The Meetings & Event Planner 2022

CONTENTS

THE PLANNER IS GROWING ITS FOOTPRINT –CONNECT WITH US TODAY!

12

Event trends you can count on Although there is a major push towards delivering events to the same level we once did, our efforts should be focused on providing experiences in a safe and comfortable environment.

14

Merging expectations To ensure your event provides what delegates are looking for while delivering exceptional returns and value for clients and sponsors, The Meetings & Event Planner looks at how best to align these objectives to overall success.

16

What is it going to take? Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an emphasis on building resilience within the MICE sector. Now, we explore what it will take to ensure that the industry becomes a truly enduring economic driver.

18

Creating harmony between people, planet and profit The Covid-19 pandemic underscored major global disparities and widened the gap between the haves and have-nots. Beyond just greening, The Meetings & Event Planner understands how the MICE industry can ensure it is not only profitable but also sustainable.

20

Finding the sweet spot Creating a standard for outcome-based events should be a no-brainer. We make a case for why this matters now more than ever.

23

Peruse these pages as The Meetings & Event Planner delivers the latest and greatest venue offerings to suit your capacity needs and budgetary requirements.

71 The Meetings & Event Planner hears from just some of the MICE industry’s associations that are working to fortify and grow the value chain through collaborative efforts and innovation.

Travel bans are lifted and Mauritius is open and ready to welcome MICE guests back to the island.

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) would like to reassure the MICE industry that Mauritius is a Covid-19-safe destination, with the island observing the strictest protocols. It is regarded as having one of the world’s best responses to the pandemic, with strict quarantine measures and thorough health, sanitary and testing protocols that have been in place since the outbreak.

This – and so much more – is what makes Mauritius the ideal destination for MICE guests who want to experience the island’s amazing warmth, people and hospitality.

For more informa�on visit www.mymauri�us.travel www.mauri�usnow.com www.ratherbeinmauri�us.co.za

Mauri�us Tourism Promo�on Authority – SA Representa�ve: Philippa Piguet / Janet de Kretser

Meropa Communica�ons

Tel: +27 (0)83 773 8445 / +27 (0)11 506 7300

Email: mauri�us@meropa.co.za

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

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The meetings and events industry has come a long way to get to where we are currently, which I feel is reflected throughout the pages of this gorgeous publication.

The past two years have been a testament to the strength and resilience of our industry and, as part of this incredible issue of The Meetings & Event Planner, our standout editorial on page 12 explores key elements within developing sustainable and impactful solutions. In building connections and collaborations, we have been able to not just stay afloat but also maximise and mutually benefit from available opportunities where it has made sense for us to do so. This has allowed us to innovate beyond our available resources and form a formidable force that has seen us band together and lobby government as we strive for consistency, clarity and support for our industry. Read more about this on page 16.

Trends have consistently formed part of our content; however, coming into 2020, we saw that expectations at the beginning of the year were no longer applicable three months later. In this edition of The Meetings & Event Planner, we focus on the trends that are most likely to endure beyond the Covid-19 pandemic – from health and safety to hybrid events, we get to the heart of what will continue to make our industry tick.

Throughout our best practice section, we emphasise the meetings and events industry’s value proposition. Creating a sense of purpose has been identified as a means of resonating with your audience (see page 14), but what is the next step for events?

We are part of an important value chain that connects a multitude of sectors and businesses in the most unique way, so how do we position ourselves to deliver impactful solutions beyond the creation of stimulating and engaging micro-moments? Are we doing enough in this regard? Turn to page 20 to learn why having an outcome-based focus is the next level for events.

Lastly, I would like to thank my team, each of whom has worked tirelessly to bring you – our valued reader – the ultimate showcase of stunning venues, service provider offerings and associations that are serving our industry and striving to make a difference to their members. As we step into a new era for our industry, we hope you will enjoy this edition of The Meetings & Event Planner!

All our best to you,

Shanna

Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders

Head of Design Beren Bauermeister

It’s been a difficult two years, but the business events and tourism industry can be proud of its accomplishments, writes Shanna Jacobsen

and The Meetings & Event Planner team

ADVERTISERS to

VENUES by

Please note that all capacities provided by venues are subject to social distancing and the ongoing lockdown level regulations.

NORTH WEST

practice BEST

NEW-AGE CONFERENCING + WHAT DOES IT FOR DELEGATES + CREATING IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCES IN THE MOST SUSTAINABLE WAY POSSIBLE

EVENT YOU CAN COUNT ON

In the current era, it would be bizarre to think of having a large-scale event without the wearing of masks, sanitising stations or social distancing. Almost two years to the day after President Ramaphosa announced the very first national lockdown, we have all become so accustomed to the various measures in place that without them, it feels as if a crucial element is missing. Even though it is clear the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted its course, with more than 50% of the world’s population thought to have contracted the Omicron variant, we cannot afford to let our guard down.

“This pandemic, like all other pandemics before it, will end, but it is far too early to relax. With the millions of infections occurring in the world in recent and coming weeks, coupled with waning immunity and winter seasonality, it is almost a given that new Covid-19 variants will emerge and return,” noted Dr Hans Henri Kluge, regional director: Europe, WHO, in an official statement towards the end of January.

For an industry typically based on drawing in crowds, it is clear that planners and organisers

will need to prioritise health and safety above all else.

EVIDENCE-BASED INSIGHTS

In a UK-based survey conducted by Bramcote International and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, 350 conference attendees were surveyed on their confidence in returning to live events. Key findings include:

• 93% of respondents miss networking and the social aspect of events

• 47% of respondents would attend in-person events but this figure rises to 75% if the individual is fully vaccinated

• 71% of respondents desire more flexible cancellation terms.

If we were to analyse the survey findings a little more closely, it would be clear that despite most respondents indicating that they miss the social element of in-person events, only half of those individuals would be comfortable physically attending; however, with the additional measure of vaccines, 80% are likely to attend. In line with this, Hire Space produced a white paper showing

Although there is a major push towards delivering events to the same level we once did, our efforts should be focused on providing experiences in a safe and comfortable environment. The Meetings & Event Planner learns more.

that 54.3% of people would attend an event but that 94% would attend an accredited ‘Safer Event’.

This shows that one of the greatest challenges in the revival of organised events is ensuring delegates are at ease regarding their health and safety. One of the ways we can do this, says Victoria Zambito, executive vice president at Vector Solutions – a US-based technology solutions organisation – is to improve our communication, particularly around health and safety protocols.

“We are all eager to gather and resume attending large events and, at the same time, feel a deep responsibility for ensuring the safety of our team members, partner vendors and clients. The good news is that we have plenty of communication resources and strategies at our fingertips to help us stay safe and in compliance. The future of events may not look bright quite yet, but I believe it’s getting brighter every day,” writes Victoria.

GET COMFORTABLE WITH HYBRID EVENTS

Webinars and hybrid experiences were already growing in popularity before the pandemic.

Once it became clear that Covid-19 would be around for quite some time, this accelerated the demand for this event format. While the consensus seems to be that digital cannot replace in-person events, the same can be said for in-person replacing digital experiences. The pervasive nature of the internet means that your digital event can be brought to people without them needing to step foot outside their front doors. And if we are talking numbers, analytics can quantify the success of your reach.

“With virtual events, attendees can join from the comfort of their homes. This gives

MAKING DELEGATES FEEL COMFORTABLE AT IN-PERSON EVENTS

With in-person events making a comeback, delegates may be nervous about larger gatherings. Here is a summary of some of the ways to ease their concerns, according to BizBash:

businesses the chance to accommodate all attendees’ needs, lifestyles and abilities.

“Added to this, virtual events are more affordable to execute than in-person ones. Combining affordability with a greater attendee reach, companies are able to increase their organic ROI. When it comes to larger virtual events, businesses can attract more partners, sponsors and exhibitors, driving profitability even further,” says TechNative.

Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights forecasts that the world’s virtual software market will reach more than US$41.5 billion (R638 billion) by 2027, clearly demonstrating an appetite for these types of platforms.

COMFORT AND CARE

Personalisation and a focused level of attention on your delegates will be a key differentiating factor as we look forward to increased numbers at in-person events.

Ensuring they are comfortable with the protocols and have everything they need ahead of time – from masks to venue maps – will immediately put delegates’ minds at ease, even more so if they have a point of contact they can contact at all times. These measures create a general sense of being well looked after and will go a long way towards priming your delegates, so they are in a positive frame of mind ahead of the event. Make sure you can offer advice and support to better guide each of your attendees, particularly if they are feeling unwell or overwhelmed by the in-person experience, which some may still be finding their feet in.

Lastly, give your attendees options for how they engage and consider including this as part of your questionnaire; some may not be ready to shake hands or feel comfortable without their mask, so creating different zones for these varying levels of contact during your event could be a welcome addition as delegates’ confidence in in-person experiences steadily grows.

expectations MERGING

your purpose. Your purpose is the big-picture objective that should guide all of your business decisions – maybe your purpose is to advocate for a certain group of people, or to promote a particular political agenda, or to bring educational opportunities to your community.”

Attendance is one of the greatest determining factors in substantiating the success of an event, along with ROI. For this reason, drawing in delegates is crucial. But beyond being a one-hit wonder, how does an event grow and develop into a highly soughtafter experience where there is regular and repeated demand?

If we were to consider the principles of search engine optimisation, the top hit would attempt to best answer the question the user has asked, failing which, they move on to the next response. Events are no different – if a delegate did not have the experience they were

looking for, they will likely not bother attending the next event or share this with anyone else, and quite possibly seek out an alternative. However, if an event delivers on its promise and exceeds all expectations, it can leave an indelible impression on your attendees that keeps them coming back for more.

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN PURPOSE, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Every event will have a purpose and this, says The Events Calendar, will inform your goals and objectives.

“Before you begin crafting your specific goals and objectives, spend some time considering

It might seem like a waste of time to frame purpose, goals and objectives so specifically but clearly stating these objectives carries more weight than we currently give it credit for.

In the Harvard MBA Business School Study on Goal Setting, it was found that 10 years after graduating, 3% of Harvard MBA graduates who wrote down their goals ended up making 10 times as much as the other 97% combined. While event planners and organisers might not have the same ability to produce these types of insights in the longer term, establishing clearly defined goals has proven to be effective.

Finally, within this ecosystem, your objectives will form the basis of the plan that is implemented to achieve your event

To ensure your event provides what delegates are looking for while delivering exceptional returns and value for clients and sponsors, The Meetings & Event Planner looks at how best to align these objectives to overall success.

goals. From an attendee perspective, there are several aspects of an event that define its success but, primarily, this needs to align to both the planner and client’s objectives.

DON’T GUESS – ASK

Each delegate may have their own assortment of reasons for attending your event. Unfortunately, it is impossible to please your entire audience at the same time, but you can format your event around the majority of needs to provide a bit of something for everyone.

Some of the top reasons for attending an event include:

• networking

• sales lead generation

• education and/or training

• industry and/or product updates

• speaking opportunities.

