Business Events Africa September 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 39 No 9 September 2019

CHANGING SANDTON’S

SKYLINE FOREVER

R

O

N FO

S

B

U

PE

S

SINE

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

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

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

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

CONTENTS

VOL 39 NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2019

26

africa.com

vents www.businesse

nts Industry Business Eve Voice of the

CHANGING

in Africa

ember 2019 Vol 39 No 9 Sept

’S

SANDTON

REVER SKYLINE FO

Special Features About the cover The Leonardo: Changing Sandton’s skyline forever South Africa’s leading private developer and operator of luxury hotels and resorts is about to open what is certainly one of the most talked about buildings for the last fifty years.

25 REPORT BACK | AFRICAN DISTRIBUTOR CONFERENCE Scan Display hosted representatives from 12 African countries at its first African Distributor Conference in Johannesburg at the beginning of June 2019.

26 DESTINATION FEATURE | MOZAMBIQUE As a diving hotspot, a honeymoon haven and wild beach escape, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago ticks many boxes, especially when it comes to business travel.

17

Top culinary venues This month, Business Events Africa presents a selection of top culinary venues and looks at conference food and beverage trends in 2019.

18 NH The Lord

19 Hilton Sandton 20 Greyville

20 Gallagher

21 Durban

Charles Hotel

Convention Centre

Convention Centre

International Convention Centre

21 Sandton

Convention Centre

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

28 Venue spotlight 28 EMPERORS PALACE LAUNCHES TRENDY NEW ROOFTOP VENUE OLYMPUS SKY BAR Johannesburg’s elite will soon be flocking to the newly-refurbished Olympus Sky Bar at the Peermont Metcourt hotel at Emperors Palace. The rooftop venue boasts panoramic views of the city, a fully-equipped bar and exclusive entry, while being conveniently located next to OR Tambo International Airport.

Features 4 Editor’s comment I salute you, Godfrey King for being a true leader 5 News World Economic Forum on Africa set to boost Cape economy.

Year-End Events 22 Premier Hotels & Resorts: Affordable year-end deals at Premier Hotels & Resorts 23 Bounce Inc: Don’t settle for a “normal” venue A local perspective 24 Augmenting creativity: How brands can use AI to fuel creative experiences Executive chef 30 Willie Mcotoyi: Cooking unites Q&A 31 Premier is set for further growth Innovative Activities 32 Spier: Uplifting the delegate experience Incentive Destination 34 Hayward’s Grand Safari Company: Africa’s top chartered incentive destination to see the big five Market news 35 Legacies: ICCA and BestCities announce 2019 winners of Incredible Impacts Grants

Venue news 36 City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers awarded four-star classification 37 Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore opens Event Greening Forum news 38 Q&As SAACI news 40 At the helm of SAACI EXSA news 41 Consumer exhibitions and events risks and benefits AAXO news 42 New AAXO board elected SITE news 43 Bangkok Manifesto Statement #6 Market news 44 E-visa: Augmenting Ethiopia’s potential as a conference hub 44 Index of advertisers.

45 Calendar.

46 Directory & associations of interest to the industry.

48 Last word How to engage the younger generation?

South Africa National Convention Bureau

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

HEAD OFFICE PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610 HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 PUBLISHER: Godfrey King gk@contactpub.co.za MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za JUNIOR DESIGNER: 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 9 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:

Learning | Growth | collaboration

aaxo

Official media partner

9

Business Events Africa, in partnership with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements. In this supplement we look at Meetings Africa 2020, the fifteenth edition of Africa’s premier business events trade show.

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

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

W

e are in a world of much unpredictability.

No matter how much planning we do, things don’t always work out the way we imagine.

Our publisher, Godfrey King’s passing on 23 August, has left me feeling devastated.

He was without a doubt a true leader in all aspects of his life. He started the magazine 39 years ago and saw the potential the business events industry would have on our country.

He was one of the founders of SAACI (Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry) and understood the importance of such associations.

Godfrey was passionate about our industry and was always looking at ways to assist the industry partners.

He was a visionary and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

I am very sad that I am not able to give him a call and ask his advice. He was my mentor, and if it wasn’t for him I would never have entered this amazing industry.

Godfrey was such a gentleman and never did things in haste. He taught me about the importance of relationships in this industry. He had the most amazing industry knowledge and was able to back it up with the history and the untold background story. I could listen to him for days, and still his stories would be endless.

When I started with Contact Publications, Godfrey always said we are not bystanders of this industry, but we are part and parcel of this sector. We look after our industry, and if our industry partners do well, we do well. This is something that has always stayed with me.

Over the years, this has become even clearer. We are not just colleagues, we, collectively, make this sector and we all have a part to play, no matter how big or small that part is. We are a family and the relationships we make daily are a testament to this.

I have so much to say about Godfrey but one thing I wish I had told him

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

I salute you, Godfrey King for being a true leader was that he was my hero and that every day, when I go about doing my daily work I always think – ‘what would Godfrey have done’ because I then know I’m on the right track.

I have much gratitude for all he taught me. I also feel much sadness, but at this same time happiness that he is now at peace and that his suffering is over and he has gone to meet his most beloved Creator.

To our amazing leader, I salute you, Godfrey King! You will always be missed but never forgotten.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

NEWS

World Economic Forum on Africa set to boost Cape economy

Cape Town and the Western Cape warmly welcomed delegates attending World Economic Forum on Africa to the Mother City in early September.

T

his conference is a major boost for the brand of the destination, and will assist in our efforts to promote tourism, trade, investment and film in Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa.

Tim Harris, chief executive officer of Wesgro, explained: “This major conference boosted the Cape economy in two ways: in direct spending by delegates attending this important international event, as well as boosting the brand of the Cape as an economic and ideas hub on the continent. This is incredibly important for our promotion efforts, as the world’s eyes will be on Cape Town.”

The conference also showcased the world-class offering of Cape Town as a business tourism destination. The city of Cape Town mayoral committee member for economic opportunities and asset management, James Vos added: “Delegates got to experience the business opportunities that exist in Cape Town.

This established our brand as the go-tocity on the African continent and beyond as a hub for trade and investment. We warmly welcomed delegates to Cape Town and were available to answer any of their www.businesseventsafrica.com

investment queries during their visit.”

Wesgro collaborated with Brand South Africa in their WEF Africa media tour.

The briefing at Workshop 17 at the V&A Waterfront was attended by minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, deputy minister in the presidency, Thembi Siweya, provincial minister for finance and economic opportunities, David Maynier and acting chief executive officer of Brand South Africa, Thulisile Manzini.

Mr Maynier said “There is an abundance of investment opportunities in a variety of sectors that we’d like you to consider across Africa, South Africa and the Western Cape. There is more to Cape Town and the Western Cape than meets the eye.

We are a beautiful place to visit but also a top business destination, and an economic powerhouse on the African continent.”

Some key facts that showcase the economic offering of Cape Town and the Western Cape include: The Cape is Africa’s tech hub, with the Cape Town-Stellenbosch tech ecosystem employing more people than that of Lagos and Nairobi combined.

The Western Cape is an attractive destination for foreign direct investment,

According to research by the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, an international conference that attracts around

1000

delegates will have an estimated economic impact of

R19-million.

The WEF on Africa will therefore result in a sizable injection into the local economy.

attracting over 299 projects in the last 10 years, exceeding more than US$7 billion.

The Western Cape is the fastest growing green economy in Africa, with 70 per cent of all South African renewable energy manufacturing taking place in the Western Cape.

The Cape is the film and media capital, with over 5000 locations in Cape Town alone, and home to the world-class, custom built Cape Town Film Studios.

The Western Cape is a global exporter, with total exports from the Cape to the rest of Africa amounting to over US$ 3.2 billion.

Cape Town is the business events capital in Africa, with the city attracting more conferences than any other African city.

Business Events Africa September 2019 5

COVER STORY | The Leonardo

Changing the Sandton skyline forever

South Africa’s leading private developer and operator of luxury hotels and resorts is about to open what is certainly one of the most talked about buildings for the last fifty years. At 234 metres, The Leonardo, located at 75 Maude Street, Sandton, is already the highest building in Africa. When the building opens to the public in late 2019, it will have changed the skyline of Africa’s richest square mile forever.

6 Business Events Africa September 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | The Leonardo

L

egacy has also confirmed that

of The Leonardo, have released a

towards the end of 2020. The

fact sheet that provides insights into

exact number of rooms and their sizes has not been disclosed, but judging by

FAST FACTS

Legacy Hotels & Resorts, developers

an ultra-luxury hotel will open

The Leonardo is a mixeduse development.

this unique mixed use property.

19 floors of apartments, six floors of

the world-class offering provided by

offices, four floors of penthouses and

Legacy at their nearby Michelangelo

an entertainment deck consisting of

and Davinci hotels, the new property

a pool area, with HD television screen,

will be well worth the wait.

a bar, a spa, a gym and a 160 seater

The building will be just over 230 metres from Maude Street.

The building is some 122 000 m2 in area

Having identified a gap in the market

restaurant with what Legacy are calling

for a conference and events centre that

a Wine Library, are some of the features

can accommodate between 20-300

that The Leonardo has to offer.

people, in the middle of Sandton, Legacy

The building is being developed

by Legacy Group and Nedbank. success of Legacy’s team to sell high-

All of this will be surrounded by a

end units at the prices that have been

have built a state-of-the-art facility

bespoke art collection consisting of

achieved, is validation of the quality of the

that will offer catering from the new

more than 50 pieces of art, crafted

development and the faith that buyers

Aurum restaurant, that is opening on

exclusively for The Leonardo. Each

have in Legacy’s financial strength.

the seventh floor, operated by well-

piece of art was conceptualised in

known restaurateur Paulo Santo.

consultation with curator Marcus

The conference centre has been

Bart Dorrestein, chairman of the Legacy Group, said: “For everybody involved with

Neustetter and then produced by local

designed to meet a wide range of

African artists. Legacy won’t say what

needs including corporate events,

the art collection is worth, but they have

shareholders meetings, launch

spent tens of millions of Rands to provide

functions, awards ceremonies, gala

a platform for South African artists.

dinners and even a live broadcast.

Sales of the 240 residential apartments

This facility will most certainly be an

in The Leonardo also appear to have

attraction for all the local corporates

gone very well, with only a handful left.

and companies in Sandton.

In a difficult economic environment, the

Technologically-advanced building with amazing WiFi connectivity throughout, including the apartments which are essentially designed for the Internet of Things. Residents can manage their apartment and access from their mobile phones.

Business Events Africa September 2019 7

COVER STORY | The Leonardo

The building encompasses: basement levels.

floors of apartments.

Five floors of offices.

duplex floors encompassing apartments and plantrooms for the building.

There will be a roof deck on floor 56.

apartments in total.

floors of penthouses. unique and special penthouse taking up 3 floors at the top of the building covering 3 200m2: 1 900 m2 entertainment space and 1 300 m2 of gardens.

Five podium levels including conferencing facilities, retail offerings, a gym, a pool and pool bar, a spa, a crèche.

the project, The Leonardo is a statement

help keep people employed, and that

can we give young aspiring artists an

about our belief in South Africa’s future.

is something that should be embraced

opportunity to be part of this journey?”

It tells the world that South African

in these tough times,” he said.

companies are excited about what the

Mr Dorrestein added: “When overseas

“I think you could describe Legacy as a lifestyle company. We create,

future holds, and we are putting our

investors come to South Africa, most

build and manage projects and

capital to work to invest in that future.”

of them stay in Sandton, so having an

programmes that people can enjoy

iconic building like The Leonardo will

and from which they can benefit.”

“You know that the Empire State

“We have beautiful hotels and lodges in

building was built in 1930-31 in the middle

have an additional benefit for us as a

of the Great Depression, and that building

business and hopefully for the country.”

great locations where people can have a

became a beacon of hope. It said we are

“I think our approach is very different

wonderful time and make memories. We

here to stay, and we are investing in our

to many other organisations. When you

have a fantastic rewards programme that

future. And that is what The Leonardo is.”

undertake a project like this, there is

has more than 900 000 members where

“The other important thing about

always a lot of planning that goes into the

we negotiate rewards for them with

a project like this is the jobs that are

project. But over and above the planning,

well-known retail and lifestyle partners.

created. There are 2 000 people on

we put thought into what we are doing.”

We always put our customers first. If we

site at The Leonardo every day, and at

“Let me give you an example. Many

the end of the week they take home a

new buildings have art in them. We

pay cheque. So for us, we are trying to

have commissioned several emerging

look after them, then everything else will fall into place,” he concluded.

African artists to create unique art pieces

All of the public areas are exactly that – open to the public.

Legacy is building a wonderful restaurant with an amazing wine cellar and we want the public to come and visit and enjoy what the building has to offer.

for the building. The commissioning of the artists was done ages ago, so that the art becomes an all-inclusive feature of the building. Some of these pieces are very big. We didn’t say “Let’s put some art pieces into the building.”

We asked: “How can we make the art a centre piece of the building and how

8 Business Events Africa September 2019

www.theleonardo.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

When shared minds come together, we advance Africa.

24 FEBRUARY 2020: BONDAY

25-26 FEBRUARY 2020:

EXHIBITION SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Meetings Africa 15 year anniversary

When shared minds we advance Africa Meetings Africa is a Pan-African business events trade show that is celebrating its 15 year anniversary in 2020. The trade show was born in response to the global meetings industry’s growing recognition of Africa as a sought-after premier business events destination.

