The Meetings & Event Planner 2023

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

ON THE COVER

10

The SANCB works for YOU

The Meetings & Event Planner learns what the South Africa National Convention Bureau (also known as the SANCB) is doing to grow and nurture the local MICE industry, to benefit both the sector and the country as a whole.

BEST PRACTICE

INDEXING THE VENUES

PROVINCES AS DESTINATIONS

For the first time, The Meetings & Event Planner is including the value proposition of the different provinces as destinations for your next event. Uncover their strengths, as well as who to contact should you need support when planning your next event.

23 Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

26 Free State Gambling, Liquor & Tourism Authority

28 Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau

14

Your guide to the most popular social media platforms - And how to choose & use them Knowing which social media platforms to use isn’t always obvious – until you look at the data. This is why we’ve created this easy-to-understand breakdown of what each of the most popular social media platforms has to offer event planners.

18

The ultimate checklist for site visits

Having the right size rooms or a good location isn’t enough to guarantee a venue is right for your event. Make sure you overlook nothing, with this comprehensive checklist for venue site visits.

20

3 tech tools for planners Technology continues to promise more efficient, more accurate and more seamless solutions for event planners and their attendees. Here are three tech tools that can seemingly deliver on all of these benefits.

21

Discover South Africa’s leading business event venues and find the perfect match for your event’s specific needs. Helpfully, The Meetings & Event Planner’s directory is designed in such a way that it’s incredibly easy to identify options by region and capacity, and to compare our large range of options.

37 KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau

51 Limpopo Tourism Agency

55 North West Tourism Board

59 Northern Cape Tourism Authority

61 Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau

THE ASSOCIATIONS

92

South Africa’s MICE industry associations have much to offer event professionals. Find out more in our showcase of seven of the most prominent associations operating in this space.

THE SERVICE PROVIDERS

101

Meet some of our favourite service providers who are giving business events a professional edge with their exceptional service offering.

When you visit South Africa, we’ll open more than our doors... We’ll open eyes. Open minds. We’ll unlock opportunities for growth... For learning... For life.

Our doors are open to live again.

Host your next business event in South Africa.

/www.southafrica.net

of Design Beren Bauermeister

Production & Client Liaison Manager

Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk

Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina

Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising

Vanessa Bisschoff

+27 (0)84 805 6752 | vanessa.bisschoff@3smedia.co.za

PUBLISHED BY

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ISSN 978-0-620-68603-7

NOTICE OF RIGHTS

The Meetings & Event Planner is published annually by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

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Meetings & Event Planner is ABC audited and certified.

The global MICE events industry is still very much in recovery, but seeing this edition of The Meetings & Event Planner come together has made me feel both inspired and a little in awe of what our local MICE sector is doing. We have exceptional and beautiful venues gracing our pages, all providing the perfect environment for various types, sizes and flavours of business events. Meanwhile, the industry associations section from page 92 demonstrates both the professionalism and professional scope of our full MICE value chain – from conferences and exhibitions (including organisers, services and suppliers) to professional designations and sustainable event management, we have it all.

MEET OUR LOCAL DESTINATIONS

A new inclusion in this issue is a showcase of South Africa's provincial convention bureaus and tourism bodies. Each of these shares the unique value proposition of their province as a business events destination and, again, I'm impressed by the huge range of what our country has to offer both local and international delegates. With our varied landscapes (think deserts to forests, wetlands and oceans) and wildlife (the Big Five and Small Five), to the different cuisines, cultures and activities on offer, we have a wealth of assets available to us. What's more, these bureaus and tourism offices are here to help grow the industry, and offer various support services, which they share with you here.

Uniting these efforts is the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), which collaborates closely with the provinces to ensure that, as a country, we maximise our opportunities and bring more events to our shores. Their overall aim in doing so is to grow our economy and boost industries, both of which are beneficial side effects of hosting business events. Find out more about the SANCB and their work on page 10.

The Meetings & Event Planner really is a fabulous resource, and I hope it serves you well in what looks set to be a busy year ahead.

and The

& 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.

PROVIDERS ASSOCIATIONS

The SANCB

works for YOU

The Meetings & Event Planner learns how

South Africa

The SANCB is a division of South African Tourism (SA Tourism), focused on growing business events activities under the leadership of Zinhle Nzama, the recently appointed acting chief convention bureau officer. It is an important mandate given the economic potential of the sector.

THE BROADER VALUE OF BUSINESS EVENTS

According to the Allied Market Research, the global business events industry was valued at US$945.6 billion (R13.6 trillion*) in 2019. Of this, Africa’s share was valued at US$13.6 billion (R196.5 billion*), roughly half of which was attributed to the South African business events sector, which was valued at US$6.9 billion (R99.7 billion*).

Following worldwide lockdowns during the pandemic, the business events industry was forced to shut down for approximately two years. During this time, these benefits were sorely missed, but much is being done to rebuild the sector and recoup these losses.

The Allied Market research projects that, globally, business events will reach an

(SANCB)

estimated US$1.3 trillion (R20.8 trillion**) by 2031, showing positive growth prospects.

CREATING QUALITY CONNECTIONS

With over 20 years’ experience working in the tourism industry, Zinhle has a keen understanding that the value of business events lies in their ability to foster connections. For this reason, Meetings Africa 2023 – the leading business tourism show on the continent – adopted the theme ‘Africa's Success Built on Quality Connections’.

Zinhle explains, “We are in the business of trust, as faceto-face meetings and events allow us to connect and build trust. From there, business can happen.” She adds that the emphasis

the

National Convention Bureau

is forging a brighter future for the South African business events sector.

Zinhle Nzama, the recently appointed SANCB acting chief convention bureau officer

at this year’s event has been on ensuring quality connections throughout the event planning process, from the strict vetting of hosted buyers to the selection of SMMEs that were hosted at this year’s ‘plug and play’ pavilion. Additionally, leading South African innovators and thought leaders were also showcased, to demonstrate the excellence that our continent offers. “People attend business events to find solutions. We believe that by showcasing the exceptional talent we have here in Africa –from a surgeon who pioneered new medical procedures to a mathematician who invented a groundbreaking formula with real-world applications – we can show the world that we have ideas, and we offer an environment that will inspire creative solutions and innovations.” Meetings Africa 2023 was well received, with attendees feeling upbeat about the business they derived from the show. The initial figures from Africa’s renowned business trade platform saw 352 exhibitors from 22 African Countries and 362 buyers from over 53 countries in attendance, with over 7 000 meetings confirmed through the online diary system.

LOOKING FORWARD

Aside from growing South Africa’s share of the global MICE market, Zinhle also highlights that the SANCB and its partners – including the provincial convention bureaus – want to ensure an even spread of events across the whole country. Historically, 93% of all international business events are hosted in

THE SANCB’S SERVICE OFFERING

The SANCB has developed several strategies to achieve its ambition of growing the number and scale of business events in South Africa. These include the following:

Marketing: The SANCB has launched several campaigns to promote South Africa’s capacity to host extraordinary international events, highlighting its world-class facilities, warm hospitality, great natural beauty, diverse cultural experiences, as well as the accessibility of exceptional innovators and thought leaders who call South Africa home.

These campaigns run across multiple marketing platforms, including events and trade shows. Instrumental among these are SA Tourism’s two events – Meetings Africa, a business tourism event, and Africa’s Travel Indaba, which markets the leisure tourism industry – as well as three key international trade shows, namely: IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World among others.

MICE Sales and Bid Support: This unit handles MICE sales as well as bidding on events and providing pre- and post-bidding support. The bidding phase includes offering independent advice when selecting a host city, as well as advice on local issues, lobbying and promotional support.

In the 2022, the team invested R51.2 million in bid submissions, supporting 101 bids and winning 66 of these. Between 2022 and 2025, these events are expected to contribute approximately R46.7 billion to South Africa’s economy.

Business Development and Support Services: The role of this unit is business development (including capacity-building initiatives for venues and event organisers) and to provide a range of support services. These include facilitating site inspections, convention planning support (such as sourcing venues and suppliers, compiling cost estimates, and submitting and monitoring request for proposals), on-site event serves and delegate boosting.

Research and Insights: The SANCB conducts ongoing studies to gain insights into the MICE sector, including best practices and trends.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we found the broader events industry was turning to us for guidance and answers, and we had to fill a leadership role. Therefore, it has been critical for us to continually conduct research into the MICE sector so that we can share the most recent findings and relevant solutions,” explains Zinhle.

Collaboration and Networking: The SANCB regularly engages with industry bodies, venues and event organisers, to better understand their experiences and needs. These engagements can take many forms, from industry events to familiarisation trips, and connecting venues and potential clients. The Meetings Africa 2023 BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day) is another such example, where several associations held events, including the inaugural International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Africa Summit and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Meetings Africa Association Day.

Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Rather than perpetuating this trend, a concerted effort is now being made to grow the capacity and desirability of small towns, dorpies and townships as host destinations for MICE events.

Says Zinhle, “We want to see the economic benefits of the MICE sector trickle into all corners of South Africa, and to all its people. We believe this is how we can help to achieve the government’s National Development Plan, which aims to not only eradicate poverty by 2030, but also create an environment where all citizens can thrive.”

*Calculated using the average annual 2019 exchange rate of R14.4496, according to Exchange Rates UK

**Calculated using the average annual 2022 exchange rate of R16.3742, according to Exchange Rates UK

practice

THE MOST POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS + HOW TO CHOOSE & USE THEM

THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR SITE VISITS

3 TECH TOOLS FOR PLANNERS

Your guide to THE MOST POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

And how to choose & use them

Feeling pressure to create a TikTok account because ‘everybody else is’? Knowing which social media platforms to use isn’t always obvious – until you look at the data. This is why we’ve created this easy-to-understand breakdown of what each of the most popular social media platforms has to offer.

According to Webex Events, nearly 40% of event planners state that social media exposure is a key metric of event success, and 58% of marketers use social media to promote before, during and after the event.

This makes sense when you consider how ingrained social media is in most people’s lives –and very likely your target audience’s too. (But take a look at our infographic to make sure this is the case!) And as more of our lives move into the digital realm, it seems wrong to not ensure your brand is there too.

There is lots to think about when promoting your events, venues and services on social

media. But here are some of the most important things:

#1

WHICH ONE/S?

The first key decision is which social media channels, and how many? First, identify where your target audience is most strongly represented, so you don’t waste time and energy talking to the wrong people. Next, pick one or two to start with. You can test adding more, one at a time, later. This allows you to perfect your delivery.

If you are using multiple social media profiles, remember to have a consistent brand identity across all of them. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to post the same

content, just that it must be clear that they all ‘speak’ the same brand message.

#2 WHY?

It’s also critical that you set goals and objectives for what you hope to achieve on each platform. These can include things such as: grow your brand awareness, attract new followers, sell more event tickets, engage with your attendees, and so forth.

As always, make these goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timespecific). So instead of a goal to ‘sell more tickets’, you could say ‘sell 50 tickets through my Facebook event listing within the next three months’. This way, you will know with certainty whether you reached your goal or not. This knowledge will help guide you when creating your next SMART goal.

#3 WHAT?

Ah, yes, the big question. Here, there are so many possibilities – but always bring it back to your goal (e.g. to sell more tickets), your brand (the tone of voice and

style of your posting), and also the social media platforms you are on (whether videos work best, or perhaps an educational blog link or quote).

#4 HOW OFTEN?

David Hartshorne, a freelance writer working with leading software-as-a-service and tech brands, adds that, as well as chasing your goal, aim to post quality content rather than quantity, and to post consistently.

So, if you only feel like you have enough great content for three Facebook posts a week, work with that. Ignore the posting frequency advice of three posts a day, for example, because, honestly, no one can agree on what the ideal frequency of posting is! (Just google around and see for yourself.)

TOOLS TO HELP

If you run a small business and this is starting to sound a little overwhelming, remember that there are many tools to help you with content planning, scheduling and more. The best part is that many have a free basic plan, which should work well when you’re starting out.

INSPIRATION OVER HERE!

Here are some effective social media marketing strategies for events:

• Find an influencer in your industry with a solid social media presence and hire them to help you market your event. Ask them to suggest what they would like to post, so that they can be authentic. If they are so popular, they know what they are doing, so tap into that!

• Collaborate with other brands on social media, such as your event sponsors. Don’t simply share

and like each other’s posts. Instead develop a strategy on how you can best work together, and cross-market to each other’s followers.

• Share ready-to-post social media content with your speakers and other stakeholders, so that they can easily share these with their audiences.

• Do short video interviews with your speakers. These can be done live, so viewers can also post questions. Remember to have some valuable takeaways, but leave your viewers wanting more – giving them a reason to come to your event.

• Share some behind-the-scenes content. This could include inoffice photos, a short video clip on-site preparing for the event, or pictures of event swag.

• Find ways to build suspense preevent, e.g. with a countdown clock or even just making a big announcement. You could also post a teaser question, such as: ‘One of our just confirmed speakers is a highly accomplished surgeon who developed a new way to do XYZ. Can you guess who she or he is?’ Poll options could be used, or simply let people answer as a comment. And remember to share the correct answer.

• Offer prizes, giveaways or discounts. Using the teaser question example above, you could give a free ticket or 50% discount to someone who answers correctly. You can also offer prizes during your event as an incentive to encourage more live posting with the event hashtag.