With all the tools currently available to us, polls and surveys are effective means to establishing why your target audience may be keen to attend your event. Ensuring you are transparent and intentional about your fact-finding endeavours is a means to better connect with potential delegates who will appreciate that you have their interests in mind. Avoid overlooking anything by having preconceived ideas as to what will and won’t work for your attendees – so be sure to also include a field for further feedback.

GAUGE RESPONSES

You will be able to tell fairly quickly how your event is being received by how engaged your audience is, as well as how they are engaging with each other. Although it is not ideal, a high attrition rate of registered delegates versus those who attended will indicate that there was not enough of a pull to be able to put bums in seats. A better understanding of these rates can also help minimise unnecessary spend on hard costs such as catering and stationery.

SALEABLE EVENTS

Events that have been created with the purpose of generating sales leads, in particular those within the B2B space, will measure attendance based on marketing qualified leads (MQLs) and sales qualified leads (SQLs). This calculation is as follows: (MQL leads x MQL value) + (SQL leads x SQL value) = total opportunity value

The greater this figure is, the higher the opportunity value component.

EVENT PERFORMANCE KPI s THAT MATTER

A buzz at an event is always a good sign. If you have the capacity, take the time to interview some of the more receptive delegates to gauge if they are enjoying the eventing experience and what they most like. Encourage and reward audience participation and feedback, and follow this up with post-event polls and surveys. Share the results with your attendees and ask them if they have anything else they want to add about the event and their experience.

As a final check, ask delegates if they think they will be back for the next event and what they might want to see more or less of. This will also give you a good sense of what improvements you can make for the following instalment of your event so this can flourish into an ongoing experience that adds value and delivers a worthwhile return.

Bizzabo has developed an exhaustive list of 22 KPIs to determine event success. Here are the top 10.

1 Event check-ins

2 Event surveys

3 Net promoter score (NPS)

4 Number of active community supporters

5 Number of messages sent within the event community

6 Speaker engagement

7 Session analytics

8 Determine top performing topics

9 Live polling response rate

10 Social media mentions

WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE?

While the MICE industry is expected to become a trillion-dollar industry in the next five years, there is a much greater value proposition that remains relatively untapped. What makes the MICE industry so potent is its ability to tap into all other sectors. But, much like a multitude of industries and businesses across the globe, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the significant scaling back of in-person experiences meant that the industry was heavily and adversely impacted. Losses within the MICE industry are currently incalculable with the pandemic continuing to run its course; however, in 2020, the pandemic wiped US$32 million (R492 million) in potential spend from South Africa’s economy. These figures are only from events supported by the South Africa National Convention Bureau’s Bid Support Programme. Rwanda reported a similar scenario, with the East African nation’s convention bureau reporting losses of $25 million (R385 million) in cancelled or postponed international conferences and events.

MAKING A COMEBACK...

Some industries that form part of the same value chain as MICE, such as the hospitality and travel industry, were completely stifled during the pandemic. Within the four pillars of the MICE acronym, meetings and conferences in particular experienced a major shift to digitise and hybridise, which has helped sustain the industry to a large extent. It has also led to a significantly increased demand for event software, resulting in massive growth and development within this space. Unfortunately, large-scale shows and incentive travel have not been so fortunate, but there is a slow and steady comeback of these types of event formats.

In South Africa, the beginning of 2022 saw three key industry shows announced, namely Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba, and

Africa Travel Week. These events will also serve as showcases for the safe hosting of largescale tradeshows.

Lockdown restrictions and the implementation of travel bans by valuable source markets have dealt a major blow to the incentive market. In December 2021, 60 of Africa’s Eden members who were surveyed reported that within one week, their losses totalled $135 000 (R2 million) in cancelled and postponed bookings. Although nations around the world were heavily criticised as having had a knee-jerk reaction to the announcement of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant being detected in Southern Africa, it also highlighted just how responsive incentive travel planners have become in managing concerns around the pandemic. Meanwhile, the issuing of a

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an emphasis on building resilience within the MICE sector. Now, we explore what it will take to ensure that the industry becomes a truly enduring economic driver.

request for quotation at the end of January 2022 by the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau for Meetings Africa’s post-show tours to be held in the province is positive for the revival of potential domestic demand for incentive experiences.

...AND MAKING IT STICK

Despite the marked push of events towards online over the past two years, it has been determined that this can never replace the authenticity and genuine connection of inperson events.

“We as humans crave socialisation and networking with new individuals. Not only are face-to-face events fun to go to, but they provide countless opportunities to connect with others in a way that cannot be achieved online. To better understand this, take a moment to consider the many invaluable professional relationships that have been established by a simple handshake at an in-person meeting or event,” says Aventri in a blog.

Recognising this, numerous global and local bodies have issued guidelines to advise on and inform a way forward for the MICE industry as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and other potential crises of a similar nature in the future.

A key part of these guidelines is most appropriately centred on health and safety, with far more stringent hygiene and sanitisation protocols in place than prior to the pandemic. To substantiate how effective these protocols can be, Johnson & Johnson posted findings in January 2022 noting that, in the US, around 3 000 cases of flu were reported for the 2020/21 flu season, compared to an estimated 35 million cases the previous period. It is yet to be determined how this may affect overall immunity but the sharp drop in the number of cases of flu bodes well for the efficacy of

some of the health and safety measures we have implemented over the previous two years. If anything, it is certainly a worthwhile consideration for how we handle health and safety within the MICE industry.

A WELL-NETWORKED INDUSTRY IS A STRONG INDUSTRY

The networking abilities of the MICE industry in South Africa and Africa have been pivotal to the survival of the sector during the pandemic. Forbes identified 10 key aspects of why networks matter and, in a time of crisis and need, prove to be invaluable:

1 An avenue to exchange ideas

2 It makes you noticeable

3 Avenue for newer opportunities

4 Reassessing your qualification

5 Improves your creative intellect

6 An extra resource library

7 Support from high-profile individuals

8 Growth in status

9 Growth in self-confidence

10 Develop long-lasting relationships. In South Africa, the MICE industry took this to the next level by forming the South African Events Council (SAEC) – an umbrella of 14 associations. The SA Events Council played an especially important role in ensuring that the MICE and organised live events value chain could unify its messaging while ensuring that all members were on the same page when lobbying government.

“Working together with key stakeholders that drive the events industry in South Africa, the Council is able to highlight the industry in the media and at government level. SAEC aims to lobby government on pertinent issues affecting our industry,

provide business support during the critical times, conduct industry impact studies, and pave the way for professional growth in the event space,” it says.

ALIGNING GLOBAL MEASURES

Despite South Africa managing the pandemic under 20 extensions of the Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002), there is a global, industry-wide call to implement consistent measures. Locally, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) is leading the charge.

“We are allowed back, and all seems to be back to normal with clear guidelines on how we may enter and travel to certain European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries. So, in welcoming the announcements, SAACI calls for more consistency that will aid our business events planning and operations.

“SAACI and our industry partners have made a number of proposals, and are working with the relevant government departments to ensure that, as a destination, we have clear and consistent guidelines for visitors and business events delegates to our shores. We hope that South Africa will follow an accepted process that allows for ease of movement within the travel guidelines matched within our source markets,” urges the association, adding that many countries have indicated PCR testing with proof of vaccination will remain in place, which some countries have now waived.

“We look forward to reconnecting in the coming weeks, in person, and we look forward to an experience that will be memorable, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic,” concludes SAACI in its statement.

CREATING

harmony

BETWEEN PEOPLE, PLANET AND PROFIT

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored major global disparities and widened the gap between the haves and have-nots. Beyond just greening, The Meetings & Event Planner understands how the MICE industry can ensure it is not only profitable but also sustainable.

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in sharp economic losses across the globe, with South Africa being no exception. This harsh downturn resulted in skyrocketing unemployment that saw the country shed 660 000 jobs between Q2 and Q3 2021, bringing total unemployment rates to 34.9% – the highest ever since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. Unsurprisingly,

with the business and leisure tourism sector being adversely and extensively impacted, the pandemic and lockdown measures cost 470 000 South Africans their jobs as numerous related businesses were forced to close their doors. Unfortunately, these stark figures are more than just numbers and are comprised of hundreds of thousands of individuals who are no longer in the same position to feed and

take care of their families. At the same time, this has highlighted fundamental aspects of how we go about our day-to-day lives, so that both lives and livelihoods can be bolstered, safeguarded and maintained in the long term.

BALANCING ACT

The revival of in-person business events has been a slow one, particularly those on a larger scale such as tradeshows and exhibitions. While they are significant income generators with massive economic benefits, some of the largest shows in the world have had to either go fully digital or be put on hold due to Covid-19.

As governments around the world have scrambled to protect lives and put in place social distancing measures and restrictions on event capacities, livelihoods were somewhat compromised in the process. It is clear from this that a better balance needs to be

achieved, which may be easier said than done; however, if we don’t carefully consider how each component of the triple bottom line (TBL) – namely profit, people, planet – forms an equally important role in the entire system, we may end up in a far worse position than before.

It is also an area in which the MICE industry can play a role by setting the tone for each meeting, incentive, conferencing and exhibition experience. Helping frame this narrative in the context of other industries that are resourceintensive could also guide and better inform a more sustainable way forward for them.

PEOPLE FIRST

When the TBL term was first coined in 1994 by John Elkington, a British management consultant widely recognised for his work in the area of sustainability, this was framed in the context of a business-first principle, with an emphasis on profit. However, in recent years and with what the pandemic has highlighted, the priority for business should be on its people and their well-being. Professor Lorenzo Fioramonti, an associate research fellow at the UN University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies and a full professor of political economy at the University of Pretoria, is a proponent of this movement.

“The current economic system (the old way) responds to the common needs of humanity and the planet in ways that do not address the heart of problems and do not make life better for all. In fact, problems are often made worse or, at best, responses act as ‘sticking plasters’.

“In a ‘well-being economy’ (the new way), responses would be person-centred, geared towards environmental protection and regeneration, positive, and long term. The exciting thing is, the new way is already emerging, with inspiring examples around the world,” notes Fioramonti on his website.

The aim of this revised people-centric approach means that the way we then look at the other two TBL components – our profits and planet – needs to shift.

NO ‘PLANET B’

The top 10 hottest years on record (18802021) have taken place in the last 12 years,

with 2016 being the warmest by a full 1°C in comparison to the global temperature mean. In addition, the 2010-19 decade saw the largest increase in temperature variance from the previous decade. The year 2020 also produced one of the world’s strongest storms, Typhoon Goni, which made landfall in Vietnam and the Philippines with 315 km/h sustained winds over a minute-long period.

These types of extreme weather events are directly attributed to climate change, with a scientific consensus of more than 200 organisations worldwide that this is a result of human, or anthropogenic activity.

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal and, since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.

“Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems,” highlights the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

As an industry responsible for the engagement of very many people, meetings and event planners can lead by example in creating greener experiences with a minimal carbon footprint. There is already an increased push towards this with the establishment of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge.

“Events drive industries and societies. They shape conversations, foster innovation and generate business. They are key to human collaboration.

