Business Events Africa February 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 41 No 2 February 2021

Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 41 years

CONTENTS

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

VOL 41 NO 2 FEBRUARY 2021

About the cover Fancourt for business events Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last year, the world of business and business events travel has had to adapt to new demands and challenges imposed by a global workforce in transition.

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

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa

VENUE NEWS 24 New Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City

is green & keen to welcome guests.

TRENDSETTING 26 Trends to look for in 2021.

Features

CHEF’S PROFILE 28 Hard work bears fruit for the Maslow’s chef Puleng.

Cover Feature

Association news

FANCOURT 6 How can you meet the needs of the Gen C business traveller?

On the pages…

EDITOR’S COMMENT 2 The uncertain future.

NEWS 4 Scan Display ready to build

vaccination centres at scale.

5 Sun International joins Global

Hotel Alliance.

PERSONALITY PROFILE 9 Asif Raza - a man with mindfulness.

Q&A 10 With Joep Schoof, general manager of Spier Hotel and Leisure.

Features 12 UFI releases latest Global Barometer Report.

16 Feedback on the results from South African exhibition industry leaders.

19 Exhibitions in 2021/2 –

an IFES global outlook.

POPIA UPDATE 22 Gintan Luthuli Associates – here to

get you POPIA compliant.

EVENT GREENING FORUM 29 Simple steps to help sustain

our sector.

SITE 30 The changing face of skills.

AAXO 32 Brains, heart, courage: the wisdom

of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ in 2021.

SAACI 33 Build back better.

gomesi@iafrica.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Vincent Goode vincent@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 41 No 2 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly. Due to Covid-19, the magazine is currently only available in digital format.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

SAEC 34 Formal recognition of excellence

for event industry professionals.

EXSA 36 2021 – What’s in store?

Regulars MARKET NEWS 37 Valor Hospitality appoints Jessica

Redinger as GM of the new voco™

Johannesburg Rosebank.

37 Index of advertisers.

38 Directory and associations of interest.

THE LAST WORD 40 Five trends that will impact Western Cape air travel in 2021.

Learning | Growth | collaboration

Official media partner

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

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

The uncertain future

P

eople need human interaction; it is just not the same over a virtual platform.

That is good news for our sector.

The hybrid and virtual platforms have certainly made conferences, exhibitions and meetings possible over this difficult period; but, from research done, it will not be a replacement for face-to-face meetings, exhibitions, events.

Sure, there is also the matter of trust that needs to be rebuilt. This trust needs to start with the destination, South Africa as a whole. Vaccines will go a long way in ensuring this, as well as extensive health and safety protocols.

The world isn’t the same, there is no normal, we are living in the twilight zone with our face masks, sanitisers and the fear of an invisible enemy.

Yet, we are still here! We are survivors!

We, as the business events industry, are ready; all the footwork has been done in our sector to ensure that we can operate safely and yet we are restricted while shopping malls have no restrictions on entry numbers.

This remains my biggest criticism as I just don’t understand, why? What I do know is that our sector is not able to operate due

to the roadblocks put up by government in what appears to be a lack of understanding and the incorrect classification of the entire sector, lumped in with mass gatherings.

The Restart Expo which took place at the end of 2020 proved to the authorities that exhibitions and events are able to take place safely, with all the required Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place. The event reiterated that the business events sector should not be classified as mass gatherings, but rather as organised, controlled events that would be completely Covid-19 compliant.

Over the last few months our sector has been through the ringer. We are one of the hardest hit sectors and, over the months, the industry has proved repeatedly that we are ready to operate with all the necessary protocols in place.

Yet, we still have no answers from government. We are all waiting for the green light from the powers that be.

What more can we do?

All the sector is asking for is 50% venue capacity. This will make all the difference to the business events industry.

With 50% venue capacity, our industry will bounce back in no time.

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

The world has changed so much over the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and yet there is still a desperate need for faceto-face engagement.

We are ready! Give us the green light!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

Hybrid Space

Introducing the CTICC’s

Digital Events Offering

Transform traditional events into extraordinary digital experiences.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call +27 21 410 5000 Email sales@cticc.co.za and quote “Digital Events” when making your booking Visit cticc.co.za

NEWS

Scan Display ready to build vaccination centres at scale

“S

outh Africa’s exhibition industry has a proven track record of providing quick and affordable solutions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. From testing and isolation centres to field hospitals, the exhibition industry’s temporary structures have allowed us to repurpose our stock and create solutions in response to this health crisis,” said Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display, a company which builds exhibition stands and infrastructure.

“We can help with the next step in the pandemic response, with the setup of vaccination centres around the country.”

Mr Hawes explained that Scan Display stocks a product well suited to these temporary builds. “Shell scheme is a simple walling system that is synonymous with exhibitions. Because it is modular, it can be configured in endless ways and adapted to fit any space or structure. It can also be assembled and taken down in short time frames, is inexpensive, easy to transport and can be repurposed after each use.”

Scan Display carries large volumes of shell scheme and has the skills and capacity to set it up. “We are able to design layouts to fit any existing space, such as exhibition halls and other event venues. And by working together with health authorities, we will ensure that the required Covid-19 safety measures are met,” he said.

The role of the exhibition industry in the global response to the pandemic is well documented. Temporary field hospitals were erected at the start of the pandemic, including seven Nightingale Hospitals in the

4 Business Events Africa February 2021

UK and the Hospital of Hope in Cape Town.

Now vaccination centres are popping up in sports halls and concert arenas in Germany, racecourses and stadiums in the UK, and exhibition centres in Belgium and Copenhagen. These are just a few examples.

Scan Display’s role in building the Hospital of Hope at the CTICC was made possible by using the company’s modular system, which required 1 600 running metres of hardwood walling to partition 863 beds.

Jane Steel, sales manager of Scan Display, managed the Scan Display team on this build. She said: “While this project was complex and new territory for us, we had the advantage from past experience of producing exhibition builds. This means we have a strong technical background in building safe structures and are able to adapt to new and changing circumstances, problem solve on the fly and manage relentless time pressures. It also requires that we develop good partnerships with all stakeholders so as to eliminate miscommunication, resulting in strong collaborations. Our sector truly has the ideal skill set and temperament for these kinds of projects.”

Through the South African Events Council, stringent Covid-19 safety protocols for live events have been published. These include internationally benchmarked best practice for exhibition build-ups and breakdowns. “We are all well versed in how to operate within these guidelines, and we understand what is at stake,” Mr Hawes said. www.businesseventsafrica.com

NEWS

Sun City’ The Palace pool.

Sun International joins Global Hotel Alliance Sun International, Africa’s leading gaming and hospitality group, with properties in South Africa, Nigeria and Eswatini, will participate in the DISCOVERY loyalty programme, gaining access to a global customer base of 17 million members when they join the alliance later this year.

G

lobal Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and operator of the award-winning, multibrand loyalty programme, DISCOVERY, announced today that Sun International will become the latest addition to its growing network of over 35 independent brands and 570 hotels in 85 countries.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Sun International is one of the largest gaming and hospitality groups in South Africa, with the flagship Sun City Resort including The Palace of the Lost City hotel, and leading luxury and lifestyle hotels such as The Table Bay in Cape Town and The Maslow in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Chris Hartley, GHA’s chief executive officer, commented that Sun International will join the alliance at a pivotal moment in mid-2021, spurred on by what everyone hopes will be a recovery in international

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Anthony Leeming, Sun International CEO

travel later this year: “Finding a strong partner to enter South Africa has long been a priority for GHA, and this positive news reflects our optimism that the travel industry will soon be on the road to recovery. We are proud to welcome Sun International as GHA’s member brand in South Africa, and we are confident that they will benefit greatly from joining the alliance. They will immediately have access to a global audience of over 17 million DISCOVERY members; and we know, from our research, that South Africa is a popular destination for our customer base.”

Anthony Leeming, chief executive officer of Sun International, added: “Joining Global Hotel Alliance marks an exciting step for Sun International and our guests and represents an important evolution in our guest recognition and rewards strategy. In parallel with Sun International's Most Valued Guest (MVG) loyalty scheme, our recognition

programme for gaming members, GHA’s DISCOVERY loyalty programme will enable us to better recognise and reward our hotel guests and welcome new customers. Notwithstanding the challenging environment faced by the global hospitality industry, our decision to join GHA could not happen at a more critical time in our company’s history, and we look forward to a successful partnership with GHA.” The integration and launch of Sun International’s properties into GHA is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

The Table Bay hotel in Cape Town is expected to go live first, in April, followed by the rest of Sun International’s properties.

Created in 2010, with the goal of helping independent, upscale and luxury hotel brands to compete with the global majors while retaining their individuality, GHA’s DISCOVERY loyalty programme celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020.

Business Events Africa February 2021 5

COVER STORY: FANCOURT

How can you meet the needs of the Gen C business traveller?

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last year, the world of business and business events travel has had to adapt to new demands and challenges imposed by a global workforce in transition.

W

hile no one knows exactly what the next six months will bring, key trends have begun to emerge, as has a ‘new’ type of traveller.

Who is the ‘new’ Gen C traveller?

In June 2020, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund C. Bartlett, was speaking about the future of tourism and the type of traveller they had prepared to welcome after Jamaica became one of the first countries to reopen to international visitors. He used the term ‘Generation C traveller’ to describe the type of traveller, transcending generational age gaps, that will be travelling in a post-Covid world.

“As we begin leaving our homes and travelling once again, and until there is medical treatment and a vaccine, we have to find ways to live with Covid-19 in the world. This has created a common

global experience that is intergenerational.

The post-Covid generation is Generation C. Boomers, GenX, Millennials, and Gen Z are all part of Gen-C, defined by a societal shift in mindset that will change the way in which we look at – and do – many things as a result of the ravages of Covid-19,” Mr Bartlett said.

These Gen C travellers are looking for assurance and safety. Top of mind? Gen C travellers are looking for reassurance, flexibility and peace of mind when making any travel plans.

Those working in travel, tourism, hospitality and business events who are able to adapt to these challenging – and changeable – times and meet the needs of Gen C travellers will be well positioned for recovery.

Here’s how you can meet the needs of the Gen C business events traveller:

6 Business Events Africa February 2021

Your health and safety protocols are number one Nowadays, when you arrive at your accommodation, you will still be greeted with warm, welcoming hospitality and plenty of big smiles – all under a mask! Yes, the mask will remain as a travel essential (an everyday essential, in fact) as the world continues to battle against the coronavirus and its subsequent strains.

From sanitising your hands before entering the premises to filling in a wellness questionnaire to declare any symptoms that you may be experiencing, these Covidrelated protocols are here to stay.

Establishments and tourism organisations will do all they can to drive the message home – adhere to good personal and community hygiene practices, wear masks and sanitise consistently and correctly.

The term ‘super-spreader’ event will cast www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: FANCOURT

fear into the heart of any event planner or venue.

Smaller gatherings are here to stay, and businesses, conferences, meetings and events will be tailored to cater to a smaller crowd.

According to adjusted Level 3 guidelines announced on 1 February, conferencing, dining and entertainment facilities are currently limited to fifty persons or less for an indoor gathering, and 100 persons or less in case of an outdoor gathering – provided that no more than fifty per cent of the capacity of the venue is used, and with strict social distancing measures in place. This is why so many businesses and employees are selecting business events venues and accommodation that allow for outdoor meetings, and why ample space, fresh air and natural surroundings are more in demand than ever before.

For Peter Dros, sales and marketing director of Fancourt, this is critical: “The days of spending eight hours indoors at a conference or event are over. Organisers are actively looking for venues which offer an indoor/outdoor flow, flexible configurations which can deliver social distancing with ease and spacious grounds for al fresco events.”

Sell the experience, not the destination Business travel is no longer about simply sitting around the conference table together. It’s about reconnecting with colleagues and clients you may have only seen on Zoom for the past year. It’s about soaking up nature and the chance to be outside and enjoy the multiple health and wellness benefits of a change of scenery.

The Gen C traveller is looking for meaningful experiences, and the chance to learn, be inspired or simply relax.

Inbetween networking and making important business decisions, they want to explore, experience something new and enjoy local life.

Highlight sustainable travel The next most crucial thing for Generation C is putting the environment first. They want to stay at eco-friendly establishments, do their part by contributing to sustainable tourism, for example, by spending an hour or two volunteering for a good cause. In short, they want to support local and give back.

Never before have we been more acutely aware of the fragility of our existence, and that of our planet. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa February 2021 7

COVER STORY: FANCOURT

Why Fancourt for business events?

Make your tech top notch – user experience is key Whether you’re a millennial or Generation Z having grown up with smartphones or a Boomer now savvy with Zoom and webinars, technology is key. Ensuring that your business is visible and utilises technology smartly, to make the customer experience easier and smoother, is essential for every business. Consider contactless check-ins, virtual tours and more.

Cater for bleisure travel Although a return to normal leisure travel still seems a long way off, travel experts, travel managers and business events organisers understand the importance of combining business with leisure. A few days off at the beginning or end of a trip is likely to make a world of difference to a traveller’s health, mental wellbeing and morale. ‘Bleisure’ trips have seen a steady rise in popularity over the last few years, and in 2021 they will be more precious than ever. Travellers want to make the most of their time they spend travelling – whether it’s for business or leisure.

“Travellers are now looking to make their business trips count,” Mr Dros

agreed. “Whether it’s as a result of a pent-up demand for travel or wanting to extend one’s stay to balance out the stress and admin surrounding new travel regulations, guests are looking to stay longer – and enjoy everything their destination has to offer.”

When booking a conference or event, consider the venue’s leisure options too.

The idea of health and wellbeing is now front and centre, and an extra ‘down’ day is very appealing to those who want to relax – or are ready to get out and explore.

“We are extremely lucky at Fancourt,” Mr Dros said, “As we are able to offer everything from a round of golf to a spa day, nature trails and bike paths, beach braais, wine tastings and more. In terms of ‘bleisure’, Fancourt ticks all the boxes.”

The changes brought about as a result of Covid, paired with today’s evolving workforce, means that business events travel is undergoing a complete makeover, and business events’ experts, businesses and corporate travel suppliers need to adapt accordingly. There is no doubt that business travel and business events will return post Covid-19, they may just look a little different.

• Fancourt is nestled in the shadow of the spectacular Outeniqua mountains.

