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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa
Vol 39 No 7 July 2019
2nd 29th
in the Global Series
This prestigious Congress is the leading event for association heads, directors and managers in Africa Includes an exclusive Leaders’ Forum for Executive Heads & Non-Executive Heads Network with Africa’s most influential & accomplished association executives 20 educational talks & group discussions 7 real-live case studies in the Success Story sessions 8 Expert Briefings from experienced consultants 4 workshops with in-depth training in critical areas 2 keynotes from talented & exciting professionals
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Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 39 years
CONTENTS
VOL 39 NO 7 JULY 2019
19
africa.com
vents www.businesse
in Africa nts Industry Business Eve Voice of the
Vol 39 No 7 July
2019
About the cover ExpoGuys know how to make magic. ExpoGuys is a young-atheart, dynamic company offering creative and functional exhibition stands, displays, showrooms, retail environments and interiors to the market. Their dynamic team is a close-knit crew, committed to working together to make the impossible possible.
Special Features 19 EMPERORS PALACE: 20 YEARS OF CONFERENCE EXCELLENCE In honour of Emperors Palace’s 20th anniversary, Business Events Africa presents a special supplement on this magnificent venue. The convention centre has become an important part of the Emperors Palace offering, positioning the property as a sought-after venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector.
25 OKHAHLAMBA CONFERENCE AND SPORTS CENTRE Business Events Africa presents a special feature on a new state-of-the-art conference venue in the heart of the Drakensberg. The Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sports Centre was specifically established to provide the Northern and Central Drakensberg with a significant facility to cater for major conferences in excess of 2 000 delegates and important sporting events, both indoor and outdoor.
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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)
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17 Features 4 Editor’s comment Making a difference one event at a time. 5 News Global Alliance effort launched. 17 Sustainability spotlight Sanlam Cape Town Marathon intensifying its sustainability efforts. 24 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2019 Africa is on the move! 30 Event news Appetite Fest returns spruced for spring. 31 Inspirational chef Chef at Premier Hotel Midrand, Mosondase Sophia Maloka: I was born to do this. 32 Local perspective Opportunities aplenty for business events in Africa. 34 Africa rising The ins & outs on Africa’s most expensive building. 35 Venue news Sun City wins two prestigious World Travel Awards.
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
36 Personality profile Charles Wilson, CEO of Gallagher Convention Centre, strives for service excellence. 37 Market news Shaping the innovation sector. 38 Over 100 international conferences confirmed to be hosted at the CTICC. 39 Event Greening Forum Offsetting the impact of the EGF 2019 Conference. 40 AAXO news Addressing and representing professional exhibition organisers. 41 EXSA news CSR unpacked. 42 SAACI news Leading SAACI into the next era. 43 SITE news What the incentive industry can do to help keep our waters clean. 44 Index of advertisers. 45 Calendar. 46 Directory & associations of interest to the industry. 48 Last word The ‘consumerisation’ of business travel is driving innovation.
South Africa National Convention Bureau
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Business Events Africa, in collaboration with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements on the importance and the farreaching impact business events have on a destination. In this supplement we take a closer look at the Africa Health Exhibition which took place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 28-30 May 2019.
MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za JUNIOR RDESIGNER: Elrisha du Plooy elrisha@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za 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 7 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the Yearbook in June.
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:
CASE STUDY
AFRICA RISING THE POWER OF
Learning | Growth | collaboration
aaxo
Official media partner
EXHIBITION S
Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
Africa Health
Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa
Exhibitio
n & Congress 28- 30 May 2019 | Gallagher Conv Host city: Johan ention Centre nesburg, South Africa
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
A
s I start this comment, I start with a heavy heart and feel it is important I get this out upfront. This month, we are all looking forward to the national SAACI Congress, which takes place in Durban. However, the disappearance of the SAACI chairman, Wayne Smith, has left us all feeling unsure and, quite frankly, sad. Not knowing where Wayne has gone and why we haven’t had any answers, is what leads us to this overwhelming feeling of helplessness. All I can do at this stage is pray that the answers are found soon. One thing that has come out of this tragedy is how our industry is really like a family. I was astounded by the overwhelming love everyone has for Wayne and the support the industry has offered the family over this time. As I have said many times, our industry’s success comes from its incredible people and the close knit relationships we have made over the years.
The business events sector is an amazing sector to be part of, and even though I’ve been in this industry for over 15 years, I still continue to learn every day. In this edition we look at the exhibition industry through a case study on the Africa Health exhibition. The numbers speak for themselves. What is really incredible is the global figures for the exhibition industry. There is still so much opportunity for us to grow this sector even further. In this edition we also celebrate Emperors Palace convention centre’s milestone anniversary. I have many fond memories of Emperors Palace and the events I have attended there over the years. One of my fondest memories was the actual opening. It definitely was one of the most spectacular events I have ever attended in the sector. Another theme that came through this month is sustainability and how it is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but clearly something that we all have to take cognisance of and
Credit: Hein Liebetrau
Making a difference one event at a time
start doing something about it. The horrid images caused by plastic in our oceans should be enough reason to want to start making a difference. It really begins at home and yes, every little thing helps like not using a plastic straw or separating your waste. Sustainability isn’t a fad and needs to become a part of our daily lives. The wonderful thing is our industry can make a difference, one event at a time. The business events industry is so diverse and the impact is so vast; and is something we will continue to unpack in the next couple of months.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
NEWS
Global Alliance effort launched Three global associations serving the International Meetings Industry will collaborate more closely in the future: AIPC (The International Association of Convention Centres), ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association), and UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) agreed to launch a Global Alliance.
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ogether, they will facilitate collaboration and generate more comprehensive and better aligned benefits for the three associations’ respective members. “We are all organisations with a global membership and perspective and already complement each other’s activities in various ways,” said Aloysius Arlando, AIPC president. “However, as the business models of exhibitions, congresses, conferences, and other types of business meetings evolve, the overlap of global associations servicing the industry is growing even further.” “This carries the risk of competition replacing collaboration as the driving force for industry associations. With our Global Alliance, the three of us choose value for our members, choose collaboration over competition,” added Craig Newman, UFI president. The alliance has agreed to begin a programme of exploring exchange and reciprocity in four primary areas: educational content, research, standards and advocacy. It would implement a flexible framework of collaboration between the three associations in order to achieve these benefits without compromising the focus and platform of each member organisation. The three partners will begin by engaging in a series of educational exchanges incorporating each other’s knowledge content into their respective conferences and starting to align approaches taken to areas James Rees, ICCA President; Craig Newman, UFI President; Aloysius Arlando, AIPC President.
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of common practice such as research and advocacy activities, beginning immediately. At the same time they are initiating a regular exchange between their respective leaderships to align interests on issues like standards, terminology and best practices. “We operate in a world of constant change and by seeking ways to cooperate and share the knowledge bank that our associations hold, we believe there is great scope to identify opportunities for further collaboration for the benefit of all our members globally,” said James Rees, ICCA president. In addition to the immediate practical outcomes, the partners believe the Alliance also offers potential to enhance the credibility of the industry as a whole by providing a vehicle for development of greater consistency within a mutually agreed industry framework. “Certainly the exchange of content and insights will provide better access for members to additional resources, but there is another factor here which is the opportunity to increase consistency in the areas where we overlap,” said Rod Cameron, executive director of AIPC.
“The alliance has agreed to begin a programme of exploring exchange and reciprocity in four primary areas: educational content, research, standards and advocacy.” “This will not only enhance overall industry performance but boost our collective credibility among other industry sectors.” “By creating better integration of our efforts we will be in a position to better leverage everyone’s investment and create greater efficiencies for the use of our member’s time – one of the most valuable resources we all have these days,” said Senthil Gopinath, ICCA chief executive officer. “This means we can optimise the benefits we can deliver to our respective members while at the same time creating a platform for the efficient delivery of our collective industry proposition into areas where this kind of experience and expertise will be of real help,” added UFI chief executive officer, Kai Hattendorf. Business Events Africa July 2019 5
TEAM ExpoGuys IS NOT ABOUT INDIVIDUAL HEROES, OUR DYNAMIC TEAM IS A CLOSE-KNIT CREW, COMMITTED TO WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE. DESIGN We design functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces to showcase our clients in the best possible light. To feed the team's insatiable creative monster, we tackle anything from shell scheme layout to design stands with special emphasis on large format graphics, and clever use of lighting and furniture layouts. Our team of eight talented designers has over 102 years of experience and a shared passion for making magic!
SALES Our experienced sales team will be your exhibition partner from initial brief to final handover, making your exhibition experience as painless, and beneficial, as possible.
FACTORY OPERATIONS The multi-skilled operations team handles all operational aspects of aluminum infrastructure, manufacturing and carpentry with relentless determination, to deliver quality products and service for exhibition infrastructure, shell scheme, design stands and custom-built stands.
SITE OPERATIONS One of the cornerstones of ExpoGuys' success is the team's combined exhibition industry experience of some 140 years. This enables us to not only deliver multiple projects at the same time, but to routinely exceed expectations on delivery, timing and quality. Our fleet of vehicles services our operations, to ensure that stock is available where it is required all over South Africa. We undertake work in various African countries from Botswana to Nigeria and Kenya amongst others. In December 2018, we built a South African pavilion in Poland. ExpoGuys understands how the exhibition business demands adaptability and flexibility.
GRAPHICS Our in-house print studio offers high quality, large format vinyl printing and cutting, using eco-friendly machines and inks. We also provide printed fabric solutions to any size. Having an in-house printing department, enables us to turn printing around quickly and efficiently .
CARPETS & FURNITURE Our furniture hiring team has over 3800 furniture items on offer. This includes furniture for cafĂŠ, cocktail and lounge settings, display showcases, counters, kitchen equipment and audio visual equipment. We also offer various sizes of raised platforms and well-maintained carpeting in various colours, as well as climate control offering infrared heaters and evaporative coolers to heat or cool areas up to 15,000sqm.
ELECTRICAL ExpoGuys is the preferred supplier, responsible for electrical management at two major venues in Johannesburg. Our extensive stock of electrical infrastructure and fittings, enables us to electrify some of the country's largest exhibitions. Electrical work on stands is handled by the team, using state-of-the-art lighting.
CASE STUDY
AFRICA RISING THE POWER OF
EXHIBITIONS
Africa Health Exhibition & Congress 28- 30 May 2019 | Gallagher Convention Centre Host city: Johannesburg, South Africa
SANCB | Case study
The case study:
Africa Health 2019 Business Events Africa, in collaboration with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements on the importance and the far-reaching impact business events have on a destination. In this supplement, we take a closer look at the Africa Health Exhibition which took place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 28-30 May 2019.
AFRICA HEALTH 2019 AT A GLANCE
605 Exhibitors 19 International pavilions 39 Exhibiting countries 67 Countries represented 10 561 Professional visits 4 446 Delegates 4 259 Visitors 1 856 Revisits 16 Countries represented by government health bodies
935 Meetings held through hosted buyers programme
10 Business Events Africa July 2019
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau:
“S
A Tourism, through the South Africa National Convention Bureau (NCB), has identified trade exhibition shows as one of the key strategic focuses in growing economic activity as well as number of visitors to South Africa. “Trade exhibitions are becoming more prevalent as a marketing platform and is definitely being used strategically to become an economic generator. “Exhibitions contribute to the national economy and its GDP by boosting international trade and by increasing the availability of innovation and new knowledge. Furthermore, exhibitions promote South Africa a capable country that is able to host any business meeting.”
THE IMPACT OF EXHIBITIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA The estimate total income from direct, indirect and induced income totalled R75 billion. Direct spend alone accounted for R24.4 billion of the total spend.
1 million visitors were attracted to the country.
