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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa
CAROL
WEAVING The force behind Reed Exhibitions
Connecting the world to Africa
one exhibition at a time
August 2017
F U R N I T U R E
W e
R E N T A L S
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CONTENTS
AUGUST 2017
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africa.com
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Voice of the
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Business Eve
in Africa
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August 2017
Special Features CARVIONLG WEA
ind The force beh Reed Exhibitions
Connecting the
world to Africa
n at a time
one exhibitio
About the cover GROWING FOOTPRINTS IN AFRICA Maintaining a philosophy of providing exhibitors with as much value as possible, Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions and chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers, has ensured that Reed Exhibitions is growing yearly in South Africa and into Africa.
12 SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY The South African business events and incentive travel industries have produced some remarkable women known for their impressive professional accomplishments, talent and passion. The Cape Town International Convention Centre, Johannesburg Expo Centre, and Uwin Iwin took advantage of this feature to spotlight the inspirational women within their industry.
18 EVENT GREENING FORUM CONGRESS REPORTBACK “Sustainability makes business sense,� said Greg MacManus, chairman of the Event Greening Forum at the second EGF conference which recently took place at the environmentallyaware venue, Valverde Eco Hotel, in Muldersdrift.
28 TEAMBUILDING In this feature, SAB World of Beer tell us how they teambuild with a difference; and Legacy Hotels believe that teambuilding has become an imperative part of conferencing.
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Special Features cont.
The authority on meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentives management
32 DESTINATION FEATURE Mpumalanga’s spectacular scenic beauty and abundance of wildlife can be explored while staying at either aha Greenway Woods Resort or aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort.
34 EXSA CONFERENCE REPORTBACK EXSA’s 2017 conference recently took place at the Askari Game Lodge & Spa which is situated on the Plumari Africa Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg.
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Editor’s Comment News A Local Perspective Personality Profile Future Focus SAACI News
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EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com
43 SITE News 44 Index of advertisers 45 Calendar 46 Directory & Associations of interest to the industry 48 The Last Word
Venue News 38 Sun International unveils new Sun Meropa Hotel. 39 Silverbirch at Birchwood receives TripAdvisor award. 40 Industry appointments.
Market News
CIRCULATION: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za PRODUCTION LEADER: Colleen McCann colleen@contactpub.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Pierre Grobler | +27 (0)82 900 4026 pierre@businesseventsafrica.com Jean Ramsay | +27 (0)63 082 7615 jean@contactpub.co.za PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 37 No 7 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the Yearbook in June. Printed by
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SANCB supplement Business Events Africa, in conjunction with South Africa National Convention Bureau offers insights into the state of the business events industry and its contribution to the South African economy by looking at some of the results from the three year National Economic Contribution Study.
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Editor’s comment
Don’t let technology be your only form of contact
Credit: Hein Liebetrau
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I sometimes feel like I’m in a futuristic movie when I look at the technological advancements that are already available and what is still to come. “Beam me up Scottie” doesn’t sound so far-fetched now, does it?
H
onestly, it frightens me a little. I suppose we are always apprehensive when it comes to new things. What frightens me the most about the technological advancements is how it creates a large divide when it comes to personal interaction and how fast it is all happening. Thankfully, I am in the business events industry which is all about personal interaction. I don’t see this ever changing. Sure, there will be more technological options for conferencing and exhibitions, but the need for personal interaction won’t disappear. I suppose this could also be said for print and digital platforms. I also believe there is a need for both. This is a topic for another day. Coming back to technology, I am most fearful about what it means to my children’s generation. They are being brought up with most technologies being standard. Wi-Fi is a necessity for them, but there needs to be downtime from screen time. My seven-year-old’s first question when we going to a restaurant or an outing is always – “is there Wi-Fi”? They are our future leaders and clients. They already think very differently to us. If
you don’t know something, you “google”. If you need transport, you “uber”. We are really living in a very different world from when I grew up with faxes, ticky boxes and landlines at home. Can we sustain this constant change? Do we have a choice? It is happening and we do need to adapt, but it doesn’t mean it has to rule our entire lives. We can switch off. We need to, for our sanity. Our kids also need to be kids and play in the garden. Creative play is important, human interaction is important. Screen time is fine but there is more to life than sitting in front of a screen. Technology detox while on holiday should be mandatory. What is this technology doing to our society? The immediacy creates impatience and often unrealistic expectations. We talk a lot about the importance of sustainability in our industry and our world today. It is going back to our roots – growing our own vegetables and fruit; supporting and uplifting our local communities; taking care of our own waste through bokashi or the likes of it, and then we have technology which on the other hand creates this great disconnect. Even though there is
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“more interaction” through technology, i.e whatsapp, social media, etc, there is definitely less connection with our fellow human being. We definitely are living in a world of contrasts. As long as I’m alive I choose to find balance between technology and my personal wellbeing. It means I will pick up the phone and chat to someone. It means I will go out and see people. I will look forward to visiting exhibitions and events so I can interact with people and, most importantly, I will continue to go to conferences so I can learn and network from others, in person. If there is one thing I would like to teach my kids and their generation today is take time to look up from the screen and know there is a whole world out there away from that screen. Take time to actually smell the roses.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
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News
Durban ICC celebrates
two decades of excellence The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre’s uncompromising commitment to professionalism, developing people and service excellence, ensures daily that Africa’s leading meetings and conference venue continues to woo visitors from across the globe.
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he Durban ICC, which turned 20 on 8 August, makes winning the coveted title as “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre” 15 times in 16 years of participating at the World Travel Awards look like a piece of cake. Operation Jumpstart launched the Durban ICC project in 1992 with an ambitious goal to build a state-of-the-art multipurpose convention centre which now has the capacity to host 22 000 people at one gathering. The Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC complex offers the largest flat floor, column-free multi-purpose event space in Africa. Incorporating the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, the complex offers more than 112 000 m2 of flexible exhibition and meeting space. The self-sustaining entity of the eThekwini Municipality which thrives on maintaining world-class standards reinvests profits into the facility to ensure it continues to remain the venue of choice for local and international visitors. Testimony to the sustainability of the Centre is the R30-billion it has generated for the national economy after being built at a cost of R746-million. “The invaluable support of clients and stakeholders who have been instrumental in the many milestones of the Centre and its ongoing success during the past two decades has not gone unnoticed,” said Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC’s chief executive officer. “Just as we have led the way in growing the meetings, conventions and exhibitions sector in South Africa, we look forward to making history in the next 20 years and beyond. Our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders who have been a part of this
positive growth trajectory.” Durban was the first South African city to establish an international convention centre and was the trailblazer in the growth and development of the business tourism industry in the country. As a result of the Centre’s activities, which attracts international delegates, it is estimated that an additional 856 731 hotel room nights were generated in 2016 alone, thus pointing to the spin-offs for accommodation, food and beverage and retail sub-sectors. Since the official opening of the Durban ICC by former president, Nelson Mandela, in 1997, heads of state, royalty, international music artists, business boffins and sporting luminaries have been among the many high-profile dignitaries to have graced the stage over the years. Numerous events have positioned the Durban ICC on the global conferencing map. The Durban ICC prepares to host the 38th International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Conference in 2018 after Durban was selected as the host city. The event is expected to attract more than 1 200 environmental experts from 87 countries. As a catalyst for socio-economic growth, the Durban ICC’s cumulative contribution to the GDP of KwaZulu-Natal over the
past decade has been R27.8-billion while R29.4billion went into the South African GDP. In striving towards profitability, the Durban ICC also prides itself as an environmentallyresponsible organisation with 93 tonnes of total waste sent for recycling and giving back to the community through various social investment projects aimed at improving the lives of people. Over the past 10 years, the Durban ICC has been responsible for creating and sustaining more than 82 000 jobs cumulatively. Of the 164 full-time staff employed by the ICC, 57.5 per cent are female and 67 per cent of senior management are women. While maintaining its own Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating as a level four contributor, much of the organisation’s expenditure is invested with level one and two B-BBEE businesses. The Durban ICC is ranked top 15 by the International Association of Congress Centres and is currently the only centre in Africa to make it on this list. The Durban ICC is also the only convention centre in the country to hold three international certifications in Quality Management, Environmental Sustainability and Food Safety. The Centre is rated as a five-star venue by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and holds Gold Status certification in the AIPC Quality Standards programme. “Having led the African continent in its first 20 years of hosting the world, it will now usher in the highest level of technologically advanced meeting facilities. Leadership in service and technology will continue to be the hallmark of our performance excellence,” Ms Rakharebe added.
A local perspective
Transformation can work for you
Many organisations are struggling to come to terms with transformation under the new Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) codes. The reality is, BBBEE is here to stay and the sooner companies embrace the idea, the better. By Roxanne Frausto Da Mata, director of Strata-G Labour Solutions
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nd no-one is alone. The entire South African market is affected by it. The fundamental principles of BBBEE although extremely stringent, are sound. When companies do embrace the codes, they position themselves to boost their bottom line and, more importantly, to make a difference in the country. While businesses with a turnover of R10 million or less are automatically considered Level 4 under the new codes, which in this market is extremely favourable. Those with a turnover of more than R10 million need to comply with the five priority elements of equity ownership; management control; skills development; preferential procurement, supply development and enterprise development; and socio-economic development. For several companies, the codes present major challenges and compliance is regarded as an expensive and timeconsuming exercise. In addition, misconceptions around the five elements hinder many from even attempting to become BBBEE compliant. This means they are unable to pursue business from government and parastatals, as well as from other companies that are complaint and demand compliance from their suppliers.
Five tips to facilitate transformation: 1. Accept that BBBEE is here to stay The private sector needs to embrace BBBEE rather than feel resentful when they are compelled to comply. Key to accepting it is to choose initiatives that resonate with everyone in the organisation. It is also important to ensure employees understand the concept of “paying it forward”, which is so much more than just giving good service. It’s about nurturing and creating opportunities for others and understanding that South Africa is only as good as the quality of the people it empowers. Interestingly, most entrepreneurs understand the basic concept of paying it forward and feel a sense of responsibility
to empower others. This is especially true in instances where they themselves have received assistance on their own growth journey.
2. Be smart about how you structure your strategy Where you can, give of your time and resources rather than paying out money, especially in the current economic environment where cash is king. This refers specifically to the socio-economic development aspect of the codes. So, if a company employs skilled painters or builders, it could rather paint a school, build restrooms or provide training on how to build or paint. It is important that everyone buys into the process, from senior management to entry-level employees, as well as customers and communities.
3. Educate, educate, educate Companies are often apprehensive about training staff because they believe they will lose them once they have reached a higher level of competency. Losing them means the money and time spent training them will be lost. It was Richard Branson who said, “train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to.” And, let’s face it, who wants to remain untrained? The new generation of young people need more stimulation than ever before. In addition, there is a trend among young people today to choose freedom above money. With powerful technology in the palms of their hands and information readily available, they feel the world is their oyster. Their reason for staying in a job needs to be compelling. They need to feel like they are growing and evolving and there is an enticing future for them. In addition, many young people are more politically and socially aware and want to know the company they work for is making a positive difference in the world. If young people are not educated, they will become a dead weight and the
future of our economy will be uncertain. Companies that carry the empowerment torch have a deep understanding of this idea, because it makes so much sense on every possible level. Most importantly, from the BEE codes perspective, a great portion of the points lie in the correct senior and top management and their demographics. The success of an organisation is hinged on its ability to empower and grow the correct individuals to become decision makers.
4. Hold people accountable BBBEE needs to belong to everyone in the organisation. If businesses decide to go for it, they need to embrace it, commit to it, be in it. The process cannot be sabotaged by those who don’t believe in the process and stymie efforts along the way. While equity ownership is an element that cannot be changed without the buy-in of top management, the organisation as a whole can ensure that the other elements are managed correctly to achieve the desired outcome.
5. Get expert advice Companies that do want to embrace BBBEE, but feel daunted by the process, should consider investing wisely by seeking expert advice. It is counter-productive to brood on how costly the transformation process is and much more constructive to think about how much compliance can benefit the company. The correct expertise will ensure that the desired results are achieved with the minimum level of effort, time and resources.
Who is Roxanne Frausto Da Mata? Roxanne Frausto Da Mata, a 34-year-old director of Stata-G, which partners with its clients to take care of every labour related facet of their business, from industrial relations and recruitment, to human resources, empowerment equity and payroll.
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Cover story | Reed Exhibitions Top Development
Exhibitions
Women
AWARDS CSI Exhibitions YEAR COMPANY Exhibitions
Growing footprints in Africa
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Top Development
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Leisure Category Entrepreneur company Awards FEMALE Women AWARD Exhibitions FEMALE Top Year EMPOWERMENT
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COMPANY FEMALE company WomenWinner
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Top Development Reed Exhibitions hosts more than 17 exhibitions in South Africa. The AWARD Leisure EMPOWERMENT portfolio includes award-winning exhibitions such as World Travel Market COMPANY Entertainment Women Africa, ILTM Africa, Decorex, Small Business Expo, and Mediatech Africa. Our Female company Exhibitions Top Development AWARD Media portfolio has extended to adding shows in East and West Africa. Travel Development
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aintaining a philosophy of providing exhibitors with as much value as possible, Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions and chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), has ensured that Reed Exhibitions is growing yearly in South Africa and into Africa. Reed Exhibitions commits all of its experience and resources to inspiring and harnessing the most fundamental form of communication that exists – direct personal contact.
