at any one of its properties. With world-class facilities and a host of fun activities, ATKV Resorts venues will leave an indelible impression on guests.

ATKV’s venues are strategically located close to a number of cultural and heritage sites, and other local attractions, meaning guests can have a fulfilling and rich experience as they explore the local sights and sounds.

“ATKV Resorts provides safe, secure and easyto-access experiences. Each of our properties is

Famed for its picturesque resorts, ATKV is a household name for many. With seven sprawling properties across South Africa, Meetings learns more about the opportunities available for hosting meetings in some of the country’s most idyllic settings.

ideally suited to making your meeting, incentive conference or private event a working success –all at affordable rates,” highlights Pretty.

THE RESORTS

ATKV Buffelspoort has two large halls and four smaller conference rooms, which are all air-conditioned. Situated close to Pretoria and Johannesburg at the foothills of the Magaliesberg, the resort can accommodate conference groups of up to 800 delegates. Full catering services are offered for functions, weddings and conference groups, with a wide variety of recreational activities and leisure facilities.

Just over three hours’ drive from Johannesburg or Bloemfontein – and about two-and-a-half hours from Durban – at the foothills of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, which is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, lies ATKV Drakensville Holiday Resort. Drakensville’s tranquillity creates the ideal atmosphere to ensure the ultimate success of your conference. The venue’s services include the support of an experienced business events team, an environment centre that organises exciting development and team-building programmes, and modern facilities, including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools as well as a waterslide. Conference and wedding packages can be compiled to your specific needs, including special menus catered for by ATKV Drakensville’s licensed restaurant.

The peace and quiet at ATKV Natalia create the perfect backdrop for successful business events and stimulating team-building programmes. The resort offers modern facilities for groups of up to 300 persons, excellent accommodation and

TESTIMONIALS

top-quality catering. With an experienced businessevents team ensuring that nothing goes wrong and that all your needs are met, you’re able to devote all your energy to creative and innovative thinking.

Nestled among the spectacular Boland mountains and magnificent vineyards, ATKV Goudini Spa is one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after holiday, conferencing and tourist destinations. This modern resort, with its wide variety of facilities, is fast becoming a market leader in the province. The latest addition to ATKV Goudini Spa is the luxurious Slanghoek Villas. With a four-star grading and breathtaking views over the Breede River Valley, the resort’s Slanghoek Villas consist of 30 luxurious units with a swimming pool and conference facility that can also be used as a wedding venue. With its modern architecture and panoramic views, this unique venue can accommodate up to 120 guests. ATKV Hartenbos is an all-in-one venue. This jewel boasts budget-friendly accommodation and

“On behalf of our team, I’d like to say thank you for a wonderful conference. You and your team were absolutely amazing and super helpful; really made my work easy.” -

Nicole Cogill, marketing coordinator, Space Station

“I have had a number of conferences at ATKV Buffelspoort over the years and the level of service and attention to detail by Sanet and her competent team has always impressed me. Nothing is too much to ask and everything is done with a smile and a genuine willingness to meet expectations. The conference and accommodation facilities are of a high standard and the resort is always in immaculate condition.”

- Mark Barlow, sales manager, Voermol

“RelatED Education would like to thank the management and staff at Buffelspoort and all the ATKV resorts where we have been accommodated for their excellent and professional and consistent service over the past years. The feedback from our many learners is most positive regarding the comfortable accommodation, the daily quality meals and the enjoyable amenities that they experience at the AKTV resorts around the country. We look forward to utilising your resorts in the future.”

- Richard Blochlinger, RelatED Education

services by the ocean. With expansive conference facilities and top-notch service and catering, ATKV Hartenbos is the perfect choice for an inspirational conference. Situated about 8 km from Mossel Bay and 45 km from George Airport, the resort lies exactly between Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and it is ideal for business events, meetings, team-building sessions, and more.

A pleasant holiday resort situated in the beautiful Waterberg ravine, ATKV Klein-Kariba boasts fully equipped chalets, ranging from semi-luxury to luxury, and 12 ‘hotel-like’ rooms with a lush caravan park. Fully equipped modern business event facilities and catering are available at group rates, while the resort’s three-star business event facilities can accommodate 500 delegates in schoolroom-style seating and 700 delegates in cinema style.

On the southern banks of the Letaba River, only 68 km east of Tzaneen, lies ATKV Eiland Spa in the heart of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve. Eiland Spa, with its year-round warm, sunny weather and diverse natural beauty, is one of the most popular resorts in South Africa. Offering a choice of selfcatering accommodation, recreational facilities and activities, a restaurant and a healing hydro-spa, ATKV Eiland Spa is the ideal place to come and relax. The serene tranquillity and peaceful silence of the bushveld surroundings create the ideal atmosphere for positive and creative business planning and team-building experiences.

For more information on business events and to make your next meeting or event one for the books, visit atkvbusinessevents.co.za.

Jack Smit and Gabi Babinszky are wellknown faces within South Africa’s local exhibition circuit. The duo have earned a solid reputation as being among the country’s leading audiovisual suppliers. The quality of their work and track record exemplify why their services continue to be in high demand. After seeing through an incredibly difficult period as they navigated the Covid-19 pandemic together with their staff, five years after launching their company, Brandex is now rebranding to BRX Group.

“Being an audiovisual supplier primarily servicing the events and exhibitions industry, it was inevitable that our business took a knock during this time, with most of our projects being cancelled. However, we remained proactive and the changes and challenges that came with the pandemic, which were completely unprecedented for most, forced us to explore other avenues on how we could best utilise our existing resources, rather than cutting them completely,” comments Gabi, a director at BRX Group.

BRX Group considers itself fortunate to have had an established network, which is in part what was able to see it through the past two years in lockdown.

“We were very lucky in that we were able to leverage our client relationships and retain our most valuable asset: our staff. While we did not deviate from what we do best, which is audiovisual, like many, we had no choice but to broaden the scope of our work and pivot to benefit from the opportunity presented by virtual and hybrid events, as well as permanent audiovisual installations,” notes Jack, also a director at BRX Group.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR BRX GROUP

So why has BRX Group chosen to relaunch during this time, and what can we expect going forward?

“We celebrate five years in business this year. To keep up with the rapidly changing industry needs over the past two years, as well as the evolution of our business model, which has transformed over the past years to focus purely on audiovisual services, we felt that a change was in order,” highlights Gabi.

It has been quite a journey to get the BRX Group to where it is today, adds Jack.

“Like so many of our industry colleagues, we weren’t sure if we would survive this period, but with a huge amount of passion, perseverance and well-timed collaborations, we have been able to successfully weather the storm,” he says.

BRX Group may have rebranded to a different name, but its client promise of excellent service is unfaltering and both Jack and Gabi maintain that it has been key in the BRX Group’s ability to forge ahead.

“We have consistently emphasised superior customer service as one of our unique selling points, and it is an aspect we could and would never compromise on,” Jack underscores.

BRX Group is currently headquartered in Midrand, Gauteng, but has assisted on projects across the country. With plans to expand to Cape Town, the company hopes to grow its footprint and on-the-ground presence in the coming years, and the directors are confident that a quality service offering will help them achieve this objective.

Five years after its inception, Brandex is rebranding to BRX Group and focusing on its core strengths and competencies. Meetings hears from its directors on what this means for the company in the long term.

BRX Group directors: Jack Smit and Gabi Babinszky

“It is only through careful planning and resource allocation that we have been able to not just survive for this period of time, but also still refine our business model and be a first-choice supplier for the events and exhibitions industry,” stresses Gabi.

KEY LIFE LESSONS

Not wanting to let down their staff, Jack and Gabi worked tirelessly to find a way forward for BRX Group through the pandemic.

“We definitely learned that we could get by with having a lot less than previously, and that not everything is a given; only grace,” notes Gabi.

After realising that they needed to streamline the company and its existing offering, today, Jack and Gabi are reaping the rewards.

“We have since kept the BRX Group operation as lean as possible,” Jack declares.

By changing the model, the directors of BRX Group say that they are able to prioritise their staff and be even more productive and efficient than ever before, with the newly focused business giving them the agility they need to operate within a space that is second nature to them.

Another important lesson learnt by the directors of the BRX Group during lockdown is that relationships are key, especially in tough times.

ABOUT THE BRX GROUP

Launched in 2017, BRX Group is one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of rigging, lighting, sound and visuals, providing complete audiovisual solutions suited to all eventing requirements and budgets.

No matter how big or small your event is, BRX Group has got you covered. With stock to meet every eventing and exhibition need, and a courteous and experienced handson team, the company will take care of every aspect of your project – both on- and off-site – from planning and design to equipment supply and installation.

At BRX Group, it’s not just about providing you with an AV system, it’s about exceeding your expectations.

BRX Group’s full range of in-house services means that you have a one-stop-shop solution all under one roof.

“We found ourselves in situations where it is only because of our reputation that we have secured potential business. Similarly, we have been asked to give a recommendation for a specific supplier or service provider, and we will provide a name based on not just who we know operates within a certain space, but who we know are really great to work with,” concludes Gabi.

“Do different things and do things differently.”

“Do not burn a bridge if you are not willing to swim.”

- Gabi Babinszky - Jack Smit

Beach, bush, sun and everything in-between

Meetings understands why Wild Coast Sun has been a sought-after destination for more than four decades.

Wild Coast is one of Sun International’s most iconic venues, and it’s easy to see why.

At just 5.2 km away from the main town of Port Edward and 1 km from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial border, Wild Coast Sun is sprawled across 750 hectares of land between the Mzamba and Umtamvuna rivers. The resort overlooks the Indian Ocean, and is a haven for any event planner and organiser. Here’s why.

ADAPTABLE VENUES

With five beautiful and versatile venues to choose from, Wild Coast Sun’s eventing

WORKING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

The resort has worked hard to ensure it functions as sustainably as possible; for the past four years, it has been operating on a ‘zero waste to landfill’ model. This has meant that it has reused, recycled and repurposed up to 40 tonnes of waste per month through several initiatives such as feeding programmes and composting, simply through more effective management of its waste.

offering will ensure versatility in the most stylish settings.

Its Amadiba Ballroom can host up to 900 people and is ideally suited to exhibitions, product launches, corporate functions and banquets. It can also be subdivided to ensure your eventing space is utilised in the most effective way possible.

The Msikaba Conference Venue allows for a seating capacity of 500. It is made up of four conference rooms that can also be adapted and configured to a specification that best suits your needs.

Meanwhile, the Mtamvuna Room on the top level of the Wild Coast Conference Centre is a smaller venue that comfortably accommodates up to 300 people for a conference, gala evening or formal corporate function.

Seating just 80 people, Mzamba provides an intimate setting with resplendent views of the Indian Ocean. This venue is popular for smaller, private functions.

Finally, the Tropical Nights Auditorium can be adapted into a cinema or theatre and is perfectly suited for private shows and awards evenings, seating up to 670 guests.

+27 (0)39 305 9111

Wild Coast Sun’s team will also work with you on your needs, taking care to make sure that you’re provided with a professional eventing solution that meets both your budget and objectives. This can also be inclusive of accommodation and activities.

TAKE A GLIDE (AND A RIDE) ON THE WILD SIDE!

Located adjacent to one of South Africa’s most pristine beaches, Wild Coast Sun has preserved as much of the natural vegetation indigenous to the land as possible. With a 24-hour casino, 18-hole golf course and waterpark, the resort has ensured that there is something for everyone.