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SANCB | Case study
Ryan Sanderson, exhibition director of Informa Markets, shares his insights into Africa Health Exhibition. What is Africa Health Exhibition & Congress? Africa Health Exhibition and Congress, organised by Informa Markets, is the largest industry trade platform on the continent for international and local companies to meet, network and do business with the rapidly expanding African healthcare market. Launched in May 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa; over the years, the show has grown substantially reflecting the increasing importance of Sub-Saharan Africa as a global healthcare hub.
Who does it attract? The show attracts a wide range of healthcare companies, services and products from across the globe including the world’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors specialising in medical technology, laboratory equipment, diagnostics, physiotherapy / orthopaedic technology, commodities and consumer goods for hospitals, information and communication technology in healthcare, surgical products and services, facility management, medical disposables, healthcare building technology, medical services, radiology, imaging and diagnostics, cardiology, medical publications and consulting services in healthcare. The Africa Health exhibition is supported by a multi-track conference programme offering CPD and Ethics Points to attending healthcare professionals. 18 conferences were conducted in 2019 by more than 250 local and international speakers on the latest healthcare innovations, with the debut of four new conferences include Digital Health, Laboratory Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Physiotherapy.
markets to life by providing high-quality connections and experiences through our global events portfolio, data tools, and digital reach. We empower communities and enable new opportunities for businesses to come to life. Informa Markets produces more than 550 international B2B events and brands each year. Our events and brands bring a diverse range of industries and specialist markets to life, as they have significant international reach and industry depth and breadth. They create platforms for customers, partners and communities to engage, trade and grow, helping them thrive 365 days a year.
Why Johannesburg? Johannesburg has been the economic hub in the region, with infrastructure that supports easy access to both Sub-Saharan and international delegates and attendees. It also has the infrastructure required to house such a large scale event and exhibition.
When is the next Africa Health Exhibition & Congress? Africa Health 2020 will run from 12-15 May at the Gallagher Convention Centre. The show has grown on a CAGR of 17.9% in
GEOGRAPHIC ROTATION
80% International 4% Regional 16% National terms of attendees since the launch edition in 2011.
Do you have any information on the economic impact this exhibition had on the on the destination? We do not have the exact figures on economic impact on Johannesburg at this time but will share soon. On another note however, according to survey results provided by GRS Explori, the show will generate a trade volume of US $108 million over the next 12 months.
Are there any plans to have regional exhibitions or meetings in Africa? Following the success of Africa Health, we introduced versions of the event to cater to the healthcare industries in other regions of the continent. These include: • Medic West Africa which runs in Lagos, Nigeria. • Medic East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. • North Africa Health in Cairo, Egypt.
Who is the organiser of the exhibition? Africa Health is organised by Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa Plc which is a multinational events and publishing company with its head office and registered office in London and offices in 43 countries with around 11,000 employees. Our global footprint combines local expertise with an international network, bringing a diverse range of specialist
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Business Events Africa July 2019 11
SANCB | Case study
Testimonials It has been wonderful, and we have had lots of interest in our stall. This is our 4th Africa Health. We get to meet a lot of our Africa clients. We meet our distributors here and get the chance to interact with them without having to travel to them. The show allows the smaller countries and companies – those who have little access to things and products and services – to get the chance to see everything in one venue; things they might not have thought of before. It is a one stop shop for everything they need. Stephanie van Niekerk, clinical supervisor, Mindray South Africa This is our first Africa Health. It was really interesting to be here, with far more opportunity and much less complexity. In as much as it is greenfield opportunities for companies such as ourselves that work in software and technology solutions. Every conversation we have had with people who have visited our stand has been positive. We see a lot of promise and opportunity here in Africa for us, thanks to attending this event. We will certainly be back next year. Dima Elissa, Vismed, USA We have showcased some of the medical devices we make at the Innovation Hub such as titanium implants. Having such a focused area at Africa health was a great idea. There is always room for new products and product development. There is also always room for improvements on existing products. It should be at more shows. Gavin Leggott, director, Promake International, Johannesburg
12 Business Events Africa July 2019
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SANCB | Case study
Legacy The main benefactor this year was “Reach for A Dream”. Africa Health donated around R650k to them as our main benefactor.
A
frica Health did support numerous smaller charities too. This is an annual exercise and Africa Health do always donate all money collected from the educational conferences to a charity. The core focus of the event is also about improving healthcare and patient outcomes – a key focus and of crucial social importance. The Reach For A Dream Foundation fulfils the dreams of children who are fighting a life-threatening illness between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. The Foundation believes that through dream fulfilment, children
are inspired to fight their illness. The core focus is to inspire hope in these sick children and to offer support to them and their families. The Foundation fulfils 4 to 6 dreams per day, across the country. As a 30 year old organisation, they have successfully fulfiled over 18 000 individual dreams to date. Annually the Foundation positively impacts the life’s of approximately 40,000 children through all their projects, which include camps, boy and girl based activities, outings and in hospital care programmes.
ECONOMIC BENEFIT FOR SOUTH AFRICA It is still too early to comment on the economic benefit to South Africa, but it is likely to be a figure worth hundreds of millions of rands.
SANCB’s involvement Informa always looks to partner with key local associations and establishments. We have been very excited to see the work that SANCB have been doing as we do see South Africa as a crucial exhibition hub serving the needs of SA as well as greater Africa. Our first interaction with the SANCB has been for Africa Health 2019. Hosted buyer programme SANCB partnered with Africa Health this year in the development of the hosted buyer programme. Informa bring in key delegations from surrounding countries, including Ministerial delegations. The key benefit to all exhibitors at Africa Health is that these groups of buyers are instrumental in driving trade and ultimately exports out of South Africa. This is especially important
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in the medical industry where high quality equipment drives the outcomes of patient safety in SSA.
Knowledge economy The hosted buyers that our partnership with SANCB brought into the show was also of extremely important knowledge benefit. The exhibition runs 19 full CBD accredited clinical and non-clinical education seminars.
According to the latest UFI global impact of exhibitions figures (April 2019): Exhibitions generate
€275 (US$325) billion in total output globally. Exhibitions contribute
€167 (US$198) billion to global gross domestic product (GDP). They support 3.2 million
jobs around the world.
This high quality education is crucial for the development and creation of modern healthcare facilities.
Business Events Africa July 2019 13
SANCB | Case study
Global economic impact of exhibitions STATE OF THE MARKET
DIRECT IMPACTS
TOTAL IMPACTS
4.5 million
€116 billion in direct
€275 billion
Exhibiting companies each year.
spending (business sales).
138 million sqm of booths.
Representing spending to plan and produce exhibitions, exhibition-related travel, and other direct spending by visitors and exhibitors.
303 million
€69 billion
visitors annually.
€7 900 total impact
per sqm of venue gross indoor exhibition space in direct GDP.
in direct GDP.
1.3 million jobs Directly supported by exhibitions.
in total output (business sales). Including direct, indirect and induced output.
€167 billion in direct GDP. Including direct, indirect and induced GDP impacts.
3.2 million jobs Total jobs, directly and indirectly supported by exhibitions.
Source: www.ufi.org/research
€60 700
of total impact per exhibiting company.
14 Business Events Africa July 2019
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SANCB | Case study
South Africa economic impact of exhibitions
KEY ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTRY The estimated total income from direct, indirect and induced income over the period totalled a remarkable R75 billion. Direct spend alone accounted for R24.4 billion of the total spend.
The number of jobs created over the period of the study totalled just under
153 000.
Total salaries paid to employees in the industry were approximately R13.5 billion.
The approximate contribution to government coffers via taxes amounted to R3.3 billion.
Tourism from exhibitions also helped sustain an estimated notable 47 000 jobs.
IMPACT OF EXHIBITIONS ON TOURISM Not only do exhibitions have an impact on local business, but the study revealed its contribution to tourism, while visitors to the country also confirmed the value of exhibitions on their businesses. Financial contributions were in excess of
R23 billion through the 1 million visitors attracted to the country. This accounted for a third of the industry’s total contribution to GDP.
OTHER FINDINGS Compared to the last study done in 2006, the number of exhibitors showed significant growth from 120 to 180, largely driven by a doubling of trade exhibitions by 2015.
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Business Events Africa July 2019 15
MEET SOUTH AFRICA.
HOME TO GREAT IDEAS.
MEET HERE. GROW ANYWHERE.
Over the last 25 years, South Africa has proven its capabilities and capacity as a sought-after hosting country for global events from all over the world. We have an impressive track record earned through pre-eminent events such as the World Economic Forum, the International AIDS Conference twice, as well as some of the biggest sporting events globally, like the Fifa World Cup, the A1 Grand Prix and the Indian Premier League. South Africa is a country of radiant beauty, ranging from natural to urban landscapes and everything in-between, making it the ideal destination for both business and leisure. UPCOMING EVENTS: 2019 Oct:
Nov:
36th International Society for Quality in Health Care Conference (ISQua) World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) 6th UCLG Congress World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders
2020 May: Jun: Jul:
Aug: Sept: Oct:
16th SpaceOps 2020 ISF World Seed Congress 2020 37th World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC2020) 16th World Congress of Music Therapy 30th Annual International Council on Systems Engineering Symposium (INCOSE IS 2020) 18th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME 18) 18th International Congress of Dietetics (ICD) 30th International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P 2020)
+27 11 895 3000 convention@southafrica.net www.businessevents.southafrica.net
YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon intensifying its sustainability efforts IAAF Gold Label city marathon is calling on a greater number of charities to get involved, while key developments bolster its sustainability programme Run4Change.
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he Sanlam Cape Town Marathon aims to make a real impact in key areas including climate action, affordable and clean energy, health and wellbeing, as well as peace. Its Run4Change programme, which through a series of initiatives and recent key developments, is addressing these critical areas, is calling on a greater number of charities to get involved in this year’s springtime event taking place on Sunday 15 September 2019. The marathon has built up a network of over 50 charities that use the event to leverage change in their respective communities. Two of these are Township Farmers, which creates small-scale organic farming in previously disadvantaged communities, and Greenpop, which plants indigenous trees, gardens and forest gardens, and runs development workshops and environmental festivals. Township Farmers, using the hashtag #runningtree, is raising funds to plant 2019 trees in Khayelitsha schools and surrounding neighbourhoods, while Greenpop, using the hashtag #runfortrees, offers free entrance to the 10km Peace Run/Walk if runners are able to raise R840 – the cost of seven trees. Aiming to increase last year’s R2.5 million raised for charity by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to R3 million, race ambassador and Olympian, Elana Van Zyl Meyer is calling on a greater number of charities to consider the benefits and enormous potential the marathon can offer as a platform to yield moral and financial support for the issues they are tackling. Sanlam’s head of brand, Mariska Oosthuizen said: “Our sponsorship of the marathon is very much aligned with our vision of making a positive difference in people’s lives. This year we’ve extend our partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa www.businesseventsafrica.com
(CANSA), asking runners and supporters to raise funds to help beat cancer.” Race director for the marathon, Janet Welham, said: “Our goal has always been twofold: to give marathoners a truly world-class city marathon sporting experience, and to create meaningful change in the areas of the environment, society and the economy.” Ms Welham has been appointed by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) as a founding member of its sustainability commission, which works with marathons around the world to create a greater degree of environmental sustainability in their events. Environmentally, the marathon certainly puts its money where its mouth is. It has developed a programme to reduce or reuse litter, creating zero waste to landfill, conserving water and reducing energy, offsetting carbon, and supporting enterprise development. Sanlam has contributed meaningfully towards the carbon offsetting programme. The marathon has had an equally positive effect in the areas of health and wellness, with no fewer than 16 health-focused charities using it to generate much-needed funds. Alongside this are the Western Cape government’s healthy-lifestyles initiative, a women’s gathering that focuses on issues, trends and solutions related to women’s health in relation to sport, and the Say No to Doping programmes
run by UNESCO and Drug Free Sport. The marathon will this year be hosting the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global relay seeking to inspire the creation of a more peaceful world. And it will again support as two of its official sports-development charities Endurocad, an academy for the development of high-performance endurance athletes chosen primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Western Province Kids Athletics Development Programme.