Connecting the World to Africa In May 2017, Reed Exhibitions hosted the first ever Value Added Agriculture Expo – East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. The exhibition created a business platform for new investors to explore opportunities in East Africa. It also created opportunities for manufacturers to increase their market share by showcasing their products together with gaining more knowledge on the latest technologies to increase their production of value-added products. A similar concept, Value Added Agriculture Expo – West Africa, took place in 2017 in Ghana, bringing together the full value chain in agriculture including farmers,
Awards Carol
manufacturers, suppliers, government representatives and investors, offering networking and trade opportunities to the entire agriculture value chain in West Africa. Reed Exhibitions is southern Africa’s top exhibition organiser and venue management company. With access to global trade and consumer event organising expertise serving 43 industry sectors, accompanied by an accelerated growth plan within South Africa and into Africa, Reed Exhibitions provides a powerful platform to showcase all industry sectors. With a mission to invest in quality people and products and to provide a level of service that is unsurpassed in Africa, Reed Exhibitions seeks to strengthen and grow its position as the market leading exhibitions business in Africa, leading to sustainable and long-term benefits to the communities served. Having been part of Reed Exhibitions and experienced its growth over the last 20 years, Ms Weaving explains: “Reed Exhibitions has a strong strategy in place to identify and assess convention centres and stadia sites as part of its comprehensive African Growth Strategy. “With this in mind, extensive research has been conducted by Reed Exhibitions to evaluate the size and landscape of
Travel YEAR Weaving
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the potential for venue management across Africa. “Prospective venues include Angola, Nigeria and Kenya where there is ongoing high-level discussions to share the group’s expertise and skills with these countries and their venue assets.”
Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio includes • Decorex SA • Mediatech Africa • #BuyaBusiness Expo • Small Business Expo • 100% Design South Africa™ • The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange • FIBO Africa • Value Added Agriculture East and West Africa • Fire and Feast Butcher’s Festival • Africa Automation Fair • International Sourcing Fair •A frica Travel Week™ comprising World Travel Market Africa, International Luxury Travel Market and Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo • Connected Industries and Pollution and Waste Technology • International Sourcing Fair.
Cover story | Reed Exhibitions
Talking value & growth with Carol Weaving Giving real value to clients has the potential to grow entire industries and economies. Maintaining a philosophy of providing exhibitors with as much value as possible, Carol Weaving has ensured that Reed Exhibitions and the exhibitions industry at large is growing yearly in South Africa and into Africa – simultaneously growing the businesses that attend the exhibitions.
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y delivering on the promise of quality, professionalism and service excellence, Ms Weaving believes her vision for Reed Exhibitions enables each exhibition to make an impact in their respective industry and provide value to the exhibitors. By ensuring the right partnerships with associations, government departments, corporates and charities are formed in every event that Reed Exhibitions takes on, space is created for relevant one-on-one contact for everyone involved, as well as authentically beneficial networking opportunities.
State of the exhibition industry The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) commissioned a study to assess the impact the exhibition industry has on the South African economy and tourism industry. The study, conducted by Grant Thornton between August 2015 and February 2016, commenced to fully understand the size of the exhibition industry, the opportunities it presents for business, as well as its economic impact on the country. The results showed the undeniable power of exhibitions in promoting trade by quantifying tangible economic benefits while highlighting some of the emerging trends in the industry. Among other things, the trends indicated the increase in more niche exhibitions, the use of improved technology and innovation in the industry, as well as a strong need to professionalise this sector. Furthermore, this study confirmed and
revealed a number of key economic benefits that exhibitions provide and their overall contributions towards the economy. Among other things, the gross wealth benefit created and its subsequent contribution towards GDP was calculated. The key results from the economic impact analysis include: • In total, i.e. the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the exhibition industry, is estimated at R75 billion for South Africa as a whole. • The direct spend portion of the impact amounted to R24.4 billion in South Africa. This is predominately made up of spend by visitors which accounts for 55 per cent of the total direct spend. • The approximate contribution to government coffers via tax amounts to an estimated R3.3 billion. • The total number of annual jobs sustained in South Africa is approximately 152 748. • Total salaries paid to employees as a direct, indirect or induced impact of the industry amounted to R13.5 billion. • Tourism impact amounting to R23 billion, 47 000 sustained jobs and one million visitors. The exhibition industry had a positive effect on the economy in both monetary contribution, as well as employment. Overall, the industry has a significant positive impact on the national economy.
AAXO and the exhibition industry Carol says: “The exhibition industry in South Africa and Africa does not always have the required level of professionalism
I believe that you will never replace the faceto-face benefit that an exhibition can provide and credibility – especially with new inexperienced organisers being opportunists and launching new products that inevitably fail – and, therefore, the exhibitor feels that exhibitions don’t work. “This has resulted in the need to launch AAXO, of which I am chairperson. “AAXO is the voice of the organisers and is supported by more than 80 per cent of the organising community in South Africa. It adheres to a strict code of conduct and ethics which gives the exhibitor the level of comfort that their money is safe and well invested and that they will derive the expected return on investment and value. “Exhibitor training is a key pillar for AAXO and we cover topics such as how to measure their return on investment, how to generate leads and translate those leads into real business, how to use technology to maximise participation and so on. “Exhibitors are also reminded to look out for an AAXO Organiser’s approved badge – a sign of excellence and credibility. “I believe you will never replace the face-to-face benefit that an exhibition can provide. Customers want to meet, talk and engage with their clients. Face-to-face is still preferred for building the trust and bonds required for a successful sale and customer relationship. “The events and exhibition industry
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Cover story | Reed Exhibitions
can sometimes be underplayed in its vital importance in marketing campaigns. Exhibitions are an extremely powerful marketing medium. No other medium can offer you the five senses that exhibitions do – sight, taste, smell, hearing and touch.”
About Carol and Reed Exhibitions Carol has a diverse working background spanning more than 30 years in the business, tourism and events industry, with leading knowledge and expertise in marketing, exhibition management, events, conferences as well as venue and facility management. After growing up in the United Kingdom, Carol moved to South Africa, became the youngest director (age 29) of the Automobile Association at the Kyalami Racetrack, and later started and ran her own company, International Exhibition Consultants. It later sold majority share to Dutch exhibition company RAI, and in 2004, Carol facilitated a buy-out of RAI’s shares to the Thebe Tourism group, a subsidiary of South Africa’s first black empowerment company, Thebe Investment Corporation. In November 2013, Reed Exhibitions, the world’s largest and most respected exhibition company, signed a joint venture agreement
Reed Exhibitions has a strong strategy in place to identify and assess convention centres and stadia sites as part of its comprehensive African Growth Strategy with the Thebe Tourism Group and Carol to acquire a majority share in Thebe Exhibitions & Projects Group (TEPG) – later renamed Thebe Reed Exhibitions. Carol retained a 10 per cent ownership as managing director and Thebe Tourism Group’s 30 per cent was bought out in 2016, resulting in a name change to Reed Exhibitions. With her proven ability to innovate and lead big teams, Carol brings a unique and unstoppable force to the Reed Exhibitions team. A strategist at heart, Carol delights in growing both personally and professionally, as well as empowering her team to reach new heights and develop their own path to success. Those closest to Carol can bear testimony to her commitment to fully living out her daily mantra, carpe diem, “seize the day”.
Carol has served on the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry’s board, and is also on the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) committee. Thanks to Carol’s continued passion, hard work, dedication and management, Reed Exhibitions is one of the largest and most successful exhibition and venue management companies in Southern Africa, and is now in a position to grow its footprint across the African continent with many new ventures in the pipeline. Over the years, Carol has managed to sweep up one award after another, including Women in MICE 2016, Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the 2014 Standard Bank Top Women Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Virgin Active Sport industry Awards 2012 for the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange, Top Performing Business Woman of the Year at the African Access National Business Awards 2011 and winner of the Business Woman of the Year in the Entrepreneurial Category (BWA 2009).
Impressive stat 1 goes here Commitment to our environment
Leader in Southern Africa Reed Exhibitions is Southern Africa’s top exhibition organiser and venue management company. We have access to global trade and consumer event organising expertise serving 43 industry sectors, we provide the best platform to showcase all industry sectors.
We are committed to entrenching the role of exhibitions in the marketing mix and to the environment in which we operate. Our Black Economic Empowerment rating shows that we are a fully representative South African business, as does our involvement in communities through social investment projects. We also take care to ensure that every exhibition we manage is sensitive to the natural environment.
Impressive stat 2 goes here
LET AFRICA’S LEADING EXHIBITION TEAM TAKE YOUR BUSINESS EVEN Part of the world’s number one Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 500 events in 30 countries. In 2015 Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.
FURTHER reedexpoafrica T: +27(0) 11 549 8300 E: info@reedexpoafrica.co.za W: reedexpoafrica.co.za
Partnerships that work With the interests of our exhibitors at heart, we form partnerships with associations, government departments, corporates and charities in every event we take on. This ensures relevant oneon-one contact for everyone involved, as well as real networking opportunities. What is more, it is good for business.
Personality profile
People and service drive Rudi van der Vyver
Rudi Van Der Vyver, 34, chief executive officer of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), is passionate about people and service. “The business events industry is a perfect environment to live out this passion,” he said.
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udi holds a BCom (Hons) degree in marketing with the designation of Chartered Marketer CM(SA). He has held leadership positions during tenures within the financial services before moving into an executive management role within the business consulting space, whereafter he made the transition to hospitality and business events. Rudi said: “I’ve been at SAACI since March 2017 and look forward to leading the Association and the industry into its next era. SAACI has a very strong and active membership base and this speaks volumes of our industry and the passion of the people in it.”
always been a big supporter and believed in me and this drives me to achieve more.
Where do you see business events in South Africa at present? Our clients and stakeholders
Athletics, particularly sprinting but I also love rugby. My favourite sports man is Usain Bolt.
in the industry are demanding more and we need to be more proactive in the industry to up our standards and be innovative in our ideas and operations.
What future do you foresee for South Africa’s business events industry? I see the industry adapting and growing within the next few years. We need to include international trends and standards into our industry to attract more international events and delegates but not lose sight of the local demand in our industry that are as vocal to have new, funky and exciting business event experiences.
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector? I think the biggest change I’ve seen is the acceptance internally for the need to truly professionalise our industry.
What role does your family play in your life? My family has always played a huge role and supported me in every decision I make, driving me to succeed and my parents have always been my role models to look up to. My sister has
What would you change in your life if you could when looking back? If I changed anything in my past I wouldn’t be where I am today so even in hindsight, some decisions could have been made better or different, but I can’t say I would change anything.
Do you play any sports? I love sport and being active. I would play anything where I stand a chance to win. I’m very competitive. I do love athletics.
What is your favourite sport?
What do you do for leisure? I love exploring the country and travelling both nationally and abroad.
What is your pet hate? Poor service (a smile and effort costs nothing).
What is your favourite city? Cape Town, it’s an absolutely beautiful city and just feels like my happy place. It also has the most beautiful sunsets.
What is your favourite book, film, TV programme? Favourite film: Rudy; TV programme: Suits; Favourite book: The Shawshank Redemption
How do you relax? Gym or spending time with good friends.
What is your secret to success? What is your favourite food? Perseverance, confidence in myself and a passion for what I do.
What has been your biggest challenge in this sector? To rally for a collective view among industry players; in order to advance the industry as a whole and put individual agendas aside in certain matters. As an association we must look at the sustainability of the industry and then our members within it.
What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why? Ko Samui in Thailand is my definition of paradise. New York is also amazing but in a completely different way.
If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why? My role model is Richard Branson. I would love to know if the life I think he has is truly as it appears.
Rack of lamb is always amazing.
Who is your favourite movie star? Al Pacino. Who is your role model? Richard Branson. He absolutely loves what he does and seems to have the perfect balance between work and play. He actually turns his work into play.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry? Work hard, listen to people and learn with every opportunity you get. Be honest and believe in yourself.
What is your dream for the future? I want to own my own company in the future with a team who all love their jobs. Like a family working together doing what we’re absolutely passionate about.
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Spotlight on | Women in the industry
Women of influence
lead the way at CTICC
Julie-May Ellingson
Fairoza Parker
Tracy Mkhize
The South African business events industry has produced some remarkable women known for their impressive professional accomplishments, talent and passion. At the Cape Town International Convention Centre, three women, chief executive officer Julie-May Ellingson, chief financial officer Fairoza Parker and general manager: food & beverage Tracy Mkhize, are co-creating an exciting new phase in the convention centre’s history. Julie-May Ellingson, chief executive officer Ms Ellingson, the CTICC’s first female chief executive officer, is as comfortable on a construction site as she is in the boardroom. Now three years at the CTICC’s helm, Ms Ellingson, who played a leading role in Durban’s infrastructure developments for the 2010 World Cup, took on a major expansion project alongside the leadership of the Centre. The imminent launch of the 31 148 m2 CTICC East is set to further boost the profile of Cape Town as a leading global meetings destination. “Not so long ago, venue management was really seen as an exclusively male role,” said Ms Ellingson, who is also the first representative from Africa to serve on the Board of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC). “Overseeing the expansion of the Centre into what will be an event venue complex has been a unique responsibility.”
Under Ms Ellingson’s tenure, the CTICC has also recorded its best performance, producing record profits and contributions to economic growth. The Centre has also maintained its reputation as the preferred destination for international association conferences in Africa and has earned a nomination as Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre in this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. Ms Ellingson is particularly bullish about raising the profile of the meetings industry and the role of convention centres. “Business and scientific events are drivers of the knowledge economy. Convention centres don’t just help to fill hotel beds, they are powerful platforms that facilitate knowledge exchange, scientific discovery, investment opportunities and business growth. We – women and men – should do more to raise the profile of our industry,” Ms Ellingson explained.
Spotlight on | Women in the industry
Ms Parker has led the Centre’s financial operations for the past 10 years and has cultivated a committed team to deal with the rigours of government administration and compliance and the agility of a fivestar globally, competitive events venue. “Generally-speaking, the CTICC is a fairly young organisation and over time we’ve made great strides in the promotion and growth of women within all levels in the organisation. I believe the venues that will be leaders in the future will have an agile, inclusive and diverse workforce.” Ms Parker added: “With the opening of CTICC East in our sights, this is an incredibly exciting time to lead the CTICC’s business model development.” Ms Parker never forgets that her individual success is underpinned by great team work. “In order for a CFO to excel, it requires a range of leadership qualities combined with the support of the board, your colleagues and your team.”
Fairoza Parker, chief financial officer
Tracy Mkhize, general manager: food & beverage
The CTICC’s stellar financial performance as an entity of government (the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government are majority shareholders along with SunWest International) and its record of four consecutive clean audits, speak to Fairoza Parker’s talent and strategic financial management of the Centre.