• Share post-event content, e.g. speaker quotes or infographics from the info they shared, interesting audience poll results, videos, photos, attendee testimonials or the results of the post-event survey.

• Don’t forget to consider running some ads. Organic reach tends to not get very far, and ‘going viral’ is a rare phenomenon. On the other hand, paid-for content has a far better reach rate and you can set measurable goals (such as website clicks).

Check out the next spread for our social media situation report!

FACEBOOK LINKEDIN

Worldwide active users: 2.93 billion

South African users: 29.5 million

Male users: 56.6%

Female users: 43.4%

SA Male users: 49.3%

SA Female users: 50.7%

Most popular age demographic: 25-34

Amount of time spent on it per month: 19.7 hours

Other favoured social media channel: 77% use Instagram

Why used?

Message family and friends, news

Most suitable content: Live video, video, humorous posts, user-generated content, current events, inspirational content

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 13+: 53.2%

INSTAGRAM

Worldwide active users: 2 billion

South African users: 6.2 million

Male users: 50.7%

Female users: 49.3%

SA Male users: 46.7%

SA Female users: 53.3%

Most popular age demographic: 25-34

Amount of time spent on it per month: 11.7 hours

Other favoured social media channel: 69% use TikTok and 40% use Facebook

Why used?

Follow to research brands and products

Most suitable content: Photos and videos (reels)

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 13+: 13.6%

Worldwide active users: 875 million

South African users: 10.2 million

Male users: 57%

Female users: 43%

SA Male users: 52.9%

SA Female users: 47.1%

Most popular age demographic: 25-34 (60% of users)

Amount of time spent on it per month: Unknown

Other favoured social media channel: 66% of LinkedIn users also use Twitter

Why used?

Job applications

Most suitable content:

Images (one or multiple), sharing articles or documents, polls

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 18+: 23.7%

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

66% of FB users visit a local business page at least once a week

Hashtags don’t perform so well on Facebook

Facebook advertising is generally thought to deliver the best ROI in terms of advertising spend, possibly because of how targeted ads can be and the algorithms they use

50% of Instagram users say that they’ve visited a brand’s website after viewing their Stories

90% of Instagram users follow a business

4 out of 5 people on LinkedIn ‘drive business decisions’

40% of B2B marketers surveyed indicated LinkedIn as the most effective channel for driving highquality leads – but advertising is more expensive than other social media platforms

Companies that post weekly on LinkedIn see a 2x higher engagement rate

Interestingly, external link posts do not perform as well as other content

TIKTOK YOUTUBE

Worldwide active users: 755 million

South African users: 6.44 million

Male users: Unknown

Female users: 61%

SA Male users: 46.1%

SA Female users: 53.9%

Most popular age demographic: 18-34 (US market)

Amount of time spent on it per month: 22.9 hours

Other favoured social media channel: 81% of TikTok users also use Instagram

Why used?

Funny or entertaining content

Most suitable content: Video

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 18+: 16.1%

TWITTER

Worldwide active users: 238 million

South African users: 2.85 million

Male users: 56.4%

Female users: 43.6%

SA Male users: Unknown

SA Female users: Unknown

Most popular age demographic: 25-34 (38.5%)

Amount of time spent on it per month: 5 hours

Other favoured social media channel: 87% of Twitter users also use Instagram

Why used?

Keep up to date with news and current events

Most suitable content: Video content outperforms images, text should be kept to 50-100 words

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 13+: 6.3%

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

Vertical TikTok videos shot have a 25% higher watchthrough rate

The number of daily active users has decreased recently, and this trend is expected to continue 9% of web referrals are from Twitter

While hashtags perform well on Twitter, the company recently advised against using them as they can compete with the links you are sharing in your tweet (which likely will be the objective of your tweet)

Worldwide active users: 1.7 billion (unique monthly visitors)

South African users: 25.3 million

Male users: 53.9%

Female users: 46.1%

SA Male users: 50%

SA Female users: 50%

Most popular age demographic: Teens (95% of US teens use it)

Amount of time spent on it per month: 23.4 hours

Other favoured social media channel: 99% of YouTube users also are on other social media platforms

Why used?

Entertainment (music, gaming, live events and movies), educational content, make purchasing decisions, brand research

Most suitable content: Video

Eligibility reach* in South Africa’s population aged 18+: 53.3%

DID YOU KNOW?

YouTube is very popular with younger audiences and Gen Z

In the US, 62% of users access YouTube daily

22% of users watch YouTube via their mobile phone

68% users watch YouTube to help make a purchasing decision

YouTube performs well on Google searches

*Eligibility reach is the potential reach of ads compared with population age indicated, based on 2022 data.

checklist FOR SITE VISITS

THE ULTIMATE SITE VISIT CHECKLIST

Having the right size rooms or a good location isn’t enough to guarantee a venue is right for your event. Make sure you overlook nothing, with this comprehensive checklist for venue site visits.

Once you’ve found what looks to be the perfect venue in these pages, which can accommodate your anticipated attendee numbers and dates, you’ll need to arrange an in-person site visit to check first-hand that it meets all your requirements, and possibly to discover any extra benefits or limitations that are useful to know. Using a checklist is a useful way to make sure you cover everything you need to, and to gather information in a uniform way – making it easier to compare venues if it comes to this.

TOP TIP: Ellen Oosthuizen, chairperson of the PCO Alliance Network, also recommends you find recent online reviews of the venue. This will give you a good sense of the level of service and guest experience, and any potential problems to investigate during your site visit.

Don’t forget to have a camera or fully charged phone for taking photos, as well as a notebook, tape measure, and this checklist. Also confirm beforehand which areas and services you would like to see.

Note: Not all these checklist items will be relevant to every event. Pick and choose as appropriate.

GENERAL

Venue rates

Any taxes or hidden fees that could affect you

Deposit requirement and date

Cancellation policy

Penalties for late payment/attrition

Health and safety compliance

Any security concerns

Evacuation procedure

Medics on-site or closest hospital/clinic

Level of insurance coverage for events on the premises

Backup power availability, and cost

Generator service record

Backup water supply

Accessibility (e.g. wheelchair access to all areas your event will use)

YOUR IMPRESSIONS

Accessibility of the venue from airport/ city/accommodation (note road conditions and travel times)

Aesthetics and upkeep of the property Staff friendliness, helpfulness, knowledge and professionalism from arrival to departure

Availability and cost of parking

Planned construction for your dates –if any

Other events booked for your dates –and their possible impact on your event Where event branding and directional signage are allowed, and cost

If the venue will help to market your event, and how

Nearby attractions and activities for attendees

Whether there is a courtesy bus or preferred supplier for transport

Query any concerning issues that came up in the online reviews

Also request some references for similar events to the one you are planning, so you can follow up with them about their experience at the venue in question.

VENUE

How do attendees reach the venue/s?

Where can registration be set up?

Where will refreshment breaks be served?

Capacity for the desired seating arrangement

What tables, chairs and tablecloths are available, at what cost (request to see these)?

Check door, pillar and power outlet placements

How is the temperature controlled?

How is the lighting controlled?

Acoustics

Staff availability on the day, dedicated contact person

Organiser’s office, and cost

Setup times, and cost

Breakdown times, and cost

Procedure for courier deliveries pre-event

Storage space, and cost

If you are using outdoor areas, confirm a contingency plan for poor weather

STANDS, AUDIOVISUAL & TECH

How do stand builders and technical crew reach the venue/s, are there loading bays and how easy is access?

Is rigging allowed and a lift available, at what cost?

Ceiling height limitations

Access to floorplans

Are a stage and podium available, at what cost (request to see these)?

Is there any AV included with the venue (request to see these)?

Is additional in-house AV available, at what cost (request to see these)?

Availability of an in-house technician, and cost

List of AV vendors, and contacts

Are you able to bring in external AV suppliers?

Does the venue have any other tech available to use?

WI-FI

Is Wi-Fi included, at what speed and reliability, and how do guests access it?

Is alternative internet connectivity available and reliability, at what cost?

Is in-house support available for connectivity issues, at what cost?

List of internet vendors, and contacts

Can you bring in external suppliers?

FOOD & BEVERAGE

In-house or specified vendors, and contacts

Are you able to bring in external vendors?

Catering for kosher, halaal, vegetarian, vegan, plant-based and allergies, and cost

Are there any discounts or special packages?

Minimum numbers

Deadline for confirming numbers, menus, special diets and needs, procedure and deposit

Food labels

Are staff able to answer questions on ingredients?

Where and when will refreshments be served?

Service charges

SUSTAINABILITY

Are you able to share energy use readings for the event?

Are you able to share water-use readings for the event?

Is water bottled on-site?

What waste system is used – such as composting and recycling – how is it managed, and how much waste typically goes to landfill?

Is excess food donated to charities?

What can you as the planner do to improve energy and water efficiency, and minimise waste?

Is the venue involved in social investment projects that you could contribute to?

What other sustainability advantages are offered?

3 TECH TOOLS

FOR PLANNERS

PERSONALISED INFO, AS YOU NEED IT

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, but not the type you have most likely interacted with before now. The ‘intelligence’ factor is apparent in how ChatGPT – or Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer – can “answer follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises and reject inappropriate requests,” writes OpenAI, the AI research and deployment company who created ChatGPT. ChatGPT is currently being used and tested by anyone who wants to (and you too can have a go, at chat.openai.com). Many event planners might already be finding it useful as a tool to help write rough drafts on all kinds of content in a matter of seconds. But InEvent has also been quick to integrate ChatGPT into its professional eventing software.

InEvent shares, “We have activated ChatGPT in all touchpoints on the InEvent Platforms – marketing communications, website, landing pages and virtual lobby. Now, you can generate all the communication materials for your event from the world’s most talked about conversational AI.” (Hello, future!)

THE POWER OF FACIAL RECOGNITION AND ANALYSIS

Did you know facial recognition technology

for events is available here in South Africa?

Zenus arrived on our shores at the end of 2021, offering several products for event organisers, exhibitors and retailers – including ethical facial recognition software for event check-ins, time attendance, access control and visitor management.

Their smart cameras can also be used for facial analysis, to gather data on attendee numbers, gender, age and sentiment over time, and with 95% accuracy. This analysis is done automatically without needing to collect any personal data.

If you’re wondering how the ‘ethical’ aspect of this works, Zenus has a strict privacy policy. When using facial analysis to collect aggregate level (group) statistics, the data is anonymous and consent is not required. However, they do advise that you disclose the use of video analytics.

When using facial recognition – e.g. for event check-ins – it’s a different matter. You are processing personally identifiable information and people must give explicit permission for you to use it on them, beforehand. An alternative option must be available for those who opt out, and everyone should be able to opt out and delete their data at any time.

Zenus adds that personal data should only be used for its intended purpose (e.g. check-ins) and automatically deleted

afterwards, with any data retention being limited to the absolute minimum.

SMART BADGES FOR SMARTER NETWORKING

There are various electronic smart badge devices available. Our favourites are the ones that help to make networking much easier: instead of introducing yourself to random people and hoping for the best, attendees fill in a questionnaire preevent on their interests. This, plus their contact information, is stored on the smart badges. During the event, these badges light up every time two compatible prospects are within close proximity, cuing them to introduce themselves. Contact details can be retrieved easily later.

Some badges can help attendees contact and locate someone they want to talk to and can be used for access control (should some areas be limited to certain guests or capacities). They can also provide organisers with data reports on attendee movements (including real-time heat maps) – e.g. which attendee profiles engaged the most with each other, and which areas of interest sparked the most and longest conversations.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a local supplier for this yet, but hopefully it will reach our shores soon.

Technology continues to promise more efficient, more accurate and more seamless solutions for event planners and their attendees. Here, we check out three tech tools that can seemingly deliver on all three.

DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING BUSINESS EVENT VENUES AND FIND THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR EVENT’S SPECIFIC NEEDS , QUICKLY AND EASILY.

Meetings magazine is a popular B2B title for professionals in the business tourism and business events ecosystems, who need to keep their finger on the pulse of the latest news, trends, expert opinions, thought leader insights, best practices and more. We pride ourselves on having original, relevant and in-demand content – as well as being accessible, being freely available across multiple channels.

What makes Meetings UNIQUE?

It is a leading source of business intelligence for the MICE and business events market;

It is distributed to key industry decision-makers and is ABC audited;

It is accessible through multiple channels: print, newsletters, web, video and social media; Endorsed by several leading industry associations, including AIPC, SAACI, EXSA, AAXO, the PCO Alliance Network and the EGF.

SPECIAL FOCUS PUBLICATIONS

This annual publication is an essential resource for event planners, cataloguing the industry’s leading venues and suppliers in a way that makes it easy to find the perfect solution for your next event. Complemented with handy advice, tips and insights, it’s been dubbed ‘the event planner’s bible’.

Looking for new and exciting

The Incentive Planner is jam-packed with fresh ideas and top tips to turn any incentive trip into a memorable experience. Published annually

destinations?

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.

the lanner guru.co.za

theplannerguru.co.za is an easy-to-access resource for MICE professionals who are on the go and need to stay up to date with the latest industry news, current trends and best practices - and South Africa’s leading venues and suppliers are just a quick click away. With a weekly newsletter and strong social media presence, we’ve got you covered.