Recognition of sustainability efforts The marathon, which attracted in excess of 23 000 athletes from over 82 countries last year, has won an array of social and environmental awards. In 2017 it was one of the first marathons in the world to win the coveted AIMS Green Award; and in 2018 it won a bronze award at the South African Eco-Logic Awards and was voted as the 2018 Event of the Year by Runners World (RSA). Certified a Climate Neutral Event by the Climate Neutral Group, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has applied for Platinum Label status from the IAAF. “The marathon’s programmes reflect Olympian values of courage, inspiration, determination, respect, friendship, equality and excellence, so, like sport, carry the enormous potential to bring society together. They also challenge us to continually strive for the better in ourselves, both as individuals and as athletes,” Ms Welham said. Business Events Africa July 2019 17
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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.
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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE
EMPERORS PALACE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
20 years of
Conference Excellence
T
he convention centre first opened with 13 beautifully-appointed and highly-configurable rooms and a multipurpose arena (now the Centre Court) that catered for up to 3 500 delegates in one venue. It was an impressive first shot at a convention centre that was suitable for any event from an executive board meeting to a banquet or trade show. The convention centre would ultimately become an important part of the Emperors Palace offering, positioning the property as a soughtafter venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. October 2014 saw Emperors Palace
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unveil a R30 million investment in 1 800 m2 of brand-new conference and meeting facilities to the existing convention centre. A contemporary spin on the original sophisticated interior of the convention centre has created a fresh new look and feel, solidifying the facility’s five-star status and world-class standards which guests have come to know and love. The enhanced convention centre vaunted 29 well-appointed venues, with room sizes to meet the needs of any event. The renovations included an enhanced entrance experience, an extension to the original facility with an additional 440 m² sub-divisible Fabia room, 220 m²
Julia room, five new 100 m² breakaway rooms, a new boardroom and extended pre-assembly areas. All rooms can be accessed from the service areas to allow for seamless and efficient service whilst additional seating areas in the preassembly area will also ensure comfort for guests during their conferences, events or ceremonies. Plush new carpeting was added throughout, along with state-of-the-art technology. Delegates could also break away to the CODESA walkway located within the convention centre, which celebrated the historic democratic talks that took place at the then-World Trade Centre on the same site in the early-1990s.
Business Events Africa July 2019 19
EMPERORS PALACE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
A conferencing oasis Dave Milne, Peermont Hospitality Executive said: “Conferencing has changed over the past 20 years. Today the approach to conferencing is definitely more focused, with outcome-based targets.”
“T
he biggest challenge we are facing today is budget, budget and budget. It is evident that budgets are tighter and spend needs to be justified,” he said. Mr Milne added: “Emperors Palace currently has a 65% return rate on its conference business. Emperors Palace offers everything under one roof. From
a logistical side this is a big plus, and it is close to the airport. Our team at Emperors Palace are passionate and offer clients great service.” “Technology has, of course, evolved over the years, and continues to be everchanging. Emperors Palace has kept on top of the technological changes. “Over the years we have had some really amazing conferences and events. Of course, we have had challenges, but have always learnt from them and found a delegates for way to overcome them. conferencing over Often our creativity is the past 20 pushed, and Emperors years. is able to deliver due to being flexible,” he added. Mr Milne concluded: “We have many
1.5 million
20 Business Events Africa July 2019
Interesting Facts Emperors Palace uses
40 000 eggs per month.
1.2 million cans of coke is ordered per year.
3 tons of chicken is consumed per month.
5 tons of meat is ordered
per month (beef, chicken, pork).
1 000 loaves of bread are ordered per month.
stories we can share, but we will have to leave that for another day as there are just too many. Emperors Palace is more than a Palace of Dreams – it is a conferencing oasis of excellence.”
www.businesseventsafrica.com
EMPERORS PALACE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Emperors Palace Milestones In 20 years there are too many milestones to remember, but here are a few that stand out… 12/13 DECEMBER 1998 Opening of Caesars Gauteng with casino, hotel (The Senator Hotel) and two restaurants (Primavera and The Galleria). 13 SEPTEMBER 2000 Opening of convention centre. NOVEMBER 2000 Official opening with guests Sugar Ray Leonard and Tyra Banks. OCTOBER 2000 Launch of Winners Circle Loyalty Programme. NOVEMBER 2000 Monsoon Lagoon night club opens. APRIL 2001 Visit by Nelson Mandela. 26 AUGUST - 9 DECEMBER Monsoon Lagoon hosts Big Brother South Africa Season 1 eviction parties.
8 AUGUST 2002 Launch of smoking casinos. MARCH 2003 FEBRUARY 2004 Groundbreaking Dream House competition where a R7 million house was the prize. APRIL 2003 “Late Night with Jerry Springer” talk show is recorded on complex. MAY 2005 Caesars Gauteng renamed Emperors Palace. MAY 2005 First Stash the Cash radio promotion with R1.5 million to be won. 2007 First Garden of Lights Christmas light show.
2008 Opening of Nu Metro Cinemas. 2009 Opening of the new Metcourt Hotel. 2011 Re-opening of Entertainment Emporium. 2013 The launch of the Black Card VIP Loyalty Programme. 2014 R30 million invested in convention centre upgrades. 2016 Opening of 100 extra rooms at Metcourt Hotel.
The evolution of food Milton Romi-Babany, Emperors Palace Executive Chef, started in 1998 when the resort was still called Caesar’s Palace.
“I
n all my time as a chef, I have been involved in and passionate about the evolution of food. I believe food is forever-changing; what we see today as a trend may not be a trend in a week. I believe that food industry trends not only influence us, but allow passion to reveal itself on a plate. At Emperors Palace, we believe that a trend is just a trend. What can be done make it something more?
Can you identify various trends in food and beverage over the years? There are some very definitive changes in trends, the biggest being the Prawn Cocktail or Avocado Ritz, which is now a deconstruction of all the senses being explored. Besides this, advances in molecular gastronomy have completely changed the way we see, serve and eat food. The biggest trend is the change
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in food not just being about the visual appeal and flavour, but now goes further. It’s now exploring with textures, smells and so much more.
What do delegates want today? People’s lifestyles have changed, with everyone trying to be healthier, or to fit in with this lifestyle. The most popular requests are for healthier options with no carbs, less sugar etc. People are more frequently gluten- or lactoseintolerant, and some have made lifestyle choices to be strict vegans. We see this as a challenge, and always strive to give our guests the best.
10 000 delegates catered for monthly, just for
we are about 90 conferencing. per cent done with the installation of the Modular Regen Ovens. This is already in use in most of the operations within banqueting. Appearance, consistency, flavour and the aroma of the food on the table makes a difference. When we are dealing with cooked and chilled food, these aspects depend on the quality of reheating. Ventilation, temperature and humidity within the oven cavity are calibrated and adjusted according to the product, for a final result above all expectations.
Has technology changed the way you do things?
What has been the biggest event you have catered for at Emperors Palace?
Most definitely. Technology and food is forever changing with the evolution of everyday life and everything that comes with it. Currently at Emperors Palace,
If memory serves, it was a full day conference, exhibitor’s lunch and dinner for three consecutive days for 1 800 delegates.
Business Events Africa July 2019 21
EMPERORS PALACE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Top congresses and Events over the Past 20 years SOS Reptile • Exhibition filled with reptiles. Clicks Roadshow • 5 00 delegates attending the launch of Clicks Christmas range. Clicks Healthcare • 9 50 delegates, 86 exhibition stands, and three dinner events. • 6 breakaway venues, 1 plenary, after party. Sasol
• E mperors Palace weighed the amount of food wastage to inform the delegates how much they really waste with conferences. • F orced Emperors Palace to go greener with their products and supplies.
• Gala dinner for 1 400 guests.
• F our different groups conferencing together.
• Locnville as main entertainment act. SA Golf Tournament Gala Dinner: 9 January 2017
SAA Technical
• H igh-end engineering equipment was displayed in convention centre.
Rockwell Automation: 14 May 2017
Greek Concert: 5 October 2017
Shell BPC
• International star George Mazonakis.
• 7 50 delegates , 2 dinners, one in the convention centre parking in a Marquee, exhibition in foyers, breakaway rooms.
• 1 800 guests – platters on the tables.
A Open Golf Tournament S Gala Dinner: 6 January 2016
• D J Roger Goode, DJ Euphonic & Lloyd Cele.
• Event sponsored by City of Ekurhuleni. SL (Premier Soccer League) P Gala Dinner: 28 May 2016 • L ive broadcast of the Premier Soccer League South Africa.
• G ala dinner for 1 500 guests – plated menu.
KFC: 18 February 2019 • T eam building across complex for 700 guests. • N ew card system to provide funds for the delegates. • F amily-style food served to the tables.
• Broadcasted to SABC channels.
Flight Centre 05 July 2018
YOU Spectacular & Tempo Awards
• Gala dinner for 1 550 guests.
• 600 guests.
• International DJ Angemi (Tomorrow Land resident).
• Cocktails served afterwards.
Reach For A Dream 30th Birthday: 30 August 2018
Institute of Waste Management: 16 October 2016
• Entire event sponsored.
• E xhibition on how to manage waste control and how to go greener.
22 Business Events Africa July 2019
Sanlam Indabas: 4-6 February 2019
KFC: 3 -5 March 2019 • U sed Red Roman Shed as social evening with tents set up in the parking lot for food stations and social. Wimpy: 8 April 2019 • T urnaround from conference to gala for 900 guests in 2 hours * There are a number of events that return annually.
Flight Centre: 7 July 2017
• 1 000 people
• S outh African Artists getting recognition for their work.
• S et up Red Roman Shed as a club and the parking across was made into a chill area. • 1 200 guests food/ action station.
• G ala dinner with international golf players.
• Gala dinner with Gary Player, Ernie Els.
Flight Centre Leadership Summit
Flight Centre National Ball: 6 July 2016
• 4 00 delegates, 2 dinners, exhibition, client brought live animals (camels) and snacks. • 3 50 delegates, plated dinner in Aurelia’s garden.
• T urnaround from conference to full gala lunch in 43 minutes.
• 1 000 guests. • Mi Casa as entertainment. • FishAways (Famous Brands).
Future congresses
ID4AFfrica in June 2019 • International event. • Over 90 exhibition stands. • 1 000 conference delegates. • Welcoming dinner for 600 delegates. • Translation booths.
South African Dental Association 2020 • 1 500-2 500 conference delegates. • Over 80 exhibition stands. • Dinner event for 200 VIP guests. Flight Centre 7 July 2019 • Centre Stage surrounded by gala tables. BD Event 31 August 2019 B • Shed with parking block. • Major artists including Matthew Mole, Freshly Ground, Good Luck.
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
AFRICA TOURISM LEADERSHIP FORUM AND AWARDS 2019
Africa is on the move! The African Continental Free Trade Agreement will make it easier to move goods and services and bring the vision of a connected continent closer to reality.
T
he travel, hospitality and tourism sector has a unique opportunity to position itself to move people both for business and leisure, from within and beyond the continent. As the continent’s new gold, tourism is a key sector to facilitate people to people relations which will bring connectedness between Africa’s countries, borders, approximately 3 025 million hectares of land reserves and almost 30 500 km of coastline. The foremost annual gathering of African travel and tourism leaders, the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2019 provides an ideal platform for executives, policy-makers, political leaders, entrepreneurs and young people to determine real priorities for economic growth through travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and
tourism infrastructure development. Continental leaders in the sector will converge at Durban’s International Convention Centre from 27-29 August 2019 to participate in this thought leadership platform to gain insights and share best practice on how to grow the continent’s travel and leisure market. This platform for networking and knowledge sharing is brought to you by South Africa’s KwaZuluNatal Provincial Government, and African Tourism Partners, and will for the first time, include the Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit. The Summit aims to empower young entrepreneurs to the market to turn their business ventures into successful enterprises. Africa Tourism Partners is a Pan-African tourism advisory services provider. Using
established global strategic networks, we deliver unique programmes to grow and profile your business.