Tracy Mkhize agrees that collaboration and team work are key to creating exceptional events. Ms Mkhize joined the CTICC in July 2016, after five years as the general manager of a Peermont hotel, casino and convention resort in North West province. Ms Mkhize is especially passionate about adding value to the client experience. “I want my team to create great results
through superior client service. “This translates into motivating your team and encouraging them to see every encounter with a client as an opportunity to strengthen a partnership.” Ms Mkhize, who also steers the Centre’s Employment Equity Committee, is also committed to recognising young talent – regardless of gender – and assisting young people to advance their career in an industry she discovered only after an uninspiring stint as a laboratory technician. “I love working with the next generation of managers and helping them learn from my experiences. “Leading large teams is a great responsibility and I appreciate the fact that you can make a real impact by taking an interest in the careers of the young people you lead.” Ms Mkhize is also optimistic about the CTICC’s expansion project and the opportunities this represents to a new generation of women in business events. “The establishment of a new facility offers great learning opportunities for our younger generation of staff members and a chance to make their mark in a new way.”
Tel:+27 (0)21 410 5000 Fax: +27 (0)21 410 5001 Email: info@cticc.co.za Physical Address: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
© Alain Proust
For Ms Ellingson, being a leader also means surrounding yourself with a strong team. “I am fortunate and honoured to lead a wonderful team of dedicated professionals at the CTICC. I firmly believe that what sets the CTICC apart – now and in the future – is its employees. I might be steering the ship, but they are the ones keeping it afloat.” While the business events industry has produced celebrated women in leadership, Ms Ellingson points out the serious lack of women in leadership positions in the business sector, generally. “In South Africa, young women need to see how women in leadership positions succeed. There are still far too few women in management positions. “Volumes of academic work indicate that women leaders add a set of skills, experience and perspectives to a company which translate into better business results.”
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Spotlight on | Women in the industry
The women of the Johannesburg Expo Centre For three decades, the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) has hosted some of the most popular consumer events, trade shows, conferences and exhibitions in South Africa. This August, we look at the women behind the scenes who make these events happen.
T
he Expo Centre is known for its outstanding hospitality and professionalism. Each event, regardless of size and stature, is given the same amount of dedication and attention. This has been no small feat, as the Expo Centre has been serving the industry for more than 30 years. From hosting South Africa’s favourite family event, the Rand Show, to major industry trade shows and international music festivals such as Ultra South Africa, Love World Festival of Music and Arts, The Encounter and Bassline Africa Day Concert 2017, the Expo Centre team have shown that there’s no limit to what they can achieve. As the exhibitions and events manager, Desrae McDonnell uses more than 30 years’ experience in the industry to help clients with the logistical planning of every show. “I’ve been working at the Expo Centre for more than 15 years,” she says. “I work with the client through each stage of the process, from planning to the end result.” Vanessa Wilson, who has been part of the team since 2006, is the personal assistant to JEC’s chief executive officer, Craig Newman. “I also work with our general manager, Hannes Venter, setting up contracts and agreements,” she explains.
“We are a positive and dedicated team of people. We believe in delivering on time and I think this mindset is something that has enabled us to achieve what we’ve achieved. It starts with Mr Newman and filters down to each and every one of us.” Like any fully-functioning business, financial matters are of utmost importance to the JEC. Together, Linda Bouwer (financial manager) and Tracy Tladi (financial assistant) ensure that the books are balanced and all accounts are reconciled. “Month-end is always the busiest time for us,” says Ms Tladi. “With a business of this size, we have to make sure that creditors are paid and that all financial matters are up-to-date.” In the marketing department, the JEC is fortunate to have two young professionals heading up publicity efforts. Tracy Malebana and Refilwe Mokgaotsi are the marketing and communication executives, responsible for securing new business leads and portraying the best possible image to clients and stakeholders. “With a well-known organisation like this, marketing efforts become even more critical,” says Ms Malebana. “We have to maintain a standard that the industry has come to expect from us. We want our clients, new and old, to
know we are here and that we are always evolving and growing.” As you enter the doors of the JEC offices, you are greeted by Believe Sibiya, the Expo Centre’s receptionist. “Believe is the face of our team because she’s the client’s first point of contact,” says Ms Malebana. “She is always friendly and helpful, which is important because she’s serving on the frontline.” Another vital cog in the wheel is Petro Malebadi who ensures that guests have refreshments as they arrive. “These women are the backbone of our organisation,” says Ms Malebana. The Expo Centre is also home to the Rand Show team who are responsible for organising the country’s largest consumer exhibition. Bella Geldenhuis, operations manager for the Rand Show is joined this year by Robyn Abrahams who heads up the sales team for 2018. Sihle Dube (business development) and Bonolo Rakumakoe (operations assistant) complete this powerful team of women who will deliver next year’s new and improved version of the old favourite, The Rand Show. Thanks to each member of this hardworking team of women, the JEC can continue presenting conferences, exhibitions, and events of the highest standard.
Believe Sibiya
Bella Geldenhuis
Bonolo Rakumakoe
Desrae McDonnell
Linda Bouwer
Petro Malebadi
Refilwe Mokgaotsi
Robyn Abrahams
Sihle Dube
Tracy Malebana
Tracy Tladi
Vanessa Wilson
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Spotlight on | Women in the industry
Winning woman Kele Mogotsi Kele Mogotsi, 31, is the head of incentive travel at Uwin Iwin Incentives. She is also the youngest and first black woman from Africa to be awarded the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) credentials in Frankfurt, Germany. Meet this dynamic woman, pushing the boundaries of what it means to deliver exceptional incentive travel experiences.
U
win Iwin Incentives is a leading international performance improvement provider, with a BBBEE Level 1 rating. One of the most popular and rewarding services they specialise in, is incentive travel for high performing individuals. This is where Kele has found her sweet spot. Kele said she has always had a passion for travelling and after finishing school she completed a Diploma in Retail Travel. She worked in the consumer travel industry for a while before her path crossed with Uwin Iwin and the ultimate incentive travel rewards it offers. “This is a job that always keeps you on your toes and fills your mind with wonder and creativity at the amount of beauty and unforgettable experiences there are out there. The long hours, the travelling and being able to manage groups of high performing individuals challenges a person to develop excellent organisational skills, become an expert communicator and demonstrate that you can remain calm under pressure,” Kele said. “Kele has the uncanny ability to manage a large group of people super effectively and with an intense amount of professionalism. Her personality is such a
magnet and the travellers just love engaging with her during a travel trip,” remarked Gustav Lammerding, marketing director of Uwin Iwin Incentives. Her responsibilities include taking care of every aspect of incentive travel groups, from source to production. International group travel relies on meticulous planning to provide unique and pleasurable experiences. “Creativity is critical in the success of an incentive programme, so you will always have to come up with new ideas and offer something a normal traveller wouldn’t usually do on their own.” She not only creatively develops these experiences, but also accompanies the group during the trip, so they won’t have to lift a finger. “It is all about making special memories that will last a lifetime,” she explained. The job takes her away from home a lot, needless to say, and you can catch her on a plane to Vietnam or Brazil or some other exotic destination at any given week. Kele says she relies on her support structure at home and in the office to get everything done and running smoothly. “This is a challenging job, but I am grateful to Uwin Iwin and the management team. They believe in me, support me and make
me challenge myself to grow even more. My husband is also in the entertainment industry and understands the challenges it entails.” She makes use of the support the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence offers through their membership. They offer regular webinars, case studies and training through networking. There is an annual SITE Conference where members can tap into the great knowledge base that attends from across the world. “The exposure I receive with Uwin Iwin Incentives, a truly forward thinking performance improvement business, is invaluable. It can be tough being a woman in charge, but it is also very satisfying and rewarding, if you work for, and with, the right company,” Kele said. “I’m proud of Kele. She is a talented, determined and diligent professional who I’m proud to have mentored. “My job is all about growing future leadership in our business and Kele is one of our excellent winners. She is an exceptional people person and a ‘future fit’ new generation leader,” said David Sand, chief executive officer of Uwin Iwin International.
Q&A with Kele: Building an empire Where did you grow up? I spent my childhood years in Polokwane as my parents relocated there. When they retired, we moved back home to Rustenburg. I completed my primary
school at Pietersburg English Medium Primary School, then completed my high school at Capricorn High School. From there, I pursued my Retail Travel Diploma at Damelin in Centurion.
Where did you start your career? My career started off on a high note. Upon completion of my studies,
my first job was a retail travel lecturer (the same course I studied) at Damelin in Polokwane. There were only a few students as the travel industry back then wasn’t really recognised. The lecturing style from my previous lecturer was very fresh in my mind which assisted me tremendously in getting to lecture students.
Spotlight on | Women in the industry
How long have you been in the incentive sector? Five years.
What is your favourite city? My favourite city is Paris. When I visit Europe, I try and stop over in Paris for a weekend. I have been there quite a few times, and have drawn my husband to it as well. The cobblestone streets, shopping on Champs Elysees, the fashion, delicious macaroons, the small, cosy cafés, musicians in the train station corridors, and I haven’t even mentioned the Eiffel Tower yet.
What do you enjoy most about it? As glamorous as my job sounds, any incentive trip requires a lot of meticulous planning and creativity in a very highly-pressurised environment. The part I enjoy the most is that anywhere in the world can be my office on a monthly basis! I enjoy creating magical experiences for our groups who worked so hard to be incentivised, and therefore can’t be offered anything mediocre. When a group experiences your out-of-the-ordinary programme, not to mention the memories, just makes it priceless. It is my job to find exciting, new and creative ways to wow them and add value on every element.
Were you always involved in this sector? Not at all. I was first exposed to the incentive travel industry when I joined Uwin Iwin. Prior to that, I used to work in the consumer travel industry for a company that did airline representation for airlines that didn’t have offices in South Africa.
How do you relax? I watch a lot of series at home. My home is my private haven where I spend most of my time, because I’m hardly there!
Do you have any hobbies?
What is your favourite food?
Travelling is my hobby (obviously), listening to music and bingeing on series.
Sushi.
Do you play any sports? No, I would break my nails.
What do you do for leisure? I enjoy staying at home and watching series. I enjoy my personal space a lot. I also enjoy shopping in my leisure time, and I am a big foodie so I enjoy going to food markets.
What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done? Leaving a club at 04h00 in the morning with my boyfriend (now husband) during our younger days about eight years ago and deciding to spend the weekend in Durban. We drove straight from the club to Durban with no clothes, no toiletries and no plan.
Are you married? Yes. My spouse’s
What is your secret to success? Who is your role model? I have
name is Itumeleng Sebola, otherwise known as “DJ Jawz”. He is a DJ and technical producer working for Metro FM.
Work as hard as you can. The result will speak for itself.
What role does your family play in your life? My family is very close-knit; and is my main support structure who play an integral role in my life. My parents and brothers are based in Rustenburg and my little sister is studying at Tuks in Pretoria. Although we are all based in different cities, most weekends I find myself at home or my parents in Johannesburg. We try spend as much time together as possible. I find comfort in knowing my family will leave no stone unturned in ensuring my happiness and wellbeing. Tragedy struck last year with my youngest brother’s passing. However, the support we gave each other during that time made us stronger. Everyday has been a bit hard for us since then as it’s not really something you can get over. You just learn to live with the pain.
What would you change in your life if you could when looking back? I wouldn’t want to change anything in my life as I believe every single thing you go through, teaches you something.
What has been your biggest challenge in this sector? Budgetcutting. It takes out the true value of an incentive trip as the “wow” experiences do come with the necessary costs.
What is your pet hate? Open wardrobes/cupboards.
What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why? Rio de Janeiro. As a Christian, there’s nothing as mind-blowing as the Corcovado Mountain, home to the Christ the Redeemer statue. The statue’s outstretched arms symbolise protection and refuge as you look upon it, not forgetting the spectacular views over Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs? Cruise ports during the cruising season. The cities get very overcrowded.
If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why? I would choose to be me.
to choose two. I look to no one else but my mother and father. They are my pillars of strength. They have spent sleepless nights to ensure that I never had to suffer for anything in life. What I am today and still will be in the future is because of them.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps? Expect to work in a highly-pressurised environment with different demands, while remaining calm at the same time. You have to be a great people’s person with good communication skills and be as creative as you possibly can. Have excellent organisational skills and pay good attention to detail. You will be expected to work late hours quite often.
What is your dream for the future? Building an empire. Tel: +27 11 557 5700 www.uwiniwin.net
INCENTIVE TRAVEL
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Reportback | Event Greening Forum Congress
Sustainability
makes business sense By Irene Costa
“Sustainability makes business sense,” said Greg MacManus, chairman of the Event Greening Forum (EGF) at the second EGF conference which recently took place at the environmentally-aware venue, Valverde Eco Hotel, in Muldersdrift.