Surrounded by 613 hectares of lush countryside, it makes for stunning views and plenty of opportunity for outdoor pursuits. It’s not called the business playground of South Africa for nothing!

• Enjoy full connectivity, seamless service and a relaxed atmosphere – all the ingredients for a successful work retreat. Ask about Fancourt’s Kingfisher Business Lounge – a private space for smaller teams offering a private boardroom, lounge and patio.

The venue flows seamlessly between all three, giving delegates a generous, relaxed indoor/outdoor setting, as well as a dedicated hostess.

• Following a meeting or conference, guests can explore the estate, venture off on a nature trail, exercise or relax in the swimming pool or spa.

• Chat to the friendly Fancourt team to organise an afternoon of wine tasting at one of the local vineyards. Other off-site experiences to consider include a Big 5 game drive, an unforgettable beach braai, boat cruises along the Knysna Lagoon, and, of course, a challenging round of golf at one of South Africa’s top golf courses, including The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua.

• Fancourt places a huge emphasis on going above and beyond to ensure the safety of all guests, providing access to stunning and spacious conference venues ideal for practicing strict social distancing.

Tick all of the boxes relating to heightened traveller expectations by choosing Fancourt for business events in 2021 and beyond.

Contact us: groupreservations@fancourt.co.za

8 Business Events Africa February 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Asif Raza - a man with mindfulness It has been a busy few months for Asif Raza, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Cape Town, which opened mid-December.

The hospitality fundi has had plenty of international travel in the run-up to his appointment at the new hotel.

A

side from overseeing the hotel’s transition into a new skin, instilling the Hyatt’s high-touch global ethos, and personally vetting each member of his staff, Mr Raza’s been relocating his family to a part of the world that is new to him, all the while taking time getting to know the Bo-Kaap community, where the hotel is situated.

He has done all of this at a remarkable time in history.

For Mr Raza, all that long-distance travel has meant lots of Covid-19 testing – twenty tests in all so far, each one negative.

He puts it down to awareness. “One way to stay safe,” he said, “is to be mindful.”

Indeed, when you meet him, he’s careful to maintain a respectful distance, refrains from habitually sticking out his hand to shake yours, and carries a pocket-size sanitiser.

He’s methodical, too. He not only cleans his cell phone whenever he returns to his office, but assiduously uses wet wipes to sanitise his (and his family’s) airplane seats before he sits down, whenever he boards a flight. He said that being mindful is second nature – his job has taught him to pay attention. Not only to his own conduct, but also to other people.

That holds true whether he is looking after his own children when they’re flying with him or looking out for guests staying in his hotel.

Being aware in this way becomes instinctive, Mr Raza said, when your job is dedicated to taking care of others. And it is not about following a routine or protocol so much as being sharply attuned to the subtle needs of people who walk into your hotel. How else to know how best to serve them?

Mr Raza said that he thrives in the hotel business, never tiring of what he does, because he finds that making people happy is not only easy but energising.

Mr Raza is unique in that he came to hospitality not by accident, but by design. www.businesseventsafrica.com

As a boy, growing up in Pakistan, his father regularly attended important meetings, and these would often be conducted in five-star hotels. Mr Raza often accompanied his dad, and he said that while he waited, he was awed by what these places offered: a sense of wonder that distinguished them from ordinary life.

He knew from an early age that he wanted to work in luxury hotels; he wanted to share that sense of wonder with others.

By way of hotel school in Switzerland, he landed his first significant hotel position in Telluride, Colorado. “I was the only person in that town who was still wearing a formal dress coming from London but quickly adapted to the mountain living. I learned to snowboard and when there wasn’t snow, there was golf!”

Despite never having visited Cape Town before, when the opportunity to manage the Hyatt Regency came up, he said he jumped at the chance to be somewhere new and recognised this as a globally important city. His managerial lineage includes a variety of large Hyatt properties across the Middle East, including hotels in important business, leisure and pilgrimage destinations such as Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Muscat, and Makkah, where he’s been general manager since 2017.

He has, in the short time since opening, focused considerably on channelling the Hyatt’s “people first” philosophy into every aspect of the hotel.

That human touch, Mr Raza said, extends not only to the way staff and guests are treated, but also to the relationship with the local community. Situated at the edge of the Bo-Kaap, the Hyatt Regency aims to be recognised as an active and significant part of what is essentially Cape Town’s most historic quarter. Not only a vital neighbourhood with deep heritage rooted in a robust and vibrant culture, the Bo-Kaap is also an important tourist destination.

Mr Raza said that building a strong connection between the hotel and the local

neighbourhood is a priority for him and his team. “Not only are we a part of the Bo-Kaap community, but our guests get to enjoy close-quarters access to its cobblestone streets, its shops and walking tours, its famously picturesque façades, and its historic mosques. Plus, they’ll have opportunities to sample the local cuisine.”

And, while guests are within walking distance of several Bo-Kaap food stops, the hotel is destined to be a hub for quality Halaal dining within the community. Its 126 Cape Kitchen & Café, situated just off the lobby on the hotel’s ground floor, is headed up by chef Keith Frisley, previously of the Four Seasons Westcliff in Johannesburg.

When asked about the risks of opening a new hotel during a global crisis, Mr Raza said he’s hugely positive. He recognises the challenges but said that the business risks are outweighed by the opportunity to open a hotel that’s quite distinct from the majority of the city’s business-geared hotels.

Stringent guest profiling is a mainstay at Hyatt Regency, developed to help provide discreetly individualised service. This might include such thoughtful touches as finding framed pictures of your grandchildren placed alongside your bed prior to check-in.

Mr Raza, who is rather a stickler for delivering personal touches which are remembered, insists that guests are treated to individualised welcome amenities upon arrival. “Not everyone wants to walk in and find the same old fruit basket,” he said, “so rather than waste a banana or bunch of grapes on a guest who doesn’t like them, we try to find out in advance what they do like so we can provide them with something they’ll enjoy.”

While Mr Raza has only been in Cape Town a short while, he said that he’s quickly synced with it, finding grace not only in its natural beauty, but also in the friendliness, warmth and welcoming attitude of its people.

Business Events Africa February 2021 9

PAGE STRAP Q&A

Q& &A

with Joep Schoof, general manager of Spier Hotel & Leisure

Joep Schoof, general manager, Spier Hotel and Leisure, was born in the Netherlands, starting in the hotel trade at a young age, prior to completing his degree at the International Hotel School in Leeuwarden.

A

s part of this education, he completed his management traineeship at the (then) Dutch owned Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, South Africa. Joep’s career in the hospitality industry has seen him specialising in restaurant projects, F&B management, hospitality real estate and hotel management. These roles were completed at a variety of companies, such as the Arabella Sheraton Westin Grand, Pam Golding Hospitality and the Table Bay Hotel, which included pre-opening work for the Sun International group on the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg.

Joep lives in Cape Town with his wife, Samantha, and two daughters, Natasha and Isabella.

How would you describe Spier?

Spier is an iconic heritage wine farm in Stellenbosch, with a recorded history dating back to 1692. It produces

top-quality wine – available both locally and internationally. We offer a range of day visitor activities centred around our historical Werf (farmyard) and wide-open spaces, alongside the 153-bedroom, village style, hotel and conference centre.

Spier is also the home to Farmer Angus, who is pioneering regenerative farming and supplies the farm with fresh produce directly from our land.

Where did you begin your career?

From a young age, I started working in this industry at a large family-run hotel, which resulted in me completing my formal education at a hotel school in my home country, the Netherlands. It was through this education that I got to experience South Africa for the first time when I completed my 12-month traineeship in Cape Town. After a stint at a financial institution back home, it was clear that I wanted to return to South

10 Business Events Africa February 2021

Africa and the hospitality industry, which I did in 2003. Before joining Spier, I worked in the hotel, restaurant and hospitality real estate sectors both in Cape Town and Johannesburg. www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE STRAP Q&A

How long have you been in the sector?

I have been in the industry since a young age – starting with pot washing nearly thirty years ago.

What do you enjoy most about it?

Making people happy. In the past, this was quite guest-centric, but it has expanded to include getting satisfaction from creating a happy environment in which team members can excel.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

If we take the last twelve months out of the equation, the sector showed a strong shift to diversification in its offering, allowing more players to enter the market, which I firmly believe grew the overall size of our industry. Products were created for new niche markets at a rapid pace by focusing on very specific target markets instead of one hotel format for all. In recent years I enjoyed seeing the sector becoming more focused on sustainability, locality and being authentic to its surroundings.

Where do you see the business events industry in South Africa at present?

The present picture is undoubtedly tough: whilst there is some recovery in the leisure space, many companies are understandably still nervous about hosting in-person events. Operators can boost clients’ confidence about hosting meeting and events through sharing and implementing responsible and safe practices – including physical distancing, hygiene protocols and hybrid formats.

Together with our partners (including PCOs and corporate clients) we need to showcase how the industry has adapted, incorporating new techniques and being creative in finding new ways for people to connect safely.

looks strong. Africa remains a once-in-alifetime experience for many visitors and we’re sure that visitors will come once they’re able to.

Africa late last year, which meant we were home to ninety crew members and cast for over two months in a so-called ‘bio-bubble’.

How did Spier’s Hotel and conferencing adjust their strategies since the start of the pandemic?

Frankly, we have not stopped adjusting, and I expect we will continue adapting for some time to come. Our strategy, in short, is to remain agile, and adapt our offering to every phase we go through. Each phase so far has thrown up different limitations and thus different solutions. We have created a temporary soup kitchen, studio events, exclusive online events, hybrid events and outdoor events (we have plenty of outside space at Spier for these).

We’ve also converted some bedrooms into long-term office rentals with private gardens and a free Kids’ Club (where children can be supervised safely while parents work). We will continue expanding and revising our offerings in the weeks and months ahead.

What do you think is key for businesses to survive during a pandemic?

Managing your cashflow. This was key well before the pandemic, but this last year has really shown that being on top of your cashflow could be the difference between surviving and being out of business. This, coupled with endless doses of lateral thinking so that you can spot opportunities even when there don’t appear to be any.

What has been your biggest challenge since lockdown restrictions eased up?

Building up our clients’ confidence that we are well-equipped and prepared to operate most responsibly to ensure their attendees can feel as comfortable as possible. We have organised multiple events, online, then hybrid and more recently on the farm to showcase how serious we take safety precautions whilst presenting creative solutions to make events happen. I would like to think that this approach was a major contributor to us hosting the first international movie production since the lockdown in South

What advice do you have for smaller businesses trying to survive in the industry over the next few months?

I believe that, irrespective of the business size, it’s important to find partners you want to do business with, people that you respect and who respect you. The solid foundation of your relationship will be all important during tough times because people will continue to give you a piece of their business at a time when it’s really needed.

And finally, what is your secret to success?

I’m not sure if this counts as success, but what gets me up in the morning is the belief that there is always a solution – you just have to keep coming up with ideas until you find it. Also: stop competing with others and start competing with yourself. Having a sense of humour is important. All this combined helps me to deal with the hurdles that life throws at me.

What do you think the next few months will hold for the industry?

Whilst it is hard to predict, with so many variables in play, we expect to see a small uptick in activity until autumn. Winter is likely to be calmer, giving us time to prepare for a very active spring and summer. With pent-up demand so clearly evident in the market and a reasonable expectation that there will be greater mobility, the medium-to-longer term outlook for our country and our continent www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa February 2021 11

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Situation of industry operations in 2020 and current predictions for the 1st half of 2021 <

%

I Don’t Know

>

2020 17 11

24 36

17

85

72

72

85

<

87

80

73

67

Mar

21

87

15

15

Apr

May

as declared in July 2020

20

13

Jun

Jul

20

Aug

Sep

33

Oct

13

7

53

86 57

27

13

67

64

6 Feb

80

36

71

Normal

Jan

> 7

11

No Activity

Reduced

2021

<

67

64

33

33

Nov

>

13

14

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

14

13

Apr

May

Jun

*SA Results

UFI releases latest Global Barometer Report UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest edition of its flagship Global Barometer research, which takes the pulse of the industry.

U

FI Global Barometer provides 2020 results and 2021 perspectives for the exhibition industry.

• The impact of Covid-19 in 2020 has been severe, but there are positive signs for 2021 • Industry revenues are expected to double in 2021 compared to 2020, when revenues represented just 28 per cent of 2019 revenues • 54 per cent of companies have had to reduce their workforce, with half of these by more than 25 per cent • 64 per cent are confident that Covid-19 has reinforced the value of face-to-face events, and that the sector will recover quickly • The research provides dedicated profiles for 29 markets and regions The UFI Global Barometer research results highlight the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the exhibition industry worldwide, in 2020. There are also positive signs regarding a quick recovery in

2021.

Globally, between April and August 2020, more than half of all companies reported no activity. This situation changed from September, where the majority of companies declared some operations, at reduced levels for most. Looking ahead to 2021, the share of companies expecting a return to “normal” activity is expected to grow from 10 per cent in January to 37 per cent in June.

These results vary depending on region and are primarily driven by the “reopening date” of exhibitions. In all regions, most companies expect both local and national exhibitions to reopen by the end of June 2021, with international exhibitions resuming in the second half of the year.

Company operations also include, while face-to-face events are not possible, working into the development of digital solutions.

When asked what element would most help with the “bounce back” of exhibitions, the majority of companies,

12 Business Events Africa February 2021

ranked “readiness of exhibiting companies and visitors to participate again” (64 per cent), “lift of current travel restrictions” (63 per cent) and “lift of current public policies that apply locally to exhibitions” (52 per cent) as key factors.

Overall: • 44 per cent of companies benefitted from some level of public financial support; for the majority this related to less than 10 per cent of their overall 2019 costs.

• 54 per cent of companies had to reduce their workforce, with half of these by more than 25 per cent.

• 10 per cent of companies will have to consider permanently ceasing operations if there are no events for the next six months.

As expected, the “impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business” is considered the most important business issue (stated by 29 per cent of companies, a two per cent increase on six months ago). The www.businesseventsafrica.com

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Did your company benefit from public financial support?

Have you had to reduce your workforce?

73%

If there is no business for the next 6 months, which best applies?