Wild Coast Sun is home to some of the area’s best restaurants and eateries, which include fine wining and dining in the extravagant Salon Privé, the trendy Lagoon Bar, and popular local favourites such as Panarottis and Spur.

For those who like to stay active and healthy, Wild Coast Sun is home to a wide range of sports and recreational activities. Some of these activities include Segway Gliding Tours, quad bike tours, a heritage beach walk tour, horse-riding on the beach, river cruises, speed boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Main Bizana Road, 5.2 km south of Port Edward, Eastern Cape

wcs.banqueting@suninternational.com

www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun

AN ALL-ROUNDER

Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is an attractive meetings destination in so many ways.

Situated in Summerstrand, in the heart of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is equidistant from South Africa’s main city centres – Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. It offers four-star luxury accommodation in the form of the Boardwalk Hotel and is just a few minutes away from Hobie Beach, a Blue Flag beach. The venue is also home to some of Gqeberha’s best restaurants, and it hosts the only licensed casino in the city.

Also situated on the premises is the newly developed Boardwalk Mall, which houses several local and international brands and is certain to thrill those in need of a spot of retail therapy. The first phase was launched in March, with phase two scheduled to open on 22 September 2022. The full mall will comprise 93 tenants.

AN EVENT ORGANISER’S PARADISE

With seven unique and versatile spaces to choose from, event planners and organisers are spoilt for choice at Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World!

There are several smaller meeting spaces on the property in the form of the Ironwood, Redwood, Stinkwood and Yellowwood rooms 1 and 2. These spaces are suited to more intimate sessions and training, as each venue is able to seat between 8 and 30 people.

At 2 000 m2, the Tsitsikamma Room is a much larger space that can be repurposed and is divisible into four smaller venues. All venues are set up to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.

The Boardwalk offers competitive half(R425 pp) and full-day (R495 pp) conference packages to suit your needs and budget. Guests at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World will also receive complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking. In addition, the venue provides state-of-the-art technology to give your event a professional, polished

Beach Road, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, 6019

look and feel, with a courteous banqueting team on standby to assist with your eventing requirements. And to ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible, all AV equipment is outsourced to a preferred supplier.

ADD-ONS AND ACTIVITIES

Break out of the boardroom with a host of activities right on Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World’s doorstep.

The award-winning Camelot Spa takes beauty treatment packages to the next level with a focus on holistic wellness experiences. Besides offering massage therapy as well as skin, body and beauty treatments, this relaxing spa in Port Elizabeth puts the spotlight on wellness and health.

Adrenalin junkies can try their hand at sandboarding down one of the highest dunes in South Africa or take part in one of the mountain bike or trail runs on the Norm-Hudlin Trails.

Those who have a love for nature and the outdoors will delight in the area’s flora and fauna. With its natural and unspoilt beauty, the Cape Recife Nature Reserve is not to be missed. For incredible views, Sardinia Bay is a must, while the Addo Elephant National Park offers close encounters with the world’s largest land mammal.

For those hoping to relax on the green, the Humewood Links Golf Club is ideal. It is home to one of South Africa’s top golf courses, and just 10 minutes from the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.

+27 (0)41 507 7777

conventions.boardwalk@suninternational.com www.suninternational.com/boardwalk

A RESPONSIBLE VENUE

Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment

World demonstrates environmentally responsible behaviour through:

• Preventing pollution of the environment

• Conserving the use of resources such as water and energy

• Minimising waste generation

• Preventing pollution of the environment

• Conserving the use of resources such as water and energy

• Minimising waste generation

The venue demonstrates socially responsible behaviour through:

• Supporting and applying the responsible gambling initiative

• Getting involved in sustainable community projects that contribute to social upliftment

• Creating business synergies that support local enterprises

• Developing employees to maximise their potential through training

• Protecting biodiversity and implementing a climate change response strategy

Sun International’s Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World remains one of the group’s prime properties. Meetings explores this gem of a venue.

RELIVING WTM AFRICA: A week of glory

As one of the most anticipated events on the travel industry’s calendar, WTM Africa promised travel industry players the opportunity to meet face to face again for the first time in two years. Expectations naturally ran high – and the show delivered. Meetings reveals the highlights.

WTM Africa 2022 lived up to its reputation as one of the industry’s most powerful tools for lead generation and connection, with attendance figures exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This year, the show welcomed more than 6 000 visitors with more than 7 000 pre-scheduled appointments – an increase of 7% on 2019’s figures.

Running between 11 and 13 April 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), significantly, more than 87% of buyers were first-time attendees. What’s more, many buyers hailed from established source markets, with representation from new markets like

Thailand, Malaysia and Japan – all drawn, no doubt, by the intelligence and insights shared by the more than 187 speakers appearing in over 63 content sessions.

While these numbers are impressive, the diverse nature of the information shared was equally remarkable: in tune with current industry trends, WTM Africa shed a spotlight on current pressing topics like inclusivity, investment and the digitalisation of the industry.

Content sessions formed part of a comprehensive and enlightening conference programme, where expert speakers discussed everything from the state of Africa’s travel and tourism industry to challenges currently

facing players, new types of tourism emerging and key destinations going forward. The role of culture and community also came under the spotlight, along with the power of rural tourism and plans for the industry’s recovery. Informative podcasts augmented these sessions, each drilling down into a specific facet of the industry – from sustainability to culinary tourism and unlocking the potential of key source markets.

Attendees were also able to sharpen their skills by taking part in several masterclasses hosted during the event. From polishing up your website to leveraging the power of social media and email marketing – and even honing a deeper understanding of important markets such as LGBTQ+ travellers – these specialist-hosted sessions were tailored with an eye to imparting practicable advice.

A TRENDS REPORT LIKE NO OTHER

The pandemic not only changed how we travel but also why we travel. It is imperative that travel industry players know about some of the major things in the travel and tourism world so that they can strategise and get ready for a new dawn. That is why the team at Africa Travel Week decided to compile a cutting-edge trends report offering the latest perceptions, trends and analyses in the tourism industry 24/7. From greenwashing to culinary tourism, diversity, accessibility and impact tourism, the trend report took a deep dive into what’s shaping the tourism industry of the future.

According to tourism and hospitality consultant Gillian Saunders, the strong and emerging trends we are seeing for the recovery phase all have one thing in common – they make travel and tourism a better industry. “The drive for sustainability, wellness and full community engagement will see a new generation tourism industry, or Tourism 4IR, for a global, integrated, diverse and equitable world in which we truly conserve our environment.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

While WTM’s organisers strived to ensure that the event represented many different interests and

viewpoints, the several side-shows hosted alongside WTM created a chance for players to explore other tourism sectors.

ILTM Africa shed light on the state and potential of luxury tourism in Africa. Alongside networking occasions and information-sharing sessions, one of the highlights of this carefully curated event was a showcase of exclusive African art and fashion, including the likes of Crystal Birch, Kat van Duinen, Barrydale Hand Weavers and Cape Alpaca Products, among several others. Delegates were also treated to the Diamond Experience by Shimansky, a partner to ILTM, which hosted one of the show’s glamorous parties held at the beautiful Rockefeller Hotel. True to the essence of luxury, experiences created by event organisers aimed to stimulate the senses – the African-inspired lunch hosted at GOLD restaurant being a case in point. The finishing touch: a farewell party at Southern Sun The Cullinan.

With inclusivity being a central theme of the week, it’s not surprising that Equal Africa, an event targeting the LGBTQ+ community, attracted significant attention. The aim was to provide a forum where travel buyers, venues and suppliers with an interest in this market could share views and showcase their products, while also gaining insight from conferences discussing challenges and trends. Case studies focused on how to provide sensitivity training to allow employees to offer better service to this community.

NOT TO BE MISSED

IBTM Africa was the must-see event for players with an interest in MICE tourism. Drawing a crowd of PCOs, meeting planners, MICE venues and supplies, DMCs and incentive planners, the

event was a powerhouse of information around critical trends currently shaping this sector, while providing advice around, for example, building itineraries that help travellers mix business with leisure.

Leading experts lent their voices to the event, with the likes of Tes Proos, president of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Africa, and Glenton de Kock, CEO of the South African Association for the Conference Industry, guiding discussions and making for a genuinely instructive experience.

Travel Forward was an inspiring addition to African Travel Week, focusing on the dynamic and innovative technologies shaping travel, both in Africa and worldwide.

Finally, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange aimed to create connections between players in the sports, events and tourism industries, which have all been singled out for their enormous potential. The event was designed to help those with a stake in the sector uncover more opportunities while getting to grips with the latest happenings and developments. Of course, networking among like-minded contacts was another highlight of this highly focused event. A wide range of players were able to strengthen their industry relationships – from government institutions representing sports and tourism to companies seeking sponsorship opportunities, media companies promoting sports events, and even students specialising in sports tourism.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE

One of the most frequently cited reasons for attending WTM Africa is meeting up with other industry players – specifically, those who have a reputation for excellence. With this in mind, the World Travel Awards is always one of the most

eagerly anticipated features of the week, giving the industry a chance to celebrate its stars. As usual, the awards gave kudos to industry members within specific countries who had made their mark by upholding exacting standards, while applauding those stellar performers on the continent whose commitment and dedication to the industry ensure it can deliver on the expectations of today’s travellers. These are the industry stars who make it possible for people to experience Africa at its very best – and who are therefore poised to play a vital role in rebuilding the continent’s travel industry.

THE FINAL VERDICT

This has been one of the most complex times ever experienced by the travel industry. The obstacles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic aside, players are navigating a landscape that has been changed dramatically by digitalisation and evolving market segments, among many other factors – which is why a platform like WTM Africa, helping industry players to understand the nuances of this shifting landscape, is more important than ever.

CHANGING THE

narrative

Following on from the successful Woman of Stature Awards held in South Africa, the first Woman of Stature Global Awards that took place in May was a showcase of excellence among women across a range of industries. speaks with the organisers and winners to learn why the awards are so significant.

he Woman of Stature (WOS) Awards have undergone a major evolution to get to where they are today. Since the early 2000s, the event has taken place in a number of cities, under several different names, to become what is now a globally hosted event.

The awards and its affiliated Woman Rise Programmes are run under the auspices of the non-profit WOS Foundation.

The foundation was created to help address some of the socio-economic challenges that are prevalent among women, while the WOS Network ensures there is a company structure in place.

As the brainchild of businesswoman Charlotte du Plessis, also the CEO of WOS, the awards were born from the need for Charlotte to find an outlet after sadly losing her mother to cancer. She decided to honour her mother and channel her efforts into building the means to support those who were fighting cancer.

“WOS has come from humble beginnings but, being a woman with determination, dedication and passion, I have nurtured my vision and have never given up on my dream. It is my purpose to inspire others to do the same. WOS has blossomed into a wellrespected and credible

organisation that empowers and enables women to live on purpose,” says Charlotte.

WOS AWARDS SA

The annual WOS Awards form a pivotal part of the WOS Community Impact Model, with the awards being designed specifically with the intention of feeding back into and nurturing the community.

As part of its ethos, the organisers of the WOS Awards believe strongly in recognition amplifying credibility and inspiration, and that “excellence and quality impact need to be formally recognised”. WOS also supports mentorship and leadership development initiatives, and actively encourages its WOS Awards winners to empower other women within their network and within the WOS Foundation in particular.