T
aubie Motlhabane, own instruments from waste executive director of Tshwane materials – and make their own Convention & Visitors Bureau music with them. was the Master of Ceremonies of the A new inclusion in the event, and one of the EGF’s newest programme was a table-top members. exhibition of beautiful eco-friendly Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief items that were on sale – and convention bureau officer, South where the conference speakers African National Convention and delegates were able to select Bureau, keynote speaker, started a gift of their choice. by challenging the EGF by saying it Serious issues were tackled, should, in fact, be the Africa EGF. such as risk management and She said it is important to get the reputation management. Angela Seen at the EGF Conference, from left: Amanda Kotzerest of Africa involved in the EGF. Barter, from The PR Agency, Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer, South African Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said this year the examined how greenwashing National Convention Bureau; Greg MacManus, chairman UNWTO has declared 2017 the year can cause reputation damage; of the Event Greening Forum; Taubie Motlhabane, of sustainable tourism. and Karen Heron, from Earth executive director of Tshwane Convention & Visitors She gave insights into sustainability Probiotic Recycling Solutions, and Bureau; and Justin Hawes, Scan Display. and the triple bottom line – people, Oscar Lockwood, from Life Green profit and planet and how business events hosting sustainable business events. This Group, addressed the risk of not being can play its part. She also touched on demonstrates the commitment from prepared for droughts, load shedding and inclusive growth and the opportunities government to enable the industry to strikes – preparations that also happen to it brings. create a more sustainable future. make “green sense”. Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said the behaviour of Finally, Ms Kotze-Nhlapo also spoke There was also a panel discussion the younger travellers show they want on the R90-million subvention fund on sourcing responsibly. The panellists sustainable experiences. She said South and how she would like to add a nonwere Lorin Bowen, from Synergy Africa is a long-haul destination so we negotiable minimum greening criteria for Business Events; Simone Carolissen, need to be able to offset this footprint. bidding support. Exotically Divine Ital; Christelle Marais, She also touched on Meetings Africa One of the highlights of the conference independent sustainability consultant; 2017 and the greening and sustainable was definitely Eco Groove, a South Dr Muhammed Sayed, Green Fund, initiatives they implemented. African band that is unique as they and Grace Stead, Steadfast Greening, South African Tourism and the EGF are play exclusively on recycled or upcycled the facilitator. They tackled some of signing a Memorandum of Understanding. waste “instruments” they have made the challenges and understanding the This partnership aims to advance South themselves. supply chain. Africa’s goal of becoming a leader in Delegates were entertained by the group Justin Hawes, Scan Display, and Greg who performed classic and MacManus, from Heritage Environmental modern renditions using Management Company and chairman of only water-filled wine EGF, looked at the future of sustainability glasses, or South African at events. classics like “Pata Pata” Other speakers included Simon Gear, and “Special Star” on of Kijani Green Energy, and Dr Marco specially cut glass bottles Lotz, of Nedbank. suspended from a tree-like The EGF conference gave delegates a structure. broader look at sustainability and how Delegates were then, we can all make a difference, but it has with some guidance, to begin by changing our own mindset at home. Eco Groove in action challenged to make their
South Africa
International meetings 2014/2015/2016
National Economic Contribution Study
Business Events Supplement produced by Contact Publications Pty Ltd Publishers of Business Events Africa
www.businessevents.southafrica.net
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SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
National Economic Contribution Study By Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa
When the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) was launched five years ago it announced it would undertake research to gain a broader understanding of the South African meetings industry and its contribution to the local tourism economy.
FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 2014 - 2016 Value: Economic Impact Length of Stay Provincial distribution Pre & Post Activities
CONTRIBUTERS TO THE STUDY
B
usiness Events Africa, in conjunction with South Africa National Convention Bureau will be running a series of supplements offering some insights into the state of the business events industry and its contribution to the South African economy. In this, the first of the supplements, we look at some of the results from the three year study and discuss the outcomes. The research, commissioned by the SANCB and conducted by Ground Control Research in conjunction with Grant Thornton auditors, was compiled using
information from interviews with delegates, organisers and venues. The research used methodology employed by the United Nations World Tourism Association and implemented by Australia, Canada, Mexico, Canada and the USA. When weighted to the arrival figures of these countries, South Africa’s sample size was better than most. Data collected so far reveals fascinating delegate and market behaviour patterns that are emerging in relation to the international association conferences hosted in South Africa.
Venue audit: 1 882 Venue interviews: Telephonic recruitment, 17 276 events Organiser interviews: 29 at the event
RESEARCH STUDY OUTCOMES SAMPLE SIZE
5 093 international delegates Weighted to: 2 948 486 This research, together with our performance numbers, is proof that South Africa has a capable business events industry. Whilst the business events industry has a significant economic contribution, the impact thereof is way beyond that of tourism, with an even stronger effect on the knowledge economy.
JOB CREATION & ECONOMIC IMPACT Annually the international business events industry supports on average some 252 000 direct and indirect job equivalents in South Africa, and contributes (in total) over R115 billion to GDP annually in South Africa.
SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
PRE & POST BEHAVIOUR
30%
Approximately of all conference delegates will travel around South Africa before and after attending their business event. The average amount of time travelling before and after the event is
3.5 days
PRE & POST SPEND PURPOSE OF BEHAVIOUR The main purpose of travel before and after the event is for a holiday
(over 60%)
When travelling before and / or after the conference the average conference delegate will spend approximately
R12 600
This expenditure is mostly made up of accommodation, tours and shopping.
About half of business delegates are accompanied by one other person on their trips to South Africa, and a significant number are joined by three or more fellow travellers. Whether they are accompanied by colleagues or family members, these delegates could be encouraged to extend their stay in order to experience South Africa’s leisure tourism attractions
COUNTRIES OF RESIDENCE
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION
of South Africa’s conference delegates
Where does the average conference delegate choose to stay while travelling on business?
The average conferences delegate will spend 7 days in South Africa in total and approximately 5 days attending the conference.
80% Hotels 6% Guesthouses 6% Friends & family
Efforts need to be made to extend delegates’ length of stay by formulating and promoting attractive leisure tourism add-ons to business trips.
30% Europe 25% Africa 20% Asia 15% North America The main source markets for business events closely mirrored South Africa’s core leisure tourism markets. This is a significant finding, bearing in mind South African Tourism’s strategy to convert more international business travellers into leisure tourists.
LENGTH OF STAY
Accommodation market “disruptors” such as peer-to-peer homestay websites have not yet had a significant effect on the South African business events industry, with traditional accommodation options still dominating. This shows that delegates still prefer to use hotel brands that they are familiar with. The challenge is how do we introduce the other accommodation options? Maybe via preor post tours? Tourism Grading Council South Africa can play a significant role in this area.
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SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
TYPE OF MEETINGS / CONFERENCES Medical events are the most common
(34%) followed by conferences with a socially responsible theme (11%). Tourism and Hospitality, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Natural Resource conferences are responsible for approximately 10%.
HOSTING PROVINCES OF EVENTS COVERED The places that were visited most during the period under review were the urban centres of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, but Sandton, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Pietermaritzburg were also in the mix. Tourist destinations such as the Drakensberg, Pilanesberg, Soweto, Sun City, Parys, Rustenburg, the Kruger Park, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch also featured strongly in delegates’ itineraries, suggesting an overlap of business and leisure tourism.
3.5%
This research has identified that medical science and natural science are other areas to explore for the meetings and convention sectors. The fact is, through this industry, sharing and distribution of knowledge, as well as collaborations, South Africans attending these events gain new knowledge which generates new ideas that lead to innovation and further growth in our economy.
3%
24.5%
3.5%
45.5%
SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
BUSINESS EVENTS ARRIVALS South Africa is host to approximately 1 MILLION international business events delegates annually. The primary purpose of their visit is to attend meetings, conventions, conferences or exhibitions.
An “international business event” is defined in this report as a meeting, conference or exhibition that rotates at least between three countries, occurs regularly and attracts a minimum of 50 participants and constitutes 60% international delegates.
The average
inflation rate for 2014-2016 was 5.74%
South Africa’s total venue population: 2 620
GENDER The majority of business delegates are male. However, there was an increase in the number of female delegates attending business events in South Africa for 2016.
545 998
business events were held nationally in the years 2014 - 2016
297 833
business events were held nationally in 2016
ACCOMMODATION AT THE BUSINESS EVENT: South Africa hosts on average 211 000 international and national meetings, conferences, conventions and exhibitions
Average number of nights: 5
AGE The majority of
business delegates are between the age of 35 and 44 years old.
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SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
ECONOMIC IMPACT: SPEND & VOLUME AVERAGES
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS ECONOMIC INFORMATION:
Number of business delegates Before or after the event
570 639
At the event
983 002
After the event only
280 460
Before the event
290 180
Total income average: All events
R58 468 693 Average: R6 293 867 per event
Business delegates spend (per delegate) ZAR
Total expenditure: All events
Spend at the event
R31 817
Spend before and after the event
R12 617
R64 489 404 Average: R7 009 098 per event
AVERAGES: Registration Fees: R7 503 Accommodation: R10 229 Shopping: R5 828 Local Transport: R1 978 Food and Beverage: R2 570 Entertainment: R1 621 Tours: R2 085 TOTAL AVERAGE EXPENDITURE AT THE BUSINESS EVENT
R50 310 TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT THE BUSINESS EVENT Expenditure categories
2014
2015
2014 – 2015
2016
2015 – 2016
Registration fees
R6 507
R7 243
10%
R8 759
17%
Accommodation
R10 984
R9 854
-11%
R9 852
0%
Shopping
R4 442
R5 797
23%
R7 246
20%
Local transport
R1 775
R2 380
25%
R1 781
-34%
Food & beverages
R2 999
R2 172
-38%
R2 541
15%
Entertainment
R1 500
R1 797
17%
R1 567
-15%
Tours
R1 936
R2 016
4%
R2 304
13%
Inflation rate: 2015 – 4.51% 2016 – 6.59% The biggest contributors the increase average expenditure the businessatevent were theevent registration fees and shopping. The biggest to contributors to in thetotal increase in total averageatexpenditure the business were the registration fees and Items such asshopping. food, beverage, entertainment and toursentertainment remained similar previous years.similar to previous years. Items such as food, beverage, andtotours remained
SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
Average number of nights delegates spent in SA in total:
7.2 nights
Average number of nights delegates spent at the business event only:
Average number of nights delegates spent in SA prior to the business event:
Average number of nights delegates spent in SA after the business event:
5 nights
3.5 nights
3.6 nights
Travel in SA after business event 28% of delegates remain in South Africa 72% leave South Africa Top 9 countries of residence: unweighted 2014 USA
2015 11.82%
USA
2016 12.50%
China
9.78% 8.05%
United Kingdom 7.27%
United Kingdom
6.87%
USA
Australia
6.55%
Nigeria
6.40%
Nigeria 5.52%
Nigeria
4.12%
Turkey
NEW 5.46%
China
3.58%
India
4.28%
India 4.03%
Kenya
3.52%
Australia
3.93%
Germany
3.34%
Germany
3.39%
Germany
3.52%
Australia
3.05%
France
3.09%
China
3.17%
Canada NEW 2.99%
India
3.03%
France
2.76%
Zimbabwe
United Kingdom
5.12%
NEW 2.88%
* Note that the origin of the delegates are influenced by the type of conferences surveyed in a particular year. The type of conference influences where delegates come from.
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SANCB | National Economic Contribution Study
Venue Profile: Size Classification CONFERENCE CLASSIFICATION
AVERAGE NUMBER OF MEETING ROOMS
Small: 28%
Small: 4.6
Medium: 19%
Medium: 5.9
Large: 53%
Large: 11.6
CONFERENCING VENUES WITH ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES Small: 26% Medium: 38% Large: 36%
Conferencing Classification Criteria (Cinema Seating) Small: Less than 199 Medium: 200 – 499 Large: 500+ International Convention Centres today have to be more flexible and offer a variety of venue sizes for smaller meetings to take place during an event.
The increase of unscheduled time at meetings requires that there be welldesigned, comfortable, separate spaces and hospitality services available throughout a business venue.
This will see a move to more flexible meeting spaces that permit manipulation of size to allow meeting venues to accommodate a growing number and variety of smaller meetings.
Summary
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his great performance shows that South Africa is a dynamic and stable economy. The work the South Africa National Convention Bureau does will continue to contribute towards maintaining and growing the South African economy.
The Business Events Research Study conducted over a period of three years proved what the industry always suspected – that the business events industry contributes significantly to our tourism industry. South Africa hosts about one million business delegates every year. The
The events industry sustains more than 250 000 jobs every year average business traveller spends seven days in South Africa, of which five days are spent attending a business event, and about a third of all business travellers will travel around South Africa before or after their event. The events industry sustains more than 250 000 jobs every year. The business events industry contributes R115 billion annually to the South African GDP, and this study confirms its value and importance to our country and economy. Hosting more major international business conferences will also help develop South Africa’s intellectual capital and position the country as a world-leading knowledge economy.
Future Focus
Warren Murray
thrives on delivery Warren Murray, 32, exhibition director of Exposure Marketing, has been in the exhibition industry for 10 years. “As exhibition director, I get to oversee all brand activations with a specific focus on the growth, strategy and activation of the exhibition component of the brand. This has a far-reaching impact as the brand has more than 40 000 followers on social media as well as a massive online presence.”
W
arren is proud of Exposure Marketing’s AAXO ROAR award for Best Consumer Exhibition in 2016. He said this accolade is proof that MamaMagic is an exhibition that is constantly evolving. “I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping the brand relevant to the parenting community we target.” Exposure Marketing was started in 2004 by managing director Projeni Pather who is passionate about creating and delivering the perfect marketing platforms via exhibitions, events, print, online and social media experiences. Thirteen years ago, Exposure Marketing launched the first baby and parenting exhibition in Johannesburg – MamaMagic. It has since grown into a significant brand within the parenting space. Currently, Exposure Marketing hosts four baby exhibitions each year, New Product Awards, market research, plus the company produces a quarterly print and online parenting guide and manages a growing social media community.
When did you realise you wanted to be in this sector? I never planned on working in this sector. It was only after having done some parttime work as a student in 2007 that I realised I enjoyed the adrenalin of the on-site activation and was curious to understand how it was put together.
Were you discouraged from pursuing a career in this industry? I was never openly discouraged from working in the industry overall, but I did get a few people question how I would use my communications degree working at a baby expo.
How long have you been in the industry? This is my 10th year in the industry and with each year my confidence has grown to take on the many challenges this industry has to offer, and enjoy the triumphs of my efforts.
What challenges do you face as a young person in this industry? I think my challenges are not unique, but age can be mistaken for a lack of wisdom. There are people who have been in this industry for far longer than I have and seen a lot more than I have. I think people fail to understand that young people are problem-solvers and creative thinkers, which can give a fresh approach to situations, provide alternative suggestions and help drive the industry forward.
What does your job entail? Do you ever have a typical day? There is a no such thing as a “typical” day when working within this space. There will always be the “normal” items on my daily to-do list, like e-mails, team status and project management. It’s the not so “typical” items that add interest, like sponsorship conceptualisation and client presentations, venue floor walks, drawing floorplans and bringing to life the many fun and ordinary, yet necessary pieces in the puzzle that make up the exhibitions.