AFRICA TOURISM
F O R U M 2 0 1 9
REDEFINING TOURISM IN AFRICA
Space is limited so, please visit www.tourismleadershipforum.africa to register for complimentary attendance now and/or the Youth in Tourism Innovators competition. Contact +27 (0) 81 303 7030 or info@africatourismpartners.com for more information.
AFRICA TOURISM
F O R U M 2 0 1 9
27 - 29 August 2019
Durban ICC, South Africa
WHY ATTEND?.. LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
NETWORKING & BUSINESS LINKAGES
Learn how to address common organizational challenges.
Gain insights from destination showcases and activations.
Be part of business-to-business match-making and private meetings.
REGISTER NOW, SPACE IS LIMITED Visit: www.tourismleadershipforum.africa
From: Kwakye Donkor <kwakyed@gmail.com> Subject: Logo - Please add the Africa MICE Academy as reßected on the brochure. Date: 13 December 2017 at 6:32:26 PM GMT To: divan@the-Þnal-few.com, Philip Hanekom <philip@the-Þnal-few.com>
24 Business Events Africa July 2019
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PAGE STRAP
A
AHLAMB H K O
LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Opened in November 2018
OKHAHLAMBA CONFERENCEÂ AND SPORTS CENTRE
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa July 2019 25
DRAKENSBERG | Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sports Centre
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CONFERENCE CENTRE IN THE BERG The Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sports Centre was specifically established to provide the Northern and Central Drakensberg with a significant facility to cater for major conferences in excess of 2 000 delegates and important sporting events, both indoor and outdoor.
T
he newest conference centre in the Drakensberg complements the current conference centres in the area such as the Champagne Sports Resort. This centre assists in increasing the occupancy of the many accommodation facilities in the Central and Drakensberg area. There are well over 3,000 accommodation rooms in the area which range from selfcatering facilities to major resorts.
Business events are essential to the Okhahlamba Conference and Sports Centre. It is a priority market for this new facility. 26 Business Events Africa July 2019
WELCOME BY MAYOR M.G NDLANGISA It is indeed with pride and honour, a great pleasure to welcome you to our tourism mecca in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
L
ocated centrally within the corridor which links KwaZulu-Natal to the Free State and Gauteng, our municipality is a melting pot of vibrant and robust diversity. This includes tangible and intangible culture and heritage, and a wealth of natural beauty. The location of our municipality makes it an undeniably strategic node for the province, and the country as a whole. We have the competitive advantage of having a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a global tourist attraction, in the UkhahlambaDrakensberg mountain range. This mountain range is Southern Africa’s highest range, peaking at 3 475 m and stretching for more than 1 000 km from northeast to southwest across the landscape. It is also home to the second highest waterfall in the world, the mighty Tugela Falls. The tourism sector within our municipality is a significant contributor to our local economy, and we have no shortage of tourist attractions within our municipal region. There are various tourist-related activities to suit all kinds of adventurers, whether they are avid
hikers, cultural tourism explorers, adrenalin enthusiasts, bird watchers, and those just wanting a quiet getaway in the sanctuary of our scenic mountain splendor, we have activities, facilities and establishments to cater for everyone. A notable addition to the local tourism sector is our newly-built Sports Complex and Multipurpose Community Services Centre. This initiative offers a multitude of offerings including a wide-range of government departmental services aimed at bringing government closer to the people. Our ambition through this infrastructure development is to establish our area as a prime conferencing destination. We believe that this will have a significant, positive impact on our tourism sector. I want to invite you all to explore our region and make everlasting memories with your families and friends. I hope that you will enjoy our hospitality, the amenities that establishments in our area have to offer, and the touristic attractions of the berg. I welcome you all. Thank you very much, Ngiyabonga Kakhulu! www.businesseventsafrica.com
DRAKENSBERG | Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sports Centre
MUNICIPAL MANAGER NSÂ MALINGA The Sports Complex and Multipurpose Centre is one of our most exciting and significant projects by value to date. This project has transformed the face of Bergville. The multi-purpose conferencing and community services centre will serve as a one-stop shop for all government department services. We believe this will assist in enhancing access to services for our communities. We have realised the potential of the Drakensberg as being a prime conferencing destination, and we hope to host large conferences of government bodies, political parties, sporting fraternities and multinational corporates. Contained in this centre will also be a community hall for Bergville, an IT centre, and a television and audio recording studio. The economic spin-off of this project will be enjoyed by various sectors of our community, particularly our tourism and hospitality industry. Our long-term vision of the indoor sports complex is that it will contain an athletics track, a swimming pool, basketball courts, squash courts and an indoor football pitch. The rural, tranquil nature of this area offers little in terms of recreation for young people, and we believe that a facility of this nature will provide our youth with a means to address this challenge. We believe that this facility will also contribute towards encouraging a proactive, healthy population.
LOCATION
The Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre location is Golf Road. It is is on the right hand side of the R74 road just as you enter Bergville from the direction of Winterton. Bergville is an important agricultural and tourism-related town. It services several significant farms and tourism establishments, particularly in the Northern Drakensberg area. It is two and a half hours from Durban and three hours from Johannesburg. www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa July 2019 27
DRAKENSBERG | Okhahlamba Local Municipality Conference and Sports Centre
CONFERENCE FACILITIES
T
he main hall or plenary venue is well over 1 500 m2, and can seat in the range of 2 000 to 2 500 delegates in theatre style. There is also a substantial boardroom in a building adjacent to the centre. This boardroom is a modern facility with excellent audiovisual facilities and can seat up to 70 delegates. Moreover, the centre has two break-out rooms, each seating at least 100 delegates. Both rooms have an open-plan catering facility. There are two balconies in the main hall which can be used by journalists or VIPs.
• At least 1 500 m2 in extent. • Will have an information technology hub for small businesses. • Will have a substantial gym facility for the training of upcoming sportsmen and women in the area. • Has a governmental Departmental Hub for satellite offices of various Provincial and National Government Departments. • Will have removable carpeting and free high-speed internet.
Primary conference market The Municipality is of the view that its primary focus should be on government meetings. Bergville is situated roughly halfway between Durban and Johannesberg. Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, is roughly an hour and a half’s drive away. There are five flights a day into Pietermaritzburg from Johannesburg and a daily flight from Cape Town.
Events • Drakensberg Extravaganza – 20 000 people over an 11 day event. • Tourism Summit. • Big sports events.
PLENARY VENUE CAPACITY • Theatre: 2 000+ • Classroom: 750 • Cocktail: 1 000 • Banqueting/rounds: 500
OKH
AHLAMB A
DID YOU KNOW?
The centre is completely enclosed by high grade fencing, and is protected by a security firm. One of the key advantages of this facility is its views of the Northern and Central Drakensberg in the background. The centre has a substantial external balcony from which sporting events are viewed.
LOCAL MUNICIPALITY CONTACT S’phe Mabaso, Senior Tourism Officer Okhahlamba Drakensberg Tourism Winterton Tel: +27 (0)36 488 1988 Cell: +27 (0)83 518 0420 winterton.tourism@gmail.com
ACCOMMODATION There are more than 3 000 rooms in the area. Champagne Sports Resort will benefit from increased occupancies. It is a substantial accommodation provider and will be an obvious choice for PCOs and event organisers.
28 Business Events Africa July 2019
www.businesseventsafrica.com
WELCOME TO OUR
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES.
When hosting your event at Serengeti Estates clubhouse, be assured that you are working with an experienced team of professionals whom are available to discuss your requirements in detail, as we offer versatile customised packages that meet your budget as well as your individual requirements.
C LU B H O U S E FAC I L ITI E S
F U N C TI O N S / E V E NT S
·
Variety of Venues
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Conferences
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Deck Restaurant
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Weddings
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Jack’s Bar
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Launch events
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Sushi & Teppanyaki
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Corporate golf days
Visit www.serengeti.co.za for more info. Contact us directly on +27 (0)11 552 7200, or email events@serengetiestates.co.za.
EVENT NEWS
Appetite Fest returns
spruced for spring Appetite Fest, the biggest culinary and entertainment festival that Pretoria has ever seen, returns to Time Square from 13 to 15 September 2019.
T
his year’s three-day Appetite Fest promises to be bigger and better than the inaugural festival in 2018, with an extra day added to give food adventurers more time to explore, as well as more gastronomical experiences and spectacular entertainment. In the cast of culinary artistes already confirmed for Appetite Fest are Gary Mehigan; George Calombaris; Matt Preston and Shannon Bennett of MasterChef Australia. Joining them for this year’s tour to South Africa is the winner of MasterChef Australia 2018, Sashi Cheliah. FROM LEFT: Gary Mehigan; George Calombaris and Shannon Bennett of MasterChef Australia.
30 Business Events Africa July 2019
“We have extended the Appetite Fest by a day, made it a spring time event and cooked up an array of new experiences that festival-goers are going to love. Among these are the ‘Cooking with…’ workshops where food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to actively cook alongside some of South Africa’s celebrity chefs. “MasterChef Australia’s charismatic judges will also be hosting Master Classes, giving their fans an opportunity to meet their favourite ‘Aussies’ and watch them in action in the intimate setting,” said Brett Hoppé, general manager at Time Square. Conceptualised by Time Square’s eclectic team of food, beverage and
entertainment specialists, Appetite Fest is an exciting platform to explore the tastes, flavours, sights and sounds that make living in South Africa great. The Sun Arena and outdoor areas will once again be transformed into a fairground of inspired food, drinks and entertainment experiences. In the Sun Arena, a wide range of exhibitors including craft brewers and distillers, artisan food producers, premium drink brands and awardwinning wineries will offer a bounty of the country’s finest foods and drinks to test-taste and purchase. Visitors can also watch international and local celebrity chefs show-off their culinary prowess in food theatres and be part of interactive question and answer sessions. Outside gourmet food trucks will serve up a diversity of exciting street food, while comedians, DJs and bands will keep visitors entertained in vibrant, authentically South African festival-style. There will also be themed zones for the ladies, guys and kids. For the ladies think craft gin and sushi, and for the guys think bikes and beer. Children will be safe and entertainmed in the access controlled, safe and secure Kids Zone, with professional and caring child minders. www.businesseventsafrica.com
INSPIRATIONAL CHEF
MOSONDASE SOPHIA MALOKA
I was born to do this In our driven sector, every now and again I get touched by an inspirational story. The story of Mosondase Sophia Maloka (Zondi), chef at Premier Hotel Midrand, 44, is one such story. By Irene Costa
Z
ondi, as she is fondly known, has defied all odds from humble beginnings as a farm girl from the Free State to being offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at Disneyland in Orlando. “I was born to do this. With energy, passion and hard work, anything is possible, no matter your age. I am doing my dream job at 44 and the opportunities are endless. You need to set your goals and follow your dreams,” Zondi said.
experience and further training. “I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity,” she said. “I am most thankful to Premier Hotels and Chef Ross, my mentor, for giving me the experience. He taught by example – he would first show you how, and then work with you so you learn by doing. He is a wonderful person and an amazing teacher. I hope to work with him again in the future,” she said.