The Eastern Cape IS YOURS TO EXPLORE

Nelson Mandela Bay is the main gateway to the Eastern Cape and is the country’s fifth largest city. It is always buzzing with business visitors, investors and conference attendees, exploring the new entrepreneurial opportunities created within the region. Visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay are provided with a safe and welcoming environment with the warm hospitality that ‘the Bay’ is renowned for.

ACCESSIBILITY

Nelson Mandela Bay is equidistant to all major South African cities, and its wellequipped international airport, harbour, highways and roads link the Eastern Cape with South Africa, as well as other major national and international destinations.

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

Conferences, corporate events and private functions can be hosted in a number of exciting venues in and around Nelson Mandela Bay. Conferences are supported by state-ofthe-art technical support in different conference venues. This technical support can meet the needs of

every conference. Video conferencing, wellequipped venues and team-building getaways are all wrapped up in an effective, stable and scenic environment.

The average venue caters for 70-300 delegates; however, bigger and smaller venues are also available. Venues are situated around the Bay area but if you are looking for exclusivity and comfort, a private game reserve, seaside resort and luxury hotels also offer world-class conference venues. A vast number of establishments offer unique private function venues that are ideal for hosting cocktail parties, awards, dinners, company and year-end functions.

ACCOMMODATION

Boasting more than 15 000 beds within a 20-minute radius of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, discerning travellers to Nelson Mandela Bay can choose from one- and two-star hotels offering good value-for-money or superior traditional three- to five-star hotels or upmarket five-star retreats/boutique hotels. Guesthouses range from basic bed and breakfast or selfcatering to luxurious establishments. Township lodges are an exciting alternative.

INCENTIVES –THE NELSON MANDELA BAY PASS

Those seeking memorable incentives or pre- and

CONTACT US: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

+27 (0)41 503 7566 / +27 (0)41 585 8884

sisaacs@mandelametro.gov.za www.nmbt.co.za

post-show tours will be spoilt for choice. Among the Eastern Cape’s biggest tourism icons are the highest commercial bungee jump in the world – Bloukrans Bridge – Tsitsikamma National Park Marine Reserve, Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, the supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay, Addo Elephant National Park (a Big Seven reserve), Alexandria Dune Fields, Valley of Desolation, Owl House, Steve Biko Centre, Nelson Mandela Museum, and the Wild Coast.

MICE planners can also make use of the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass for their clients – a smart access card that provides visitors with free admission to a variety of attractions and activities in the Bay.

CONVENTION BUREAU SUPPORT

Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau was established to assist and ensure that every conference and business event is a memorable success by cutting the red tape, ensuring access to tourist sites, supplying accommodation and, in general, assisting every client.

The Convention Bureau provides destination expertise on Nelson Mandela Bay and supports associations, corporates, professional conference organisers and destination management companies who are interested in hosting meetings, conferences, incentives and exhibitions/events (MICE) in the city and surrounds.

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

CENTRALITY THAT

connects businesses

The Free State province is positioned in the middle of South Africa, sharing borders with six provinces and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The province acts like a glue that binds the nation in many ways, as it provides the country with the opportunities to conduct business with more affordability, tranquility and easy connectivity through air and road access. Bram Fischer Airport, situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the province, receives airlift from Cape Town, Gqeberha, Johannesburg and Durban. The key roadways connecting the Free State to the six provinces are the N1, N3, N6, N8, R505 and R700. These routes provide easy self-driving within the province.

ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

The Free State is known for its tranquility as it has smaller towns, or dorpies, that provide a perfect location for businesses to retreat and plan their future in the utmost tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city life where the majority of corporates are located.

The Free State prides itself on world-class venues for small to medium conferences that ensure meetings or conferences are hosted in a hospitable atmosphere. The people are the most precious asset of the province, as they are always hospitable and welcoming to visitors, making the province a safe destination.

CENTRAL AND COMPETITIVELY PRICED

Accommodation facilities are affordable throughout the year and provide all amenities that visitors would need when away from home. The scenic beauty, rich culture and heritage sites, as well as water and land action-adventure activities, are some of the added packages that the province offers for meetings and conference delegates to enjoy before or after the formal duration of their business in the province. Strong working relationships between the professional conference organisers and the public sector in both spheres of government make it easier for associations to host their conferences in the central, affordable and tranquil Free State province.

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

Corner Jan Pierewiet Avenue and N1 Highway Pellissier, 9332, Musgrave, Bloemfontein, Free State

GAUTENG MEANS

business

Gauteng is a province like no other. As the economic powerhouse of Africa, it drives the continent forward through innovation and an incredible business offering. The heart of South Africa’s business-events industry resides in Gauteng, and delegates flock from all over the globe to experience the unique blend of distinctly African culture and world-class infrastructure. Whether it’s a convention for 12 000 or a meeting for 10, Gauteng will deliver venues and services that surpass expectation. Globally recognised professional conference organisers are waiting to assist you, while the Gauteng Convention Bureau is ideally positioned to facilitate the creation of a memorable and firstrate event.

Gauteng has thousands of star-graded accommodation options to suit every budget, and many leading international hotel brands call the province home. Gauteng offers a plethora of pre- and post-show opportunities – from delving into the country’s fascinating political past, to visiting some of the finest culinary destinations in Africa, to marvelling at our incredible wildlife, there is an experience for everyone. South Africa has long been open for business, so come and see for yourself. There is so much to do or see within close reach.

With the largest international airport in South Africa perfectly positioned within the Gauteng region, we bring world business to Gauteng and our business relationships to the world.

ABOUT THE GAUTENG CONVENTION & EVENTS BUREAU

The Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau (GCEB), a business unit within the Gauteng Tourism Authority, is dedicated to supporting the business events sector and implementing strategic initiatives to ensure that it continues to market and position the province as one of the world’s top MICE destinations.

The GCEB works in close partnership with key industry role players, marketing Gauteng as a business hub, as well as an attractive and versatile MICE destination. Every region in Gauteng has the facilities required to position the province as a preferred business, events and leisure destination. From state-of-the-art convention venues to hotels that cater to every business traveller’s needs, and high-speed meeting rooms for some of the most impactful networking sessions to take place, Gauteng is the province to do business with and do business in!

Energetic, creative, culturally diverse and authentic, Gauteng is where it all starts.

FOUR UNIQUE

ONE ADDRESS.

The Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is the premium business hotel in Johannesburg providing state-of-the-art business facilities within the Melrose Arch Precinct. Featuring 306 rooms and suites, including a contingent of sharing rooms, the venue is ideal for groups.

For an extended stay, the Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch offers premium, fully serviced apartment living within the Melrose Arch Precinct. Feel perfectly at home in your choice of one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments complete with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge designed for comfort, convenience and style.

At African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Autograph Collection , we welcome guests to the Melrose Arch lifestyle development. Wrapped in five-star chic and allowing access to exclusive experiences that our surroundings offer –a glorious space to stay, eat, play and shop.

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.

Corner Century and Elsburg Road, Brakpan, 1540, Gauteng

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

VENUES

+27 (0)11 898 7000

carnivalcity@suninternational.com

www.suninternational.com/carnival-city

MEETING SPACES 9

MAX PAX 2 500

ACCOMMODATION 105 ROOMS

quick bite from a fast food outlet, there are a range of flavours on offer – from Asian delights to authentic Indian, seafood or burgers.

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 400 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 21

MAX PAX 400

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.

Life is a journey, and so is creating a special bottle of artisanal Gin. The Indaba Gin School is an educational and exciting 2 hour experiential journey through the intriguing world of Gin.

Our Gin Master will take you back in time exploring the origin of gin hundreds of years ago all the way to modern times and the great popularity Gin enjoys today. You will learn new things and have a laugh with friends about facts you can barely believe to be true. As in life, making your own Gin is a process with many important steps. The experience gives everyone involved the opportunity to express themselves and their unique personalities in a special and creative way.

A MAJESTIC CENTRE

for business events

Heritage Site, to experience the coast’s rich marine life.

Across the province, a host of conference and events facilities are set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, sun-kissed beaches or bush retreats.

The Convention Bureau – supported by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs and eThekwini Municipality – has successfully hosted over 120 significant business events since 2013.

WORLD-CLASS SUCCESS

The province has state-of-the-art convention centres and meeting venues across its breadth. Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre is the flagship host of these events, boasting the largest area of column-free, flatfloor, multipurpose space in Africa.

WE DO BUSINESS, WE DO EVENTS

Conference or event facilities are also provided

by Olive Convention Centre, Tsogo Sun, through Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Zimbali Fairmont, Coastlands Hotel, as well as the Hilton Durban, Greyville Conference Centre, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Royal Show Grounds, Champagne Sports Resort, Alpine Heath, Mfolozi Conference Centre and many others.

WE DO TOURISM

When work is done, a few hours’ drive from Durban, the majestic and serene uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park World Heritage Site beckons. See the hinterland’s Big Five or visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, another World

For those in search of insight into the history of the Zulu Kingdom, the province features a number of battle sites, including the site of Cetshwayo’s epic triumph of Isandlwana, or visit Mandela’s capture site in the KZN Midlands.

KwaZulu-Natal also offers seaside golf courses featuring lush, tropical vegetation and championship courses rich in tradition and history – making for a true golfer’s paradise.

Durban, the busiest port in Southern Africa, has started constructing a R200 million cruise terminal, which will host world-class facilities to augment its already-booming cruise ship tourism offering.

With regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and a growing list of direct international flights, including Durban to London, KZN is becoming more accessible to the world.

The Zulu Kingdom, through the Durban KZN Convention Bureau, provides a hub for business events to bring about tourism growth and socio-economic development. CONTACT US: KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau

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

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 45001 certified.

ACCOMMODATION

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

MEETING SPACES 32

MAX PAX 20 000

ACCOMMODATION OFF-SITE

hotels 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 faceto-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.

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 450 people banquet style; all rooms are air-conditioned with toilet facilities nearby. The Boma can seat 100 people buffet style and is authentically crafted in traditional South African style, offering guests an opportunity to dine

under the stars. The Boma is 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 3

MAX PAX 450

ACCOMMODATION 154 ROOMS

KINGSBURGH, KWAZULU-NATAL

THE INVITING SILVER sands and sparkling blue waters of ATKV Natalia beach resort can be found south of Durban – a tropical paradise with balmy, blissful weather year-round.

LOCATION

Just 40 km south of Durban lie the inviting silver sands and sparkling blue waters of ATKV Natalia beachfront resort.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Boasting a tropical paradise with balmy and blissful weather year-round, Natalia is a top destination for your business needs. This relaxing environment creates the perfect setting for serious business as well as a wealth of recreational activities.

We offer modern facilities for groups of up to 600 persons, and can create custom packages designed specifically for you and your event to suit your budget and heart’s desires. With an experienced business-events team ensuring that nothing goes wrong and that all your needs are met, you’re able to devote all your energy to creative and innovative thinking.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation options at ATKV Natalia include spacious, comfortable self-catering apartments, in various sizes, and a lush green caravan park with top-class facilities.

CATERING

Our Koswerf restaurant is readily available for all guests. It has a relaxing and informal atmosphere and delivers mouth-watering meals that will leave clients wanting seconds.

TEAM BUILDING

The resort has numerous facilities and amenities that cater for social and corporate team-building groups. We also have in-house entertainment coordinators that can put together memorable packages for your team.

NEAR THE FOOTHILLS of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a Unesco World Heritage Site, lies the ATKV Drakensville resort. Boasting a variety of accommodation, adventure activities and recreational facilities, Drakensville offers an excellent location for business events.

LOCATION

ATKV Drakensville lies among the beautiful Drakensberg mountains, a short three-hour drive from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, and just 2.5 hours from Durban.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Nobody wants to go to an event that won’t be memorable. ATKV Resorts offers unique packages that ensure your event will be memorable and that you’ll have peace of mind that the most skilled staff are making sure everything runs smoothly.

Our experienced business-events team will ensure that your conference runs smoothly, with tailor-made packages and five conference

venues to choose from to guarantee the perfect balance between business and pleasure.

ACCOMMODATION

With a variety of accommodation types to provide spectacular views, guests can choose from two-sleeper bed and breakfast room types, four- and six-sleeper rooms, as well as hostel rooms for school and social groups.

CATERING

Drakensville has a beautifully located restaurant and pizza outlet to provide delicious meals that will leave even the toughest taste buds longing for more.

TEAM BUILDING

We offer the services of an experienced business-events team, an environment centre that organises exciting development and teambuilding programmes, and modern facilities (including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools as well as water slide). Conference and wedding packages can be tailored to your needs.

PIETERMARITZBURG, KWAZULU-NATAL

SITUATED RIGHT ON THE doorstep of the Midlands Meander just outside of Pietermaritzburg, this hotel combines oldworld charm with highly rated friendly and efficient service.

The four-star architectural showpiece that is ANEW Hotel Hilton, with its imposing Tudor lines, is a must-stay for the meandering country charm seeker and offers eight conference rooms to accommodate your next event, seminar, wedding or group gathering.

Originally established in 1936, the elegant and upmarket hotel consisting of 97 recently renovated rooms now boasts all the modern amenities expected from vacationing families and businessmen alike, making it the first choice for Pietermaritzburg accommodation.

The Midlands Meander, only five hours from Johannesburg, is perfect to rekindle romance while you enjoy a private dinner on a floodlit pool deck with cascading water.

