Business Events Africa April 2019 Vol 39 No 4

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 39 No 4 April 2019

Elevating SA as a global business events destination

OSIBA MANAGEMENT

Delivering value to business events through empowering SMEs. At Osiba Management, we have embraced the nation’s call to contribute to tourism growth and employment through supporting SMEs. As a grateful recipient of government’s international business event bidding support, we’ve committed ourselves to using SME suppliers exclusively, whenever possible.

So, in 2017 we created Seeza Tourism SME Network as a mechanism to facilitate business and opportunity sharing with tourism SMEs. It’s been a short journey since the Network’s founding two years ago, but our numbers encourage and inspire us to aspire to do more.

Through just two of our past and upcoming international business events, we’ve directly channelled millions worth of business to SMEs.

SIM GLOBAL ASSEMBLY 2018 CITY OF TSHWANE, GAUTENG Airport transfers and tours 3 SMEs: R500 000 revenue Audio-visual and technical 1 SME: R293 221 revenue Branding 1 SME: R12 000 revenue

SEPTI BUKULA

DIRECTOR OF OSIBA MANAGEMENT

IFES WORLD ASSEMBLY 2019 BELA BELA, LIMPOPO 1,200 pax marquee hire 1 SME: R1,15 million revenue Audio-visual and technical 1 SME: R1,47 million revenue Airport transfers and delegate excursions 3 SMEs engaged On-site Art and Craft Market 20 SME exhibitors

Just imagine how much more we can do, with the support of the entire business events industry. So, whatever your future business event’s supply needs, talk to us. Let’s grow SMEs together.

#SMEGrowth #Inclusion #Sustainability AIRPORT TRANSFERS | TOURS & EXPERIENCES | TRAVEL MANAGEMENT | BRANDING & GIFTS | AUDIOVISUAL | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY +27 (0) 11 024 4730

osiba@osiba.co.za

www.osiba.co.za | www.seeza.today

CAPE TOWN STADIUM

A VENUE

AS ICONIC

AS THE ACTS IT’S HOSTED

From U2 and Justin Bieber to Lady Gaga and Lionel Richie – this state-of-the-art arena has held up to 72 000 fans to see some of the world’s most legendary names live on stage. It’s where South Africa celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela and cheered their favourite players at the Soccer World Cup. It has the ability to make any event – no matter how big or small, unique and memorable, making it SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A STADIUM. Excellent location | Great scale and versatility | World-class facilities and staff | Great legacy For enquiries or to book, call +27 21 417 0120 or visit CapeTownStadiumBookings.co.za

Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 39 years

CONTENTS

VOL 39 NO 4 APRIL 2019

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africa.com

vents www.businesse

in Africa nts Industry Business Eve Voice of the

Vol 39 No 4 April

2019

as a global Elevating SA n ts destinatio en ev s busines

About the cover Durban ICC: A major catalyst for economic growth The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has contributed over R40 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and created 100 000 jobs as a result of the centre’s activities since its opening in 1997.

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Special Features 12 BUSINESS EVENTS DESTINATION | ATKV BUFFELSPOORT: AN OASIS IN THE MAGALIESBERG Nestled in the Magaliesberg mountains, ATKV Buffelspoort offers conference groups a fresh approach with its work and play mindset. ATKV Buffelspoort is less than an hour’s drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, making it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Safe, secure and superbly situated, this premium resort is the ideal venue to make any conference a success.

18 AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA PREVIEW | AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA GOES THE ‘GREEN’ MILE For the first time Africa’s Travel Indaba will introduce the Green Stand Awards to recognise exhibitors who go that extra “green” mile to build and design stands that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

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The authority on meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentives management

Published by the proprietor Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd (Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

HEAD OFFICE PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610 HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 PUBLISHER: Godfrey King gk@contactpub.co.za

Venue of the month

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za

10 PREMIER HOTEL MIDRAND UNVEILS NEW CONFERENCE CENTRE Premier Hotel Midrand, part of the growing Premier Hotels and Resorts brand, recently spent R65 millon on a rooms upgrade and on building a new conference centre. The new centre recently finished the furniture and fittings elements, and proudly showcased it to over 40 VIP clients in March.

Features 4 Editor’s comment When reality bites.

5 News Premier Hotels & Resorts acquires Faircity Hotels.

Change in management at Messe Frankfurt USA and South Africa 14 Marriott Exclusive Marriott continues to strengthen its African footprint.

20 Team building BOUNCE: The benefits of fitness team building.

21 Personality profile Johan Klang, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, is living his dream.

22 Technology Current RMS introduce ZAR pricing following growth in SA. 24 A local perspective Communication is fundamental.

25 WTM Africa WTM Africa 2019: Jam-packed with events.

EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

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29 EGF Sustainability Case Study Meetings Africa composting prevents 2 337.7 kg of CO2e emissions.

28 AAXO news

Sustainability in events is everyone’s responsibility.

29 EXSA news Do sustainability.

30 SAACI news Our youth is our future.

31 SITE news

What the incentive industry can do to help keep our waters clean.

32 Market news Wild Coast Sun achieves zero waste rating.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Ruth Baldwin | +27 (0)72 897 6752 ruth@businesseventsafrica.co.za James Seymour | +27 (0)82 925 5508 james@cathkinmanagement.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 39 No 4 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the Yearbook in June.

Printed by

, a division of Novus Holdings

52 Mahogany Road, Westmead www.paarlmedia.co.za ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE: R680 which includes postage, packaging and VAT. Rates for addresses outside South Africa can be obtained on application to the Subscription Department.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Learning | Growth | collaboration

aaxo

Official media partner

32 Index of advertisers.

33 Calendar.

34 Directory & associations of interest to the industry.

36 The last word Uncertainty: the biggest threat to the South African economy.

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

T

his has been a month of selfrealisation. Where do I begin?

Having been in the business events industry for 15 years, I have at times become comfortable in my environment – but every now and again, something happens that wakes me up from my ‘complacency’.

This is a good thing. It wakes me up to the reality that I am still learning and for that I am grateful.

I think when unexpected things happen, our focus is often on the wrong part of the situation.

This month I was asked to take a journey through the shoes of a business owner in our sector, and it certainly gave me some perspective on many of the challenges they face. No doubt we do need more business owners/entrepreneurs, but is it a good idea to start a business in our current environment?

This is a really tricky one.

Someone asked me recently what the industry’s current status is, and what is its current outlook?

Wow! With the national elections knocking at the door I find most people are cautiously optimistic. There is certainly a grey cloud hanging over South Africa due to potential political changes, constant ‘corruption alerts’, and more loadshedding in our future hasn’t helped.

Have a look at the Last Word column – it is certainly a good read, and offers some interesting insights into our country.

From an industry perspective, I can only say it is a mixed bag.

Some businesses in our sector are thriving at the moment, while others are going through retrenchments.

There seems to be less and less of a grey area at the moment.

On a very positive note, I was recently invited by Marriott to experience the first-ever TED Salon in South Africa. It took place in Cape Town, and during my stay I had a one-on-one with Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, premium & select brands, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

When reality bites

The good news is that this major international hotel group is growing its footprint in South Africa as well as into the rest of Africa. This makes one realise the continent is the next big thing and it is very exciting to live here. Even with all its challenges from a global investor perspective, Africa is most captivating with its opportunities for growth.

So, it is not all doom and gloom.

Change, as we all know, is the only thing we can be assured of.

It is how we deal with change that makes or breaks us.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

NEWS

Premier Hotels & Resorts acquires Faircity Hotels Premier Hotels & Resorts, one of South Africa’s leading, independent hospitality groups, has announced the acquisition of the Faircity Hotel Group for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is subject to a due diligence exercise, as well as competition commission approval.

S

amuel Nassimov, founder and managing director of the Premier Group said: “The mutually beneficial deal will see Premier acquire all Faircity hotels, management contracts and personnel who will be amalgamated into the Premier Group, with Faircity brands and trademarks staying intact for ease of customer recognition and business continuity for the foreseeable future.”

The Faircity Group consists of three and four-star conference hotels and serviced apartments in Johannesburg and Pretoria – including the Falstaff and Quatermain

in Morningside; Mapungubwe near Newtown in the Johannesburg inner city; Roodevallei and Kievitskroon near Pretoria; Grosvenor Gardens Apartments in Hatfield, Pretoria; and Junction Apartments in Menlo Park, Pretoria.

With these properties, Premier will add a further 535 rooms to its existing portfolio of over 2 000 rooms and its impressive range of conferencing, food and beverage as well as leisure facilities.

Mr Nassimov said: “We are seeking to expand our hotel property portfolio in major cities across South Africa.

We have confidence in the potential of our great country and believe domestic and international business and tourism confidence will benefit our group and the economy in the years to come.”

Premier currently owns and operates a portfolio of 18 properties across South Africa.

Premier will launch in Bloemfontein in June 2019, and is scheduled to open two new hotels in Umhlanga in late 2019. The investment made in the former is over R90 million, with the latter being over R350 million.

Change in management at Messe Frankfurt USA and South Africa Effective 1 April 2019, Konstantin von Vieregge, managing director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, moved to Atlanta to assume the position of President at Messe Frankfurt Inc. Konstantin von Vieregge

H

e is succeeded by Joshua Low, who has already been group exhibition director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa since June 2017.

Founded in 1991, Messe Frankfurt Inc. employs 40 people and oversees all activities in the NAFTA region from its Atlanta base. Its portfolio includes nine trade fairs in the www.businesseventsafrica.com

USA, Mexico and Canada, focusing primarily on the textile, technical, automotive and recycling sectors.

With regard to the new head of Messe Frankfurt's US subsidiary, executive board member Detlef Braun stated: “Over the past three years, Konstantin von Vieregge has demonstrated with great success that he is the right person to lead a growth-oriented organisation for the Messe Frankfurt Group.

“He already has managerial experience in the USA, is very familiar with the culture there and has the marketing, sales and trade fair expertise necessary in the market segments that are relevant for us.”

Mr von Vieregge will be assuming overall managerial responsibility for the North American market. The previous President, Dennis Smith, will be leaving the company for personal reasons effective 31 March 2019.

As part of the well-established joint management system, Patrick Nohilly will also remain responsible for Finance, IT, Mergers & Acquisitions and Human

Resources at the US subsidiary, and will be reporting to Konstantin von Vieregge.

The US trade fair market is the most competitive in the world. Unlike Europe, the US trade fair sector is not concentrated on a small number of dominant players, and a central role is played by associations. With their trade fairs, they act first and foremost as a marketplace for their members, covering the US domestic market to a great extent. In this environment, Messe Frankfurt is a profitable provider and has the largest US presence of any German trade fair company.

Detlef Braun says of Mr von Vieregge’s replacement: “Joshua Low is an acknowledged trade fair expert who previously worked for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, one of the largest trade fair companies in South Africa.“ Messe Frankfurt South Africa was founded in 2007 and has been a subsidiary of the Messe Frankfurt Group since 2014.

Business Events Africa April 2019 5

COVER STORY | Durban ICC

DURBAN ICC

A major catalyst for economic growth

The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has contributed over R40 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and created 100 000 jobs as a result of the centre’s activities since its opening in 1997.

6 Business Events Africa April 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | Durban ICC

T

Opened by the first democratic President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in 1997, the Durban ICC continues to transform people’s lives and has prioritised entrepreneurship and the advancement of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises as a stimulus to achieving economic growth and development.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

he Durban ICC again performed well during the 2018 financial year in the midst of challenging economic times and achieved a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa for the fifth consecutive year.

Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of Durban ICC, said: “This audit opinion affirms the Durban ICC’s commitment to transparency, good governance and statutory compliance.

We continue to excel in driving local economic growth having contributed R4.7 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year. The vast majority of this impact was felt in KwaZulu-Natal, where R4.6 billion was added to our gross geographic product.”

The centre has been a trailblazer and Africa’s leading convention centre for over two decades. This, is a reputation the Durban ICC works hard to maintain through the commitment of its employees and support from stakeholders.

The centre is a versatile venue of enormous dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, no matter how extraordinary. International conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and special occasions of every kind can be accommodated. Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-of-the-art, technologydriven centre. The complex incorporates the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC Arena and the Durban Exhibition Centre, offering over 112 000 m² of flexible event space,

One of the Durban ICC’s biggest triumphs is being a catalyst for economic growth.

The majority of the Centre’s economic contribution has benefitted the people of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. making it the largest flat floor, columnfree multipurpose event space in Africa.

“However, the Durban ICC is more than simply a venue. It is a platform for meetings, a facilitator of dialogue and a place for people to connect, debate and ultimately find common ground.

From the moment the guest sets foot into our venue, the centre strives to deliver its unique brand of world-class service and a uniquely warm, African experience,” Ms Rakharebe added.

She added the five-star graded centre prides itself on being the leading venue for meetings, business events, conferences and exhibitions on the African continent.

“This is not our own opinion, but rather the overwhelming feedback received from clients who have voted the Durban ICC in the top one per cent of convention centres worldwide.

Enhancing customer satisfaction is our primary focus. We have a reputable Business Events Africa April 2019 7

COVER STORY | Durban ICC

The Durban ICC has made the greatest contribution to the country’s GDP and job creation of any convention centre in the country. Over 9 000 jobs were created and R4.7 billion was added to the national fiscus as a result of the Durban ICC’s activities last year.

UPCOMING EVENTS The Durban ICC will host several major international conferences this year, drawing over 20 000 delegates to the City of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

Some of the international events that have been confirmed for 2019 include: • Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019: 2-4 May, about 10 000 delegates.

• 9th SA Aids Conference 2019: 11-14 June, about 5 000 delegates.

• 22nd National Association of Child Care Workers Biennial Conference: 2-4 July, about 1 500 delegates.

• Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry: 5-9 August, about 1 000 delegates.

• Africa Bio Convention 2019: 26-28 August, about 2 000 delegates.

• World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2019: 7-10 October, 500 delegates.

• UCLG Conference & Exhibition: 11-15 November, about 3 000 delegates.

history of successfully staging high profile and complex international events.

“We strive to create inspiring convention, exhibition and entertainment experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations in an innovative, sustainable and proudly multicultural African way,” Ms Rakharebe said.

The Durban ICC employees are the most important asset in the organisation, Ms Rakharebe added. The centre has a highly experienced and diverse team that is well trained to deliver world-class events in a seamless and service excellence-driven manner.

As Africa’s leading convention centre, the Durban ICC has been voted “Africa’s leading Meetings and Conference Centre” at the World Travel Awards no fewer 8 Business Events Africa April 2019

The Durban ICC hosted 456 events in the past financial year and continues to deliver on its mandate to generate income for the City of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal province. than 17 times in 18 years – and is also the recipient of many other accolades.

Ms Rakharebe said the Durban ICC is a driving force of the city itself, clearly in line with the developmental agenda of the national and local government.

Hosting major events and conferences requires extensive planning from the sales stage when a booking enquiry is made to the event co-ordination stage until the event goes live.

“The Durban ICC’s team has hosted both the largest (International AIDS Conference 2016) and second-largest (COP-17 in 2011) conferences ever held on the African continent,” she said.

The Durban ICC is moving from strength to strength since it was opened by former President Nelson Mandela 21 years ago.

The centre also has an impressive list of high-profile upcoming events over the next five years which are set to inject billions of rands to the local economy.

In order to ensure that the Durban ICC maintains its status as a worldclass facility, the company has invested significantly in a number of key projects to enhance each guest’s experience and provide a safe and secure venue for visitors.

“As a venue that takes pride in being a world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment centre, our

primary goal is to enhance our guests’ experiences,” Ms Rakharebe said.

“Providing exceptional customer service remains the principal focus of the Durban ICC. We strive to ensure that our guests have a memorable experience at our five-star facility which delivers world-class service with South African warmth and hospitality,” Ms Rakharebe added.

+27 (31) 360 1000 sales@icc.co.za

www.icc.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 39 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

Head Office: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610 PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa Tel: +27 31 764 6977 | Fax: 086 762 1867 Email: contact@contactpub.co.za

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

VENUE OF THE MONTH | Premier Hotel Midrand

Premier Hotel Midrand

unveils new conference centre Premier Hotel Midrand, part of the growing Premier Hotels and Resorts brand, recently spent R65 millon on a rooms upgrade and building a new conference centre.

T

he new centre recently finished the furniture and fittings elements, and proudly showcased it to over 40 VIP clients in March.

Tony Rubin, general manager of Premier Hotel Midrand, said: “We are very proud to have completed the building and furnishing of the conference centre.

“The facility is removed from the main hotel building and therefore provides delegates with a self-contained facility.

All conference rooms have built-in data projectors, screens, complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity and all of the normal furniture and stationery.”

10 Business Events Africa April 2019

The new conference centre is able to cater for banquets up to 250 pax, or 300 pax schoolroom-style, and is tastefully decorated, versatile, sub-divisible and stands separate to the hotel, enabling privacy and exclusivity if the client would like it.

The hotel boasts 113 rooms, comprising 42 executive rooms, two suites, 67 standard rooms, and two disabled rooms. There is also a restaurant and pool / patio entertainment areas.

Premier Hotel Midrand is only 24 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport. It is conveniently situated off

the N1, easily accessible from Pretoria, Midrand and Johannesburg, and is proving a popular choice for business travellers and conference organisers.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Gizelle Treccani: +27 (0)10 161 0000 conf.midrand@premierhotels.co.za

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GAUTENG

aha Lesedi and aha Kopanong

True African hospitality

HOTELS & LODGES aha Hotels & Lodges offers renowned Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition venues in and around Johannesburg, offering customised solutions and exclusive facilities matched with exceptional cuisine

aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre

Even the most seasoned and discerning of business travellers are likely to be taken aback by the world-class African hospitality and conferencing facilities at the aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference venue, and aha Lesedi.

B

oth venues have been recognised as preferred destinations and event venues in Gauteng, and both offer a uniquely comfortable, luxury experience. aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre is a quick 12.5 km drive from OR Tambo International Airport.

The hotel is nestled in a tranquil country estate, just far away enough from the hustle and bustle of the city – yet only 30 km from both the Johannesburg and Pretoria city centres.

Kopanong (“Place of Meeting”) is home to 19 impeccable conference venues that have just undergone a comprehensive makeover. Flexible venue space and comfort are maximised by high-tech spatial planning, creating a spacious yet conductive environment for your strategy session, year-end events, team building, functions and many more.

The venue can accommodate up to 400 guests in cinema-style seating, 270 delegates in schoolroom seating, and up to 260 guests in a banquetstyle setting, with free Wi-Fi and home comforts available throughout. The hotel comprises 56 fully-detached chalets, offering a total of 169 bedrooms. aha Lesedi brings guests an intimate encounter with Africa, both culturally and ecologically.

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A short drive from Johannesburg, tucked away in the heart of the historical hills in the ancient Cradle of Humankind, aha Lesedi is an ecolodge that works both as a family getaway, and as an impressive conference destination.

The cultural village is a living celebration of Africa’s rich cultural diversity and the warm spirit of Ubuntu that connects us all. Guests are welcomed with open arms and leave with the unforgettable memory of Africa’s proud heritage implanted in their minds.

Exploring the cultural village within aha Lesedi is a singular experience that offers special insight into the cultures and traditions of the people of Africa. The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site, full of fossils and ancient treasures, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitors’ Centre. aha Lesedi has extensive conference facilities and also offers African-centred team-building activities that you would not find anywhere else in the world.

The welcoming outdoor lapa is host to many memorable events, and a unique outdoor atmosphere is complemented by the authentic African braai menu, with a generously-stocked bar and friendly service. aha Lesedi offers deluxe rooms, double rooms, twin rooms and triple rooms in traditional homesteads.

Business Events Africa April 2019 11

aha Lesedi

For bookings contact: 010 442 5888 | cro@aha.co.za www.aha.co.za

BUSINESS EVENTS DESTINATION

ATKV BUFFELSPOORT An oasis in the Magaliesberg ACCOMMODATION: 800 delegates

CONFERENCE ROOMS: four rooms and two halls.

Nestled in the Magaliesberg mountains, ATKV Buffelspoort offers conference groups a fresh approach with its work and play mindset.

EXTRAS:

Free Wi-Fi Branded stationery Bottled water Break-away rooms Coffee/Tea/Refreshment stations Catering Secure parking

ATKV Buffelspoort depicts relaxation in a natural environment that sets the scene for delegates to unwind after congress through music and other entertainment.

Reyno Wepener, marketing and entertainment coordinator, ATKV Buffelspoort.

A

TKV Buffelspoort is less than an hour’s drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, making it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Safe, secure and superbly situated, this premium resort is the ideal venue to make any conference a success.

On-site delegates will also find our five spacious and well-equipped conference venues, which can accommodate groups of up to 500 people. Meals and accommodation form part ATKV Buffelspoort now offers every delegate a locallymade desk organiser to take back to the office.

12 Business Events Africa April 2019

of the very affordable packages.

Reyno Wepener, marketing and entertainment coordinator of ATKV Buffelspoort said: “Our conference packages are value for money for what you get. The resort offers delegates an oasis to escape to, with various facilities to enjoy after the work is done.

“Through our association with Tourism Friendly, we work in collaboration with various tourism partners in the area to further enhance the delegates experience.”

These delegate experiences can include excursions to Harties Cableway, Brauhaus am Damm, Van Gaalen cheese factory and, of course, the Harties Boat Co. On site, the resort has a spa, an indoor heated pool, jacuzzis, waterpark, putt putt and a games room.

ATKV Buffelspoort offers a unique balance between business and pleasure.

Mr Wepener added: “ATKV Buffelspoort depicts relaxation in a natural environment that sets the scene for delegates to unwind after congress through music and other entertainment.”

WIN A MID-WEEK BREAK TO ATKV BUFFELSPOORT To win a mid-week trip to Buffelspoort for a family of four please send an email to ReynoW@atkv.org.za explaining why you should win this prize and use the reference BEA-BP in the subject line.

The winner will be contacted directly.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARRIOTT EXCLUSIVE

Marriott continues to strengthen its

African footprint Marriott International has over the last few years had an aggressive expansion on the African continent and yet remains people focused.

Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa, spoke to Sandra SchulzePotgieter, vice president, premium & select brands, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International who was in Cape Town to attend the first Marriott Hotels TED Salon.

What is the attraction to Africa?

We are a firm believer in the potential of Africa and the opportunities the continent has to offer. Africa is still an underdeveloped hotel market with development opportunities in most cities. As an international hotel operator, Marriott International has brought quality lodging into the continent and set benchmarks in hospitality in countries where we operate.

Our compelling lifestyle brands and premium products resonate with the aspirational and fast-growing middle class and the global traveller.