History
“The kitchen environment is one of a crazy, beautiful family – this is something I’m going to really miss from being at Premier Hotel Midrand. It has become my home away from home. I am sad to leave my Premier Midrand family, and am honoured to be part of this family – from the chef, to the general manager, to the cleaning staff,” she said. She added: “Of course I am very excited about my future and hope to one day come back and become an example and hopefully an inspiration to young chefs. “Being a chef requires a lot of love and passion for food. A great chef has a love for cooking and is respectful of his or her fellow chefs and leaders in the kitchen.” When I joined Premier Midrand I thought I knew how to cook, but the truth is I only really learnt to cook there from an amazing mentor and team. They have built me into who I am today, and I am most grateful.” She added: “There is something most satisfying about putting on a chef’s jacket and making magic happen with ingredients in the kitchen. I learn every day and this career is most rewarding when you have passion and heart for food. “The cooking and experimenting never ends, and it continues when you go home and mix up ingredients you never thought about mixing up, and
Her journey began on BeleBesi Farm where she grew up. She completed her Grade 7 on the the Von Abosville Farm School, then matriculated from Mosala Secondary School in Allanridge in the Free State. Her love for cooking began on the BeleBesi Farm, where her aunt was the farm cook. Her earliest memories are of her aunt and the lovely smells emanating from the kitchen. Only later did she realise it was garlic, butter and cinnamon.
After school After school she moved to Gauteng to find employment, and worked for her cousin as a child minder and domestic worker for 18 years. During this time, Zondi started her own catering company operating out of her cousin’s home. When the children grew older, Zondi’s cousin sent her to the Capsicum Culinary School, where she graduated in 2018, having completed her in-service training at Premier Hotel in Midrand. “I am very grateful to my cousin, Matothpe Thusi, for what she has done for me,” Zondi said.
The opportunity of a lifetime Capsicum Culinary School send their top student annually to Disneyland in Orlando, to gain www.businesseventsafrica.com
The kitchen
also reading lots of cook books and watching the different cooking shows.”
The future Her dream is to one day work on a cruise ship and travel the world learning about the different culinary flavours and foods from the various places and bring all of that home to South Africa. She plans to come back to South Africa, and as a thank you to Premier Hotels, wants to offer training from what she learnt on her journey with Disneyland Orlando. “Imparting knowledge to the youth is something I feel strongly about. It is something I really want do when I get back.” Zondi leaves for Orlando on 4 August, and she will be working in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disneyland Orlando. As part of her preparation she has been asked to focus on traditional African food – and will get the opportunity to showcase this food during her stay. She has also had to attend some cultural and heritage programmes to assist her with any questions and answers that the Americans and other international visitors may have on the local African culture and heritage.
Business Events Africa July 2019 31
A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Opportunities aplenty for
business events in Africa Growth in Africa’s hotel sector is expected to remain positive over the next five years despite current economic uncertainty and tempered foreign investment. Opportunities are aplenty for business events in developing economies with governments taking steps to promote their MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) infrastructure to attract more delegates.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Africa to be branded as a destination that not only offers an amazing travel experience but one also for business and global conferences,”
I
n addition, Airbnb is also gaining momentum as a mainstream tourist option across the African continent. These are some of the key findings from a report issued recently by PwC on Africa’s hotel sector. PwC’s ninth edition of the Hotels Outlook: 20192023 includes information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania. Pietro Calicchio, hospitality industry leader, PwC Southern Africa said: “While leisure is an important component of the tourism industry, governments are taking steps to develop more diverse initiatives, fuelled by business tourism and conferencing. “Business tourism is a critical component to the growth of African economies – business events are increasingly being held in a number of diverse locations across the continent.” South Africa is already established as the leading convention destination in Africa led by Cape Town, which is among the top 50 conventions cities in the world. 32 Business Events Africa July 2019
In the coming months, South Africa will host a number of events, in particular the World Economic Forum on Africa, attracting experts, business leaders, and governments from around the world. “This is an excellent opportunity for Africa to be branded as a destination that not only offers an amazing travel experience but one also for business and global conferences,” Mr Calicchio added. In South Africa, hotel room revenue rose only 0.5 per cent in 2018, its smallest increase during the past six years. Growth is expected to pick up beginning in 2019 and is forecast to expand to R19.7 billion in 2023, up 3.3 per cent compounded annually, from R16.7 billion in 2018. This relatively modest increase will reflect the expectation of low ADR (average daily rate) growth, as growth in online booking and the increasing use of travel sites promotes price shopping. Growth in foreign visitors to South Africa dropped to 1.7 per cent in 2018, down from the 2.4 per cent gain in 2017 and the 12.8 per cent increase
in 2016. The slowdown in large partly reflected concerns about the drought in Cape Town and the possible approach of Day Zero when Cape Town would run out of water. Although the threat of a Day Zero has been alleviated, we don’t expect a rebound in foreign tourism in 2019. For the forecast period as a whole, foreign tourism is forecast to rise at an estimated 2.9 per cent compounded annually to 12.1 million in 2023 from 10.5 million in 2018. It is notable that the number of foreign visitors in 2018 from Europe fell 2.5 per cent and from Asia-Pacific by 1.9 per cent. Declines from the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands contributed to the drop from Europe, while India, China and Australia posted decreases from Asia-Pacific. On a percentage bases, Brazil recorded the largest percentage increase with a 4.0 per cent gain and visitors from the US and Canada rose 1.7 per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively. Of African visitors, the largest number came from Zimbabwe at 2.2 million, followed by Lesotho at 1.7 million and Mozambique at 1.4 million. The Tourism Amendment Bill 2019 was issued in the Government Gazette on 12 April 2019. The most controversial aspect of the Bill is the proposal to regulate ‘short-term home rentals’ under the Tourism Act. This means home-sharing www.businesseventsafrica.com
A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
In South Africa, the number of available rooms is expected to increase at a 1.2% compound annual rate to
67 200 in 2023 from 63 400 in 2018.
apps such as Airbnb and their hosts may soon be regulated in South Africa. During the next five years, Nigeria is expected to be the fastest-growing market with a projected 12.0 per cent compound annual increase. Tanzania and Kenya are projected to be the next fastest growing with compound annual increases of 8.2 per cent and 7.4 per cent, respectively. Hotel room revenue for the five markets (South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania) as a group will increase at a 5.8 per cent compound annual rate to R50.6 billion in 2023 from R38.1 billion in 2018.
Hotel accommodation: South Africa In South Africa, the number of available rooms is expected to increase at a 1.2 per cent compound annual rate to 67 200 in 2023 from 63 400 in 2018. With guest nights projected to grow faster than available rooms, the occupancy rate for hotels will increase to a projected 61.1 per cent in 2023 from 59.2 per cent in 2018. While three-star hotels accounted for 36 per cent of all available hotel rooms in South Africa in 2018, it is projected that they will generate 41 per cent of the overall increase in room revenue during the next five years. Room revenue in three-star hotels will expand at a projected 4.3 per cent compound annual rate to R6.4 billion in 2023 from R5.2 billion in 2018. With a number of four-star hotels opening in 2017-18, available rooms increased 3.4 per cent, the largest increase during the past six years. Guest nights rose 2.4 per cent, the only category to post an increase in 2018. This increase, however, did not match growth in available rooms and the occupancy rate dropped to 65.4 per cent. Guest nights in five-star hotels fell 11.1 per cent amidst concerns about the drought in Cape Town and due to general economic pressures. Guest nights are expected to remain stable www.businesseventsafrica.com
in 2019 and then return to their 2015-17 levels beginning in 2020. The Airbnb market has grown in South Africa. It is believed that much of the Airbnb traffic occurs at peak periods when hotels are full. It is at the lower end of the market that moderately priced hotels face growing competition from Airbnb outlets.
Tanzania
Nigeria
Namibia has been targeting the Asian and American markets and has a seen a small growth in Chinese arrivals to Namibia. Leisure tourism to Namibia contracted slightly in 2018 and is expected to decline in 2019. In Windhoek (300+ rentals) and Swakopmund (400+ rentals), Airbnb has placed the hospitality market under pressure in terms of both supply and price. The category of ‘home vacation rental’ has not yet been officially recognised by the Namibia Tourism Board and Airbnb providers cannot be registered for now.
In Nigeria, room revenue rose 20.0 per cent in 2018, fueled mainly by an increase in guest nights. Overall hotel room revenue is expected to expand at a 12.0 per cent compound annual rate to $445 million (R5.9 billion) in 2023 from $252 million (R3.3 billion) in 2018. Guest nights will continue to increase over the forecast period, rising at a 7.6 per cent compound annual rate to 2.6 million in 2023 from 1.8 million in 2018.
Mauritius
Tanzania is targeting India and China to bolster tourism and drive growth in guest nights. To widen its appeal beyond adventure tourism, the government is looking to expand its MICE offering to boost business events.
Namibia
Hotel room revenue in Mauritius is expected to grow at a 5.7 per cent compound annual rate to 2023. An expected increase in room capacity and less aggressive growth in ADR should have a positive impact on guest nights, if supported by an increase in airline capacity and routes. Challenges that remain for operators are their actions with regards to sustainability, labour and the regulation of the informal sector.
Kenya The January 2019 terror attack at a hotel and office complex in Nairobi may temporarily impact tourist arrivals and guest nights in Kenya. Kenya will benefit from growing demand for experiences and adventure, with midscale hotels being the main driver, but growth in Airbnb and the shared economy will cut into the hotel market.
Who is Pietro Calicchio? Pietro has been with PwC for over 19 years. He is a partner in the Assurance practice and took over the role as the Southern African Leader for PwC’s Hospitality and Gambling practice in August 2015. He has worked with hotel and casino companies throughout his career, and has been involved with the gaming industry since the first temporary casinos opened in South Africa.
Business Events Africa July 2019 33
AFRICA RISING
The ins & outs on Africa’s most expensive building With a reported price tag of US$300million, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali, in Rwanda, is by far Africa’s most expensive and impressive building.
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ut beyond holding that title, the convention centre is also a shining example of how Rwanda has not only managed to come back from one of the darkest chapters in Africa’s history, but how it has flourished to become one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. The landlocked country’s economy grew at 8.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2019 and has reduced its reliance on donations and domestically funds by around 84 per cent of its budget, up from about 36 per cent two decades ago. Not rich in natural resources, Rwanda has had to look to other avenues to drive its growth. One of these has been by placing a strong emphasis on developing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business tourism.
Rwanda’s economy grew at 8.4% in the first quarter of 2019 and has reduced its reliance on donations and domestically funds by around 84% of its budget 34 Business Events Africa July 2019
Launched in 2016, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre is a lynchpin of the Rwandan focus on developing business events. Just five kilometres from the bustling city centre and Kigali International Airport, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention spans more than 80 000m². The convention centre alone can accommodate more than 5 000 delegates, and its worldclass business and conferencing facilities have hosted regional and international conventions, exhibitions, festivals and meetings. The hotel itself has 291 rooms and with two restaurants, dedicated bar, a spa, fitness centre, and outdoor swimming pool, leisure travellers or business travellers looking to unwind are also well catered for. In as much as the convention centre is representative of Rwanda’s future, the country’s rich history is also represented in its design. When you first look at the centre, your eye is immediately drawn to the iconic dome-shaped conference centre auditorium. Its design duplicates the traditional shape of huts which would be found in Rwanda’s past king’s palaces. The façade of the hotel itself also harks back to Rwanda’s history with its architectural replication of a traditional
and colourful weaved basket. The hotel’s design has won numerous awards, including a continental award in Best Architectural Design and Best Hotel Development at the Africa Property Investment Summit in 2018. Now in its third year of operation, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali is already running at a profit and has become a landmark in the city, according to Radisson Hotel Group’s regional director, Africa, William McIntyre. “However, things like this don’t happen in a vacuum,” Mr McIntyre noted. “This year the Rwandan government is building a new airport outside the city. For the past three years, they’ve invested in jets for Rwanda Air, because if you don’t have the air access, you can’t get anyone interested in the convention centre. You can now fly from Kigali to China, Europe, UK, South Africa and the USA. “In other words, you can’t talk about the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali in isolation, without putting what the government has done into context to facilitate everything. They’ve created the access and the facility, and worked hard through the convention bureau to build capacity and grow the pipeline,” he concluded. www.businesseventsafrica.com
VENUE NEWS
Sun City wins two prestigious World Travel Awards Sun International’s iconic Sun City resort in the North West province has received two awards in the annual World Travel Awards™ programme which is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry. The resort scooped the awards for Africa’s Leading Resort and Africa’s Leading Casino Resort for 2019, trumping top destinations from across the African continent in these categories.