This holds true for every subject – including sustainability and climate change. The events industry has a special role to play in tackling climate change. We provide the

meeting places and market places to work on solutions to the climate crisis. At the same time, we have a responsibility to minimise our impact on climate change,” it states.

PROFITS WILL FOLLOW

Research by Nielsen reveals that 48% of US-based consumers would change their consumption habits to mitigate any negative impact on the environment. The study shows that in 2018 alone, sustainable fast-moving consumer goods generated approximately US$128.5 billion (R1.98 trillion) in sales. This alone highlights the potential of how a shift in the right direction will still generate profits. In line with the well-being economy, creating more circular economies around our consumption and lifestyle habits can ultimately bring about a more harmonious TBL model.

“In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place,” says the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Circular economies, explains the foundation, are based on three core principles and driven largely by design. These principles are centred on eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating nature.

We are already seeing these principles in play within the MICE space, as sponsors and delegates are keener to align to more ethical and value-based experiences than an overthe-top, extravagant and often wasteful event that is never to be repeated. Sustainability will be critical and has taken on a very different focus post-Covid, states Greg McManus,

CEO of the Event Greening Forum.

“Most businesses and their clients are now hyper-tuned to the impacts of any external event and almost all are looking to future-proof their activities and services to remain relevant,” he says.

A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment.”

– Ellen MacArthur Foundation

sweet spot FINDING THE

Given the financial outlay and effort required to bring together each event, it is time that the MICE and business events industry considered specific outcomes for these types of business gatherings. Event outcomes should be multifaceted but also encompass the objectives of each role player – namely the organiser, client or sponsor, and delegate.

OUTCOMES VERSUS OBJECTIVES

There will be several objectives set out by both planners and their clients, or sponsors. These will mostly revolve around sales, along with certain KPIs such as how much engagement took place, either around a specific topic or over the course of the event. Outcomes, however, should seek to achieve more and result in an actionable and implementable development.

“Outcomes are the new opportunity. In a connected world, companies across a broad swath of industries are developing strategies to deliver business outcomes to customers… As the focus of creating and capturing value

shifts from one-time sales to long-term partnerships, it is driving higher customer retention as well as rapid account expansion. No wonder many CEOs are convinced that deploying outcome-based business models is the best way to win the future,” notes the Boston Consulting Group in a 2021 article. This presents a strong potential case for why the MICE industry should start gearing itself towards developing more outcomebased experiences during which key decisionmakers are in the same place together at the same time.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE ISSUE

While developing outcomes will be specific to each business event, these should consider the challenges that are prevalent in each sector and try to find solutions to resolve a specific issue facing that industry. At the very least, each gathering should aim to identify the pitfalls and aim to commit to finding the means to remove any roadblocks that hinder growth and bring about stronger value chain integration. It can also be a means to create a

unique, never-to-be-repeated opportunity to ensure accountability around any necessary follow-ups required for implementation.

These outcomes should be positioned to form a noteworthy component of each event’s agenda and be made clear to delegates well ahead of time. Securing the buy-in of your audience could be beneficial in more ways than one, including taking into account their insights around their experiences on the matter, as well as potentially supporting these outcomes from a resources perspective. Once an initiative has enough critical mass behind it, it can be rolled out into an implementable project that can better benefit a certain industry or be the answer to a key problem.

RALLYING THE RIGHT SUPPORT

To ensure any well-intended efforts don’t fall flat, planners and organisers could consider building in an additional step to their event planning that involves a consultative process with decision- and possible policymakers. It may require a longer lead time on how the event comes together;

Creating a standard for outcome-based events should be a no-brainer. The Meetings & Event Planner makes a case for why this matters now more than ever.

however, speaking to the right individuals to provide these insights will give you a greater chance of being able to understand the most pressing matters at hand. From here, these parties can advise on what solutions might be most viable to address the issues, as well as what the follow-up needs to be, with your event forming a platform for these important dialogues.

Once the challenges faced by an industry have been framed and potential outcomes identified, suddenly an event carries far more gravity than just being a talk-shop experience. Including pledges and commitments by decision-makers as part of your agenda will form a major highlight within your eventing programme, but this needs to be done quite carefully, with the outcomes of your event also needing to align to the purpose.

“A key element of purpose is alignment… While a strong purpose can work to motivate

MAXIMISING LEGACY OUTCOMES AT EVENTS

and engage, it can also help people choose and clarify their investments of time and effort. Purpose can help people and companies make choices which ensure the greatest match between values, talents and contributions,” writes Tracy Brower, sociologist and author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work. Developing outcomes for your events is an ambitious challenge but one that should be encouraged because it aspires to deliver

results. This particular component of your event will make a marked impact on your delegates as they seek to derive more meaning and positivity throughout each aspect of their dayto-day experiences and lives.

In 2019, the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) released the Business Event Legacies: JMIC Case Study Project Report. Within this, they developed six rules for bringing together a highly successful business event:

01 02

INVOLVE STAKEHOLDERS IN SETTING LEGACY AGENDAS

Stakeholders may include, for example, government, local and global associations, industry leaders within the destination, leading researchers within the destination, conference organisers, bureaus and venues.

COALESCE LEGACY DESIGN AROUND INDUSTRY PROBLEMS, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Identifying key industry and/or community issues and opportunities is important for uniting stakeholders behind legacy initiatives.

03 04

SET LEGACY OBJECTIVES

Legacy objectives need to be set in order to plan for their execution. It is true that many conferences will yield legacies regardless of whether or not they have been planned for. But the failure to set objectives can mean lost opportunities for making a difference.

EXECUTE LEGACY PLANS

Once objectives have been set, there must be a plan for ensuring the legacies are realised. Planning for the evaluation of legacy outcomes is essential.

05 06

EVALUATE LEGACY OUTCOMES

Different outcomes call for different methods of evaluation. Methods of data collection and analysis are set out in the appendix of the JMIC report. Partnering with a research specialist (university or consultant) is an excellent idea.

DISSEMINATE LEGACY OUTCOMES WIDELY

Legacy outcomes should be communicated widely. It is important that all stakeholders understand the full value of the business event. Legacy outcomes should be included in every business event study or evaluative report and then communicated to governments, communities, industries and universities, as well as event organisers and individual delegates and any stakeholders that have invested in the business event. They all need to hear about the outcomes.

THE GLOBAL MEETINGS MARKET WAS VALUED AT AN ESTIMATED US$1 TRILLION IN 2020. IT IS EXPECTED TO REACH APPROXIMATELY $1.6 TRILLION IN 2028, WITH A CAGR OF 5.9%.

THE venues

PERUSE THESE PAGES AS THE MEETINGS & EVENT PLANNER DELIVERS THE LATEST AND GREATEST VENUE OFFERINGS TO SUIT YOUR CAPACITY NEEDS AND BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS

THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR

Located in South Africa’s North West province, Sun City embodies a truly African venue with exceptional quality and superior service.

As a unique showcase for international and local travellers of what is on offer at this home-grown South African venue, in 2014, Sun City was catapulted into the limelight when it featured as the location for the Hollywood blockbuster Blended. Together with numerous world-class events that have been hosted at its premises – from international acts to extraordinary product launches – Sun City has both the capacity and capability to deliver major productions and bespoke experiences

that capture the hearts and minds of all who visit it.

INTERNATIONAL ATTRACTION

Sun City knows how to do events at scale; its facilities, combined with its on-site expertise, have enabled it to deliver some of South Africa’s most impressive live events and corporate experiences. It is celebrated for having hosted incredible international acts and some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Elton John, Queen, Michael Bublé and Sarah Brightman. The venue is a clear drawcard for some of the world’s biggest global automotive brands, such as Volvo and UD Trucks, in addition to playing host to several sporting events such as the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the South African Open.

Sun City is also renowned for its casino, which underwent an overhaul during the first few months of Covid-19 to ensure it was compliant with all health and safety protocols. Further to this, the Sun International Group, owners of the property, have been working closely with the local government on

infrastructure access to Sun City, which is seen as an exceptionally valuable asset to the provincial and national economy.

CONFERENCING AT SUN CITY

The recently renovated Sun City Convention Centre provides state-of-the-art meeting venues in the form of 17 meeting rooms, five convention rooms and two auditoria. Here, delegates have access to dining and entertainment options, as well as the wide variety of activities at Sun City Resort.

Four different meeting clusters within the Sun City Convention Centre provide extensive versatility – layouts and formats can be tailored to exact needs, making these ideal for seminars, brainstorming and training sessions, and workshops. These clusters can be hired out together or individually.

Sun City's five convention centre rooms offer greater flexibility to suit your budget and capacity needs. These can be arranged based on space and size, and are suited to both smaller and larger groups, ranging from 32 up to 1 200 guests. Current capacities are dependent on Covid-19 restrictions.

As the global business tourism and travel sector starts to recover, Sun City is perfectly poised to provide a range of exciting and impactful experiences for its guests. The Meetings & Event Planner understands what makes this iconic venue so special and why it should be a top consideration for event planners and organisers.

ALTERNATIVE SPACES

Sun City also offers much larger spaces in the form of its multipurpose venue, which can accommodate up to 1 250 people. Known as the Sun Park, it is ideally suited to outdoor events and large social gatherings.

Meanwhile, the famed Sun City Superbowl, which seats up to 6 000 people, has hosted some of South Africa’s top artists and past awards ceremonies such as Miss South Africa and the South African Music Awards. It is also where most of the international acts at Sun City perform, which is an ideal conferencing add-on for guests who are at the venue for a business meeting or event.

The Valley of Waves and Greenhouse can also be booked for bespoke events, while the B oma offers an authentic experience under the African skies.

ACTIVITIES GALORE

There is no shortage of activities and things to do at Sun City, and it is recommended that guests who are interested in finding something to keep them busy start at the Welcome Centre. Located at the entrance to the Sun Central area, the Welcome Centre can provide all the information needed about activities and experiences. You can also hire a car at the Hertz kiosk, book your delegates for a guided Pilanesberg safari game drive

NAVIGATING COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in Sun City being shut down for close to six months, with the venue officially welcoming back its first guests since the start of lockdown in September 2020. During this time, Sun City ensured that it implemented stringent protocols to keep all its guests and staff safe. Among these measures, Sun City implemented a three-tiered bio-bubble approach. The bio-bubble is comprised of an outer, middle and inner bubble intended to safeguard at the greatest risk of infection. In line with this, Sun City also opened the Moses Kotane Mass Vaccination Site, a community vaccination site where people from surrounding areas, including other venues and hotels, are able to receive their Covid-19 vaccines.

Even as infections dwindle and South Africa’s government eases restrictions, Sun City continues to take the health, safety and well-being of all those who visit and work at the venue very seriously. Dedicated ambassadors remind people to socially distance, sanitise and wear their masks, where applicable.

In line with Sun International Group’s health and safety protocols, Sun City’s SHE programme forms part of its sustainability strategy. This is intended to support the long-term objectives of Sun City as one of South Africa’s foremost venues.

with Mankwe Gametrackers or let them adventure on a Segway gliding tour or zipline.