47% 40%

33%

27%

20%

20% 13%

0%

NO

0%

13% 13%

0%

0%

YES 27%

0%

0%

NO 13%

WE’LL MANAGE 20%

YES 87%

No

No, thanks to savings

Yes, for less than 10% of our 2019 overall costs

No, thanks to governmental support/ short time work allowance

Yes, for between 10% and 25% of our 2019 overall costs

Yes, up to 10%

Yes, for between 25% and 50% of our 2019 overall costs

Yes, up to 25%

Yes, for more than 50% of our 2019 overall costs

Yes, up to 50%

WE'RE STRUGGLING 80%

It's okay, we have extended our offering to other profitable work areas It's okay, we'll survive from our savings It will be hard, but we can keep our heads above water I’m afraid we’d have to close down

Yes, up to 75% Yes, we shut down to the minimum

“impact of digitalisation” (11 per cent) and “competition with other media” (seven per cent) have also increased (plus one per cent and plus two per cent respectively), while the “state of the economy in the home market” (19 per cent) and “global economic developments” (16 per cent) have decreased, but remain amongst the top three concerns.

In terms of future exhibition formats, global results indicate that 64 per cent

*SA Results

(compared to 57 per cent six months ago) are confident that “Covid-19 confirms the value of face-to-face events”, indicating an expectation that the sector will bounce back quickly.

Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director and chief executive officer, said: “The message from the global industry is clear: quite simply, 2020 was horrible. The pandemic stopped most activities around the world for several months, and, globally,

our industry’s revenue dropped by almost three quarters. But, as the Global Barometer shows, 2021 should see a significant bounce-back, with global revenues expected to double, pending markets reopening and clarity on regulations. We will ‘build back’ even better, and while the industry will remain, primarily, a face-to-face marketing channel, digital offers will evolve with new patterns.”

73%

Revenue compared to 2019

Operating Profits

H1-2020: 44% All of 2021:

Increase of more than 10%

48%

Averages for all companies

43%

43%

% 2

25

20

Stable (between -10% and +10%)

40%

I don’t know H1-2020: 44% H1-2021:

29%

27%

45 Reduced by 11-50%

All of 2020: 16%

13% 13%

Reduced by more than 50%

13% 7%

7%

7%

7% 7%

Loss

80

15 5 10

0% 0% All of 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

0% less than 25% H1-2021

All of 2021

25-49%

50-75%

more than 75%

2019

2020

*SA Results

Business Events Africa February 2021 13

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

When do you believe exhibitions will open again in your city?

What do you believe would most help the “bounce back” of exhibitions?

%

5

Not Clear yet

5

Readiness of exhibiting companies and visitors to participate again

16

Lift of current travel restrictions

33

Later

60% 73%

47 Lift of current public policies that apply locally to exhibitions 2021-H2

63

2021-H1

60%

Mid-term visibility in terms of public policies, including travel restrictions

40%

Financial incentive packages leading to reduced costs for the exhibitors

57 47

2020-H2

33%

Relevant hygiene measures

47%

21 5 Local exhibitions

National exhibitions

International exhibitions

Size and scope This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry survey was concluded in December 2020 and includes data from 457 companies in 64 countries and regions.

The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 24 countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the US – as well as an additional five aggregated regional zones.

*SA Results

Christian Druart, UFI research manager, said: “We sincerely thank all companies who took part in this study. The results from 29 markets and regions provide strong insights for assessing both the impact of the crisis and future perspectives. We also welcome AFEP and UNIMEV, who partnered with us for this edition, resulting in our first ever specific country profiles for Peru and France.”

Operations since 2020 – reopening exhibitions Results show that the periods when most companies reported “no activity” in 2020

were limited to March-June for the Asia-Pacific region, April-June for North America, and April-September for Central and South America and the Middle East and Africa. In Europe, there was an initial period of inactivity in April-August, followed by another period in November-December.

Turnover – operating profits Regional results indicate that: • The revenue drop for 2020 was the highest for companies in Central and South America and the Middle East and Africa (who respectively only achieved

Most important business issues in the exhibition industry 32%

29%

19%

22%

16% 7%

11%

7%

7%

0% Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the business

Global

South Africa

32%

State of the economy in home market

Global economic developments

Impact of digitisation

Internal challenges

Yes, for sure

Covid-19 the value of face to face events - sector bounces back quickly Not sure confirms at all

A push towards “hybrid” events, more digital elements at events “Virtual” events replacing “physical” events

5% 0%

Competition with other media

Format of exhibitions in the coming years

Not at all Lesssure international “physical” exhibitions, and overall less participants

5%

0%

21%

2%

Competition from within the industry

Regulatory / Stakeholders issues

Most probably

Not sure

36%

8%

4%

14%

Other

Not sure at all

21%

69% 33% 29%

15% 47%

21%

7%

1%

7%

Definitely not

7% 8% 13%

43%

*SA Results

14 Business Events Africa February 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Background

23 per cent and 24 per cent of 2019 revenue levels). Companies in the Asia-Pacific region (27 per cent of 2019 levels), Europe (32 per cent of 2019 levels) and North America (36 per cent of 2019 levels) are at or above global averages. The 2021 perspectives are rather similar for all regions: who are expecting to achieve between 32 per cent and 37 per cent of last year’s revenue for H1-2021, and between 55 per cent and 60 per cent for all of 2021.

• In terms of profits, the share of companies who faced a loss for 2020 varies from 47 per cent in the AsiaPacific region and Europe, to 50 per cent in North America, 58 per cent in the Middle East and Africa, and 64 per cent in Central and South America.

Public financial support – workforce and perspectives Regional results indicate that: • The number of companies receiving public financial support is higher in Europe (54 per cent of companies) and the Asia-Pacific region (53 per cent), than in Central and South America (35 per cent), North America (31 per cent) and the Middle East and Africa (13 per cent).

• The share of companies forced to reduce their workforce is higher in the Middle East and Africa (73 per cent of companies), North America (61 per cent) and Central and South America (56 per cent), than in Europe (52 per cent) and the Asia-Pacific region (49 per cent).

• The proportion of companies believing they will need to close if business doesn’t resume within the next six months varies from five per cent in North America, to six per cent in the Asia-Pacific region, 10 per cent in Central and South America, 14 per cent in Europe and 17 per cent in the www.businesseventsafrica.com

Middle East and Africa, while the proportion of companies who believe they will cope ranges from 26 per cent in Europe to 40 per cent in the AsiaPacific region.

Key business issues While the “impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business” is the key business issue across all regions, “global economic developments” are ranked higher in the Middle East and Africa (23 per cent of companies) than in other regions. The “impact of digitisation” is ranked higher in North America (15 per cent) and Europe (14 per cent) than other regions.

Further insight by type of activity, for three main segments – organisers, venues and service providers – highlights a difference in the fourth most important issue, with organisers indicating “impact of digitisation”, venues indicating “internal challenges” and service providers indicating “regulatory/ stakeholders’ issues”.

Future exhibition formats The report also highlights two significant regional differences in relation to possible trends driving the future format of exhibitions: • The claim “COVID-19 confirms the value of face-to-face events” was more widely agreed with in the Middle East and Africa (70 per cent of companies), the Asia-Pacific region (69 per cent) and Europe (67 per cent), than in North America (55 per cent) and Central and South America (53 per cent).

• While there were stronger opposing views for the claim “virtual events replacing physical events”, with 74 per cent of companies in Europe disagreeing, compared to just 57 per cent of companies from North America.

The 26th Global Barometer survey, conducted in December 2020, provides insights from 457 companies in 64 countries and regions.

It was conducted in collaboration with 20 UFI Member Associations: AAXO (The Association of African Exhibition Organisers) and EXSA (Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa) in South Africa, AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in the UK, AFE (Spanish Trade Fairs Association) in Spain, AFEP (Asociación de Ferias del Perú) in Peru, AFIDA (Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América) representing Central and South America, AKEI (Association of Korean Exhibition Industry) in South Korea, AMPROFEC (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales en Ferias, Exposiciones, Congresos y Convenciones) in Mexico, EEAA (Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia) in Australia, IECA (Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association) in Indonesia, IEIA (Indian Exhibition Industry Association) in India, JEXA (Japan Exhibition Association) in Japan, MACEOS (Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers), in Malaysia, MFTA (Macau Fair and Trade Association) in Macau, RUEF (Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs) in Russia, SECB (Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau) in Singapore, SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) in the US, TEA (Thai Exhibition Association) in Thailand, UBRAFE (União Brasileira dos Promotores Feiras) in Brazil and UNIMEV (French Meeting Industry Council) in France.

In line with UFI’s objective to provide vital data and best practices to the entire exhibition industry, the full results can be downloaded at www.ufi.org/research The next UFI Global Barometer survey will be conducted in June 2021.

Business Events Africa February 2021 15

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC).

Feedback on the results from South African exhibition industry leaders

G

ill Gibbs, chairperson of EXSA Looking at the statistics, there are some clear indications as follows: • By June 2021, only 33 per cent of respondents are expecting some sort of exhibition to take place. Before that time, reduced or zero activity is anticipated.

• It will be interesting to see the stats from July 2021 onwards, once UFI conducts their next survey, to evaluate

at what stage respondents perceive that exhibitions will be starting to return – and if so, in what format – hybrid, physical or dual?

• An item that is clear with regards to the bouncing back of the exhibition industry, is that government will have to look at relaxing the current travel restrictions – 73 per cent of the South Africans surveyed, believe that this is critical to enable exhibitions to return.

• From the detailed revenue stats, the exhibition industry has downsized dramatically, compared to that of 2019, as well as operating profits that have turned into losses of up to 80 per cent, according to respondents of this survey.

• Looking at the stats where they mention benefit from public financial support, an overwhelming 73 per cent of respondents did NOT receive the support and 87 per cent of all companies in the survey had to reduce their workforce as a direct result of the pandemic.

• On the question raised: “if there is no

16 Business Events Africa February 2021

business for the next six months, which best-scenario applies?” – an overwhelming 80 per cent indicated that they will be struggling, and out of that 80 per cent, 33 per cent cited that they would have to close their businesses.

• When reviewing the most important business issues in our exhibition industry, the South African stats are much higher than that of the global average for: - The impact of Covid on business.

- The state of the home economy.

- The global economy developments, with the state of the home economy being 33 per cent versus 19 per cent for the global average, which is extremely high.

• If you look at the stats for the format of exhibitions in the coming years for South Africa, hybrid events with more digitalisation are prominent, although the concept of virtual replacing physical events is definitely not on the cards – 43 per cent of respondents cited that virtual will not replace physical. www.businesseventsafrica.com

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Projeni Pather, chairperson of AAXO Despite the South African exhibition industry’s optimism for reopening exhibitions in quarter one of 2021, in the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer, the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve didn’t wave its usual charm of welcoming in a new year with a brighter tomorrow.

Instead, the pandemic’s second wave continued to weave a path of disaster for the South African exhibition industry.

Further reinforcement of stricter lockdown conditions was the only means to stop the virus’ violent spread. But it need not weaken our industry’s spirit.

We have to continue working together to focus on the top three indicators for our industry to bounce back: 1. Building confidence amongst the public, business and government.

2. Working together globally to lobby for the lifting of travel restrictions within safety protocols.

3. And lobbying the SA government for the lifting of the current public policies that have categorised exhibitions as social gatherings.

The South African results indicate very limited financial support from the government compared to the rest of the world. And with 87 per cent of participants showing a vast reduction in the workforce, compared to 54 per cent globally, our industry is clearly in dire straits. With a reduced capacity to provide financial support to the South African exhibition industry and avoid further reductions in workforces, the South African government must permit the exhibition industry to be self-sustainable by reopening for business under safe parameters.

Our industry is committed to the safe implementation of organised gatherings to create employment and rebuild the economy. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Carol Weaving, managing director, Reed Exhibitions Africa There is a huge appetite for live events and the complementary digital activities that form part of the overall magic of being there.

Commenting on the recent UFI report, Ms Weaving noted: “Government regulations and the resultant lockdowns coupled with recovery time from the pandemic is not likely to allow any live events in the first half of 2021; very few in Q3 and possibly a saturation of events postponed from H1 taking place in Q4.

“Sadly, some companies will not survive the pandemic in 2021, whether organiser or supplier,” Ms Weaving said, noting that organisers should work together and co-locate shows for maximum operational efficiencies and staffing resources,” she asserted.

“Predictions, of course, depend largely on the speed of vaccines being accessed and administered. In the meantime, government should allow the industry to open events with Covid19 safety protocols such as rapid testing in place. Testing must be affordable and should be packaged for our exhibitors and visitors.”

Trade shows will recover quicker than consumer shows, Ms Weaving affirmed, given compliance with capacity protocols and consumer confidence.

Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display The expectation that exhibitions will reopen in 2021 was greater in the Middle East - Africa group of respondents compared to the total sample of respondents. Perhaps this group of respondents was more optimistic as their second wave of infection was still some way off, when the survey was conducted in July 2020. At that time, 51 per cent of the Middle East - Africa sample believed that the industry would be operating normally in June 2021, compared

with only 37 per cent of the total sample.

When the respondents were asked to say which factors would help the exhibition industry to bounce back, the ‘readiness of exhibitors and visitors to participate again’ and the ‘lifting of travel restrictions’ were the factors that scored highest. In the Middle East - Africa group the lifting of travel bans scored slightly higher than the readiness to participate. This may be because the African exhibition industry relies heavily on international exhibitors and visitors participating in its exhibitions and these respondents are aware how damaging travel bans would be.

When the respondents were asked whether they received public financial support during the Covid-19 pandemic, an overwhelming 87 per cent of the Middle East - Africa group said they did not receive any support. Only 56 per cent of the total sample said they did not receive any support. The lack of government financial aid for the Middle East - Africa region will make recovery more challenging.

I found it interesting that there were so many South African respondents participating in the research. There were 14 respondents from the UK, 16 from Germany, and 15 from South Africa. The South African exhibition industry is relatively small compared to the industry in some other countries represented in the study, but our level of participation shows how committed and engaged our industry members are. May this spirit of commitment drive our recovery.

Devi Paulsen-Abbott, vice president, DMG events The SA expo industry is in distress, recovery will need to be steadfast and requires collaboration, support and action from all stakeholders. The data affirms the need and popularity of expos and events as an effective channel to support marketing, lead-gen and brand awareness.