LOCATION

ANEW Hotel Hilton is located in a unique area with easy access to the Hilton and Pietermaritzburg areas, as well as being on the

doorstep of the Midlands Meander. Explore this iconic tourist route that showcases the beautiful culture of the region.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

ANEW Hotel Hilton offers seven fully equipped conference venues, with the largest venue seating up to 200 people. A variety of conference and wedding packages are available to suit your requirements. Our Banqueting Team is here to assist you to ensure that your event in Pietermaritzburg is a successful one.

ACCOMMODATION

ANEW Hotel Hilton has 97 classic and charming rooms all with modern amenities. Situated on the doorstep of the Midlands, our unique hotel offers a countryside charm with its stunning historical

MEETING SPACES 9

MAX PAX 435

ACCOMMODATION 97 ROOMS

www.facebook.com/ANEWHilton

@anewhotels @AnewHotels

facade. A variety of room types are available to suit family holidays, government officials and corporate clients.

CATERING

ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg can provide the skills and services of our expert Banqueting Team to assist you with your event needs. Enjoy delicious food and beverage options from our hotel chefs and world-class service during your event.

TEAM BUILDING

ANEW Hotel Hilton offers seven venues perfect for presentations and indoor team-building activities. Our hotel also has a stunning outdoor space and our location allows teams to explore the iconic Midlands Meander and Hilton area.

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

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

ZINKWAZI BEACH, KWAZULU-NATAL

SITUATED RIGHT ON THE Zinkwazi beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal, ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef is a comfortable four-star hotel that offers guests a variety of hotel room and self-catering accommodation options with gorgeous views.

LOCATION

ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef is a stunning beachfront property in the peaceful suburb of Zinkwazi. Our hotel provides incredible ocean views and direct beach access via our very own private walkway. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Dolphin Coast.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef offers two conference and event venues that can seat up to 120 delegates. Our beachfront property, with its unique outdoor breakaway rooms, offers delegates the opportunity to meet in style

while enjoying spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. We offer venues for corporate events and conferences, as well as private functions such as weddings and other celebrations.

ACCOMMODATION

ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef offers guests a selection of 56 luxury hotel rooms and self-catering apartments. Choose between sea- and gardenfacing units.

All rooms offer guests complimentary Wi-Fi access and private balconies from which to enjoy the spectacular views of the natural surrounds of the Zinkwazi village. A variety of room types are available to holidaymakers, corporate and conferencing guests.

CATERING

ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef can provide the skills and services of our expert Banqueting Team to

MEETING SPACES 2

MAX PAX 180

ACCOMMODATION 56 ROOMS

www.facebook.com/ANEWHotelOceanReef

assist you with your event needs. Enjoy delicious food and beverage options from our hotel chefs and world-class service during your event.

TEAM BUILDING

ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef’s unique location makes it perfect for team building. Enjoy direct beach access, via our private boardwalk. Our venues offer the perfect indoor space for presentations and indoor activities while the entire beach is at your fingertips for more fun and active team building!

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

favourite destina tion A WORLDWIDE

Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, which is typical of Africa. Hence it has become a favourite destination for leisure, adventure and business travellers worldwide.

Come to a region of infinite scenic beauty with a great diversity of both natural and manmade attractions, rich cultural heritage, and an abundance of wildlife and nature-based tourism opportunities.

Our network of protected areas and nature reserves is among the best on the African continent, including the famed Kruger National Park. The destination has spectacular mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and

possibly the best in the country – hence we are the preferred eco-tourism destination in Southern Africa.

Limpopo offers a large number of accommodation options. The facilities at the numerous accommodations in South Africa’s most northerly province vary, ranging from rustic camps and chalets close to nature, to very luxurious establishments. Many of these also offer meeting spaces, with some venues being able to accommodate up to 1 800 guests.

CONTACT US: Limpopo Tourism Agency

+27 (0)15 293 3600

info@golimpompo.com

golimpopo.com

Polokwane International Airport is the main travel hub for the province, with regular flights from Gauteng’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.

LIMPOPO TOURISM AGENCY

The Limpopo Tourism Agency was established in terms of the Northern Province Tourism and Parks Board Act (No. 8 of 2001). Its mandate is to promote, foster and develop tourism to and within the Limpopo province.

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

THE JEWEL OF THE BUSHVELD is the perfect location for anyone needing an escape from the city and wanting to enjoy all that nature has to offer. It’s your one-stop shop to tranquility, adventure, conferencing in style and bleisure.

LOCATION

Just outside Bela-Bela, some 90 minutes from Johannesburg and an hour’s drive from Pretoria, lies the inviting ATKV Klein-Kariba resort in one of the Waterberg’s most beautiful kloofs. To top it all, we are located along the bushveld tourist route, which serves as the ideal base for day tours to explore nearby tourist attractions.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Fully equipped, modern business-event facilities and catering are available at group rates. Our three-star business-event facilities can accommodate 500 delegates in business-event-style seating, and 700 delegates in cinema style. You can also make your dream wedding a reality in our own stone chapel with a magical waterfall or forest wedding ceremony.

ACCOMMODATION

This top-class resort offers a wide range of accommodation options with true bushveld hospitality. ATKV Klein-Kariba boasts fully equipped chalets (luxury to semi-luxury), 12 ‘hotel-like’ rooms and a lush caravan park. No matter what the preference, any guest will feel right at home.

CATERING

Although self-catering, the resort is equipped with a fully functioning restaurant to provide delicious meals daily.

TEAM BUILDING

With various activities, recreational facilities and amenities such as a quad biking, paddle boating, horse riding, ecotours and sports fields, there is no such thing as boredom at ATKV Klein-Kariba. Custom-made packages can be made to include both indoor and outdoor venues.

WITH ITS YEAR-ROUND WARM , sunny weather and diverse natural beauty, ATKV Eiland Spa offers something for everyone. With a variety of accommodation as well as recreational facilities and activities and a healing hydro spa, it is the ideal atmosphere for positive and imaginative business planning and team building.

LOCATION

On the southern banks of the Letaba River, only 68 km east of Tzaneen, lies ATKV Eiland Spa in the heart of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

The peaceful bushveld surrounds will put you and your team in the right state of mind for positive and creative business planning and conferencing. The resort boasts three ideal venues for the perfect conference setup.

ACCOMMODATION

ATKV Eiland Spa caters for everyone’s taste

in accommodation – all against a classic bushveld background in Limpopo. Our units are all self-catering. Every unit is fully equipped with air conditioning, a braai area and DStv.

CATERING

The resort is self-catering but has a fully functioning restaurant and conference menu to suit all conferencing needs.

TEAM

A variety of nearby attractions, in-house facilities, amenities and entertainment coordinators are available to put together the perfect team-building activities for any group.

MEETING

Hans Merensky Natuurreservaat, Letsitele, 0885

The province

THAT HAS IT ALL

North West is a gateway to the SADC countries. It is also popularly known as the Platinum Province because of its mineral wealth, while offering exciting wildlife and adventure encounters, as well as the opportunity to participate in a rich cultural and historical heritage.

It is a home to the Big Five and prides itself on 16 nature reserves, including Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe Nature Reserve, Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve, to mention just a few. Madikwe is a prime wildlife reserve and safari destination with a choice of excellent luxury accommodation and conference venues. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and hosts an incredible diversity of species, offering some of the best South African safaris.

Two of South Africa’s Unesco World Heritage Sites are located in the North West province: the Taung Skull Fossil Site, where the Taung skull was

found in 1924, and the Vredefort Dome, which is the oldest meteorite impact structure on earth and estimated to date back over 2 million years.

MICE OPTIONS

North West has a range of accommodation and conference facilities ranging from local to international standard. Sun City Resort offers an exceptional variety of banqueting and conference venues combined with accommodation and entertainment for large numbers of delegates. Clients have many boardrooms, breakaway rooms and state-ofthe-art venues to choose from, including the

+27 (0)71 247 9418

mmotshegoa@nwtb.co.za

www.tourismnorthwest.co.za

dynamic Superbowl, which seats more than 6 000 people. Exciting facilities can be arranged to suit any event both in- and outdoors.

While we hold nothing back in terms of being up to speed with world standards in professionalism when running our conventions and conferences, we always add an African flavour to what we do, making for unique and memorable experiences – for example, drumming workshops to introducing delegates to the funky sounds of township kwaito.

The North West province not only has cutting-edge facilities and superb infrastructure, it is a ‘can-do’ destination where delegates will be inspired as they find new ways of thinking and doing.

The natural beauty of North West is certainly an added attribute to choosing our province for your congress or convention. The province really has it all – mountains, beautiful scenery, parks and the bushveld.

CONTACT US: North West Tourism Board Mr Mpho Motshegoa, Chief Marketing Officer

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 within the city and has earned its reputation.

LOCATION

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

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Sun City Convention Centre 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 Convention Centre offers 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 Convention Centre offers banqueting facilities for any size function upon request, and there are an unlimited number of menu options for every palate and all dietary requirements.

ATKV BUFFELSPOORT IS an oasis in the Magaliesberg, providing the perfect city escape for entertainment, relaxation and spectacular views. The facilities include a sports bar, a beauty salon, golf, adventure putt-putt, volleyball, squash, tennis, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, cold-water outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, a super tube and easy access to several nearby attractions including Sun City, Maropeng, Lesedi Cultural Village, the Magaliesberg, Pilanesberg and Kgaswane nature reserves, as well as hot-air balloon safaris.

LOCATION

A short hour from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, you’ll easily find ATKV Buffelspoort at the foothills of the Magaliesberg, just a stone’s throw away from Rustenburg.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Our two large halls and four smaller ones are all equipped with air conditioning and conferencing equipment. For adventurous guests wanting to

host outdoor events, the resort boasts luscious, well-manicured fields, with easy access to facilities and outdoor stages.

ACCOMMODATION

ATKV Buffelspoort offers various accommodation types to suit any client and pocket, ranging from camping and glamping options, all the way up to four-star luxury villas.

CATERING

Although the accommodation is self-catering, the resort is equipped with a fully functioning restaurant providing food for guests and inhouse catering for functions, conferences and corporate events.

TEAM BUILDING

The resort has numerous facilities and grounds that cater for team-building activities for social and corporate groups. We also have in-house entertainment coordinators that can put together memorable packages for teams.

An extraordinary MEETING AND INCENTIVE DESTINATION

Welcome to the Northern Cape, one of Southern Africa’s fastest growing business events destinations. This province, the largest within South Africa, is a modern growing region with a choice of meeting venues with sophisticated technology and accommodation to meet every price point. It further features a landscape brimming with dramatic beauty, a rich culture and history with ancient wisdoms, warm hospitality and some of the world’s greatest ‘bucket list’ experiences on offer.

The Northern Cape has the proven capacity and world-class infrastructure to successfully host major international business events and meetings. Our strength relies on the diversity of our destination, not only in terms of our welcoming people and rich culture, but in our ability to deliver the dynamic, flexible and value-formoney attributes of a major global business events destination. We deliver world-class infrastructure, without compromising on the authentic, distinctly ‘African’ business and leisure environment.

The Northern Cape Tourism Authority acts as a ‘one-stop solution’ for independent information and assistance, giving neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in the province. Meeting, event and incentive planners will have ease of access to all the information they require on the destination, simplifying their processes and making turnaround time significantly quicker.

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

Superior venues are located throughout the province, with excellent accessibility by road from major national highways, as well as easy transfers from the centrally located airports at Kimberley and Upington.

Anchoring Kimberley’s meetings industry is the impressive Mittah Seperepere International

Convention Centre (MSICC). The MSICC is a flexible venue that accommodates a wide variety of functions, with the capacity to host virtually any convention, exhibition, product launch or gala dinner. It can accommodate up to 5 000 delegates.

Many of the Northern Cape’s hotels offer meeting venues as well. These are versatile and fully equipped, making them ideal for the full range of business events, and accommodating up to 600 guests in Kimberley, 500 in Upington and 200 in Springbok.

DESTINATION NORTHERN CAPE

Varied tourism offerings and leisure experiences make the Northern Cape especially attractive for pre- and post-tours, as well as the incentive travel market, with team-building activities such as fly fishing, river rafting, sandboarding and 4x4 challenges available in abundance. The array of outdoor adventures and nature experiences add to the unique tourism diversity of the province. The accommodation options available suit a range

CONTACT US: Northern Cape Tourism Authority

Dianna Martin, GM: Marketing and Promotions | Business Tourism

dianna@experiencenortherncape.com

Experiencenortherncape.com

of budgets from luxury, five-star breakaways to four-star hotels, guest lodges and guest houses.

INSPIRATIONAL INCENTIVES — UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE

There really is no better way to reward your incentive groups than an unforgettable, lifeenriching trip to the Northern Cape. Splendid natural beauty, diverse and iconic cultures, warm hospitably, award-winning food and wine, luxury accommodation, natural wonders, the spirit of ubuntu, fascinating wildlife and a select range of products and services within the province, combined with efficient infrastructure, make the Northern Cape an excellent choice for your incentive and meeting programmes.

OUR SERVICES

We offer a full spectrum of event support services to ensure a successful and memorable event. As a local expert, we assist planners with finding the most appropriate venues and service providers, and share destination information relevant to event profiles.

We assist with:

• bid support for national and international events/conferences/meetings

• current databases of Northern Cape products

• negotiating rates with hotels, tour operators, etc.