“The WOS Awards recognise women who are not necessarily members of WOS but have made such an impact in their communities that the general public has found them worthy enough to be recognised. Recognition stimulates growth and activity, and what these awards have done for so many ladies is unbelievable. I have seen the growth in businesses and in each person being involved in the awards,” comments Angelique Smith, cofounder of Event Synthesis and recent winner at the WOS Global Awards in the Tourism category.

The WOS Awards, says Angelique, provide a platform that gives women across a multitude of industries a voice to keep doing what they do so well. The WOS Foundation, she adds, pushes one to be better and do their very best. Angelique is upbeat about her experience with the women who were nominees, finalists and winners, noting

Charul Jaitly, who was also the Woman in Technology category winner, was named as the first overall winner of the WOS Global Awards

that the journey has been remarkably rewarding and positive.

Khanyisile Tshabalala, founder of Unqobile, a research consultancy and winner of the Woman in Mining WOS Awards prize, says her goal, as a category winner, is to equip young women across South Africa with the developmental skills necessary in order to empower and assist them in leading successful lives.

“It will also give these women the tools and resources to understand that they should and will have the opportunities that they lack, and give women an opportunity to sustain and promote governance in their business,” she notes.

This year, Rehema Isa was the overall winner of the 2022 WOS Awards, as well as the category winner for Entrepreneur of the Year.

“Leadership discussions focus on pointing out and interacting with individual leadership identities. This is a whole tribe acting as change agents with humility and passion. You meet a nominee or winner of WOS and you know you are interacting with a special person who leads by example and whose work speaks for them before they have even walked through the door,” says Rehema.

WOS GLOBAL AWARDS

The WOS Global Awards, supported by Hadarat Global (see sidebar), was held on 13 May 2022 at the Dusit Thani Hotel located at the Dubai Trade Centre. The event was attended by key local figureheads as well as other international VIP guests.

The WOS Global Awards will run annually in Dubai and celebrate women in 10 categories namely: Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman in Construction, Woman in Coaching and Mentoring, Woman in Education, Woman in Engineering, Woman in Healthcare, Woman in Media, Woman in Oil and Gas, Woman in Technology, and Woman in Tourism (Hospitality).

The localised South African WOS Awards recognise women in the same categories.

Charul Jaitly, who was also the Woman in Technology category winner, was named as the first overall winner of the WOS Global Awards. Charul is noted as being a serial entrepreneur who “endorses fearless and purposeful leadership and [is] an unwavering optimist”. She is a founder and managing partner of tech company Mātiti Group, which uses an array of solutions to help organisations reach their full potential.

“Excellence deserves formal recognition, and that is exactly what took place in Dubai. As the founder and CEO of the WOS brand, the Foundation and WOS Awards, I could not have been prouder to stand on a global stage. I am in awe of these remarkable women who were each honoured for the impact they are making in their respective countries and internationally. The WOS Award is earned and not given,” remarked Charlotte, following the announcement of the winners of the WOS Global Awards.

Charlotte also noted that each woman awarded has completed a journey from November 2021.

“This is a test of their commitment and endurance, to finish what they started. A true test of character and exactly what we look for in a woman of stature,” she enthuses.

WHO IS HADARAT GLOBAL?

Hadarat Global is based in the Middle East, with footprints in Africa and Eastern Europe. Dr Ahmed Al Shemeili, founding member and CEO, is an official representative of the UAE in the EU Regional Secretariat of Centres of Excellence for the CBRN Emergencies and a recipient of many global awards in his field of expertise and leadership.

“This being the first every WOS Global Award event is a historical moment thanks to Dr Hawa Charfaray, chief group executive, Hadarat Global, who selected the WOS Foundation as the Hadarat Global Awards Partner because of the strict, ethical awards adjudication and audited process. The partnership takes the WOS brand global,” Charlotte concludes.

For more information about Hadarat Global, visit hadaratglobal.com.

Woman of Stature Global Awards category winners

Woman of Stature Awards South Africa category winners

THE RIGHTstuff

growing communities?

Well, in short, people thrive on positive social interactions.

The lockdown and limitations on social interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic spotlighted just how important face-to-face interaction is to the human psyche. So much so that it led to the establishment of #WorkAnywhere – a global advocacy movement representing remote workers and lobbying for a policy and legislation shift for the creation of remote working communities.

So why is there such a growing emphasis on establishing genuine connections and

“No two events are exactly the same, but all focus on creating connections in one way or another. Maybe attendees connect with each other, with content, or with an idea. You need to think about how to create those connections. For instance, if the goal of the event is to teach attendees, you need to think about what attendees are learning, why they’re learning it, and how you want to teach them,” says Cvent’s Social Tables, highlighting the importance of creating genuine connections.

And there is a scientific consensus that the human brain’s reward system releases dopamine when experiencing such a connection.

“Data from functional imaging studies in humans exhibit striatal activations for a variety of rewarding social stimuli. There is evidence from a variety of studies that the dopaminergic reward circuits in the basal

ganglia form the primary neural system for processing reward of various social stimuli which could motivate social behaviour,” it was noted in a 2010 academic review titled, ‘The rewarding nature of social interactions’. This makes a strong case for why we as event organisers and planners need to focus on providing the best possible platform and environment in which positive social interaction can thrive.

ALIGNING NEEDS

An article published on the PubMed Central website alludes to how the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a marked change in the way event attendees consume events, noting that “key findings highlight pleasure and excitement and sense of safety as salient personal values. Respondents also found health/safety attributes particularly important, considering them must-be attributes. Providing health/ safety services prior to the event would be effective in decreasing dissatisfaction.”

This shows that event organisers should place a clear emphasis on health and safety protocols in the lead-up to and during their

Organising and hosting an event is a costly and resource-intensive affair; during a time when budgets are much tighter, unnecessary expenditure isn’t an option. Join Meetings as we navigate through what essentials and add-ons can be expected from post-pandemic events.

events. The article goes on to further explain that there has been a distinct change in how consumers engage with products and services.

“Amid the pandemic, consumers’ expectations for event products/services are subject to change. As such, event organisers need to be able to examine event attributes in order to track and predict possible changes, find opportunities to improve services, and seek ways to offer services that can fulfil certain needs. Product and service attributes significantly influence customer perception and consumption experience,” says the article.

This sort of key research is extremely valuable and provides solid insights into why it is so important to ensure whatever our event is about aligns with our attendees’ needs.

EMPHASISING VALUES AND AUTHENTICITY

A central element of many successful events is creating shared purpose and values, and framing our event content in such a way that emphasises values is a game changer for how we discuss topics during our conferences. Purpose plays a huge role in the ‘why’ behind what we are hoping to gain from bringing together any event. Most importantly, if we connect with our audience in the most authentic way possible, it creates resonance

and a memorable and impactful experience for them.

The Signatry, a global body dedicated to generating support for charitable projects, has tapped into how to create this impact.

“The key to a successful event is personal engagement which leads to transformation. Real change happens when your audience begins to move beyond the transaction of giving and focus on the broader experience. Emphasising the heart and mindset of possible change, and not just money, will impact their hearts and partnership is likely to follow,” says the non-profit organisation, explaining that a means to achieving this partnership is to “invite guests to join in the mission and play an active role in problem-solving; they will see themselves as a part of the story – one where they can be the hero.”

CREATING SHARED AND CONNECTED EXPERIENCES

It may be the trivial act of breaking bread together or appreciating artistic expression that brings you closer to your audience.

“People want shared experiences – they want infotainment that can compete with Netflix and Hulu. Events for events’ sake are long gone... What will make someone leave their home, their children, the comfort of their

What were the initial goals of the event? How can these be reimagined in a different form of meaningful engagement? And how will we measure success? From there, we unleash creative thought and innovation, deploy our unique resourcefulness and deliver an unexpected solution to the problem at hand.”

- Lynne Webster

couch, and spend time with you?” asks Lynne Webster, founder of Donor Relations Guru.

These shared experiences are as vast as they are varied and will depend entirely on the attendees’ preferences, so understanding their needs and wants will be the first step to identifying what will be a hit. At the same time, this can also address the essential need to communicate with your attendees.

“To plan a successful event, organisers need to listen to their audiences, understand their needs and plan an event that envisions these desires. Only by effective communication from the organiser can marketers communicate the right messaging and marketing promotions to attract the intended audiences,” says UK-based marketing agency Smart Insights.

For event organisers and their clients and sponsors, creating a proper communication strategy can ultimately lead to increased sales, the generation of prospective leads, brand awareness and affinity, cementing relationships and building credibility – all very good reasons for ensuring your communication plan is on point.

COMING BACK FROM THE BRINK

1 161 exhibitors showcased their products and services against the targeted number of 1 100, while the IATF’s virtual platform captured more than 27 000 registrations. IATF 2021 also enjoyed support from 70 different sponsors, highlighting the demand by these players to be associated with the show.

TRENDS SHAPING OUR INDUSTRY

The exhibitions industry is incredibly valuable, contributing around US$201 billion (R3.2 trillion) to global GDP. During the Covid-19 pandemic, cancellations and postponements resulted in the industry contracting 68%, according to data from the UFI – Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. However, with many sectors of the economy starting to open up, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

“The sun is finally rising at the end of a long, dark pandemic. The perspectives for 2022 are brighter and continue to improve quickly. As the industry bounces back, the key issues now facing companies are around internal management issues and the impact of digitisation. As the value of physical events is constantly reinforced, we are well on track to achieve prepandemic levels of activity,” says Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO, UFI.

Closer to home, in South Africa, several notable annual shows that were postponed during the past two years are welcoming back exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, with impressive statistics reflecting their success. One such example includes the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which was hosted at the Durban ICC in December 2021. During the event, 11 828 attendees were recorded against a target of 10 000. In addition,

The 28th edition of UFI’s Global Exhibition Barometer Report released at the end of February 2022 reveals that the exhibition industry expects twothirds of markets to pick up to normal levels in the second quarter of the year, with around 25% of the global market operating at a reduced level of activity. Further, the ratio of companies declaring normal operational activity more than doubled, with less than 2 out of 10 in July 2021 to 4 in 10 between October 2021 and February 2022. Although the

data is not yet available, it was projected that this would increase to around 6 in 10 companies seeing normal activity levels as of March 2022.

“The bigger organisers and shows have survived. It has been a tough period for shows, with Covid-19, but we are now back on our feet. Just like the industry has had to adapt and change, so have people. Most people, from suppliers to exhibitors to visitors, understand the need for this in a social context,” Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions, a division of the Montgomery Group, was quoted as saying by BizCommunity.com.

Josh Hotsenpiller, founder and CEO of virtual eventing platform Juno, feels that, during 2022, creativity is going to define how the exhibitions industry recovers.

“We still don’t know what the future’s going to look like. We’ve seen wonderful creativity over

Exhibitions took a beating during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic but, with numerous shows already having run in 2022, the state of the industry appears to be looking up. Meetings identifies where we should be focusing our energies.

Situation of the industry operations in the second half of 2021 and current predictions for the fisrt half of 2022 28th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer/Feb 2022 ®

Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the IATF 2021 Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria

4.8 million

147 million

the last 18-24 months, and it’s not going to stop. Let’s resolve to continue to innovate, to solve global problems and local problems, and connectivity problems,” he says, further noting that creative solutions, out-of-thebox thinking, and pushing the creative envelope will allow people to really understand what the future looks like.

“Look for people across society, in all industries, to be creative problemsolvers. We resolve to push the boundaries right alongside our clients,” Josh adds.