African economies have sustained unprecedented rates of growth, driven mainly by strong domestic demand, improved macroeconomic management and increased political stability. This is coupled with the continent’s emerging and rapidly growing middle class, a young demographic and increased connectivity with the rest of the world, all of which reinforce the enormous opportunities that exist on the continent.

Pan African integration has given an impetus to regional travel driving inbound tourism, while increased foreign investments and improved infrastructure in many countries is driving business travel. Additionally, the continent’s vast, diverse and rich natural endowments make it an attractive destination for the leisure traveller to explore.

Our portfolio and distribution in the market and the combined power of our brands underpinned by our travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, gives us a competitive edge.

“Africa is a land of opportunity with untapped potential and is core to our strategy.”

14 Business Events Africa April 2019

How many countries does Marriott currently operate in on the African continent?

Marriott International is a leading international hotel operator in Africa, currently operating close to 140 hotels with more than 24 000 rooms across 14 brands. Nine out of these hotels are under the Marriott Hotels brand.

With a legacy that dates back to the opening of iconic hotels like Sheraton Cairo in 1971 and Cairo Marriott Hotel in 1982, the company today has a strong presence in 20 countries including Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia.

How many more African countries are you looking to expand to?

With over 54 hotels under development, Marriott International is set to add more than 11,000 rooms by 2024.

While strengthening our footprint in existing countries, Marriott International will enter new countries like Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mozambique and Senegal. Last year we opened our first hotel in Mali, Sheraton Bamako.

What are the main challenges you are finding on the African continent?

The climate for developing and operating hotels in Africa is as unpredictable and diverse as the continent itself. But to paint all of Africa with a single brush would be unfair. Hotel development in Africa has its challenges…from geopolitical issues to economic or political instability to concerns around security, to name a few. Being agile and being able to

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, premium & select brands, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

adapt to changing situations is key to our success. Having local expertise and teams that can help us undertsand and navigate the challenges is an asset.

Which African country is your most up and coming?

South Africa and Egypt are our top two key markets. However, we are also seeing a lot of traction for our brands in West and East Africa.

Which brands do Marriott represent on the African continent?

We currently operate hotels under 14 brands in Africa. These include The RitzCarlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, Marriott Executive Apartments and Protea Hotels by Marriott.

Which of your brands are best suited to this continent?

And which are the most appreciated by business travellers?

Africa boasts of a young and energetic demographic. Our mid-market brands like Four Points by Sheraton, Protea Hotels by Marriott and our core brands www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARRIOTT EXCLUSIVE

Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers.

like Marriott Hotels and Sheraton are perfectly poised to take advantage of this young demographic with their strong offering of stylish comfort, honest value and tech-savvy appeal.

As the needs of travellers evolve, expansion in the lifestyle space is a natural step for Marriott International, appealing to this large and growing demographic.

What unites travellers in many ways is the desire for a more experiential trip and hotel stay, that connects with them emotionally and gives them something to rave about when they come home. We understand that next-gen travellers (the fastest-growing group of travellers) are looking for personalised experiences, in a well-designed space that is still affordable, which at the same time features the latest technology and plenty of social spaces that blend work and play. A great example of this is the new AC Cape Town Waterfront we opened recently and the Autograph Collection Hotels in South Africa.

Given the breadth of our portfolio, we pretty much have a brand at every price point, for every traveller’s lifestyle and purpose of trip.

Our mantra is to have the right brand at the right location, with the right partner. We particularly see a traction for Marriott Hotels, Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton.

How have you made sure you remain a people-first company?

Putting people first is part of our culture, and we put our team at the heart of everything we do. At Marriott www.businesseventsafrica.com

International we have always focused on developing talent both in our current employees and the future generation of hoteliers. We are dedicated to creating a people-focused environment through training and opportunities of growth that helps foster an individual’s talents.

Our vision is to help achieve high levels of professional advancement, be effective leaders, and create a culture that immerses in our brand.

Part of one of our ongoing initiatives is to empower and nurture people that are looking for a future career in the hospitality industry. As such, we launched Tahseen, a unique hospitality training programme developed in response to a growing need for talent within the industry, first in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2017 and then in Egypt and more recently in Bahrain and the UAE. The programme is focused on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with first-hand experience and a springboard to launch successful careers in the industry.

Are you planning to expand your footprint in South Africa?

South Africa is our largest market in Africa and ranks as one of our top five markets in Middle East and Africa. Today Marriott International operates 62 hotels in South Africa with over 8 000 rooms across six brands, which include Protea Hotels

by Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Autograph Collection and AC Hotels. With another six hotels under development we will add over 1 100 rooms and debut new brands including

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront.

Residence Inn by Marriott (2022) and Marriott Executive Apartments (2020).

Is the business events (MICE) sector important to Marriott International?

Planning a well-crafted, creative and inspiring meeting has become an art form with limitless possibilities.

Marriott International hosts thousands of meetings every year. It has drawn on the company’s brand differentiation, expertise and talent to launch an industry first, Meetings Imagined – a set of tools to help any planner design and manage the perfect meeting experience.

No matter the budget, size, or location of the meeting, planners have more choices and concepts to draw upon than ever before.

Key to this approach is MeetingsImagined.com, the first visual, social and collaborative website designed to change the way meeting planners plan, shop and buy meetings and includes: • Marriott’s Meeting Purpose Methodology: A proven process to help planners zero in on what’s important for meeting success and to design the perfect attendee experience.

• The Inspiration Gallery: A stunning visual library with thousands of set-up, food & beverage and décor images to spark the imagination.

• Tips & Trends: Expert stories and articles with the latest trends in the meetings business that is continually updated with fresh and engaging content.

• Hotel Ideas: Easily browse by  brand, country, hotel, meeting Business Events Africa April 2019 15

MARRIOTT EXCLUSIVE 15 on Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection.

Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers.



size or amenities and find exactly what you’re looking for.

• Our Story: Pulls it all together for planners with Marriott’s trusted expertise, industry-leading digital tools and hotel brands that support MeetingsImagined.com.

• Meetings Start with a Little Imagination Video: Brings to life Meetings Imagined and takes the planner through each step of the process – from defining the purpose of the meeting to how each element supports and enhances the experience.

• Meeting Services App: Connects planners with Marriott’s event team before, during and after their meeting. Planners can make real time requests for coffee refills, room temperature changes and tech needs from their mobile device.

• ResLink Direct: A customised interactive Web page that allows attendees to easily book their group rate online, provides hotel information and allows planners to add information.

• The Marriott Mobile App: It’s the perfect travel companion. Marriott Bonvoy members who book with the app or on Marriott.com are able to check in before they arrive; receive room-ready notifications; and enjoy an enhanced arrival experience. The app also reminds guests to check out, triggering a copy of their bill to be sent via email.

We have invested in helping our guests receive the best meetings experience because we know and recognise that MICE is an important segment of business for us.

16 Business Events Africa April 2019

Do most of the Marriott hotels on the African continent have conferencing facilities? Is this important?

Do the various brands have their own loyalty programmes? How does this work?

We believe given our portfolio in Africa with hotels like Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, The Westin Cape Town, Sheraton Addis Ababa, Sheraton Club Des Pins, Le Meridien Oran, Marriott Mena House Cairo, Cairo Marriott Hotel and multiple hotels in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Cairo, Oran, Mauritius, we have opportunity to accommodate all sizes of meetings and offer value, convenience and choice to our customers.

Modern travellers are passionate and adventurous, gravitating towards brands that make their trips more fulfilling. We do this by making it more rewarding for them to stay with us as a member of our loyalty platform, Marriott Bonvoy.

With Marriott Bonvoy, we have streamlined the entire process – members can seamlessly book stays and earn and redeem points across the entire Marriott International portfolio – more than 6 900 hotels in 130 countries and territories, across 29 brands!

Marriott Bonvoy represents more than a traditional loyalty programme.

It is in fact, a travel programme that takes a holistic, and forwardthinking approach to travel, inspired by what our members love most: to travel with passion and purpose.

It is built on belief that all travel is good travel and travel enriches the individual and connects the world.

This drives everything we do offering our members a global footprint of extraordinary hotel brands, experiences for every passion and the richest rewards and benefits.

Loyalty is no longer about earning and burning points – it’s about a deeper level of engagement with the guest, it’s about personalisation and it’s about having an ongoing conversation with guests before, during and after their stay.

Marriott Bonvoy is core to our strategy and will help us build loyalty with our guests for all our brands.

What is Marriott’s expansion plan for Africa? What’s next?

We have a very robust pipeline and will open five to six hotels in the next year under our Premium and Select brands.

Key highlights include: • The Autograph Collection will mark its debut in Kenya with the addition of Sankara Nairobi.

• Marriott Hotels will also open its second property in Algeria, in the city of Algiers • Marriott Hotel Johannesburg Melrose Arch will open marking the brand’s second hotel in South Africa.

• Residence Inn by Marriott will make its debut in Algeria with the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Algiers.

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Naguru Skyz.

• Element Hotels will launch its first property in Africa with the opening of Element Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

HOMEMAKERS Expo celebrates our 15th exhibition with the CTICC in 2018... it has been a pleasure working with the management team and the dedicated staff on the ground all these years!

Sandy Edwards

Branch Manager & Expo Organiser - Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expo

Nestling in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, and overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, the CTICC is a magical place where the imagined becomes real, visions turn into strategies, consumers become customers, and strangers from across the globe become colleagues, partners and friends.

So much more than a multi-purpose event destination, this African icon combines expansive venues, impeccable service, cutting-edge technology and the finest global cuisine, to transform your convention, conference, exhibition, banquet or meeting into an extraordinary experience.

For more information, or to book your event at the CTICC, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za.

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA PREVIEW

Africa’s Travel Indaba goes the

‘green’ mile For the first time Africa’s Travel Indaba will introduce the Green Stand Awards to recognise exhibitors who go that extra “green” mile to build and design stands that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

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aking place between 2-4 May, 2019, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), Africa’s Travel Indaba recognises the importance of high valuelow impact tourism and preserving the environment through innovative solutions.

This ties into South African Tourism’s promotion of responsible tourism.

South African Tourism has pioneered event greening since 2011, through the

18 Business Events Africa April 2019

South Africa National Convention Bureau business events show, Meetings Africa.

The awards have been implemented with great success at Meetings Africa in recent years and bringing it to Africa’s Travel Indaba will start the conversation with exhibitors to consider responsible tourism as a part of their offerings.

The stands are judged against the Event Greening Forum (EGF) award criteria including design, materials, operations, transport, communication, beyond green and innovation. They would also need to submit a written motivation explaining why their stand is green.

The assessment includes demonstrating knowledge about the greening principles and practical implementation thereof.

The panel of judges will include professionals with event greening experience and independent moderators.

Last year, Africa’s Travel Indaba implemented measures to make the event more environmentally friendly. These

included paperless contracts with exhibitors and the event app, that helps to cut down on paper before, and at the event.

The event organisers are also looking to appoint as many local suppliers as possible, cutting down on the event’s carbon footprint, and promoting responsible tourism by giving resident SMMEs the chance to participate in the continent’s largest travel trade show.

South African Tourism pioneering event greening South African Tourism’s event greening efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Since 2012, Meetings Africa has won every annual Green Show Award from the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA).

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau, explained, “South African Tourism recognises the importance of hosting events in a responsible manner and which address the triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity.”

The Event Greening Forum Chairperson, Greg McManus, said: “We have been honoured to fulfil an advisory role for Meetings Africa over the years.

The South African Tourism team have always been very receptive to our recommendations and to adopting new initiatives, which they have done with great results. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and success with Africa’s Travel Indaba.”