Business Events Africa February 2021 17

UFI BAROMETER REPORT

Although the impact of digitalisation in South Africa is lower than rest of the world, there seems to be a lot more interest in hybrid events, with 80 per cent agreeing this will be part of exhibitions in the coming years. We can see that adding in an element of digital provides opportunities to grow attendance profiles and geographies.

Though digital in no way replaces the live experience, it can offer short term solutions. With the current state of the SA economy, this may also be an option to entice more international funding at future expos.

Comments from the DMG team (across marketing, sales, content production, heads of portfolios): • Impact on revenues, profits and staff levels seem accurate – with an extended, complete shutdown of live events there could be no other result.

• Even though companies have been pivoting to digital (we have seen this in the market) the stats on revenues still show that digital cannot replace live event revenues, so the results showing a majority of event organisers believing that digital will not replace live are accurate.

• The stat relating to exhibitions starting in the first half of 2021 is too high and agree more with the 2021 H2 stat.

• I also think that we will go from nothing to full national, with some international thrown in – straight away. This is an almost binary option – you can either do events or not. If they can run, that means all other restrictions are lifted so nothing will be stopping national and international attendance.

• Travel is already open nationally and internationally, so that hurdle is cleared already.

• The only thing that is of any importance to opening events again is the lifting of government and travel restrictions. We need vaccine penetration in both our

buy- and sell-markets and then events will come back.

• From our conversations with both buyers and sellers, the feedback we are getting is that the market wants to come back to live events, and do not see digital replacing live.

• Hybrid will be a feature of events and I believe this won’t go away – I think it is here to stay. All events will have some elements of hybrid going forward.

• Feedback from both clients and speakers is that they expect a return to events post June. Conditions affecting their decision are the state of Covid in certain African countries, travel bans and the timely distribution of the vaccine.

• The above statement supports the data pointing to the opening of events in 2021 as well as what the format will dictate – numbers will be lower than 2019.

• We have already seen a shift in events turning to digital for the first two quarters. Due to the second wave, the optimism has shifted from live events being held in the first half of the year, to the last half of the year. We are therefore currently seeing a trend to move towards a more hybrid offering, being able to offer access both digitally and live, whilst also giving an opportunity to remain agile and host events online should regulations regarding face-to-face change.

• The fact that hygiene measures is only ranked at number four out of six (SA) and six out of six (global) of six ways in which the industry can bounce back, being trumped by travel restrictions and government policies, is a clear indication that people are ready to return to live events should restrictions be lifted and they be allowed to do so.

• With the majority of companies not receiving financial support, the industry is struggling to stay afloat and keep people employed. Any further restrictions on gatherings will doubtlessly see even more job losses and businesses having to close doors. This has, however, given us the opportunity to work together as an industry, assisting each other where possible to decrease costs and protect what little revenue there is.

• Face-to-face events will never lose their popularity with people seeking human connection. In-person events will not be replaced by virtual. However, the way in which we host our events has changed.

Although the exhibition and event industry has always had high health and

18 Business Events Africa February 2021

safety standards, the introduction of social distancing and sanitisation has changed the way in which we host our events. With the ‘new normal’ of the latter already been widely accepted, the adoption of these new safety measures has already been integrated into smaller events with ease. The changes have also made us have to relook at our USPs. Our challenge now, as we move to a hybrid offering, is to ensure our participants and visitors get the same ROI if not more.

• There is definite optimism in the market with most businesses forecasting reduced activity as opposed to no activity for 2021 – we have seen that there is a focus on resilience and planning as companies prepare to re-engage with their markets post Covid-19.

• Currently we are faced with uncertainty and the outcome of our resilience and recovery as an industry will rely on the support and understanding of our Government and the rules and regulations that are put in place. We are currently seeing a lifting of lockdown after level two and have reason to believe that as lockdown levels decrease; the industry will be permitted to get back to business. The impact of Covid has left no company unscathed. However, there is a clear sense of comradery amongst organisers who are lobbying for the reopening of events. With AAXO and the SAEC leading the charge, we hope to instil the huge contribution and impact the events industry has on economic growth in the country. www.businesseventsafrica.com

SPECIAL FEATURE: CHEF’S EXHIBITIONS PROFILE

Exhibitions in 2021/2 – an IFES global outlook

J

ustin Hawes, managing director of exhibition infrastructure company Scan Display, is the current IFES President. IFES, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, was established in 1984, and has over 250 members from forty countries. Business Events Africa caught up with Mr Hawes to find out what the international outlook for exhibitions is right now, according to his network.

Across the globe, exhibitions are on hold with little certainty on when they will be able to resume. The exception is the Middle East, which seems to have been better able to stem the spread of the virus.

Many organisers have developed online platforms to continue working.

However, these have not been successful. Uta Goretzky, executive director of IFES, believes that exhibitions work because face-to-face meetings engender trust quickly and effectively, allowing business to proceed. It’s much harder to build trust online.

Since the global industry has largely been paused, there is a pent-up demand for

www.businesseventsafrica.com

trade shows. UFI’s research also shows that more value is now placed on face-to-face marketing. Yet, the unknowns around vaccine efficacy, and how long it will take consumer confidence and marketing budgets to return, make it hard to know when exhibitions will resume.

Across the board, it’s agreed that events will begin locally, followed by regionally and then internationally. They will likely be smaller with fewer visitors, at least initially, and will depend on technology to improve both safety and reach.

North America John Pavek, vice president of publishing for EXHIBITOR Media Group in the USA, said that while a few exhibitions are happening, 90 per cent have been postponed or cancelled. “Most analysts predict Q4 in 2021 and Q1 in 2022 will see a strong return of exhibitions, but a lot depends on vaccine distribution. Exhibition organisers are struggling to make decisions and confirm venue dates.

“What will 2022 look like? It’s really hard to say. It will be a year of seeing whether or not attendees/visitors will return in large numbers. This all depends on consumer confidence with regards to travel.”

He also expects many events will include virtual and hybrid elements for those who don’t yet feel comfortable attending live events.

No known trade events are happening in

Canada, reports Cam Stevens, chief executive officer of Stevens E3 which has offices in Canada and the USA. “We are in a severe lockdown within our region, with stay-at-home orders that are likely to strengthen before they become more relaxed. We have begun seeing cancellations for events happening spring, summer and fall of this year. Some of this is due to the international nature of the core of our customer base,” he said.

“I expect we will see a return to exhibitions in 2022, unless we cannot get vaccinations more widely distributed or there are side effects/shortened effects of the vaccine.”

Mr Stevens believes that the return of trade shows will compare with as when they were first cancelled. “First it was one event, and then a few more, and then we had a tumbling effect as people began to follow the lead of larger events. I believe the same will be true of the return to events. We will see a tentative start to the return to exhibitions which will become a much stronger push in the three to six months following. It will also take longer as it takes more time to plan and prepare for an event than it does to cancel one.”

He anticipates that the new exhibition environment will be altered in the following ways: reduced number of exhibit companies; newly founded exhibit companies from the ashes of the old ones that did not survive; cash shortages to get

Business Events Africa February 2021 19

UFI SPECIAL BAROMETER FEATURE: REPORT EXHIBITIONS

projects fulfilled; reduced budgets which could mean smaller stands or, depending on social distancing requirements, larger stands but with fewer properties; possible difficulty in shifting dollars from other marketing channels back to exhibitions.

South America Alejandro Escalante Aguilar, chief executive officer of OMEGA Group in Mexico, said that Latin America has seen the broad cancellation and postponement of all events. It’s expected events will start returning optimistically in July/August, or more conservatively in September/October, while the global revival of exhibitions will probably only start in 2022. These timelines also hinge on vaccines successfully bringing infection and mortality rates down.

Mr Aguilar also predicts that the return of live conferences and exhibitions will coincide and will be gradual.

“Exhibitors, visitors and buyers are afraid to gather in enclosed places with a high capacity of people,” he said.

“On the other hand, people are also tired of being isolated, and all virtual and online event attempts have not worked, as the results are not what was expected of them. These factors will help to drive the return of live events.”

Europe Like the rest of the world, no live events are currently taking place in Europe and there is a great deal of uncertainty about when they will resume – although many are expecting the second half of 2021 will start to see improvements.

Andrew Harrison, director of UK-based ESSA (Event Supplier and Services Association), said: “Many variables are at play here, such as the continued roll-out of vaccines, declining transmission rates, insurance, business travel restrictions, testing and client confidence. Time is running out now, if not already gone, for anything of note to take place in early Spring (March) in the UK. The right noises are being made by several shows in late Spring into summer (May onwards), with some of these events being sizeable. But Autumn exhibition season (from September) is probably a more realistic target,” he said.

He added: “The world is not moving at

the same pace or on the same path in how it has dealt or will continue to deal with this pandemic. This will impact the return of live events, especially those that require travel.”

Mr Harrison also believes that large domestic meetings and conferences will have a better chance of gaining the critical mass they need, unlike exhibitions which generally draw much larger numbers. But - “Once we get going, every exhibition that gets out of the gate in 2021 will feel like the opening ceremony of the London Olympics for everyone.”

In France, some national shows are still planned for June while others have been

postponed as far out as 2023. Philippe Beille, chief executive officer of Frenchbased Duo, said: “We all want to believe that as soon as enough people are vaccinated, we will be able to open shows, which would be after our summer (September). But our country hasn’t been very fast to vaccinate… so we expect to only get back to ‘normal’ in January 2022, gradually.”

He added that the French Meeting Industry Council (UNIMEV) conducted a study with economists. It found that, once exhibitions resume, it will likely take six months for exhibitors to feel safe enough to start planning to spend money on exhibiting again. “This is why our industry is urging the government to provide an expected date for re-allowing shows,” he said. “For example, allowing shows with no limitations in number of attendees in Autumn 2021 would let us get back to ‘normal’ at the end of Q1 in 2022.”

One positive that has come out of the lockdowns is that the French events industry has grouped together to negotiate as one – much as South Africa has through the South African Events Council. Mr Beille said: “Everyone from catering to AV,

20 Business Events Africa February 2021

venues, organisers, stand builders… This would be unbelievable before the crisis but is possible now. We hope to keep it like that for the future.”

Eliseu Sancho, managing director of Dylunio, said: “In Spain, everything is digital or cancelled for the next three months. The first big scheduled shows are Fitur, the biggest local and international tourism show, in May and MWC Barcelona in June.

However, in my opinion, the second half of the season will be more exhibition-friendly, due to the vaccine effect.”

He believes that because exhibitions are more difficult to reproduce virtually, they will push to start sooner than conferences. He adds, “I think there will be two different velocities. The local market, following the velocity of the vaccination, will have an aggressive return, probably between summer and the end of the year. International business will depend on the velocity of vaccination of the different countries involved.”

Peter Theodorides, chief executive officer of Vision in Greece, expects exhibitions will only resume in Southern Europe, soonest, in September 2021. Voicu Sferdianu, chief executive officer of XDS Expo Design System in Romania, agrees, saying “hopefully starting in the second half of 2021, but the comeback will depend crucially on the vaccination success.”

Middle East News from the Middle East is more promising. Javier Ferrer, director and partner at NOE Group, said that while there have been differing levels of incidence and varied approaches across the region, the spread of the virus has been brought under control through the early adoption of strict health and safety guidelines.

“This is especially the case with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which successfully enforced very comprehensive measures to control the number of cases. It is also the second fastest country to administer vaccines, with approximately 45 per cent of total population already having been vaccinated,” he said.

As a result, exhibitions resumed in the UAE in December – although conferences have been slower to return in-person and www.businesseventsafrica.com

SPECIAL FEATURE: EDITOR’S EXHIBITIONS COMMENT

seem to be continuing digitally. Gitex Technology Week was held from 6-10 December and hosted over 1 200 exhibitions from 60 different countries.

Meanwhile, IDEX, a Military and Defence show, and Gulfood, the largest worldwide annual food expo, are both scheduled for 21-25 February. All indicators are that these events will go ahead, with similar happenings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“2021 is a crucial year for the region,” added Mr Ferrer. “We have invested in business and consumer tourism and expect growth will continue this year if we follow all of the required safety protocols. Expo 2021 is on the horizon (1 October 2021 31 March 2022), and in fact the Sustainability Pavilion is already open to the public. They are preparing for a large audience using a planned and programmed approach.

“I believe 2021 will be a year of transition, and 2022 will be the year of recovery. Business needs continuous stimulus and ways to reach clients, and consumers will have a ‘craving’ for travel and attending events.”

Asia “There is no clarity on whether the exhibitions planned for 2021 will happen, especially in the first half of 2021. If they do go ahead, they are probably going to be mostly digital or hybrid,” said Sarah Chew, executive director of The Kingsmen Experience which has offices in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and America.

She added that these outcomes will be largely dependent on travel restrictions, regulations, and whether it is commercially viable to run physical events with lower attendee numbers. “It also depends on how soon countries get their situation in control, where their exhibitors and visitors typically come from, and the nature of the show and its target market. China has seen some exhibitions return since last year, but these are mostly domestic. Meanwhile events in many Asian cities are being delayed to the Q2 or Q3 in 2021.”

In terms of how aggressively exhibitions will return, Ms Chew said, “a lot depends on the vaccine availability, roll-out and acceptance level, amidst new variants and uncertainty over efficacy, which will affect www.businesseventsafrica.com

border controls, travellers’ confidence etc.

In Asia, the ability of each country to get the pandemic under control is extremely varied. While some may be able to stage events earlier, others will remain in the woods.”

She added: “We anticipate that more physical events may return in 2022 and pent-up demand may push economic growth further. However, we do not expect exhibitions to return to pre-Covid levels so soon.”

Speaking about China, Liang Guo, director of International Cooperation at the Beijing Eagle International Exhibition,

said that the virus has been well controlled since April 2020 which allowed the industry to reopen at roughly 50 per cent capacity.

But, with new cases emerging in January 2021, Beijing stopped all events of more than 100 people and gatherings are not encouraged.

“Since the beginning of January, the Chinese government started to vaccinate those who have a high frequency of meeting people, such as taxi drivers, people working in retail, those who need to travel abroad, etc. After the Chinese New Year (12 February 2021), our government will arrange vaccinations for all the citizens. We believe the virus won’t disappear; we have to live with it. So most people see getting the vaccination as the only solution,” he said. “If most people are vaccinated in 2021 or the beginning of 2022, we think we can have at least 6070 per cent turnover return in 2022.”