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he World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel tourism and hospitality industry. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The annual awards programme covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual
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and collective successes within each geographical region. The winners of World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean 2019 were revealed in Mauritius earlier this month. These gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the industry calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers, chief figure heads and the key trade and consumer media. Commenting on the awards, Sun City’s marketing manager, Thapelo Modise, said: “We are honoured that Sun City has claimed awards in
two categories in the regional World Travel Awards™ programme. “To still be recognised among the best on the continent after 40 years is a source of tremendous pride. “These awards show that we are indeed succeeding in creating the types of experiences that live long in the memories and hearts of our guests. “It is, after all, the guest experience which is the key differentiator. We will continue to focus on ensuring that our guests’ experiences are always exceptional,” he said.
Business Events Africa July 2019 35
PERSONALITY PROFILE
Charles Wilson strives
for service excellence “In my 29 years in the events industry, I have come to enjoy the lack of predictability and routine in this unique industry,” said Charles Wilson, chief executive officer of Gallagher Convention Centre
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r Wilson, 44, prides himself on working hard and having uncompromising principles. “I firmly believe that you can only ask your team to do that which you are willing to do yourself. I believe in leading by example.” He added: “Gallagher Convention Centre is the premier multipurpose events venue in Gauteng. Centrally located between Johannesburg & Pretoria, Gallagher Convention Centre offers 27 venues for clients to choose from. A benchmark in the events industry for more than 25 years, Gallagher Convention Centre offers an experienced and detail orientated team. Leading this amazing, service–orientated and dedicated team is a great privilege for me.”
banqueting waiter at the Iscor Sport & Recreation centre, as well as a part-time restaurant waiter and bartender.
How do you see the business events industry at the moment? It is a very unpredictable
Ambrencia and have a son named William. I am steadfast in my family-first approach to life, and I reinforce this sentiment with the Gallagher Convention Centre team. I believe that a happy family life leads to a happy team.
What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why? Hentiesbaai, Namibia. I
Do you have any hobbies? I am
I love the fast pace and possibilities of Johannesburg.
industry. Compounding this is the rise in the cost of living, unfortunately having a knock-on effect on our industry leading to the current climate of uncertainty, and hence the temporary slowing down of business in our sector. I am, however, very optimistic about the industry, and I look forward to seeing more stable and sustainable growth for the rest of the year.
Where did you grow up? I matriculated at Driehoek High school in Vanderbijlpark. After matriculating, I spent two years studying food service management.
Where did you start your career? I started working at a young age. My first job was as a part-time waiter in 1990, at the ISCOR Sport and Recreation Club in Vanderbijlpark, as well as the Riverside Sun.
How long have you been in the sector? I have truly grown up in this industry. I started in this industry doing part-time jobs like being the part-time 36 Business Events Africa July 2019
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector? I find it unfortunate that entrants to this sector are often not equipped to succeed. At Gallagher, we started an internship programme where students in their third year of industryrelated studies spend six months on our premises to gain exposure. This experiential learning program is designed to expose the students to every division within the business.
What role does your family play in your life? I am married to
very fond of doing steel work. My son and I like to spend time working on projects in my workshop at home.
What has been your biggest challenge in this sector? I do not believe in challenges; I believe in changing your approach to the matter at hand. I believe that if your approach is right, you do not end up making the matter bigger than it needs to be.
What is your pet hate? Often the organising team of an event does not realise that the venue is part of their team. The success of any event is based on the synergy between all service providers, with a clear understanding that the success of any one individual or company is linked to the success of the event.
appreciate it for its tranquillity and quiet and unspoilt beauty.
What is your favourite city?
What is your favourite food?
Do you play any sports? I am an
Mexican food, and any food prepared with love.
avid hunter and fisherman. And I believe that these sports must be practised with respect and mindfulness.
What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done? I am
What is your favourite sport? My favourite sport is rugby, and I support the Lions.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in the industry? During my first event as a banqueting manager, I forgot to send out all the food for the event. It was a very involved menu, so luckily the guests did not notice, but the food and beverage manager did and pointed out the food left behind in the kitchen at the end of the evening.
impulsive by nature. I feel very strongly that it is important to trust your gut, and that conviction has served me well thus far.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry? You have to be passionate and hungry for experience. This industry is full of opportunities for people who are hard-working and detail orientated.
What is your dream for the future? A safe and secure South Africa for all the youth of South Africa. www.businesseventsafrica.com
MARKET NEWS
Shaping the innovation sector The biggest African gathering of entrepreneurs and innovation thought leaders comes to Cape Town in September.
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he stage is set to accelerate the entrepreneurship space, with the brightest minds in the innovation sector gathering for three days of pitching, partnering on and showcasing the most innovative products and services in Africa. The SA Innovation Summit, taking place from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 September 2019 at the Cape Town Stadium, will bring over 3 500 delegates from 32 countries together to facilitate more than R1 billion in deals between investors and start-ups representing the future of innovation. The summit is Africa's biggest tech startup event and provides a powerful platform for nurturing, developing and showcasing the very best of African innovation, as well as facilitating thought leadership around innovation. Around 22 universities and research institutions, along with over 600 companies and organisations, will be represented at the 2019 event. Now in its 12th year, the summit provides the ideal ecosystem to match over 1 500 entrepreneurs with more than 200 potential investors. In 2018, the Match and Invest platform saw 2 400 meetings scheduled over the course of two days. “The technology and start-up space is underfunded in Africa, yet it yields the greatest results in any economy over time. In the UK every pound spent on innovation and tech start-ups yields nine to the economy. Africa still needs to leverage this potential return in its emerging
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economies,” said Dr Audrey Verhaeghe, chairperson of the SA Innovation Summit. “The summit serves as a catalytic event that strengthens and builds the tech start-up sector. We have evolved into Africa’s biggest and most exciting tech start-up event on the calendar and this year will be no different.” The 2019 summit will offer an unmissable line-up of world-class speakers, panel discussions and master classes. Experts from across the continent will deliver insights into the innovation landscape, and provide the knowledge and tools for startups to achieve exponential growth. Two key opportunities offered for start-ups to access are the ANDZA Pitching Den and the Africa Cup. The ANDZA Pitching Den, in collaboration with the SA SME Fund, carries a first place prize of R250 000 and will also give SA's top entrepreneurs the chance to be considered for R10 m in investment funding and acceleration. This competition aims to develop SA
entrepreneurs and fast-track them to success, with a focus on seed, venture and growth stage businesses. The Africa Cup (formerly the SA Innovation Summit Pitching Den) will see the winning start-up – credited for disrupting traditional ways of doing business – receive an investment offer of R5 million. The second place start-up will receive an offer of R2.5 million, and the third place start-up will receive an offer of R1 million. The first and second place prizes include acceleration based in Silicon Valley, Budapest or Lagos. Finalists will pitch their businesses in front of an esteemed panel of judges on the final day of the SA Innovation Summit. A new feature for this year is the partnership between the SA Innovation Summit and the Unicorn Group, a pan-African investment company targeting innovative ideas, start-ups and early stage companies in tech and tech-enabled sectors. The Unicorn Group is also proudly sponsoring the prizes for this year’s Africa Cup.
Business Events Africa July 2019 37
MARKET NEWS
Over 100 international conferences confirmed to be hosted at the CTICC Over 100 international conferences, which are expected to bring over 127 000 delegates to Cape Town, has been confirmed to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre up until 2026. Most recent events confirmed to take place at the CTICC: 1. World Economic Forum on Africa 2019. 2. World Dairy Summit 2020. 3. World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF), Global Engineering Deans Council Conference (GEDC) & Global Student Forum (GSF) 2020. 4. INSOL International Conference 2020. 5. Entrepreneurs Organisation Global Leadership Conference 2020. 6. International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine 2021. 7. International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases 2022.
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his comes after ICCA’s (International Congress and Convention Association) announcement confirming Cape Town as the number one meetings destination in Africa. “The international conference segment is one of the centre’s key focus areas and presents tremendous potential for the CTICC and the city as a whole. Having secured 105 international conferences up until 2026, these events will have a significant impact on the Western Cape and South African economy. With South Africa’s economic growth prospects at 1.2 per cent in 2019, securing international events can only positively affect our economy and bolster much needed job creation,” said Julie-May Ellingson, chief executive officer at the CTICC. Most recently, the centre has been awarded nine international conferences. Of these, the World Economic Forum and World Dairy Summit had been previously hosted at the CTICC. The World Dairy Summit 2020 will provide an opportunity for the South African dairy industry to gain exposure to major dairy producing countries from all over the world. The summit, which is themed Wholesome and Sustainable, is expected 38 Business Events Africa July 2019
Investing in African Mining Indaba is an international event that brings thousands of delegates to the CTICC.
to bring together 1 200 delegates from 65 countries. Topical issues on the agenda include farm management, animal health and welfare, environmental challenges, and research and development. “The dairy industry, like many other industries, is complex and needs to deal with international common challenges as a collective. These challenges are highly complex, require a scientific approach, needs a structured environment and requires the meeting of likeminded individuals, working in groups with the guidance and participation of world experts and leaders,” said Melt Loubser, chairman and media liaison of the South African Milk Processors Organisation. Why host the event in Cape Town and the CTICC for the second time? “The experience we had in 2012 at the CTICC was professional, very effective, well executed and the venue was truly world-class. The size of the venue and the fact that the whole conference included all parallel sessions and could be accommodated under one roof was very positive. The infrastructure of Cape Town, safety, the pristine beauty, the cosmopolitan
8. World Association of Waterborne Infrastructure – PIANC World Congress 2022. 9. INF (International Netball Federation) Netball World Cup 2023.
atmosphere, excellent accommodation, spectacular sightseeing and wonderful culinary experiences contributed to this decision,” Mr Loubser added. The Entrepreneurs Organisation Global Leadership Conference 2020 will take place in Africa for the first time. The leadership conference will bring together 188 member chapters from 58 countries. According to Jason Sze, chairperson of Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO), the 2 000 participants can expect intense training and information-sharing sessions. “As EO’s flagship event, the Global Leadership Conference, creates community among our leadership and allows us to train incoming chapter member leaders in an intense track training programme developed by our committee members and facilitated by EO facilitators,” Mr Sze said. Hosting the event on African soil for the first time, Mr Sze said: “The EO’s board of directors came to Cape Town for a meeting and we loved the experience… and said: ‘Why aren’t we coming here for our Global Leadership Conference?’ We loved the favourable exchange rate, the exotic location and were very impressed by the great local hospitality.” www.businesseventsafrica.com
EVENT GREENING FORUM
Offsetting the impact
of the EGF 2019 Conference This year, the Event Greening Forum (EGF) aimed to have a green, carbon neutral conference, which was held at Maropeng on Thursday 11 July.
SF6
PFC8 HFC8
The first step to having a carbon neutral event is to make sure that you have done everything you can to host it in a sustainable manner, but what next? Once you have ticked the boxes and done what you can, an event still has an impact that can’t be avoided. Many event related activities such as providing transport, food preparation and electricity needed for sound and lighting all need resources and cause greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are commonly called the carbon footprint of the event. Carbon offsetting for an event means paying another project to prevent an equal amount of greenhouse gas emissions as the event is producing, to create a zero-net balance – which is why it is referred to as carbon neutral. Sometimes the offset is partial, and in which case the event cannot be called carbon neutral. The rule of thumb is: avoid what you can and offset what you can’t.