Which personal traits do you need for this position? I know that I would never have gotten to where I am today without being passionate. I think it’s more than a skill; it’s a requirement for happiness in the workplace. Passion will see you through
the long days when all the adrenaline has been used up. Apart from that, a holistic view of the industry, a pioneering spirit and integrity are also essential traits for this position.
What advice would you offer young people who are reluctant to explore the business events industry? The events industry is so much more than the hype of an event. It’s about long hours, methodical thinking and planning. It has so much to offer people who are creative, enjoy exploring new opportunities and meeting new people. It’s also a very dynamic environment that changes and evolves, something that can really spark life into one’s career.
What is your goal for the next five years? The growth of business is important to my personal growth, and having the MamaMagic brand expand its offering to the exhibitors and the parents of South Africa is central to that plan. The goal is to ensure the expo progresses both for the experience of the visitors and just as much for the exhibitor and brands who invest into the business. I aim to diversify and extend the MamaMagic brand, so that it is always an essential part of any parenting journey.
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Teambuilding | SAB World of Beer
Teambuilding with a
difference
To make conferencing or a year-end event memorable, introduce a unique and fun teambuilding element, said Tony Rubin, general manager of SAB’s World of Beer in Johannesburg.
T
he SAB World of Beer is a five-star conference and event venue which stands out as the only beer-themed venue in South Africa. Delegates can enjoy guided beer tastings or beer and food pairings with one of SAB’s brewers. Various packages, including year-end packages, are available at the Newtown venue, starting with the half-day package for 12 or more delegates which includes secure parking, venue hire, standard presentation equipment, tea, coffee and snack on arrival, as well as mid-morning and afternoon, and a buffet lunch from in-house catering. “Once the work is done, an enjoyable way to end the conference is to send delegates on an interactive tour of the World of Beer, one of the country’s top tourist attractions, that ends with a cold beer or two.” This means delegates can enjoy a group beer tour, beer tastings or beer and food pairings, depending on requirements.
Delegates can enjoy guided beer tastings or beer and food pairings with one of SAB’s brewers
SAB World of Beer has set dates for monthly food and beer pairing lunches for the remainder of 2017. Anton Erasmus, SAB trade brewer, takes guests through the pairing journey and draws attention to the “mouthfeel”, flavours and aromas of each beer and how it enhances the flavours and textures of the food. “Beer and food are the perfect marriage – because beer is food,” Mr Erasmus said. “Beer has many different characteristics thanks to its varied ingredients, with hundreds of malted barley varieties, yeast strains and hops, which make it pair beautifully with food – from sweet desserts to hot spicy dishes, depending on the beer style.” The beer-pairing lunches are held once a month on a Saturday at the five-star tourist attraction. “We change the menu every month and guests have become accustomed to a fivecourse meal that is carefully crafted to pair with SAB brands,” Mr Rubin said. Each pairing includes six SAB beers and a five-course meal.
BEER PAIRING LUNCHES Dates: Saturday 26 August Saturday 9 September Saturday 21 October Saturday 11 November Saturday 9 December 2017 Time: 13h00 - 16h00 Venue: SAB World of Beer, 15 Helen Joseph Street (formerly President Street), Newtown, Johannesburg
Conferences
Food & Beer Pairings
5 Star facility (as rated by the South African Tourism Grading Council) Selection of venues to suit your needs
Beer Tours
Celebrity chef will create a beer and food pairing menu and host an interactive and entertaining meal for your guests
Teambuilding
Ancient art of brewing beer has been brought to life with a walking tour route enhanced with the latest technology
Choose from a variety of fun-filled conferencing and beer-tasting packages
Beer Tasting Your taste buds will love this!
Conferences and extras tailored to your unique requirements
Book now to avoid disappointment
011 836 4900
www.worldofbeer.co.za
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Teambuilding | Legacy
Legacy for
unforgettable teambuilding Teambuilding is an ongoing process which helps a work group evolve into a cohesive unit. The team members not only share expectations for accomplishing group tasks, but trust and support one another and respect one another’s individual differences.
T
eambuilding has become an imperative part of conferencing, with the aim of providing unique interactive events to motivate participants to work together to accomplish simple, definable goals in an entertaining environment. Teambuilding programmes provide realistic experiences that empower individuals to contribute to common goals. The success of most organisations depends on the ability of individuals to build effective teams. Teambuilding options have grown in recent years, as many groups are now also seeking a touch of adventure. Legacy Hotels and Resorts offer unique indoor and outdoor spaces to host any small or large teambuilding event. When staying at the Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre, take advantage of some desert activities, like quad biking and sand boarding, or simply make use of the wide open spaces at the hotel itself.
Why not host your next event at Bakubung Bush Lodge or Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park? For something unconventional, go on a bush walk, game drive, or a hot air balloon ride.
No trip to Victoria Falls would be complete without trying at least one adrenalinpumping activity. When staying at Elephant Hills Resort, or The Kingdom at Victoria Falls, a bridge swing, bungee jump or even river rafting can be arranged for groups.
Your EvEnt,
our LEgacY...
Spice up your event with our tempting teambuilding options. From mind games to physically fit, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
• Luxury Accommodation • Sumptuous dining options • State of the art conference facilities
Bookings and Enquiries Central Reservations Tel: +27 11 8066888 | Email: hotels@legacyhotels.com
www.LegacyHotels.com
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Destination feature | Mpumalanga
Unique, memorable experiences in the heart of Mpumalanga Explore Mpumalanga’s spectacular scenic beauty and abundance of wildlife while staying at aha Greenway Woods Resort or aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort.
aha Greenway Woods Resort aha Greenway Woods Resort, set in the striking lowveld region of White River in Mpumalanga, offers tourists a unique African experience with world renowned attractions such as; The Kruger National Park (a mere 30 km from the Numbi Gate) the Sudwala Caves and Sudwala Dinosaur Park, the Lowveld Botanical Garden, Croc River Enviro Park, and it’s an ideal retreat for the entire family. The resort is just 18 km from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. It’s location is perfect from which to explore Mpumalanga’s scenic beauty such as the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon and abundant wildlife. The resort is located near quirky White River on the Lowveld, 27 km from Nelspruit, and 18 km from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and 30 km from Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate. This resort offers 35 deluxe rooms, 40 standard rooms, 15 economy rooms, and 20 chalets. Guests can savour authentic meals at the African-styled Injabula restaurant. It’s traditional artwork and drum décor lights offers a sensational dining experience, while the River Grove Restaurant serves breakfast and an a la carte menu dinner. The famous Terrace and Tavern Bar serves light meals and sundowners. The Fairways Bar, a golfer’s delight, features tasteful décor and offers creative cocktails. With its picturesque surrounds, the resort is perfect for a romantic day or night wedding, honeymoon escape, an ideal conference venue suitable for up to 200 delegates, or relaxing retreat to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding area. An adventure waits at every turn with the range of activities that are available for the entire family; the kids will be kept thoroughly entertained through the specially tailored kids programme.
Other activities in the area include mountain bike trails, fishing, tennis, golf, visiting a citrus winery, restaurants and pubs, and lifestyle centres. The golf enthusiasts will enjoy a round on the 18-hole White River Golf Course or enjoy a day lounging at the pool busking under the African sun.
aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort is a quaint Spanish retreat in the heart of Hazyview. This charming Mpumalanga accommodation is situated in an Eden of tranquil pools, surrounded by deeply shaded glades and lush flower gardens, just a stone’s throw from The Elephant Sanctuary. Soft refurbishments and renovations were undertaken at Casa earlier this year to ensure it maintains its exclusivity while continuing to offer guests quality services and an experience that is always unique and exciting. It is the optimum place for business and leisure visitors and sees travellers from around the world and South Africa. aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort comprises of four different types of accommodation. Casa’s, Villa’s, twin and double suites and one grandeur “Casa Grande” offers guests sheltered privacy and the cosiness of an inviting jacuzzi. All rooms cater for double occupancies. The Casas lead out to the lush flower gardens while the Villas offer private gardens or terraces. aha Casa Do Sol Hotel & Resort is the ultimate venue for hosting a variety of events. It’s exceptionally crafted for romantic weddings, with its village architecture and expansive tropical gardens. It provides a serene venue comfortably designed to host up to 170 guests, flawlessly suitable for a day or evening wedding. The on-site Spa de Solé offers an extensive variation of treatments guaranteed to leave one feeling indulged on their special day.
Destination feature | Mpumalanga
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It’s charming, exotic nature provides a warm friendly atmosphere with quality touches at every turn. The hotel has two excellent conference venues, accommodating from 12 to 260 delegates; Nhlangano – “The Meeting Place” Conference Centre seats up to 260 delegates and is equipped with advanced multi-media systems; undeniably the most sophisticated facility available in the Hazyview conference circuit. It’s also best suited for large-scale events such exhibitions and car launches. The attentive and professional banqueting team at the conference facility will guarantee that each event undertaken at this luxury hotel delivers a superb experience. aha Casa do Sol is renowned for its exquisite calibre of food and exceptional wines. Cozinha Velha Restaurant offers an a la carte lunch menu, set dinner menu and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All produce used in dishes served at the Hazyview restaurant are home-grown, offering fresh, organic nourishment on a daily basis, and its scrumptious breakfast buffet will certainly ensure a delightful start to any day. The outside patio area offers fresh air and tranquillity while dining and may also be used for events during the warmer summer months. This absolute dining pleasure can accommodate up to 108 guests, making it the ultimate location for wedding receptions or large groups of conferencing guests. Located just a few steps from the delicious Hazyview restaurant, is the Chiquitas cocktail bar that expands out onto the terrace where one can enjoy a pre-dinner drink. This cocktail bar offers a comfortable pub area in which guests may relax and enjoy each other’s company. Use of the mobile bar service for an event hosted on the property, can also be made available to guests and will gladly be arranged. Located outside are two designated braai (barbeque) areas, Tropica Pool Bar and a traditional South African bushveld-boma fire that provides warmth and creates the ultimate ambience during the winter months under the flawless alluring bushveld stars or ideally unwinding snugly at the large fireplace in the lounge area. Situated within a 500 hectare landscape is the Ilanga Nature and Game Reserve boasting more than 100 different species of indigenous flora and fauna, and where herds of non-aggressive game breed and fill the savanna. The area is also well known for its extensive range of activities such as quad biking, river rafting, abseiling and night safaris. Enjoy picturesque off-site hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing as well as on-site tennis courts. The hotel is positioned close to prominent tourist destinations – the Kruger National Park, God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon, making it the perfect base from which to explore the heart of the vast Lowveld.
Relish the eclectic mix of cultural diversity and natures wonders at aha Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort
Explore aha Greenway Woods Resort located in the scenic Panorama Route
087 740 9292 | cro@aha.co.za | www.aha.co.za
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Reportback | EXSA conference
EXSA focuses on
customers EXSA’s 2017 conference recently took place at the Askari Game Lodge & Spa, which is situated on the Plumari Africa Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg. Delegates were invited to connect, engage, learn and grow, with its customercentric focus and a jampacked programme that did not disappoint.
T
he conference also included a game drive, a bush braai and a Petroglyph/ rock paintings hike and good time allocation to networking during lunch and tea breaks. After the three day conference, filled with thought-provoking and interactive sessions, I left feeling better informed.
As the delegate numbers were smaller than previous years, delegates got to form great relationships over the three days. The event kicked off on Sunday with a catch-up networking lunch followed by a panel discussion on OH & S. The interactive discussion led to some good suggestions. The second panel discussion was just as robust and looked at the industry as a whole. The main point that came out is that there needs to be more collaboration in the industry. Day two started with a Brand Love workshop presented by Chantel Botha who got delegates to look at their own brands and customer experience and interactions and how to improve on their brand offering. Ms Botha gave helpful tips and got delegates to think about their own brand transformation strategy and value proposition. Greg Mason, from Biz HQ, looked at personal choices we make and how we can make a change by making different
choices. He offered a few guidelines if we want to change our personal outlook. Day three started with Greg McManus, Event Greening Forum chairman. He looked at the minimum standards for sustainable exhibitions. He spoke about sustainability and how it is common sense and why it is the only way to go. Joe Hattingh, from Lumi, opened up our world to Virtual Reality and Artificial Reality and what the difference is. He also touched on Selective Reality and Generation Z and how they think. Other topics he touched on included drones, beacons and link ray … which left delegates overwhelmed. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, from South African National Convention Bureau, recapped on the SANCB five-year journey and looked to the future. She also touched on some of the research results of the recent study. Finally, Lynn Baker closed up the conference with her dynamic presentation on the customer and changing needs, how technology has changed and is changing and how we can stay ahead of it all.
Seen at the EXSA conference...
Lorin Bowen, Synergy Business Events; Andrew Gibbs, Concept G; Gill Gibbs, Blu Cube; and Vuyo Sowazi, Gauteng Tourism Authority.
Hannes Venter, Johannesburg Expo Centre; Daksha Vallabh, Sandton Convention Centre; and Leighton May; Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Conrad Kullmann, 3D Group; Lynn Chamier, Professional Exhibition Solutions; and Phumulani Hlatshwayo, EXSA general manager.
Chantel Botha, Brand Love.
Lindy Cambouris and Allen Sharpe, CTICC.
Greg Mason, speaker from Biz HQ.
Reportback | EXSA conference
Neil Nagooroo, SA Tourism; and Yoshni Singh, Gauteng Tourism Authority.
Zoe van Niekerk, Scan Display; and Louis Nel, Louis the Lawyer.
Doug Rix, DKD, Nitta Sukha, SA Tourism; and Gwyn Heaton, Durban ICC.
Walter Senokoane, Gearhouse; Liezle Bothma, Conker Exhibitions; and Adriaan Liebetrau, Tsogo Sun Sandton Mile.
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, South Africa National Convention Bureau; and Gwyn Heaton, Durban ICC.
Themba Mtanase, Gauteng Tourism Authority; Stella Nkomo, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company; Clement Dlamini, 3D Design; and Dylan Solomon, 3D Shell.