Australia “The Industry is still very nervous of committing to anything at the moment,” said Alan de Beer, senior exhibition stand designer at Perth Expohire. “There were some limited numbers of local events and

exhibitions which took place late last year in Western Australia, but all of the larger shows were either cancelled or postponed.

We are currently hoping that our main home shows and mining exhibitions will go ahead as planned in March. The Mining Expo (AOG) is much smaller than last year, so I sense that exhibitors are still worried about committing to shows.”

Regarding the return of exhibitions, Mr de Beer said: “I personally think it will take a few years to hit the heights that we have experienced in the past, as exhibitors will still be nervous, and the budgets just won’t be there anymore.”

Africa Alastair Stead, director of Scan Display Africa, said Rwandans are hopeful that events will resume in the second half of the year, with some large events currently planned in September and November 2021.

He added: “I believe that there is going to be a ‘wait and see’ plan to see who is brave enough to take the first step, and if all goes well others may follow, but it will not be a flood of events. However, with the roll-out of vaccines, there is hope that 2022 will be a positive year. It will not be a return to pre-Covid levels, but there will at least be more activity.”

What next?

It’s hard to plan for a future when so much is uncertain. But the continued push to reopen the industry is critical. We need to be able to get back to business as soon as possible, it will take time to organise shows and gain the confidence and support they need to succeed. We cannot afford more delays.

The SA Events Council is driving this dialogue with Government. It is requesting that business events be distinguished from mass gatherings, and that the maximum attendance cap on events be removed as it isn’t viable for exhibitions.

In the meantime, many businesses are on hold or seeking opportunities elsewhere. I am hoping the exhibition industry will be included in some of the pandemic response measures, such as building nationwide vaccination centres and other support facilities as needed.

Business Events Africa February 2021 21

POPIA UPDATE MARKET NEWS

Gintan Luthuli Associates – here to get you POPIA compliant The Gintan Luthuli Associates DIY POPI Compliance System will assist your organisation to meet the legislative requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act efficiently and effectively.

The system documents and templates include 12 months of updates and support. The GLA system allows you to update policies and procedures enabling POPI compliance fast.

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intan Luthuli Associates have developed a legislatively based DIY POPIA system with editable templates and guides enabling your business to benefit from our years of Risk Management expertise and put you in control of your business compliance easily, expertly and in an understandable way that you and your employees can easily follow. The system includes training and awareness modules which decrease risk and change employee behaviour without the necessity of changing your existing business services and structures.

If required, GLA can assist organisations with implementation. We also offer consultancy and in-house implementation

What is POPI? POPI refers to South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. This law regulates the “processing” of “personal information”.

“Personal information” means information relating to an identifiable, living natural person or juristic person (sole proprietors, companies, CCs etc.).

This includes, but is not limited to: • contact details: email, telephone, addresses etc.

• age, sex, race, birth date, ethnicity etc.

• history regarding medical, blood type, employment, financial, educational, criminal, biometric information • private and business correspondence “Processing” means what is done with the personal information collected, including, usage, storage, dissemination to third parties, alteration or deletion (whether such processing is automated or not).

Personal information is an asset.

For most businesses, personal

workshops with confidentiality guaranteed.

For EU-owned South African based businesses we are able to implement a combined GDPR and POPI compliant system.

All documents are in editable Microsoft Word and Excel formats.

With five months left to get POPIA Compliant, as per advocate Pansy Tlakula’s (the POPI regulator) announcement of the commencement date for the additional regulations within the POPI Act. Every business that collects or stores personal information of persons needs to be compliant. These regulations need to be complied with before 1 July 2021.

• Have you formulated and designed your POPI system? Did you include the regulations?

• Have you implemented your POPI System?

• Is your Information Officer appointed?

• Are your Data Collection, Storage, Deletion and Non-Conformance Procedures in place?

If you have answered ‘NO’ to any of the above, then Gintan Luthuli Associates can assist. With less than five months left on the clock, we have formulated the simplest and fastest way to become compliant with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

information is an asset. Whether central to their services or only used for marketing, there is value to having quality personal information (which is a condition of lawful processing) and is secure (another condition of lawful processing). The loss of or damage to this asset results in loss of trust, reputation and can lead to loss of profit.

known as the POPI Act, is mandatory for most organisations in South Africa.

POPI makes it illegal to collect, use or store the personal information of consumers and businesses unless it is done in accordance with the laws and regulations prescribed in the Act. The Act was signed into law in November 2013. The Information Regulator was setup in December 2016 and formalised in February 2017. The Commencement date has been announced and is 1 July 2021.

Accountability for compliance rests with the responsible party, meaning a public or private body or any other person which, alone or in conjunction with others, determines the purpose of and means for processing personal information.

Non-compliance could expose the responsible party to penalties or fines including imprisonment of up to 12 months. In certain cases, penalties for non-compliance can be a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Some POPIA obligations are to: • Collect only information required for a specific purpose.

• Apply security measures to protect the information.

• Only hold the information for as long as you need it.

• Allow the subject of the information to see their data held upon request.

When will I be affected

by POPIA? Does POPI really apply to me?

Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), also

22 Business Events Africa February 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

POPIA

ONLY 5 MONTHS TO GO ARE YOU POPIA COMPLIANT? There are only 5 months left to get your company POPIA compliant. Every business that collects or stores personal information of persons needs to be compliant. The POPI regulations need to be complied with before 1 July 2021. · Have you formulated and designed your POPI system? · Did you include the regulations? · Have you implemented your POPI System? · Is your Information Officer appointed? · Are your Data Collection, Storage, Deletion and NonConformance Procedures in place?

If you have answered NO to any of the above, then we are able to assist you. We have formulated our fully legislatively compliant toolkit, with all documents and templates supplied, the simplest and fastest way to become compliant with the provisions of the PoPI Act. Visit our website www.gintanluthuli.co.za to purchase the DIY POPI Compliance System Toolkit – R9,878.50 incl. VAT or download our FREE POPI DIY Toolkit Index to get a clear understanding of what is required in your POPI System.

Specialist Risk and Compliance Consultants Email: Info@gintanluthuli.co.za Cell: Errol Ninow: (+27) 82 852 5113 Morne Weyers: (+27) 72 625 4599 Web: www.gintanluthuli.co.za

VENUE NEWS

New Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City is green and keen to welcome guests The new Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City is set to open in a few weeks, adding 164 rooms and four suites plus conference and event space for up to 120 people and two restaurants to the growing Waterfall City hub in Midrand.

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he hotel is headed up by opening general manager Brendan Luttig, who was previously general manager of the thriving City Lodge Hotel Fourways, and the kitchens led by new executive chef Keegan Maistry, who has extensive experience in luxury hotels in South Africa and the United States. This is the 63rd hotel in the City Lodge Hotel Group (CLHG) and the 56th in South Africa.

In phase one, the hotel will open its commercial areas (including the basement, ground floor and ninth floor) plus 84 bedrooms and four suites. The remaining floors and eighty rooms will open in phases, dependent on demand – once the hotel is trading – and the effect of the lockdown over the following months. Once given the

go ahead, it will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete.

The property has environmentally friendly principles built into it, and CLHG is in the process of receiving its four-star Green Building Council SA certification that will validate the environmental initiatives implemented during the design, construction and procurement phase of this newly built hotel. To achieve four stars, one must demonstrate that best practices were followed to reduce the environmental impact of development through direct and indirect initiatives.

Efficient water and electrical designs were implemented throughout to minimise demand on resources. These include energy efficient lights and appliances as well as intelligent lighting management systems and building

24 Business Events Africa February 2021

monitoring systems. There is an effective automated mechanism for monitoring water consumption data, which also acts as a leak detection system.

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City has also implemented intelligent metering systems and software to consolidate data, that is displayed on permanent screens strategically placed within the foyer to ensure ongoing education and awareness of guests and staff. Data will be available in real time and will display the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly energy and water consumption of the building.

In addition, the hotel is within walking distance of the Mall of Africa’s various amenities and is close to the Gautrain bus service and a secure bicycle parking facility, which means the hotel takes advantage of its location within the Waterfall City www.businesseventsafrica.com

VENUE NEWS

development to promote the use of sustainable public transport.

Despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry, construction of the new hotel has only been set back four months. In building this striking new property, some 4 095m³ concrete was used, 141tons of reinforcement, 9 865m² of post-tensioning reinforcement of slabs, 15 919m² of brickwork, 2 400m² of glazing and 1 558m² of ventilated façade.

Rooms • 164 rooms and four suites: spacious, air-conditioned rooms with queen or twin beds; suites have king beds; sixteen family rooms with interleading doors.

• Secure key access to bedroom floors.

• Well-appointed bathrooms.

• Mini fridge.

• Tea and coffee-making facilities.

• Hairdryer.

• Electronic safe large enough to accommodate a laptop.

• Desk with lighting and plugs for easy connectivity.

• Television with selected DStv channels and radio stations.

• Selected rooms designed to meet the needs of the physically disabled.

• Courtyard Ambassador rooming and assisting guests in suites.

Facilities and services • Two restaurants: The Protea Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner off a sophisticated, contemporary menu

www.businesseventsafrica.com

and The Highline Restaurant serves trendy, gourmet light meals for lunch and dinner. The beverage offering is sure to please many a discerning visitor.

• Club Lounge: An intimate, special events, private dining or collaborative workspace.

• Three event areas – Skyrocket, Sugarbush, Mountain Rose – catering for conferencing and banqueting of forty people each or combined for 120 people.

• Elegant Pincushion Boardroom accommodates six people.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi.

• Co-working space available.

• Fitness room.

• Swimming pool.

• Same-day laundry and dry-cleaning service.

• Photocopy services.

• 24-hour security and free, secure parking.

The hotel is close to the iconic Mall of Africa as well as the Sandton and Midrand CBDs; Gautrain Midrand Station; major highways; various major conference venues including Gallagher Convention Centre, Kyalami International Convention Centre and Netcare Waterfall City Hospital. It is also close to its sister property, the 149room City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City.

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, chief operating officer, said: “We are excited about the imminent launch of this new hotel, heralding a new era in the Courtyard Hotel brand. There is much that is new with regards to guest experience, as we position the brand to appeal to the more discerning traveller of all ages. Fixtures and finishings are designed to wow guests as they walk through the space, bringing the fresh green outdoors inside, fully utilising the light and views.”

She added: “We continue to apply the current lockdown restrictions to our business, while maintaining our world class health and hygiene protocols, which have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travels accreditation.

Guests can stay safely at any of our hotels, while travelling for business or leisure.”

Business Events Africa February 2021 25

PAGE STRAP TRENDSETTING

Protea Kruger Gate lapa.

Trends to look for in 2021 Volker Heiden, area vice president Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International, offers insights into the 2021 travel trends. These are the top ones:

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obile mindset The pandemic has accelerated the pre-pandemic trend of digitalisation in the travel sector.

Digital platforms, which have long been the preferred source of content and commerce for Millennials and Gen-Z, will increasingly become a source of both inspiration and sales embraced by all generations. For Marriott digital, transformation was already part of every aspect of our business.

The rollout of digital technologies to enhance the customer experience including mobile check-in and checkout, mobile room keys, via the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app is a focus area for Sub-Saharan Africa. Selected properties

Protea Hotel Kruger Gate room lounge.

have implemented these technologies and we aim to rollout further implementation, across the market, in the future.

Thoughtful luxury With travel and holidays being restricted for most of 2020, luxury travellers will want to focus their travel plans and funds onto more thoughtful, sustainable travel – a less flashy, low key form of affluence. We will see an interest in luxury travel experiences that are ‘special’ and offer unique experiences, privacy, well-being and the chance to reconnect with family rather than more conspicuous forms of luxury holidays.

Drive-to destination travel is up significantly as people choose locations that are reachable without getting on a plane, where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

We see this trend in the region as South Africa is known as a classic big-sky country, ideal for an ultimate road trip experience.

Just one day on the road in South Africa takes travellers through breathtaking mountains and valleys to world-class beaches or bushveld.

Living in the moment These last months have taught us all that

26 Business Events Africa February 2021

life can change unexpectedly in a very short space of time, and our freedom and ability to travel, which we all took for granted, can be restricted in ways we never imagined possible. This summer, in the brief window where people could travel again, we saw a significant increase in last minute, spontaneous travel plans.

People were booking the day before a trip – and then extending their stay once at the hotel. We also saw people treating themselves to a suite or an upgrade – as why not? This is something that will continue – people are craving a sense of adventure, excitement, indulgence - and a change of scenery after being stuck at home for months.

Apartment bookings Consumers are looking to book apartment type/self-catering room categories within hotels to provide additional freedom and independence. To cater to this demand, Homes and Villas by Marriott International launched in South Africa last year.

Homes and Villas by Marriott International is a global home rental offering launched in 2019 by Marriott International with a vision to bring the company’s 90+ years of hospitality www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE STRAP TRENDSETTING

expertise to the home rental market. The initiative currently offers thousands of premium and luxury homes located across 200+ destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America and now Africa.

We see great opportunity for Homes and Villas by Marriott International in South Africa. Following a careful survey of the home rental market across the country, we have launched a selection of units located in Cape Town that we believe can deliver the best possible experience for our guests.

Remote working The region is seeing a trend where customers are looking for a third space to work and be productive, especially now that remote working is becoming the new norm. Working from home while schools remain closed is a challenge, and therefore we are seeing the trend whereby customers are opting to use our hotel spaces as places to work with products such as the ‘’Work Anywhere Stay Pass” which is available across selected hotels throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

This new offering to work anywhere with Marriott Bonvoy is as an alternative to working from home. Marriott Bonvoy’s new Stay Pass package was designed as a flexible option whether guests are seeking a one-day stay or an early-morning-intothe-evening booking. This new offering is designed to help our customers be more productive and achieve a better work/life balance by reimagining our hotel rooms as local remote workspaces.

By providing flexible booking options, our loyalty members and guests have a familiar alternative when choosing where to work while earning points.

Trust in travel Travel brands that are trusted will thrive as consumers recover from the impact of the pandemic. In times of crisis and uncertainty, consumers buy from brands who they trust. Consumers will have higher expectations of their travel experiences – the quality of the travel experience will be more critical than ever.