THE NEED FOR DATA

The Exhibitor Advocacy Group, an organisation headquartered in the USA established with the aim of safeguarding the future of business events, offers a somewhat less rosy take on the state of exhibitions, explaining that the exhibitor experience had been deteriorating before Covid-19.

a free tool called Group Business

Trends to provide a customisable, in-depth report by benchmarking the performance of business with qualifying competitors using their big data,” notes advisory and intelligence house Arizton.

SUSTAINABILITY IS AN INDUSTRY IMPERATIVE

Sustainability will need to remain an important ongoing conversation, not just for the exhibitions industry but events as whole. Unsurprisingly, the topic of sustainability within the exhibitions industry received more attention during the past two years than ever before and, moving forward, exhibition organisers will need to identify how they can operate in a way that best supports matters concerning the environment, society and good governance.

299 billion € ($ 334 billion)

“Every year, exhibiting costs increased, and issues around transparency, metrics and cost savings became more problematic. Leads and data from attendees became proprietary information of show management, and the data was rarely shared so that exhibitors could calculate a meaningful ROI.”

These insights make a worthy case for why it is so important to have reliable information resources; without credible data, making sound business decisions and implementing worthwhile strategies becomes all that more challenging.

3.4 million

62,900 € ($ 70,400)

“Incorporation of big data across Europe’s events and exhibitions market is gaining high traction. Big players in the market are establishing their businesses by using big data as their core asset. For instance, Cvent, one of the leaders in meetings, events and travel technology, has launched

In South Africa, the Event Greening Forum (EGF) was established in 2009 as the body dedicated to providing support within sustainability to the events industry, with exhibition and event organisers being key areas of focus, together with venues and suppliers.

“With the events industry showing signs of a rebound after a devastating two years, the EGF is keen to see greening and sustainability return to focus as climate change remains the bigger pandemic of our time. We have a new team that builds on the great work done so far. The industry and EGF members can expect consistency as well as new offerings that will not only add value to members and their businesses but tangibly formalise, elevate and mainstream greening at events,” says Morwesi Ramonyai, director of Borena Energy, who was appointed as chairperson of the EGF in March 2022.

Exhibitions are marketplaces, and they provide a sustainable way of doing business: they are drivers for economic development for both their participants and the territories where they are held; they reduce multiple travel. They also represent platforms whereby good practices and innovations are shared.”

- Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO, UFI

ENRICHING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Break free from the boredom of the boardroom to deliver rich experiences for your delegates. Meetings provides some of South Africa’s most exciting cultural and historical sites to pair with your next MICE event.

During the pandemic, many of us may have, at some stage, suffered from a degree of cabin fever. Being cooped up indoors and limited to travelling between the confines of our homes and the grocery store, especially through the harder lockdown, provided very few opportunities to be out and about socialising and sightseeing. As some semblance of normality returns, a degree of reservation still exists among many.

Although there is a clear demand for in-person experiences, many of us think more carefully than ever before about who we might encounter when we go out and whether where we are travelling has sufficient health and safety protocols in place. This has resulted in event organisers and planners needing to find ways to ensure that the meeting and eventing experiences they are hosting benefit attendees enough for them to want to physically be

There are many small towns in South Africa with points of historical interest. One of these is Wakkerstroom, which is the second oldest town in Mpumalanga. The 160-year-old town has wideopen spaces, gravel roads dotted with donkey carts, and a number of old buildings that have been beautifully restored – almost all with a story to tell. The town also has three national monuments, a historical cemetery, and numerous statues, memorials and plaques.

present. A means to achieving this is to create blended interactive, engaging and immersive experiences around points of interest such as cultural and historical sites.

“Enhancing human-to-human connection is the bedrock of most events. Settings rich in cultural heritage are tangible showcases of human history and endeavour; they add a rich background that can inspire and leave a lasting mark on event participants. Cultural heritage venues lend events a unique opportunity to get people thinking, encourage discussions, and make space for a diverse range of perspectives,” says Skift Meetings.

With its rich history and diverse culture, South Africa has many heritage hotspots that are ideal for your next event. Let’s take a look at a few!

SMALL-TOWN HERITAGE

CONSTITUTION HILL CRADLE OF HUMANKIND WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Constructed in the 1890s, Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a reminder of South Africa’s difficult past. It was originally a prison for white male prisoners before a section for women was added. During the apartheid era, it was infamous for housing political freedom fighters who were deemed criminals and incarcerated in the most shocking of conditions. The guided tour of the premises is harrowing in some instances. This may be difficult for those who are sensitive to the graphic descriptions of some of the suffering endured by prisoners, but it provides remarkable insights into how South Africa’s Constitution was developed, with the tour ending at the Constitutional Court – the highest court in the land.

Constitution Hill has remarkable and versatile spaces suitable for hosting a wide variety of events, ranging from small meetings to large conferences. This includes: Constitution Square, which can seat up to 2 700 people; the more intimate Old Fort Atrium, which can seat 78; and the Women’s Jail Atrium, which seats 100. constitutionhill.org.za

The Cradle of Humankind is a historical marvel. Comprised of the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves, part of the premises is an active excavation site on which new palaeontological discoveries are still being made.

The Cradle of Humankind is set against a backdrop of the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountain range and an hour’s drive from both the Pretoria and Johannesburg CBDs. It provides a stunning vista of some of the world’s oldest rocks. As part of their experience, visitors can also better understand the evolution of man over the past 7 million years, which is guaranteed to make for an interesting and exciting part of your meeting or event. For events, the Maropeng Conference Centre has a dedicated events team on hand to assist you with ensuring your meeting, conference or team-building experience runs smoothly and makes its mark on your delegates. Spaces within the venue range from small to large, seating up to 500 delegates. Full- and half-day packages are offered and can also incorporate accommodation and other activities.

maropeng.co.za

DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS ZEITZ MOCAA

The Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest botanical garden and the city’s oldest public institution. It is ideal for those event organisers who want to provide their delegates with a natural and historical experience. The gardens are situated in Berea, KwaZuluNatal, and are home to major collections of cycads, orchids and palms, among other unique specimens of plant.

Things to see and do at the gardens include the Butterfly Habitat Garden, which is a new feature. This space aims to educate visitors on the local butterfly population. It is an open garden that has been designed around a dome structure to create an ecosystem with plant species that attract butterflies and caterpillars. There are also several heritage trees for guests to admire, including a litchi tree that was planted in 1880.

Indoor eventing venues at the Durban Botanic Gardens include its boardroom and conference centre, which seat between 20 and 200 people, depending on the format. Its three outdoor venues are much larger and can accommodate between 300 and 7 500 people.

durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) has the largest collection of African contemporary art in the world. Situated in the silo district of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, the museum is housed in a striking glass pillowed building renovated from an old 57 m tall grain silo. It opened its doors in September 2017. As part of the Zeitz MOCAA, its Centre for Education is comprised of a team of specialists who host programmes that are designed with the intention of allowing visitors to engage with the various collections.

The Zeitz MOCAA premises is available for venue hire and its unconventional interior design provides an interesting and alternative experience for visitors. Each venue space is different, and events can be formatted to specific requirements.

One of the most soughtafter spaces is the Atrium. Its architecture is not just impressive, but it also provides exceptional acoustics. Meanwhile, the Scheryn Collection Arena has its own PA system that is ideal for panel discussions. For a rooftop experience, the Zeitz MOCAA’s terrace will leave guests awestruck with its views of the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain.

Zeitz MOCAA provides extraordinary dining in the form of its Level 6 restaurant, as well as its catering for private functions – both run by its in-house team, Zeitz MOCAA Events.

zeitzmocaa.museum

Key to survival

The 2022 Hotel & Hospitality Show was a showcase for how innovation is at the heart of recovery for Africa’s hospitality sector. Meetings hears from dmg events, organisers of the show, on what went down.

For more information on the Hotel & Hospitality Show, visit www.thehotelshowafrica.com

The 2022 Hotel & Hospitality Show, organised by dmg events, kicked off on 19 May at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg – the first in-person event of its kind since the pandemic struck the tourism and leisure industry in South Africa. Attended by thousands of leading stakeholders from within the private and public sectors, event speakers hailed innovation as the key to survival within the industry after an immensely challenging period.

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, COO at City Lodge Hotel Group, explained the Group’s need to sell off hotels outside of South Africa in order to survive the pandemic. However, she added that they had ultimately come out stronger, with food and beverage sales an increasingly important consideration within the sector.

Mike Vroom, executive director of Newmark Hotels, agreed that food and beverage sales had become a lifeline for their business. He explained their strategy of partnering with restaurants within their space to bring more people through the doors and generate an income.

“Such partnerships have proven beneficial for all parties,” he said, with restaurateurs typically viewing the industry differently and therefore able to bring a new dynamic to the relationship.

“As a result of our different approach to the industry, we have had our strongest 18 months on the food and beverage side,” Mike notes.

Marc Wachsberger, MD of the Capital Hotel Group, added that while collaboration and coworking had become the new operative way for hotels post-Covid, the Capital Hotel Group had chosen to steer away from collaborating with student housing so as not to dilute their core hotel offering. However, he welcomed the boost from local tourism, which he said had gone a long way to resurrect the industry.

Glenn Stutchbury, operations director of Legacy Hotels and Resorts, encouraged the sector not to overlook country-centric partnerships with a reward system, pointing out that it would be easier than partnering with international rewards systems post-Covid.

RESTAURANT RECOGNITION

The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) held its annual Rosetta Awards in collaboration with the Hotel and Hospitality Show during the three-day event. The Rosetta Awards recognise eateries, suppliers and personalities committed to service excellence in the sector.

“The Rosetta Award is recognition of the highest honours for service excellence and overall contribution to the upliftment of the restaurant industry,” said Wendy Alberts, CEO of RASA.

Keynote speaker Mpho Parks Tau – Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development – highlighted

the tenacity of the hospitality industry. He added that one positive outcome of the pandemic was the strong relationship that his department had built with key members in the sector, including RASA, as a result.

Greg Straw, MD and owner of Waterfall Markets, said that while the pandemic had forced all markets in South Africa to close, he was inspired by how many stallholders had persevered to open their own restaurants.

All speakers agreed that while the pandemic had severely impacted the hotel and hospitality industry, a strong recovery for the sector was imminent, with global economies opening and tourism on the rise.

“There is no ceiling for what this industry can achieve,” said Shaw.

Evan Schiff, portfolio director: Food, Hospitality & Trade at dmg events, concluded, “Overall, we are delighted with the response to the 2022 Hotel & Hospitality Show. Considering the severe impacts of lockdown on the sector, to see so many thousands of people attend – and to experience the support of so many restaurants and hotel GMs – really amplifies the importance of providing a platform for the industry to come together and discuss the best route to recovery. We will be focusing our efforts on expanding the sectors represented at the show to better provide resources to the sector in 2023 and beyond.”

HOT in the CITY

The hustle and bustle of the city may not be for everyone, but there is one thing that urban areas offer – and that is choice. Cities are built to manage large volumes of people, and this means that they have no shortage of meeting and conferencing venues, or accommodation options. In addition, well-established

transport networks within cities make getting from one point to another relatively easy.

Looking at the top three performing economic provinces within South Africa, we examine the hotspots that are best equipped for a substantial influx of delegates.