To ensure this year’s Indaba is greener

www.businesseventsafrica.com

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA PREVIEW

than ever, the Event Greening Forum conducted a baseline assessment at last year’s event to gain a better understanding of the environmental impact of the event. This information is now being used to develop an event greening strategy that can be implemented at future events. The data gathered is proving to be critical to mapping out an effective event greening strategy.

Sustainability Village has socio-economic and environmental impact An innovative Sustainability Village was created to showcase talented local artisans and SMEs, and their handcrafted goods.

All of the items on display are made in South Africa and inspired by local culture and traditions, and some also have a strong sustainability ethos, such as using recycled materials. Instead of traditional gifts, South African Tourism will give gift cards to delegates, allowing them to select their own gifts from this space.

The Sustainability Village’s responsible gifting meets all three criteria that includes eco-procurement, social upliftment, and avoiding the unnecessary waste of unwanted gifts, all of which ensure event waste is reduced.

Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display, Indaba 2019’s infrastructure providers, said, “For the Sustainability Village, we created modular structures out of raw wood and African fabrics. Two thirds of them were reused from the Meetings Africa show earlier this year, and they will be reused over the coming years.”

Soon enough, event greening will become a mainstay in the African business events industry, and we as South African Tourism are proud to be its pioneers. We look forward to welcoming you to what will be the greenest Africa’s Travel Indaba yet. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Speed Marketing Nothing gets to the point faster than a Speed Marketing session at Africa’s Travel Indaba. During these morning sessions, South African company owners each have three to four minutes to deliver the essence of their sales pitch to an audience of global buyers.

Speed Marketing forms part of Africa’s Travel Indaba, which takes place from 2nd to 4th May 2019. The Speed Marketing session have grown to be an invaluable opportunity for exhibitors to expose their offerings to buyers and potentially contribute towards increasing their sales.

Held over three days, exhibitors have five minutes to demonstrate their products to between 170 – 200 global buyers, that as entrepreneurs they understand how to operate, market package in line with local and global trends. These fastpaced sessions have been instrumental in building relationships between company owners and buyers. If buyers like what they see, or hear, they can follow up with further meetings or negotiations.

The diverse and popular sessions will allow an opportunity for diverse tourism offerings to be showcased under the following themes over the three days: • Rural and Scenic • Urban and Luxury Vibe • Safari, camping and Adventure The Africa’s Travel Indaba speed marketing sessions have been exceptionally well attended over the years with a wide variety of products on show, and this year promises to be no different. Speed

Marketing has numerous advantages to both company owners and buyers.

Presentations are short, direct, simple and convenient. Content is meant to hook the buyer, making the Speed Marketing sessions an ideal platform for company owners looking for the right buyers.

Speaking after the 2018 Speed Marketing session representative of Jands Travel Network, Chiomi Obi said “There are several countries here, it’s like me coming to shop through all the countries and get their local content and offerings which is what we want now, that’s the trend right now” After being asked if she would recommend the speed marketing session to other buyers, Zoe Malapisi, from By Design Africa DMC remarked “Of course, yes I would recommend these sessions to other buyers. In actual fact while, the session was going on I made phone calls to my team to make sure that they also came to the sessions because of the value I was seeing in the session.”

Abigail Mblalo-Mokoena, from 4Roomed Ekasi Culture, an exhibitor at the 2018 Speed Marketing session said, “Immediately after the session was complete, I had buyers approach me, and what are the chances one will have an opportunity like this.”

Africa’s Travel Indaba Speed Marketing sessions will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, ICC Room 22. The sessions are scheduled to start at 08:30 and end at 10:00 from 2 to 4 May 2019.

Business Events Africa April 2019 19

TEAM BUILDING

Forget boring trust falls and orienteering – fitness-based team building is shown to have better overall benefits for your employee’s office well-being.

BOUNCE

By Jordan Freeman, group sales & events, BOUNCE

Benefits of fitness team building

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ccording to a study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, South Africa is fifth hardestworking country in the world, with 12 per cent of our workforce spending over 60 hours a week in the office. All this time at work, coupled with an increasing digitally-dependant lifestyle, means less focus on fitness and physical activity.

Employers can have a big impact on their employees’ lives by creating an atmosphere that shows workers that they are valued and appreciated. A workplace fitness programme goes a long way in doing just that. We all know the benefits of regular teambuilding get-togethers, but offering your employees a way to get fit and healthy has become more important than ever.

According to an article in the December 2010 issue of the Harvard Business Review, workplace wellness can help reduce health risks, enhance personal effectiveness, increase productivity and improve quality of life for your employees.

So how can you get started with a corporate fitness program? Maybe you have limited space and limited resources for exercise equipment and

you don’t know where to start.

BOUNCE inc is one of the leading national brands, providing an all-inclusive experience that is both effective and fun for your whole team. From EMPOWER teambuilding workshops focusing on unlocking your inner child, or BOUNCE-FIT corporate fitness classes coordinated and customised to your needs, BOUNCE has something for everyone wanting to incorporate a funfocused approach to corporate wellness.

As a brand, BOUNCE specifically focuses on offering a comprehensive experience for all ages, skill-sets and fitness levels.

NASA has described trampolining (or ‘rebound’ exercise) as the most effective form of exercise devised by man. 10 minutes of jumping can burn as many calories as 33 minutes of running! Not only that, but there are a multitude of proven benefits such as improving overall coordination, strength, flexibility, timing and balance.

You can also count on increased cardiovascular performance, massive core strength gains and increased muscle tone amongst others.

The opposite of a gruelling ordeal, an hour on the trampolines can be intense fun! You don’t need to be an athlete or be fit to join in. BOUNCE teambuilding packages and BOUNCE-FIT corporate classes are designed for everyone. Your BOUNCE instructor will ensure that nobody gets left out of the action.

Why it can be beneficial to include health and fitness in your office routine: • No more sick days. Exercise can boost your immune system, reducing your chances of colds, flu and other illnesses.

• Less stress. According to the February 2011 issue of Harvard Mens Health Watch, exercise has the ability to both exhilarate and to relax, and can serve to counter depression and to dissipate stress.

• Increased productivity. An active body means an active mind. Your team can benefit from improved work performance and refreshed mental sharpness.

• Fitness Fosters Teamwork. It’s a phenomenal team-building opportunity.

Employees who exercise together get to know each other better, encourage each other and form a more cohesive team.

TIRED OF THE SAME OLD TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCE? GET YOUR TEAM TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH A N U N F O R G E T TA B L E E X P E R I E N C E L I K E N O O T H E R . bounceinc.co.za

20 Business Events Africa April 2019

For more information call 011 517 2500 or email events@bounceinc.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Johan Klang is living his dream “I feel that I am living my dream, I have a fantastic wife, a career that suits me – I am doing what I want to do,” said Johan Klang, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka.

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ohan, 53, started his career with Radisson Hotel Group in 2009, when he joined Park Inn by Radisson in Stockholm, Sweden.

He has since relocated to five different African countries with the Group.

During his three years within the F&B department of Park Inn Stockholm, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos and Radisson Blu, Tripoli, Johan was a part of the Radisson Group’s mentee programme and was offered his first position as general manager at the Park Inn by Radisson, Tete, Mozambique. Between 2016 and January 2019 he was the general manager at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Johan is now with Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka.

Johan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry as well as a firm understanding of the Radisson Hotel Group. Commenting on why he has chosen to stay with the Radisson Hotel Group for so long, Johan said, “Looking back, I am proud to see how my actions have helped develop the people, the community and the property. I see more women in higher positions, I see a strong responsible business culture with activities that protect nature and support the local community.

I see staff members who have grown within the brand and now work in other properties and other countries. I see hotels that are stronger and more productive.”

my life since my parents were hoteliers – already as a kid I was hanging around the hotel, and as a teenager I started working in kitchens.

What do you enjoy most about it? I enjoy the interaction with guests and staff, the dynamic of implementing change so that staff are on board with the changes and the guests experience a better service and experience.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector? When I started my career the

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to?

hotel industry had very limited IT tools – reservations where done on a ledger with pencil and eraser, food orders were written by the waiters and given to the chef, check-in involved filling out of registers and giving the guest a key often with a heavy key chain… my career has been parallel to the introduction and implementation of IT technology into our industry. This has been a massive change and shift in how we work and offer services to guests.

I have so many positive memories from experiences in Europe and Africa – it is difficult to say which is the best. Each has its own memory that brings a smile to my face.

Were you always involved in this sector? Apart from the six years as

Stockholm, Sweden, because it is my home town, and also because it offers a range of high quality food and restaurants.

a hotel and tourism lecturer in the 1990’s I have always been working in hotels.

Are you married? Yes, to Maria Klang.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs? A charter holiday where there is a full itinerary. I want to go where I want, stop where I want and eat when/what I want.

What is your favourite city?

What is your favourite book and movie? I enjoy reading fantasy novels and watching SciFi movies.

Where did you grow up? I was

What role does your family play in your life? Without the

born in Sweden and grew up on the island of Malta, where my parents had a hotel.

I have a Master’s Degree in International Hotel & Tourism Management from Schiller International University, London. I graduated in 1992.

support of my wife, the challenges of working in these different African Countries would have been much more difficult. She is my support and the person who I always seek out when I need to get ideas or a new point of view.

spend time with my family.

Where did you start your career? I started at 16 as a kitchen

What do you do for leisure?

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps? Listen to your

steward, at a small hotel in Southern Sweden, although I helped at my parent’s hotel from an early age.

How long have you been in the hospitality sector? I have been involved in the hospitality industry all www.businesseventsafrica.com

I spend time with my family and we do things together to explore the culture and traditions of the place where we are living – especially the local food and drink.

What is your secret to success?

Being open to change, working hard and listening to the team members and guests.

How do you relax? I read and What is your favourite food?

I enjoy seafood prepared in a North European style, but enjoy a range of different dishes and culinary experiences.

staff and your guests – as a manager we are here to ensure that the team are trained and have the tools to deliver. We are here to listen to the guests requests and deliver a service that they require.

Business Events Africa April 2019 21

TECHNOLOGY

Current RMS introduce ZAR pricing following growth in SA Powerful cloud rental management software, Current RMS, have recently introduced South African Rand to their pricing structure, alongside Great British Pound, Australian Dollar, United States Dollar and the Euro.

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his introduction comes as the team at Current RMS noticed lots of interest from the South African rental market and are really pleased to be able

22 Business Events Africa April 2019

to offer regional pricing for existing customers and prospective rental businesses looking to come onboard.

With key features built for the party & events rental industry, Current RMS handles every step of the rental process from one centralised system.

• Create fully customised quotations to send out to your customers online.

• Schedule activities and tasks for yourself and your colleagues.

• Capture digital signatures from your clients across a range of documents.

• View and manage real time product availability.

• Allocate your crew, transport and venues to upcoming jobs.

• Scan to track individual assets, ensuring you know exactly where your kit is.

• Manage damaged, lost or stolen kit, keeping a full audit trail of each product.

• Part or fully invoice for jobs, great for taking deposits or part payments.

Unlimited support and training, secure data

protection and backups, and regular automatic free updates are included as part of the Current RMS package.

There’s no worrying about servers to maintain or software to install: just one fully scalable and integrated solution that can be accessed from anywhere.

Current RMS understand the flexibility needed in a rental management solution, so they give their customers the ability to add users to their system during busy periods and remove them during quieter periods – handy when bringing freelancers or temporary staff on board.