M

eetings Africa is a two-day trade show with a dedicated Educational Day, BONDay, which is executed in conjunction with the key industry associations (SAACI, SITE, EXSA, Event Greening Forum and ICCA).

The fifteenth edition of Meetings Africa will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 24 - 25 February 2020. Here, meetings industry professionals partner to enhance our continent through business events and tourism offerings.

ADVANCING AFRICA TOGETHER Connect to one of the fastest growing and exciting business destinations in the world, when blossoming growing global economies and shared minds unite.

With business events sustaining over 200 000 jobs and the meetings sector alone contributing R115-billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product, the sector has been identified as key to the country’s and the continent’s tourism growth.

We continue building on the Shared Economies theme in 2020 – with continued specific focus on regionalisation as a continental strategy, and how this enhances the positioning and value offering for the business events industry in Africa.

Amanda KotzeNhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau: “At Meetings Africa 2019, Africa came out in full force to support and showcase what business events is about on the African continent. The show’s success comes from its regionalisation – ensuring a focus on the African continent, with the largest number of African exhibitors under one roof showcasing themselves to global and local buyers. Hosting the show over two days ensures that it has high impact with a streamlined networking system.

At Meetings Africa 2020 we will continue to enhance the collaboration between African countries and African associations so as to create more shared economic benefits for the continent’s business events sector. It is about cooperating first and then competing. This

makes the African industry stronger and better, with an increased economic impact.

Success lies in the numbers and at Meetings Africa 2019 we had the biggest representation of African countries exhibiting and a total of 65 countries represented on the show floor. There was a definite ‘magic’ on the floor. Increased interest from buyers is testament to the growth of the business events industry in Africa in recent years.

The show’s further success lies in its maturity. Meetings Africa provides a conducive environment to do business.

As it grows year on year, we constantly improve on the hosted buyer programme and the diary system to make sure that we drive return on investment (ROI), so participants really see the value. We put a high premium on ROI for both exhibitors and buyers.Africa is ready to host business events and together, really advance Africa together.”

10 Business Events Africa September 2019

The meetings industry’s contribution to jobs and GDP is not just a South African story but an African one too.

What Meetings Africa has to offer?

The trade show was created in response to the high interest and growing recognition that Africa has received from the global meetings industry, making us a sought-after event that ultimately contributes towards the continent’s economic growth. The event consists of a two-day trade show which hosts a variety of meetings, such as BONDay, and an educational day, which are executed in conjunction with the key industry associations (SAACI, SITE, EXSA, Event Greening Forum and ICCA).

Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa Meetings Africa has earned its place as Africa’s premier business events trade show. The show attracts quality buyers from around the world and superior business events products and services from across the continent.

With the SANCB’s involvement and leadership, Meetings Africa has grown significantly. It has become the preferred meeting place for the business events industry on the African continent. It offers international buyers and exhibitors an African platform to meet and bring together global industry leaders to advance the business events industry on the continent.

Delegates who attend the show are treated to a robust event programme catering to buyers and exhibitors.

Certain classic elements of the Meetings Africa programme will retained in 2020 while other aspects will be refined to make Meetings Africa 2020 better and more impactful.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

come together, We believe that shared minds are shared power.

BONDay Proven to be a key, unmissable event for anyone who wants to grow his or her business, BONDay (Business Opportunities Networking Day) has established itself as a prime business networking platform for both local and international businesses. The event

is filled with endless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Furthermore, you will be exposed to high-profile speakers and receive first-hand advice on how to advance your business growth. This is crucial for people who want to secure potential buyers and reap the benefits of success.

Who visits the event?

• African, international and local meeting and event planners.

• Association buyers who organise international conventions.

• Local corporate executives who book business travel.

• Travel agencies.

• In-house events co-ordinators.

• Incentive houses.

• Conference organisers.

• Sales and promotion agencies.

• Marketing companies.

• PR agencies.

Why Meetings Africa 2020?

Bongiwe Nzeku

Head:Business Development & Support Services It’s an important platform for Business Events for the African continent, both for networking and business.

Swazi Dlamini

Hosted Buyer Programme Officer It’s an opportunity to meet with exceptional quality international buyers from over 70 countries.

Merryl Fairfoot

Sales Manager It’s an opportunitty for suppliers and venues to hold one-on-one meetings with over 600 qualified international, regional and national qualiefied buyers over a 2 day period.

Fikiswa Mgolombane

Hosted Buyer Programme Officer It’s a great platform for our African exhibitors to market themselves to the world.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Tshepo Maseko

Sales Manager: MIC It is not only the the largest business events trade exhibition in Africa, but is also a trade platform with the largest number of association buyers.

Nico Vilakazi

Support Services Coordinator Meetings Africa is the best platform on the continent to network and do business.

Gugu Mchunu MIC: Sales Officer Meetings Africa is the only business show of its kind on the African Continent.

Mdu Biyela

Coordinator: Business Development & Research Because we are the only Pan African leading business events trade show.

Veruschka Rugbeer

Sales Officer Meetings Africa is a platform which unites Africa with the world by exploring business within the MICE value chain.

Nitta Sukha

Project Manager: Trade Platforms The only platform that showcases the best in the business events industry, with proven ROI for buyers and exhibitors.

Business Events Africa September 2019 11

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Why Meetings Africa 2020?

The exhibition organisers of Meetings Africa had this to say:

Tiisetso Tau

Managing Director Meetings Africa is a cornerstone of promoting Africa as MICE destination. The Tourism sector is a key driver of job creation.

Carmen Rudd

Sales and Marketing Manager Meetings Africa and its impact on the meetings industry contributes to the economic growth and knowledge environment of the African continent.

Phetogo Kubheka Account

Christinah Ratsoma Project

Chantelle Ndlovu Project

Khauhelo Rasemetse

Rembu Moshapo

Gisele Masengo

Rose Madela

Alshanthe Smith

Boitumelo Mochekele

Anda Peter

Manager If you’re not at Meetings Africa you are losing out on great potential business and much-needed industry connections and collaborations.

Sales Executive Meetings Africa provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings to African associations, and international and local corporate buyers.

Administrator Meetings Africa provides a business platform to interact with local and African exhibitors. It furthermore contributes to our tourism economy.

Sales Executive Meetings Africa is a world-class show that aims to transform the MICE Industry on the African continent.

Administrator Meetings Africa serves as the primary platform to enable the growth of South Africa and the rest of the continents business events industry.

Sales Executive Meetings Africa is an ever-growing MICE show that encourages sustainable and responsible tourism.

Client Liaison Officer Meetings Africa is a premium business events exhibition show that showcases Africa’s best MICE offerings to the world.

Project Manager Meetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to present your products, services and brands to senior decision-makers, buyers and influencers.

ECO REPORT

While numbers have increased year-on-year, the team has kept track of the energy consumption, waste created and carbon emissions associated with the event.

Exhibitors and hosted buyers are invited to offset their carbon emissions through procurement of renewable energy certificates (RECs) or trees.

Other greening initiatives include a premium on all bottled water soldonsite, LED lights for exhibitions, recycled content used for décor, a full recycling programme and messaging about the sustainability initiatives in the exhibition area.

The Green Hotel Award and Green Stand Awards were handed out in recognition of the environmental and social efforts implemented by the winners. This encourages proactive implementation and showcases the dedication of SANCB towards hosting a sustainable event with a lasting impact.

12 Business Events Africa September 2019

Office Manager Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products within the Business Tourism Industry.

Branding Manager Meetings Africa is a platform to showcase your identity and offerings to the world and create partnership opportunities.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Hosted buyers Today, the Meetings Africa hosted buyer programme is one of the best, securing high quality buyers who come to the show with the commitment to do business in South Africa and Africa. This hosted buyer programme delivers and ensures a high ROI for exhibitors.

Hosted buyer qualification requirements: To be accepted onto the Meetings Africa Hosted Buyer Programme, all applicants will be required to demonstrate the following: 1. M ust not have attended Meetings Africa in the past three years.

2. O ne applicant per organisation from the following categories: • A recognised incentive travel house executive/senior purchaser • A recognised international event management company executive • Corporate meeting director/senior purchaser • An association president/executive/ director of conferences, and • An exhibition or major events organiser. *Applicants representing travel clubs, weddings, sport or vacation packages should not apply.

Hosted Buyer Criteria •P urchasing authority for placing meetings, events, incentive or business travel.

• Organisation consistently books meetings or incentive travel programmes outside of the buyers geographic region, and proof of these is available on request for verification.

• Africa is a serious consideration in the organisation within the next two years, or the next two meeting rotations (in terms of associations).

• Must be able communicate fairly well in the English language and have a willingness to engage with African suppliers (20 meetings in total).

Hosted Buyer Benefits • Complimentary economy-class flights and transfers.

• Complimentary four- and five-star accommodation.

• Access to the VIP Hosted Buyers Lounge and delicious lunches.

• An invitation to attend a complimentary pre or post tour and explore a breathtaking South African destination.

• A unique opportunity to meet key

industry suppliers from over twelve African countries.

• Invitations to exciting networking events.

• A personalised diary of meetings enabling you to have one-on-one meetings with key African suppliers, convention bureaus and tourism bodies.

• For associations, the opportunity to attend educational events that will enhance you and your association.

• Buyers who do not qualify for the full hosting package, may still qualify for a partial hosting which excludes return air tickets. Other benefits remain the same as above.

Meetings Africa serves as the primary platform to enable the growth of South Africa, and the rest of the continent’s business events industry and ultimately contribute towards the continent’s economic growth.

INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS: QUALIFICATION PROCESS Official hosted buyer partners: convention bureaus, destination marketing companies, SAT country managers, convention centres send invitation to apply

Unique codes to reduce rejections and improve quality: • Reduce the cost of the qualification process.

• Improve the monitoring of applications.

• Invite to go to pre-qualified buyers.

Hosted buyers to apply

Qualification process starts and comments are provided to the SANCB

Qualification to be discussed

Qualified buyers announced

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Potential hosted buyers would apply using their unique codes.

Once a code is used, it is deactivated to avoid sending it to any other buyer.

SANCB agrees, or disagrees with the verdict.

If consensus is reached then the buyer gets a approval/rejection notification.

Business Events Africa September 2019 13

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Meetings Africa 2019

numbers Total attendees 2019

3 204

Total exhibiting companies

344

African exhibiting countries represented

16

2019 HOSTED BUYERS: TOP 10 REPRESENTED COUNTRIES Germany Switzerland 4% India 5% 5%

African exhibitors (products and boards)

102 from 16 African countries (excluding South Africa)

Media

126

UK 6%

First time African countries represented include Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Mauritius.

Total buyers (hosted and non hosted)

517

Countries represented by buyers

65

Number of universities

15

Total Future Leader Students

67

Total confirmed meetings

Russian Fed 5%

South Africa 32% Poland 6%

France 7% USA 23% China 7%

7 755 (1 357 more than 2018)

Majority of the Buyers that were hosted were predominantly planners, financial decision makers and Influencers.

Annual Event Budget of Hosted buyers < R250,000 R500,000 –R1 million R250,000 –R500,000 < US$ 35,000 > R3 million US$ 35,000 to US$70,000

Designation Level – Hosted Buyers

22%

22%

14% Middle Management

R1 million –R3 million

14% 3%

Owner / Partner / Associate

> US$ 400,000

US$ 70,000 to US$140,000

Other US$ 140,000 to US$400,000

WHERE ARE THE HOSTED BUYERS FROM? India, Poland, Brazil, Canada, Turkey, Sweden, Kuwait, Portugal, Uruguay, Latvia, Japan, Costa Rica, Slovak Republic, United States of America, Germany, Belgium, Egypt, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Oman, Norway, Honduras, Lithuania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, France, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Ukraine, Argentina, Israel, Romania, Hong Kong, Kenya, Guayana Province, Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, South Africa, United Kingdom, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Denmark, Philippines, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Columbia, Azerbaijan, Ghana, Korea, Russian Federation, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Tanzania, Botswana, Vietnam, Mexico, Angola, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Pakistan.

14 Business Events Africa September 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Meetings Africa 2019 Exhibitor Stats Total Exhibitors 344

Purchasing Responsibility – Hosted Buyers

3%

Financial Decision Maker

35%

African Exhibitors (excluding SA) 16 Sharing Exhibitors (excluding SA) 191

Influence / Research / Recommend

35%

None Plan / Organise Administrative

2%

23%

Majority of buyers hosted by South African Tourism had an annual budget of more than

2%

400 000 USD

Exhibitor category breakdown

14%

AFRICAN COUNTRIES AND PRODUCTS THAT PARTICIPATED

Accommodation & conference venues

8%

Rest of Africa Services SMME Development Zone

43% 20%

CVBs & Provinces Table Top Development Zone

13%

SMME DEVELOPMENT ZONE: 15 products participated in 2019 Participation criteria in line with Exhibition and NDT TIP programme.

These products were in their second year of participating at the show.

31% • Botswana

• Seychelles

• Malawi

• Mozambique

• Radisson Blu Nigeria

• Zimbabwe Tourism

• Arusha ICC

• Mulungushi ICC

• Yala Safari

• Happy Valley

• President Hotel

• Swaziland

• DusitD2 Nairobi

• Uganda

• UNECA

• Radisson Blue Lusaka

• Movenpick • Nigeria • Reunion Island • Rwanda

6%

Business Matchmaking Total 16 769 meeting requests Confirmed: 7 755 Declined: 1 056 Cancelled: 2 407 Pending: 303 Expired: 5 248

46%

1357

more confirmed meetings than 2018!