SANDTON, GAUTENG DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre

Capacity: 10 000

Sandton offers exceptional meeting and conferencing options. Sandton Convention Centre is in the heart of the city and next-door to one of South Africa’s most luxurious retail experiences – Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. The Gautrain station is just around the corner from the Sandton Convention Centre, making getting to and from other points within the province a breeze.

Several luxury hotel brands have also found a home within Sandton, with many enjoying decades-long success after laying down roots in the city. They are also well capacitated to deal with larger meetings and events, leaving event planners and organisers spoilt for choice when it comes to putting together an exceptional experience for their attendees. And for fine dining, look no further than the nearby restaurants, which offer exceptional culinary experiences that are sure to delight delegates.

Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli

ICC Complex

Capacity: 20 000

Durban calls itself the warmest place to be and, for anyone who is not a local, its weather makes for a pleasant change, particularly in winter when one can still enjoy a temperate climate.

For large-scale conferencing, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex is ideally equipped to handle large volumes of people. The complex has ample parking, and the sprawling venue provides generous spaces in which to exhibit and host conferences. A number of top-end hotels form part of the city’s skyline, providing exceptional accommodation for guests that is also convenient. Finally, several attractions nearby will ensure your delegates don’t have to travel very far when they have the urge to get out. Some of these include the Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, markets and museums, shopping centres and world-class golf courses, making Durban a must-visit city.

Capacity: 30 000

Cape Town remains one of South Africa’s top visited cities, and its natural beauty makes it easy to see why. The city is blessed with a dramatic mountainscape and an ocean, and most venues have capitalised on this to ensure that they offer the most panoramic views as a unique selling point.

Cape Town has among the largest conferencing capacities in the country, with the CTICC able to manage 30 000 delegates at any given time. Several hotels within walking distance ensure that there is more than enough accommodation. They are well capacitated to handle any potential spill-over from the CTICC.

To add to its offering, the city of Cape Town has numerous points of interest and activities, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. City Sightseeing Cape Town also provides exciting tours in and around Cape Town for those who want to learn more about the city.

South Africa’s major cities provide no shortage of meeting options. Meetings goes to town to experience conferencing in each of the country’s largest CBDs.

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Feasts of the

FUTURE

Catering for meetings and events

As event organisers and planners, we are expected to be perfect hosts to our attendees and make them feel comfortable and welcome. Delegates require sustenance throughout the time they are attending your event and leaving them to go hangry is far from ideal – so the food that has been arranged for them is key. Mealtimes and tea breaks also present prospective networking opportunities.

“While most meetings have dedicated times for attendees to network, one of the most commonly used times to network is over the catered lunches and dinners at events. This is the time when attendees can take a break, relax and form relationships,” says the recently

amalgamated MeetingPlay and Aventri in its Food & Beverage Guide.

And while food may be an item within our budgets that forms among the highest costs, it can also endear our audiences to us the most and is a highlight for them, provided it’s done right.

HEALTH, HYGIENE AND WELL-BEING

A major focus has been placed on the serving and handling of food during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has seen measures such as Perspex screens being installed between food and patrons, as well as chefs and servers assisting guests with dishing food on to their plates. It has also seen cutlery being

RESOURCES

According to Cvent, 80% of consumers think food waste is a major problem. Learn how to efficiently use (and even profit from) leftovers in The 8 Biggest Food Trends Driving Serious F&B Revenue , which you can download from www.socialtables. com/guide/catering-food-trendsdriving-revenue.

And, if you need inspiration, here are five cool foodie ideas from Hoppier that you may want to consider:

1. DIY dessert bar

2. Personalised menus from favourite local eateries

3. Create your own pizzas and burgers

4. Bite-/sample-sized versions of classic dishes

5. Indoor picnic kit

is not an aspect that organisers and planners can overlook. Meetings discovers what trends we can expect from the future of event catering.

ONE WORD LEADS TO ANOTHER

hangry adjective

han·gry | \ ˈhaŋ-grē \ hangrier; hangriest DEFINITION OF HANGRY

informal: irritable or angry because of hunger

Many of us will be familiar with the term ‘hangry’ – a portmanteau of the words ‘hungry’ and ‘angry’, and a colloquial term to describe one’s escalating annoyance as a result of having an empty stomach. ‘Hangry’ was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in its January 2018 update, with Merriam-Webster noting that its first reported use in this context was 100 years earlier, in 1918.

individually wrapped, although this has led to a debate on how the additional packaging is affecting the environment, especially with single-use plastics.

“The first question we should always ask is whether we can avoid disposable items. As a rule of thumb, reusables are always the more sustainable option,” notes Greg McManus, former chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).

There has been a significant increase in food allergies and sensitivities over the years, resulting in many events providing catering options to better suit those who have specialised diets.

“Planners need to champion sustainable food and agricultural practices that create safer options for all people, the planet and the bottom line. For instance, work with chefs and venues to source seasonal and local items for as much of the menu as possible. Every little bit helps.

Understanding your F&B history is key to reducing food waste and preventing over-ordering. In addition, it can help provide accurate head counts and safe options for those with dietary needs,” says Tracy Stuckrath, a food and beverage consultant at Thrive! Meetings & Events. Tracy has food allergies and has spent a great deal of her time and career focusing on educating organisations on serving food safely.

In addition, healthy meal options are growing in popularity, along with conscious consumerism. People across the board are choosing healthier and more wholesome lifestyle options, and the food that they eat is no exception. This is seeing an increased demand for more plant-based dining, with caterers having to follow suit.

The amount of food waste at events is also a growing concern. This is seeing the likes of

VISIT THE SA CHEFS ASSOCIATION AT HOSTEX!

By James Khoza President of the SA Chefs Association, executive chef at Sandton Convention Centre, and Hostex Ambassador

The SA Chefs Association has always taken its responsibility to its members and the wider cheffing sector seriously – and now, as we glimpse into a brighter future beyond the pandemic, we recognise the need for the association to transform and be more relevant and sustainable in our ‘new normal’.

The Covid pandemic changed how people live and how business operates. The future is about adaptability, agility and, for SA Chefs, we’re now being driven by the needs and expectations of our membership more than ever before.

The association’s leadership’s role is to be innovative and strategic forward planners who will grow the membership, even in difficult times, and enable our chefs to be resilient and sustainable.

It is with this mindset that we’re approaching the offering and features on our Skillery stand at Hostex 2022. We will be guided by hope and faith in the future, and doing what’s right for our membership.

SA Chefs’ work starts with membership interests and ends with membership satisfaction – and Hostex 2022 will be our launch pad.

We look forward to engagement, support, insights and contributions from the wider hospitality, food and drink industry at the Skillery at Hostex.

To find out more about Hostex, visit www.hostex.co.za.

the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) donate surpluses to schools and those in need, preventing food that is still fit for consumption from ending up in landfills.

“Following a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability – people, planet and profit – the CTICC strives to implement events in a sustainable manner which benefits both the society and natural environment in which it operates,” says the CTICC’s 2022 Sustainability Manual

MORE THAN JUST TASTY FOOD

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and food that tells a story is sure to create a vibrant sensory experience for your delegates. This has also seen massive growth in farm-totable eating.

“Farm-to-table events are quite the rage. Everyone wants in on them. Why? Aside from being a new and unique trend, farm-totable events are beautiful, with a focus on community, connection and, of course, food,” explains Messina’s Catering and Events.

In line with creating a sense of community, your attendees will enjoy supporting local suppliers and buying locally grown, fresh produce, as this element of proximity builds greater personal relevance for them and, in turn, creates resonance.

“Your event is more likely to attract support if it’s designed to make locals feel at home in their suburb or town. This is true in general, but it’s all the more important in a cultural climate that’s centred around living and socialising locally, as the response to Covid-19 has nudged many of us closer to our local places and spaces,” says Eventbrite.

DRAWING THE LINE

balance between saving lives and livelihoods,” notes the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) in its official communication.

SAACI goes on to say that the release of the National Norms and Standards by the Department of Tourism is a key piece of legislation that guides self-regulation for the hospitality industry in South Africa.

“In addition to all the protocols the industry has developed, such as the Re-opening Guidelines, this serves as an additional layer of checks and balances when we host events,” highlights SAACI.

SAACI is responsible for representing the conferencing industry and, together with figureheads from other associations that are also active within this space, it has lobbied extensively to the government on the safe reopening of events.

ANSWERABLE TO GOVERNMENT

The suspension of South Africa’s National State of Disaster on 4 April 2022 by President Cyril Ramaphosa has been met with several criticisms, most significantly as the regulations stipulated under the National Health Act (No. 61 of 2003) will now dictate the future of health and safety at events. Following an extension of the public consultation period by Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, the country awaits a way forward in how it will balance lives and livelihoods. Until then, events in South Africa will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 1 000 people indoors, and 2 000 outdoors, or 50% of the venue’s capacity.

While the consensus among organisers and representing associations seems to be that the self-regulation of health and safety protocols is the best way forward for in-person events, there are still several national and local laws that apply. Without these laws in place, there is unfortunately very little recourse should anything go wrong.

“It has been a rollercoaster ride… staying motivated and positive, and pressurising the government to recognise that our professional recovery plan will successfully keep people Covid-safe at the events we host,” says Mike Lord, interim chair of the Events Safety Council (ESC).

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. This has been a common theme during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the health and safety regulations that the organised and live events industry have been subject to throughout the duration of the pandemic

and lockdowns have meant that there is no single standard or norm.

“Some may argue that we are overregulating ourselves as we are testing before and during events. Other industries are not and as such we are being singled out for doing the right thing. That is finding the

The ESC was established under the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) and is an international affiliate of the Event Safety Alliance (see sidebar). Previously, the ESC’s focus was on general event safety risks such as erecting structures, crowd control, security and fire. However, with the rapid spread of Covid-19, it has highlighted

As South Africa moves through the fifth wave of Covid-19, it begs the question: are health and safety standards within the events industry in line with the current risks posed by Covid-19, or unnecessarily over the top? Meetings understands more.

the pressing need for the implementation of best practices within health risk management, resulting in health and safety risks being dealt with at the same time.

“Covid-19 is a complex problem, and there is no single, simple solution. The environment keeps changing, and the laws are constantly being adjusted – as a result, it is difficult to keep up. We are tackling the problem with science, facts and experience, while keeping an eye on global trends,” Mike explains.

“The event space has always been regulated, but the advent of Covid-19 has brought the issue of health and safety into stark focus. Our progress has sometimes been slow and frustrating, but the ESC’s effort since lockdown commenced has not been in vain. I believe that continued interaction

with the government structures will lead to a better understanding of our industry, and a recognition of our sector’s contribution to the GDP of our country,” says Sam September, vice-chair of the ESC.

BEEFED-UP SKILLS

The ESC’s Re-opening Guidelines, which were brought together to assist in-person events in safely operating while the Covid-19 pandemic was in full swing, were endorsed by members of the SA Events Council and accepted as an industry recommendation when presented to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). In April 2021, the SA Events Council made the ‘Spectator Safety Guidelines’ publicly available. This set of guidelines was endorsed by Sascoc (South

African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) and presented to both the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, as well as Nedlac.

Committed to best practice in safety across all aspects of the events industry, the ESC has developed and rolled out professional event safety designations that are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority. The two certifications are the SACIA Certified Event Safety Practitioner, given to “individuals who can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of legislation, regulations, standards and by-laws that apply in the events industry,” while the SACIA Certified Event Safety Professional designation “is awarded to individuals who can demonstrate a deep understanding of legislation, regulations, standards and by-laws that apply in the events industry – along with substantial experience working as an event safety officer across multiple event genres.”