• airport welcome and departure desk

• delegate boosting, hosting and site visits

• pre-, post-tours and accompanied persons’ programme

• assisting with local logistical arrangements.

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 advance 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.

MEETING SPACES 3 MAX PAX 150 ACCOMMODATION 90 ROOMS

Top meetings capital IN AFRICA

Cape Town and the Western Cape hold a proud record of consistently being ranked as the meetings capital of Africa for business events by the International Congress and Convention Association.

From an abundance of excellent accommodation, world-class multipurpose venues, excellent event infrastructure and transport systems, to an award-winning airport – the destination is celebrated as a global leader in sustainability, with the City of Cape Town ranked the most sustainable city in Africa by the Corporate Knights Sustainability Cities Index report released in June last year. Need more convincing? Read on for the top reasons to host your next business event in Cape Town and the Western Cape:

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING HUB

The Western Cape is one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic regions, and home to some of Africa’s most important educational institutions, healthcare facilities, business enterprises, centres of innovation, and cultural and historical sites. Four world-class universities and several leading research institutions and recognised business schools in fields as diverse as science, technology, medicine and social politics ensure fertile ground for intellectual dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

CENTRE OF BUSINESS

As one of the continent’s leading business hubs, the province understands that economic growth is at the heart of development success. Government and the private sector collaborate on a number of programmes to create an enabling

environment for investment, tourism and the exportation of goods.

FUTURE FOCUSED

The Cape is celebrated as Africa’s tech capital, with several tech industries and businesses choosing to establish themselves here. The province is one of the best-performing regional economies in Africa and has a booming green economy, leading the way in renewables and alternative water supplies.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Professional infrastructure for conferences, exhibitions and events includes an established Convention Bureau by Wesgro, the oldest on the continent, which delivers bespoke services to help organisers create remarkable events. Qualified, experienced professionals ensure that logistical support abounds for meeting planners, travel agents, corporations and associations.

EVENT SUSTAINABILITY

Cape Town and the Western Cape remains one of the top eco-friendly destinations for business and recreational tourism in Africa, and the world.

CONTACT US: Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau

+27 (0)21 487 8600

www.wesgro.co.za/convention-bureau

Sustainability-based tourism has an ongoing positive economic impact on the hospitality industry in the Western Cape. Various conference venues contribute to this reputation by placing social and environmental event planning at the heart of their daily management.

COSMOPOLITAN CITY

Cape Town is a unique and socially diverse city. Its inhabitants have come from all four corners of the globe to make the city their home, resulting in a creative, culinary and cultural melting pot that enriches South Africa’s heritage and history. In addition, the warmth and neighbourliness of Capetonians were recognised by Conde Nast Traveller Readers in December 2023, with the city being named as one of the world’s friendliest. Compiled by surveying Conde Nast’s 16-million strong audience, Cape Town took the 10th position overall and leading African city.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Cape Town is a place with majestic and dramatic scenery, with great hiking trails and deserted beaches that boast spectacular ocean views. The city enjoys a warm and moderate Mediterranean climate that sees visitors and locals alike flock to its sandy white beaches and hike beautiful mountains like Table Mountain. The region is also the proud custodian of two World Heritage Sites at Robben Island and the Cape Floral Region.

SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS 20 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 purpose-built venue serves as a centrepiece for this vibrant African city. It is the leading venue for conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, banquets, special events, film and photo shoots, and other events on the African continent.

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

The CTICC is a knowledge hub where people meet, collaborate, innovate and find solutions.

The Centre’s dedication to client centricity and service excellence has resulted in fivestar tourism rating and seven recent coveted industry awards.

LOCATION

The CTICC is located between the famous V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s working harbour, the Atlantic Ocean beaches and the iconic Table Mountain, and is within easy access to the

city’s vibrant precinct, a melting pot of arts, culture, history and the most diverse culinary experiences.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

CTICC 1 and CTICC 2 span an impressive floor space of 140 855 m² connected by a glassenclosed sky bridge. The multipurpose venue 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 to create extraordinary events.

The Centre 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

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

CATERING

With one of the largest kitchens in the southern hemisphere, the CTICC's catering team can 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 to suit various food allergies and dietary requirements. The kitchen is halaal certified and offers kosher menu options.

CTICC TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

The CTICC provides state-of-the-art technology, Wi-Fi access everywhere, backup power for outages and services that complement its worldclass venues and allow clients to enjoy peace of mind and a seamless experience.

conference solution that provides live streaming, audience participation, analytics and much more.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

The CTICC is committed to measurable environmental social and governance (ESG), which is achieved by:

• alignment with the UN Global Compact 10 Principles and Sustainable Development Goals

• reviewing the Net Zero carbon events pledge and the science-based targets initiative to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals

• achieving ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management, and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management

CTICC 1: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa | GPS co4ordinates: -33.915141°,18.425657°

CTICC 2: Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa | GPS coordinates: -33.91747°,18.42908°

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

@CTICC

@CTICC_Offical

CTICC Engage is an advanced hybrid digital

+27 (0)21 410 5000

+27 (0)21 410 5001

• assisting and guiding clients to green their events. @official_cticc youtube.com/user/cticcofficial

sales@cticc.co.za (sales) | info@cticc.co.za (general) www.cticc.co.za

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

MEETING SPACES 5

MAX PAX 1 200 ACCOMMODATION OFF-SITE

CONVENIENTLY

SITUATED

IN the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is renowned for its magnificent marine displays, as well as its distinctive function venues. Host an event in front of one of our iconic exhibit spaces, or move into The Avenue for larger events, and our experienced functions and events team will take care of your event needs, from setup and audiovisual equipment to sustainable catering and decor.

LOCATION

The Two Oceans Aquarium is centrally located at Cape Town’s bustling and vibrant V&A Waterfront.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

When it comes to iconic venues in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium ticks every box. This versatile, otherworldly events facility thrills without fail, adding unexpected dimensions of fun, fish and glamour to every event. Whether you’re planning a large, corporate year-end function, a small, intimate strategic session, a multiday conference, or a showstopping gala dinner, the Aquarium’s experienced banqueting team takes care of your every need, from setup and safety to sustainable catering, while you sit back and enjoy the backdrop of swaying kelp forests, serene stingrays and majestic sharks. While the magical setting is beautiful enough in

its own right, the Aquarium can nonetheless be transformed into settings fit for any event with the tasteful and creative application of decor and styling. The flexible food and beverage offering is freshly prepared on-site by a team of seasoned professionals and is certified halaal by the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa.

ACCOMMODATION

No on-site accommodation is offered; however, accommodation is available in and around the area.

CATERING

The Aquarium offers a range of food and beverage options to suit different needs.

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.

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.

MEETING SPACES 9

MAX PAX 6 866

ACCOMMODATION 176 ROOMS

RAWSONVILLE, WESTERN CAPE

NESTLED AMONG THE spectacular Boland Mountains and magnificent vineyards, ATKV Goudini Spa is one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after holiday, conference and tourist destinations. This modern resort, with its wide variety of facilities, is fast becoming a market leader in the province.

LOCATION

Situated in the heart of the Boland Mountains, along Route 62 and South Africa’s famous wine route, is ATKV Goudini Spa. This unique Boland paradise is just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, which makes it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city life, but close enough to host your next corporate event.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Goudini Spa offers seven spacious, wellequipped venues with breathtaking views and luxury comforts to suit your needs, as well as various indoor and outdoor event opportunities. We have successfully hosted

and managed events like mountain-bike races, trail runs, and numerous local and international exhibitions at our awardwinning and accredited facilities.

ACCOMMODATION

ATKV Goudini Spa offers a variety of selfcatering accommodation suited to all budgets and tastes. With newly upgraded units across the resort, client expectations will be met and exceeded.

CATERING

Our resort has a licensed Koswerf restaurant, which offers delectable meals for clients, and a separate halaal-certified fast-food restaurant for clients with special dietary needs.

TEAM BUILDING

In addition to the world-class entertainment and recreational facilities found on the resort, a wide range of team-building activities can be done nearby.

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

THE AWARD-WINNING HOTEL VERDE Cape Town Airport – Africa’s Greenest Hotel – offers 100% offset carbon-neutral events and stays in a stylish green building equipped with state-of-the-art technology and all modern conveniences.

Additional facilities include Nuovo Restaurant & Bar, the Renew Treatment Room, a beautiful eco-pool, indoor and outdoor gyms with a running trail, and eco-tours for guests wanting to better understand the green principles, processes and measures being taken to ensure the property’s operations are eco-friendly and continually assessed for improvement.

CARBON-NEUTRAL CONFERENCING

In 2014, Hotel Verde Cape Town became the first hotel in Africa to automatically provide 100%

carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing for all guests. This is achieved by a combination of its sustainable design and operations, and carbon offsetting.

The building is LEED platinum certified by the US Green Building Council, and has won several awards for its water- and energy-saving technologies. Every element of its design took into account efficiency, sustainability and environmental impact, to ensure the utmost effort is made to achieve their goal of carbon neutrality. The hotel’s operations support these efforts and are also designed to limit carbon emissions.

As a result, every guest stay and/or conference venue use produces a minimal footprint – which is then offset through the responsible purchase of carbon credits through Kariba Redd. Should you

MEETING SPACES 8

MAX PAX 120

ACCOMMODATION 145 ROOMS

want to add this to official reports and business records, Hotel Verde can issue attendees and guests with an accredited certificate to validate their carbon-neutral stay.

LOCATION

Located a mere 400 m from Cape Town International Airport, Hotel Verde is the perfect place to convene delegates from around the country as well as those travelling in from abroad. Its complimentary shuttle transports guests to and from the airport every 30 minutes (between 04:00 and 00:00), while the bustling city centre is a convenient 15-minute ride away. For an additional fee, the hotel’s shuttle service is also available to take guests to any destination of their choice in and around Cape Town.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Hotel Verde Cape Town’s eight state-of-the-art conferencing and event venues are ideal for meetings, workshops, launches and special events. These can seat between 12 and 120 guests depending on booking and seating arrangements. Packages are tailored to your needs. Starting at R400 per person for half-day events, all packages include free parking on the day, uncapped Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water, stationery, and a

complimentary shuttle from the airport between the aforementioned times.

ACCOMMODATION

Choose from 145 tastefully decorated, spacious rooms catering for a range of leisure and business needs. These include 130 standard rooms, eight studio rooms, two universally accessible rooms, four executive rooms and an executive suite. Interleading and convertible twin rooms are available on request for families and groups.

CATERING

The relaxed Nuovo Restaurant is open from 04:00 to 22:00, serving buffet-style catering and an à la carte

menu with ingredients that are locally produced (within a 160 km radius), responsibly sourced and seasonal. All meals are carefully prepared with passion by a dedicated team led by Executive Chef Adrian Schreuder.

The attached bar is open from 11:00 to 01:00 daily, offering a range of quality cocktails, wines and craft beers from local brewers.

TEAM BUILDING

Host your year-end and other events in carbonneutral splendour at Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport. For a wide array of function menus, whether buffet or set menu style (from R300 per person), please contact the reservations department.

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

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 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-of-this-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

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 as a multifunctional event space. 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.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

Room

HARTENBOS, WESTERN CAPE

SIGHTSEEING, GREAT FOOD , fun, affordable accommodation and convenience are just some of the offerings hidden in the stunning gem that is ATKV Hartenbos – your Garden Route home. With expansive conference facilities and topnotch service and catering, ATKV Hartenbos is the perfect choice for an inspirational conference.

LOCATION

ATKV Hartenbos is situated along the worldfamous Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, some 8 km from Mossel Bay and 40 km from George Airport.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

With six amazing conference venues, all centrally located, which can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, Hartenbos is the perfect venue for business events.

ACCOMMODATION

With our various accommodation options that allow you to pay per unit and not per person, budget-friendly stays by the sea are no longer just a dream, but a reality. In addition to the self-catering units, the resort also has hotel-style accommodation for corporate clients, which is inclusive of breakfast.

CATERING

Clients are spoilt for choice, with a selection of restaurants, fast food and numerous convenience stores. Most of the units are also equipped with braai facilities for guests who prefer homemade meals.

TEAM BUILDING

Hartenbos represents under the sun – at sea. The resort is equipped with indoor and outdoor facilities for a number of team-building options.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

RE-IMAGINED AFRICA RISING OUT OF THE DUST

Mokuti Etosha is a magical experience just a stone’s throw from the Etosha Gate. Its wild wonder, stunning architecture and serene atmosphere offer an otherworldly experience of luxury and relaxation.

Indulge in culinary delights with live cooking stations, a barista station, and a Josper oven. The property offers thrilling activities, including game drives in Etosha, night drives, sky safaris, bushwalks with our knowledgeable Hai//om bushmen, a visit to the Ontouka reptile park, and ending your day with a sundowner trip.

For the ultimate pampering session, visit the Omulilo Spa center, or challenge yourself on our self-guided walking trails and tennis courts. Our attentive and discreet staff will go above and beyond to make your stay one to remember. We can’t wait to welcome you to Mokuti Etosha - Africa re-imagined.

Mauritius is open for business, and this beautiful Indian Ocean island is the perfect destination to host your next group, whether it’s for a meeting, incentive trip, conference, an event or exhibition. With its well-established, world-class MICE facilities and tropical setting, Mauritius is an ideal destination for South African groups looking for a unique and rewarding experience.