Speaker Joe Hattingh from Lumi.
Lynn Baker, professional speaker.
Speaker Greg McManus, Event Greening Forum chairman.
Seen at the EXSA conference bush braai ...
Rudi van der Vyver; SAACI; Yoshni Singh, Gauteng Tourism Authority; Aubrey Eloff, Two Way Group of Companies; and Adriaan Liebetrau, Tsogo Sun Sandton Mile.
Irene Costa, Business Events Africa; Daksha Vallabh, Sandton Convention Centre; and Gwyn Heaton, Durban ICC.
Liezle Bothma, Conker Exhibitions; Conrad Kullmann, 3D Group; and Lynn Chamier, Professional Exhibition Solutions.
Carrissa Carsten, 3D Design; Daksha Vallabh, Sandton Convention Centre; Derek Green, Green Exhibitions and Tsholo Wesley, 3D Design.
Noma Ndlovu, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company; Molly Modisakeng, Compex; and Thuli Ndlovu, EXSA.
Allen Sharpe from CTICC; Quentin Donaldson and Jennifer Gibson, The Exhibitionist; Lindy Cambouris, CTICC; and Doug Rix, DKD.
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Top Supplier | ExpoGuys
World Travel Market Africa 2017
ExpoGuys DISCOP 2017
makes its mark ExpoGuys is a relative newcomer to the local exhibition industry (the company was only formed in 2013) but the owners, John Webb and Patrick Cronning, have more than six decades of experience under their belts. Today, this is a small business that punches well above its weight, providing award-winning custom stands and shell scheme infrastructure.
DISCOP 2017
O
Mediatech 2017
ver the past four years, ExpoGuys has become the go to company for corporate clients, venues, and exhibition and event organisers. DISCOP Johannesburg enables the film, television and digital content community the opportunity to connect with each other and source new content. Since its launch in 2012, DISCOP has become the world’s number one destination to acquire and co-produce “Made in Africa” content and sell international film, television and digital content, adaptation rights and packaged TV channels into sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, ExpoGuys was once again appointed by organisers, Basic Lead, to execute the build for the 5 430 m2 exhibition and deliver a finished product
worthy of the creative minds that come from around the world to visit DISCOP. ExpoGuys partnered with Reed Exhibitions in 2017 as the preferred supplier of infrastructure to Africa Travel Week, which features more than 550 exhibitors and is the leading B2B exhibition for the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets. Africa Travel Week hosts around 5 000 travel industry professionals from more than 45 different countries. The annual JB Marks Career Exhibition is a community outreach programme that provides career information to learners in rural areas. The 2017 edition of the exhibition took place in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, presenting some unique venue, location and logistical challenges. ExpoGuys constructed a temporary
Top Supplier | ExpoGuys
Marquee at JB Marks Career Exhibition held in Eastern Cape
exhibition venue (a 20 m x 60 m marquee) on the Mthatha Helipad, next to the airport. All materials were supplied by its Johannesburg factory. This included 1 250 m2 of marquee structure, 16 tons of concrete blocks, 1 250 m2 of
flooring; electrical fittings and materials, carpets, furniture, 800 m2 of shell scheme structure, graphics, computers, more than one ton of pamphlets and five tons of drinking water. Despite the logistical challenges, the entire project was completed within two-and-a-half days, leaving half a day of the allocated build-up to assist the client with extras and changes. Mediatech Africa is a biennial advanced media and entertainment technology trade show held in Johannesburg and an important event on the international exhibition calendar. The expo showcases new technologies and services in AV system integration and communications; live entertainment technology; television and broadcast; animation and film; studio and production, DJ and proaudio equipment.
World Travel Market Africa 2017
ExpoGuys partnered with the Sun Circle Exhibitions and Reed Exhibitions in 2015 and 2017 as the preferred supplier of infrastructure to Mediatech Africa, which was hosted at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. ExpoGuys employs some of the best talent in the business and works hard to maintain its reputation for consistently delivering quality and value for money. Patrick Cronning, joint owner said: “A significant competitive advantage is our well-resourced, state-of-the-art production and assembly plant, which allows us to control the quality of our output from start to finish.”
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Venue news
Sun International unveils new
Sun Meropa Hotel
From left to right are Peter Guthrie, general manager of Sun Meropa; Serobi Maja, chief executive officer of Limpopo Gaming Board; Anthony Leeming, chief executive officer of Sun International; Raleigh Maesela, chairman of Sun Meropa and Demi-Leigh Peters-Nel, Miss South African 2017.
Sun Meropa officially unveiled its new hotel at the complex in July. The opening of the upmarket Sun Meropa Hotel comes less than a year since Sun International and the Domba Empowerment Corporation announced the expansion plans for the complex.
S
un International’s R76-million investment in the hotel at Sun Meropa forms part of the company’s commitment to the City of Polokwane and the Limpopo Gambling Board. In the last financial year, Sun Meropa directly contributed more than R1.2 million in socio-economic development projects mainly in education, sports and culture initiatives and through the Domba Trust has also ploughed back more than R8.9-million in various projects focused on education. The hotel Demi-Leigh PetersNel, Miss South Africa 2017, at the opening of the upmarket hotel at Sun Meropa.
development provides economic stimulus for the region, through job creation and tourism to the area. Approximately 475 jobs were created directly and indirectly through the development, with the majority of labour sourced from the local community. Sun Meropa’s general manager, Peter Guthrie, said the development reaffirms Sun Meropa’s commitment to supporting the city’s economic priorities, and growing Polokwane into a destination of choice for international and domestic travellers. “We continuously strive towards excellence to enhance Sun Meropa’s appeal so as to promote tourism to the city and thereby contribute to the local economy. By enhancing Sun Meropa with a quality hotel, offering a high standard of accommodation, we believe we can increase our contribution to economic growth and tourism in the area. “We are delighted with the results of what has been a demanding, yet exciting, construction phase. With the largest, contemporary casino floor in Polokwane, a selection of dining and entertainment
options and our beautiful new hotel, Sun Meropa is poised to become the premier leisure, business and conferencing destination in the region.” The new Sun Meropa Hotel flows seamlessly into the casino complex and reflects the discerning Moroccan-styled architecture and aesthetics that make the complex distinctly Sun Meropa. The hotel boasts 60 immaculate rooms with a Moroccan theme, including four suites and two luxury suites. Catering to business and leisure travellers, the hotel features all amenities and the high quality of service that Sun International’s guests are accustomed to. Sun Meropa celebrated its 15th anniversary in March this year. The complex features the upmarket Harvest Grill & Wine restaurant; the contemporary Jembe Tavern which hosts regular live entertainment and a wellequipped and versatile conference centre. Sun Meropa hosts a variety of events annually, with artists such as Mi Casa, Candy, Muzo Bothers and Loyiso Gola among the well-known entertainers who have graced its stage.
Venue news
Silverbirch at Birchwood
receives TripAdvisor award Silverbirch at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the global brand, tripadvisor.com – an honour given to hotels listed on the website which have received consistent and numerous positive reviews from travellers.
B
radley Partridge, general manager at Birchwood said: “It is a superb accolade to receive this from TripAdvisor as all content on their site is user-generated, meaning that feedback is from the guests themselves, all over the world. Having this happen just two years since Silverbirch was launched makes us very proud of our team.” Two years ago Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre took into consideration the requirements and requests from the modern business traveller and corporate market alike and developed Silverbirch @ Birchwood – 235 upgraded and upmarket rooms located
on the Birchwood property, nestled within their manicured gardens and separated from the daily conference bustle. Equipped with its very own secure entrance, Silverbirch guests are able to utilise the hotel’s complimentary shuttle from OR Tambo (after waiting in Birchwood’s airport lounge with free coffee and Wi-Fi) and arrive at the dedicated, express check-in facility ensuring a fast and efficient process. Adding to Silverbirch’s distinctive yet comprehensive product offering, one is invited to indulge in a hearty meal at The Grill at OneTwenty Restaurant, after enjoying a massage at the renowned
Mangwanani Boutique Spa at Birchwood. This is followed by a quiet and comfortable night’s rest, leaving one refreshed and ready for a sumptuous breakfast in the exclusive Silverbirch Breakfast Room in the Petit Centre, as one catches up on e-mails using the inhouse Wi-Fi. Silverbirch continues to grow in popularity and even boasts dedicated conference facilities ideal for intimate setups with luxury conference items included. These facilities are, like the accommodation rooms, far from the larger venues so conference groups can experience exclusivity and privacy.
John Smith @ModernBusinessTraveller
No wonder Silverbirch @ Birchwood received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor. August 2017
Silverbirch @ Birchwood has been specially developed for the discerning and modern business traveller. 235 beautiful rooms, positioned and designed to ensure a comfortable and peaceful night’s rest. Set apart with access control in a tranquil part of the Birchwood grounds, far from the conference bustle. Express Check-in
Free Wi-Fi*
Exclusive Dining Options
Upmarket Meeting Facilities
For bookings or more information, please contact us on 011 897 0000 or visit www.birchwoodhotel.co.za
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Venue news
New appointments at CSIR ICC
New manager for SAB World of Beer
New appointments at Recreation Africa
Alshanthe Smith recently joined the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) as an events co-ordinator. Alshanthe will be responsible for the smooth running of events and ensuring high-end customer satisfaction. She has experience coordinating a vast portfolio of events. Elizabeth Msiza has been appointed as an events co-ordinator for the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC). Elizabeth’s role entails successfully arranging and executing a variety of events while maintaining the organisation’s highend customer service standard. Elizabeth has nine years relevant experience in the hospitality industry.
Felicia Mokoena has been appointed the new SAB World of Beer manager. Felicia has been with SAB World of Beer for 18 years. She started as a beer tour guide in 1999 and has steadily moved up the ranks of one of Johannesburg’s leading tourist attractions. “From events co-ordinator to operations supervisor, and acting general manager, I have seen and done it all when it comes to living and breathing the SAB World of Beer,” Ms Mokoena said. Felicia is currently completing the GIBS Programme for Management Development (PMD), which she aims to finish in November 2017. “The programme is designed to enhance my leadership skills and business acumen in the constantly changing business world. I am already applying what I have learned so far to SAB World of Beer,” Ms Mokoena said. Ms Mokoena takes over the reins from Tony Rubin, who retires in August 2017.
Recreation Africa recently made key appointments to its management team. Bonamy Lewis has joined Misty Hills as deputy general manager, previously the food and beverage manager at the Sandton Sun. Rico Carlinsky has joined the group as group executive chef, previously the executive chef at Grand Palm Hotel & Casino Resort. Faraaz Panaino has joined Misty Hills as head chef. He was previously head chef at Gold Circle in Durban.
Alshanthe Smith
Elizabeth Msiza
Business Africa - Half page.ai 1 2017/04/25 01:40:21 PM
From left: Bonamy Lewis, Rico Carlinsky
and Faraaz Panaino.
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Market news
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Market news
41
Folio Online achieves
top 3 ranking Independent market research firm Common Sense Advisory has recognised Folio Online as a leader in the $43.08 billion global translation, localisation, and interpreting services industry.
F
olio Online announced today its official ranking as one of the largest language services providers (LSPs) in the global translation and interpreting industry. Issued July 2017 by independent market research firm Common Sense Advisory (CSA Research), the report titled The Language Services Market: 2017 ranked Folio Online as a top-grossing LSP in the US$43.08 billion global market for outsourced language services and technology. Folio Online was named as the 2nd largest language service provider in Africa. This is the 8th year in a row that Folio has been honoured to appear on this prestigious list, this year as one of the top 3 LSPs in Africa, and the 29th year that Folio has been Translating Africa to the World. As part of the study, CSA Research surveyed providers from every continent to collect actual reported revenue for 2015, 2016, and expected revenue for 2017. CSA Research, which has published market size estimates and global rankings for the past 13 years, found that the demand for language services and supporting technologies continues and is growing at an annual rate of 6.97%, Folio Online was representing an increase over last named as the 2nd year’s rate of 5.52%. As organisations both large largest language and small make their products service provider and services available in more in Africa. languages, the firm predicts that the language services industry will continue to grow and that the market will increase to US$47.46 billion by 2021. Factors driving this demand include mobile, wearables, and the internet of things (IOT); on-demand offerings to support live chat, texts, tweets, and other short-shelf content bits; and legislation requiring access to language services. “The sheer number of countries, people, and languages – many of them in markets experiencing tremendous economic growth – assures that demand for language services will only increase over time. “As our research conclusively demonstrates, people are much more likely to purchase products in their own language. “In addition, localisation reduces customer care costs and increases brand loyalty,” explains Don DePalma, CSA Research’s founder and Chief Strategy Officer.
Tel: +27 (0)21 426 2727 Web: www.folio-online.co.za E-mail: pziets@folio-online.co.za projects@foliotranslations.com Facebook: facebook.com/folioonline Twitter: @Folio_Online
SAACI news
42
Invest in your people By Rudi van der Vyver, chief executive officer of SAACI
A chief executive officer and chief financial officer are having a discussion about the new budget. CFO: What if we invest in our people and they leave? CEO replies: What if we don’t invest in our people and they stay?
I
our industry to be on par with the international trends and countries we compete against to host business events. Service is probably the most underutilised competitive tool, yet it can be the most successful in customer retention through creating unique and memorable client experiences. We are currently seeing service or customer experience surpassing price and other differentiating factors as
the number one decision criteria for purchasing a product or service. The only way we can ensure service levels of the highest standards in our companies and industry is to invest back into our people through training and education. All SAACI members have access to the SAACI academy as a core benefit and the online training is available to all staff within the company.