Our guests have a heightened awareness of hygiene and this won’t disappear.

Cleanliness will remain fundamental to the customer experience. Our hotels and associates have embraced our new cleanliness protocols, understand their importance and have worked tirelessly to ensure our hotels are delivering against Marriott International’s exacting standards. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate.

Recognition Travel booking has become a much bigger decision – with more elements to consider and more expectations on the experience itself after a period of very limited or no travel. Consumers will be looking for the maximum value – both in monetary terms but also in terms of the experience for them – what they get out of a holiday personally. For us to give guests a sense of recognition, added value and welcome will become even more important. Existing members of our travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, already benefit from this – in terms of upgrades, and exclusive member offers and experiences.

Rewarding our most regular, most valued guests underpins everything we do – and this will become ever more important for us and for our guests as travel returns.

Business Travel While the pandemic has sparked the rise of video calls, webinars and digital meetings, it can never replace the need for face-to-face. People crave connections and collaborate better when they are together.

While large corporates may be slower to resume travel, smaller and medium-sized enterprises are desperate to get back to business. To support these businesses as they return to corporate travel, we have introduced Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready – a new programme designed to help small- and medium-sized companies get back on the road when they’re ready to travel again. Over the next five years, we will see business travel resume, but we’ll also see the evolution of business travel with hybrid events, where elements of the event take place in person, and others take place digitally. We’re prepared to adapt and embrace these changes at our hotels.

Who is Volker Heiden?

Volker Heiden, area vice president, Marriott International heads up the Protea by Marriott Brand, adding up to over ninety hotels in Africa. In addition, Mr Volker oversees the African Pride Hotels, which are now part of the Autograph collection, and the Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers in Century City.

Prior to his current role, Mr Volker served as vice president finance for Marriott’s’ Caribbean and Latin American region, based in Plantation, Florida.

A 21-year veteran with Marriott International, Mr Volker held senior finance positions in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Volker is a graduate of the Hotel Management School in Bad Harzburg, Germany and a graduate Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK) of the Dr. Endriss Steuerfachschule Koln, Germany in 1997 (equivalent of a Chartered accountant). Volker is fluent in German, English and Spanish.

In his spare time he enjoys nature, particularly hiking and skiing.

Business Events Africa February 2021 27

CHEF’S PROFILE

Hard work bears fruit for the Maslow’s chef Puleng

Executive sous chef at The Maslow Hotel, Puleng Moshoaliba, was born in the Free State and grew up eating and cooking hearty homecooked meals with her mother Matlakala, and knew she was going to be a chef right from a young age.

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he attended Seotlong Agricultural and Hotel School in Phuthaditjhaba where “it was either economics and commerce or becoming a chef,” she laughed.

Today the 34-year-old is working under The Maslow Hotel, Sandton’s executive chef, Hector Mnyayiza, responsible for the Lacuna Bistro, conferencing, banqueting, room service and the bar areas. She works with a team of 17 chefs across hot breakfast, cold kitchen, banqueting chefs, dinner service, pastry, sushi and the staff canteen.

Puleng holds a Professional Cookery Diploma from the International Hotel School in Durban, during which time she gained practical experience in different environments, at city conference centres and game lodges.

She spent ten years at a corporate company that specialised in events and weddings, working her way up from chef de partie to pastry sous chef and then executive sous chef, running a team of ten chefs and six cleaners. “By the time I left, I had learnt a lot and gained so much experience.” She has attended food shows and conferences in the United States of America and has a chef of the year nomination from the Institute of Culinary Arts to her name.

The executive sous chef is responsible for all aspects of the kitchen, such as menu plans, operations, recipes, financial responsibility, portion and inventory control, food quality, and employee supervision, also providing leadership training and hands-on management of the kitchen staff.

“One of my passions is developing people, especially those who want to learn,” she said.

When Puleng joined The Maslow in December 2019, she admits that she was nervous.

“I’d been away from hotels for ten years, working in a corporate environment. I thought it would take me time to adjust but I was surprised how easily I fell back into it. I walked into a great team, who

were very welcoming, eager and willing to show me how things are done here before I could make my own changes.”

At The Maslow, food presentation has changed to ensure Covid-19 health and safety protocols are followed. “Things have to be done in a more restricted way. But we want people to enjoy themselves and forget momentarily that we are living through a pandemic.”

Some of her favourite ingredients are thyme, paprika, wholegrain mustard, olive oil and black pepper. “I like natural flavours, natural spices. I am old school and believe in investing time in preparing dishes, not taking shortcuts and using things from jars, but making things from scratch. Beautiful food, simply prepared, that tastes like home.”

Her workday starts at 05h00 and ends around 15h00, five days of the week on a rotating schedule. “I get the breakfast ready before most of the team arrives at 06h00, as breakfast opens for our guests at 06h30.”

After this, she reviews the lunch bookings, checking with section chefs if they know what to expect for the day. “Then I place orders, check stock levels and emails before joining my team on the pass, co-ordinating orders so that our guests don’t wait too long for their hot breakfasts.”

She has a standing morning meeting with the front desk and the food and beverage team to discuss any feedback and the focus for the coming days. “After that, it is turning around the kitchen for lunch, where, if it is busy, you will find me on the pass again. I still cook every day – I feel guilty if I don’t grill a steak or make a sauce.”

While the chef admits that paperwork is the worst part of her job, she also says that being stuck behind a desk permanently makes one lose their touch.

In her spare time, Puleng binges on series, and enjoys travelling and exploring.

butternut puree, fine beans tossed in clarified butter, minted red wine jus, topped with fresh arugula, paired with a blend of cabernet sauvignon/merlot.

What is your signature dish?

Pressed slow braised lamb shoulder,

Are you adventurous?

I’m not adventurous at all, I’m a planner.

28 Business Events Africa February 2021

What food trends are emerging in the conference industry?

Clients are becoming more health conscious and wanting healthier snacks.

Networking lunches consist of light foods.

Conferences have become more interactive and the food needs to match. Sitdown lunches have become a thing of the past.

What has remained constant in this industry?

Early conferences rather than late or afternoon ones are still the right platform for business networking.

What is your favourite beverage?

Sevilla gin and tonic with lots of ice and citrus.

What is your favourite food?

My ultimate favourite is a grilled caprese sandwich with homemade basil pesto on sliced ciabatta. Sometimes less is more and these flavours complement each other so well, I often crave it.

What is your pet hate?

I dislike laziness, I am a firm believer in ‘what you put in, is what you get out’, What is your great love?

My family. My daughter is turning 10 this year, and I have slowly taught her how to make her own food and to cook the basics like frying eggs, bacon, toast, a grilled sandwich, boiling eggs, etc.

What is interesting for me is all the intriguing questions that she asks when I cook, the interest that she shows on why we cook certain things the way I do, and she always says that I make it look so seamless and simple.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

Simple steps to help sustain our sector The Event Greening Forum considers what we can do to help promote the sustainability of our sector while the pandemic wears on.

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he use of the term ‘greening’ in our name, the Event Greening Forum (EGF), has often created a misperception that our non-profit organisation deals exclusively with the environmental aspects of hosting events.

We have even discussed changing our name as a result, and perhaps we still will. But from the beginning we have defined ‘event greening’ as managing events in a sustainable manner, in which sustainability means social and economic considerations must be balanced with environmental ones. All three are critical to your event’s success.

Right now, the sustainability of the South African events industry hinges largely on social and economic factors, such as keeping people safe and healthy, while reopening as soon as possible so that we can all get back to work. This made us wonder: What ‘event greening’ practices can we all adopt to boost the sustainability of our industry, even if just in a small way? These are our ideas: #1 Practice conscientious procurement Purchasing decisions have the power to transform industries, as demand supports supply. It’s the same idea as ‘voting with your wallet’.

If you are in the fortunate position to be doing business right now, the best thing you can do is seek out products and services from local businesses – and preferably event industry colleagues who www.businesseventsafrica.com

are striving to be sustainable. We recommend you look first to our membership base on www.eventgreening.co.za, as well as our free-to-use listing of sustainable solutions for events on www.greendatabase.co.za.

Procurement guided by these principles supports responsible businesses and local jobs and keeps money in our economy.

If you’re not in a buyer’s position, you can still help these businesses by recommending them and endorsing them on social media. These actions could help them land their next sale. #2 Treat people well A huge threat to our sector is the loss of talent, knowledge and experience when people leave to find other jobs and start new careers. The concern is that when events can resume, who will be left behind to make sure they happen in a professional manner?

Holding on to your team might not be possible but treating them with dignity and respect is. They will remember this, and maybe in the future you will be able to tempt them back. #3 Always be responsible Last but not certainly least, if you are hosting or attending events, make sure you adhere to necessary health and safety protocols to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Aside from being the right thing to do for yourself as well as the staff and guests, it is also the right thing to do for our

industry. As we have seen, an increase in infections means a crackdown on all forms of gatherings. We cannot afford to jeopardise any progress towards a reopening. We all need to play our part, to protect our lives and livelihoods.

Together we can do this.

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

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

Want to know more?

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

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

Business Events Africa February 2021 29

SITE NEWS

The changing face of skills In the changing world we face, Tes Proos, Site Africa president approached a few members from Higher Education Institutions (HEI) on the current business events qualifications and skills situation in South Africa.

The following reflect their personal views and perspectives.

“P

rior to the Covid-19 pandemic, business events tourism (BET) was recognised as a growing, lucrative segment of South Africa’s tourism industry. This has accelerated the establishment of vocational qualifications that offer related curriculum to address the specialised knowledge and skills for professions in the field. However, Covid-19 has had a significant impact not only on the tourism industry, but also on HEIs that offer BET qualifications. “There are a number of impacts on the academic year brought about by the pandemic,” said Esti Venske, senior lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Exco member Tourism Educators SA. She added: “Firstly, the late and disruptive school year of 2020 means that there will be severe delays in getting the academic year started and registrations completed as prospective students await their results which are due at the end of February. However, higher education remains optimistic for the future. As far as I could determine, the applications have been steady, but there certainly is concern around the ability for the industry to absorb graduates in the field with so many retrenchments of very skilled and experienced staff who often act as industry mentors for new students entering this dynamic field.

“Secondly, new health and safety protocols, travel restrictions, and digital innovations are changing BET operations, contexts and concepts - we are not sure how prospective students are perceiving the sector, and whether they view it as an exciting or lucrative career choice, especially given the severe economic impact due to the ongoing lockdown, travel and gathering restrictions.

“Lastly, the changing landscape of higher education to a more digital/blended format, along with the fact that students are

currently afraid of face-to-face interactions, has an impact on the decision to pursue studies in 2021. The question may be asked, why register at a traditional HE institution if there are other online options available, seeing that there has been a pivot to digital learning platforms. We are yet to see the impact of this heightened level of online competition and, of course, it is important to remember that many of our prospective students do not have access to data and electronic equipment to successfully pursue their studies, so the way bursaries are structured may also have to adapt to include the online/blended modality.”

On the issue of on job training during the shutdown, she said: “Students did online projects, and where possible, experiential opportunities continued. The BET workplace has also moved more online, with job opportunities linked to digital event specialisation/IT/social media (that is above and beyond the new emphasis on safety officers). In this current environment, we have to rethink internships in their present format as they are way more technologically driven as a result of industry mentors working from home. Due to many retrenchments in the sector, another challenge is that in many cases, staff are left performing two jobs with little time to really mentor a student.”

On a positive note, Ms Venske said: “I think that there are new emerging skills which will be required - such as an event safety protocol officer/hybrid event organiser - running a two or three-day conference fully integrating technology. I think job opportunities may be leaning more towards technological savviness.

However, some of our key industry practitioners are leaving the sector, taking years of experience, skills and knowledge with them due to the pandemic. In many cases, I imagine that succession planning within companies, as well as knowledge sharing, could pose a substantial problem and create skills gaps within the sector. We

30 Business Events Africa February 2021

do not want to lose our experts and industry champions. But I would like to reiterate that the pandemic has changed much of the familiar industry landscape - it would require upskilling and re-skilling of existing practitioners as well. It is no longer ‘business as usual’, which means it is no longer skills as usual. Knowledge around digital, software and online platforms are becoming more critical. Technical skills related to implementing health and safety protocols, regulations and technology are highlighted and soft skills which demonstrate one’s ability to collaborate and adapt, solve problems innovatively and be flexible are ideal during and post pandemic.”

She concluded: “There is an opportunity in this time of crisis to strengthen and align the skills and competencies required for future BET vocations through collaboration.

When industry and academia work together, more responsive curriculum development will be developed and implemented. Low hanging fruits may be virtual master classes which will allow industry to co-create, with academia, an agenda with talking points and content for the Master Class responsive to industry trends such as event safety. It may provide a platform for relevant practical/ contextual understanding. Association membership for students and educational institutions is beneficial as it creates great networking and knowledge sharing platforms. It also benefits educational institutions in identifying skills required and incorporating this into the curriculum.

At the moment, technology, health and safety are big drivers in the sector. This means educational institutions need to find a way to incorporate these new skill requirements, through collaboration with industry and training providers who can fine tune what exactly is needed and how it can be integrated as a skill.”

Zakiyya Muruza-Peerun, operations director of The Tourism and Business Institute of Southern Africa (TTBISA), said: www.businesseventsafrica.com

SITE NEWS

“We have no new student registrations currently. Finding placements for students is virtually impossible with most hotels closed or working with skeleton staff.

“In some instances, we’ve had to perform simulation exercises within the classroom, but in most instances learner’s qualification periods were extended to allow more time for workplace experience. We have had to rotate students to hotels or restaurants which still have some activity.”

She added: “Unfortunately, we are seeing mass retrenchments. As these individuals face unemployment they are currently applying for positions in other sectors. I am not sure if they will be keen to return to hospitality post Covid-19 if they have established another career path. I also know of quite a few general managers, human resource managers and senior personnel looking to emigrate and discovering really good positions internationally.”

Ms Muruza-Peerun, added: “I think more financial support for those being retrenched would have made all the difference. Quite a few personnel I have spoken to feel as if they have been isolated and not received enough support. If you look at the USA, Canada and Europe most hospitality staff have either been furloughed or received quite decent government aid. The National Department of Tourism are working on training

interventions to encourage the sign up of retrenched staff, whereby they can earn a living wage and work towards a qualification.”