To ensure that members are kept abreast of the latest trends, developments and technologies shaping the future of safety within the events sector, they are required to participate in a programme of continuing professional development.

WHAT THE ESA’S HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR IN-PERSON EVENTS SAYS...

The Event Safety Alliance (ESA) Health and Safety Guidance for In-Person Events was released in October 2021. It maintains that it “follows the science and takes the position that vaccination is the single best way back to healthy in-person events.” In short, it makes the following considerations:

• It addresses common objections to vaccination with firm but respectful responses on the basis of law, medical status and religion.

• The Guidance discusses the science of face coverings and why venues and event promoters can require them as a condition of entering private property or private events.

• The Guidance discusses the relative merits of PCR and rapid antigen tests as infection mitigation measures.

• There is a discussion why symptom-based testing works poorly with Covid-19.

• The Guidance concludes with a discussion of hygiene measures like hand sanitiser in the context of this pandemic and public events generally.

• Throughout the document, factual assertions are supported by hyperlinked source material for further reading.

DISCLAIMER: ESA offers no opinion on those subjects. Rather, the Health and Safety Guidance for In-Person Events is intended to answer commonly asked questions at this moment during the pandemic and empower event professionals with reliable information about applicable science and law. The goal is nothing less than encouraging a return to in-person events in a way that is both economically viable and healthy and safe for guests, workers and performers.

Health and Safety Guidance for In-Person Events can be downloaded from www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esareopening-guide

SAACI continues to advocate that our recovery will be done in a responsible manner with all the safety protocols we have shared, developed and tested at the industry proof of concept events.”

Goal-getter

Let me ask you a question. How long is your to-do list? What I mean is, how many projects are you currently working on?

If you are like most people, your list of active projects is longer than you’d like to admit. I’d bet this isn’t because you’re unproductive or not hard-working. If you’re reading this, the opposite is probably true.

So why do most of us wind up with a long list of projects, opportunities and things we’d like to get done? And if we’re honest, the list is often longer than we can get done in the time we really have available.

I believe two things drive it. On the one hand, we live in a time characterised by the ‘chaos of abundance’. We have never had more choices than we do today. Opportunities are more abundant than at any other time in history, and it’s unlikely we’ll be constrained anytime soon. In fact, our options are only likely to increase as we advance in our careers, and more opportunities will present themselves along with those options. And on the other hand, we lack the disciplines of simplicity and focus.

The net effect is that most people have nothing more than an impressive collection of

ideas that they’re not making any real progress on achieving. A list like that only weighs on our minds and adds to our guilt, stress and can overwhelm us.

So, what can we do about it? How do we move the needle on our project list and experience exponential productivity?

Tapping into exponential productivity isn’t a trade secret kept under wraps by the world’s most successful people, but it takes a degree of focus, writes Scott Langley

WARREN BUFFET’S 5/25 RULE

Warren Buffett is famously the most successful investor in the world. With a reported net worth of US$115.5 billion, he has achieved record-high returns and remained successful in a career spanning over six decades.

But Buffett isn’t just about investments either; he is famous for giving sage advice as well. The story below is told by one of Buffett’s employees – his personal pilot, Mike Flint.

Apparently, Buffett approached him after realising that Flint had been working for him for 10 years. Buffett joked, “The fact that you’re still working for me tells me I’m not doing my job.”

Wanting to discuss his pilot’s career goals and how he could help him achieve them, the billionaire asked Flint to conduct a simple exercise – one that would change the way he viewed his priorities forever.

The first step in the exercise was to list down 25 things that Flint wanted to accomplish in the foreseeable future. Second, he asked to rank these goals in order of importance and circle the top five. Prioritising his goals was undoubtedly more challenging than listing them, but Flint managed it.

Having identified his top five goals, Flint was asked a seemingly simple question by his employer, “What are you going to do with the remaining 20 items?”

“Well, the top five are my primary focus, but the other 20 come a close second,” Flint explained. He said, “They are still important, so I’ll commit some time and energy to those intermittently as I see fit or when I can’t get to my top five. They are not as urgent, but I still plan to give them dedicated effort.”

Immediately, Buffett’s expression changed, and he responded sternly, “No. You’ve got it wrong, Mike. Everything you didn’t circle just became your avoid-at-all-costs list. No matter what, these things get no attention from you until you’ve succeeded with your top five.”

While the story may be apocryphal, the truth of the anecdote is undeniable. A ruthless commitment to a narrow set of priorities produces more significant results than spreading yourself too thin. Buffet says, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

SELECTIVE FOCUS

While Buffett spoke about the 5/25 rule concerning career goals (see top-right graphic), it has applications far beyond that. We can attain the same results if we are ruthlessly

WARREN BUFFETT’S 5-STEP PROCESS FOR PRIORITISING TRUE SUCCESS

committed to a small set of priorities in our health, relationships and personal development as well. We need selective focus and the discipline to resist getting distracted by the newest ‘shiny object’ that crosses our path.

Our odds of success improve when we direct our focus on a singular pursuit. We have to be dedicated to one thing and put in the hours to see significant improvement.

It’s the primary reason most of us will never reach the level of expertise required to be a superstar or truly world class in that field. Most of us attain a level of success and are happy to cease progressing there.

Each time we pursue a new course of action, we incur an opportunity cost. It takes our time and attention away from the other things that are most important to us. The price to family or work in achieving that level is simply too high to pay.

But when we are constantly switching from one project to the next in a never-ending game of Ludo, we never reap the rewards from any of them. No smarter than the farmer who uproots his apple tree saplings after a year to plant young avocado trees in their place, after seeing the price his neighbour got at the market. It will be many more years (and further expenses) before he sees any produce or profit.

In Russell Brunson’s Mastermind group, he forbids entrepreneurs from starting a second business until their first one has made at least $1 million. He knows that if he allowed them to divide their attention into a second enterprise, they will never achieve the potential of their first business.

CONCLUSION

Your time and attention are your two most precious and finite resources. Rather than adding to your project list, take the time to eliminate items from it. Think deeply about what truly matters to you.

The 5/25 rule is an exercise in simplicity and focus that could leave your life better, easier and more prosperous.

We shouldn’t be quick to open every door of opportunity because not all will be right for us. There will always be more good opportunities than we realistically have time for and, as Stephen Covey reminds us, “The good is the enemy of the best.”

Scott Langley is a regular contributor to Meetings. If you would like to learn more or get in touch with Scott, visit theplanner.guru/ author/scott-langley.

Oh, baby!

What started as a blog intended to empower parents who were coming to grips with the numerous challenges presented by their newfound parenthood has grown into South Africa’s top parenting portal.

“When I started writing the blog, I had a very well-established PR and event management company. I was going to be one of those women who gave birth and was back at my desk the very next day. At some point during my pregnancy, I became overwhelmed by the amount of content that was out there and I didn’t know what information I could trust,

so I started writing my own articles. I would then get experts to contribute and also check my copy to ensure it was 100% sound,” explains Amanda Rogaly, founder and CEO of BabyYumYum.co.za

Amanda’s blog attracted support from several advertisers and, six years later, BabyYumYum.co.za has grown into an impressive portal that is now the fastestgrowing online community for parents.

A VIRTUAL SUCCESS

As part of its drive, BabyYumYum. co.za aims to support businesses

Amanda Rogaly, founder of BabyYumYum.co.za & the Virtual Parenting Experience

providing products and services to parents and their children by connecting them to their audience through its Virtual Parenting Experience (#VPE) platform. This encompasses everything from homeware and clothing to services specifically for parents. With 12 487 tickets sold for #VPE2022, numbers held steady this year compared to #VPE in 2021, when close to 13 000 tickets were bought. “Last year, because we are, of course, so entrepreneurial, we decided to solve the problem behind people not going to in-person expos, with the knock-on of this being that brands weren’t able

Damian McHugh, CMO at Momentum Health Solutions

The business of parenting is a big deal – just ask the founders and sponsors of the BabyYumYum.co.za Virtual Parenting Experience powered by Momentum Medical Scheme. Meetings speaks to the team to unpack this.

to expose themselves, so we decided to create the Virtual Parenting Experience. #VPE2021 was really a proof of concept, so we didn’t invest heavily in it, but from a resource point of view, with the staff and energy we put behind it, this year’s #VPE was an even richer and more engaging experience,” says Amanda.

Amanda attributes the success of the BabyYumYum.co.za #VPE2022, which ran from 20 to 22 May, to the format of the event.

“For mothers with younger children, moving around with them is hectic. There is ‘The Bag’ that needs to be prepped for every single mealtime, nappy change, and clothing for all seasons – and heaven forbid just one item is left behind! Babies can also be niggly and fuss and cry. New mothers also may not want to spend extended periods of time away from their children, so we found #VPE to be ideal for moms, who can sit back and enjoy themselves and be with their children and partners in the comfort of their home,” says Amanda.

A plus point for brands is that they can sponsor different speakers who are relevant to specific topics. They also have the option to include gifts and vouchers for the #VPE goodie bags, which are collected by attendees from their nearest Supa Quick – a distribution partner of BabyYumYum.co.za.

“Having an event background, I feel I understand very well the touchpoints that people want. They want that tangibility, and to feel as if they are involved,” Amanda states.

FORGING PARTNERSHIPS

With the steady growth of BabyYumYum.co.za and its #VPE event, this is attracting growing support from partners and sponsors, including the likes of Momentum Medical Scheme, which has resulted in a mutually beneficial endeavour between the two parties.

“Momentum Medical Scheme has partnered with BabyYumYum.co.za over the past few

years to ensure that our members enjoy the world’s best healthcare and, in particular, maternity benefits.

“The scheme boasts one of the lowest average member age profiles in the open market industry, which has a positive impact on claims ratios and its resulting impact on future sustainability of the scheme, as well as contribution increases. This success can in part be attributed to our partnership with the likes of BabyYumYum.co.za, ensuring that what is available to Momentum Medical Scheme members appeals to younger individuals, such as moms and moms-to-be,” comments Damian McHugh, CMO at Momentum Health Solutions.

In addition to its maternity benefits, other parenting benefits that Momentum Medical Scheme offers include at-home vaccination of babies, at-home parenting support, and hampers to make new parents’ lives a little bit easier. Momentum further offers online antenatal classes, free access to qualified doctors at any time of the day or night, and educational materials, which are available through both the Momentum app and the BabyYumYum.co.za portal.

WHAT WENT DOWN AT #VPE2022

As an online experience, which means the need to attend in person fell away, #VPE2022 was accessible to parents and caregivers across South Africa. The convenience factor is, according to BabyYumYum.co.za, enormously attractive to new parents, as it eliminates the stress of disrupting your family’s daily routine to attend an expo at a venue.

“Attendees plan their day around the topics that appeal to them in the comfort and convenience of their own homes simply

by logging on via a device with an internet connection,” say the organisers.

Pregnant women and newborns are considered high risk for Covid-19 and, says BabyYumYum.co.za, it is with this in mind that #VPE provides the perfect solution to shopping, socialising and being informed.

#VPE2022 ran over the three days and included the following:

• Friday 20 May – Dedicated Brand Engagement and Retail e-Commerce Space

• Saturday 21 May – Day 1 Expert Presentations (10:00 to 16:00)

• Sunday 22 May – Day 2 Expert Presentations (10:00 to 16:00).