46% of all meeting requests were confirmed.

• Kenya International Convention Centre

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2% 15%

Declined meetings due to insufficient information on exhibitor / buyer profiles. Meeting organisers are encouraged to communicate strong meeting motivations when sending requests.

Year on year we see a large number (31%) of Expired meeting requests.

Participants often prefer to let a meeting request expire rather than to decline.

Business Events Africa September 2019 15

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Why exhibit at Meetings Africa 2020?

Who is invited to exhibit at Meetings Africa 2020?

• Meet over 400 highly qualified hosted buyers.

• Face-to-face meetings with key decision makers.

• Targeted business matchmaking (online diary system).

• Network with industry colleagues across multiple sectors.

• Launch new product and service offerings.

• Update the industry on your existing products.

• Participate in networking events and educational sessions.

Meetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to present your products, services and brands to senior decision-makers, buyers and influencers. Meet local and international professionals from the meetings, events and business travel industry.

• National, provincial and local tourism authorities • African tourism authorities and products WHAT’S IN IT FOR • Convention and visitor bureaus EXHIBITORS? • Conference and exhibition centres Meetings Africa provides a • Hotel and accommodation providers platform for exhibitors to showcase • Destination management companies their offerings to African associations, and international and local corporate • Events-management specialists planners. Take this opportunity to meet • Professional conference organisers face to face with the most influential • Transportation companies buyers in the world, allowing you • Business events service providers to build powerful partnerships that influence your • Cruiseliners businesses growth.

• Spa resorts • Trade associations • Travel trade publications

BASIC FABRIC PACKAGE

WALK ON FABRIC PACKAGE

EXECUTIVE STANDARD PACKAGE

R602.10

R860.70

R2 323.50

R1 893.20

• • • • •

• • • • •

• F ull reusable seamless fabric walling • Artwork (three hours included) • 1 x plug point • 2 x spotlights • Tiled carpeting (Colour of your choice) • 2 x conference chairs • 1 x glass or chrome round table • 1 x lockable cabinet • 1x bin • 1 x executive brochure holder

• F ull reusable seamless fabric walling • Artwork (three hours included) • 1 x plug point • 2 x spotlights • Tiled carpeting (Colour of your choice) • 2 x conference chairs • 1 x glass or chrome round table • 1 x lockable cabinet • 1x bin • 1 x executive brochure holder

Shell-scheme walling Fascia (Company Name) 1 x plug point 2 x spotlights Tiled carpeting (Colour of your choice)

FLOOR SPACE RATES (Please note all rates exclude VAT.)

• • • •

Shell-scheme walling Fascia (Company Name) 1 x plug point 2 x spotlights Tiled carpeting (Colour of your choice) 2 x conference chairs 1 x glass or chrome round table 1 x lockable cabinet 1x bin

Standard floor space: R3 674.80 per m²

Prime/corner floor space:

EXECUTIVE PRIME/ CORNER PACKAGE

R3 892.30 per m²

Contact details Exhibitors stand sales: Sales manager: Carmen Rudd E: sales@meetingsafrica.co.za Sales team Rembu Mashapo Jocelyne Mukendi Rose Madela E: exhibitor@meetingsafrica.co.za General queries info@meetingsafrica.co.za T: +27 11 476 5104

DISCOUNT STRUCTURE Regional African exhibitors and first-time exhibitors 10%

10%

Registered TOMSA levy collectors as of 30 June 2019 with all TOMSA levies collected and paid over to TOMSA

20%

Registered TGCSA members as of 30 June 2019

10%

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

5%

Maximum discount is limited to 25% irrespective of how many of the above categories an exhibitor qualifies for. The discount structure will apply to floor space rates only and are not applicable to package options. EXTENSION: 100% PAYMENT BY MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

16 Business Events Africa September 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Presents

TOP Culinary

venues

TOP CULINARY VENUES

NH The Lord Charles Hotel

NH The Lord Charles Hotel has a spectacular setting in between the world-famous Cape Winelands, the Helderberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is out of this world, and it’s perfectly placed for exploring.

N

H The Lord Charles offers modern, fully-equipped conferencing facilities with 12 meeting rooms to suit a variety of needs. The venues have small meeting rooms for intimate gatherings, as well as larger venues for up to 450 delegates.

Henrico Grobbelaar (40), Executive Chef of NH The Lord Charles Hotel, has been in the industry for over 18 years.

He has become a leading chef with a

long list of accolades, most notably winning Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2009 and San Pellegrino International Young Chef of the World 2009.

His enviable resumé lists positions including Executive Chef to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland 2010 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

What are the popular conference foods of 2019?

People tend to go for simpler, recognisable and healthier options.

Conference food & beverage trends in 2019?

Clients want to be involved in their dining experience.

Conferences: Individual food station, popcorn stations, interactive food tables. Sharing menus.

Beverages: Craft Bars – Gin, Rum, Beer. Barista coffee stations.

Global trends?

Fermentation, smoking and open fire cooking.

CAPE TOWN • SOUTH AFRICA www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/ nh-cape-town-the-lord-charles

18 Business Events Africa September 2019

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TOP CULINARY VENUES

Hilton Sandton Hilton Sandton offers distinctive spaces in a prime location for conferences and events.

Each of our nine meeting rooms is completely customisable and features state-of-the-art technology. For added convenience, our meeting facilities are located on the same floor as full-service business centre, restaurant and bar.

The Hilton Sandton team looks at current culinary trends.

W

hether a board meeting for ten people or a conference for 1000 delegates, the hotel can accommodate all their guests’ meeting needs under one roof.

The hotel boasts nine customised meeting rooms and a grand ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests.

The ballroom and banquet facilities are connected to an outdoor terrace and are close to the pool – perfect for enjoying the sunshine as you celebrate your special occasion.

What are the current trends?

• Sustainability stories: An emphasis on sustainability and healthfulness in food processing will continue to grow.

• Plant-based: This is growing in popularity in grocery stores and restaurants as consumers view these products as healthy and environmentally-friendly.

• Grow your own/ organic roof top gardens: More consumers will get a taste of produce grown with or without soil or sunlight, as the scope of high-tech indoor agriculture, both hydroponic and aerologic growing, expands in the marketplace.

• Beverages: Botanical flavours have been increasing in popularity for a while thanks to popular craft and golden lattes flavoured with turmeric. Local flavored liquors

Meeting and event highlights • 6 460 square foot ballroom, capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests, or divisible into three venues.

• Nine spacious and functional meeting rooms; several with natural light.

• Meeting additions available, including breaks, lunch, parking, Wi-Fi, and select equipment.

• Parking space for up to 300 vehicles.

• Multipurpose business center located on the same floor as meeting space.

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will make an appearance, e.g.

Karoo Rooibos Witblitz / Rum. • The rise of alternative ingredients are becoming mainstream.

• Intelligent packaging will get even smarter. Intelligent packaging accessible by smartphones will emerge as a necessary systems solution to increase food safety and the value of package waste and to meet the variable information needs of consumers.

• Psychology behind food and nostalgic eating: Take people on a journey to a special enjoyable sensory space within their minds.

Trends to look out for in 2020?

The South African culinary market sets its own trends as far as conference, food and beverage is concerned. However, the global conference food does play a part in setting up these trends.

www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/south-africa/ hilton-sandton-JNBSATW/index.html

Business Events Africa September 2019 19

TOP CULINARY VENUES

GREYVILLE CONVENTION CENTRE

Most popular conference food of 2019?

There is definitely a movement towards healthier options. However, the typical comfort foods are still requested. This all depends on the client, and we work to balance the client’s desires.

Conference food & beverage trends in 2019 We have definitely seen a trend in that contributes to optimal health, eliminating fried foods and processed products. There was also an increase of requests for special dietary needs, such as low carb, gluten avoidance and dairy free options.

Most of the changes in lunch and dinner trends are around, offering more gluten-free and plant-based options.

Global conference food trends we need to look out for in 2020

G

reyville Convention Centre is a uniquely stunning centre, situated in the iconic Durban landmark of Hollywood bets Greyville Racecourse.

The venue offers a large variety of venues to accommodate large or small events.

The venue can cater for over 1 000 people in one pillar-free venue overlooking the Royal Durban Golf course and skyline, and it also has an outside area that caterers up to 10 000.

There are also spaces for more intimate functions, and there is a specialised exhibition venue.

It is a versatile, professional conference and function facility where the incredible team will tailor make any event to suit your budget and ensure everything is a huge success. The perfect choice for your next event!

Chef Eric Edwards joined Eat Greek Caterers as Executive Chef and business partner in 1991.

Trained at one of South Africa’s greatest hospitality institutions, The Carlton Hotel, and having worked as Executive Sous Chef under the legendary Chef Werner Koch at the Royal Hotel in Durban, he has been instrumental in the growth, development and success of the brand.

We feel an increased demand for organic and locally-sourced foods, as well as a focus on non-GMO foods and free range meat and poultry will continue.

Gluten and vegan options are no longer just trends, and have joined vegetarianism as a standard menu choice. Nutritional labelling is also a trend that I see being the norm in the near future.

GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE

20 Business Events Africa September 2019

G

allagher Convention Centre is a five-star multipurpose event facility, known for their excellence-driven service delivery.

Established in 1993, Gallagher is a benchmark in the industry. They pride themselves on their experienced team, with more than 380+ years management industry experience, versatility and flexibility and their culinary offering. At Gallagher, they strive to offer “Your event, Your way”.

Executive Chef Gordon Fraser has been involved at Gallagher Convention Centre since 1996.

Gordon was trained in his native Ireland and is vastly adaptable to many types of cuisine due to his eclectic and Continental experience. Gordon worked in Scotland, Switzerland, Cyprus and even in the five-star Savoy Hotel in London, England.

Most popular conference food of 2019?

In 2019, to date, popular conference dishes include a shift toward “bowl foods” or foodtruck-style items.

Delegates are preferring a fun selection of items to the traditional buffet lunch options. It is definitely a popular trend enjoyed and embraced by event organisers and guests alike. Popular items include: • Tacos / enchiladas – Mexican fast food.

• Deli rolls & diner-style hamburger & chips.

• Gourmet hotdogs.

Beverage trends includes juice bars with a variety of fresh juice options. It is delicious, healthy, fresh and light.

Creative catering options add interest to an event.

What can we expect in 2020?

For the latter part of 2019 and 2020 there is a shift towards convenient and healthy food items with the focus still on creative food that enhances the guest’s event experience.

We are doing more harvest tables and fresh options. Our team of chefs are constantly developing new ideas with food combinations, different flavours & presentations.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

TOP CULINARY VENUES

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

popluar and we have seen a great increase in demand for gluten-free and substantial vegetarian options, with fivestar presentation.

Global conference food trends we need to look out for in 2020 Guests are looking for simple, uncomplicated meals, while also seeking information about the origin and traceability of the ingredients.

People want to know that their food is being sourced from ethical and local producers.

In the future, it is going to be increasingly important that we are reducing our carbon footprint whilst ensuring healthier meals for our guests and fair trade practices in the production of our culinary offering.

T

he Durban ICC’s menu offerings are suitable for both international and local palates and feature contemporary European, Indian and Pan-African cuisine.

This world-class facility, renowned for its high standards of service excellence, has successfully staged some of the world’s most prestigious and complex events.

Clinton Bonhomme, the multi-award winning Executive Sous Chef of the Durban ICC, boasts a wide range of professional experience at some of South Africa’s best hospitality establishments. His passion in the kitchen is rivaled only by his passion for skills development in the next generation of five-star chefs.

Most popular conference food of 2019?

Harvest Table (Meditaranean concept) has been a firm favourite this year, displaying a great selection of cold cuisine and antepasto offerings from around the globe, such as asian-style soya and sesame seed, ginger flavours, duck with caramelised-honey sauce, and pulled brisket with an oriental dressing.

Conference food & beverage trends in 2019 Vegan options are becoming very www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

of the SA Chefs Association. SCC offers a wide range of menu options to cater for any occasion, event, dietary requirement, and all palates.

Chef Khoza, who has overseen the renowned world-class food and beverage offering at Sandton Convention Centre for eight years, has devised this selection of menus to ensure that all palates are catered for, and that modern and healthier food options are also available.

Most popular conference food of 2019?

“We have made every effort to ensure that our catering is a winning differentiator for Sandton Convention Centre. We have developed this wide range of creative menu options to guide customers in their choices, while also offering flexibility. This is an international convention centre that attracts guests and clients from around the world who are highly discerning food consumers – that means our culinary offering must always impress them, it must reflect their ideas and preferences, and we must always deliver quality, fresh and flavourful dishes.”

Conference food & beverage trends in 2019

S

andton Convention Centre is located in the heart of Sandton’s hotel, business and entertainment district. Sandton Convention Centre offers unlimited potential with over 22 000 m² of stateof-the-art meeting, exhibition and special event space. Multiple events can be staged simultaneously on four main levels, and 10 000 visitors can be accommodated at any one time.

The Sandton location also offers easy access to the Gautrain Sandton Station, to OR Tambo International Airport and other key destinations in Gauteng and further afield.