Plus, if customers are happy with Current, they can switch over to the annual plan at any time to secure a saving over paying monthly.

The software is constantly updated with new features, taking on feedback from users via their open Customer Wishlist, a platform where customers can pitch and vote for ideas they’d like to see in the system. Some great changes from customer feedback include the ability to add deal prices to entire jobs or groups of products on www.businesseventsafrica.com

TECHNOLOGY

Since we launched Current RMS almost 5 years ago, South Africa has been a key growth market for us, so we’re really pleased to introduce friendly local pricing for our customers and new rental businesses who come on board. We’re excited to explore the South African rental market further and look forward to attending an exhibition in the future.”

Chris Branson, MD @ Current RMS jobs, highlighting shortages on a job so that you can easily sub-rent, and Global Check-in, making it easy to check in multiple jobs at once from one screen.

As a global solution used by thousands of businesses worldwide, the team at Current RMS are extremely excited to welcome more South African rental businesses on board, helping speed up and streamline the day-to-day running of their business. Meeting the needs of both one-man-bands and multi-user systems, Current RMS’ cloud-based approach means teams can access their important rental data from any location – on the road, on a job, or in the office www.businesseventsafrica.com

The Current RMS package is probably the best and most thought out rental software package available. We’ve traded in our market for 27 years and Current can cope with every scenario. With their excellent support and ability to go the extra mile, we’ll have many trouble free years ahead with Current.

Steve Olivier, Director @ SMD Technical – which is perfect for the fast paced industry the software was built for.

To experience this exciting system for yourself, get started with your free 30 day trial today.

It’s easy to get set up and running, plus there’s no restrictions in the trial so you and your team can fully experience every part of the system. The friendly team at Current RMS are on hand to answer any questions you have and provide unlimited demos and training both during trial and on the paid plan, helping you every step of the way. Simply head to current-rms.com to get started.

CONTACT DETAILS hello@current-rms.com www.current-rms.com www.twitter.com/currentrms www.facebook.com/currentrms Search ‘Current RMS’

Business Events Africa April 2019 23

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Communication is fundamental

By Gavin Burgess, managing director of Ultimate Data Sciences

Earlier this year, co-worker Brad Montgomery and I facilitated a group discussion at the AAXO Exhibition of Exhibitions on the topic of event technology and project management. To the group, we posed the following question: “What excites or frustrates you about event technology?”

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he group was a mix of event organisers, infrastructure providers, stand builders, and other colleagues in the field. This made for an interesting hands-on discussion between the typical stakeholders you can expect to find working together in producing an event. We facilitated the discussion by using an interactive word cloud, where group participants made use of their mobile devices to contribute to the overhead screen content.

The great thing about asking an open-ended question in this setting is that it opens exploration of the different perspectives of everyone in the room.

One of the items we discussed as a group was the topic of “integration”, and it was interesting to hear people’s stories about how integration of different technologies at events has been either overwhelmingly successful, or a complete failure. The key we agreed on as a group was that communication is fundamental to the execution of a project management strategy – whether that be in the arena of event technology or not.

Taking a look at some of the positive ideas raised by the group, we found a range of exciting ways in which technology has contributed to a successful event. Testament to the successful execution of a project management strategy, event technology has the ability to elicit “more tangible engagements”

Who is Gavin Burgess?

Gavin is the managing director of Ultimate Data Sciences, an industry leader in event technology project management. He sits on the board of the Event Greening Forum, and also works closely with the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), as well as the Council of Events Professionals Africa (CEPA).

24 Business Events Africa April 2019

amongst attendees at events. Another topic that the group raised was “analytics” – the world of big data.

What was interesting to see was how helpful data collected about the way an attendee experiences an event can be to plan for future events; although the caveat here is that analytical data is only helpful insofar as the integrity of the data collected. When collecting, analysing, and predicting future trends, it is important to consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects; both of which could skew analytics if collected and interpreted from small or biased samples.

We also spoke about the frustrations industry players have in the scope of event production, and again the common thread was communication and expertise across all project management levels.

One of the stand builders in the audience stated that a common frustration can be found in contracting with a technology service provider to implement some form of technology on an exhibition stand, but when the equipment used to drive the technology arrives during build-up, insufficient provision was made on the stand to accommodate the equipment required. This may be a lack of communication but could also quite easily be that the service provider misinterpreted the brief or made assumptions on what facilities would be provided to them.

I increasingly find that there is a disparity in the understanding on the part of technology service providers that create products for use outside of the events space, and then not having the expertise of the intricacies of implementing the same technology at an event. The best advice I can offer to

overcome this challenge is two-fold: firstly, hiring an event technology consultant to liaise between stakeholders across the project management chain has the potential to save a cascade of problems and costs; and secondly, if you are not a technology professional then take the time to empower and educate yourself about the vast array of options available in event technology. Make an appointment with an experienced event technology expert and discuss your ideas and concerns – the return on investment is exponential.

From the paradigm of the event attendee, our audience added to the interactive word cloud, statements such as “lack of appetite” and “fearful clients”.

In discussing these points we found that there is a strong element of marketing required in the successful implementation of technology at an event. It is unlikely that the latest tech trend will be selected for showcase on a corporate client’s exhibition stand, unless you are able to clearly articulate the benefits—as well as the ROI that the client is looking for.

Having an event technology expert on your team is essential to facilitating this process.

Additionally, while we have seen an increase in enthusiasm on the part of attendees, not everyone has the same level of technological literacy. Marketers need to take into account that a certain amount of explaining the “what, why, and how” to attendees before and during the event can make all the difference.

A major topic of discussion in this group session was around having sufficient information to implement a technological solution. At the end of the day, it is the attendee experience that matters most. I find that the most valuable information a player in the industry can have, is the knowledge that a solution is more likely to work when the experience of the end user is kept in mind right from the beginning of the project management process. www.businesseventsafrica.com

WTM AFRICA

WTM Africa 2019

Jam-packed with events The winners of the 2019 African Responsible Travel Awards: • Overall Winner, supported by Wesgro: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – South Africa.

World Travel Market Africa 2019 welcomed thousands of exhibitors, buyers, travel professionals and media from across the globe, with over 6 500 pre-scheduled meetings. The show took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the host city of Cape Town.

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o mark the start of the threeday event, the City of Cape Town Mayor, Dan Plato welcomed all attendees and Reed Exhibitions managing director Carol Weaving highlighted the key events taking place at WTM Africa this year.

In addition, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) chief executive officer, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa moderated a panel in a discussion about the amazing prospects for continental African tourism growth.

Mayor Dan Plato said that the hospitality industry is one of the sectors in the city which is ripest for growth. “The hospitality industry employs 150 000

Stand Awards Winners Exhibitors were rewarded for their efforts in creating engaging and productive stands at WTM Africa 2019, with the Stand Awards Winners announced: • Best Stand Design: City of Cape Town.

• Best Stand for Doing Business: Botswana.

• Best Stand Personnel: La Reunion Island Tourism.

• Best Stand Feature: Thailand.

• Most Responsible Stand: SANBI. • Most Innovative Stand: City of Cape Town.

• Most Innovative Stand (Travel Tech): Tourplan.

• Most Extraordinary Stand Festival Experience: City Sightseeing.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Management: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company – South Africa (Gold).

• Best Responsible • Best Small Sustainable Attraction: Two Oceans Event, supported by Cape Aquarium – South Africa Whale Coast: Mdumbi (Gold); Panthera Africa Green Fair Festival – South Big Cat Sanctuary – South Africa (Gold); EGF 2018 Africa (One to Watch).

Conference & Master Class – South Africa (Silver) and • Best Responsible Cultural GCIP-SA Annual Awards or Heritage Experience: 2017 – South Africa (Silver). !Khwattu San Cultural & Education Centre – • Best Large Sustainable South Africa (Gold); Event, supported by Cape WOWZULU Isandlwana Whale Coast: Meetings – South Africa (Silver).

Africa – South Africa (Gold); Cape Town Marathon – • Best for Habitat and/or South Africa (Silver).

Species Conservation: • Best for Resource

Grootbos Private Nature

people in the City of Cape Town, with tourism and related industries contributing between 2 per cent and 2.5 per cent to the area’s GDP,” he said. With the number of direct flights into the rest of Africa – and the world – to and from Cape Town on the increase, the potential to grow tourism numbers in one of the world’s most beautiful cities is massive.

Mr Tshivhengwa shared the TBCSA’s plans to double international tourism visitor numbers to South Africa to 21 million by 2030, adding two million jobs in the process.

Important discussions underscored the role of women in the tourism sector at the Women in Travel Meetup, while the Business Events Conference powered

by IBTM Africa explored the potential of the meetings sector in Africa.

Megan Oberholzer, Travel Tourism & Sports Portfolio general manager at Reed Exhibitions said: “Bringing WTM Africa together has taken a lot of work – but the real business really kicked off on the floor, and it was fantastic to see all our attendees emerging themselves in both the educational and business opportunities that the market offers. #WTMA19 is as much about the opportunity for travel professionals to learn and grow, as it is about helping market the continent’s best tourism experiences

Reserve – South Africa (Gold); Great Plains Conservation Sapi Reserve (One to Watch).

• Best for Community Benefit, supported by Singer Group: Dorobo Tours and Safaris – Tanzania (Gold); Ultimate Safaris //HUAB Under Canvas – Namibia (Silver); Anvil Bay – Mozambique (One to Watch).

• Best for Global Goals Reporting, supported

by BulkSMS: Two Oceans Aquarium – South Africa (Silver).

– and there’s certainly no shortage of innovative and interesting opportunities for everyone to capitalise on”.

Day Two of World Travel Market Africa 2019 kicked off with the Speed Networking session, more pre-scheduled meetings and a jam-packed event programme, including the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) and the African Tourism Investment Summit.

WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, Dr Harold Goodwin, led several panel discussions at the Business Case for Responsible Tourism Conference, including a session where the winners of the 2019 Africa Responsible Tourism Awards shared their sustainability stories.

The African Tourism Board also officially launched at WTM Africa as a new, multinational body to promote the travel and tourism sector in Africa following its initial unveiling during World Travel Market in London.

The final day of WTM Africa 2019 focused on digital trends and technology in tourism with the Travel Forward with E-Tourism Africa Seminar (eTAS), facilitated by E-Tourism Frontiers Digital Business Leader Mavin Waganda.

Ms Oberholzer said that the team already has their eye on WTM Africa 2020, with next year’s event announced to take place in Cape Town from 6-8 April.

Business Events Africa April 2019 25

EVENT GREENING FORUM | Sustainability Case Study

Meetings Africa composting prevents 2 337.7 kg of CO2e emissions South African Tourism (SA Tourism) is a member of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).

It has committed to making its events sustainable with the EGF’s support – such as its multiple Green Award winning business events show, Meetings Africa, and, as of this year, its consumer tourism show, Africa’s Travel Indaba.

A

manda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau, explained: “South African Tourism recognises the importance of hosting events in a responsible manner and which address the triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity.”

One greening strategy adopted at Meetings Africa is composting all organic waste generated and not sending it to landfill, as is typical at most events.

Since this was implemented in 2015, it has resulted in preventing an estimated 2 337.7 kg of CO2e emissions being released into the atmosphere.* EGF member Earth Probiotic Recycling Solutions provided the full composting solution for Meetings Africa. Karen Heron, who co-founded the company, explains that they provided bins to collect the organic waste – both in the kitchen and in the food service areas – as well as a composting activator called Bokashi, training for the staff to deal with the waste, waste collection and weighing, composting, and a wet waste report.

