Building on our manifesto

“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.”

This 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 van Eck will roll out a comprehensive industry study.

Specific timelines have been set for all actions. I believe you will agree with me that, with the support of our head office team and regional secretariats, SAACI will now have one of the most hard-working boards around!

It is important, however, to emphasise that while we constantly endeavour to make a difference in our members’ businesses, we will continue to rely on members to update us about their realities, questions and challenges. Effective twoway communication will help ensure that, as an association, our projects and responses to industry needs spot-on. Meanwhile, if you have not already done so, please diarise our 2020 annual congress. Themed ‘Welcoming the Unknown’, it will be held in Johannesburg from 26 to 28 July. Changing times demand new thinking, requiring us to push boundaries. We believe this congress will assist delegates to address the unknown and, importantly, provide tools to tackle it! Bookings will open at Meetings Africa in February. Oh, also do not forget to visit our revamped website – www. saaci.org. We are keen to hear your comments!