Is it ethical? Carbon offsetting can be contentious in the field of sustainable event management, because if done irresponsibly it can be seen as window dressing and green washing. “An event could have a significant carbon footprint if no effort was made to reduce it. To then buy carbon credits and state that the event is carbon neutral and therefore ‘green’ misses the point,” said Greg McManus, the EGF chairperson. “Sustainable events should always start with proactively taking measures
Calculate your own carbon footprint Are you curious to know what carbon emissions your day-today living creates? Using the free online tool, www.crediblecarbon.com, you can work this out in a few minutes.
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to minimise any negative impact on the environment – and especially to minimise the carbon footprint.” When done in this manner, carbon offsetting can play a valuable role in improving the sustainability of the events industry.
The plan Steadfast Greening is an EGF member that provides event greening support and training to PCOs, as well as sustainability reporting and carbon footprint analysis for events. They will calculate the impact of the conference and offset its carbon footprint. Grace Stead, the director of Steadfast Greening, said, “I am confident that the conference team have already done everything they can to ensure it is a green event, so I am pleased to support them by off-setting the unavoidable carbon emissions such as the flights and accommodation.” Based on initial calculations, done according to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol as developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), it is estimated that the conference emitted around 10 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Roughly three tonnes would be from the event itself, while the additional seven tonnes would be due to flights and transport. In order to calculate the actual carbon footprint of the event, Steadfast Greening collected data during and after the event, including the amount of energy and water used, the amount and type of waste produced, the distances travelled by attendees and their mode of transport, what food was served, and what gifts were given out. Once the final figure is confirmed, Steadfast Greening will purchase the equivalent amount of carbon credits via Credible Carbon from the Reliance Composting project in support of Abalimi Bezekhaya, a project teaching people in the township to grow their own veggies.
N2O
CH4 CO2
SCOPE 3
SCOPE 2 SCOPE 1
Going beyond green
CO2e
OTHER INDIRECT Flights Accommodation
INDIRECT ENERGY Electricity
INDIRECT ENERGY Venue Company vehicles
elegate D transport Fuel Infrastructure transport Waste
“We are proud to have such a nominal projected carbon footprint, as it is testimony to the hard work and planning we have put in to minimise our greenhouse gas emissions,” says McManus. “However, we will have to wait and see what the final measurement is. Hopefully, if anything, it will be less!”
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: Pippa Naude T: +27 (0)74 369 6369 E: pippa@eventgreening.co.za
Business Events Africa July 2019 39
AAXO NEWS
Addressing and representing professional exhibition organisers In 2015, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers was formed by a group of professional exhibition organisers under the guidance of Carol Weaving. Four years later, our Association has grown by leaps and bounds, and have solidified the original purpose it stood for. By Leatitia van Straten, chairperson of The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO)
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ver the course of the last four years, with the wealth and experience brought to the association, we have established an association that has the expertise to deal with the unique
challenges and needs that organisers are faced with. AAXO has been promoting the industry, encouraging people to invest and participate in exhibitions, and giving members the tools and resources to run
successful exhibitions. This includes: • introducing a code of conduct that is fair, ethical and with remedy and confidentiality • running training programmes that continuously educates our members and their clients • mediating disputes fairly and with sensitivity • conducting research to provide organisers and exhibitors with growth and business opportunities • engaging with government on greater recognition of the industry • and networking with relevant conference and exhibition bodies to share issues. More recently, we have
welcomed suppliers to the exhibition industry as Associate Members, encouraging much needed networking opportunities. We continue to work alongside our supplier association, EXSA, to improve and grow the industry as a whole. Throughout these and all other activities, AAXO continuously strives to represent all its members with honesty and integrity, and to provide them with guidance and leadership. We look forward to maintaining the trust we have earned with our members, associate members and other partners and stakeholders, as well as growing the exhibition industry throughout Africa.
EXSA NEWS
CSR unpacked What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Simply put, it is ‘’a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable – to itself, its stakeholders and to the public.’’ By Gill Gibbs, executive committee member of EXSA.
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t is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. It is also the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives. As responsible and active EXSA members and industry players, how conscious are we of the kind of impact we have on all aspects of society: economic, social and environmental? What if we engage in corporate citizenship or corporate social responsibility? When engaging in CSR in the normal course of business, a company would operate in ways that enhance society and the environment instead of contributing negatively to the same. By implementing CSR programmes, introducing
philanthropy and volunteer efforts, our organisations can benefit society, all the while boosting our brands i.e. while we engage in CSR for the community, we can also derive value within our organisations by introducing CSR activities that: • help forge stronger bonds between employees and the company; • boost company morale; • help both employees and employers feel more connected with the world around them. In light of the year that is: 2019 and the series of negative events to date that have impacted us as an industry in some way, shape or form, let us examine and balance the scales where we can. Are there key CSR issues that can guide us? Absolutely. They include: • environmental management; • eco-efficiency; • responsible sourcing;
• stakeholder engagement; • labour standards and working conditions; • employee and community relations; • social equity; • gender balance; • human rights; and • good governance and anti-corruption measures. When properly implemented, CSR can bring along a variety of competitive advantages for the players in our industry, such as: 1. Enhanced access to capital and markets, which leads to 2. increased sales and profits, whereby we must implement 3. operational cost savings as well as improve productivity and quality, plus 4. maintain an efficient human resource base, all of which 5. i mproves our brand image and reputation, which ensures 6. enhanced customer loyalty, as well as 7. better decision-making and risk management processes.
“Friends, together, we can achieve a new phase of globalisation – one that creates inclusive and sustainable markets, builds development and enhances international cooperation. We each have a responsibility in moving our agenda forward.” – Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General, United Nations. Where do we start, if we have not already? In order for a company to be socially responsible, it first needs to be responsible to itself and its shareholders. We all have a responsibility to set standards of ethical behaviour for our peers, our competition and our industry at large. It is not a matter of the size of the organisation – the standard should be aimed at all types of organisations regardless of their activity, size or location. As an industry, let’s demonstrate what social responsibility is and by doing so, help to illustrate to all Industry organisations how to translate CSR principles into effective actions, for future generations.
E: info@exsa.co.za T: +27 10 300 7907 www.exsa.co.za
SAACI NEWS
Leading SAACI into the next era By Rudi Van Der Vyver, chief executive officer of SAACI
As I’m writing this there is such a mix of emotions looking back at my absolutely wonderful time leading SAACI. Our industry is truly not just any industry – we are a global family.
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he amount of support and collaboration within our industry is truly inspiring and South Africa stands out for me in this sense. I am really pleased that we have been able to achieve so many great things, not only as the industry association, but also affecting and driving positive changes within our industry to cement a strong future for our members and their association. As I reflect on what we have achieved, I can’t help but look at where we started, and the targets we set for ourselves as the industry body. Our focus was and will always remain a member-centric one, but with the larger tourism industry also top of mind. I fully believe that we have been able to put South Africa and Southern Africa firmly back onto the world map, not
only with the quality of events, and the manner in which these projects are approached and delivered, but also with the broader effect we have had on tourism as a whole. We set out by asking ourselves how we could best serve our members within the industry. In doing so, we can have a positive effect on their business and future sustainability, and also advance our industry as a whole. We simplified our strategy based on the answers to the above conundrum, and came away with our key strategic focus areas of learning, growth and collaboration. We set off working on these objectives, and although our work is far from finished, we can confidently say we stuck to these focus areas. I believe that we are making a daily difference within the industry in growing people
through training and support offered by the association. We successfully piloted our RISE project, a rural incubation initiative, which is gaining more traction daily and is being rolled out to other provinces across South Africa, and soon Africa. Our networking/branch events are stronger than ever, with learning a key element. We have driven collaboration not only across our membership, but also from an international perspective with SAACI signing various reciprocity agreements with international and local stakeholders to align our efforts in a much more structured and targeted fashion. We have been working tirelessly on the true professionalisation of our industry, and I believe we made more strides here over the past few years than ever before. This is by no
means the end to our work or initiatives, but is merely a hand over to fresh eyes and new ideas. We must remain focused on innovation internally as we drive this concept externally. As I step away from SAACI formally, my passion for our association remains stronger than ever, and I must commend the incredible SAACI support team; our regional branch committees, our national board, our head office team, our stakeholders who are truly our partners, and of course our loyal SAACI members. SAACI is a member-based organisation and I can’t think of any greater example of collaboration, as a family, than the manner in which everyone works together on a daily basis to promote our association, our industry and our continent. Here’s to the next 32 years of driving our industry forward.
SITE NEWS
What the incentive industry can do to help keep our waters clean The statement around sustainability was the first of the ten statements of the Bangkok Manifesto to be selected by the assembly at SITE’s Global Conference in Thailand in January. By Raymon Honings, owner, travelmediate
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ncentive travel professionals, clearly, are passionate about doing right. In 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 net contributor to this.
Plastic pollution facts First the heavy part. 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 recently even 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 7 billion people produced over 320 million tons of plastic. This is set to double by 2034 (15 years from now!) Every day approximately 8 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 UK. Over 150 plastic bottles litter each mile of UK beaches. 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
What we’re all about: motivational experiences Why we do it? Business results! Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results. Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool across diverse industries, regions and cultures. Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make personal connections that sustain professional growth. Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organisation is Site...
Contact
Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com www.sitesouthernafrica.com www.siteglobal.com
SITE NEWS
1950 2.5 billion population
2016 7 billion population
1.5 million tons of plastic
per cent of seabird species examined. As an incentive specialist and a spoiled surfer, I travel the world, swim and surf in various oceans. As a surfer I am normally on my own, thinking only of myself, the line-up, the best beach with the greatest surf breaks. I take for granted that the beaches and the water are clean. Until now! I was shocked when I was in the water during my last Asia Pacific trip in December, paddling on my board seeing rubbish in the water. It was simply not the vibe I was hoping for after travelling 12 000 miles to get there. They say it is the time of the year and the current is drifting the rubbish coming from the inner lakes of Indonesia. As Mother Nature takes care, it moves towards the shores.
320 million tons of plastic
Luckily that is a natural way from Mr Ocean. But 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 where the incentive world is going—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, as an incentive professional, 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?
Who is Raymon Honings? He is the owner of travelmediate, a sales and representation company for DMC’s covering more than 60 destinations. He has two children living in Amsterdam, and rides his bicycle to the office every day.