Nellie Swart, CMP, senior lecturer in tourism (UNISA) and Exco member Tourism Educators SA, said: “Unisa has also made a decision to reduce the number of intakes for 2021, which will also impact our registrations. In the past we could only validate the registration numbers in May, I suspect this will only be done in June/July.

Unisa is an ODeL Institution for Higher Learning and has been facilitating online learning before I joined in 2012. We have an annual advisory board meeting, where we consulted with industry to ensure we meet the industry requirements.

Ms Swart added: “Unisa’s students were not affected as much as those at other institutions because of its long track record as an open and distance e-learning university. Online academic support could go ahead because of the university’s e-tutor system and academics offered support by email and cell phones. Conducting online examinations for the first time did, however, offer some challenges to Unisa’s systems.”

Unisa offers a full tourism programme qualification mix (PQM). “Each of these programmes are aligned with the specific exit level outcomes as per the HEQSF requirements to be CHE accredited and

have SAQA IDs. For several years, we have been proactive by offering a “work stimulation module” in place of “work integrated learning”. At the 2019 advisory board meeting the industry commended our initiative for pioneering such a module.

Our programmes have a strong entrepreneurship baseline, with the aim to empower entrepreneurship in tourism.

“The industry must remember, each programme has a different outcome, and we cannot compare all graduates on the same level. The skills set of a higher certificate student (120 credits) will be different to a student with a BCom degree (360 credits). This does not mean the one is “better” than the other,” Ms Swart said.

In conclusion, she said: “The world of work is changing, and students have to equip themselves with additional skills beyond the formal qualification. There is an array of massive open online courses available where students will be able to learn these additional skills. Students need to take responsibility for their own learning and build a career in the industry they aspire to have. I know of a number of students who have done that.”

The need for formal qualifications is vital, but so is the need for additional skills going forward. The industry is going through rather uncertain times, but as it changes, new opportunities will open. The role of the HEI will become even more important to equip the new generation as well as the current workforce, in this ever changing world.

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AAXO NEWS

Brains… heart… courage: the wisdom of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ in 2021

By Devi Paulsen-Abbott, vice president, dmg events and vice-chair of AAXO

The Wizard of Oz movie, made its way onto my screen during the December break. As I watched the movie, it dawned on me that this story is a source of rich metaphorical wisdom that we can apply to the events and exhibition industry as we approach the new year.

W

e have spent almost twelve months caught in an unexpected tornado and waking up in what seems like a fantasy world, searching for a wizard to help us find the way home again, as we try our best to ward off flying monkeys, evade munchkins and side-step witches.

The Coronavirus tornado has transported our lives, our businesses, our country — and the whole world into the unknown. We have been forced into ever-changing and unprecedented times – just as Dorothy was uprooted suddenly

from her known stable, predictable life, (Kansas), into Oz, resulting in a quest to follow her yellow brick road to the Emerald City.

Dorothy’s pursuit was to mature and develop her ‘cowardly lion’ into a strong, courageous lion. To liberate a restrained, heartless tin-man to find a heart and show empathy. To transform a disoriented, detached and disengaged ‘bag of straw’ into an attentive, adaptable scarecrow.

The journey reminds us that even if we encounter unforeseen situations and

daunting challenges, the strength gained in travelling together helped this unlikely gang discover that the tools and talents they needed to reach their goal was simply perseverance, intelligence, empathy and courage. And occasionally, a pair of shiny shoes to help you find your way!

We may not be in Kansas anymore but, as the voice of credibility and professionalism for exhibition organisers in Africa, AAXO is ready to support the industry as we embrace 2021’s journey ‘over the rainbow’.

SAACI NEWS

Build back better

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

W

A recent industry discussion amongst business events and exhibition colleagues focused on what our sector needs to do in these challenging times to create demand.

hile sharing and giving attention to contributions, one was struck by the intensity at which we were all working to establish “that solution”. In the discussion, the commitment had by all to ensure that our sector endures this first quarter of 2021, in laying the foundations for the latter part of 2021, could not be more emphasised.

Following the announcement on 28 December 2020, when South Africa returned to the adjusted level three lockdown, we have been set back at least eight months in our recovery journey.

Since 17 June 2020, the industry began rebuilding slowly and was gaining trickled momentum, indicating that we would begin walking briskly during the first quarter of 2021.

So, as an association, SAACI accepts that in this fluid environment, with many unknowns, we continue to build experiences and expertise that, almost a year ago, we did not have.

This time around, we have clarity that there is a vaccine being rolled-out around the world, which will be arriving in South Africa soon, we are told by the time of writing this article. In addition, we have delivered the Proof-of-Concept Events for the business events and exhibition industry, to test the health and safety protocols developed. The vaccine provides hope and the plan would seem that we reach herd immunity in the next few months, which will allow more freedom of activity and for improved business interaction.

Confidence is a wonderful thing and our sector surely needs a good boost of that now. The business events sector is a core participant in the wheels of the economy and many other industries rely so heavily on our specialist professionals to bring them together.

We are a sector that offers solutions, and in the current environment, we, the business events sector can assist in the

roll-out of the vaccine for South Africa.

Our venues, which have played a significant roll as field hospitals have the expertise in managing the process with end-to-end solutions which include the tracking of who has been vaccinated and who still needs to be vaccinated. We have the infrastructure and we have the expertise to assist, help government and our community.

Our sector will continue to play an important role. It may not seem that way now, and yes we have been halted in our recovery, but our recovery is so interlinked with that of other sectors of our economy, that we must never underplay our significance now, and in the future.

So, remember that we will recover, we will bring back lost jobs and we will activate #DestinationSA. We know that we will see the sector slowly return in a new way and with new opportunities.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR CONFERENCE INDUSTRY LEADERS

CONNECT SAACI unites , supports and educates the business

events industry in southern Africa by creating sustainable environment for business growth

THRIVE Join SAACI and enjoy access to an inspiring network of industry professionals, while giving your business the professional status it needs to attract the attention of business leaders.

GROW Become the business events professional you’ve always wanted to be. Access the SAACI Academy and enter a world of inspiration, connections and world-class skills development.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Visit our online community: www.saaci.org www.saacicongress.org www.saaci-academy.org

+27(0)11 880 5883 info@saaci.org

Business BusinessEvents EventsAfrica AfricaLearning February October 2020 2021 33 | Growth | collaboration

SAEC NEWS

Formal recognition of excellence

for event industry professionals

Back in 2015, EXSA, SAACI and IFEA pooled resources to set up the Council of Event Professionals Africa (CEPA) with the intention of establishing standards and developing training and certification programmes for the events industry in Africa.

F

By Kevan Jones – Council for Event Professionals (SACIA)

or much of the last five years, CEPA has been on a rocky road.

“While we had a clear picture of what we wanted to achieve, we were completely out of our depth trying to navigate the complexities of the SAQA landscape,” explained Sue Gannon, former general manager of EXSA and one of the original CEPA Board members.

“We knew that we wanted to promote the adoption of professional standards in the events industry and we understood that a formal designation registered with SAQA was the route we wanted to follow.

What we didn’t recognise was the complexity of the criteria we’d need to satisfy if we wanted to develop and award a professional designation of our own,” she added.

Five years of slow progress with the original SAQA applications highlighted the

need for a different approach. “This was a particularly difficult time for us,” recalled Glenn van Eck, SAACI treasurer and like Ms Gannon, a member of the original CEPA Board.

He added: “It was clear that a voluntary board could not meet the detailed and time-consuming needs that were demanded of the SAQA certification process. We noted the rapid progress in achieving results for technical crews after the TPSA merged into SACIA and this provided the impetus to start a dialogue between CEPA and SACIA.” Over a few years this dialogue progressed, and a win-win scenario became evident to both organisations.

This is always a drawn-out stage as board members of a body like CEPA want to ensure that the legacy they had envisioned would not be compromised. Patient

34 Business Events Africa February 2021

conversations saw progress as the relationship and trust developed. The CEPA Board and the founding members decided that they would best be able to serve their members by reconstituting themselves as a special interest group within SACIA. Once that decision was made in mid2019, the CEPA and SACIA boards established an interim council to integrate CEPA into SACIA’s governance and operational structures, a process that was completed shortly before the declaration of the State of National Disaster on 15 March 2020.

We had our first meeting of the newly constituted CEPA Council during the annual Meetings Africa exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre during late February. Two weeks later, the Covid-19 pandemic was upon us and the entire www.businesseventsafrica.com

SAEC NEWS

events industry came to a grinding halt.

Initially we assumed that the Covid pandemic would be over in a few months and we’d be back to business as usual, so we ploughed ahead with the development of our new designations and submitted them to SAQA for review in June 2020.

The review panel asked us to make a few small changes, but they were eventually published in the Government Gazette on 14 August 2020 and approved by the SAQA Board on 20 November 2020. Five years of work and we now have three new designations for event managers that are awarded based on an assessment that reviews a candidate’s education, work experience and work ethic. Each candidate is also required to provide a portfolio of evidence supporting their claim of competence and write an examination that tests the breadth and depth of their knowledge.

The entry level is the Event Associate designation which signifies an individual’s broad commitment to a career in events management.

Individuals applying for this designation will generally have an NQF level-five qualification in event management, with at least one year’s relevant work experience. They’re probably working under the supervision of an event manager and are expected to display well-developed interpersonal skills, as well as competence in event administration, marketing and event plan implementation.

Next step up is the Certified Event Practitioner. This is a designation that signifies an individual’s comprehensive commitment to a career in events management. An event practitioner will generally supervise an event and perform tasks such as finding and booking venues, liaising with clients and suppliers, handling logistics, managing budgets and invoicing, organising accreditation, managing risk, and presenting post-event reports. The practitioner will be competent in event administration, marketing and event planning. The designation also demonstrates the event practitioner’s commitment to continuing professional development in the events industry.

Individual’s applying for this designation www.businesseventsafrica.com

need to have an NQF level-6 qualification in events management and at least three years relevant work experience.

The highest designation is the Certified Event Professional that signifies an individual’s deep commitment to a career in events management. An event professional is responsible for organising, mobilising and/or coordinating the staff, event participants, officials, and administrators for the successful execution of an event. Individuals at this level need to have an NQF level-seven qualification in events management and have at least five years relevant work experience.

At the professional level we’d expect candidates to have a deep knowledge within a particular event genre. In

assessing candidates at this level, we’ve partnered with several associations to ensure that our assessment can be genre specific. For example, we’re working with SAACI to develop assessment tools for conference organisers and with SAMIC to develop assessment tools for music promoters. We expect to have a comprehensive set of assessment tools available quite quickly so that we can assess applications from individuals working across almost any event genre.

The SACIA board is also very aware that many people working in the events industry do not have any formal qualifications in the sector. While the National Qualifications Framework underpins our designations, we encourage individuals who otherwise meet the requirements but lack any formal qualification to apply for recognition. It’s a bit more work to prepare your portfolio of evidence but, individuals who have the proven skill, knowledge and competence can earn a formal designation that’s listed on the National Qualifications Framework.

It’s difficult not to allow Janet Landey, president of IFEA Africa, to have the closing comments on the development of these designations. “Although CEPA was only registered in 2015, it’s a project that the founding associations have been working on since the launch of the EMBOK (Event Management Body of Knowledge) in South Africa in 2004. This was designed to encourage professional development programming and credentialing products which offer international recognition and career portability for Association members,” Ms Landey said.

“Since that launch, we’ve worked closely with the Canadian eMerit programme to develop designations that are aligned with international standards and best practice. To say that I’m pleased is completely inadequate. It’s a process that’s taken a huge effort from many people over an extended period.

We’re pleased that the SACIA team were able to walk the last mile with us – to help us over the finish line, but it’s important to recognise the work put in by many individuals who care deeply about the future of our industry.

Now that the designations are listed on the National Qualifications Framework, industry itself needs to step up. We need to encourage individuals to apply for a designation, and we need to encourage employers to require staff to earn a designation appropriate to their competence. The last fifteen years will have been a complete waste of time if industry professionals don’t grasp this opportunity to earn a designation that recognises their skill, knowledge and competence. These designations will be a key factor in developing our industry in the future, so step up and submit your application today,” she concluded. e: hello@saeventscouncil.org

Business Events Africa February 2021 35

EXSA NEWS

2021

What’s in store?

“What’s in store?” intrinsically means ‘’what is going to happen in the future?’’ We wait, in flux, with highly charged anticipation.

By Gill Gibbs, chairperson of EXSA

O

ur industry community is chomping at the bit, yearning for positive news of industry trade shows and events that are going ahead in 2021.

Behind us, we have 2020, the year that was – enduring difficulty, challenge, sorrow and hardship, we bore witness to rapid change and we were forced to adjust to these strange times.

In the midst of this, 2020 reshaped the business landscape and our industry. We have been provided with an opportunity to learn from one another, with gathered data and insights available to enable us to continue evolving our capabilities, our competencies and our skillsets. Let’s take this and use it, prepare and plan.

It’s about how we rise and grind in a year of innovation, recovery and renewal and in an era of responsibility – for our health, our well-being, for each other, for our Industry, for travel and sustainability.

Recovery and growth in this new chapter will be defined by trust, confidence, innovation, methodology, professionalism and in providing seamless and engaging customer experiences.

Project confidence was initiated in 2020 by our industry association counterparts in the UK as a major driving force to reinstall confidence in exhibitions and events.

Let’s take up this mantle in 2021 and surge forward.

MARKET NEWS

Valor Hospitality appoints Jessica Redinger as GM of the new voco™ Johannesburg Rosebank Valor Hospitality has proudly announced the appointment of Jessica Redinger as general manager of the much-anticipated voco™ Johannesburg Rosebank.

T

he voco™ Johannesburg Rosebank will be InterContinental Hotels Group’s first voco™ brand on the African continent when it opens later this year and is being proudly managed by Valor Hospitality.

Ms Redinger held various senior positions at Radisson Blu Hotels in Sandton and as interim general manager at Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth, she has also assisted in several new hotel openings. Her strong rooms division skills, combined with guest service delivery excellence, will make this lifestyle hotel brand of IHG an excellent new choice in Johannesburg.

“I am excited to be introducing a new hotel brand to the continent – especially a lifestyle and innovative one like voco™.