Combining quality and elegance with a touch of island-style flair, MICE buyers are invited to experience Mauritius for groups, large or small, all year round. No matter the size of the group, Mauritius delivers world-class, luxury MICE packages at superbly appointed, business-friendly venues across the island.

Over the years, Mauritius has positioned itself as one of the top MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destinations, offering scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore, and an exotic melting pot of cuisines and cultures. Being named Indian Ocean’s Best MICE Destination for 2022 at the World MICE Awards is testament to this from the travel and tourism industry.

If you’re planning an incentive trip to reward your top performers, an international

It’s Time to

in

conference for a few thousand delegates, an exclusive high-level meeting for a business or government delegation, or a product launch event, look no further than the island for the perfect venue, staffed by a professional and dedicated support team, to deliver your special event.

Mauritius offers the MICE buyer the infrastructure to cater for a variety of groups and sizes, all year round as a MICEfriendly destination. The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, state-of-the-art conferencing venues, qualified and friendly staff, and a variety of additional activities on offer all guarantee a unique experience.

WORLD-CLASS VENUES

Boasting the largest and most modern multimedia convention centre in the Indian Ocean region, the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences, and can accommodate up to 5 000 people.

Other venues include the Free Port Trade & Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge (up to 1 000 delegates), Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3 000 delegates) and

the newly opened The Caudan Conference Centre (up to 400) in Port Louis. Many of the Mauritian hotels and resorts also offer conference facilities and unique areas within the properties for spectacular marquees and setups to cater for up to 800 people at a time. The island boasts a host of activities specifically geared for MICE groups, ranging from golf and adventure sports such as quad-biking, trekking, mountain biking and trail-running to zip-lining, fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing, canoeing and skydiving. Mauritius’ stunning outdoor locations are made for interactive and adrenalin-fuelled activities and adventures that are perfect for team building. There are also many cultural and culinary festivities and spiritual festivals that can be enjoyed.

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.

Enjoy everything that Mauritius has to offer as your ideal MICE destination, combining quality, elegance and style, in a perfect paradise island setting!

It’s time to meet in Mauritius and discover #MauritiusNow

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

SA Representative: Meropa Communications

Hermina Sennelo / Liana Barnard

LOCAL/INTERNATIONAL

THE PERFECT SOLUTION for your meetings, conferences and events! MSC Cruises offers you a one-stop solution that is not only unique, flexible and tailor-made to suit your needs, but also ensures your event is the talk of the town. With a range of venues, entertainment options, leisure activities, and dining options, plus our expert support teams, planning your event has never been easier.

LOCATION

Discover the future of cruising with MSC Splendida, the first of its class and the highest cruising standard yet to join the South African local cruise season, which starts November 2023. The 2023/24 cruise season consists of 35 departures to various destinations including Pomene, Portuguese Island and Walvis Bay.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

What’s included?

• Accommodation in selected cabin categories

• No venue hire fees

• Private venue options for events and conferences

• AV equipment and technical assistance

• All meals

• All entertainment on board

• Use of standard leisure facilities including the stateof-the art fitness centre

• Dedicated staff to assist with your event

• 1 FREE cruise fare for every 23rd guest booked:

(Subject to terms and conditions)

The ship is equipped with advanced audiovisual equipment with high-tech vision sharing functionality that enables a video feed to be shared throughout the ship or specific areas.

MEETING SPACES 6

MAX VENUE CAPACITY 1 603

ACCOMMODATION 1 637 CABINS

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS 4 363

A Wi-Fi internet connection is available in all public areas at an optional add-on cost.

ACCOMMODATION

MSC Splendida offers a superb choice of 1 637 elegant accommodation options. Cabins range from interior and ocean-view to balcony cabins and luxurious suites. MSC Splendida also offers guests the MSC Yacht Club experience with the best location of cabins nestled in the foredecks, a reserved area only accessible for Yacht Club members. A reserved area only accessible for Yacht Club members. The luxury of a private club, with 24-hour dedicated butler service, exclusive access to the MSC Aurea Spa with a private lift, a large private pool area with solarium and whirlpool baths, while still enjoying access to all the recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship offers.

CATERING

All meals are included in the cruise fare and groups can be seated together at the restaurants. (This excludes dining at specialty restaurants.)

Main restaurants (included in cruise fare)

• La Reggia Restaurant (split on two decks, 626 seats + 529 seats)

• Villa Verde Restaurant (766 seats)

• Pago Pago Buffet (self-service buffet, 404 seats)

• Bora Bora Buffet (self-service buffet and pizzeria, 412 seats)

Speciality restaurants (not included in cruise fare)

• Butcher’s Cut (American steak house, 121 seats)

• Sea Pavilion by Jereme Leung (hot pot restaurant –Chinese and Japanese cuisine, 72 seats)

Exclusively for MSC Yacht Club Members

• MSC Yacht Club Restaurant (à la carte gourmet, 136 seats)

• Top Sail Lounge (panoramic forward lounge and bar, 141 seats)

Additionally, there are 12 bars and lounges (9 indoor and 3 outdoor), including a jazz bar, piano bar, wine bar, coffee bars, cigar lounge, and a bar with live shows, music and a dance floor. (Ranging from 17 to 268 seats.)

ENTERTAINMENT

MSC Cruises is committed to providing world-class entertainment on its ships to constantly surprise and delight guests. MSC Splendida offers aroundthe-clock entertainment for all ages in a range of venues ensuring there is never a dull moment on board.

Theme parties

• White Party: One of the most popular theme parties of the cruise. Dazzling decor and costumes plus a special performance starring our theatre cast make for an unforgettable night of fun on board.

• Sailaway Party: The entertainment team and dancers lead guests in this start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship’s departure.

Activities

• MSC Factor: Encouraging guests to showcase their talents, this is the most exciting talent show at sea.

• MasterChef: The world's best-loved food show

awaits guests on board. With competitions for both adults and children, guests can experience the adrenaline-fueled creativity of an extraordinary onboard cooking competition.

• Dance classes: Daily dance classes are designed to teach guests classic dances that they can practice nightly to live music in the ship’s lounges, and the latest pop routines give them confidence to join the dance floor crowd in the disco. Beginners welcome!

• Royal Palm Casino: The onboard casino offers a wide variety of games for all types of players including slot machines, electronic roulette,

poker, blackjack, baccarat tablets and the ultimate Texas hold ‘em.

(Themes of parties and activities are subject to change)

Other leisure options

• 6 swimming pools

• 10 whirlpools

• 4D cinema

• Video game arcade

• MSC Arena (basketball, tennis court, volleyball, squash court and shuffleboard)

• Bowling

• MSC Aurea Spa

• Retail and duty-free shopping

MASERU, LESOTHO

AVANI LESOTHO HOTEL & CASINO

is situated on a hillside and is a great place to stay because of the stylish guest rooms and beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The hotel is equipped with premium comforts and facilities.

From intimate meetings to large-scale affairs, Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino has you covered with workspaces that are functional and flexible.

LOCATION

Ideally located in the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru, Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino is an approximately 25-minute drive from Moshoeshoe I International Airport. Daily flights from Cape Town via Johannesburg are also available.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACE S

Meet with ease at Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino. Here, you can find everything you need to hold an intimate meeting or a largescale conference. Enjoy the ease of fuss-free planning and execution by Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino’s meeting venues, which offer a great spot to take care of work and get things done.

ACCOMMODATION

Rise and shine in Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino’s 158 rooms and suites. In these stunning rooms, watch dawn break over Maseru from your private balcony, found attached to every room. Marvel at the wideopen space and fall into bed at a hotel that offers genuine comfort and peace. You will find it hard not to make yourself at home.

CATERING

Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino’s restaurants have something for every whim and taste. The restaurants – Nala Café, The Pantry, Leifo Bar and Avani Club – offer a wide range of tasty nibbles, African delights, refreshing sips, cocktails and wonderful sweets. Dine where your heart desires, whether relaxing by the fireplace or enjoying in-room.

MEETING SPACES 7

MAX PAX 300

ACCOMMODATION 158 ROOMS

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

Hilton Road, Maseru, Lesotho www.avanihotels.com/en/lesotho

Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino avani_lesotho

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA

SET IN NAMIBIA’S VIBRANT CAPITAL, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino is the place to sleep, work, and play. This is the perfect start or finish to a great African safari with plenty to do from living it up in the hotel casino, chilling by the rooftop pool, or exploring downtown Windhoek. A great escape if you are travelling with friends or family and the best hotel for business travellers.

LOCATION

Situated in the Windhoek CBD in the Gustav Voigts Centre, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino is a 35-minute drive from Hosea Kutako International Airport and within walking distance of famous attractions.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

For inspiring city views, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino offers nine meeting rooms with bright, natural light. Spaces are equipped for intimate gatherings or blowout affairs.

ACCOMMODATION

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino’s room rates are ideally structured for all budgets. The hotel offers a total of 173 rooms, ranging from the standard Avani Room right through the ultra-exclusive Avani Presidential Suite. Airport transfers are available through the hotel’s range of services, with on-site amenities including a casino and business centre.

CATERING

You are spoilt for gastronomical choice at Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino. For a quick, light meal, Pantry at Avani has ideal options. Dunes restaurant serves up a delectable international buffet along with Namibian delicacies, while Stratos Rooftop Restaurant and Bar caters for a more cosmopolitan affair.

MEETING SPACES 9

MAX PAX 140

ACCOMMODATION 173 ROOMS

+264 61 280 0000

windhoek@avanihotels.com

www.avanihotels.com/en/windhoek

129 Independence Avenue, Gustav Voigts Centre, Windhoek, Namibia

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino avani_windhoek

ON THE SHORES OF Elegance

Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect venue for anyone wanting to explore Swakopmund in luxury.

Taste the wonders of Swakopmund with a fine dining experience like no other. Our three unique restaurants serve a delectable range of cuisines for even the most descerning of palates. Unwind to the rhythmn of the ocean in one of our 125 en-suite room. With 74 Standard rooms, 2 Enabled rooms, 40 Luxury rooms, 6 Junior suites, 2 Luxury suites and 1 Presidential suite.

Our state-of-the-art business facilities are spread over an area of 440 m2, making them perfect for any gathering. The multifunctional spaces transform for convenience and ease of use, all the while serving a unique wave of rejuvenation.

Swakopmund is a great spot to partake in a range of activities from fun and thrilling to calm and relaxing activities.

GABORONE, BOTSWANA

ENTRENCH YOURSELF in all things Botswana at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. With access to all the city action, nearby wildlife and plenty of fun both on- and off-site, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino offers it all.

LOCATION

Within 15 minutes of the international airport and set in tranquil surroundings, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino offers the perfect environment for your private functions. The resort’s central location means that guests have easy access to the city centre, while sport and entertainment options are also within easy reach.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino’s conference facilities boast one large conference room that can be partitioned into three rooms, with five smaller breakaway rooms for smaller group meetings. If you want to astound, entertain and surprise your guests with an extravagant party, Avani’s on-site team can create the perfect atmosphere and ambience to leave a lasting impression.

ACCOMMODATION

Unwind in one of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino’s 199 spacious rooms after a hard day’s work and enjoy the comfort of the hotel’s beautifully decorated rooms.

CATERING

Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino’s restaurants offer round-the-clock goodness, including tasty bites, refreshing tipples and international flavours that can be enjoyed as you are relaxing by the pool, networking in the restaurants, or unwinding in the elegant privacy of your room.

TEAM BUILDING

In addition to the indoor facilities, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino boasts lush gardens that can cater for any type of outdoor event such as teambuilding exercises. The Centre Court and Mopane Gardens offer the best venue for outdoor parties, with further options available on request.

SPA

In the heart of the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino is a beautiful and rejuvenating spa that promises to melt away your troubles. Mosha spa offers a variety of spa treatments to satisfy any need. Relax and experience the calm and tranquil surroundings while you indulge in one of the many treatments.

MEETING SPACES 12

MAX PAX 500

ACCOMMODATION 199 ROOMS

+267 361 6000

gaborone@avanihotels.com

www.avanihotels.com/en/gaborone

A PARADISE WHERE THE EARTH RISES AGAIN, FERTILE AND GREEN ESCAPE INTO THE LUSH COUNTRYSIDE

Located at the foot of the Otjihavera Mountains, Midgard offers 90 fully equipped modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, numerous dining areas, a bar and two swimming pools.

Explore the outdoors on our 4x4, hiking and

mountain bike trails, enjoy horse riding, play volleyball, tennis, pool or outdoor chess or spend some time relaxing at our spa.

One of the estate’s major attractions is a Hilltop Sundowner Drive, where you can enjoy

a stunning 360° view over the Otjihavera Mountains. Our game park is home to giraffes, blue and black wildebeests, oryx, kudus, hartebeests, eland, smaller antelope species, warthogs, and baboons.

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

AVANI VICTORIA FALLS RESORT connects the wild side of travellers to Zambia’s wondrous landscapes and big game thrills. With the iconic Victoria Falls on its doorstep, the hotel offers adventurers a peaceful reprieve with its contemporary vibe and essential comforts.

The resort’s biggest drawcard is its impressive location, just a five-minute stroll from Victoria Falls, with all guests enjoying free, unlimited access to this famous attraction. Enjoy the view of either the lush African bush or the welcoming pool and gardens at the heart of the resort.