Using the Bokashi system, Earth Probiotic can compost all food waste including cooked and uncooked meat, bones, fish, dairy, fresh produce, grains etc., as well as compostable food containers, wooden utensils and serviettes, and flowers and plants.

The Bokashi is the magic ingredient that ferments the waste to speed up its breakdown, and ensures that the bins don’t smell. It’s also what makes it possible to compost some organic waste that usually can’t be composted, such as meat, bones and dairy.

“Composting takes between 6-10 weeks depending on climate, water and 26 Business Events Africa April 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM | Sustainability Case Study

If you are looking for useful event greening solutions, like Earth Probiotic, visit the EGF’s Green Database: www. greendatabase. co.za.

frequency of turning the material. If the client does not request the compost back, we use it for projects we may be working on. 1 000 kg of food waste composts to about 300 kg of compost,” says Heron.

The Earth Probiotic report shows that 2 502 kg of wet waste was collected at Meetings Africa from 2015 to 2019. If this waste had been landfilled, it would have emitted 1 569 tonnes of CO2e emissions.

The report also shows that wet waste volumes have decreased over the years. In this instance, this is a positive indicator of the event’s success in reducing its food waste.

“Focussing any attention on food, food waste and compostable food

Year

Compostable waste diverted from landfill

CO2e savings vs landfill

2015

832 kg

512.5 kg

2016

850 kg

523.6 kg

2017

820 kg

505.1 kg

2018

640 kg

394.2 kg

2019

653 kg

402.2 kg

Cumulative diversions/ savings

2 502 kg

2 337.7 kg

packaging, consciously draws attention to minimisation,” Ms Heron said, who sees minimised wet waste volumes as one of the big advantages of their service, as this can translate into reduced costs.

She adds, “Separating wet waste from the waste stream also increases dry recyclables by more than 32 per cent, by reducing food waste contamination of this material.

“If rebates are being earned, then this can be significant.”

Greg McManus, chairperson of EGF said: “Event greening is often perceived as a high-cost exercise, but this shows that in many instances it can save money – especially when improving efficiencies.”

Save these dates!

EGF Master Class: Wednesday 10 July 2019

EGF Conference: Thursday 11 July 2019 The theme for these events is “Imagining a Different Future“.

Lorraine Jenks, the founder of HotelStuff/GreenStuff, will run the master class. She explains; “With incidences of extreme weather making headline news, it is clear that climate change is here. We are

www.businesseventsafrica.com

not ready. The impact on all aspects of our lifestyles, tourism, hospitality and the events industry in Africa will be, and already is, profound.”

She adds, “Based on research in Africa, I will share actual climate disruptions experienced by people on the ground and offer solutions, preparedness, special training, adaptions and some of their tips for all aspects of the events industry.”

For more information, visit www.eventgreening.co.za.

* CO2e saved utilises the factor of 616.7143 kg per tonne CO2e emitted in landfill. This calculation is based on DEFRA (UK) 2018 emission factors which can be found at www.gov.uk/ government/publications/greenhousegas-reporting-conversion-factors-2018.

About the EGF The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. It does this by hosting educational sessions for industry and lobbying government in an effort to implement sustainability principles into the daily operations of the events industry.

The EGF was established through dedication and support of eight industry associations who are recognised as founding members. The founding members are key industry associations working together to promote South Africa as a destination for various types of events.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about event greening, visit www. eventgreening.co.za where you can browse the free resources, sign up to the monthly newsletter, or contact them directly with any queries.

Contact: Lynn Mcleod T: 082 891 5883 E: lynn@eventgreening.co.za

Business Events Africa April 2019 27

AAXO NEWS

Sustainability in events is everyone’s responsibility Environmental sustainability is a huge topic in the events industry right now, with responsibility rightly being placed on key patrons to implement measures and initiatives that reduce their impact on the planet. By Leatitia van Straten. chairperson of The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO)

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his affects organisers, venues, stand builders and key suppliers – pretty much everyone involved in the process – with environmental policies becoming more prevalent in the industry.

mail as a channel has mostly been eliminated, reducing paper waste. The number of printed show guides can also be reduced by offering a downloadable digital alternative.

Pre-event marketing

Green energy

It’s not just during events that we need to be considerate of the environment. With major marketing campaigns pushing events, there are good and bad ways to promote them. Exhibition organisers are taking deliberate steps to move as much marketing online as possible, reducing the reliance on printed material that has plagued the industry for decades.

During the pre-event marketing campaign, direct

Looking at some of the more innovative ways to produce power, Japan is a leading example of how to do it right.

Japan harnesses power from footsteps at some of the capitals’ busiest stations, with special flooring tiles installed in front of ticket turnstiles. Every time a passenger steps on the mats, they trigger a small vibration that can be stored as energy. With exhibitions producing a fair amount of footfall, this would be an ideal

way to harness green energy for venues going forward and is really worthwhile looking at.

Recycle, reuse, Repurpose There are two main factors involved in waste: not giving attendees the choice to use eco-friendly products, and disposing of recyclable material appropriately.

Replacing single use items (like straws, cups and bags) with items that can be recycled, or simply removing their availability at your event is a positive step in the right direction.

The second problem is an easy fix for event organisers, and that’s simply to offer recycling bins beside waste containers. Making

arrangements for end-ofevent clean-up, especially in terms of food, is also a step in the right direction.

Ensuring the venue is on board with this decision is vital.

Promoting environmentallysustainable shows There are massive benefits to running events and conferences in an environmentally sustainable way and we are proud to be doing our part.

With each event we run, we should look at reducing our impact on the environment. The more event organisers, venues, suppliers and exhibitors share this way of thinking, the more we will be able to reduce the environmental impact of the events industry as a whole.

EXSA NEWS

Do sustainability As a growing number of people push for a greener, more efficient and socially responsible world, more and more organisations are realising their businesses can do well, through integrating sustainability into their business strategy. But what does it mean to be sustainable in business? by Aimee Meijsen & Gill Gibbs

I

n its most basic sense, sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present customer with a set of values that positively affects the way a business operates every day, both within the company and in the community at large, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Simply put, the goal of a sustainable business is to make a positive impact on either its surrounding environment or that of its community, with the assumption that developing such strategies foster company longevity through ensuring resource availability and preserving or increasing financial performance.

With three of South Africa’s cities being included in the 2017 Global Destination Sustainability Index, an innovative new measure for the level of sustainability that cities can offer to the business events industry, this illustrates the commitment of the country to becoming a sustainable destination for business events,

as well as the importance of adopting sustainable practices.

Hosting any business event is a resource-intensive activity, from event production, to delegate and exhibitor transportation, to food preparation, through to the manufacturing of stands. If done correctly, business events have the power to transform communities through developing businesses with sustainable employment.

In traditional business cultures, social and environmental concerns have typically been considered to conflict with financial goals.

The use of timber for custom stands in the business events industry, for example, requires an approach of sustainable practice. Contractors should innovate to introduce ways to reduce, reuse and repurpose bespoke stands and elements with the mindset of as little waste as possible in the forefront.

A conscious effort needs to be made to encourage clients to look at bespoke modular designs that can be used again. It is critical for

contractors to conceptualise, design, manufacture and plan their exhibition, activation stands and event infrastructure with the key strategy in mind of how they can repurpose and reuse the elements.

Equally, companies that invest in socially-ethical practices may initially cost a business money, but typically lead to enhanced recruitment, a professional industry, improved branding and public relations, which all tend to lead to increased profitability and ensuring the interests of the industry and its longevity.

This is why sustainability makes business sense. Just as technology, innovation and design apply to business, so too does sustainability. In context of the business events industry, businesses must be prepared for and cognisant of fluctuations in economic circumstances. Customers continue to cut back on their budgets and competitors become ever more aggressive and cut prices, which is not a sustainable business practice.

A message from EXSA EXCO ”It is important to protect and maintain a good, positive cash flow by pursuing smart, value-preserving and costcutting measures to ensure a good cash flow. Destructive or short-sighted cost cutting should be avoided at all costs.

We must work on reusing and repurposing. The message to our clientele? Market, market, market – it is one of the most important investments to make during any economic slowdown, as it creates our pipeline of clients. Industry players can also look at developing core business and consider exploring areas adjacent to their company’s core products or services.

“And finally, take care of your clients: It costs more effort and resources to find new customers than to retain existing ones: existing clients are the most important key to our survival.

As an association, we must also collaborate to eliminate entities that are ’bad payers’, as this impacts on all industry stakeholders in a ‘domino effect’.”

E: info@exsa.co.za T: +27 10 300 7907 www.exsa.co.za

SAACI NEWS

Our youth is our future

By Rudi Van Der Vyver, chief executive officer of SAACI

We constantly hear about how important the youth in our industry is for the true sustainability and growth of the industry. What does that mean exactly and how can we be more aware of this, and incorporate them into the growth strategies of our companies and our industry?

S

AACI has a heavy focus on development, evident from our strategic focus areas of learning, growth and collaboration. Translated into real time projects, we have embarked on the following initiatives to assist with this sustainability goal for our members and industry.

As the industry body, we have recently created a portfolio on our board targeted at youth development. We will also be creating a “youth board�, which will effectively be a shadow board, to provide a platform for our industry youth to voice their opinions, provide their insights and close the generational gap we currently see in our industry.

The youth board members will also be mentored in this

process as we also view this as an effective succession planning initiative for the association.

We are also in the process of creating additional youth training programmes. These will be aimed at students with qualifications, in order to breach the gap between the academic foundation laid down by tertiary institutions, and the functional skills and understanding required by our members within their companies. We are also looking at training content for youth transitioning into our industry from various other industries.

As a further initiative, we are rekindling our relationships with tertiary institutions within South Africa who offer qualifications relating to the business events industry. In doing so, we

will be expanding our youth conference that we have to date only run in the Western Cape (in partnership with CPUT) to a Gauteng-based event.

We are looking toward further expansion of this event across South Africa in coming years.

This again provides a platform for industry leaders to engage in a meaningful and valuable way with these up-and-coming industry players to provide them with reallife insights into the business events animal, and guidance on how they can springboard their own careers or even start up companies within the industry. This also provides a very valuable networking and exposure platform to students as they begin their journey into the industry.

As a further measure, we are embarking on a potential expansion of our mentorship and internship programme in partnership with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa to provide a more structured programme with greater value, leading to sustainable growth and skills transfer as well as capacity building for the industry.

Our youth is truly our future and we should be embracing those who are eager, passionate and willing to work hard for the progression of our industry. There are various ways to get involved in the youth development and SAACI will be communicating with our members as we gain further traction on the above initiatives.

SITE NEWS

What the incentive industry can do to

help keep our waters clean

By Raymon Honings. managing partner, travelmediate

SITE member Raymon Honings paints a chilling picture how the mismanagement of plastic has become a calamity for marine life and suggests how the incentive travel community can respond.

I

n incentive travel there’s always a plan B, but there’s no planet B. We have a duty and responsibility to care for the planet and incentive travel activities should be a contributor to this.

First the heavy part: There may be about 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic and other trash floating in the ocean. Weighing up to 269 000 tons, plastic pollution can now be found on every beach in the world, from busy tourist beaches to uninhabited, tropical islands. Nowhere is safe. Scientists have even recently discovered micro plastics embedded deep in the Arctic ice.

In 1950, the world’s population of 2.5 billion produced 1.5 million tons of plastic; in 2016, a global population of more than seven billion people produced over 320 million tons of plastic. This is set to double by 2034, only15 years from now! Every day, approximately eight million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans.