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
July 2019 Vol 39 No 7 ADVERTISER
PAGE
WEBSITE
AAXO
40
aaxo@aaxo.co.za
www.aaxo.co.za
Africa Tourism Partners
24
info@africatourismpartners.com
www.africatourismpartners.com
Africa Associations Congress
1
mark@associationexecutives.org
www.associationscongress.com/ africa
Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre
IBC
quotes@birchwoodhotel.co.za
www.birchwoodhotel.co.za
Expo Guys
OFC
info@expoguys.co.za
www.expoguys.co.za
EXSA
41
exsa@exsa.co.za
www.exsa.co.za
Gallagher Convention Centre
IFC
gallagher@gallagher.co.za
www.gallagher.co.za
Gearhouse Group of Companies
OBC
jhb@gearhouse.co.za, dbn@gearhouse. co.za, ctn@gearhouse.co.za
www.gearhouse.co.za
MJunxion
4
yolande@mjunxion.co.za
www.mjunxion.co.za
Okhahlamba Conference and Sports Centre
25-28
winterton.tourism@gmail.com
www.okhahlamba.gov.za/tourism
Peermont Global
19-22
info@emperorspalace.com
www.emperorspalace.com
Plaslope
45
glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com
www.plaslope.com
SAACI
23, 42
info@saaci.org
www.saaci.org
SITE
43
info@sitesouthernafrica.com
www.sitesouthernafrica.com
South African Tourism
9-16
convention@southafrica.net
www.businessevents.southafrica.net
Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate
29
events@serengeti estates.co.za
www.serengeti.co.za
44 Business Events Africa July 2019
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 LOCAL: 2019 17-19 JULY: Mediatech Africa Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg Contact: Simon Robinson Tel: +27(0)11 025-3180 Email: simon@suncirclegroup.com www.mediatech.co.za 28-30 JULY: SAACI Congress Venue: Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani, Durban, South Africa Email: catherinet@turnersconferences.co.za www.saacicongress.org 7-9 AUGUST 2019: International Sourcing Fair Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg Contact: Sandra Jardim Tel: +27(0)11 549 8300 Email: sandra.jardim@reedexpoafrica.co.za www.internationalsourcingfair.co.za 18-20 AUGUST: Africa Associations Congress 2019 Venue: CSIR International Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa Email: mark@associationexecutives.org Tel: +44 (0) 20 8004 6300 www.associationexecutives.org/events/ africa-associations-congress-2019.html
27-29 AUGUST Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards 2019 Venue: Durban ICC, Durban Tel: +27 (0)81 303 7030 Email: info@tourismleadershipforum.africa www.tourismleadershipforum.africa 11-13 SEPTEMBER: SA Innovation Summit Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)82 708 1960 Email: info@innovationsummit.co.za www.innovationsummit.co.za 18 SEPTEMBER The Wine & Food Tourism conference Venue: Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Email: specialt@iafrica.com www.wineandfood.co.za 21 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER Drakensberg Extravaganza 2019 Venue: Bergille, KwaZulu-Natal Organiser: Sipho Ndaba Cell: +27(0)78 901 9997 Email: drakensbergextra@gmail.com www.drakensbergextra.co.za
INTERNATIONAL: 2019 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 22-24 NOVEMBER East Africa Tourism & Hospitality Expo 2019 Venue: Ushirika Grounds, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Email: sales@mikonospeakers.com Tel: +255 717 109 362 / +255 682 897 280 www.mikonoexpogroup.com/eathe
LOCAL: 2020 24 - 26 FEB 2020 Meetings Africa Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Tel: +27 11 895 3000 Email: convention@southafrica.net www.meetingsafrica.co.za
INTERNATIONAL: 2020 18-26 MARCH 2020 Eventex Awards and Creative Week Online ceremony Email: hey@eventex.co www.eventex.co
TEL: +27 11 452 1115 FAX: +27 11 452 3609 WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com EMAIL: glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com
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The bags are used for the safe movement of: • Government Departments • Foreign Exchange • Confidential Documents (Examinations, Elections, Passports, Visas etc.) • High Value Items (Diamonds, Precious Metals, Forensic Evidence, Cellphones, Computer Equipment) • Cash (Banks & Cash-in-Transit companies)
Business Events Africa July 2019 45
DIRECTORY
ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS
aaxo 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 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 COUNCIL OF EVENTS PROFESSIONALS AFRICA
EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
EXSA OFFICE t: +27 (0)10 300 7907 www.exsa.co.za Chair: Doug Rix t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Treasurer: Moses Nefale t: +27 (0)79 882 8616 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za Vice Chair: Gill Gibbs t: +27 (0) 83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za Association manager: Mark John Cartmell t: +27 (0)76 979 7003 e: info@exsa.co.za Board members Chad Botha t: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za Adele Hartdegen t: +27 (0)82 464 8702 e: Adele.hartdegen@gl-events.com Gabi Babinszky t: +27 (0)64 655 3323 e: gabi@brandexpro.co.za Cara Nortman t: +27 (0)79 254 9572 e: cara@ssqdesign.co.za Kerry Brannigan t: +27 (0)72 265 6600 e: kerry@brilliant-branding.co.za
Secretariat Office Melanie Sillince e: melanie@cepa.co.za t: +27 (0)83 653 2480 +27 (0)11 462 4014 www.cepa.co.za
Mike Mira t: +27 (0)83 445 2261 e: mike@efam.co.za Gary Van der Watt t: +27 (0)76 339 5320 e: gary@resourcedesign.co.za
EXCO Chairman: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm e: glenn@cepa.co.za
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS & CONVENTION ASSOCIATION
Vice Chairman: Gift Luthuli Gintan Luthuli Associates e: gift@cepa.co.za
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 Kenyatta International Convention Centre t: +254 20 326 1000 e: md@kicc.co.ke 179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za Chairperson: Greg McManus Vice-Chairperson: Neo Mohlatlole
Learning | Growth | collaboration BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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
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
46 Business Events Africa July 2019
COMMITTEE: Mande Bage Eastern Sun Events e: speakers@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 565 7513 Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619 Sadie Isaacs NMBT e: conference@nmbt.co.za c: +27 (0)82 990 7652 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
Chief executive officer: Rudi Van Der Vyver e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)84 580 9882
Chairperson: Lorin Bowen, Lorin Bowen Business Events c: +27 (0)82 433 8687 e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za
DIRECTORS
Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham, Sandton Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 e: michelle.bingham@tsogosun.com
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 Business Events 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
Treasurer: Sue Gannon EXSA Academy e: sue@cepa.co.za EVENT GREENING FORUM
SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY
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 c: +27 (0)82 707 3977 e: carmen@synergybe.co.za
C&E forum: Gwyn Matthews Southern Cross Conferences e: gwyn@scconferences.com c: +27 (0)21 683 5106
Chad Botha Inspire Furniture Rentals c: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za
Government representative: Nonnie Kubeka Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau e: nonnie@gauteng.net c: +27 (0)83 571 7410
John Arvanitakis Chatr’ Experiences c: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za
EASTERN CAPE
Minister Kganyago, ATKV Resorts c: +27 (0) 79 513 8708 e: ministerk@atkv.org.za
Chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987
Rendani Khorommbi Joburg Tourism c: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com
Vice-chairperson: David Limbert Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za t: +27 (0)41 393 4800
Ruth Baldwin Contact Publications c: +27 (0)72 897 6752 e: ruth@businesseventsafrica.com
www.businesseventsafrica.com
DIRECTORY Coordinator: Angelique Smith, SAACI Johannesburg c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org
Vice-chairperson: Angela Lorimer, Spier e: angelal@spier.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101
TSHWANE Chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046
Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau e: thiru@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600
Vice-chairperson: Melanie Pretorius CSIR ICC e: mpretorius1@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202
COMMITTEE: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org
Treasurer: Emily Naidoo CSIR ICC e: enaidoo@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)84 441 1005
Esti Venske CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.za
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
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 t: +27 (0)21 204 8000 e: zandri.s@ ccconferencecentre. co.za 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
SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE
Nonhlanhla Tshabalala City of Tshwane e: nonhlanhlat@tshwane.gov.za c: +27 (0)71 351 4458
Vice-chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27(0)84 505 0113
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
Treasurer: Kim Jackson Greyville Convention Centre t: +27 31 309 1430
Johan Venter e: johan@urbanginga.co.za c: +27 (0)83 558 2349
Branch coordinator: Amanda O Mathe Ndlovukazi Online Media e: amanda@ndlovukazionline.co.za
Kyasha Bhoola e: kyasha@africanlink.co.za c: +27 (0)72 614 0069
WESTERN CAPE Chairperson: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: jaques.fouche@ gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046
www.businesseventsafrica.com
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 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 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 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
KWA-ZULU NATAL Chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience c: +27 (0)83 293 5190
OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST
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
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 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 July 2019 47
THE LAST WORD
The ‘consumerisation’ of business travel is
driving innovation
A romantic getaway to the Maldives is far more exciting than planning a business trip to Pretoria. Not only is the journey for work rarely as exciting as a leisure getaway, but strict company rules and requirements tend to also complicate the corporate travel booking process.
T
echnology is essential in making booking corporate travel more exciting and rewarding. Road warriors are looking for consumer technologies that are not just on a par with the technology they use for personal travel, but that surpass it. In recent years, the corporate travel industry has witnessed a significant drive to improve user experiences, responding to the preferences of modern business travellers with more personalised products and offering a seamless, end-to-end service. Experts call this the ‘consumerisation’ of business travel, said Oz Desai, general manager of Corporate Traveller.
Business travel apps “The consumerisation of corporate travel is definitely happening. Travellers are telling us that when they travel for leisure, they have amazing tools, but when it comes to company trips, they have nothing. That is why Corporate Traveller is investing in traveller-centric solutions to change the perception of corporate travel and make it exciting again,” he said. Corporate Traveller recently introduced Sam:], Flight Centre Travel Group’s Smart Assistant Mobile App. Mr Desai explained Sam:]’ is programmed to keep travellers informed throughout their journey, from delivering weather updates at the destination to information on a traveller’s terminal gate, flight time changes and where to collect baggage. It has become widely accepted that
Who is Oz Desai? With a track record in business management and finance, Oz Desai heads up Flight Centre Travel Group’s Corporate Traveller brand in South Africa. He has worked in a retail travel, management and finance environment within the Flight Centre group, and is skilled in operations, sales, negotiations, budgeting and customer service.
48 Business Events Africa July 2019
employee productivity is intrinsically linked to their well-being, which is why it is vital to allow road warriors the opportunity to recharge their batteries. To this end, Sam:] suggests which restaurants and attractions to visit, and alerts travellers about traffic delays. Each Sam:] user is able to share personal travel tips and recommendations with fellow travellers. Sam:] presents this information so that only relevant pieces of data are presented to each user. The more a traveller uses Sam:], the more intelligent the chatbot becomes, and information delivered to the user is even more personalised. The Corporate Traveller App has built-in gamification activities. It will tell you that you’ve flown enough miles to reach the moon or you’ve flown 940 hours (equal to watching 403.49 Harry Potter films or 46.63 Star Wars sagas). Not only will Apps such as Corporate Traveller’s Sam:] make the booking experience more seamless and fun, but travellers are also helped to adhere to the rules and regulations of their company travel policy. According to Skift’s Andrew Sheivachman, one of the biggest challenges for companies is getting employees to book the way they’re supposed to book. The personalisation and consumer-friendly experience offered by Apps such as Sam:] can help to change that.
Apps aren’t the only way to consumerise the corporate travel experience In the hospitality industry, companies are being creative with online solutions that personalise the experience for corporate travellers. Virgin Hotels, for example, has created “The Know” programme, which asks guests a series of short questions to offer a more customised experience. “The more you let us know, the more we can pander to your every desire and personalise your stay. Maybe that means a mini-fridge, stocked with your favourite sips. Or the
perfect pillow to match your sleep style,” the hotel group says about its programme. Other hotels, such as Intercontinental Hotels, are going beyond a desktop and mobile-friendly experience with smart rooms kitted with voice control features.
Ease of payment When it comes to terms of payment, consumerisation is top of mind. As consumers become accustomed to different methods of paying their leisure trips, including mobile and invisible payments, they expect their business travel bookings to be just as easy. New research from Barclaycard reveals that the use of mobile wallets and invisible payments for business travel will grow over the next five years, as companies cater to traveller demand for ‘bleisure’ travel (a mix of business and leisure) and technologies that are used by leisure groups.
The human element As business tech evolves to keep up with the consumer world, the human travel consultant has a vital role to play. For corporate travel, travel agents are receiving renewed attention. Desai explains that Corporate Traveller experts are winning business for their ability to provide tailormade business travel experiences. Mr Desai explained: “Travellers today like to enlist the help of a travel expert for quick advice and efficient service, such as fast-track rental car services and pre-empted flight changes without breaking a sweat. There is nothing more comforting than knowing there is a caring human to help so you can travel with peace of mind. Not to mention the ability to get instant help 24/7 from your expert in any travel emergency.” When it comes to the consumerisation of travel, it is vital to keep the customer experience in mind. Travel can take its toll on employees, which is why technology and service must help to create a frictionless business experience that is just as enticing as the leisure experience. www.businesseventsafrica.com
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