LOCATION

Avani Victoria Falls Resort is located off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road in Livingstone, Zambia.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Make an impact with your next conference, seminar or special event with picture-perfect views of the stunning Zambezi River and Victoria Falls as your backdrop. Personal service from the dedicated

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

convention team will ensure that every event is a memorable, world-class experience.

Fully equipped with everything you need to take care of business, Avani Victoria Falls Resort’s creative spaces feature flexible layouts, set-ups and seating. The conference centre is awash with natural light and outfitted with the latest technology to ensure your success, whatever the event.

Avani Victoria Falls shares 11 of its meeting spaces with its neighbour, The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara.

ACCOMMODATION

Ease into comfort in one of Avani Victoria Falls Resort’s 212 colourful rooms and suites. Make yourself at home and sprawl out with extra comfort that’s perfect for families or check out the added comforts of Avani’s suites, which have all been decorated with traditional African charm and local Zambian flair. Each room features a complete range of essential amenities, contemporary design and Wi-Fi access.

MEETING SPACES 11

MAX PAX 450

ACCOMMODATION 212 ROOMS

Boardroom

Kafue Boardroom 10

Boma

CATERING

With everything from indulgent African feasts to casual cafe snacks, you’ll find what you’re craving at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, where the selection of international flavours and local specialities will satisfy the most particular palate. Dining options include The Theatre of Food, Shungu Pool Terrace or dinner at The Boma for the ultimate African dining experience.

TEAM BUILDING

10

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River with views of Victoria Falls, accommodates up to 350

Marvel at the majesty of the Victoria Falls or explore a traditional Zambian village for a true slice of local life. Unleash your wild side by going out on a game tour or just relax and enjoy the on-site facilities offered at Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Take a cable car ride over Batoka Gorge or have an exhilarating trip white-water rafting down the Zambezi River. Fly across the breathtaking Batoka Gorge in a helicopter, soar above Victoria Falls in a microlight aircraft, or swim in the famed Devil’s Pool. avani_victoriafalls

WELCOME TO CHOBE WATER VILLAS

MATCH YOUR RHYTHM TO THE PEACE AND CALM OF THE RIVER FLOW

Located in a unique corner of the African wilderness where two mighty rivers meet to form a wetland paradise. Discover the wonders of this magical destination at the tip of Namibia’s Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip, and immerse yourself in its serene elegance.

Nestled in the lap of nature on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe Water Villas offer an impeccable front row seat to untamed nature. The exclusivity and style of this boutique Lodge are unparalleled.

This is a fully inclusive service offering with additional activities to choose from

that are guaranteed to further enrich your Namibian experience. Two boat activities per day are included in your room rate, assuring you double excursions daily.

Prepare to be immersed in the magnificent adventure that can only be ensured through the Chobe experience.

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

Game Drive Safaris Chobe River Safari Cruises

• Cultural Tours Victoria Falls visit

• Boat dinners and breakfasts

T

Flight of the Angels Fishing Charter

• 16-seat Board Room ideal for intimate and exclusive Meetings

PEMBA, MOZAMBIQUE

AVANI PEMBA BEACH in Mozambique

is situated in the country’s far northern province of Cabo Delgado, in the ancient port town of Pemba. With its striking architecture blending African and Arabian design, the hotel is the perfect choice for business travellers or for an easy beach escape.

LOCATION

Pemba is the gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago and Niassa Reserve. The Quirimbas Archipelago is Mozambique’s best kept secret – a 250 km long string of tropical islands surrounded by dazzling coral reefs and a wealth of untouched marine life.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Avani Pemba Beach has become a soughtafter conference and incentive destination with its functional 12-seater executive boardroom and main conference room. After a day’s meetings, delegates can board a sunset boat cruise that drifts across Pemba Harbour.

ACCOMMODATION

Take time out on your terrace or balcony. Admire the garden lawns or get lost in the sounds of the Indian Ocean. With 168 rooms and 9 different room types, from one to three bedrooms, Avani Pemba Beach has something for everyone.

CATERING

The hotel’s restaurants and bars offer an extensive array of cuisines to satisfy both business and leisure guests. The Niassa Bar invites guests to chat over drinks.

The flagship restaurant, Clube Naval, is located on the beach adjacent to the yacht marina and offers a selection of international cuisine.

TEAM BUILDING

Avani Pemba Beach offers a host of water sports, from snorkelling to diving and other non-motorised water activities, in addition to tours of the city.

MEETING SPACES 3

MAX PAX 160

ACCOMMODATION 168 ROOMS

VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA

BASK IN GRACEFUL safari style at the The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, situated at the base of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The hotel offers sweeping views of the Zambezi River and savannah that stretch from every veranda as you relax in elegance.

LOCATION

The local name for the Victoria Falls, Mosi-oaTunya, means “smoke that thunders” and The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel is located off Mosi-oa-Tunya Road in Livingstone, Zambia. The Royal Livingstone Hotel is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, so guests enjoy direct and complimentary access to the Victoria Falls.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Business is a sophisticated pleasure at The Royal Livingstone Hotel. Combine inspiring corporate events with thrilling activities for your downtime. Let the staff at The Royal Livingstone take care of all your needs, whether it’s technical wizardry you require, or gourmet dining aboard a classic steam train travelling through the magnificent African wilderness.

The Royal Livingstone has two boardrooms and shares 12 of its meeting spaces with the neighbouring Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

ACCOMMODATION

Experience the luxury of Anantara in an African paradise. Wildlife roam the hotel grounds freely, offering unforgettable close-up encounters. Embrace the explorer’s life with indigenous design accents complemented by modern amenities and discreet butler service.

CATERING

Guests can immerse themselves in a truly Zambian dining tradition with a boma dinner at Mukuni Boma by Avani. Sit under the stars, lounge fireside with a Zambian feast, enjoy live bands, traditional dancing and ground

yourself to the beautiful Zambian rituals on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.

TEAM BUILDING

Fly in a helicopter or microlight over the Victoria Falls or take a sunset cruise on the

MEETING SPACES 6

MAX PAX 450 ACCOMMODATION 173 ROOMS

VENUES AND CAPACITIES

Zambezi River. Go white-water rafting or have a canoe safari... end it all off with a game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, or any of the other creative activities and excursions for conference and incentive groups, available both on and off the property.

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

royallivingstone_anantara

Farm no. 393/M, Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia

+260 213 321 122 or +27 (0)10 003 8979

cro.jnb@minorhotels.com

www.anantara.com/en/royal-livingstone

BAZARUTO ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT

brings authentic luxury to an African island hideaway. An escapist’s dream, this is a place to lose oneself in total seclusion, dazzling tropical beauty and protected ocean life. Signature experiences immerse travellers in their remote and captivating charms, embellished by worldclass pleasures.

LOCATION

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is located 30 km off the east coast of Mozambique, in an island archipelago of surreal beauty.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES

Corporate retreats can enjoy productive meetings in the conference room, with state-ofthe-art equipment and flexible seating for up to

60 guests, against the striking backdrop of Bazaruto.

ACCOMMODATION

Choose your setting, from beachfront rooms to rooms that offer spectacular views of the bay. Each room option comes standard with free Wi-Fi.

CATERING

The resort’s cuisine is inspired by its surroundings, with locally sourced seafood and indigenous herbs and spices from the resort garden. Explore the complex layered flavours of Mozambique, Portugal and beyond, with the resort’s three restaurants that cater for tastes from around the world.

MEETING SPACES 1 MAX PAX 60 ACCOMMODATION 44 ROOMS

TEAM BUILDING

There are a host of activities to explore on the island. Delve beneath the ocean’s surface, or sail into the sunset. Go horseback riding or on a thrilling dune boarding trip. Get wet snorkelling or diving as you explore Bazaruto’s underwater paradise; or for something with a more homely feel, take a Spice Spoons cooking class.

SOUTH AFRICA’S MICE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS HAVE MUCH TO OFFER EVENT PROFESSIONALS. FIND OUT MORE IN OUR SHOWCASE OF SEVEN OF THE MOST PROMINENT ASSOCIATIONS OPERATING IN THIS SPACE.

champion Africa”

ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) – the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry – faces 2023 with great optimism. Last year showed a real desire for people to meet once more in-person. We’ve all been so resilient over the last few years, but we can now harness that resilience, and the technology of necessity used so brilliantly during the pandemic, to enhance the experiential nature of our in-person events. For meeting face to face is where real connections are made, and opportunities realised.

Yet some uncertainty remains. Complex issues around global unrest, financial challenges, professional skills and recruitment, accessibility for all… combine to present us with one simple truth: what we do must matter more. We have to be bold and show our members our value proposition as thought leaders, instigators, advocates and champions of what is a hugely important global industry. We have to listen to our members, and use their hopes and aspirations to create a dynamic new narrative.

ICCA AND AFRICA

What about Africa? ICCA is primed to play a bigger role across the whole continent. Africa is a wonderful, complicated, intriguing proposition… where challenges and opportunities coexist. But many individual African countries and communities have their own specific needs. With this is mind, ICCA must consider bringing our global connections, influences, knowledge and initiatives into play at an almost micro-level. We have been doing what we do for over 60 years. We have industry-leading experience. ICCA’s vast bank of data, knowledge and proven ability to deliver up-to-the-minute industry reports and business intelligence give our members a considerable commercial advantage in their particular regions and sectors. We are very strong at addressing key areas of sustainability, legacy, diversity, equity and inclusion… and what members need to do to understand and meet these global expectations. We share

content to drive change – especially around legacy. And Africa needs legacy stories to inspire the world.

On Monday 27 February at the Sandton Convention Centre, Esmare Steinhofel, regional director: Africa, hosted the 3rd ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day, as part of the Meetings Africa BONDay. The day included an educational seminar and an informal network meet and greet with hosted association buyers – presenting a great opportunity.

With a new year upon us, with a commitment to more innovation, more bold thinking, more visibility and a stronger value proposition, ICCA will continue to grow. We will also see our ICCASkills global education certification for industry professionals go from strength to strength. ICCASkills is a real game changer – something we believe will help talented young professionals thrive in our industry, giving them a career they can passionately commit to.

ICCA will bring more opportunities, more knowledge, more training and more business to our friends – old and new – in Africa.

Senthil Gopinath , CEO of ICCA, is optimistic about the industry’s future, and the role that ICCA can play in championing and supporting the advancement of Africa in the sector.

“Time to be bold. Time to innovate. Time to

The importance of networking at business events

Is this the year we experience greater attendance at business events and trade exhibitions? We all know that they are a great opportunity for professionals to connect and network with each other.

The past years may have impacted on our in-person skills and conversational areas due to the pandemic; however, networking is an essential aspect of business success, as it allows individuals to meet potential customers, partners, investors and even employees. In today’s competitive business environment, having a strong network can make a significant impact on one’s career and business prospects.

BUILDING NETWORKS TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

One of the key benefits of networking at business events is the opportunity to build relationships with others in your industry. By establishing connections with other professionals, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge about the latest trends and best practices in your field. Networking also provides you with the opportunity to collaborate with others and form partnerships that can lead to new business opportunities.

Another benefit of networking at business events is the ability to expand your reach. You can meet new people who can refer you to others in their network, increasing your exposure and helping you to reach a wider audience. Additionally, networking at events can help you stay up to date on the latest technologies, trends and developments in your industry. This can be especially valuable for those working in fast-paced industries where changes occur quickly.

THERE ARE PERSONAL GAINS TOO

Networking is also an excellent way to build your personal brand. By attending events and meeting other professionals, you can showcase your expertise and knowledge, establishing yourself as a thought leader in your field. This can help you gain recognition and build credibility, which can lead to new business opportunities and career advancement.

There is always fun and enjoyment to be had with attending industry events. It gives you the opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and build relationships with others in your industry. Whether you’re attending a conference, trade show or networking event, you’re sure to have a good time and make valuable connections.

Staying up to date on industry trends, to building your personal brand and having fun, the benefits of networking at business events are numerous and can have a lasting impact on your career and business success.

Face-to-face engagements are on the rise, enabling more and better networking opportunities.

Glenton de Kock , CEO of SAACI, reminds us of why these opportunities are so invaluable and should be seized.

Contribution to profiling venues, suppliers and service providers

The PCO Alliance Network values the services of our venues, suppliers and service providers. It is important that we build up loyal relationships with our service providers. We have a preferred supplier list that we consult should we require a reliable and honest service provider. Our members also give feedback on the service they have received from venues and suppliers, as it is important to either give them credit where it is due and referrals, or in some cases we need to warn our fellow members of poor services and

Nowadays, we need to google reviews on companies to make sure they are not a fly-bynight. The venues and audiovisual companies are crucial to the success of our events, and we cannot afford to have a venue or supplier let us down in any way – as this will impact on our relationships with our clients.

The PCO Alliance Network continuously updates our supplier list and our commission structures with the venues, suppliers and service providers. To show our gratitude to our service providers and venues, we are known for our annual industry event where we invite venues, suppliers and service providers to thank them for their continued support during the year. It is a fun ‘themed’ networking day and everybody comes dressed up to match whatever the theme is.

The PCO Alliance Network is a very wellrespected body within the industry, and we are often invited to site inspections by venues or we are approached to do an educational by a hotel group. This is often when they have had upgrades or they have new properties on the market. It is an ongoing relationship that we need

PLANS FOR 2023

In February, we had our strategic session to establish the role of the PCO Alliance Network going forward. Our recent partnership with the EGF (Event Greening Forum) is a huge privilege

and we are excited to be involved with them. This will ensure that all members strive for more sustainable events, and we can in turn assist with supporting venues to become more sustainable.