Approximately 5 000 items of marine plastic pollution have been found per mile of beach in the United Kingdom.

Recent studies have revealed marine plastic pollution in 100 per cent of marine turtles, 59 per cent of whales, 36 per cent of seals and 40 per cent of seabird species.

As an incentive specialist and a spoiled surfer, I travel the world and swim and surf in various oceans. I am normally on my own, thinking only of myself, the line-up, the best beach with the greatest surf brakes. I take for granted clean beaches and water with fish swimming around me, turtles taking a breath at the surface. Until now! I was shocked when I was in the water during my last Asia/ Pacific trip in December, paddling on my board and seeing rubbish in the water. It was simply not the vibe I was hoping for, after travelling 12 000 miles to get there.

If we continue this way, the turtles will disappear. No more clear water with clean, sandy beaches. The marine life underneath us will just be vaporised. It opened my eyes and I thought about the marine life; my clean waves and our MICE business.

Do we really think our clients will go to these destinations without flora

and fauna? The variety of incentive destinations will become very limited with disappearing clean beaches and waters.

Is this what the Incentive world is going to, where we have to go to a marine park and pay a high entry fee?

There are things we can do today to help. Designing your own corporate social responsibility programme that incorporates sustainability is a great start. Clean a local beach as a late afternoon programme with the sunset and afterwards, reward your clients with a nice cool drink. Use recycled cups at the office and during your events. It all helps to contribute to a better and cleaner environment.

Hopefully this article gives you some insight on where we are today and what you can do to prevent a catastrophe for our marine environment in the next decade.

You can make a difference when you implement CSR elements that your client and many ocean friends will be grateful for. This feels great already, right? *Posted by SITE Foundation

What we’re all about: motivational experiences Why we do it? Business results!

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MARKET NEWS

Wild Coast Sun

achieves zero waste rating Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun has received a Net Zero Waste rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) – the first in the country.

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his certification is a giant leap forward for Sun International on its sustainability journey. The group has set an ambitious target to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2020.

The Wild Coast Sun achieved the Net Zero Waste rating after submitting regular audits on its operational waste and material management plan to the GBCSA, undergoing a rigorous, yearlong verification process that proved that, due to Wild Coast Sun’s recycling efforts, zero waste is sent to landfill.

The GBCSA works in collaboration with its membership community, sponsors and extended network of professionals to inspire a built environment in which people and planet thrive. It advocates solutions and tools that enable the design, construction and operation of all buildings in an environmentally responsible way and carries the vision

that someday all South Africans should live, work and play in a healthy and efficient urban built environment.

For years Wild Coast Sun has, under the watchful eye of its environmental manager, Sonja Stroud together with Recycle 4 Africa (R4A), the properties’ local waste management agency, operated in an extremely environmentally friendly and responsible manner. According to Ms Stroud, R4A formed an integral part of this process and assisted to pioneer the zero waste process for the Wild Coast Sun.

“R4A is responsible for separating and recovering all waste items on property and ensures that items such as glass, paper, plastic, and cans are bailed and sent to the various recycling outlets,” Ms Stroud said.

“Our waste that cannot be recycled is converted into eco-aggregate which in turn, is used to produce SABC approved Eco blocks used for paving and construction purposes.

“Herein lies the key of achieving zero waste: the production of Eco blocks, or waste-to-blocks, as we refer to it.”

“We are thrilled with the progress we have made towards optimising our resource efficiencies and entrenching sustainable practices and at the same time assist to create job opportunities within the local community. A zero waste rating is an absolute honour for us,” Ms Stroud concluded.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

April 2019 Vol 39 No 4 ADVERTISER

PAGE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

28

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

African Hotels and Adventures

11

cro@aha.co.za

www.aha.co.za

ATKV Resorts

13

reynow@atkv.org.za

www.atkvresorts.co.za

Bounce

20

events@bounceinc.co.za

www.bounceinc.co.za

Cape Town International Convention Centre

17

info@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

Cape Town Stadium

1

info@capetownstadium.co.za

www.capetownstadium.co.za

Current RMS

22-23

hello@current-rms.com

Durban ICC

OFC, 6-7 sales@icc.co.za

www.icc.co.za

Expo Centre Johannesburg

OBC

info@expocentre.co.za

www.expocentre.co.za

EXSA

29

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

MJunxion

4

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

Osiba Management

IFC

osiba@osiba.co.za

www.osiba.co.za

Plaslope

33

glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com

www.plaslope.com

Premier Hotel Midrand

10

conf.midrand@premierhotels.co.za

www.premierhotels.co.za/hotels/ gauteng/johannesburg/midrand

SAACI

30, IBC

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SITE

31

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

32 Business Events Africa April 2019

www.current-rms.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com

CALENDAR

Conferences, workshops and exhibitions of interest to the conference, exhibition and special events market For free entries in this calendar, please supply information to editorial@businesseventsafrica.com Email: belindawewege@dmgevents.com www.thehotelshowafrica.com

LOCAL: 2019 2-4 MAY 2019: Africa’s Travel Indaba Venue: Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 476 5104 Email: indaba@indaba-southafrica.co.za www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

18-20 JUNE 2019: ICCA Association Meetings Programme (AMP) 2019 Venue: Durban ICC, Durban Email: mieke.l@iccaworld.org / sina.b@iccaworld.org www.amp2019.iccaworld.org

13-16 MAY 2019: WE ARE AFRICA 2019 Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 201 6993 www.weareafricatravel.com

9-11 JULY Food & Drink Technology (FDT) Africa 2019 Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg Dain Richardson Tel: +27 11 476 8093 Email: dain.richardson@mmi-southafrica. co.za www.fdt-africa.com

5-6 JUNE 2019: Markex 2019 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 www.markex.co.za 5-6 JUNE 2019: Madex 2019 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 www.madex.co.za 23-25 JUNE 2019: The Hotel Show Africa 2019 Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg Tel: +27 (0)11 783 7250

17-19 JULY: Mediatech Africa Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg Simon Robinson Tel: +27(0)11 025-3180 Email: simon@suncirclegroup.com www.mediatech.co.za 7-9 AUGUST 2019 International Sourcing Fair Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg Sandra Jardim Tel: +27(0)11 549 8300

Email: sandra.jardim@reedexpoafrica.co.za www.internationalsourcingfair.co.za

INTERNATIONAL: 2019 21-23 MAY 2019: IMEX Frankfurt Venue: Messe Frankfurt Tel: +44 1273 227311 www.imexexhibitions.com 29-30 MAY 2019: IBTM Americas Venue: Centro Citibanamex, CDMX Email: sales@ibtmamericas.com Tel: +52 (55) 8852 6210 www.ibtmamericas.com 26-27 JUNE 2019: The Meetings Show UK Venue: Olympia London, United Kingdom www.themeetingsshow.com 28-29 AUGUST 2019: IBTM China | Beijing Tel: +44 20 8271 2128 www.ibtmchina.com 10-12 SEPTEMBER 2019: IMEX AMERICA Venue: Sands Expo, Las Vegas, USA Tel: +44 1273 227311 www.imexamerica.com

TEL: +27 11 452 1115 FAX: +27 11 452 3609 WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com EMAIL: glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com

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Business Events Africa April 2019 33

DIRECTORY

c: +27 (0)82 707 3977 e: carmen@synergybe.co.za Chad Botha, Inspire Furniture Rentals c: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za

Learning | Growth | collaboration

John Arvanitakis, Chatr’ Experiences c: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Minister Kganyago, ATKV Resorts c: +27 (0) 79 513 8708 e: ministerk@atkv.org.za

National chairperson: Wayne Smith, Sales Ambassador, Century City Conference Centre e: wayne.j@ccconferencecentre.co.za c: +27 (0)83 448 1324 Vice-chairperson: Kim Roberts, The Forum Company e: kim.roberts@theforum.co.za c: +27 (0)82 652 2008 Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Chief Executive Officer Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 Public officer: Denise Kemp Director, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Rudi Van Der Vyver e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)84 580 9882

Directors EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 KZN chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27 (0)84 505 0113 JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687 WC chairperson: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: jfouche@gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046 C&E forum: Gwyn Matthews Southern Cross Conferences e: gwyn@scconferences.com c: +27 (0)21 683 5106 Government representative: Nonnie Kubeka Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau e: nonnie@gauteng.net c: +27 (0)83 571 7410

Eastern Cape Chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

Vice-chairperson: David Limbert Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za t: +27 (0)41 393 4800

COMMITTEE: Mande Bage Eastern Sun Events e: speakers@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 565 7513

Rendani Khorommbi, Joburg Tourism c: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com Ruth Baldwin, Contact Publications c: +27 (0)72 897 6752 e: ruth@businesseventsafrica.com

Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

Coordinator: Angelique Smith, SAACI Johannesburg c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org

Sadie Isaacs NMBT e: conference@nmbt.co.za c: +27 (0)82 990 7652

Tshwane

Coordinator: Wendy Knott-Craig SAACI e: ecbranch@saaci.co.za c: +27 (0)73 201 8699 Loudeaux Minnie AW Events e: loudeaux@aweventsza.com c: +27 (0)82 961 6309 Caro Morgan Exbo e: caro@exbo.co.za Tricia Wood Cape St Francis Resort e: tricia@capestfrancisresort.co.za c: +27 (0)83 506 9565

Johannesburg Chairperson: Lorin Bowen, Lorin Bowen Business Events c: +27 (0)82 433 8687 e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham, Sandton Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 e: michelle.bingham@tsogosun.com Treasurer: Manuela Gomes, Bidvest Car Rental c: +27 (0)82 065 9272 e: ManuelaG@bidvestcarrental.co.za Aidan Koen, Ogada Group c: +27 (0)82 561 3188 e: aidan@ogada.co.za Brad Montgomery, Ultimate Data Sciences c: +27 (0)72 800 5857 e: brad@ultimatedata.co.za Brendan Vogt, Guvon Hotels & Spas c: +27 (0)83 709 0480 e: brendan@guvon.co.za Carmen Rudd, Synergy Business Events

34 Business Events Africa April 2019

Chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046 Vice-chairperson: Melanie Pretorius CSIR ICC e: mpretorius1@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 Treasurer: Emily Naidoo CSIR ICC e: enaidoo@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)84 441 1005 Coordinator: Letticia Ndhlala SAACI e: letticia@saaci.org c: +27 (0)71 294 6844

COMMITTEE: Corné Engelbrecht SAVETCON e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Anette Burden Casa Toscana e: anette@casatoscana.co.a c: +27 (0)82 787 6144 Jeana Turner Avianto e: jeana.t@outlook.com c: +27 (0) 83 400 2685 Herkie du Preez Event Wizards e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 Mandie Papendorf Jukwaa Group e: m.papendorf@jukwaa.net c: +27 (0)82 563 0191 Nellie Swart UNISA e: swartmp@unisa.ac.za c: +27 (0)82 771 0270 Nonhlanhla Tshabalala City of Tshwane e: nonhlanhlat@tshwane.gov.za c: +27 (0)71 351 4458

Kwa-Zulu Natal Chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience c: +27 (0)83 293 5190 Vice-chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27(0)84 505 0113 Treasurer: Kim Jackson Greyville Convention Centre t: +27 31 309 1430 Branch coordinator: Amanda O Mathe Ndlovukazi Online Media e: amanda@ndlovukazionline.co.za