Hotel guests and residents at Sun Vacation Club have complimentary access to the

Valley of Waves while day visitors will need to purchase a ticket. Tickets cannot be bought at the resort but can be purchased on the day and are available online from TicketPro.

NOTE: Due to limitations on capacity, access to Sun City Resort will only be granted to hotel and Sun Vacation Club residents, existing MVG members, guests with confirmed golf bookings, and guests that have pre-purchased Valley of Waves day visitor tickets.

For more information, visit suninternational.com

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS nearly 19 years ago, the CTICC has played a pivotal role in connecting Africa to the world through the significant and varied business and leisure events it has hosted. Situated in Cape Town’s foreshore precinct, the purposebuilt venue serves as a centrepiece for this vibrant African city. It is the leading venue for conferences, exhibitions and events on the African continent.

The CTICC's reputation is synonymous with sustainability and world-class service levels. This reputation has ensured that it has remained a venue of choice for event organisers; whether you plan a large international conference or a small half-day gathering, the CTICC’s expansive conference facilities offer unrivalled flexibility and service.

MEETING SPACES 66 MAX PAX 30 000* ACCOMMODATION OFF-SITE

As the world moves past the pandemic, safety is still at the forefront of event organisers’ minds. The CTICC’s forward-thinking response has included several critical adjustments to existing procedures so that you can confidently organise safe, world-class events.

LOCATION

The CTICC is located in the foreshore precinct

of one of the world's most desirable leisure and business events locations – Cape Town, South Africa.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

CTICC 1 and CTICC 2 span an impressive floor space of 140 855 m2 connected by a glass-enclosed sky bridge. The multipurpose venue boasts:

• 21 400 m2 of multipurpose conference and exhibition space

• 3 000 m2 of formal and informal meetings space

• Two raked auditoria seating 1 516 and 612 pax, respectively

• Two terrace rooms for up to 330 and 450 pax

• 47 breakout rooms accommodating 20 to 370 pax

• Versatile banqueting rooms

• 2 000 m2 grand ballroom

CATERING

With one of the largest kitchens in the southern hemisphere, the CTICC's catering team can comfortably accommodate up to 30 000 pax at a time, hosting a variety of events and menus concurrently. The in-house catering team has the experience and capability to offer customisable menus that can accommodate various food allergies and dietary requirements. The kitchen is halaal certified and offers kosher menu options.

TEAM BUILDING

The CTICC allows for any type of event imaginable – whether a conference, meeting or

team-building session. As a venue, it has the space to make anything possible.

CTICC ENGAGE

As event organisers need to meet the changing needs of their delegates and speakers – to attend events in-person or virtually – the CTICC's digital platform, CTICC Engage, offers clients a variety of digital and hybrid event options that adapt to their needs. CTICC Engage provides the following value to clients:

• The use of artificial intelligence for matchmaking

• Event Data analytics

• Continuing professional development (CPD) reporting

• Branding opportunities

• Real-time networking opportunities

• Chat boxes, polls, etc.

CTICC 1: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa

GPS co-ordinates: -33.915141°,18.425657°

CTICC 2: Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa

GPS coordinates: -33.91747°,18.42908°

+27 (0)21 410 5000

+27 (0)21 410 5001

sales@cticc.co.za (sales)

info@cticc.co.za (general)

www.cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za/cticc-1-2-virtual-tour

@CTICC

@CTICC_Offical

@official_cticc

youtube.com/user/cticcofficial

Cape Town International Convention Centre

• Beautiful rooftop venues with views of both the iconic Table Mountain and Cape Town harbour.

GEORGE, WESTERN CAPE

RENOWNED FOR ITS three award-winning golf courses, ‘leading conference and incentive destination’ is yet another proficiency to add to Fancourt's repertoire.

Unapologetically engineered for both business and leisure, Fancourt is set to lure corporates looking for a little more carrot with just the right amount of stick.

With Fancourt’s flexible team of professionals ready to execute any request, co-workers and clients can keep on task while unleashing their creativity. From dine-arounds and wine parings in Bedouin tents, to festive shebeen evenings in the cart barn, and chic luncheons at the 17th hole of the Montagu course, expect your next event at Fancourt to reach far beyond your imagination.

LOCATION

Situated on 613 hectares of lush landscape, with the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop, the long-standing Garden Route landmark is just 7 km from George Airport.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

The Fancourt Estate offers a wide range of meeting and conferencing rooms, dining areas and private venues for exclusive functions, with each space being tailored to meet the needs of a particular event. Whether you’re hosting a corporate party, gala dinner, cocktail evening or breakfast, Fancourt’s venues will ensure that you and your guests are well looked after in comfort and style.

ACCOMMODATION

Fancourt has two accommodation offerings –a five-star hotel with 115 rooms, and the 18-suite Manor House, which offers personalised service with a unique combination of classic opulence and the indulgent sophistication of a 21st century boutique hotel.

CATERING

With a spread of eateries, Fancourt provides ample catering options.

Henry White’s is renowned as a dining destination offering an enchanting night out with rich and classic local culinary heritage and a modern, all-encompassing dining appeal. For Fancourt’s golfing patrons, The Club Lounge provides a range of indoor and outdoor seating options, and offers a large selection of cocktail snacks, clubhouse steaks and burgers. Fancourt’s breakfast restaurant of choice, La Cantina, is a culinary destination that is suitable for family dining, while Monet’s is the perfect place to relax from morning to late afternoon, with its outdoor pergola the ideal spot to celebrate any special occasion.

TEAM BUILDING

Fancourt provides an optimum setting for professional training and team-building sessions. With its immaculate landscaping and range of fully equipped meeting rooms and venues, teams can enjoy business-oriented sessions in a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing environment.

MEETING SPACES 7

MAX PAX 300

ACCOMMODATION 133 ROOMS

FRANSCHHOEK, WESTERN CAPE

LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA is located in the gourmet capital of South Africa. Its distinctly Cape Dutch feel and stunning surrounds offer the most beautiful setting for any occasion.

LOCATION

An easy 80 km drive from Cape Town, the venue is located in picturesque Franschhoek, Western Cape.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Five versatile conference venues come equipped with conferencing equipment, and stunning views of either the towering mountains or gardens.

ACCOMMODATION

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers unmatched accommodation in Franschhoek. The hotel features 79 en-suite rooms which includes the 2 deluxe villas and 16 classic villas, all elegantly furnished and dispersed over the whole estate.

CATERING

Two on-site restaurants cater specifically for guests’ needs. Breakfast, lunch and fine dining can be enjoyed within a casual atmosphere in our relaxing private venue Le Verger restaurant, set against the exemplary mountain backdrop. The Sauvage restaurant is tailored for the more distinctive taste receptors.

TEAM BUILDING

The hotel’s gardens are equipped for any form of outdoor team-building activity and conference venues can be considered as backup venues in case of inclement weather.

MEETING SPACES 5

MAX PAX 120

ACCOMMODATION 79 ROOMS

Conferencing & Events

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport offers 8 state-of-the-art conferencing and events venues ideal for meetings, workshops, launches and special events. High-tech audiovisual equipment is built into each of our conferencing venues and included in the rates, as are Wi-Fi and secure parking. We offer 100% offset carbon-neutral conferencing and events at no extra cost.

All conference packages include:

Free parking on the day of the function

Complimentary purified still & sparkling water

Complimentary uncapped WiFi

Conference notepads, pencils, data projector, screen, flip-chart, paper, white-board, markers, chalkboard, podium

Complimentary airport shuttle from 04:00am - 12:00am

Pricing

Full-Day

R550 per person

Arrival coffee break with assorted breakfast snacks.

Mid morning break with assorted savoury snacks.

Two-course lunch with a soft drink.

Afternoon break with assorted confectioneries.

Half-Day & Lunch

R500 per person

Arrival coffee break with assorted breakfast snacks.

Mid morning break with assorted savoury snacks.

Two-course lunch with a soft drink.

Half-Day

R345 per person

Arrival coffee break with assorted breakfast snacks.

Mid morning break with assorted savoury snacks.

Venue Capacities

COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES

Hotel Verde puts focus on safety and cleanliness while ensuring delegate satisfaction and guest experience standards. Contact us for more information on how we ensure guest safety.

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

THERE'S A NEW ADDITION to Cape Town’s iconic skyline! Hotel Sky Cape Town is now open at one of the City Bowl’s best addresses, directly across the road from the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC). With 535 beautifully designed rooms and suites, Hotel Sky Cape Town is the ideal destination for both local and international business and leisure travellers.

In addition, two restaurants located on the 25th and 26th floors, a bar lounge on the 27th floor, deli, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, two heated cantilevered outdoor pools, and a one-of-a-kind thrill-ride on the rooftop – the Sky-Hi Ride – all make this property an out-ofthis-world experience.

LOCATION

Located in Cape Town’s foreshore precinct, Hotel Sky Cape Town is just 20 minutes from the airport, directly opposite the CTICC, and just two minutes’ drive from the V&A Waterfront along the MyCiTi bus route.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Hotel Sky Cape Town has two intimate boardrooms and a gorgeous, multifunctional event space on its 27th floor.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Sky Cape Town’s ample accommodation of 535 beautifully designed rooms includes a combination of suites, executive, superior, standard queen and twin rooms, as well as a unique bunk (four-sleeper) configuration.

All rooms have double-glazed windows with black-out blinds, air conditioning, charging stations, TVs with device connectivity, high-speed internet access, and a separate shower and toilet. Each room comes complete with comfortable beds with luxurious linen and high-end, locally sourced amenities and complimentary bean-tocup coffee stations on each floor.

CATERING

Hotel Sky Cape Town is home to two restaurants: Stratus (on the 25th floor), which serves buffet

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

MAX PAX 120

MEETING SPACES 1 MULTIPURPOSE VENUE, 2 BOARDROOMS ACCOMMODATION 535 ROOMS

breakfasts, while Infinity (on the 26th floor) serves delicious lunches and elegant dining in the evenings. The Sky on Long venue (on the 27th floor) offers incredible views of the city and serves casual dining and inventive cocktails – a true hidden gem!

TEAM BUILDING

Hotel Sky Cape Town has partnered with an inspirational team-building company in Cape Town that offers personalised programmes to best suit your desired outcomes.

GQEBERHA, EASTERN CAPE

WITH ITS TURRETS PIERCING the indigo Eastern Cape skyline, the Boardwalk is one of South Africa’s most sought-after business and holiday destinations. From its stunning beachfront location to its charming classical architecture, evocative of age-old Victorian grandeur, the Boardwalk is the ideal resort for locals and tourists alike.

LOCATION

Located in Algoa Bay, along the coastal strip of the Nelson Mandela Bay, it’s only a few minutes away from Hobie Beach.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

The Boardwalk is home to the International Convention Centre, the largest conference venue in Gqebera. This multifunctional space is made up of separate conference and meeting rooms, which can be combined to host any size event.