The centre is renowned for its world-class food and beverage services, headed by executive chef James Khoza, who is also president

The new range of menus comprise various options, which can also be customised if preferred, catering for every possible F&B need in a 24-hour period as a delegate or visitor from breakfast and day snack menus, to VIP in-suite catering, pop-up cafés and on stand catering menus for exhibitions.

This broad offering extends to crew meal menus and craft food bars with live cooking stations which are themed.

Sandton Convention Centre’s global food offering styles have included Mexican Fiesta, Pacific Rim street food and sushi bars, Italian delis, New York steak bars, Indian curry stations, salmon and oyster bars, carnival sweet treats, artisanal cheese displays, and an ice-cream and waffle bar.

Global conference food trends we need to look out for in 2020 The focus is increasingly on sustainability, keeping the food fresh and on point with health considerations, which includes mindful eating – avoiding sugar, salt and preservatives.”

Business Events Africa September 2019 21

YEAR-END EVENTS

Affordable year-end deals at Premier Hotels & Resorts HR departments around the country are already planning their company’s year-end parties and events, and Premier Hotels & Resorts have upped the ante this year with their year-end function and conference offering.

S

ince the finalisation of the Faircity Group’s acquisition by Premier Hotels & Resorts, the group now have an extensive national footprint of over 24 hotels and resorts in over six provinces, making finding a conveniently placed and available event venue easy and highly affordable. They’ve introduced year-end event packages with various pricing tiers to make booking your year-end party even easier.

Year-end deals*

Premier Resort Sani Pass

• Entry level @ R235 per person excluding hats and crackers.

Minimum 30 pax – shared venue • Mid-level @ R255 per person including hats and crackers. Minimum 30 pax – private venue if available.

Premier Hotel Cape Town

Faircity Quatermain Hotel

• Premium level @ R275 per person including hats, crackers and party blowers. Minimum 50 pax.

Private venue if available. * All venues subject to availability.

Only participating hotels. Tailor-made menus also available on request.

Premier Hotel The Moorings, Knysna

CUSTOMISED CONFERENCE

SPECIALS BEST RATES GUARANTEED*

MEET THE PREMIER WAY Your first choice for conferences, nationwide!

Premier Hotels and Resorts offer a wonderful collection of properties in fantastic locations throughout South Africa, and are renowned for warm hospitality, excellent standards and kind staff. We are also proud to welcome Faircity Hotels to the family.

Book your conference at any Premier Hotel or Resort and be spoilt with special rates, great value-for-money and a customised menu of your favourite homemade meals to enjoy with lunch and tea/coffee breaks.

Plus we will offer special DCP rates if you overnight with us! Remember - If you are the organiser, you stay free, subject to 10 or more rooms booked! *24 hour overnight and DCP package commissionable to bona fide organisers | *T’s and C’s apply

WWW.PREMIERHOTELS.CO.ZA | 086 111 5555 | SALES@PREMIERHOTELS.CO.ZA WWW.FAIRCITY.CO.ZA | 010 001 9495 | INFO@FAIRCITY.CO.ZA Eastern Cape: East London | Free State: Bloemfontein | Gauteng: Johannesburg, Sandton, OR Tambo, Midrand, Pretoria KZN: Drakensberg, Durban, Himeville, Port Edward, Richards Bay, Scottburgh (under renovation) | Mpumalanga: White River | Western Cape: Cape Town, Knysna

YEAR-END EVENTS | Bounce Inc

DON’T SETTLE for a “normal” venue

2019 is drawing to a close, and with deadlines looming the rush to plan a brilliant year-end event is around the corner. “But we’ve done it this way for 15 years!” Well, not anymore.

A

s corporations and organisations are becoming younger – not only in age, but in the way that they think about events – the need for a fresh, reimagined and reinvented office gettogether is more important than ever.

The same-old, stale booze-up is so last year, and many companies are now opting for an inclusive, family-orientated event experience that is both unique and memorable, without hurting the budget.

Why not include the kids? Including families in your next year-end celebration is a great way to show your employees

www.businesseventsafrica.com

your appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication in the work-place.

Bounce Inc is the leading venue for family-friendly fun, and can offer a unique and exciting space for your next year-end event, for both adults and kids alike.

Housing an amazing indoor experience of over 4 000 square metres, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to host a truly unforgettable experience.

With a delicious range of catering, exhilarating entertainment, exclusive venue hire options, décor and worldclass activities, you can transform

our huge, vibrant venues into your personal event playground.

The best part? Our in-house events team will see to every aspect. So you can sit back and enjoy the day with colleagues while we take care of the rest!

More info available on www.bounceinc.co.za

Business Events Africa September 2019 23

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Augmenting creativity How brands can use AI to fuel creative experiences Artificial intelligence and machine learning are bringing about fundamental changes to the ways in which humans interact. It’s an exciting future where digital layering can be used to enhance human connectivity. But how can we use it to fuel creative experiences and what benefits does it hold for customer experiences?

A

I is already great at performing specific tasks, such as facial and voice recognition, object tracking, or even transposing your face onto someone else’s body, and due to advances in deep learning, computers are starting to learn and frame reality visually in the same way as humans perceive it.

AI is typically deep rather than broad, so the trick is combining these skills effectively. As part of a creative toolkit, it can augment an existing idea or technique, or make mundane tasks more efficient.

A fascinating example of what is possible, is Deepmind’s work on using AI to learn to write programs that generate images, and Microsoft’s Starship Commander, using voice and intent to control the narrative, and Intel’s sensational light show, places drones in the sky like pixels on a screen.

More controversial was the use of TensorFlow, Google’s AI tech open sourced in 2015, to analyse a person’s face from multiple images from a social feed and map the likeness onto another video, frame by frame. A similar technique was used in Star Wars to bring back the 1977 version of the late Carrie Fisher, a young Sean Young for Blade Runner 2049, and a young Kurt Russell in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

With an individual’s and content owner’s explicit permission, this could be a powerful creative tool for live experiences that would wow audiences.

Imagine being able to appear in a classic Bullitt scene, with or as Steve McQueen, as Neo or Agent Smith in the Matrix, or doing a death defying stunt in Mission Impossible or as a superhero in Guardians of the Galaxy. It doesn’t have to be as personal as your face, the same technique could map your own designs or characteristics onto a physical product, such as a pair of trainers or clothing.

The physical experience itself doesn’t have to include any visible technology at all, for example, the Google Arts and Culture app helps museum visitors find their lookalike in nearby paintings, sculptures and artwork.

Another example is using the iPhone X depth sensing camera to do live facial capture, coupled with an Xsens suit for full body motion capture. This strange but entertaining demo shows the potential. Suddenly, technology previously only developed by blockbuster movie directors, is available to everyone.

Techies are experimenting with voice to personalise experiences, using natural language to improve chatbot engagement, AI to prototype and build physical experiences in virtual reality and augmented reality as part of the ideation and literally walking through the experience, which fast-tracks decision making timeframes and client sign-off.

24 Business Events Africa September 2019

The discussion up until now in terms of AI for events has focussed on marketing and customer engagement. What is becoming even more fascinating, is augmenting the creative process itself, where you can build a powerful and accessible toolkit to inspire live experiences and content that is truly immersive and personalised, as well as being able to provide an entertaining experience.

We are on the cusp of a revolution in what we can achieve in the field of amazing, immersive, personalised experiences. In the future, the ‘intelligence’ may be artificial and the ‘reality’ virtual, but the impact on creativity is very real indeed.

Who is Glenn van Eck? Glenn van Eck has been involved in the events industry for over 35 years and is CEO of Magnetic Storm and a Certified Meetings Professional. His vast entrepreneurial experience is also applied to his role as National Treasurer for SAACI and SAACI EC and he is a member of the SAACI National Board. In December 2014 he was elected as national chairman of CEP Africa.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

REPORT BACK | African Distributor Conference

Scan Display hosts first African Distributor Conference

Scan Display hosted representatives from 12 African countries at its first African Distributor Conference in Johannesburg at the beginning of June 2019.

J

ustin Hawes, managing director of exhibition and event specialist, Scan Display, said: “The African events industry has huge scope for growth, which is why we are forming partnerships with companies working in our industry in other African countries.”

Scan Display has been doing business in Africa for a while now, and felt

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the need to establish a network of distributors to make it easier to do projects on the continent.

The conference’s two-day programme included a factory tour, product demos, presentations about the latest global industry trends, and an interactive workshop on growing the partnerships.

Delegates also attended MADEX, the annual marketing, advertising and design expo at Sandton Convention Centre, where they visited Scan Display’s stand and browsed the show to see what the local market has to offer.

Charles Campbell Clause, director of Exhibition Stand Contractors in Kenya, said: “I represented ESC at the conference which was most interesting and beneficial for us. We learned a lot

about new products and met many of our counterparts from other countries in Africa, which I feel sure will lead to more business between us all in the future.”

Chimwemwe Nyirenda, managing director of Africast Conferences & Exhibitions in Zambia says: “I found the conference inspiring. Scan Display is playing an important role in helping stand builders across Africa keep up-to-date with international trends and cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Meeting other like-minded professionals widened my network.”

Scan Display has distributors in Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Business Events Africa September 2019 25

DESTINATION FEATURE | Mozambique

Get down to business in

Bazaruto

As a diving hotspot, a honeymoon haven and wild beach escape, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago ticks many boxes, especially when it comes to business travel.

M

ost companies tend to focus on Maputo when it comes to planning a meeting, incentive, conference or event, but Bazaruto proves a worthy alternative with plenty of suitable venues and accommodation options,” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana Tours, a Mozambique-based tour operator.

26 Business Events Africa September 2019

“From my experience, corporate groups can also benefit from special rates, along with value-added products and services, making Bazaruto, and many other destinations in the country for that matter, extremely appealing,” she adds.

If you’re in the middle of planning your next business trip abroad, and like the sound of a beach-based

DESTINATION FEATURE | Mozambique

destination, we asked Ms Tenzer-Silva to give us the rundown on what to expect from this idyllic archipelago.

Getting to Bazaruto “There’s a strong perception that Mozambique is incredibly hard to travel within, but that’s simply not true at all,” Ms Tenzer-Silva says.

“While there are parts of Mozambique that are extremely remote and still untouched by modern tourism, Bazaruto is easier to get to than you think.”

Ms Tenzer-Silva describes the journey as typically going through the coastal town of Vilankulos (known as the gateway to Bazaruto), which is easily accessible from Maputo in Mozambique, and Johannesburg and Nelspruit in South Africa.

There are five direct flights per week between Maputo and Vilankulos, which take one hour and fifteen minutes in duration, as well as direct daily Airlink flights between OR Tambo International Airport (1h45m), and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (1h10m).

From Vilankulos, it takes 45 minutes by boat transfer to the island, but if delegates are not wanting to stretch their sea legs, Ms Tenzer-Silva advises the option of arranging a charter flight, conducted by a third party.

It boasts 44 elegant villas featuring tropical outdoor showers, sunken bathtubs, garden hammocks and gorgeous views of the beach or sea, along with what-more-could-you-need facilities like an on-site Mediterranean restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

The Bazaruto Conference Room can host up to 60 delegates theatrestyle. “There’s also an incredible beach bar, where delegates can spend some time networking at sunset, and as a value-add, complimentary boat transfers are offered to guests from the mainland,” says Ms Tenzer-Silva.

Anantara Bazaruto is located 30 km off the mainland and is also reachable by private air and helicopter charters, which land at the private airstrip.

Bazaruto team-building activities Not only is Bazaruto perfect for sunbaking on endless beaches in between answering emails, but the archipelago also offers an excellent variety of activities to spice up any business travel itinerary.

“Declared a national park in 2000, the archipelago brims with dive sites

“Anantara Bazaruto is its own secluded tropical island bursting with Mozambican flavour and warmth” that are among the best in the world, with rare dugong, seahorses, manta rays and whale sharks being regular visitors,” Ms Tenzer-Silva says.

“Adding a leisure element to business travel has become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to incorporate on Bazaruto with experiences like exploring the island on horseback, sandboarding down the dunes, snorkelling, fishing and boating around the surrounding islands.”

She also highly recommends getting delegates better acquainted with Mozambican culture with a local village visit or cooking lesson.

“Anantara Bazaruto offers their Spice Spoons cooking workshop, an immersive, step-by-step class starting in the resort’s own orchard and vegetable garden.

“If there’s one way to keep business travellers happy in Mozambique, it’s through our exceptional bounty of fresh seafood and Piri-Piri chicken,” she said.

Accommodation and conferencing facilities To get your bearings, Bazaruto comprises five tropical islands in total, with the two largest, Bazaruto Island and Benguerra Island, being the most popular. When it comes to accommodation, Tenzer-Silva describes Bazaruto’s hotels as being a mix of “glitz and glam, and castaway-chic.”

She pinpoints Anantara Bazaruto as her team’s top recommendation when it comes to business travel. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa September 2019 27

VENUE SPOTLIGHT

Emperors Palace launches trendy new rooftop venue

Olympus Sky Bar Johannesburg’s elite will soon be flocking to the newlyrefurbished Olympus Sky Bar at the Peermont Metcourt hotel at Emperors Palace. The rooftop venue boasts panoramic views of the city, a fully-equipped bar and exclusive entry, while being conveniently located next to OR Tambo International Airport.

“T

he Olympus Sky Bar is an exciting new entertainment offering in the heart of Johannesburg, and provides a premium nightlife experience for the city’s socialites,” says Clive Tavener, Emperors Palace general manager.