Western Cape Chairperson: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: jaques.fouche@ gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Vice-chairperson: Angela Lorimer Spier e: angelal@spier.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101 Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau e: thiru@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600

COMMITTEE: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 Esti Venske CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.za Cindy Buser Mirchee e: cindy@mirchee.co.za c: +27 (0)72 192 5656 Zimkitha Bavuma CPUT e: zim@live.co.za Zandri Swartz Century City Convention Centre e: zandri.s@ ccconferencecentre. co.za t: +27 (0)21 204 8000 Andrew Gibson Magnetic Storm e: andrew@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)74 588 3054 Adele Martiz CTICC e: adele@cticc.co.za Ansu Colditz XL Millennium e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za Alex Wrottesley Into Africa e: alex@intoafrica.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DIRECTORY

aaxo

AAXO – Association of African Exhibition Organisers

First Floor, Auditorium Building Gate 2, Johanensburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Corner Rand Show & Nasrec Roads, Johannesburg, 2013 t: +27 (0)11 835 1565 e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za

EXSA OFFICE t: +27 (0)10 300 7907 e: info@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za Chair: Doug Rix, DK Design t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Vice Chair: Gill Gibbs, Blu Cube t: +27 (0)83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za Treasurer: Moses Nefale, Scan Display t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za Board members Adele Von Well, GL events

General manager: Wesley Lofstedt t: +27 (0)11 835 1565 e: wesley@aaxo.co.za Chairperson: Leatitia van Straten, Specialised Exhibitions Vice chairperson: Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing Treasurer: Phil Woods, TE Trade Events Board members: Elaine Crewe, Reed Exhibitions Chanelle Hingston, Spintelligent Dee Reuvers, SA Confex Nomathemba Ndlovu, ZITF

t: +27 (0)82 464 8702 e: adele.vonwell@gl-events.com

EGF – Event Greening Forum 179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za Chairperson: Greg McManus Vice-Chairperson: Neo Mohlatlole

ICCA African Chapter: Chair: Lindiwe Rakharebe Durban International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)31 360 1000 e: LindiweR@icc.co.za Deputy Chair: Nana Gecaga ICCA – International Congress Kenyatta International Convention Centre & Convention t: +254 20 326 1000 Association e: md@kicc.co.ke

Patrick Cronning, Expo Guys t: +27 (0)83 281 5584 e: pat@expoguys.co.za Aubrey Eloff, Two Way Exhibitions e: aubrey@twowaysa.co.za Co-opted: Chad Botha, Inspire Furniture t: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za Membership and media enquiries Mark John Cartmell t: +27 (0)76 979 7003 e: ceo@brightgiants.com

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence

President: Peter-John Mitrovich e: peter-john.mitrovich@grosvenortours.com c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 Daryl Keywood e: daryl@walthers.co.za c: +27 (0)82 904 4967

Secretariat: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA Africa Regional director c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org. www.iccaworld.com/dbs/ africanchapter www.iccaworld.com

Johan Venter e: johan@urbanginga.co.za c: +27 (0)83 558 2349 Kyasha Bhoola e: kyasha@africanlink.co.za c: +27 (0)72 614 0069 Barry Futter e: barry@adventureworks.co.za c: +27 (0)82 790 9015 Secretariat: Mariaan Burger e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com c: +27 (0)82 557 8041

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123 t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 c: +27 (0)83 679 2110 e: monique@abta.co.za www.abta.co.za Founder: Monique Swart ANTOR – Association of National Tourist Office Representatives Box 41022, Craighall 2024 e: info@antor.co.za | www.antor.co.za ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010 t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61 e: barbara@asata.co.za e: general@asata.co.za Office manager: Barbara Viljoen Council of Events Professionals Africa e: melanie@cepafrica.co.za t: +27 11 880 5883 www.cepa.co.za

FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157 t: +27 (0)12 771 5568 c: + 27 (0)82 552 9862

www.businesseventsafrica.com

e: ceo@fedhasa.co.za www.fedhasa.co.za Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa t: +27 (0)11 462 9465 c: +27 (0)83 458 6114 e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za www.psasouthernafrica.co.za SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 t: +27 (0)11 511 7641 e: saboa@saboa.co.za | www.saboa.co.za SACIA – Southern African Communications Industries Association 96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent, Sundowner, 2188 t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za Executive director: Kevan Jones SATI – South African Translators’ Institute Executive director: Marion Boers t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 e: office@translators.org.za www.translators.org.za

SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Box 900, Ferndale 2160 t: +27 (0)11 886 9996 e: pa@satsa.co.za | www.satsa.com SKAL International South Africa Secretary: Anne Lamb t: +27 (0)21 434 7023 c: +27 (0)82 708 1836 e: anne@yebo.co.za www.skalsouthafrica.org STA – Sandton Tourism Association t: +27 (0)83 558 5445 e: secretariat@sandtontourism.com www.sandtontourism.com TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa Box 11655, Centurion 0046 t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 f: +27 (0)12 664 0103 e: comms@tbcsa.travel www.tbcsa.travel | www.tomsa.co.za Member relations manager: Boitumelo Moleleki TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146 t: +27 (0)11 895 3000

f: +27 (0)11 895 3001 e: enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za TINSA – Interpreters/ Translators Network of Southern Africa e: info@interpreter.org.za t/f: +27 (0)11 485 2511 c: +27 (0)83 249 0010 www.interpreter.org.za TPSA – Technical Production Services Association 96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent, Sundowner, 2188 t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za www.tpsa.co.za Executive director: Kevan Jones TTA – Tshwane Tourism Association Box 395, Pretoria 0001 t: +27 (0)12 841 4212 e: secretary@tshwanetourism.com www.tshwanetourism.com Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen e: membership@tshwanetourism.com

Business Events Africa April 2019 35

THE LAST WORD

Uncertainty: the biggest threat to the South African economy While South Africa’s power crisis is reportedly costing the country up to R80 billion a month, it is not load shedding itself that is currently the biggest threat to the economy.

A

ccording to Dr Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy EXX Africa, the main business and supply chain disruption in South Africa today is uncertainty – around the power blackouts, as well as industrial action and key pieces of legislation.

“When will load shedding end? The real disruption is not actually switching off the power, but the nebulous information from Eskom and the Public Enterprises Ministry on the load shedding outlook in the longer term,” Dr Besseling asserted. “Once the risk is known, it can be qualified and quantified; risk mitigations can be applied, and businesses can work around it.”

Dr Besseling, who will be sharing his insights with delegates at the annual SAPICS Conference for supply chain professionals, which takes place in Cape Town in June, compares the current state of electricity supply in South Africa to Brexit.

“It is the uncertainty around the UK’s exit strategy that is the real threat and cost to business; not the fact that the UK is leaving the European Union. In South Africa, we know that we are going to have power cuts, but the lack of clarity from government and the power utility is the real issue. Major enterprises in South Africa today have back up generation and can work around the blackouts to some extent. The situation is dire for small to medium enterprises that are 100 per cent reliant on Eskom, but everyone needs clear answers in order to plan and mitigate the risks.”

While the vague information around load shedding tops Dr Besseling’s list of the key risks facing South African business today, it is closely followed by industrial action, much of which is linked to the lack of clarity on Eskom, he noted. “In his State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the power utility will be broken up into three; but he wasn’t clear whether this would include the 36 Business Events Africa April 2019

partial privatisation of Eskom and whether job cuts are expected. The ratings agencies are in favour of both. ANC allies COSATU and the Communist Party, however, are not, and President Ramaphosa is relying on their support to run for re-election.

The political tightrope that the President is treading – trying on the one hand to satisfy foreign investors, local businesses and rating agencies, and on the other, trying to satisfy his key electoral support base – makes for huge uncertainty on the industrial action front,” he stated.

Communal unrest is another threat to business and supply chains in South Africa today, Dr Besseling maintains. He said that the outbreaks of violence that have been labelled service delivery protests are often politically motivated. “Protests in KwaZuluNatal and in Western Cape towns like Hermanus have made news, but not all the incidents are publicised and there have also been violent demonstrations on the Garden Route and in the Karoo. All of these affect critical national infrastructure, including highways and airports.”

Regulatory risk and government’s unclear stance on issues like BEE, the revised Mining Charter and land redistribution, also rank high on Dr Besseling’s list of current concerns in South Africa. “The lack of clarity on key pieces of legislation must be on the risk agenda for South African businesses, particularly those involved in the main employment, high tax generating sectors like mining and agriculture.”

While land ownership is dominating the election debate, Dr Besseling believes all the rhetoric is unlikely to culminate in the expropriation by government of privately-owned or commercially held land around South Africa. “I am highly sceptical about all the rhetoric and believe it will most likely be land held by the state and traditional leadership that is redistributed.”

Supporting this view is the fact that Finance Minister Tito Mboweni made “no provision whatsoever” for land

Dr Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy EXX Africa

expropriation in the budget, Dr Besseling said. “There was no budget allocated to benchmarking land sales or to establishing commissions to investigate and implement the requisite policies.

Even if the Constitution is amended and there is expropriation without compensation, there are still associated costs to be considered, and Minister Mboweni made no provision for these. I do not see government moving on land expropriation in the immediate outlook.”

Looking ahead at how these key risks could change or be resolved after the general elections in May, Dr Besseling said much depends on whether President Ramaphosa can win a decisive mandate.

“He needs around 55 per cent to turn around the ANC’s decline, to have a mandate to govern the country, elect a cabinet of his choice and move ahead with reform. If he doesn’t win a decisive mandate, he could face a challenge from within his own party, be recalled and Deputy President David Mabuza would automatically take the helm.” Dr Besseling believes that President Ramaphosa has a 60 per cent chance of winning the decisive mandate that he needs, but with new problems and issues unfolding almost daily, this could change. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Programme Overview:

The programme at a glance is available on the congress website.

Day 1 commences at 12h00 with registration and sessions start at 14h00 until 17h30.

Day 2 sessions start at 08h30 until 17h00 and Day 3 sessions start at 09h00 with congress closure at 12h30.

Session themes include: • Innovation & Transformation in Business • Education (Knowledge) • Professionalism • Competency & Skills: Preparing for the 4th Industrial Revolution • Collaboration

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION Stand sales and sponsorship opportunities will be opening soon.

Contact Catherinet@ turnersconferences.co.za for more information.

Social Events: CONGRESS DETAILS When: 28 – 30 July 2019 Where: Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani, Durban (63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban) Theme: Switched On Host: Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)

Welcome Reception: Sunday, 28 July 2019 – 18h00 (Included in the registration fee) Gala Dinner: Monday, 29 July 2019 – 19h00 (Included in the registration fee)

Registration Fees:

Early Registration 1 March – 30 April SAACI Member Early Registration – R4945.00 Non Member Early Registration – R5462.50 These fees are inclusive of 15% VAT and include the welcome reception and gala dinner.

Don’t get caught in the dark.

keep your business Switched On by securing your seat at the 33rd Annual SAACI Industry Congress www. saacicongress.org

BRING YOUR BRAND TO

LIFE AT SOUTHERN AFRICA’S LARGEST FULLY-CONTAINED EXHIBITION, CONFERENCE OVER Over AND EVENTS 100 100 000M2 000m OUTDOOR outdoor VENUE SPACE space

Over OVER 2 50 000m 000M2 50 INDOOR indoor SPACE space

24-HOUR SECURITY

2

CONTEMPORARY CONFERENCE FACILITIES REGISTERED HELICOPTER LANDING SITE

30 MIN TO ALL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS EASE OF ACCESS

20 000 SECURE PARKING BAYS

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