THE PILLARS THAT GUIDE US THE WORK WE DO IS GUIDED BY FOUR KEY PRINCIPLE PILLARS:
SAACI
found this to be such a relevant blurb and especially for the business events industry in South Africa. We are in a highly service-focused industry and yet many of us seem to forget to invest in the people who are the faces of our companies, and at the front line when dealing with our clients. Continued education and training is vitally 1important, not8:33:47 only for any TP.pdf 3/16/2016 AM business to remain successful, but for
1) SAACI Community 2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa
FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM: 5) Branding & Communication 6) Stakeholder Engagement 7) Sustainability 8) Future Focus Association Hub 158 Jan Smuts Avenue 4th Floor, East Wing Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
@SAACIOfficial
Tel: Fax: Email: Web:
SAACI Head Office P.O. Box 381 Parklands, 2121
f
SAACI Official
in
SAACI Official
www
+27 (0) 11 880 5883 +27 (0)86 218 6817 info@saaci.co.za www.saaci.co.za
www.saaci.co.za
Integrity | Intelligence | Innovation | Sustainability
SITE news
Site hosts annual
South African futurist, Daniel Silke
Youth Summit By Naz Salie, Equilibrium Business Lab
The Society for Travel Incentive Excellence (SITE) Southern Africa recently hosted its annual Youth Summit at the Century City Hotel and Conference Centre in Cape Town. The Summit was aimed at youth who are currently employed or exploring career opportunities within the tourism industry.
T
he Youth Summit was facilitated by renowned South African futurist, Daniel Silke and, together with 12 panellists, gave delegates and the broader community an opportunity to engage on various aspects of tourism – from hotels, to tour operators, travel agents, event managers, hotel staff, professional conference organisers and destination marketing. The interactive sessions gave delegates the opportunity to interact with each other as well as the panel, and stimulate their interest in the various disciplines that forms the core of our careers. The Summit highlighted the need for more initiatives aimed at educating our youth about the career options in one of the top performing industries in our country. If we consider that tourism generated 1 in 10 of the world’s jobs in 2016 and South Africa’s staggering unemployment
rate, we are not doing nearly enough to position this industry as a key contributor to job creation. This is one of the reasons why SITE South Africa has made it a priority to establish a forum whereby we can encourage networking between “the rookies” and “the veterans”, while creating opportunities for mentorship and young leader development. Tes Proos, founding partner of Crystal Events Africa and president of SITE Southern Africa said: “The forum will also seek to engage with the various stakeholders in our industry to find sustainable solutions for access to training, career guidance and promote positive investment to see actual conversion from training interventions to sustainable careers in this industry. The reality is that we are not being proactive enough in our endeavours to
attract and retain a younger generation who has the potential to be Africa’s greatest ambassadors, while becoming economically active citizens.” “One key area we should not overlook and invest in is what some in our trade would describe as new knowledge. “Technical innovation in our industry is happening at such a rapid rate and we need to find the balance between transferring industry knowledge and equipping ourselves and the next generation with the necessary tools needed to remain competitive in the global market. “Our industry has nowhere to go but up and we, the industry professionals and leaders, all have a responsibility to our youth to open the doors and equip the future of our industry with everything necessary for them to be part of this rise. “We hope to create a forum whereby we can encourage networking between ‘the rookies’ and ‘the veterans’, while creating opportunities for mentorship and young leader development,” Ms Proos concluded.
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 Tes Proos
Office: + 27 (0)21 555 3617 Fax: 086 698 7792 Email: tes@crystalevents.co.za www.crystalevents.co.za
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Advertisers’ index
SUBSCRIBE TO
Business Events Africa AN INDISPENSABLE PUBLICATION! A year’s subscription provides you with the Yearbook, 11 monthly magazines and a copy of the annual South Africa Conferences & Exhibitions Calendar.
SUBSCRIPTION FORM To: Business Events Africa, PO Box 414, Kloof, 3640 Tel: (031) 764 6977 Fax: 086 762 1867 E-mail: jackie@contactpub.co.za p Yes, please, I would like to subscribe to Business Events Africa.
Subscription options (please tick): p Guide (Yearbook, 11 monthly magazines and annual calendar): R650 All prices given above include postage, packaging and VAT (RSA only) p Enclosed please find cheque to the amount of R..................................... NB: Please make cheques payable to Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd Banking Details: First National Bank, Kloof Branch Code: 221526 Account Number: 50730106925 Account Name: Contact Publications Do you require a tax invoice p Yes p No
August 2017 Vol 37 No 7 Advertiser
Page Email
Website
African Hotels and Adventures
32,33
cro@aha.co.za
www.aha.co.za
Aquila Private Game 40 Reserve and Safaris
res@aquilasafari.com
www.aquilasafari.com
Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre
39
quotes@birchwoodhotel. co.za
www.birchwoodhotel.co.za
Cape Town International Convention Centre
12-13
sales@cticc.co.za
www.cticc.co.za
Expo Centre Johannesburg
OBC, 14, 15
info@expocentre.co.za
www.expocentre.co.za
Expo Guys
36-37
info@expoguys.co.za
www.expoguys.co.za
EXSA
34-35
exsa@exsa.co.za
www.exsa.co.za
Folio Translation Consultants
41
pziets@folio-online.co.za
www.folio-online.co.za
Inspire Furniture
IFC
info@inspirefurniture.co.za
www.inspirefurniture.co.za
Legacy Hotels and Resorts
31
hotels@legacyhotels.com
www.legacyHotels.com
Peermont Global
5
reservations@peermont.com www.peermont.com
Reed Exhibitions
OFC, info@reedexpoafrica.co.za 8, 9,10
SAB World of Beer
28, 29
events.co-ordinator@ za.sabmiller.com
www.worldofbeer.co.za
SAACI
42
info@saaci.co.za
www.saaci.co.za
Sandton Convention Centre
OBC
scc.info@tsogosun.com
www.tsogosun.com www.sandtonconventioncentre.com
SITE
43
tes@crystalevents.co.za
www.crystalevents.co.za
South African Tourism
19-26
convention@southafrica.net
www.businessevents.southafrica.net
Uwin Iwin Incentives 16, 17
info@uwiniwin.net
www.uwiniwin.net
Vectorsoft
vinop@vectorsoft.co.za
www.vectorsoft.co.za
(If yes, one will be sent to you on receipt of your payment.)
p Please start my subscription from the..........................................issue. Name:........................................................ Position:.................................................... Company:.................................................. Address:................................................... .................................................................
www.reedexpoafrica.co.za
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4
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: Contact Publications Tel: (031) 764 6977 | Email: colleen@contactpub.co.za LOCAL: 2017
LOCAL: 2018
8-10 NOVEMBER: ABTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Venue: Tsogo Riverside Sun Resort, Vaal, Gauteng More information: Monique Swart Tel: +27 (0)11 888 8178 Email: monique@abta.co.za
INTERNATIONAL: 2017 SEPTEMBER 6-7: IBTM LATIN AMERICA. Venue: Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico. Tel: +52 (55) 88 52 62 10. Email: info@ibtmlatinamerica.com SEPTEMBER 26-28: IT&CMA Asia 2017. Venue: Bangkok Convention Centre, Central World, Bangkok, Thailand. www.itcma.com OCTOBER 10-12: IMEX America. Venue: Las Vegas, United States of America. Tel: +44 1273 227311. www.imex-america-2017.com NOVEMBER 8-10: ABTA Global Conference. Venue: London, United Kingdom. Tel: +27 11 888 8178. e-mail: monique@abta.co.za NOVEMBER 12-15: 56th ICCA Congress. Venue: Prague, Czech Republic.
18-20 APRIL: WTM Africa 2018 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town More information: Thebe Reed Exhibitions Tel: +27 (0)11 549 8300 Email: info@ThebeReed.co.za
More information: Mathijs Vleeming, marketing project manager, ICCA, Toren A, De Entree 57 1101 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1962. Email: mathijs@icca.nl. www.iccaworld.com NOVEMBER 28-30: IBTM World. Venue: Barcelona, Spain. Tel: +44 (0)20 8271 2127. www.ibtmworld.com
INTERNATIONAL: 2018 JANUARY 22-23: AIME Dubai. Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel: +971 603 3300 Email: event@aime.aero FEBRUARY 6-8: IBTM ARABIA. Venue: Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates. Tel: +44 (0)20 8271 2143 www.ibtmarabia.com FEBRUARY 20-21: AIME 2018. Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Tel: +61 2 9422 2500. www.reedexhibitions.com.au MAY 13-15: Association Expert Seminar. Venue: Frankfurt am Main, Germany. More information: ICCA Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1961 JUNE 29-JULY 1: ICCA Association Meetings Programme. Venue: Fukuoka, Japan. More information: ICCA Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1902
TEL: +27 11 452 1115 FAX: +27 11 452 3609 WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com EMAIL: glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com
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DIRECTORY Member: Carin Jordaan, Tsogo Sun e: Carin.Jordaan@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)82 777 8764 Moses Gontai, Namanje Events Solutions e: moses@namanjevents.co.za c: +27 (0)11 931 0072 Chad Botha, Inspire Furniture e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za c: +27 (0)76 644 0271
Integrity | Intelligence | Innovation | Sustainability BOARD OF DIRECTORS
National chairperson: Wayne Johnson, sales ambassador, Century City Conference Centre e: wayne.j@ccconferencecentre.co.za c: +27(0)83 448 1324 Vice-chairperson: Dorcas DlaminiMbele, group sales director, Protea Hotels Group e: dorcas@proteahotels.com c: +27 (0)82 903 7204
e: lerisha@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600
Happy Makhate, South African Airways e: happymakhate@flysaa.com c: +27 (0)11 978 6458
EASTERN CAPE
TSHWANE
Chairperson: Andrew Stewart, PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 Vice-chairperson: David Limbert Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 906 4198
Treasurer: Glenn van Eck, chief executive officer, Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616
Treasurer: Glenn van Eck, Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616
Public officer: Denise Kemp, director, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755
Co-ordinator: Wendy Knott-Craig e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27(0)73 201 8699
Chief executive officer: Rudi Van Der Vyver e: ceo@saaci.org c: 27(0)84 580 9882
Intelligence: Leigh Myles-Rohroft, JHGroup-Hotel Savoy e: leigh@jhgroup.co.za c: +27 (0)83 228 3928
DIRECTORS
Academy: David Limbert, Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 906 4198
EC chairman: Andrew Stewart, PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 KZN chairman: Nick Papadopoulos, Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27(0)84 505 0113 JHB chairman: Lorin Bowen, Synergy Business Events e: lorin@synergybe.co.za c: + 27 (0) 824338687 WC chairman: Jaques Fouche, Gearhouse e: jfouche@gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Tshwane chairman: Robert Walker, Jukwaa Group e: r.walker@jukwaa.net c: +27 (0)82 550 0162 C&E forum: Gwyn Matthews, Southern Cross Conferences e: gwyn@scconferences.com c: +27 (0)21 683 5106 Government representative: Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau e: nonnie@gauteng.net c: +27 (0)83 571 7410 Venue/Special projects and intelligence: Kim Roberts, The Forum e: kim.roberts@theforum.co.za c: +27 (0)82 652 2008 Advisory Board: Community: Vacant Academy: Esti Venske, CPUT e: venskee@cput.co.za c: +27 (0)21 460 3518 Into Africa: Alastair Stead, Scan Display e: alastair@scandisplayec.co.za c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 Branding and communication: Vacant
Aidan Koen, Compex e: aidan@compex.co.za c: 27 (0)82 561 3188
Committee: Vacant
Into Africa: Alastair Stead, Scan Display e: alastair@scandisplayec.co.za c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 Branding and communication: Donna Peo, Fish River Sun e: donna.peo@suninternational.com c: +27 (0)82 941 6911 Stakeholder engagement: Sadie Isaacs, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism e: conference@nmbt.co.za c: +27 (0)82 990 7652 Sustainability: Gill Dickie, Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619 Future focus: Vuyiseka Skepe, Mandela Bay Development Agency e: vuyiseka.skepe@mbda.co.za c: +27 (0)79 996 2854
JOHANNESBURG
Chairperson: Lorin Bowen, Synergy Business Events e: lorin@synergybe.co.za c: +27 (0)82 433 8687 Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham, Sandton Convention Centre e: michelle.bingham@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)11 779 0000 Treasurer: Manuela Gomes, Bidvest Car Rental e: ManuelaG@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)82 065 927 Branch co-ordinator: Letticia Ndhlala e: letticia@saaci.org c: +27 (0)71 294 6844
Stakeholder engagement: Vacant
Committee: Brendan Vogt, Guvon Hotel & Spas e: brendan@guvon.co.za c: +27 (0)83 709 0480
Sustainability: Jeana Turner, Affordable Adventure e: jeana.t@outlook.com c: +27 (0)83 400 2685
Intelligence: Monique De Sousa, Scan Display Solutions e: monique@scandisplay.co.za c: +27 (0)11 447 4777
Future focus: Lerisha Mudaliar, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau
Academy: Laura Kanda, Indaba Hotel e: sales3@indabahotel.co.za c: +27 (0)72 864 4937
Chairperson: Robert Walker, Jukwaa Group e: r.walker@jukwaa.net c: +27 (0)12 667 2074 Vice-chairperson: Melanie Pretorius, CSIR e: mpretorius1@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 Treasurer: Emily Naidoo, CSIR ICC e: enaidoo@csir.co.za t: +27 (0)12 841 3435 Intelligence: Pieter Swart, CMP, CMM, Conference Consultancy SA e: peter@confsa.co.za c: +27 (0)83 230 0763 Academy: Dr Nellie Swart, CMP, Unisa e: swartmp@unisa.ac.za c: +27 (0)82 771 0270 Into Africa: Taubie Motlhabane, City of Tshwane Tourism e: taubiem@tswane.gov.za c: +27 (0)79 075 1560 Branding & communications: Juan Quinn, Juan Q e: juan@juanq.co.za c: +27 (0)72 352 3598 Stakeholder engagement: Leon Pheiffer, EPH Productions, Monte de Dios e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046 Sustainability: Jeana Turner, Affordable Adventure sales manager e: jeana.t@outlook.com c: +27 (0)83 400 2685 Future focus: Anette Burden, owner, Casa Toscana e: anette@casatoscana.co.za c: +27 (0)82 787 614
KWA-ZULU NATAL
Chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos, Eat Greek Caterers e: eatgreek@telkomsa.net c: +27 (0)84 505 0113 Vice-chairperson: Scott Langley, Durban ICC e: scottl@icc.co.za c: +27 (0)31 360 1351 Co-ordinator: Carol Macnab e: kzn.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)79 072 0133 Treasurer: Dawn Holmwood e: dawnholmwood@outlook.com c: +27 (0)31 765 7497 Community: Denver Manickum, I-Cube Alternative Marketing e: denver@icube.co.za c: +27 (0)83 482 8525 Intelligence: Dawn Holmwood e: dawnholmwood@outlook.com c: +27 (0)71 519 9740 Academy: Ayanda Shabangu-Sturlese, Makulu Events e: ayanda@makuluevents.co.za c: +27 (0)79 473 3800 t: +27 (0)31 261 1136 Into Africa: Terrilyn Goldman, Greyville Conference Centre e: terrilyn@greville.co.za c: +27(0)82 820 9473 t: +27 (0)31 309 1430
Branding and communication: Liam Prince, Gearhouse e: liam.prince@gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 602 0442 t: +27 (0)31 792 6200 Stakeholder engagement: Imran Ahmed, Aqua Tours and Transfers e: imran@aquatours.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 7116 Sustainability: Scott Langley, Durban ICC e: scottl@icc.co.za c: +27 (0)31 360 1351 Future Focus: Tracey Delport, aha Hotels & Lodges e: Tracey.delport@aha.co.za c: +27 (0)83 293 5190 t: +27 (0)31 536 6520 Committee: Kim Gibbens, Aqua Tours and Transfers e: kim@aquamice.co.za c: +27 (0)79 693 9530 Vicki Hooper, Venue for Conferences in Africa e: info@venues.co.za c: +27 (0)83 256 8120 t: +27 (0)31 764 0059 James Seymour, Durban KZN Convention Bureau e: james@durbankzncb.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 5508 t: +27 (0)31 360 1171 Tarannum Banatwalla, Jellyfish Catering e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za c: +27 (0)83 254 9462 t: +27 (0)31 564 8034
WESTERN CAPE
Chairperson: Jaques Fouche, Gearhouse e: jfouche@gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Vice-chairperson: Lerisha Mudaliar, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau e: lerisha@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 Co-ordinator: Lara van Zyl e: wc.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 223 4684 Treasurer: Jaco du Plooy, NH The Lord Charles e: revman@presidenthotel.co.za t: +27 (0)21 855 1040 Community: Zandri Swartz, Century City Conference Centre e: zandri.s@ccconferencecentre.co.za t: +27 (0)21 204 8000 Intelligence: Cindy Ferreira Buser, Mirchee e: cindy@mirchee.co.za c: +27 (0)72 192 5656 Intelligence: Andrew Gibson, Magnetic Storm e: andrew@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)74 588 3054 Academy: Esti Venske, CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.za c: +27 (0)83 482 9276 Into Africa: Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA Africa e: Esmare.S@iccaworld.org c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 Branding & communications: Jan-Hendrik Fourie, ProsperIS e: jan-hendrik@prosperis.com c: +27 (0)83 245 5582 Stakeholder engagement: Thiru Naidoo, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau e: thiru@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 Sustainability: Angela Lorimer, Spier e: angelal@spier.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101 Future focus: Alshanthe Smith, CTICC e: alshanthe@cticc.co.za c: +27 (0)71 299 0601
DIRECTORY
EXSA OFFICE 19 Richards Drive, Gallagher Convention Centre, Gallagher House Level 2, Midrand, Johannesburg PO Box 2632, Halfway House, 1685 t: +27 (0)11 805 7272 f: +27 (0)11 805 7273 e: info@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za Admin Manager: Thuli Ndlovu e: info@exsa.co.za
BOARD MEMBERS
Organisers Forum: Zaida Enver t: +27 (0)114675011 e: zaida@puregrit.co.za Organisers Forum: Clive Shedlock t: +27 (0)31 303 5941 e: clive@housegardenshow.co.za Organisers Forum: Lorin Bowen t: +27 (0)11 476 4754 e: lorin@synergybe.co.za
Chair/President: Andrew Binning t: +27 (0)41 363 0310 e: andrew@inkanyezi.co.za
Suppliers Forum – Chair: Doug Rix t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za
Immediate Past Chair: Neil Nagooroo t: +27 (0)11 8953040 e: Neil@southafrica.net
Suppliers Forum: Patrick Cronning t: +27 (0)83 281 5584 e: pat@expoguys.co.za
Treasurer: Andrew Gibbs 0861 122 2679 e: treasurer@exsa.co.za
KZN Forum – Chair: Denver Manickum t: +27 (0)31 701 0474 e: denver@icube.co.za
Venue Forum: Marlene Govender t: +27 (0)31 360 1000 e: marleneg@icc.co.za
Western Cape Forum – Chair: Gill Gibbs t: 0861 122 2679 e: gill@blu3.co.za
Venue Forum: Daksha Vallabh t: +27 (0)11 779 0000 e: daksha.vallabh@tsogosun.com
Young Professionals Chair: Adele Von Well t: +27 (0)82 464 8702 e: adelev@gl-events.co.za
aaxo
AAXO – Association of African Exhibition Organisers Reed Place, Culross on Main Office Park,
34 Culross Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg t: +27 (0)11 549 8300 e: info@aaxo.co.za | www.aaxo.co.za
General Manager: Pat Lofstedt c: +27 (0)82 411 7871 | e: pat@aaxo.co.za Chairperson: Carol Weaving, Reed Exhibitions Secretariat: Annamari Erwee Board Members: Philip Wood, TE Trade Events; Dee Reuvers, SA Confex Services; Leatitia van Straten, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery; Amanda Margison, On Show Solutions; Amanda Cunningham, The Wedding Expo
Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence OFFICE BEARERS:
Chapter President: Tes Proos Crystal Events Box 50596, Waterfront 8002 c: +27 (0)84 682 7676 e: president@sitesouthernafrica.com Treasurer: Peter-John Mitrovich c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com Secretariat: Mariaan Burger c: +27 (0)82 557 8041 e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Adriaan Fourie c: +27 (0)84 545 3355 e: adriaan@wesgro.co.za Cindy Pereira Buser c: +27 (0)72 192 5656 e: cindy@mirchee.co.za Justin Exner c: +27 (0)60 302 6018 e: justin@vineyard.co.za Barry Futter: Adventure Works c: +27 (0)82 335 4090 e: barry@adventureworks.co.za
ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association ICCA AFRICAN CHAPTER:
Chairperson: Ben Asoro Commercial Director, Calabar ICC, Calabar Nigeria t: +23 48173098930 t: +25 4722493146 e: ben@conventioncentrecalabar.com
Daryl Keywood c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 e: daryl@walthers.co.za Henk Graaf c: +27 (0)83 696 3307 e: henk@swafrica.co.za Tanya Angell-Schau c: +27 (0)82 559 9007 e: tangellschau@tourvestdm.com Nicholas Leonsis: c: +27 (0)82 564 6996 e: nicholasl@travkor.co.za
SUB COMMITTEE (Business Africa Development): Nicholas Leonsis (Chair): c: +27 (0)82 564 6996 e: nicholasl@travkor.co.za Bunny Boolah: c: +27 (0)83 632 2420 e: bunny@africanlink.co.za
SUB COMMITTEE (Young Leadership Development):
Nonhlanhla Tsabalala: c: +27 (0)71 351 4458 e: nonhlanhlaT@tshwane.gov.za
President: Nina Freysen-Pretorius The Conference Company t: +27 (0)31 303 9852 f: +27 (0)31 303 9529 e: nina@confco.co.za Secretariat: Esmare Steinhofel ICCA Africa Regional director c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org. www.iccaworld.com/dbs/ africanchapter www.iccaworld.com
OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123 t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 | f: +27 (0)11 782 3814 c: +27 (0)83 679 2110 | monique@abta.co.za www.abta.co.za Founder: Monique Swart ANTOR – Association of National Tourist Office Representatives President: Hélène Bezuidenhoudt Vice-president: Wendie White Box 41022, Craighall 2024 c: +27 (0)83 200 4444 | f: +27 (0)11 523 8290 helene.bezuidenhoudt@franceguide.com ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010 t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61 f: 086 504 9767 | barbara@asata.co.za Chief executive officer: Otto de Vries c: +27 (0)76 140 7005 | f: 086 505 1590 Office manager: Barbara Viljoen EGF – Event Greening Forum 179 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 +27 (0)11 447 4777 | info@eventgreening. co.za | www.eventgreening.co.za
Chairman: Justin Hawes Vice-chairman: Greg McManus FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa | Box 71517, Bryanston 2021 t: 0861 333 628 | f: 0867 165 299 fedhasa@fedhasa.co.za www.fedhasa.co.za Manager – national office: Lynda Bacon PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa t: +27 (0)11 462 9465 | f: 086 515 0906 c: +27 (0)83 458 6114 nikki@psasouthernafrica.co.za www.psasouthernafrica.co.za Executive director: Nikki Bakker SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 t: +27 (0)11 011 9288 f: +27 (0)11 011 9296 | saboa@saboa.co.za President: Mr A Sefala Executive manager: Mr E Cornelius SATI – South African Translators’ Institute Executive director: Marion Boers t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 office@translators.org.za
www.translators.org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Box 900, Ferndale 2160 | t: +27 (0)11 886 9996 | f: +27 866832082 | jennym@satsa.co.za www.satsa.com Chief executive officer: David Frost Chief operations officer: Jenny Mewett SKAL International South Africa International secretary: Anne Lamb t/f: +27 (0)21 434 7023 c: +27 (0)82 708 1836 anne@yebo.co.za www.skalsouthafrica.org STA – Sandton Tourism Association t: +27 (0)83 558 5445 secretariat@sandtontourism.com www.sandtontourism.com TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa Box 11655, Centurion 0046 t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 f: +27 (0)12 664 0103 | comms@tbcsa. travel www.tbcsa.travel or 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 enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za TINSA – Interpreters/Translators Network of Southern Africa Co-ordinator: 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 Box 2245, Pinegowrie 2123 t: +27 (0)82 371 5900 admin@tpsa.co.za | www.tpsa.co.za Administrator: Tiffany Reed TTA – Tshwane Tourism Association Box 395, Pretoria 0001 t: +27 (0)12 841 4212 secretary@tshwanetourism.com www.tshwanetourism.com Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande Membership Co-ordinator: Liz Oosthuysen membership@tshwanetourism.com
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48
The last word
Are we using VR for VR’s sake? By David Limbert, head of creative services, Magnetic Storm
As virtual reality (VR) experiences become more prevalent and impressive, are we using VR for VR’s sake?
V
R is increasingly becoming a part of the experiential marketing landscape as brands become more confident in embracing the tech. Yet is it always appropriate? Who remembers the shot of Mark Zuckerberg walking into a room full of people all wearing VR headsets at the Samsung Galaxy S7 launch? There was something creepy, and vaguely Orwellian about the picture. The Twitter-verse jumped on the image, but one comment that came up time and time again was what was the point of them all being there, if they were just strapping on a headset? It might be the most obvious point, but that doesn’t stop it being a good one. Since that moment, VR has grown there are several products on the market to choose from. The novelty of experiencing VR for the first time is disappearing, but in the UK and US we’re seeing the technology shoehorned into live experiences. But it’s yet to take off in South Africa. So, you’ve got budget to bring people to your event just to stick pricey headsets on them. You’ll be out of a job as soon as people realise they can get that exact experience at home, and you’ve wasted an opportunity to engage your audience. The use of VR in the future will rely on us, marketers and event
Who is David Limbert? David Limbert heads up the creative services department at Magnetic Storm and has a solid background in theatre. Joining Magnetic Storm in 2003, David has become a key individual in the business and is responsible for not only the creative execution of events but also the technical aspects, installations, event infrastructure, and IT. David freelances nationwide as a stage manager and lighting director, and is the Chair of the Eastern Cape region of PANSA (Performing Arts Network of Southern Africa) and Deputy chair of SAACI Eastern Cape (Southern African Association for the Conference Industry).
professionals creating engaging virtual experiences people can plug into from anywhere. If the event is live, we need to focus on making it memorable and unique. We can’t use the latest technology with no thought towards how it improves the experience, or how it connects people. VR content should be engaging, as all communication should, but it also needs be relevant and appropriate. To figure out if VR is the right thing for an event, an activation or a brand engagement, you need to review what it is meant to achieve, and assess whether using it can deliver results. We can take a few cues from how VR has been used in consumer activations overseas:
Time vs. appeal People are busy, and even the promise of the most amazing VR experience needs to be in an environment where people have the time to participate. Alzheimer’s Research UK recently set up a VR installation at London’s St Pancras International station as part of its ‘Walk Through Dementia’ campaign, where visitors where encouraged to experience first-hand what it’s like living with dementia. Setting up an activation in a place where people have some to time kill (trains in the UK rarely run on time), provides a great opportunity for customers to engage with the event.
Inclusive vs. exclusive VR can sometimes be isolating, both those using it and for those on
the outside - so the setting needs to be appropriate. But there are others, who find a moment of escapism and tranquility spot-on. Imagine an in-store activation that transported shoppers away from the bustle of the mall to a sun-dappled wheat field, providing a moment of peace for the customer. VR takes you away from the moment (and we’re constantly being reminded to live ‘in the moment’) and transforms you into another world, without your peers. If you were already having a good time before you placed on the headset, doing so might actually detract from your enjoyment. Zuckerberg has already formed a social VR team at Facebook to work towards VR’s inclusivity, but it could be years before any kind of real breakthrough and, even then, gathering in a virtual world with friends to see the hottest act perform, might just mean a digital version of ourselves exists? Does that mean consumers would ever truly be present, meaning brands never truly connect or engage with their users/consumers? The isolation factor needn’t be something to be feared. It just needs to be acknowledged and understood so it is accounted for when the choice to use VR is made. VR is brilliant, it is taking the experiences and the event landscape to a new level, allowing marketers to tap into places both physical and emotional that were previously unreachable. But to make this work, you must ask, is VR appropriate and relevant for my event, because if it’s not, you’ve just spent a chunk of your budget on a very expensive gimmick.
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