“Whether it’s sundowners with friends and colleagues after a long day at work, or a private function that needs to be fun, unique and memorable, the Olympus Sky Bar is the ultimate destination.”

The Olympus Sky Bar offers a tapasstyle menu that includes a fabulous selection of grilled satay skewers, meze boards and other light meals, while private function clients and groups can choose from a selection of set menus.

Guests can choose from a sophisticated selection of premium spirits, wines and the finest local and imported beers, as well as a range of designer cocktails whipped up by expert mixologists.

For private functions, the venue can accommodate up to 120 guests, making it an ideal destination for everything from birthday parties and corporate launches to year-end functions, and everything in-between. Venue hire rates include the exclusive use of the rooftop venue, as well as access to Emperors Palace’s food and beverage services, complete with hostesses, bartenders and cocktail staff included in the package. Entertainment, including DJs, music artists and bands

can be arranged for group bookings, functions and events at an additional fee.

“Much like its namesake, the Olympus Sky Bar makes you feel like you’re on top of the world,” Mr Tavener said. “The space invites guests to escape the hustle and bustle, and to enjoy the city from a unique vantage point. We are thrilled to roll out the red carpet to local socialites, trendsetters, businesspeople and those looking to take some time out.”

The venue can be accessed by taking the lift up to the rooftop, a short walking distance from the Peermont Metcourt hotel foyer. An entry fee of R150 applies (excluding functions), which includes an opening special drinks voucher to the value of R50. Controlled venue access means guests enjoy a premium experience, complete with designer drinks, a night of lounging around on comfy couches, soaking up incredible

28 Business Events Africa September 2019

views, and enjoying great entertainment provided by DJs on the decks, or live music. If the weather turns, there are covered areas and umbrellas that will provide shelter from the elements.

The Olympus Sky Bar will be open to the public from Fridays to Sundays, the day prior to a public holiday and on public holidays. The venue will also be available for events and functions bookings on certain weekdays.

Guests can easily turn their visit into an overnight stay at the contemporary three-star Peermont Metcourt hotel, by taking advantage of an array of affordable accommodation packages.

Event bookings: Call +27 (0)11 928 1103 or email events@emperorspalace.com Reservations: Call +27 (0)11 928 1928 or email reservations@peermont.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com

TOUCH THE SKY THE

ROOF

TOP

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ALL

PEERMONT

NEW

METCOURT

HOTEL

WATCH THE VIDEO

Tapas style dishes | Seating for 100 plus | 3 distinct entertainment areas | 108m² timber deck with a pergola roof Open on weekends and public holidays. Available for private functions - shared and exclusive. To book the venue, contact 011 928 1103 / 1903 | events@emperorspalace.com www.emperorspalace.com | Follow us

EXECUTIVE CHEF

WILLIE MCOTOYI

Cooking unites Authentically South African but with a truly global appeal, Sun City continues to be one of the most exciting and innovative conferencing destinations for local and international companies. Appealing to the diversity of guests who visit the resort requires innovation and creativity – especially when it comes to food.

W

e want our guests to experience authentic African hospitality and cuisine but we also want them to taste the world,” said Willie Mcotoyi, the executive chef of the Sun City Convention Centre and mastermind behind Sun City’s new conferencing food concept.

The new tasting menus reflect Sun City’s global clientele, offering guests the chance to sample flavours from around the world. Companies can choose from several tasting menus featuring dishes from different countries, allowing them to customise the culinary experience with the conference experience for their delegates. Gone are the traditional buffets that are typically available at conferences.

“The culinary aspect should be considered a key component of the overall conference experience, rather than just being something that needs to be done.”

Chef Willie has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years, 11 of which have been spent in Sun International’s kitchens, with the past year at Sun City’s new, state-of-the-art Sun City Convention Centre. Chef Willie says he was thrilled to be appointed as executive chef of the convention centre as the diversity of the service offering allows him to explore all aspects of the resort’s culinary products.

“Cooking Unites” is this dynamic chef’s rallying call. He is committed to sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years through teaching and mentoring all those who want to learn. “I am a firm believer that through cooking, all cultures can be united, hence my rallying motto.” When seeing what is on offer

on chef Willie’s all new taste menus, it is evident that he lives his motto every day.

Chef Willie said that the new taste menus offer combined elements of different culinary cultures and traditions.

He sees this as the inspiration for his vision to appeal to the diverse markets and cultures that come to Sun City.

From Asian and South African to Indian or Mexican cuisine, chef Willie and his team ensure the authenticity of every dish. It does not get more authentic (but with a twist) than the “Taste of South Africa” option.

Chef Willie explains that this theme is more about “Braaing” and live cooking stations.

“We use fresh, handcrafted marinades and venison meats which is a healthy and popular option for our conference delegates. These are extremely popular at our events hosted at the iconic Valley of Waves, as well as the Greenhouse venue overlooking the 9th hole of the Gary Player Country Club.”

Banqueting and conferencing clients are

What is your signature dish? Salmon with garlic, honey,

What has remained constant in this industry?

sundried tomatoes, asparagus, risotto and citrus sauce. Paired with a Sauvignon Blanc or white wine.

Product knowledge and professionalism.

What trends are emerging in the conference industry?

Taste of Mexico and taste of Africa.

free to choose more than one featured cuisine on their menu as chef Willie and his team pride themselves in customisation and are open to any discussions pertaining to their culinary preferences and selections.

“When selecting the dishes, we looked at creativity, demographics, type of conference/event, venue utilised (indoor or outdoor) and of course the budget to determine the menu recommendations.

Menu tastings are conducted in the resort’s bespoke venue called the Show Lab, where clients are provided with different options to assist them in making their choices.

The first taste menus were introduced during February this year as the team decided to integrate them slowly.

When asked how the menus have been received, a proud Chef Willie tells of a regular corporate client who recently selected the “Taste of Mexico” menu.

“It was well received and enjoyed as it was in line with their themed function.”

What is your great love?

Passion for cooking and developing young chefs from the North West Province, and involvement of disabled chefs.

What is your favourite beverage? White wine.

What is your pet hate?

What is your favourite food? Pasta carbonara.

Are you adventurous? My

30 Business Events Africa September 2019

People selling drugs to our future chefs and presidents. adventure starts and ends in

the kitchen. I like to try out new recipes and elements that one wouldn’t normally put together.

Advice for any one wanting to become an executive chef? Passion, creativity, dedication, commitment, education, and learning every day. Try and fail, never fail to try. Lose quickly and win slowly.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Q&A

Premier is set for further growth Mark Jakins, a highly experienced commercial and hospitality executive who recently joined the Premier Group, is determined to position the Premier Group for growth. Mr Jakins joined the group earlier this year as group sales, revenue and marketing director.

M

r Jakins is a man with marketing and delivery in his veins. Honed through a successful career spanning over 25 years, he has held senior executive marketing and commercial positions, which included over 15 years as group marketing and operations executive at Peermont Hotels and Resorts, and chief executive: commercial enterprises at the SABC when the financial turnaround happened in the early 2000’s.

He has also held senior management / director positions in Budget Car Rental, Southern Sun and Sun International.

How did Premier Hotels & Resorts begin?

The story of Premier Hotels and Resorts is a fascinating journey of entrepreneurship led by a remarkable man, Samuel Nassimov, who has built one of South Africa’s most special hospitality group’s from humble beginnings in East London in the early 90’s. The recent acquisition of the Faircity hotel group has provided Premier with a footprint of 24 hotels and resorts to woo business and leisure travellers wishing to enjoy real hospitality from a group obsessed with excellence, as well as genuine, caring standards for guests.

What is your current focus?

Currently on growing market share and revenues – a big concentration on a new central reservations based in Cape Town, building awareness and decent marketing campaigns whereby guests are made aware of our brand, as well as our properties, with great value-for-money leisure, conference and business packages to explore various cities and towns whilst on holiday or business. We are also focusing on creating a successful sales team to service the travel industry and represent the many exciting new developments and locations we offer.

How are you growing Premier’s market awareness?

We’ve chosen a variety of marketing channels to grow market awareness including B2C and B2B platforms including airline magazines, consumer magazines, radio, selected outdoor sites as well as www.businesseventsafrica.com

focused digital channels that can identify existing and like-minded audiences to spread the Premier word, and deliver ROI. There is also a concerted drive to secure strategic partnerships with companies who can add value to our customers. Our positioning as a Proudly SA brand with real family values and excellent property standards with a strong service ethos delivered by caring staff is paramount.

What is happening within the Group?

fresh, with variety for personal tastes, comfortable rooms with all the amenities, meeting rooms and conference standards for clients who require absolute commitment and then locations perfect for business and leisure.

We are very fortunate to enjoy prime locations on key tourism routes now as well – from Sandton to Pretoria, White River to Cape Town, Knysna to the Drakensberg, Durban to Bloemfontein.

We are also now putting the final touches together to upgrade and open up a cutting edge Central Reservations department in Seapoint, Cape Town to better service guests and our expanding portfolio of properties, at the new head office. With our properties located all over South Africa, we are trying to create our own routes and reward customers globally for their loyalty.

There is a concerted effort to upgrade properties with a host of renovations, refurbishments and improvements with modern and contemporary attractions in the pipeline. Over the next few months we will open Premier Splendid Inn in Bloemfontein and the two fantastic properties on one site in Umhlanga.

It has been a pleasure to welcome Faircity staff to the family and for the next few months we will be integrating and settling everyone down with no disruption to the market or guests.

What will the acquisition of Faircity Hotels and Apartments mean for existing Premier Hotels & Resorts clients?

How important is training?

Yes, there will be – further announcements will be made by the company in due course by Sam Nassimov on other hotels or refurbishment projects. He is working on establishing a Premier footprint in all major cities in South Africa, either through ownership or management contracts. Exciting times and a lot of hard work await on this journey.

We are also keen to deepen our understanding of our guests, how to serve them better and request feedback through online booking channels, TripAdviser, Google etc to further improve operating standards. Of course the new loyalty programme and social media platform enhancements will assist this focus.

Vital. We are also continuing with our training programmes and academy in East London which provides job opportunities for many whilst improving the hospitality skills of others. As the dominant hotel player in East London, the Premier-owned hotels, ICC and Mpongo Private Game Reserve allow versatility for training.

What do you think when you think of Premier Hotels & Resorts?

A very personal experience for guests and where they can really ‘feel at home’. Caring and efficient staff who really want to look after customers, comfort food prepared

The group now offers a massive presence in Gauteng for clients. Travel agencies, corporates and government have a wide variety of hotels to choose from in excellent locations. All have unique characteristics, but will carry the Premier badge with pride.

We will try persuade clients to broaden their support for both Premier and Faircity hotels.

The Premier Rewards programme will stretch to include the Faircity Hotels and Apartments. We are already working on an exciting project to upgrade and improve the loyalty programme to include more properties, benefits and partners, with a simple user interface to make life easy.

More will be revealed later this year.

Are there any more exciting developments on the way?

Business Events Africa September 2019 31

INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES | Spier

SPIER

Uplifting the delegate experience The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is constantly striving to find innovative ways to treat all delegates to a great experience. Here are some of the innovations and activities available at Spier that will take your conference to the next level.

Dinners with a difference A variety of venues are available to host private dinners with a difference, including scenic outside areas, which can be booked for groups of all sizes.

Upgrade your break Add a delightful twist to your day conference by adding items such as doughnuts, popcorn and ice cream in summer. Opt for delicious hot chocolate in winter. Candy stations, chocolate pairings and ice crushers can be added to your coffee break, or wine slushies for an end of day treat.

Smoothie cycling Get your delegates to pedal their way to their own smoothies – on a bike!

Blendavenda Smoothie Bikes are a great way to encourage a healthy lifestyle through being active and eating well. Delegates can load the blender with delicious fresh fruit, get on the bike and cycle for 500 m and watch the blender whizz into life.

Get out of conference mode Enjoy your unconference-like conference where there is no limit to space on offer.

Here on the farm, there are so many different lawn spaces, courtyards and other outdoor meeting spaces, it’s hard to choose. To give them a comfy vibe, Spier can arrange bean bags, bedouin tents, or tentickle tents.

Picnic under the trees Exchange your conference lunch for a picnic lunch around the dam or on the Werf ’s dappled lawns. Spier can assist

with a set-up that includes blankets, pillows, ice buckets, glasses and signage.

The morning after Worried your delegates might wake up a little worse for wear? Spier offers energy drinks, cream sodas, or Bloody Mary cocktails – either at the conference venue upon arrival, or during breakfast at the hotel.

Team building Spier offers a wide range of fun indoor and outdoor team building activities including The Amazing Race, art expression, drumming, laughing yoga and potjiekos cook-offs.

Pack for a purpose Spier has selected three organisations in the surrounding community to which guests can donate much-needed items (including school stationery and educational toys) should they have space available in their luggage.

Distinctive conference accessories Local artisans from Spier’s craft market can make beaded lanyards for your conference badges, beaded delegate wristbands or delegate bags from recycled material.

Blend your own wine Let your delegates try their hand at winemaking! Perfect for smaller groups of up to 20, a red or white wine blending experience in the historic Cow Shed can be arranged.

32 Business Events Africa September 2019

Treat your delegates Instead of room drops, why not give delegates vouchers to purchase an item of their choice? Vouchers can be arranged for use at the hotel shop, tasting room, spa or craft market.

