SAACI NEWS
Building on our manifesto By Kim Roberts, national chairperson of SAACI
“We are a professional association that promotes sustainability within the business events industry in Southern Africa. We facilitate an enabling environment for learning, growth and collaboration. Our goal is to be the recognised professional association of the business events industry in Southern Africa.”
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his is the SAACI manifesto that was adopted a few years ago. Our board confirmed its absolute relevance at its recent strategy session – also that it will continue to guide SAACI’s activities into the future. Learning, growth and collaboration continue to be our drivers and form the foundation of a newly compiled 12 month, two year and five year strategy. But fear not. Our board and staff fully understand the current business environment and the numerous challenges faced by our members and the industry at large. Our strategy will therefore definitely not end up in a drawer. It is simple, focused and measurable. The board is focused on four main areas – stakeholder engagement, marketing, future
trends and the value of business events – for which action plans are now being finalised. Tracey Delport, Glenton de Kock and I will drive stakeholder engagement – among others, revisiting our memorandums of understanding and building new relationships. A fresh SAACI marketing campaign, of which our annual congress will form an integral part, is the responsibility of Lorin Bowen, Jaques Fouché and Minister Kganyago. Researching and communicating about future trends in the business events industry will be managed by Leon Pheiffer, Andrew Stewart and Denise Kemp. To accurately determine the value of business events in South Africa, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, Michelle
Bingham and Glenn our projects and Our board van Eck will roll out responses to indusand staff fully a comprehensive try needs remain understand the industry study. spot-on. current business Specific timelines Meanwhile, if you environment have been set for have not already and the all actions. I believe done so, please numerous you will agree with diarise our 2020 challenges faced me that, with the annual congress. by our members support of our head Themed ‘Welcoming and the industry office team and rethe Unknown’, at large gional secretariats, it will be held in SAACI will now have Johannesburg from one of the most hard-working 26 to 28 July. Changing times boards around! demand new thinking, requiring It is important, however, to us to push boundaries. We beemphasise that while we con- lieve this congress will assist delstantly endeavour to make a egates to address the unknown difference in our members’ and, importantly, provide tools businesses, we will continue to to tackle it! Bookings will open rely on members to update us at Meetings Africa in February. about their realities, questions Oh, also do not forget to visit and challenges. Effective two- our revamped website – www. way communication will help saaci.org. We are keen to hear ensure that, as an association, your comments!
THE ASSOCIATION FOR CONFERENCE INDUSTRY LEADERS
CONNECT SAACI unites , supports and educates the business
events industry in southern Africa by creating sustainable environment for business growth
THRIVE Join SAACI and enjoy access to an inspiring network of industry professionals, while giving your business the professional status it needs to attract the attention of business leaders. GROW Become the business events professional you’ve always wanted to be. Access the SAACI Academy and enter a world of inspiration, connections and world-class skills development. Visit our online community: www.saaci.org www.saacicongress.org www.saaci-academy.org
+27(0)11 880 5883 info@saaci.org Learning | Growth | collaboration