Our Exco has also decided to have an EGF Workshop for our members at our AGM in March. We have arranged this workshop with John Arvanitakis, vice chair of the EGF.

The PCO Alliance Network wants to give back to the industry by giving event management students the opportunity to get their practical experience by working with our members by job shadowing, and actually working on events. This will give them the experience of running an event from A to Z in a practical way. Some of our members have done this in the past and some are engaged with attracting these learnerships.

We pride ourselves on being a professional association that was started by our founding member, Jacqueline Stumke, in 2005. Our membership is by invitation only. Potential new members are interviewed after we have done our due diligence with SARS, CIPC and client, supplier and venue referrals. Once successful candidates are interviewed, we introduce the member to the rest of the team at our meetings. Thereafter, if no one has any qualms about the prospective member, we confirm their membership. We cannot afford to have the good name and credibility of the PCO Alliance Network tarnished in any way. We Honour Our Industry.

A message from Ellen Oosthuizen , chairperson at the PCO Alliance Network.

ENERGY CRISIS IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICAN EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS INDUSTRY

The current energy crisis is affecting business operations across the entire events and exhibitions value chain: from organisers to venues and exhibitors. Members of the African Association of Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) share their observations on the effect of load-shedding on the industry.

Recently released statistics show that economists predict a 45% chance of recession for South Africa in 2023, with loadshedding to continue until at least 2027 i

REDUCED ATTENDANCE

Load-shedding has caused disruptions to electricity supply, which impacts congestion on the roads, resulting in reduced delegate attendance at exhibitions and events, while exhibitors may choose not to exhibit.

Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions, owned by the prestigious Montgomery Group, says: “During our trade shows, the generators that the venues supply are only suitable to power up the lights, so our exhibitors are not able to demonstrate and run their machines during load-shedding – which is not only disruptive to the show, but may impact the number of deals they secure.”

TECHNOLOGY

Load-shedding impacts the use of technology, which can disrupt events (particularly if there is a delay in switching over to back-up power) from mobile service signals through to Wi-Fi connection.

INCREASED COSTS

Load-shedding has led to increased costs for event organisers in order to manage the disruptions – such as renting generator

THE AUTHORS

equipment or investing in alternative energy sources.

Charles Wilson, CEO of the Gallagher Convention Centre – a premier events destination venue in Gauteng – adds: “As much as having full power generation backup for the Gallagher Convention Centre is an advantage, it does have a devastating effect on the cost of not only running the venue, but also for our event organisers. It goes without saying that the entire situation has made doing business much more expensive.”

SAFETY

Load-shedding can cause safety issues, such as the risk of fire or electrocution, and may cause delays in emergency services responding to events. Discussions need to be had with venues, suppliers and health and safety managers on-site to mitigate the additional risks posed.

NEGATIVE PUBLICITY

Ongoing challenges such as concerns around

safety, xenophobic attacks, lockdown restrictions, droughts and load-shedding –and the world’s perception of the country off the back of this publicity – have an impact on international visitors looking to attend local events and do business in South Africa.

“AAXO is determined to ensure that we do not accept 200 days of load-shedding, as experienced in 2022, as ‘normal’. We must lobby our leaders for an urgent resolution to this issue and, in the meantime, take proactive steps to reduce our energy consumption. By doing this, we can ensure that our industry is adaptive and innovative in finding creative solutions to overcome the challenges we face as a collective,” concludes Devi Paulsen-Abbott, chairperson of AAXO and vice president at dmg events.

Reference:

i https://mg.co.za/news/2022-11-09-loadshedding-will-continue-until-2027/

This article was written by Devi Paulsen-Abbott , chairperson of AAXO and vice president of dmg events; Charles Wilson , CEO of the Gallagher Convention Centre; and Mark Anderson , portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions.

L-R: Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Charles Wilson, Mark Anderson

To join or not to join

Lee-Ann Alder , association manager at EXSA, answers the question:

EXSA was founded in 1980 and has been the cornerstone of the industry ever since. An industry platform that is passionate and committed to helping Industry members connect, engage, learn and grow, EXSA promotes the unique marketing benefits offered by exhibitions and events, and raises the profile of its members.

EXSA membership provides access to and support of the globally recognised industry association for goods and services suppliers, exhibition and event service providers, venues, role players and stakeholders.

In signing up for membership, you will have the advantage of the strength of EXSA’s domain. With a variety of membership packages available, your selection will be based on your requirements, your objectives and where you are positioned in the industry.

World-class quality services are expected from EXSA members that will be appointed as

suppliers, venues and service providers within the EXSA network. Therefore, EXSA has a vetting and monitoring process.

Supporting its members no matter their challenges, EXSA is dedicated to making sure that there is visible industry progress.

Advocators of transformation and expansion of thinking, EXSA’s association strategy is one of relationship-building, enhancement and engagement, driven by its vision, mission and goals.

In addition to serving its members, EXSA is now in a position of strength to reach further in connecting with and serving a larger sphere of industry participants and influencers.

BENEFITS OF EXSA MEMBERSHIP

• Access to the EXSA Member primary WhatsApp group: rapid notification, mobilisation, gathering and sharing of real-time pertinent industry news, updates, networking, referrals and assistance.

• Members-only and discounts to EXSA events: think tanks, masterclasses, workshops, webinars and online events with access to local and international experts and speakers. SARS VAT ruling: services supplied by EXSA members for and on behalf of international clients may be zero-rated for VAT insofar as the requirements as stipulated in the SARS VAT ruling are met.

• Member exposure and promotion: highlights and profiling of member activities, accolades and achievements.

• EXSA-llence Awards: prestigious recognition and rewarding of leadership, innovation, excellence in design and implementation at the Annual Awards.

• Opportunity and gain: - to contribute significantly to the exhibitions,

events, design and creative industry

- to expand your network with likeminded professionals

- to gain knowledge, advice, professional experience and skills

- to get exposed to professional development opportunities

- to raise your business status and credibility in the professional work environment and the industry at large

- to enhance and expand on your brand development, authenticity and reputation

- to access products, services, information and discounts

- to network, gain a sense of community and common purpose, as well as volunteer your time, skills, valuable advice, experience and expertise to enhance the industry community – including EXSA Connect and think-tank sessions.

• Exposure to and networking with industry associations: where EXSA enjoys reciprocity agreements, support, advice, shared best practice, skills and information.

• Ethics committee: resolution of relevant dispute matters.

• NextGen │ Opportunities:

- in the spirit of generational diversity and longevity for the industry, EXSA attracts youth through promoting our industry, empowering, as well as instilling leadership and mentorship

- youth bring fresh, new perspectives and innovation to the mix, to enhance our association and industry community.

For more information or queries, please contact the EXSA office on +27 (0)11 620 3089 or info@exsa.co.za.

Why is it necessary to the growth and success of your company to choose EXSA as your association of choice?

WHAT MAKES SACIA UNIQUE IN THE EVENTS INDUSTRY?

There are dozens of associations in the events industry, and it’s sometimes difficult to understand what they all do. Why do they exist? What purpose do they serve? How do they empower their members? Why should you join? When you look at the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA), these are easy questions to answer says Kevan Jones , the association’s executive director.

We’re a professional body mandated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to develop, award and revoke professional designations for the events industry. These designations are awarded based on a review of an individual’s competence, education, work experience and work ethic. In exploring the breadth and depth of an individual’s knowledge, we require candidates for a designation to write an examination and provide a portfolio of evidence supporting their claim of competence.

THE 4 Es OF EXCELLENCE

SAQA refers to these criteria as the ‘4 Es of Excellence’ and, when you review them in tandem, they provide an accurate picture of a person’s competence and character.

In addition, we are obligated to encourage industry professionals to participate in a programme of continuing professional development and abide by a code of professional conduct that binds them to a higher standard of business and ethics.

Our members in the events industry wear the white hats because they’ve proven their knowledge and competence, and provided a written commitment to behave ethically and professionally. If they fail to honour that promise, disciplinary processes hold them accountable, with penalties for unethical or unprofessional conduct.

APPLYING FOR A DESIGNATION

SACIA awards eight designations for individuals working in the events industry, covering event management, event safety and event technology. These are divided into our Associate level designations aimed at recent graduates and newcomers to the industry, our Practitioner level designations aimed at more experienced individuals, and our Professional level designations aimed at people with deep knowledge and experience in the sector.

It’s relatively simple to apply for a designation.

The first step is to write the online examination that can be accessed through the SACIA website. A panel of expert practitioners has developed almost 2 000 multiple-choice questions across several core subjects. Each test comprises 100 questions relevant to your area of specialisation. These are drawn from the question bank in a random sequence, so even if

two people sitting side by side are writing the same test, they’ll be asked different questions with randomised answer options. These test the breadth and depth of your knowledge across several core subjects.

A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

In the same way that there are several designations, there are also several exams, so a person applying for recognition as an event manager would write a different exam to someone applying for recognition as an event rigger or an event safety officer. Likewise, several skills need to be tested in a practical environment, so a person applying for a designation as an event safety officer needs to provide a portfolio of evidence that includes a risk assessment and an event safety plan for an event they’ve worked on.

All in all, it’s a vigorous assessment process that allows us to ensure that we recognise excellence, knowledge and competence.

These designations give SACIA a unique position in the events industry, creating opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with every other association in our sector. Why not earn a professional designation that recognises your skill and competence? Visit the SACIA website and determine the most appropriate designation for you.

By Morwesi Ramonyai, chairperson, EGF

Why you should join the Event Greening Forum

The EGF is a non-profit organisation, and we believe that sustainable practices make business sense and better events. It is our aim to help the South African MICE events industry transform into one that is more environmentally and socially sustainable, while also being economically viable. In fact, we believe all three of these elements must be present to create successful events and an ecosystem conducive to hosting successful events.

If you believe this too, we invite you to join us and become a member of the EGF.

WHO SHOULD JOIN

Any businesses or individuals that operate within the events industry value chain – including but not limited to event organisers, venues, the full range of suppliers and service providers, government bodies, educational institutions, students, and other non-profit enterprises. The level of your experience in sustainability is not relevant. Whether you are achieving net-zero targets and have a story to share, or you have only just decided you want to become more sustainable and are in need of some guidance, we want to hear from you.

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining the EGF entitles you to the following: Knowledge: Access to the latest information around event greening in South Africa.

Value: Receive discounted prices for EGF courses and events.

Network: Your details will be listed on the membership database. Linking up with other people that support event greening in South Africa through networking opportunities such as presentations, networking functions, field trips and other forums.

Use of logo: Paid-up EGF members can use our logo for marketing purposes, to demonstrate

@EventGreeningForum

@eventgreeningforum

Event Greening Forum

their commitment to sustainable events.

Marketing: Your company profile will be included on the EGF website, with a direct link to your website. Additionally, all members will receive a FREE listing on our Green Database, valued at R650.

Sponsorship: You can demonstrate and profile your green leadership by sponsoring an event if you are a member.

Preferred service provider: EGF members will be recommended to those seeking green products and services; members who offer training can request to conduct courses on behalf of the EGF.

HOW TO JOIN

The application process to join the EGF is explained, and can be done, online here: www.eventgreening.co.za/membership

Once your application has been approved, the last step is for you to pay the membership fees. This is a nominal R2 500 per company or R1 250 per individual annually. A 10% discount is also available to company members if they are a paid-up member of any of our associate member organisations. These are: AAXO, EXSA, Fedhasa, IFEA Africa, SAACI, SATSA, SA Roadies, The MICE Academy, The PCO Alliance Network, TPSA powered by SACIA.

@EventGreening www.eventgreening.co.za

If you’re reading this, the chances are high that you are probably a perfect candidate to join the Event Greening Forum (EGF). Here’s why…

MEET SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ARE GIVING BUSINESS EVENTS A PROFESSIONAL EDGE WITH THEIR EXCEPTIONAL OFFERINGS.

Mobile Hospitality Solutions

Your

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HOSPITALITY SERVICE PROVIDER

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.

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.

Our magnificent ‘Barmotion Rock Stars’, all trained and fully certified, are your perfect brand ambassadors - whipping up a buzz and a vibe to make your event rock, making your guests and visitors feel not only welcome but appreciated and valued.

Aquazania water is purer than an underground mountain spring and cleaner than snow. Each and every molecule of Aquazania goes through a complex 9-step purifica�on and filtra�on process. It is sterilised using ac�vated oxygen. No chemicals are added, ensuring every drop has that same great Aquazania taste.

Aquazania is South Africa’s largest bo�led premium water distributor into homes and businesses.

We supply you with top-of-the-line dispensers that dispense refrigerated or heated bo�led water with embedded nanosilver an�-bacterial impregna�on to control any bacterial growth in the cooler. We have a variety of cooler colours and models available – delivered directly to your door.

Stay hydrated!

Aquaspresso offers a full range of coffee machines and coffee vending machine solu�ons to homes, offices (SMEs and corporates), and restaurants. With demand for flexible and managed solu�ons, we have posi�oned ourselves to appeal to these markets in new and dynamic ways.

Coffee Machines for homes, offices and restaurants. Rent or purchase.