Taste 300 years of winemaking heritage Delegates can sample Spier’s acclaimed wine in an airy, art-filled tasting room on the banks of the Spier dam or in the conference foyer or another private venue during a conference. Cheese, olive and charcuterie platters can also be arranged.

Indulge in spa pampering Help your delegates feel revived and refreshed by treating them to a quick massage. The Spier Spa offers a range of express treatments in the conference foyer during coffee breaks and lunches.

Meet mindfully Yoga calms, centres, grounds and helps meeting attendees stay engaged.

You can offer your delegates the choice of attending a quick yoga session on beautiful lush lawns.

Tree-preneurs This project teaches people from some of the Cape’s poorest communities to nurture indigenous seedlings. Once the young trees have reached a certain size, they can be exchanged for vouchers for food, clothing, agricultural goods, tools, bicycles and educational support. www.businesseventsafrica.com

INCENTIVE DESTINATION | Hayward’s Grand Safari Company

Africa’s top chartered incentive destination to see the big five

Bespoke safari outfitter Peter Hayward is justifiably proud to carry the international title of ‘World’s Best’ by the World Travel Awards bequeathed to his two-decade mobile, and undoubtedly five-star luxury, tented safari camps in South Africa, East Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

H

e is also renowned as the African continent’s Best Mobile Safari by the Safari Guild for four consecutive years – and not just because he’s hosted presidents and visiting heads of state, kings, queens, Hollywood stars, talk show hosts and international rock bands wanting anonymity.

Mr Hayward puts his ‘adventure extraordinaire’ work-week accolades down to his ability to produce authentic world-class safari experiences which can’t be matched by modern incentives or other so-called safari services, which don’t offer big group capacities, either.

“The Hayward’s Grand Safari epitomises the great safaris of yesteryear. You won’t find a five-star lodge for 200 illustrious guests in the Namib Desert, in the Okavango Delta, on a beach in Mozambique or in the heart of the Kruger National Park. Our safari charters, backed by our world-class safari service team can take you there, however, with as much Moët, spa treatments, 8-course silver service themed dinners, conference room and lights and staged entertainment as you need. We have a mobile luxury tented safari camp and our guests charter their own bespoke game lodge experience to take them anywhere they want it.”

Big five game lodge on the edge of Sandton For top performers with a sharp eye on carbon credits and event planners looking to cut the heavy time-lags and costs of logistics getting incentive winners in front of a safari’s big five tick list, the Hayward’s #GrandSafari is not only 100 per cent sustainable and eco-friendly; its Safari Headquarters are in prime position for busy corporates encouraged by the only-one-hour travel commute from bustling Sandton or OR Tambo International Airport.

Set within 55 000 acres of adjacent big five Dinokeng Game Reserve concession and Bobbejaansberg Private Nature Reserve, the Hayward’s Safari Sanctuary hosts both big five incentives for a safari experience to match the Kruger National Park; as well as corporate events and product launches in its own private concession where you, its 1 000 mammals and prolific birdlife inhabitants are not disturbed by predators.

“At our headquarters we offer the best of both worlds. The big five safari game experience is highly private, guests don’t see another game vehicle. In the private concession, the giraffe, zebra and kudu don’t mind sharing our guest’s

34 Business Events Africa September 2019

hot air balloon, horse riding and walking safari activities,” Mr Hayward said.

Experienced event planning in five-star style As leaders of the pack in top-class safari incentives and events, any travel and corporate hospitality owner is only as good as their last guest review. With Hayward’s there’s no contest. Guest responses haven’t dropped below a 9.7 rating since they first set out to deliver a luxury safari experience in some of the most pristine natural reserves on the continent. And with Production Director Celia du Preez as the incentive point of contact – with her own title of Top Woman in Travel – each incentive event is a flawless affair from the ordering of the first crate of oysters, to the honoring of the corporate or celebrity group’s non-disclosure contract, to that very last morning as you greet the dawn glowing pink in response to your steaming cup of coffee delivered to your en-suite tented bedroom by your own safari butler on standby.

As a long-standing SATSA member, which verifies Hayward’s Grand Safari Company as a bonded travel operator, the #GrandSafari experience is your most royal welcome to unexplored Africa. www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET NEWS

Legacies: ICCA and BestCities announce 2019 winners of Incredible Impacts Grants The Incredible Impacts Programme, now in its third year, run collaboratively by ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance, has selected three winning associations as leading examples of excellence within the global meetings industry.

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he programme sees associations trailblazing in the field making submissions that detail the unique qualities and legacies left by their conferences. An independent panel of industry experts selected the winners of this year’s Incredible Impacts grant as: • European Lung Foundation in conjunction with European.

Respiratory Society.

• International AIDS Society.

• International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

The three associations from across the globe will each receive a grant worth US $7,500 towards future projects, in recognition of their hosted events excelling in areas such as legacy development, diversity and accessibility.

Showcasing a diverse range of events, the winning associations demonstrated an innovative, inclusive approach to ensure they left a lasting impact in their respective industries, as well as in the field of meetings and events that will go beyond their venue walls.

Making a difference to the local communities of where the conference is held, to engaging youths and other diverse groups in meetings, and influencing societal or governmental change are ways that conferences can leave a legacy.

With the Incredible Impacts Grant Programme, it is hoped the winners’ examples will be a source of reference and inspiration for other event planners in the future.

European Lung Foundation in conjunction with European Respiratory Society The ELF/ERS hosts events under it’s Healthy Lungs for Life (HLfL) campaign, which is launched each year during the ERS International Congress and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of healthy lungs. The ERS Congress brings together lung professionals from around the world along with patients and the media, to www.businesseventsafrica.com

meet under one roof and hear first-hand from experts and exchange knowledge.

Uniquely, the ELF/ERS hold lung testing events in each of the Congress host cities. The events are open to the public, meaning that not only those in the healthcare world, but the public, patients and non-delegates also benefit from the conference’s presence in the city. Leaving a legacy that saves lives, the ELF/ERS aims to have an impact on societal issues such as decision making, community well-being and social progress through their events. Delegates are also encouraged to hold their own Healthy Lungs for Life events across the globe.

International AIDS Society The International AIDS Society (IAS) leads collective action on every front of the global HIV response through its membership base, scientific authority and convening power. The IAS is the steward of the International AIDS Conference that, as the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS, sits uniquely at the intersection of science, advocacy and human rights, bringing together scientists, policy makers, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media and community. The conference proudly hosts a scholarship programme designed to

support individuals from resource-limited settings to drive positive social impact.

From young people, to activists and media, the IAS aim to expand their scholarship programme for future conferences. This will enable increased attendance of people who are most able to transfer knowledge acquired at the conference into the work they undertake in their communities.

International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect The ISPCAN, a non-profit organisation working to prevent child abuse, neglect and all forms of violence against children, hosts International Congresses in 3 different regions of the world each year.

With their recent Caribbean Congress, they focused on bridging the gap between academic research and the work of practitioners serving vulnerable children targeted by sex tourism, by adding the voice of child abuse survivors and youths within the region. The Caribbean Congress was so important because Jamaica has recently developed a national action plan to address violence against children.

ISPCAN congresses spark changes in policy, systems of care, and improve treatment & prevention programmes.

Business Events Africa September 2019 35

MARKET NEWS

All ISPCAN congresses also engage youth with a forum of their own design, from which they used social media channels and media attention to tell their stories. Involving youth helps in the process of driving social and governmental change, critical for the lasting legacy of the Congress and bettering the region.

ICCA chief executive officer, Senthil Gopinath, said: “ICCA is delighted to have been partnering with BestCities to communicate the importance of the impact of associations and their meetings on all aspects of society: from health and science to advocacy and human rights.

All three winners have proven exceptional efforts to address critical issues within their communities and host destinations, and to ensure inclusion

across the globe. It is wonderful to see that all three winners have created awareness for critical issues such as child neglect, HIV and healthy lungs but also managed to develop programmes to include youth in their meetings and activities. Ensuring the education and involvement of new generations across all sectors will help to further progress human kind.”

Paul Vallee, managing director of BestCities said: “This year’s Incredible Impacts Programme submissions have been shining examples of innovative thinking and diversity in the meetings industry, demonstrating the impact and legacy we can leave behind us – particularly with the way each of them engaged with the younger generation.”

“Our winning associations should be congratulated on not only winning the grants, but also on being advocates and inspiring leaders to others in the field. We hope to see each association go on and create more inspiring events using the grants they’ve received, which will continue to shine a positive light on our industry.”

“We’re also pleased to hear that IAS’ next conference on HIV prevention science (HIV R4P) is taking place in Cape Town in 2020, and ELF have their upcoming annual congress this year in Madrid.”

Full case studies on the Incredible Impacts winners can be found on the ICCA Knowledge Hub on www.iccaworld.org/ knowledge/9/Legacy-advocacy and on the BestCities website at www.bestcities.net/ news.

VENUE NEWS

City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers awarded

four-star classification

The City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers, Nairobi has been awarded four-star rating from the Tourism Regulatory Authority in Kenya. The hotel “successfully scored 100 per cent on essential items as required by the East African Community grading procedure”, confirms the report.

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he 171-room City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers, Nairobi opened on 15 January 2018 and is the group’s biggest development outside of South Africa. It is conveniently located adjacent to the Two Rivers Mall in Runda, East Africa’s largest shopping mall and mixeduse precinct. Key features include WiFi, two 20-seater boardrooms, two eightseater meeting rooms, fitness room, #Café restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and light evening meals, outdoor swimming

pool and sundowner bar. Miriam Obegi, a Kenyan, is general manager and heads up a team of local staff members.

The City Lodge Hotel Group now has three hotels in Nairobi, part of its East Africa expansion programme, including the four-star 127-room Fairview Hotel and two-star 84-room Town Lodge Upper Hill, both sharing extensive grounds with landscaped gardens in the heart of Nairobi. All three hotels are in important growth

36 Business Events Africa September 2019

nodes and meet the needs of business and leisure travellers visiting Kenya.

Andrew Widegger, chief executive officer of CLHG said: “We are very proud of our team at City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi for their hard work in ensuring our guests enjoy an exceptional hospitality experience. The hotel’s fourstar classification is important because it reassures business and leisure travellers that their expectations of quality standards and exceptional service will be met.” www.businesseventsafrica.com

VENUE NEWS

Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore opens The Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO has added another prestigious landmark to the Cape Town landscape with the opening of the Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore.

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he group has expanded its portfolio, as this is the second Cape Town hotel it owns and manages. The Signature Lux Hotel Waterfront and the Signature Lux Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg are also a testament to their growing success.

The Signature Lux Hotel Waterfront and Signature Lux Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg have become established in the skyline of these two cities, and the Signature Lux Foreshore is set to do the same. The Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO is the first of a new generation of hotels in South Africa based on minimalistic travel.

ONOMO Hotel Group, which prides itself on its state-of-the-art security and connectivity, is present in business capitals such as Casablanca, Douala, Dakar, Abidjan, Libreville, Bamako, Lomé, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Conakry, Kigali and Rabat. The hotels’ luxury elements demonstrate the quality and attention to detail that has been applied in the development of the product.

All Signature Lux Hotels by ONOMO are situated at the best addresses in the cities in which they operate.

Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore is conveniently located on Heerengracht Street in the Cape Town city centre and on the MyCiTi bus route. It also offers guests a complimentary, www.businesseventsafrica.com

daily shuttle service to and from the airport and the V&A Waterfront.

The hotel has 157 bedrooms, a bar and dining area that’s trendy but tasteful. Decor encourages guests to feel at home and you can either order a cocktail or cup of coffee while working or relaxing.

Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore was a labour of love, and another project successfully completed by Richland Properties. The building, which was previously home to a beauty school, has been lovingly restored in both an innovative and eco-friendly manner. Local materials were used to minimise the carbon footprint and environmentallyfriendly systems are in place.

Co-owner and developer of Richland Properties Paul Kelley said the Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore has a winning formula.

“The initial concept was to create a product which is of a four or five-star environment and feel, but that is also economically viable for guests.”

He added: “In Cape Town, if you want to be close to the V&A Waterfront or the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) it’s going to cost you a lot of money; thousands of Rands.”

He continued: “It’s become almost standard practice for Cape Town hoteliers to hike the price of their hotel rooms in peak season and when there’s a popular event at the CTICC adding to the burden of anyone looking for a premium hotel.”

Signature Lux Hotel Foreshore is within walking distance from the CTICC and Cape Town CBD.

Business Events Africa September 2019 37

EVENT GREENING FORUM

Event Greening

Q&As

Many interesting questions were raised at the Event Greening Forum’s (EGF) 2019 Conference on 11 July at Maropeng. Here are some of them, with answers and additional resources.

Shouldn’t we be encouraging plant-based eating at events? Meat agriculture produces more methane than food waste and uses huge amounts of water. Plants are compostable; meat isn’t.

In a nutshell – yes. Livestock production is responsible for approximately 14.5 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Serving a plantbased menu at your event should help to lower its carbon footprint.

Briefly, the reasons for this are: • Animal agriculture requires large areas of land, which has driven rapid deforestation.

• Animal’s produce greenhouse gas emissions – their farts and burps contain methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Ruminants like cows and lamb are the worst offenders.

• Natural and synthetic fertilisers release nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas.