ACCOMMODATION

Voted one of the Top 25 Hotels in South Africa in the TripAdvisor 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards, the Boardwalk offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Gqebera. Many of the lavish hotel rooms enjoy unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean. Situated close to the beach with sheltered rock pools, scuba diving and top surfing spots, the Boardwalk is the perfect holiday accommodation for families. And with its unmatched conference, meeting and convention centre facilities, it’s the ideal choice for corporate travellers looking for convenient Gqebera accommodation.

CATERING

The International Convention Centre has its own dedicated kitchen headed by a professional chef and offers in-house catering for events.

MEETING SPACES 5

MAX PAX 1 600

ACCOMMODATION 140 ROOMS

WORCESTER, WESTERN CAPE

SURROUNDED BY CAPTIVATING mountains and natural fynbos, Golden Valley is an intimate venue that’s both warm and inviting, offering exceptional personal service and a friendly experience for all. Off the beaten track and away from the bright lights of a major city, the beautiful Breede River Valley is a nature-lover’s paradise.

LOCATION

Situated in the picturesque Breede River Valley, and only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Golden Valley is one of the most charming venues in the Western Cape.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Golden Valley has a number of excellent meeting rooms and conference facilities in Worcester for

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

intimate events and special occasions. Choose from a versatile space that can accommodate larger functions or a smaller meeting room for more personal business dealings.

ACCOMMODATION

Situated within walking distance of the Golden Valley Casino and restaurants, Golden Valley Lodge provides a peaceful retreat in tastefully appointed rooms, which also offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

CATERING

Golden Valley is home to one of the best restaurants in Worcester. Enjoy a pub lunch at SunBet Sports Bar or treat the family to a home-style meal at Kuipers.

MEETING SPACES 4

MAX PAX 120

ACCOMMODATION 97 ROOMS

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

AS THE LARGEST entertainment

destination of its kind in South Africa, GrandWest is a spectacular sight to behold. This family-friendly destination offers the biggest selection of kids’ entertainment and fun activities in Cape Town, from ice skating to tenpin bowling all under one roof.

LOCATION

Located close to Cape Town city centre, and just less than 20 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport, GrandWest offers guests the assurance of quality entertainment experiences, premium facilities and an unparalleled standard of service.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Corporate travellers are well rewarded at GrandWest, thanks to the excellent conferencing and meeting facilities. GrandWest is the perfect setting for prestigious large-scale events, as well as corporate events and private dinners. It offers a multipurpose conferencing facility with an indoor venue and outdoor space equipped to host lifestyle events, music festivals, launches and other experiences.

ACCOMMODATION

When your conference is over, extend your stay at The City Lodge, situated at GrandWest. This 176 room hotel is also only 20 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport, the city centre and the famous V&A Waterfront.

DINING

GrandWest is home to a great selection of restaurants. From family-friendly options to sophisticated restaurants, you’ll find an eatery to suit your palate.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

MEETING SPACES 8

MAX PAX 6 866

ACCOMMODATION 176 ROOMS

KIMBERLEY, NORTHERN CAPE

RECREATING THE ENERGY and excitement of the historic diamond rush, the Flamingo offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities in a unique setting. Named for the abundance of flamingos that make their home in the nearby Kamfers Dam, Flamingo is a destination that is synonymous with fun.

LOCATION

Ideally situated adjacent to the Kimberley Golf Club, Flamingo is an exceptional leisure and entertainment facility.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Expect superior conference facilities with state-ofthe-art equipment and excellent service from the professional banqueting and service teams.

The four-star rated conference facility offers a selection of superior conferencing and meeting venues in the modern and high-tech Flamingo Conference Centre. This highly versatile venue with its muted tones provides the perfect canvas for intimate occasions and celebratory events.

The boardrooms offer a professional and inspiring environment, suited to smaller groups. They are ideal to host an executive board meeting, a product launch or a team get-together.

ACCOMMODATION

When looking for accommodation in Kimberley near the Flamingo Casino, the one-star Road Lodge hotel is ideally located. The perfect choice of Kimberley accommodation for business travellers, conference delegates or holidaymakers, the Kimberley Road Lodge offers 90 budget guest rooms, 24-hour service and convenience. The guest rooms are tastefully decorated and offer reasonable room rates, which remain constant whether for one, two or three persons sharing.

CATERING

Flamingo is home to an excellent, family-friendly restaurant in Kimberley, which dishes up fantastic steakhouse fare and is one of the most frequented venues in the area.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

MEETING SPACES 3

MAX PAX 70 ACCOMMODATION 90 ROOMS

*The capacities listed are in accordance with government's Covid-19 regulations.

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

SET ON THE HISTORIC Cape waterfront, The Table Bay hotel was created as a tribute to its famous namesake and has set its own standard in international service, cuisine and luxury. The magnificent hotel straddles the antique breakwater with a style that is both innovative and entirely in keeping with its surroundings. Its contemporary architectural design and execution are the result of transcontinental cooperation.

LOCATION

Situated in the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Table Bay hotel is perfectly positioned against the stunning backdrops of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, and provides easy access to the top places to visit in Cape Town.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

The Table Bay is home to a great selection of function and conference venues. Whether you are hosting a conference for 300 delegates or planning your annual office cocktail party, the hotel has a stylish venue to suit your needs. Choose from five beautiful venues, each suited to a certain style of function, event or conference. Located on the mezzanine level, the Business Centre offers internet and printing facilities and has three business cubicles equipped with all the necessary modern features.

ACCOMMODATION

Location, location, location: if you are looking

MEETING SPACES 5

MAX PAX 300 ACCOMMODATION 329 ROOMS

for a place to stay in Cape Town, The Table Bay offers five-star luxury holiday accommodation on the seafront, with views to match. Each of the 329 luxury hotel rooms enjoys uninterrupted sea-facing views either of Table Mountain across the working Table Bay Harbour, or of Robben Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Picture perfect in every way, The Table Bay is the Mother City’s best-kept secret.

CATERING

The Table Bay’s top-class chefs will be able to cater for your awards lunches and dinners to impeccable standards. A variety of dining options are on offer, which, if the rave reviews are to be believed, are bound to impress your diners.

Impact

of Covid-19 on business travel

The South African government effected measures on the 26th March 2020 to protect its citizens from Covid-19, including restricting local and international travel.

This introduced extensive challenges for tourism, and business travel was not spared. According to South African Tourism stats, of the 562 recorded business events scheduled between April - December 2020, 64% of conferences and 36% of tradeshows were postponed, cancelled or went hybrid.

The world is now trusting enough to open its borders largely due to vaccination programmes rolled out globally. South Africa's borders were opened to international travellers from 1 October 2020. South Africa is ready to welcome the world and rebuild chambers of industries. When you visit South Africa, it’s more than its doors that will be open. Eyes and minds will be open and though one might arrive intrigued, you will leave inspired!

South Africa as a Business Events Destination

South Africa is a top contender as a destination for any business event. If you’re looking to host a health conference, doesn’t it make sense to host it in the home country of one of the world’s most inspired thinkers in the fields of public health and infectious disease? But besides achievements, the country is much-loved for its cultural diversity, exceptional business events services, value-for-money, and rich unique experience offering. Added to that all business event venues adhere to strict health protocols to ensure delegates interact safely together with peace of mind.

Achievements in the Life Science Sector

South Africa has sectors that contribute to the gross domestic product. Of these, life sciences faced major challenges during the lockdown. However, the pandemic inadvertently showcased the country’s ability to respond to a changing global landscape to address the challenges of the day.

By cultivating a spirit of optimism, whilst acknowledging collective social and economic challenges, South Africa punched above its weight and built on its incredible achievements - further stamping the country as one of the leaders in medical innovation. South Africa conducted the most testing in Africa for Covid-19, alerted the world of the infectious nature of the Delta variant, thanks to incredible local genomics institutes, and ran its own National Ventilator programme to produce ventilators for local use and export.

South Africa is also the home of Dr Salim Abdool Karim, an instrumental advisory figure in the fight against Covid-19, jointly awarded the prestigious 2020 John Maddox Prize for standing up for sound science during the pandemic alongside Dr Anthony Fauci (United States).

If you are looking to shape and inspire forward-thinking with your next event to capitalize on opportunities across the globe, look no further than South Africa. Its doors are open, and the warmth of the people makes this a business events destination that moves you as it hosts you.

Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Business Events Sub-sector in South Africa.

[1] Bartis, H., Hufkie, B & Moraladi, M. (2021).The

BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE

HAILED AS A BONA FIDE hub of eclectic entertainment, where young ones and grownups alike will have an unforgettable time, Windmill Casino is the home of family fun.

LOCATION

Conveniently located within Bloemfontein, Windmill Casino is a one-stop destination for you and your family. Whether you’re just passing through or checking in for a holiday, you’ll find everything you need for a fun day out.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

With four separate spaces, Windmill houses some of the very best conference venues in Bloemfontein. Perfect for small events to grand

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

affairs, there’s a conference venue, meeting room or reception venue that’s perfect for your event. At Windmill, you can tailor-make your event without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a cabaret night or a masquerade ball, or even a beautifully elegant wedding, Windmill can make your dream party, conference or function come to life.

CATERING

Home to some of the very best restaurants in Bloemfontein, Windmill Casino offers a variety of taste adventures to suit every palate and desire. If you’re popping in for a quick bite to eat or keen on settling in for a fine feast, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Windmill Casino.

MEETING SPACES 4

MAX PAX 250

POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO

DISCOVER AN EXOTIC getaway in the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province. This exquisite, Moroccanstyled complex boasts an array of exciting experiences for all ages and a number of excellent eateries that suit the palates of all types of patrons.

LOCATION

Conveniently located in Limpopo’s capital city, Polokwane, Meropa is within easy reach of the province’s best attractions.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Meropa is a comprehensive conferencing facility for world-class business and leisure events. Boasting a state-of-the-art conference centre, along with a wide range of fully equipped venues, it is perfectly suited for any occasion.

ACCOMMODATION

Meropa Hotel in Polokwane invites guests to escape to a world of Moroccan-inspired grandeur and exotic delight. Designed to ensure superior comfort and convenience, Meropa Hotel is set to become one of the most highly rated hotels in Polokwane.

Comprised of 54 standard rooms and six suites, this is the perfect location for your next midweek conference or weekend getaway.

CATERING

Giving you a choice of fast food, fine dining or everything in-between, Meropa Casino and Entertainment

World is home to some of the best restaurants in Polokwane.

MEETING SPACES 10

MAX PAX 600

ACCOMMODATION 60 ROOMS

DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL

INCORPORATING THE DURBAN International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, the 112 000 m2 Durban ICC is renowned for its fivestar service facilities, state-of-the-art technology, mouth-watering African cuisine, and of course its unique location on Durban’s sun-drenched shores.

Durban ICC prides itself on delivering an experience with innovative solutions geared to delivering on its clients’ objectives and expectations in a sustainable and proudly African way.