The programme saw participation from expert speakers and hosted several interactive workshops. As part of the experience, incredible prizes aimed at couples who are starting a family and those who are already on their parenting journey were also given away.

For a small cost of just R80, parents had access to over 30 speakers, including top experts, influencers and celebrities.

“Typically, it would be very difficult for any one of us to get an appointment with one of these people because they would be either very expensive, or even unknown because they are so highly specialised. Through #VPE2022, you could watch them and engage with them online then ask them questions at the end of their presentation, which would previously be unheard of,” remarks Amanda, adding that there is also a social element with other parents who are also part of the experience.

For more information, visit babyyumyum.co.za.

Radisson Hotel Group is serious about Africa, and this is clear from not just its achievements thus far, but also its ambitious growth targets.

In 2021, Radisson signed 14 new hotel deals for the continent and by the end of the first quarter of this year, it opened five new hotels. It is hoped that by 2025, the group will have 150 hotels in Africa operating under the Radisson umbrella.

“Our next big and important opening for us is the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga, which will open in June. With 207 rooms, it’s located in the heart of the Umhlanga Rocks Village,” says Sandra.

Another exciting development on the cards for Radisson is Radisson Blu Livingstone, ideally situated on a river bend on the Zambezi River. The hotel will open its doors in Q3. In addition, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit will start

RAD RADISSON

welcoming guests in Q1 2023. The 138-room hotel made history when it was announced in 2020 as the first Radissonbranded hotel in South Africa, as well as the first international luxury hotel, for the Lowveld area.

Although the current hotels in the pipeline are all on track to open as scheduled, and Radisson are experts in hotel developments and openings, these aren’t straightforward. And as a rule of thumb, says Sandra, they need to expect the unexpected.

A VARIED OFFERING

Operating in South Africa and competing among a host of different international players, Radisson believes the country presents some rather attractive prospects.

“I believe there is always an opportunity for a great product at the right price, regardless of the location. I think there are still some markets within South Africa that are underrepresented, and what we’ve learnt from our experience in places like Dubai is that there is plenty of space for new products that deliver value,” Sandra explains. Sandra is optimistic about Radisson’s expansion within South Africa, and Africa in particular, noting the potential of both the country and continent to grow and change as a destination.

“Africa’s airspace is operating at nearly half of where it was compared to 2019. Looking at the rate of our recovery, even if we address the shortfall, we still have a long way to go.

This shows the huge potential for the right opportunities on the continent,” says Sandra.

Interestingly, Covid-19 resulted in Radisson laying claim to a lot more market share than

Radisson Hotel Group signed five new hotels across Africa within the first quarter of 2022. Meetings magazine speaks to Sandra Kneubuhler, sales director: South Africa, on the group’s growth strategy.

RESPONSIBLE RADISSON

Responsible business is at the core of everything that Radisson does; in April this year, the group announced that it has committed to being a net-zero carbon contributor by 2050.

“Radisson Hotel Group is making a strong commitment to decarbonise its business by setting ambitious emission reduction targets to be net-zero by 2050 – in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. Building on its long heritage as a leading sustainable hotel group, Radisson Hotel Group’s 2021 Responsible Business Report outlines its latest sustainability targets in line with its strategic five-year plan. These include its commitment to becoming net-zero by 2050, to accelerating the implementation of the cross-industry Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality and Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, and to reaffirming the group’s commitment to people, community, and planet.”

prior to 2020, and this is an opportunity the group wants to harness, Sandra adds.

PERSONAL ASPIRATIONS

With a range of hotels across several different markets, Radisson strives to have as diverse a portfolio as possible, and Sandra is passionate about what she does.

“There is something for every customer, in every location, and it is an absolute pleasure to sell for and represent the brand,” she remarks.

Sandra began working for Radisson Hotel Group three years ago when she was appointed to set up a South African sales cluster and tasked with developing a cohesive strategy across the company’s different areas. She had been in her role for a year when the Covid-19 pandemic hit but, she says, this didn’t intimidate her. In fact, this encouraged her to create more effective strategies for the local team.

“Sometimes, these situations present ideal opportunities. We used the pandemic to gain market share and customers we never had, and we saw it as a chance to change what wasn’t working for the business,” says Sandra, underscoring that the working culture at Radisson is very ‘entrepreneurial’, allowing one to react rapidly to changing market conditions.

Sandra attributes part of her success at Radisson to those who have supported her in her role, including her mentors, one of whom is Bert Fol, regional director: Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.

“It is unusual when you work for a big corporate to allow so much freedom and latitude to change and diversify, but Radisson’s approach is that they want to develop people from within, and it is a super exciting time to be part of the company,” comments Sandra.

BUILDING FORWARD

While many hotels appear to be experiencing a capacity challenge as business has quickly started to pick up within hospitality and travel, Radisson feels it has an advantage in that it opened as many of its hotels as soon as it was possible.

“We took the view that we had to adapt sooner rather than later, and we couldn’t wait for Covid-19 to be over before we opened –most of our hotels in South Africa were open by July 2020,” notes Sandra.

Ensuring the group was operating in this way meant that Radisson was already adapting its staffing models and structure for demand, tweaking this incrementally as the pandemic progressed. Working in this way has since become part of Radisson’s new norm.

“I think we were better placed because we’ve just had a bit more practice,” Sandra says lightheartedly; however, on a more serious note, she states that, as a company, Radisson is committed to its investors, so refining its efficiencies is key.

“We need to ensure that our hotels have optimal returns for our investors. We have had to be flexible and constantly adapt to demand, and I think what helps us is when we have a lot of product in a country; if we have one hotel that is doing really well and another that is experiencing a quieter period, we try to shift some resources around. Working in this way has helped a great deal during this time,” says Sandra.

For Radisson, the guest experience is at the heart of what they do.

“In trying to manage costs, the guest experience should never be compromised,” she concludes.

A comical AFFAIR

Meetings

speaks to Carla Massmann, show director of Comic Con Africa, about the strategy to include StreamerCon as part of the show.

StreamerCon is an exceptionally innovative juxtaposition to launch alongside Comic Con Africa – what was the thinking in pairing the two shows? With content creation being massively rooted in meme and pop culture, the link came naturally. Over the past two years, fans have been able to get instant updates, opinions and

even companionship from online personalities; the influencer of today is very different to what it was. Content creators are now the micro-influencers who drive exceptional engagement through niche communities.

The South African streaming scene is budding – and we strongly believe that, with the right support from brands and spotlighting creators, we can

assist in ushering in a generation of content creators that will be praised worldwide.

We are excited to highlight pop culture as a driving force for content creators and celebrate the creation thereof.

How is StreamerCon being received by the market, and what sponsorship opportunities are you currently offering?

StreamerCon has been very well received by the fans, content creators and the industry that supports them. There is an aura of excitement emanating from the community. Regarding sponsorships, StreamerCon does not want to become a sticker book of brand logos and is focusing on creating engaging experiences between brands and fans. The financial foundation of the streaming scene is vital to ensure that it is sustainable. As much as brands want to engage with their fans and users, creators want to engage with brands to monetise their talents.

What sort of uptake do you hope to see in terms of participation, and could this possibly spawn its own event in the future?

I believe this is just the beginning of the imminent growth of StreamerCon – and we are glad to be part of the growth of the community and ecosystem.

This is a show for the content creation community, and we are pleased to be working with them to create this space. In terms of participation, we are welcoming already established content creators, as well as those who are aspiring to get in on the scene and everyone in-between. At the show, fans can expect workshops, streaming pods, a creator alley and much more.

What growth prospects could we look forward to from StreamerCon – both for the streaming market as well as the event itself?

One of the massive growth prospects for StreamerCon is collaboration. We are beyond excited to see the mash-ups and ideas that happen when creative minds meet! It’s quite humbling to be the medium and vehicle for something so explosive. Having worked closer with the content creation community over the past two years, we are happy to be at the forefront of bringing them together. The community is our guidance and we are excited to be learning from them to deliver on their expectations.

Comic Con Africa and StreamerCon will run concurrently from 22 to 25 September 2022 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. For more information, visit comicconafrica.co.za.

Are your events delivering the best delegate experiences, or do they fall short? Liz Lathan, CMP, CMO,

cofounder of Haute Companies took it upon herself to identify attendees’ pet peeves to create The Attendee Bill of Rights: A Guide to Creating Attendee-

First Experiences, As Told by Attendees Meetings delves into the heart of the matter.

While there is a clear push for attendees to be together in person, certified meeting professional Liz Lathan, cofounder of Haute Companies, took exception to some of the experiences she was having at face-to-face events as a post-pandemic delegate. Through her company’s LinkedIn page, she asked for the worst personal gripes and experiences from event attendees to give planners and organisers insights from the other side. This led to the birth of The Attendee Bill of Rights: A Guide to Creating Attendee-First Experiences, As Told by Attendees

“My biggest surprise from the responses has been that it confirms what I’ve been experiencing at the events I’m attending: people all want the same thing – to be around each other. They want to talk, they want to commiserate, they want to share, and they want to help each other. And yet the agendas are lots of keynote presentations trying to inspire them into action or addressing burnout. And while many of these events have expanded their coffee break to 30 minutes instead of 15, they are not helping to facilitate the conversations that the attendees want,” Liz notes in an interview with Skift Meetings.

Her motivation for putting together the guide came from observing how the return of physical events was taking shape, and that many event professionals currently appear to be thinly stretched.

“Colleagues are quitting; our inputs come from at least seven different channels... To further complicate the job, we’re not just planning inperson events; we’re planning hybrid strategies, digital experiences, full-funnel audience acquisition, and follow-ups,” says Liz.

So, what is it that attendees need?

Here is a summary of delegates’ expectations, according to The Attendee Bill of Rights: A Guide to Creating Attendee-First Experiences, As Told by Attendees:

The Attendee Bill of Rights

CONTENT

• Attendees have a right to know if the session will be (or include) a sales pitch.

• Attendees have a right to presenters who have worked in the industry and speak with clear examples and from experience.

• Attendees have a right to hear the content that was promised in the agenda.

• Attendees have a right to have speakers who will present, not read, their presentations.

• Attendees have a right to walk out of any session that doesn’t suit their needs.

• Attendees (and panellists) have a right to panel discussions with a manageable number of panellists (no more than three), so all voices can be heard.

• Attendees have a right to a variety of content, and not be in the same room in listen-only mode for more than 90 minutes.

F&B

• Attendees have a right to healthy and indulgent treats.

• Attendees have a right to have protein at breakfast.

• Attendees have a right to bring their own water bottles and fill them up at no cost.

• Attendees have a right to access the food and drinks (i.e. planners must order enough for everyone).

EXPERIENCE

• Attendees have a right to access charging stations for devices (and not sit on the floor for it).

• Attendees have a right to useful swag, not landfill junk.

• Attendees have a right to spread out from their neighbours in the sessions and not have to sit hip-to-hip with others.

• Attendees have a right to be treated like people and not herded like cows.

• Attendees have a right to have their feedback used in the planning, not asked on a survey and ignored.

and a

A journey anchored in faith

ABOUT YVETTE MKHATSHWA

Yvette graduated in 2010 with a National Diploma in Hospitality Management in Professional Cookery. During her in-service training, she worked in several fine-dining establishments, including Beluga Restaurant in Cape Town as well as Sun City. She had the opportunity to work abroad in Doha, Qatar, for two years at the Grand Heritage Hotel.

What is your favourite dish, and why?