• Farm waste run-off (such as manure) ends up in rivers and the sea, causing dead zones which release methane Additionally, animal products need large volumes of water and are a less efficient

Extra resources

way of feeding people of Humankind) to create Take this quiz to test your knowledge on compared to crops. In very a plant-based menu and which foods have a lower then adding a few meat simple terms, one field of carbon footprint: http:// crops can feed many more and dairy options to it. This eatlowcarbon.org/ people than if a field of crops way we felt we could satisfy take-the-quiz/ is used to feed a cow, which everyone while keeping our is then fed to fewer people. carbon footprint relatively minimal.

The above concerns don’t only We also confirmed that the venue sources apply to meat production, but also almost all food from local farms. to dairy and egg production.

Other ways to be more sustainable However – the food we consume include swapping out foods for touches on our cultural heritage, ‘greener’ alternatives (e.g. serving religion, biology and preferences. free range chicken instead of beef), Therefore it’s important to be sensitive or communicating with attendees to these factors and not simply force a about the benefits of a plant-based specific diet on your event attendees. menu to get their agreement to have Another aspect of this debate to keep at least one vegan meal during an in mind is that not all plant-based menus event. It’s important to also make are equal. Fruit and vegetables that are an effort to reduce food waste. grown on the other side of the world by exploited farm workers who use harmful What can guests do to pesticides, for example, could arguably be calculate and reduce their a more harmful alternative than serving carbon footprint from travel locally and responsibly farmed meat. (flights) to and from events?

For the EGF 2019 Conference we had How do we help guests a number of discussions about how we reduce this? could create a sustainable menu that Event attendees can have a huge everyone would enjoy. We ended up impact on the event’s carbon footprint, asking the venue (Maropeng, the Cradle so it’s a great idea to educate them

38 Business Events Africa September 2019

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

to make more responsible choices. bunting to use at future events.

For flights, encourage your attendees • Alternatively, instead of re-using a to fly economy class, take the most direct stand, why not make your stand out route and pack light. All of these actions of re-used objects, such as wooden lower their travel-related carbon footprint. pallets, books, or even plastic crates (as You can also ask them to consider the Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion offsetting these unavoidable did at the COP17 expo). If done Extra emissions, and partner carefully you could salvage the with a project that they objects afterwards to re-use resources can do this through. for their conventional Meet Green has developed an event app which helps The Southern African purpose. Alternatively attendees see how their choices Tourism Services you could up-cycle contribute to their carbon Association (SATSA) waste to create building footprint. Take a look at it for recently launched a materials, furnishings or more ideas, and consider sharing it for your next event: campaign encouraging décor – much as Nicholas https://myeventfootprint. international de Klerk from Design and com/app/ delegates to plant Display does to great effect spekboom when they fly with many of his stand designs. to South Africa. One hectare • Look to technology to help you of this hardy indigenous succulent can do something unusual, such absorb four tons of carbon dioxide in as using holograms or creating a year, which means it outperforms a virtual exhibition stand. the Amazon rainforest in this regard.

Lastly, remember that having a brand In terms of other forms of travel, new exhibition stand for every show you organisers can recommend the best public attend does not automatically translate to transport options (and possibly arrange being innovative or setting trends. Doing discounts or complimentary tickets for something different and unexpected attendees), offer a complimentary event is far more likely to get noticed. shuttle service, or promote lift sharing.

Choosing a centrally located venue How do we make more also helps to decrease the distances convenient channels for people your attendees travel to your event. to recycle unavoidable waste?

Does reuse of show/expo materials allow for innovation and trend setting?

Re-using the same exhibition stand at different exhibitions is sometimes perceived as boring. Yet, when done well, it can be original and striking.

Some ideas on how to do this include: • Request your stand be designed with modular units that can be reconfigured in various ways. This will allow you to use the same stand parts for differently sized and orientated stand spaces, and with a new look and feel at different events. (Six Lego bricks with the 2x4 design and of the same colour can be used to create more than 915 million combinations, so this approach shouldn’t stifle your creativity.)

• When you feel your stand needs an update, you could limit this to updating the graphics and branding, and keeping the original structure. If you are using fabric prints, look for ways to repurpose the old graphics – such as making cushion covers or www.businesseventsafrica.com

People may want to recycle but not know how, and if how they recycle is correct.

The trick to a successful recycling setup at your event is to make it as easy as possible to use. Some tips include: • Have bins well positioned throughout the venue, so they are easily accessible everywhere.

• Ensure you cater for all types of waste wherever there are bins. For example, if you have waste and recycling, these two bins should always be paired next to each other. If you have different bins for the different types of recycling (e.g. paper, tin, glass, plastic) or organic waste, all of these bins must always be placed next to each other. This helps to prevent the wrong waste going in the wrong bin.

• Clearly identify the type of waste that should go in a bin. Simple, bold labels close to eye-level work well, as does colour coding the bins for each type of waste being collected. You can also include image examples of the types of waste that belong in a bin.

• A suggestion put forward at our EGF 2019 Conference was to have waste ambassadors to help attendees use the bins correctly. These staff would need to be able to answer questions and help educate attendees on the different types of waste, as well as why recycling and composting are important.

• You could also include information on your event website or app on why responsible waste management is critical to the sustainability of your event, and how you are achieving this.

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

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

Want to know more?

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

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

Business Events Africa September 2019 39

SAACI NEWS

At the helm of SAACI Meet Glenton de Kock, the new chief executive officer of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI).

Professionally, what makes you tick?

Promoting and making a positive contribution to my community and society in general.

We must ensure sustainable economic growth that starts in our neighbourhood, with a keen focus on our environment while we do it. I subscribe to a servant leadership model that drives me to look at ways at how best to take care of the environment, and how best to assist others in their personal or career growth.

This I have done from early in my life and career when I realised that people and processes are intrinsically linked in achieving goals or objectives. Hence my fascination with all things of a strategic nature. It drives my curiosity to want to know more about society, business and how forward-thinking can stimulate sustainable business growth.

But, just as important, is the merging of strategic direction

and practical application to advance growth and prosperity that’s beneficial for all.

For example, our industry can transform our society on many levels. This can be at an economic or environmental level through the delivery of conferences, meetings or events.

Our impact can change the face of our society through a collaborative effort by all that is driven by society and business being good corporate citizens.

What makes me tick even more; to achieve that in my current and past roles as a citizen and a servant leader.

It seems that your interest in strategic management leans towards the tourism industry. Please elaborate.

Indeed. Before joining SAACI, I was chief executive officer of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.

Here I was responsible for strategic leadership in delivering

the destination marketing strategy through the execution of commercial business strategies.

I had to ensure that the strategic plan and business of the organisation were constantly monitored and complied with the Municipal Finance Management Act and other financial requirements. This included the overall management of risk and legal matters.

A multi-stakeholder approach ensured that we were able to work towards the destination’s strategy.

Prior to that, I was project manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, where I was responsible for strategic oversight, planning and implementation of multi-stakeholder projects which had a key economic catalytic focus.

At KPMG and Grant Thornton I led the Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Unit for Africa and South Africa. I have a great passion for tourism.

What is your interest in the business events industry?

I believe there is great scope to increase association meetings and enhance the return on investment for members, their trade shows and business events. This must be underpinned through a transformational agenda that ensures a collaborative effort by all. I look forward to engaging with the SAACI membership, our national strategic partners, as well as the broader hospitality, leisure and tourism community.

South Africa is a great destination with great people. I believe there is much scope for the South African conference industry and we need to strengthen SAACI’s position in this space. I am keen to contribute to the growth and development of the SAACI and business tourism in the coming years.

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

EXSA NEWS

Consumer exhibitions and events risks and benefits

By Gill Gibbs, executive committee member of EXSA

There are always risks and benefits to exhibiting at a consumer exhibition, which will differ per event. Here are some of the risks and benefits:

Beneficial business We know that repeated sales instil brand loyalty amongst consumers and also assist in networking – consumer expos often bring like-minded attendees together. The potential is there for exhibiting companies to increase their customer base and to promote their services and products.

Consumer shows provide an advantageous ground for exhibiting companies to build profitable alliances, to build their customer databases and to form new relationships.

Furthermore, much is to be gained from promoting the company’s products and services in person, within an environment that differs entirely from that of the usual retail or online scenario.

Consumer exhibitions are therefore a great way to advertise and create brand

awareness. The audience may be diverse, providing exposure for exhibitors to promote their products and services to a broader group, some of whom may not have been aware of a particular brand before attending the event.

Risky business Of course, it is important to research the exhibition before you sign up. Consulting with a business advisor will be beneficial. There are risks involved and it is better to be aware of these risks in the planning phase, some of which involve: • Time: The exhibition will require the exhibitor’s time (and in many cases, the team’s time).

• Costs: Travelling to the exhibition can be costly.

• Display or stand exhibit and design related costs: These can also be

costly if not budgeted correctly and controlled.

• Competition: It is likely that there will be a fair amount of competition at the show.

• Wrong audience: Choosing the wrong show to exhibit the company’s products or services can result in displaying to the wrong audience.

• Poor promotion – suddenly the costs of attending the exhibition outweigh any revenue gained.

The 5 Ps: proper planning prevents poor performance Having enough funds to cover the attendance, the design, the display and other associated stand building costs, is critical.

Well in advance, it is important to: • Work out how many

prospects and customers are actually required to be obtained in order to generate a return on the exhibiting investment and have set objectives in achieving the same.

• If a first timer at the show – visit the show first, before exhibiting to establish that a suitable number of contacts will attend that are appropriate and focused.

• Work out a way to capture people’s attention by way of effective stand design and display – to stand out creatively and memorably and over and above the competitors and critically, use an EXSA accredited stand builder to realise the stand.

• Have sufficient product information, artfully and strategically illustrated.

• Know how to convert customer leads into prospects.

• Make sure that the team’s sales, product knowledge and people skills are top notch – exhibitor training is essential.

• Learn more about marketing innovation.

• Follow up quickly post show.

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

AAXO NEWS

New AAXO board elected Projeni Pather, managing director of Exposure Marketing has been elected as the new chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).

M

s Pather said: “It is an honour to be elected Chairperson of AAXO. Having been in the industry for over 15 years, I understand the important role that an organisation like AAXO provides in growing the industry.

“There is still a lot of work to be done in ensuring that marketers choose exhibitions as part of their marketing mix. Together with my newly appointed board, I will strive to provide the leadership and governance needed to assist African exhibition organisers to grow the economy by bringing worldclass exhibitions to the continent.”

The new AAXO board were announced at the recent AGM.

AAXO board members: • Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing: chairperson.

• Phetogo Khubeka, Synergy Business Events: vice chairperson.

• Mark Anderson, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery: treasurer.

• Leatitia Van Straten, Reed Exhibitions.

• Suzette Scheepers, Messe Munchen.

• Devi Paulen-Abbott, DMG Events.

• Chanelle Hingston, Spintelligent.

• Dee Reuvers, advisory board member.

Leading women of AAXO, newly elected, Projeni Pather, chairperson and Phetogo Khubeka, vice chairperson.

SITE NEWS

Bangkok Manifesto Statement #6 Incentive travel helps to create corporate cultures that are fuelled by motivation and focused on future success. By Tina Gaccetta, CITP, vice president network marketing and incentives, LegalShield Corporation

T

he Bangkok Manifesto, created at the SITE Global Conference in Bangkok, Thailand in January, comprises 10 statements developed by incentive industry thought leaders on the industry’s true purpose in the business world today.

The Manifesto has been published in hard copy with the addition of written commentary on each of the 10 statements from industry experts in several disciplines – DMC and DMO sectors, hospitality sector, third party planners and corporate end-users.

This month we look at number six on incentive travel creating corporate culture fuelled by motivation with commentary from Tina Gaccetta, CITP, vice president network marketing and incentives, LegalShield Corporation.

Incentive travel experiences have the unique ability to rally an organisation against focused goals, over a specific period. I’m proud to have spent most of my professional life witnessing the absolute truth of this statement. When executed well, the incentive contest creates a fun competition while bringing awareness of and engagement with targeted

behaviours that both encourage personal development and build business success.

This, in itself, is already motivational – but there’s more! When winners are appreciated and recognised with incentive travel experiences it fosters confidence, trust and full-on, magnetic loyalty! Companies that connect with their performers to craft, deliver and share memorable experiences, strengthen their commitment to the company in ways that otherwise could never happen.

But it needs to be coherent. An incentive travel reward will only be truly successful when it’s an expression of a deeply rooted corporate culture that, ultimately, appreciates and cares about its people. The “authenticity” factor is crucial – companies must be authentic and value-centric in terms of their core ethos otherwise the incentive travel experience becomes an empty corporate bribe, akin to putting lipstick on a pig.

When the workplace culture is right to start with and folks feel appreciated and valued then there’s a kind of chemistry that allows the incentive travel reward to become the golden moment that it

can be. Winners their peers and their respective significant others enjoy bucket list, extraordinary travel experiences that, ultimately, are credited back to the company who valued their hard work, the result is a virtuous circle of positivity, commitment and trust.

So great workplaces create wonderful incentive travel programmes and great incentive travel programmes create wonderful workplaces. It’s a quid pro quo.

Who is Tina Gaccetta?

Tina Gaccetta is a versatile sales and marketing leader with proven ability to develop highly motivated successful teams. She has robust experience supporting Fortune 500 brands in automotive, technology and direct sales with strategic incentive programs, event marketing, sales enablement and engagement solutions.

She believes in the art and science of listening to inform meaningful marketing solutions, and when delivered with authenticity the results will follow.