LOCATION

Durban ICC is located in Durban Central, only 30 minutes away from King Shaka International Airport, which acts as a gateway to a broad range of international routes. Both the airport and Durban ICC are easily accessible via high-speed road links.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Durban ICC offers the largest flat-floor, columnfree, multipurpose event space in Africa.

The Durban ICC Arena has full technical capacity for live broadcasts as well as house lighting suitable for TV production filming. The Centre is fully Wi-Fi enabled and offers connectivity to 8 000 users concurrently.

The Durban ICC complex has six on-site generators, which can fully power the centre in the event of power disruptions.

The five-star graded facility has been voted Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 17 times by the World Travel Awards and is ISO 9001, 14001, 22000 and OHSAS 18001 certified.

ACCOMMODATION

As a cosmopolitan city and major conferencing destination, Durban offers a broad range of hotels

MEETING SPACES 32

MAX PAX 20 000

ACCOMMODATION OFF-SITE

to suit every budget. With some 3 600 hotel rooms within a short walking distance of Durban ICC and a Hilton Hotel on its doorstep, your delegate accommodation requirements are sure to be met.

CATERING

Durban ICC’s in-house catering team offers you culinary flavours that have captured local and international tastes of the world. With capacities ranging from 10 to 5 000 pax, no event is too small or too big for the venue’s experienced team. Additionally, Durban offers a wide choice of restaurants and is an excellent destination to sample a tantalising array of fresh seafood, offering delectable prawns, calamari and the catch of the day, in addition to many other dishes that will tempt the taste buds.

The cuisine is as varied as the shopping in Durban, from fast-food outlets and roadside vendors offering everything – including the legendary bunny chow, a half loaf of bread crammed with curry – through to sushi bars, pavement cafes, friendly pubs to the traditional South African braai.

VIRTUAL/HYBRID EVENTS

The Centre is offers a range of innovative solutions such as Live-streaming events, remotepresentation events, hybrid events, and videoon-demand. For the uninitiated, a hybrid event is simply the combination of a traditional face-to-face event with an online component, which extends the reach of the conference to a wider audience using technology like live-streaming. Virtual and hybrid event services include:

• live streaming

• video-on-demand

• remote presentation

• video conferencing

• channel rental.

CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL

OVER THE YEARS, the Champagne Sports Resort team has crafted offerings to create an award-winning resort, ideal for both work and play. Champagne Sports Resort has been developed into a truly unique destination that caters for every getaway need.

LOCATION

Nestled in the picturesque Central Drakensberg, Champagne Sports Resort provides exceptional conferencing, leisure, timeshare, wellness and golfing offerings that cater for every getaway need – all set in spectacular natural surroundings.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Champagne Sports Resort has its own Conference and Exhibition Centre with a floor space of 1 200 m2 and seating for up to 1 400 pax, banqueting for 950 pax at round tables, as well as four new boardrooms.

Other venues include the Sentinel Room, which seats up to 1 000 pax; the Monks Cowl Centre, seating up to 550 pax; the Summit Room, seating up to 400 pax; and the more intimate venues suitable for between 20 to 150 pax. State-of-the-art conferencing equipment, internet access and a convenient business centre complete the package.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort offers a variety of superb, fully serviced

accommodation. The 152 hotel bedrooms are made up of double/twin rooms, family rooms and various suites, all with wellappointed bedrooms and either mountain or garden views. A further 91 chalets on the estate are used for hotel accommodation, subject to availability.

The hotel has wheelchair access throughout and all bedrooms are linked to the main hotel buildings by way of thatch-covered walkways.

CATERING

Champagne Sports Resort has an extended dining room and expanded buffet area, which comfortably feeds up to 700 pax with little queuing, complemented by an outstanding food offering.

THINGS TO DO

Champagne Sports Resort’s Wellness Centre features an upmarket spa, a gym that has been upgraded with new equipment and a training programme. The spa has five treatment rooms, a comfortable change room and a relaxing rest area with cane loungers looking up at the Champagne and Cathkin peaks. Champagne Sports Resort’s 18-hole championship golf course has been rated as South Africa’s most beautiful golf course in recent years, with the clubhouse rated among the top five 19th holes in South Africa.

MEETING SPACES 16

MAX PAX 1 400

ACCOMMODATION

152 HOTEL ROOMS + 91 CHALETS

1397 Winterton Road, R600 Central Berg, Cathkin Valley

UMZUMBE, KWAZULU-NATAL

PUMULA BEACH HOTEL, with its stunning views of the Indian Ocean, provides one of the best seaside locations on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Charming and intimate, it provides the highest levels of personal service and excellent cuisine. Besides the obvious attractions of never-ending golden beaches, protected bathing, rock pools and excellent fishing opportunities, nearby amenities include a selection of well-known golf courses, tennis courts, deep-sea fishing charters, ocean safaris, hiking trails and much more.

LOCATION

Situated 100 km south of Durban and surrounded by indigenous coastal vegetation, Pumula Beach Hotel is an ideal venue for relaxed, stress-free conferences.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Conference rooms at Pumula are fully airconditioned with fixed screens. Available equipment includes overhead and data projectors, flip charts (with paper and pens) and a podium. Notepads and pens for delegates are also included.

MEETING SPACES 2

MAX PAX 130

ACCOMMODATION 63 ROOMS

ACCOMMODATION

Pumula Beach Hotel has 34 family rooms, of which 25 are interleading. In addition, it has 29 double or twin rooms with sea or garden views. All rooms come standard with a TV and guests have access to an ocean-facing saltwater swimming and paddling pool, beach sand volleyball court, nine-hole adventure golf course,

table tennis, trampolines, ladies’ bar, original pub, and a TV and games room.

CATERING

Pumula Beach Hotel can tailor menus to give your conference, event or team-building experience that special touch. It can also provide catering for gala dinners, spit braais and traditional potjiekos.

TEAM BUILDING

Pumula can help you arrange specialist product launches or exotic themed evenings to complement your event. Extras such as competitions, pub evenings, discos, magicians, bands, comedians and just about anything your heart desires can be arranged with the assistance of Pumula’s dedicated team.

Steve Pitts Road, Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal

MZAMBA BEACH, EASTERN CAPE

SITUATED ALONG ONE of the most unspoilt beaches in Southern Africa, the Wild Coast Sun is a family-friendly resort that attracts visitors with its natural beauty and numerous activities.

LOCATION

Less than a two-and-a-half-hour drive, along the South Coast, from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, the resort sits on 750 hectares overlooking the Indian Ocean between the Mtamvuna and Mzamba rivers.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Plan your conference, function or team-building event with ease at Wild Coast Sun’s conference venues and facilities aided by highly skilled and dedicated staff. The conference centre provides you with a variety of exceptional venues, supported by an experienced team.

All conference rooms are equipped with wall-to-wall carpeting, air conditioning and independently controlled lights with dimming

capabilities. Should your function require it, access to necessary audiovisual equipment can be made available.

With 12 venues, two preassembly areas, vast lawn areas and the 670-seater Tropical Nights Auditorium, you can be assured that your function will be expertly managed and catered for, with the level of service and experience you can expect from a Sun International resort.

ACCOMMODATION

Relax in four-star beachfront hotel accommodation in Mzamba Beach at the Wild Coast Sun. Each of the 396 rooms and suites enjoys the tranquil views where you can soak up the vista of the Indian Ocean from your sea-facing suite.

CATERING

The banqueting department can arrange custom menus, catering and decor – all tailored to suit your budget – for events up to 900 guests.

MEETING SPACES 5

MAX PAX 900

ACCOMMODATION 396 ROOMS

UMHLANGA, KWAZULU-NATAL

SET IN THE LUSH, green hills of KwaZulu-Natal, with picturesque views of the Indian Ocean, Sibaya invites guests in with a royal welcome and graces them with the rejuvenating power of the African sun.

LOCATION

Located just a short drive away from King Shaka International Airport, Sibaya makes a modern statement with its unique Zulu-inspired architecture – a contemporary interpretation of African tribal designs based on traditional Zulu kraal imagery.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Imbizo Conference Centre provides for a wide variety of functions. This Afro-chic multi-purpose venue can seat 500 people banquet style; all rooms are air-conditioned with toilet facilities nearby. Please note capacities may change due to government Covid restrictions.

The Boma is 150 buffet seater and is authentically crafted in traditional South African Style, offering

guests an opportunity to dine under the stars. The Boma is a private venue equipped with a bar and has access to all the catering services from the conference centre. With extensive experience and a keen eye on your budget, the coordination team is sure to create an unforgettable event for you at this unique venue, which will help bring your brand to life.

ACCOMMODATION

Sibaya possesses the ability to make you forget your troubles and encourages you to live in the moment. The resort is home to the Sibaya Lodge and the luxury Royal Sibaya Hotel, each offering beautiful ocean or garden views, with genuine African hospitality aimed at exceeding your expectations.

DINING

Sibaya boasts a variety of restaurants, providing options for every taste and budget. Whether you're a devoted foodie or just looking for a quick bite to eat, Sibaya has whatever you're looking for.

MEETING SPACES 2

MAX PAX 500

ACCOMMODATION 154 ROOMS

81% OF GLOBAL EVENTS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE AN IN-PERSON ELEMENT, WITH 64% OF PLANNERS AND ORGANISERS EXPECTING BUDGETS TO INCREASE OVER THE NEXT YEAR.

SANDTON, GAUTENG

SITUATED IN THE HEART of Sandton’s financial district, Sun International’s 281-room specialist business hotel has been prudently crafted to facilitate all of today’s business needs. The hotel is packed with state-of-the-art facilities and technology that will delight any business executive.

All senses are catered for through a variety of spaces – ranging from an alluring bar, tempting bistro, calming lounges and a soothing spa to a ballroom, conference centre, auditorium and 12 unparalleled meeting rooms.

The hotel has consciously been positioned as a game changer: being a destination for professionals and the foremost precinct for achieving business success.

LOCATION

The Maslow is located in Sandton’s financial district, only a few minutes away from the

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

The Maslow’s spaces and facilities offer an oasis for business and social events and, being one of the largest such venues in business-centered Sandton, the hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities and catering for functions of any size. The Maslow offers catering to functions of up to 420 delegates. It also has private meeting rooms.

ACCOMMODATION

Kick-start your morning with a scrumptious breakfast at Lacuna Bistro before you tend to the business of the day. Whether you’re closing an important business deal, hosting a conference or catching up with colleagues, The Maslow’s award-winning accommodation brings business and pleasure together in calming and comfortable surrounds.

MEETING SPACES 22

MAX PAX 420

ACCOMMODATION 281 ROOMS

Sandton Gautrain station, Sandton City mall and Nelson Mandela Square.

PRETORIA, GAUTENG

AT TIME SQUARE, the luxury is in the detail.

From the moment you walk in, you are instantly captivated by the intriguing concept of time as you are presented with large clock displays, grand timepieces and architectural marvels. By making you ever mindful of the present, the horological decor encourages you to live fully in the now.