I don’t have one personal favourite dish – I love everything from ravioli, nachos, butter chicken, kotas and mogodu, to my mom’s famous home-made macaroni and cheese. Food is my life, hence my current struggle to find the perfect balance between healthy amounts of food experiences versus my gym trips!

What is the dish you are most often requested to cook?

My Indian curries! I was blessed enough that during my time working in Doha, I was trained by a very good North Indian chef, who taught me all his tricks of the trade on how to make a really good curry, so that is definitely a popular request.

What are some of the top cuisine trends defining the future of catering for events?

The world is becoming very conscious about the sustainability of how we will be able to keep up with the high demand for food with the current growth in population. Therefore, more plant-based meals are becoming trendier, with even the big franchises such as McDonald’s and Burger King getting on board and offering more vegetarian or plant-based meals. Global warming and the enormous impact it’s having on

She began her journey with ATKV in 2016, where she started as a head chef at Buffelspoort before being promoted to assistant restaurant manager.

In 2018, Yvette became ATKV Natalia’s restaurant manager, and she currently manages the venue’s restaurant, as well as the shop.

Yvette feels that ATKV has allowed her to experience significant growth within her career, giving her a lot of exposure.

raw materials is putting more pressure on the culinary world to find ways to plate food and have the consumer buy into the idea.

Where do you hope to be in the next 5-10 years?

Being a mother of three as well as being career-driven, my honest answer would be to find a great balance between the two. I would like to be successful in my career, and success to me isn’t being well known or famous, but rather contributing to our industry in an impactful manner. I want to help the less fortunate access more sustainable means of nutrition and address food insecurity while educating more people about making healthier nutritional choices.

What advice would you give to anyone aspiring to break into the culinary industry? Don’t limit yourself – we all have our own stories. The culinary industry is difficult but extremely rewarding! Make sure to be spiritually aligned because you’re going to need it on the hard days when you feel like giving up. Allow yourself to grow and be challenged, and never be complacent. Remember: success is determined by your own effort, so be creative, passionate, and in tune with the world around you. Be the best version of yourself and celebrate all your milestones, even the little ones.

Meetings hears from Yvette Mkhatshwa, restaurant manager at ATKV Natalia, who describes her career as one that has been blessed.

Safeguarding our collective future

According to research, the majority of AIPC members expect to be back at 2019 booking levels during 2023. Similarly, the outlook from the World Tourism & Travel Council is for the global travel and tourism sectors to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and grow at a rate that will outpace global GDP growth, resulting in the creation of 126 million jobs worldwide.

Meanwhile, GL events, which manages over 50 venues, reported revenue of € 220.3 million in Q1 – more than double the amount achieved in the same quarter last year. More specifically, GL events LIVE generated revenue of € 125.2m, up from the pre-health crisis level.

This should put a smile on the face of everybody involved in the events industry. After two years of cycling through hope, fear and frustration, we are back in business. At the end of this month, at IMEX, the industry will rightly celebrate this resurrection.

PIECING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER

The first quarter of 2022 was also interesting on many other fronts, with a series of interconnected events profoundly impacting our communities and, eventually, our businesses. And it is not straightforward to put all these realities together.

The risk in this situation – with too many areas of attention – is that we lose focus of our core challenges: business development, attracting talent and making our business truly sustainable. It can be helpful to be reminded of these focus areas in a clear and robust way. During the 2022 AIPC Academy, which took place in April, Ben Wielgus, chief sustainability officer of Informa, explained the new rules when it comes to bringing their business to venues. They have implemented a Faster

Forward programme based on three pillars: Faster to Zero, Sustainability Inside, and Impact Multiplier.

LEADING THE WAY

Venues are an important partner to the programme’s success, and this comes with certain requirements – from shifting to 100% renewable electricity to phasing out single-use plastics. These guidelines are currently being finalised, and venues will be informed of them in due course. However, the plan goes a lot further, with data collection being a key success factor. For every event, a standardised set of data will be collected, allowing us to assess the sustainability of the event and identify key areas for improvement with all the parties involved. While there are, of course, areas that require further discussion, the framework proposed by Informa makes the carbon-zero objectives, as outlined at COP26, very tangible and business-driven.

Venues did not wait for the framework to make sustainability happen within their facilities. Impressive work has been done by centres like the Scottish Event Campus (it aims to be carbon-zero by 2030), the Javits Center in New York (its seven-acre green roof allows water to be captured and reduces energy consumption by 26%), and Marina Bay Sands (its intelligent building management system has over 250 000 data points, helping to save over 7.4 million kWh of energy annually).

The power of convention centres is that the efforts they make within sustainability have a clear amplification effect, which goes beyond the facilities and the events hosted. Best practices are shared with other venues, allowing us to move faster towards being carbon-zero as an industry. And the same best practices are also shared on a local level, enabling us to move faster as a community.

SVEN BOSSU is the CEO of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC).

The recovery of the organised events industry in 2022 has been remarkable, but we need to focus on ensuring we are sustainable, urges Sven Bossu

INDUSTRY VIEWS

Revitalising events sustainably

Mainstreaming event greening

Event greening should be a part of upskilling our industry, says Morwesi Ramonyai

The South African Events Council’s Road to Recovery webinar in March addressed concerns facing the local industry as events start to re-emerge with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. A key challenge is the loss of expertise and skills from the sector, as retrenchments, furloughs, wage cuts and uncertainty have driven talent into other fields of work. Consequently, there is a pressing need to train and nurture those who are new to working in the business events space. This is so that events can be safely and professionally managed, and aid our recovery, among other reasons.

As the chairperson of the EGF, I would argue that sustainability should be included in this upskilling process from the start. While many still view event greening as an ancillary requirement, the truth is that sustainable practices are increasingly in demand, increasingly expected by the market, and increasingly likely to be legislated. It’s no longer a ‘trend’, but a necessity for our future. How we do business is

INDUSTRY VIEWS

An industry in recovery

both environmentally and socially unsustainable. We need to improve our systems and make bold shifts, such as moving to a circular economy and going carbon-neutral.

REBUILDING RIGHT

But big changes like this need small starts. And this is where we are today.

Rebuilding is hard, but it is also a unique opportunity to put in place the values and structures you want to see grow with your business and team. Laying the right foundation now will benefit you (and your clients and our industry) in the long term.

This doesn’t need to be an arduous or costly exercise. The EGF is not-for-profit, and we have the resources and support to help you on this journey. Our upcoming training webinar – Back to Basics of Event Greening – will be held on 21 July 2022. It’s a great introduction to the concept of event greening, and a handy way to refresh your knowledge.

Making a turnaround

It has been a tough period for shows and those working in the industry. Many of the smaller industry players were unable to survive, but the bigger organisers and shows have endured, and have come back stronger.

In most parts of the world, this year is seeing the industry busier than ever. Shows are back and calendars are tight. This is according to Kai Hattendorf, CEO at UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

This was highlighted at our most recent show, Propak Africa, which took place in March this year. Buyers attended the show to buy, and sellers – our exhibitors – were there to sell. Experts and leaders met. It was an impressive show where many new products were seen for the first time and where highvalue sales were made.

While the Propak Africa exhibition might have been smaller in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers, the

calibre of both was outstanding. The level of the local industry in terms of technology and innovation was world class, and the local exhibitors really got to shine. Following global trends, exhibitions are adopting more technology and moving to hybrid events. While exhibitions remain a face-to-face event, technology makes the exhibition experience more enjoyable, driving many aspects of the live exhibition – from registration to the live-streaming of events, and more.

The UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer Report reflects trends that will drive the format of exhibitions in the coming years:

• Covid-19 has confirmed the value of face-to-face events and survey respondents anticipate the sector to bounce back quickly

• there is a push towards hybrid events with more digital elements at events

• virtual events are NOT replacing physical events.

MORWESI RAMONYAI is the chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the exhibitions industry cannot be underestimated, but the resilience of the industry is clear, writes Mark Anderson

MARK ANDERSON is a portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery and treasurer of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).

INDUSTRY VIEWS

Coming together

Identifying common experiences

As we roll towards the halfway mark of the calendar year, our common shared experience of attending in-person events is mirrored in many ways. Some have been comical, but many of us remain vigilant and mindful of the pandemic still hovering around us. On our ventures out to business meetings, trade fairs and exhibitions, we have witnessed how planners are adjusting as we all build personal confidence with our clients and delegates to venture away from our screens. One immediate challenge, before we even say a word, is as simple as how we greet each other. While many of us in South Africa are huggers, we are still in a pandemic, and those awkward moments – initiating an elbow or fist bump followed by a laugh – are repeated during every occasion between colleagues.

START SMALL

Conversation starters and small talk seems a little rusty. Topics may be a challenge, as so much has happened, and we have all been affected so diversely. Our suggestion at

SAACI is that one asks questions carefully and steers clear of asking how work is, as many of our colleagues have been severely challenged. Having a bank of conversation topics seems to be a good way to prepare when venturing out to an in-person event for the first time.

The most common and surprising behaviour returning to in-person business events has been the focus on our devices. Why, we ask, after two years of staring at a screen?

We all have a story to tell, and we all need a little light conversation with another person in our presence. Leave the devices for a few minutes and have a human interaction again.

Remember that we all have been affected differently, and our energy levels drop off when we attend in-person events. Feeling sluggish and fatigued is natural. Think of this like an athlete returning from a muscle injury; you want to walk before you run, or you might reinjure yourself. Our recommendation is that you start out slowly, with smaller groups.

Glenton de Kock shares his thoughts on why gathering people at a physical event seems to be so challenging.

GLENTON DE KOCK is the CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI).

LEADING FROM

behind

We see it at almost every event we attend – at least one captain of industry or thought leader will climb up on to the stage to deliver a speech or address that is intended to leave delegates feeling inspired, impressed, warm and fuzzy, or all the above.

During a time that has been so incredibly challenging for the industry, this is, in part, exactly what we need, but it goes much deeper than sticking a suit on a stage to make the right noises; we need these leaders to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and do what needs to be done. This is a message I would like to voice to the events industry, especially as we seek out engaging and interesting speakers to include as our keynotes.

When it comes time to identify that one crowd-puller, ask yourself: what have they done for the greater good of their people, company, community or industry? Are they a big-shot executive who was awarded a R300 million package when their workers were asking for a mere R1 000 wage increase, or are they pulling out all the stops to ensure the survival of their company and retain as many employees as possible while still remunerating them fairly? And why do you want to give them a platform during your event?

LEADERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE ENTIRELY FOR SHOW

Leadership seems to have become somewhat of a superficial aspiration that is akin to leading

a life of luxury. The trouble with this is that it has spawned a dangerous mindset in which everyone wants to be a leader, but no one wants to be an implementer.

This needs to change.

For us to inspire a new leadership order, I would like us as an industry to take a much deeper look at why we are giving those who do not truly deliver meaningful outcomes an opportunity to broadcast their message. Have they led with their heads, hearts and hands to effect change, and make a difference to the everyday man on the street? Do they understand the needs of their people, or do they merely want to be seen as successful so that others look up to them?

The idiom ‘actions speak louder than words’ could not ring truer in this instance. Don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamour of those who live a high-powered lifestyle and have nothing in common with the majority of people, who simply need practical support and inspiration to better their situations and livelihoods.

Leadership dialogues form a strong component at most of the events we attend, but what good is ‘leadership’ if it achieves nothing for its people or industry, asks Miss Meet .

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