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

MARKET NEWS

E-visas augment Ethiopia’s potential as a conference hub In the past few years, Ethiopia has taken significant strides towards making travel simple and seamless. The launch of an e-visa service for all international visitors is chief among the measures taken.

E

thiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest and Skytrax four-star rated airline connects global passengers around the world within a 10 hours’ radius through its vast network of more than 120 international destinations and award-winning services.

Being a major transit hub to Africa, the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, also offers conference participants easy access to get connected around the world.

Introduced as part of a national initiative to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector, the e-visa service allows international

tourists to enjoy hassle-free visa processing which saves time, energy and cost. The online service has made travel to Ethiopia convenient, dependable and easy. Between July 2018 and June 2019, thousands of travellers have secured their visa online to attend conferences in Ethiopia.

Government ministries, regional and international organisations as well as NGOs are already reaping the benefits of online visa services for conference participants.

Once conference organisers issue authorised invitation, participants can process their visa online by uploading the invitation letter on the e-visa website: www.evisa.gov. et. The system also allows applicants to pay visa processing fees effortlessly through online payment solutions.

Abel Alemu, southern Africa regional manager of Ethiopian Airlines, said: “We found the e-visa system extraordinarily easy to do, with good customer service by immigration personnel. Gone are the days when international passengers had to visit Ethiopian embassies overseas to process visa requests.”

The e-visa service marks a quantum leap on the part of Ethiopia, and underscores the country’s commitment to easing its visa services for international tourists who travel to the country. With its key place in Africa’s diplomacy, convenient e-visa service, expanding conference facilities, and an ever growing flag-carrier with seamless service, Ethiopia is set to hold a prime spot on the global map of conferences and exhibitions in the years to come.” Mr Alemu concluded.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

September 2019 Vol 39 No 9 ADVERTISER

PAGE EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

42

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

Avianto

1

info@avianto.co.za

www.avianto.co.za

Bounce Inc

23

events@bounceinc.co.za

bounceinc.co.za

Expo Guys

OBC

info@expoguys.co.za

www.expoguys.co.za

EXSA

41

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Haywards

IBC

info@haywardsafaris.com

www.haywardsafaris.com

Hilton Hotels

19

sandton.reservations@hilton.com

www.hilton.com/Hotel/Sandton

Legacy Hotels and Resorts: The Leonardo

6

sales1@legacyhotels.com

www.theleonardo.co.za

MJunxion

4

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

NH The Lord Charles Hotel

18

info@nh-hotels.co.za

www.nh-hotels.com

Peermont Global

29

info@emperorspalace.com

www.emperorspalace.com

Plaslope

45

glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com

www.plaslope.com

Premier Hotels

22

sales@premierhotels.co.za

www.premierhotels.co.za

SAACI

40

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SITE

43

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

South African Tourism

9

convention@southafrica.net

www.businessevents.southafrica.net

Spier

33

conference@spier.co.za

www.spier.co.za

44 Business Events Africa September 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 11 MAY 2020 Africa’s Travel Indaba Bonday Venue: Durban ICC, Durban, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 476 5104 Email: exhibitor@indaba-southafrica.co.za www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Email: aaxo@aaxo.co.za www.aaxo.co.za/exhibitions/

LOCAL: 2019 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

27 – 30 OCTOIBER 2019 The ICCA Congress Venue: Houston, Texas, USA Tel: +31 20 3981910 Email: registration@iccaworld.org www.congress2019.iccaworld.org

12 – 14 MAY 2020 Africa’s Travel Indaba Venue: Durban ICC, Durban, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 476 5104 Email: exhibitor@indaba-southafrica.co.za www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

27 – 30 OCTOBER 2019 MPI Venue: The Hague, the Netherlands Tel: +1 972-702-3053 Email: feedback@mpiweb.org www.mpi.org

INTERNATIONAL: 2019 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

24 – 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 Mikono Speakers Conference and Exhibition Venue: Sarity Centre, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +27 11 465 8955 Email: aaxo@aaxo.co.za www.aaxo.co.za/exhibitions/ 30 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2019 Iran Telecom Venue: Tehran International Fairgrounds Tel: +27 11 465 8955

1 – 3 MARCH 2020 Hostex 2020: Africa’s Food, Drink & Hospitality Trade Expo Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Organiser: Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 www.hostex.co.za

6 APRIL 2020 World Travel Market Africa Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre Tel: +44 (0)20 82712120 www.africa.wtm.com

INTERNATIONAL: 2020 15 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2020 IMEX AMERICA Venue: Sands Expo, Las Vegas, USA Tel: +44 1273 227311 www.imexamerica.com 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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Business Events Africa September 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 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: Lee-Ann Alder t: +27 (0)82 550 0349 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 EXCO Chairman: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm e: glenn@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 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS & CONVENTION ASSOCIATION

EVENT GREENING FORUM

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 Acting chairperson: Kim Roberts e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com 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 Vice-treasurer: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542 Public officer: Denise Kemp Director, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565 DIRECTORS EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

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 September 2019

JHB coordinator: Angelique Smith e: jhb.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)60 9707 653 EASTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 Branch Vice-chairperson: David Limbert Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 9064 198 Branch treasurer: Alistair Stead Scan Display e: alastair@scandisplay.africa c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 Learning: Caroline Morgan EXBO e: caro@exbo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 553 6185 Communication: Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619 Networking: Melissa Palmer B & E Conference Centre e: melissa@becbc.co.za c: +27 (0)82 437 7600 Networking: Oumi El-Kindly Demi Guard e: oumi@demiguard.co.za Networking: Wanda Fourie Eastern Sun Events e: registration@easternsun.co.za

KZN chairperson: Tracey Delport e: tracey@thehospitality experience.co.za c: +27 (0)83 293 5190

Branch coordinator: Hayley Pretorius SAACI Eastern Cape e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)79 507 3607

JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen Business Events e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687

JOHANNESBURG

WC chairperson: Jaques Fouche e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542 Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046

Vice-chairperson: Gift Luthuli Gintan Luthuli Associates e: gift@cepa.co.za Treasurer: Sue Gannon EXSA Academy e: sue@cepa.co.za

SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

Co-opted youth: Minister Kganyago c: +27 (0)79 513 8708 Venue rep: Michelle Bingham e: Michelle.Bingham@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 BRANCH COORDINATORS KZN coordinator: Kerry Potgieter e: kzn.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)84 777 3452 WC coordinator: Lara van Zyl e: wc.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 223 4684 EC coordinator: Hayley Pretorius e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)62 758 7933 Tsh coordinator: Heather Heskes e: tsh.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)76 321 6111

Branch chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen Business Events c: +27 (0)82 433 8687 e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za Branch Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham Sandton Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 e: michelle.bingham@tsogosun.com Branch treasurer: Manuela Gomes Cullinan Holding c: +27 (0)81 359 6558 e: manuela@ikapacoaches.co.za COMMITTEE: 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

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DIRECTORY Chad Botha Inspire Furniture Rentals c: +27 (0)87 470 0670 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za John Arvanitakis Chatr’ Experiences c: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za Minister Kganyago ATKV Resorts c: +27 (0)79 513 8708 e: ministerk@atkv.org.za Rendani Khorommbi Joburg Tourism c: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com Ruth Baldwin Contact Publications c: +27 (0)72 897 6752 e: ruth@businesseventsafrica.com Branch coordinator: Angelique Smith c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org TSHWANE Chairman: Leon Pheiffer EPH & Monte de Dios e: leon@ephproductions.co.za; e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046 Vice-chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht Savetcon e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Treasurer: Bonde Kekana Bonde Corporate e: business@bondecorporate.co.za c: +27 (0)61 527 0829 Branch coordinator: Heather Heskes SAACI e: tsh.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)76 321 6111 COMMITTEE: Melanie Pretorius Hospitality Zone e: melanie.pretorius@mweb.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 Anette Burden Casa Toscana e: anette@casatoscana.co.za Herkie du Preez Event Wizards e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 Jeana Turner Avianto e: jeana.t@outlook.com c: +27 (0)83 400 2685 Zelnerie Viviers Dynanix & Aquatours e: marketing@dynanix.co.za c: +27 (0)82 335 9828

COMMITTEE: Vicki Hooper Venues for Conferences in Africa e: vicki@venues.co.za c: +27 (0)83 256 8120 Tarannum Banatwalla Jellyfish Catering & Event Management e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za c: +27 (0)83 254 9462 Mabuyi Mosia Ikhono Communications cc e: mabuyi@ikhono.co.za c: +27 (0)71 117 7509 Irene Vallihu Durban International Convention Centre e: IreneV@icc.co.za c: +27 (0)79 692 4604 Branch coordinator: Kerry Potgieter c: +27 (0)84 777 3452 e: kzn.za@saaci.org WESTERN CAPE Chair: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: Jaques.Fouche@gearhouse.co.za Vice-chairperson: Angela Lorrimer Spier e: angelal@spier.co.za Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo Wesgro e: thiru@wesgro.co.za Branch coordinator: Lara van Zyl e: wc.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 223 4684 COMMITTEE: Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org Esti Venske, CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.za Cindy Buser, Mirchee e: cindy@mirchee.co.za Zimkitha Bavuma, CPUT e: zim@live.co.za Zandri Swartz Century City Convention Centre e: zandri.s@ccconferencecentre.co.za Andrew Gibson Magnetic Storm e: andrew@magnetic.co.za 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

KWAZULU-NATAL Chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience e: tracey@thehospitalityexperience. co.za c:+27 (0)83 293 5190 Treasurer: Kim Jackson Greyville Convention Centre e: kimj@goldcircle.co.za c: +27 (0)82 378 2264

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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 Johan Venter e: johan@urbanginga.co.za c: +27 (0)83 558 2349 Kyasha Bhoola e: kyasha@africanlink.co.za c: +27 (0)72 614 0069 Barry Futter e: barry@adventureworks.co.za c: +27 (0)82 790 9015 Secretariat: Mariaan Burger e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com c: +27 (0)82 557 8041 OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST 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 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 September 2019 47

THE LAST WORD

How to engage the younger generation?

By Lesley Williams, market development director at BestCities

The theme for BestCities Global Forum 2019, taking place in December in Copenhagen is ‘the future of meetings’.

What does that mean?

The world is changing at a tremendous rate, so it’s important therefore that associations, and their congresses, maintain their relevancy 20 years from now. A huge factor in this is engaging with the youth – providing them with a platform to engage in key conversations that affect the future.

Many associations are struggling to attract new and younger members, and so are having to adapt the way they do things. Conferences are priceless opportunities to learn, keep ahead of the innovations in your particular field, be part of them, or even create them. I am a great believer in face to face interactions – a young person may take more advantage of the technology available to communicate and learn – but either way, international meetings and international associations need to evolve to be able to adapt to the different ways of learning and networking that the younger generation demands.

What does the younger generation bring to the

Who is Lesley Williams?

Prior to joining BestCities, Lesley was head of business tourism for Marketing Edinburgh where her key focus was sourcing and bidding for international conferences for the city. Lesley has served on a number of committees focused on raising the profile of Scotland as a world leading conference destination including involvement in the Annual Business Tourism for Scotland; as deputy chair of business tourism for Scotland; and also as chair of ICCA UK and Ireland Chapter.

global meetings industry?

The youth generation is the future of the global meetings industry. They are pioneers, full of new ideas and innovation – its what’s meetings are all about and without the engagement of the younger generation, there is no movement – innovation will be stifled and slow. Those not embracing the youth may lag behind.

When aiming to attract younger delegates to a conference, the rhetoric tends to be around how it will benefit their careers through the learning they will experience, the opportunities to meet the experts and the value in the networking – which absolutely it does.

However, should we change the focus and talk about engaging the youth so that we, “the experts”, can learn from them? Demonstrate clearly the “what’s in it for me?” value which many younger delegates already adopt when attending conferences; providing platforms for the youth to have a voice and shape the future of a conference or an association.

Let’s consider their aspirations and enable them to influence how we run events and exchange knowledge.

How does BestCities work with younger generations?

BestCities recently launched our Inspiring Young Leaders (IYL) programme – part of our commitment to legacy and promoting positive impact – this focuses on ensuring that international associations can enhance their relevance with today’s young people, as well as allowing them to support and inspire the industry leaders of the future.

The younger generation are spearheading a number of initiatives

48 Business Events Africa September 2019

around sustainability, so we want to amplify that message – IYL aims to support and encourage associations doing just that. At our Global Forum in Bogotá last year, we gave the floor to an inspiring young man, Neydar Culchac, who created an initiative to transform the lives of 480 families in his community by replacing illegal crops by pepper and cacao through a rural entrepreneur project.

Have you observed any particularly effective examples of engaging youth audiences from an association?

Many associations are able to attract the younger generation to conferences through bursaries, or just the funding of flights and accommodation, which is a great use of funds – as often these are the kind of boundaries for young people that would deter them. If we can get them there, they can learn, present their ideas, help shape the association and shape today’s world.

I’ve observed many great examples of youth engagement in associations, but one that particularly stood out recently is One Young World (OYW) and their association with Sinead Burke, activist and model, young person with dwarfism.

She is an ambassador for One Young World (OYW) and also a TED speaker – both organisations provided platforms for Sinead to tell her story and enable her to make an impact on the world by speaking on disability issues and business.

In fact, she’s currently gracing the cover of Vogue for HRH Duchess of Sussex guest edition, and has almost 100k followers on her socials – making her an ideal candidate to reach a younger audience. www.businesseventsafrica.com