LOCATION

As part of the Menlyn Maine precinct, South Africa’s first ‘green city’ and one of Pretoria’s most popular points of interest, Time Square is where inspirational architecture, green thinking and community spirit combine and invite you to experience balanced and responsible living. Make every moment count at Time Square.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

At Time Square, every meeting room is designed to be a game changer, a place that fosters success. The rooms are conducive to productive workshops, strategic thinking and effective team building, while offering inspiring locations in which to do business in the heart of Menlyn Maine. The complex boasts spacious facilities that can accommodate events large or small. Time Square hosts a top-of-line 8 500-seater arena and conference centre with world-class facilities.

ACCOMMODATION

Suited to both business and play, Time Square is a 238-room specialist business hotel that has been prudently crafted to facilitate all of

MEETING SPACES 18

MAX PAX 10 500 ACCOMMODATION 238 ROOMS

today’s business needs. Boasting 17 floors, with premium accommodation all under one roof, the hotel is packed with state-of-the-art facilities and technology that will delight any business executive. The hotel opened in March 2018.

CATERING

To bring you an extraordinary culinary offering never seen before, Time Square has partnered with top chefs and sommeliers that offer experiential dining at its best. From concept kitchens to casual cuisine, Time Square has combined flavour with five-star quality to bring you a variety of premium restaurants within a single complex.

209 Aramis Avenue, Waterkloof Glen Ext 2, 0181, Pretoria, Gauteng

BRAKPAN, GAUTENG

ENTER THE MAGICAL WORLD of glittering entertainment and endless fun, and be greeted by a wide selection of delectable restaurants. Carnival City was designed with amusement in mind, offering an eye-catching arrangement of large circus-tent buildings festively decorated with roller-coaster models, clown murals, and jesters in costume – visitors will revel in the playful ambience.

LOCATION

Located in Brakpan, just 24 km away from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Carnival City is the perfect conference, play and stay destination.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Giving your event the elegant, professional edge, Carnival City has a selection of 10 conference and meeting rooms. Equipped to host a wide range of events, from small meetings to large conferences, Carnival City ensures that your event goes off without a hitch. It offers a multipurpose conferencing facility with an indoor area and outdoor space equipped to host lifestyle events, music festivals, launches and other experiences.

ACCOMMODATION

Offering four-star accommodation in Brakpan, Carnival City Hotel boasts an outdoor pool and is the ideal base to explore Carnival City and its entertainment opportunities. With endless funfilled opportunities for the whole family, don’t worry about driving back home – simply book your stay at this conveniently situated hotel.

CATERING

Carnival City offers the best restaurants and dining facilities covering a range of cuisines. Whether you’re craving a sit-down meal or a quick bite from a fast food outlet, there are a range of flavours on offer – from Asian delights to authentic Indian, seafood or burgers.

MEETING SPACES 11

MAX PAX 2 500

ACCOMMODATION 105 ROOMS

JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG

scc.reservations@tsogosun.com

www.sandtonconventioncentre.com

MEETING SPACES 17

MAX PAX 4 500

ACCOMMODATION OVER 5 000 ROOMS WITHIN PROXIMITY

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

caters for a variety of events ranging from large conferences such as the Presidential Investment Summit and other major corporate and government events, to small, intimate business meetings for 10, as well as festivals such as Joy of Jazz, RMB WineX, and huge sporting events such as Arnold Classic featuring about 100 sporting codes.

LOCATION

Sandton Convention Centre is located in the heart of Sandton with direct access via skywalks to two prestigious shopping malls: Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City. It is within easy walking distance of the Gautrain Sandton station connecting the Sandton Convention Centre to the airport and other areas in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Sandton Convention Centre boasts two exhibition venues: Exhibition 1 (5 430 m 2) and Exhibition 2 (5 050 m 2). It is equally equipped to cater for smaller events and meeting venues range from an intimate 10-seat function room to the Grand Pavilion, which can comfortably cater for 4 000 cocktail guests.

ACCOMMODATION

Sandton Convention Centre is surrounded by a choice of over 5 000 hotel rooms across the luxury, full-service and selectservice categories, many of which are within walking distance. Within the selection of Tsogo Sun Hotels in the area, two are directly connected to Sandton Convention Centre via a skywalk, namely Sandton Sun and InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers, while the adjacent Garden Court Sandton City can be reached in under two minutes on foot. Additional Tsogo Sun properties in the surrounds include: Holiday Inn Sandton, Southern Sun Katherine Street and Garden Court Morningside Sandton.

CATERING

The team of chefs and kitchen staff at Sandton Convention Centre is led by executive chef James Khoza, who is also the president of the SA Chefs Association. This talented team is capable of creating customised menus to suit any palate and dietary requirement.

The above venue capacities are the maximum capacities per venue under normal circumstances. To ensure social distancing guidelines are met, please contact the hotel reservation team for the current venue capacities.

SANDTON, GAUTENG

WITH 453 TASTEFULLY decorated rooms –comprising standard rooms, junior executive rooms, executive rooms and suites – Hotel Sky Sandton suits your budget needs. The hotel also has a fitness room, two restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.

LOCATION

Located 100 metres from the Sandton Gautrain station, Sandton Convention Centre and Sandton City, Hotel Sky Sandton provides easy access to Sandton’s busiest areas.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

With a 190-seater auditorium, a 200-seater conference room, and boardrooms for between 4-12 pax, each venue is beautifully decorated and includes standard conference requirements, including audiovisual and projection equipment, as well as stateof-the-art technology.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

MAX PAX 240 MEETING SPACES 2 CONFERENCE ROOMS, 1 AUDITORIUM, 11 BOARDROOMS ACCOMMODATION 453 ROOMS

ACCOMMODATION

A selection of room types ranging from standard rooms to executive rooms and suites are fitted with all the comforts you could desire. All of Hotel Sky Sandton’s rooms have uncapped Wi-Fi, and smart TVs allow you to stream Netflix, Showmax, Prime or any other streaming service.

CATERING

Hotel Sky Sandton is home to two restaurants – Equinox Restaurant & Terrace, and Eclipse Restaurant. The Galileo Lounge serves delicious tapas, coffee and cocktails, while the Pooldeck Bar is an oasis in the middle of Sandton.

TEAM BUILDING

Hotel Sky Sandton has partnered with an inspirational team-building company that offers personalised programmes to suit your desired outcomes.

RUSTENBURG, NORTH WEST

NESTLED IN THE rolling hills of the Pilanesberg, one of South Africa’s most scenic locations, the Sun City resort is a world unto itself and has earned its reputation.

LOCATION

Located on the border of the Pilanesberg National Game Park, just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg, or a short 40-minute flight, Sun City is the perfect getaway destination.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Sun City resort is home to some of South Africa’s top conference venues and facilities. Offering organisers an abundance of elegant conference venues, meeting rooms, accommodation, and entertainment options, Sun City’s facilities leave you spoilt for choice. There is complimentary Wi-Fi found throughout the conference area, no matter where you are. Sun City’s conference venues offer guests everything they need and more, all situated in one resort.

ACCOMMODATION

No other resort has as wide a variety of accommodation options as Sun City. If you are looking for unsurpassed, five-star luxury, something to suit the whole family, or your own comfortable unit away from the crowds, this resort has everything you need. Each of the four hotels has its own unique style, character and attractions. People with special needs are also catered for.

CATERING

Sun City offers catering facilities for any size function upon request, and there are an unlimited number of menu options for every palate.

MEETING SPACES 36

MAX PAX 6 000

ACCOMMODATION 1 310 ROOMS

R556, Rustenburg, North West

+27 (0)11 233 2600

subs@3smedia.co.za theplanner.guru

theplanner.guru is a one-stop platform for finding venues and suppliers. It’s where you can read the hottest industry tips and trends as well as source event planning tools and gain insight from valuable information in the MICE Hub. Plan your event by using the platform’s event boards and keep up-to-date with the daily newsletters. Use these resources to take your events from great to flawless.

Packed with advice, handy tips, tools, checklists and event planning insight from leading industry experts and combined with the comprehensive listings, The Meetings & Event Planner is essential if you’re organising any type of event. Published annually.

INCENTIVE

Looking for new and exciting destinations?

The Incentive Planner is jam-packed with fresh ideas and top tips to turn any incentive trip into a memorable experience. Out in March and September with Meetings.

The Exhibition Planner is an essential tool for exhibitors. Information is packaged in an easily digestible format addressing the entire process of planning and arranging a show stand, what to do pre-show, during and post-show. Published annually.

This alternative monthly publication investigates new trends, ideas and strategies relevant to the meetings and events industry to keep you ahead of the planner pack. Meetings provides a platform for branding and promoting venues and service providers to the heart of the South African conferencing and event industries.

3S Media gives YOU the competitive edge as a MICE planner

www.theplanner.guru

“WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, AND WELLNESS TOURISM AND WORKPLACE WELLNESS BEING A $485 BILLION GLOBAL INDUSTRY, COULD THIS PRESENT A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MICE INDUSTRY?

– Global Wellness Institute

IT’S TIME TO MEET IN #MAURITIUSNOW

With its scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore and an exotic melting pot of cuisines and cultures, Mauritius has positioned itself as one of the top MICE destinations.

If you’re planning an incentive trip to reward your top performers, an international conference for a few thousand delegates, an exclusive high-level meeting for a government delegation, or a product launch event, look no further than this Indian Ocean Island where you will find the perfect venue, staffed by a professional and dedicated support team, to deliver a unique, world-class event, with a touch of island-style elegance and flair.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

While Covid-19 recovery measures may differ from country to country, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority can assure the MICE industry that Mauritius observes the strictest Covid-19 protocols. It is also regarded as having one of the world’s best responses to the pandemic. Thorough health, sanitary and testing protocols are in place from arrival in the country and throughout the stay at hotels, extending to all excursions and activities outside the accommodation, to eliminate all risk and ensure a safe and warm welcome to all MICE visitors. In addition, Mauritius has received a perfect 100 on the Oxford University Stringency Index, which tracks government policy and action regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

MICE MARKET

Mauritius offers the MICE buyer the infrastructure to cater for a variety of groups and sizes, all year round. As a MICE-friendly destination, the island has the key ingredients to host successful meetings, incentive groups, conferences and events. The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, state-of-the-art conferencing venues, professional and friendly staff, and the additional activities on offer all guarantee a unique experience.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

As the largest and most modern convention centre in the Indian Ocean region, the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences, accommodating up to 5 000 visitors. Other venues include the International Conference Centre in Grand Baie (up to 600 pax), the Freeport Exhibition in Mer Rouge (up to 1 000 pax) and Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3 000 pax). Many Mauritian hotels also offer conference facilities and can cater for up to 800 people, with spectacular marquees and setups on the hotel properties.

ACTIVITIES

The island also boasts a variety of activities specifically geared for MICE groups. These range from golf and adventure sports such as quad biking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and zip lining to fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing, canoeing and skydiving, together with a host of water sports.

The island also offers stunning outdoor locations for interactive and adrenalin-fuelled activities and adventures perfect for team-building exercises. There are also many cultural festivities and spiritual festivals that take place on the island that can be enjoyed.

WHEN TO VISIT

Mauritius has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best months to visit are from May to December, when the weather is cooler, dry and sunny. Mauritius and South Africa have enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship, and the island is delighted to welcome back visitors to enjoy the vibrant, friendly and beautiful country. Mauritius boasts some of the most luxurious resorts and stunning beaches on the planet, and offers a variety of adventure, sports and other lifestyle activities that make it an ideal destination for MICE guests who want to experience the island’s amazing warmth, culture and hospitality.

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority – SA Representative:

Philippa Piguet / Janet de Kretser – Meropa Communications

+27 (0)83 773 8445 / +27 (0)11 506 7300

mauritius@meropa.co.za

For more information:

www.mauritiusnow.com

www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za

#MauritiusNow

Lusaka Legacy Resort & Conference Centre

MEETING SPACES 10

MAX PAX 300

ACCOMMODATION 58 ROOMS, 2 SUITES

LUSAKA LEGACY RESORT & CONFERENCE

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA VENUES

CENTRE provides a first-class conferencing and accommodation offering. The Summit Conference Centre is ideal for meetings, corporate events, product launches and private events.

Guests at the resort have full access to the amenities, including an infinity pool, gym, massage rooms, game room, restaurant and bar. Lusaka Legacy Resort also provides room and laundry services, as well as complimentary parking.

LOCATION

Located on a hilltop off Great East Road – just 20 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and 30 minutes away from the new Mulungushi International Conference Centre grounds – Lusaka Legacy Resort combines ease of access with a natural countryside setting.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

With a wide variety of meeting and event spaces, ranging from intimate Upper Rooms to a Lodge Room, you can conduct your business in Lusaka Legacy Resort’s selection of meeting and boardroom spaces to fit your needs. Spacious decks overlooking the infinity pool offer panoramic views that are perfect for tea breaks, cocktail events and private functions.

ACCOMMODATION

Lusaka Legacy Resort’s comfortable accommodations are spread across five Villas. Each features a king-size bed, individual air conditioning, a full-size tub with a walk-in shower, and a private water closet.

To enhance the tranquil, natural setting of the resort, televisions are available in the Upper Room

of each Villa, as well as the game room and lobby bar of the Summit.

The two stunning Presidential Suites each provide two bedrooms with a king-size bed, individual air conditioning, a bath with walk-in shower, full-size tub and private water closet, two spacious lounges, kitchen and dining area, large flat-screen television, and over-sized decks with views of the city and distant mountains.

CATERING

Engage with your colleagues or fellow guests in the comfort of the stylish lounge bar before sampling Lusaka Legacy Resort’s freshly prepared cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes, with a range of options to choose from, with buffet and à la carte menus. The restaurant and bar area are both open to the public while several areas around the property are available to host catered events.

TEAM BUILDING

Team building for small, medium and large groups is ideal at Lusaka Legacy Resort, which is equipped to provide several options across its sprawling premises.

Plot sub 274 (off Great East Road), Meanwood, Chongwe, Lusaka

Legacy Resort Hotel

Legacy Resort

HYBRID IS HERE TO STAY, WITH 63% OF ORGANISERS SAYING THAT IN 2022, THEY EXPECT THEIR EVENTS TO BE A BLEND OF BOTH DIGITAL AND IN-PERSON EXPERIENCES.

– Event Manager Blog

THE MEETINGS & EVENT PLANNER HEARS

FROM JUST SOME OF THE MICE INDUSTRY’S ASSOCIATIONS THAT ARE WORKING TO FORTIFY AND GROW THE VALUE CHAIN THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS AND INNOVATION

TRANSFORMATION

AAXO understands that transformation be it digital, broad-based empowerment or sustainability, is a catalyst to help solve socio-economic challenges. We have a number of initiatives to support members in driving intentional inclusivity, environmentally-friendly and technological efforts.

RELEVANCE

Exhibitions are significant economic enablers and AAXO is working to ensure that stakeholders acknowledge the considerable contribution that its members make.

COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING AND GROWING AFRICA’S THRIVING EXHIBITION INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

AAXO’s strong focus on training and education opportunities for its members including a mentor and career centre, equip members to implement the latest thinking and tools in their businesses.

EXCELLENCE

AAXO encourages and shares the highest professional standards and best practices for its members.

Contact us today to learn about the tailored membership options and ensure your exhibitions and industry services carry this badge of excellence and approval.

BUILDING BACK

differently

room, and restrictions remain firmly in place. While we may not have a clear runway, we have a runway of activity that is paving the road forward and demonstrating how we can get delegates and clients back in person and into venues.

As we move forward in driving the business events industry’s recovery, we will have to be realistic. Living in a world of rainbows and unicorns will bring emotional harm and turmoil to many an event professional. Simply put: our recovery needs to be built back… differently

Attending Meetings Africa 2022 indicated that although many things may have looked the same, they are not necessarily the same in terms of how we go about our planning and delivery of events. The impact – both physically and emotionally – the pandemic

has had on all, including our industry, will be long-lasting.

Our recovery will be made at a slow and steady pace. Yes, we are experiencing a lot of optimism and a larger number of enquiries; however, experience has taught us that we must remain cautiously optimistic with adaptability being a defining characteristic at the forefront of our work.

RESTORING CONFIDENCE

Many a corporate client remains hesitant; government clients are still not making any serious commitment to get delegates into a

An observation during the early weeks of 2022 – which may not necessarily remain as we build back our industry – is that there is a familiar look and feel to business events, meetings and exhibitions, with a distinct difference: plenty of Covid-19 protocols, wearing of masks, social distancing, sanitisation. At times, proof of vaccination is even common practice as we start this transitional phase in learning to live with the virus. Some business events and exhibitions may also seek an increased number of attendees if they are all vaccinated as we have witnessed in parts of the world. This will be a balancing act as the industry finds harmony in its move out of an extended hiatus.

Conversations with sales and marketing teams have proven that the cost and time

Glenton de Kock , CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), gets real about what it’s going to take to recover post the pandemic.

associated with staying in contact during the pandemic are beneficial. We moved less and had more time to engage with each other. We all stayed in contact more regularly and the relationships we have built forge on stronger than ever before.

THE NEW NORM

The shift to this new norm has impacted sales teams and their attendance at business events and exhibitions. This will undoubtedly affect numbers and KPIs associated with face-to-face meetings over the next year, yet only time will tell how significant this will be. It may directly affect decisions on which shows to attend and how important it is to be there in person. The result may be fewer in-person sales meetings, making the business events and exhibitions that do take place even more valuable. Meetings Africa 2022, WTM Africa in April 2022 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 are some examples.

There is a strong consensus that face-toface interaction results in higher engagement and drives sales because people buy from people with whom they feel a connection. The way we connect – either within a room or through a social experience – plays a vital part in how we plan for our events. Of course, meeting planners know this and, indeed, the first and second quarters of 2022 show early indications that some of the most fulfilling and beneficial business events activity may come to life again over the course of the year.

WILL ‘SLOW BUT STEADY’ WIN THE RACE?

Accepting that we will have a slow but steady recovery is something we have become accustomed to these past two years. It will, in a strange way, also assist many a property or venue to plan accordingly while bringing back staff at the same time. A phased return may

be best, but it cannot be a sluggish return, as many may not survive this.

While we welcome the announcement of the return of some major international airlines to our skies, the lead time is many weeks away – and even months down the line in some cases.

We have seen how our own domestic market has been stimulated with local demand for leisure travel. For some routes, this has triggered the return of business travel.

The recovery of the business events industry hinges on a collective confidence to move, coupled with the opportunity to indulge in a combination of business travel with leisure opportunities as part of events. This is a worthwhile opportunity that meeting planners should explore.

ABOUT SAACI –

DECADES OF ADVANCING EXCELLENCE

SAACI was founded in 1987 by Nick Stathakis, former head of SATOUR’S Congress Division, and Keith McCusker, former head of CSIR. Their guiding principle for pioneering SAACI was to create a governing body to improve the standards of conference facilities, meeting venues and allied services within Southern Africa, in order to improve its global competitive advantage with both local and international conference buyers. More than three decades later, SAACI still leads the way in thought leadership to move the industry forward and advance Southern Africa’s well-deserved reputation for excellence in MICE.

While the prospects exist for delegates to network as they explore the experiences when visiting a destination, we need to acknowledge that it may add to the cost – a cost some may not be able to cover during the industry’s revival. The road to recovery is not a linear one, but one that will require numerous discussions that leverage creative solutions to build back differently

THREE

As we move forward in driving the business events industry’s recovery, we will have to be realistic. Living in a world of rainbows and unicorns will bring emotional harm and turmoil to many an event professional. Our recovery needs to be built back… differently.”

MORE THAN 195 SIGNATORIES AND 110 SUPPORTERS HAVE ALIGNED TO THE NET ZERO CARBON EVENTS INITIATIVE THAT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE A 50% REDUCTION IN CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2030. HAVE YOU SIGNED THE PLEDGE?

THE services

THE MEETINGS & EVENT PLANNER BRINGS YOU THE MOST EXCITING SERVICE PROVIDER OFFERINGS ADAPTED TO THE ‘NOW’!

JOCAPE TRAVEL & EVENTS

JoCape Travel is based in Cape Town and provides events management services in Southern Africa and beyond.

The company is 100% woman-owned, supporting other woman-owned businesses as well.

Your

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Energise and personalise your events with genuine, brand-centred hospitality from Barmotion. We carefully wrap our cosmopolitan hospitality solutions, from coffee bars to pop-up sushi stands, around your brands.

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We’re more than just a mobile bar company, we offer full turnkey hospitality and branding solutions specifically tailored to your requirements. Our extensive experience and knowledge in the events, marketing and hospitality sector let us understand what’s key to achieving the results you need, and we offer the best in service to our clients.

We offer a hands-on approach, taking the time to understand your brand and its values, so we can meet your brief with a first-class hospitality solution.

CPDdata facilitates hands-free delegate monitoring into and out of conference plenary and break out venues.

Delegate advantages:

private online profile

CPD points certificate

track CPD history

attendance certificate

movement triggered messaging

no contact

no scanning ID badge

no signing registers

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Organiser advantages:

track delegates

restrict access

unrestricted movement live delegate data

comprehensive summary movement triggered messaging control access

delegate stats for speakers

data security

gala dinner seating plan

// Fabric Shell Scheme // Modulbox

// Standard Shell Scheme

Registration Counters // Signage & Branding // Exhibition Stands

Courses:

• Further Education and Training Certificate Early Childhood Development

SAQA ID 58761

• Inclusive Education Accredited Short Courses (24 Credits)

• Assessors US 115753

• Moderators US 115759

• Facilitators US 117871

• Special: Combo: Assessors, Moderators & Facilitators

us Today:

010 157 0185

Us: 081 899 5212

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.

The Perfect Wedding

Make your big day perfect with unlimited privacy, breathtaking scenery, birdlife, wildlife, scenic trails, comfortable accommodation, delicious food and personalised service excellence