Throughout my career in hospitality I have been privileged to work across the country; however, Rosebank holds a unique place in my heart. From the lively one-of-akind business atmosphere to the cultural richness and diversity, I’m excited to share the Rosebank and voco™ brand experience with the world,” Ms Redinger said.

Michael Pownall, managing partner at Valor Hospitality said: “We are delighted to welcome Jessica to the Valor family and this unique opportunity to open our first IHG partnered hotel. Jessica brings a wealth of experience to our team, as we

Jessica Reddinger.

The Bank Street aerial view.

position the voco™ brand firmly as Johannesburg’s most exciting and newest upscale lifestyle hotel.

When a guest chooses to stay at voco™ they will experience a hotel which offers exceptional service, but without the stuffiness. The style of the hotel is relaxed to provide guests with a welcoming feel, combining familiar comforts with the indulgences of a hotel” Mr Pownall said.

Set to open later in 2021 in the heart of thriving Rosebank, Johannesburg’s upscale suburb and ever expanding business epicentre. The new voco™ is situated within ‘The Bank’ development at the corner of Cradock and Tyrwhitt

avenues, a prime location next to the Rosebank Mall and The Zone. voco™ brings thoughtful touches with familiar comforts, luxury guestrooms and bathrooms, and the ‘Proud Mary’ restaurant and bar, which is sure to become a new favourite for locals and visitors to the Rosebank neighbourhood.

It is within a short walking distance from many corporate offices, shopping, nightlife and entertainment as well as the Gautrain Station. Also, within ‘The Bank’ development will be ‘Workshop17’, providing excellent coworking and shared office space with various meeting facility options.

February 2021 Vol 41 No 2 ADVERTISER

PAGE

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

32

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

CTICC

3

sales@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

Event Greening Forum

29

info@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

EXSA

36

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

reservations@fancourt.co.za

www.fancourt.com

22, 23

info@gintanluthuli.co.za

www. gintanluthuli.co.za

MJunxion

2

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

SAACI

33

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SA Events Council

34

hello@saeventscouncil.org

www.saeventscouncil.org

SITE

30

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

Fancourt

OFC, IFC, 6

Gintan Luthuli Associates

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa February 2021 37

DIRECTORY

SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

EASTERN CAPE Chairperson: Alistair Stead e: alastair@scandisplay.africa c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 Vice-chairperson: Melissa Palmer e: melissa@becbc.co.za c: +27 (0)82 437 7600

Learning | Growth | collaboration EXCO AND HEAD OFFICE Chairperson: Kim Roberts e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com t: +27 (0)82 652 2008

Treasurer: Andrew Stewart e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 COMMITTEE: David Limbert e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 9064 198

Mabuyi Mosia c: +27 (0)71 117 7509 e: mabuyi@ikhono.co.za

Bianca van Niekerk t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: biancav@cticc.co.za

Denver Manickum c: +27 (0)83 482 8525 e: denver@icube.co.za

Stefan Huggett c: +27 (0)83 740 8897 e: stefanh@spier.co.za

Kavitha Dhawnath c: +27 (0)83 607 2006 e: kavitha.dhawnath@gearhouse. co.za

Gheeta Payle t: +27 (0)86 123 7890 e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com

Wiseman Mnguni c: +27 (0)78 220 2162 e: mboniseni.events@gmail.com Sandile Dlamini c: +27 (0)79 104 5510 e: sandile@anzomode.co.za

Vice-chairperson: Jaques Fouche e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542

Gill Dickie e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

Treasurer: Glenn van Eck e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2612

Wanda Fourie e: registration@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)72 608 1641

Chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241

Public officer: Denise Kemp e: denise@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755

Claire Kivedo e: claire@overallevents.co.za c: +27 (0)82 464 1504

Treasurer: Refilwe Nchebisang t: +27 (0)76 055 1346 e: rnchebisang@csir.co.za

Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565

Nabeelah Sharmar e: nabeela@greenroom.co.za c: +27 (0)83 661 4140

COMMITTEE:

Membership services consultant: Alshanthé Smith t: +27 (0)71 299 0601 e: members@saaci.org BOARD MEMBERS Chairperson: Kim Roberts e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com t: +27 (0)82 652 2008 Vice-chairperson: Jaques Fouche e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542 Treasurer: Glenn van Eck e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2612 Public officer: Denise Kemp e: denise@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Eastern Cape Chairperson: Alistair Stead e: alastair@scandisplay.africa c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson: Irene Vallihu c: +27 (0)79 692 4604 e: irenev@icc.co.za Johannesburg Chairperson: John Arvanitakis t: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za Western Cape Chairperson: Angela Lorimer c: +27 (0)74 550 1000 e: angelajacobson862@yahoo.co.za Tshwane Chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Co-opted Youth Ambassador: Minister Kganyango e: mkganyago@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)79 513 8708 Co-opted Learning Ambassador: Lorin Bowen e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: +27 (0)82 433 8687

Hayley Pretorius e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)62 758 7933 JOHANNESBURG Chairperson: John Arvanitakis Chat'r Xperience t: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za Vice Chairperson: Emma Kumalo Potters Hand Activations t: +27 (0)84 250 6850 e: emma@pottershand.co.za Treasurer: Chris de Lancey Multi-Media t: +27 (0)82 854 2230 e: chris@multi-media.co.za COMMITTEE: Angelique Smith SAACI Johannesburg c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: angie@eventsynthesis.co.za Leigh Anne Luis, Upatone t: +27 (0)82 409 3680 e: leighanne@upatone.co.za Rendani Khorommbi Joburg Tourism t: +27 (0)11 883 3525 c: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com KWAZULU-NATAL Chairperson: Irene Vallihu c: +27 (0)79 692 4604 e: irenev@icc.co.za Vice-chairperson: Gill Slaughter c: +27 (0)83 269 0279 e: gills@turnersconferences.co.za Treasurer: Sibusiso Mncwabe c: +27 (0)83 477 5536 e: sibusiso@marketingwell.co.za COMMITTEE: Tarannum Banatwalla c: +27 (0)83 254 9462 e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za Kim Jackson c: +27 (0)82 378 2264 e: kimj@goldcircle.co.za

38 Business Events Africa February 2021

Lara Van Zyl c: +27 (0)82 223 4684 e: wc.za@saaci.org

TSHWANE

Herkie du Preez c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za Melanie Pretorius c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 e: melanie.pretorius@mweb.co.za Riaan Maritz c: +27 (0)82 899 7612 e: riaanm@atkv.org.za Tumi Tsatsi c: +27 (0)78 373 9790 e: tumi@eventwizards.co.za Heather Heskes c: +27 (0)76 321 6111 e: tsh.za@saaci.org Leon Pheiffer e: leon@ephproductions.co.za e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)72 616 5390 WESTERN CAPE Chairperson: Angela Lorimer c: +27 (0)74 550 1000 e: angelajacobson862@yahoo.co.za e: salesmanager@ lagoonbeachhotel.co.za Vice-chairperson: Alex Wrottesley c: +27 (0)21 430 2060 e: alex@intoafrica.co.za Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 e: thiru@wesgro.co.za COMMITTEE: Ansu Colditz c: +27 (0)82 457 8071 e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za Esti Venske t: +27 (0)21 460 3518 e: estivenske@gmail.com Zimkitha Bavuma c: +27 (0)72 172 5746 e: zim@live.co.za Esmare Steinhofel c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org Andrew Gibson t: +27 (0)860 111 625 e: Andrew@magnetic.co.za e: andrew.msct@gmail.com

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

EXSA OFFICE www.exsa.co.za Chairperson: Gill Gibbs BluCube t: +27 (0)83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za Vice chairperson: Gabi Babinsky Brandex t: +27 (0)64 655 3323 e: gabi@brandexpro.co.za Treasurer: Moses Nefale Scan Display t: +27 (0)79 882 8616 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za Past chairperson: Doug Rix DK Designs t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Association manager: Lee-Ann Alder t: +27 (0)82 550 0349 e: info@exsa.co.za Board members: Kerry-Lee Bester Brilliant Branding t: +27 (0)72 265 6600 e: kerry@brilliant-branding.co.za Mike Mira Efam Distributors t: +27 (0)83 445 2261 e: mike@efam.co.za Presley Mokotedi Garona Communications t: +27 (0)81 578 4455 e: presley@garonacom.co.za Chad Botha Inspire Furniture Rentals t: +27 (0)76 644 0271 e: info@inspirefurniture.co.za Sibusiso Mchwabe Marketing Well t: +27 (0)83 477 5536 e: sibusiso@marketingwell.co.za Gary van der Watt Resource Design t: +27 (0)76 339 5320 e: gary@resourcedesign.co.za

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DIRECTORY

SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

Kim Roberts, SAACI national chair Kevan Jones, SACIA executive director

EVENT GREENING FORUM

Justin van Wyk, SALPA chair Septi Bukula, SITE member Sharif Baker, TPSA chairperson; SACIA board member President: Tes Proos c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676 e: tes@crystalevents.co.za

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

International board member: Daryl Keywood c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 e: daryl@walthers.co.za Treasurer: Peter-John Mitrovich c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com Board member at large: Rick Taylor East Africa (Rwanda): Chris Munyao North Africa: George Fawzi North Africa support: Brad Glen Young Leadership: Clinton Els Secretariat & Events: Gauteng: Clare Neall c: +27 76 898 0420 e: clare@eventstuff.co.za Western Cape: Mariaan Burger c: +27 (0)82 557 8041 e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com

SA EVENTS COUNCIL

Chairperson: Greg McManus, Heritage Environmental Management Services 46 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg t: +27 (0)11 465 8955 e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za Association coordinator: Molebegeng Masote e: mole@aaxo.co.za Chairperson: Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing e: projeni@exposuremarketing.co.za Vice-chairperson: Devi Paulsen-Abbott, dmg events e: devipaulsen@dmgevents.com Treasurer: Mark Anderson, Specialised Exhibitions e: marka@specialised.com Board of directors: Carol Weaving, Reed Exhibitions e: carol.weaving@reedexpoafrica.co.za Chanelle Hingston, Clarion Events Africa e: chanelle.hingston@clarionevents.com

e: hello@saeventscouncil.org Chairperson: Tes Proos, SITE president Vice-chairperson: Glenton de Kock, SAACI chief executive officer Interim treasurer: Glenn van Eck, CEPA chair Spokesperson: Projeni Pather, AAXO chair

Phetogo Kubheka, Synergy Business Events e: phetogo@synergybe.co.za Suzette Scheepers, Messe Muenchen South Africa e: suzette.scheepers@mm-sa.com

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS & CONVENTION ASSOCIATION

Members Tiisetso Tau, AAXO member Corne Koch, Best Cities Global Alliance chair

Mike Lord, Event Safety Council interim chair Sibusiso Mncwabe, EXSA board member; EXSA KZN Forum Chair; SAACI KZN committee member and treasurer Chad Botha, EXSA board member Doug Rix, EXSA board member Gill Gibbs, EXSA chairperson Taubie Motlhabane, ICCA Africa chapter chair Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA Africa, regional director Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance network chair Charlotte Kemp, PSASA deputy president

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Vice-chairperson: Morwesi Ramonyai, Borena Energy Treasurer: Justin Hawes, Scan Display Secretariat: Lynn McLeod e: lynn@eventgreening.co.za Marketing: Pippa Naudé e: pippa@eventgreening.co.za OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST ABTA – African Business Travel Association Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123 t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 c: +27 (0)83 679 2110 e: monique@abta.co.za | www.abta. co.za Founder: Monique Swart ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010 t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61 e: barbara@asata.co.za e: general@asata.co.za Office manager: Barbara Viljoen Council of Event Professionals Africa M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding Executive Director: Kevan Jones kevan@sacia.org.za t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 Chairperson: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 e: glenn@magnetic.co.za

Carol Weaving, AAXO board member

Justin Hawes, Event Greening Forum treasurer

179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za

ICCA African Chapter Chairperson: Taubie Motlhabane Cape Town International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: Taubiem@cticc.co.za

FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157 c: +27 (0)82 552 9862 e: ceo@fedhasa.co.za www.fedhasa.co.za Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

Deputy chairperson: Jacinta Nzioka Kenya National Convention Bureau t: +254 722464221 e: jacinta@kncb.go.ke

PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa t: +27 (0)11 462 9465 c: +27 (0)83 458 6114 e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za www.psasouthernafrica.co.za

Secretariat: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA Africa Regional director c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org www.iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter www.iccaworld.org

SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 t: +27 (0)11 511 7641 e: saboa@saboa.co.za www.saboa.co.za

SACIA – Southern African Communications Industries Association M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za Executive director: Kevan Jones SATI – South African Translators’ Institute Executive director: Marion Boers t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 e: office@translators.org.za www.translators.org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Box 900, Ferndale 2160 t: +27 (0)11 886 9996 e: pa@satsa.co.za www.satsa.com SKAL International South Africa Secretary: Anne Lamb t: +27 (0)21 434 7023 c: +27 (0)82 708 1836 e: anne@yebo.co.za www.skalsouthafrica.org STA – Sandton Tourism Association t: +27 (0)83 558 5445 e: secretariat@sandtontourism.com www.sandtontourism.com TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa Box 11655, Centurion 0046 t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 e: comms@tbcsa.travel www.tbcsa.travel www.tomsa.co.za Member relations manager: Boitumelo Moleleki TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146 t: +27 (0)11 895 3000 f: +27 (0)11 895 3001 e: enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za TINSA – Interpreters/ Translators Network of Southern Africa e: info@interpreter.org.za t/f: +27 (0)11 485 2511 c: +27 (0)83 249 0010 www.interpreter.org.za TPSA – Technical Production Services Association M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za www.tpsa.co.za Executive director: Kevan Jones TTA – Tshwane Tourism Association Box 395, Pretoria 0001 t: +27 (0)12 841 4212 e: secretary@tshwanetourism.com www.tshwanetourism.com Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen e: membership@tshwanetourism.com

Business Events Africa February 2021 39

THE LAST WORD

Five trends that will impact Western Cape air travel in 2021

By Tim Harris, chief executive officer of Wesgro

The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the global aviation industry.

Never before in the history of aviation has the sector seen such a substantial and persistent decline in global passengers, cargo, and revenue.

T

he crisis is also unique because it impacts every airline and airport worldwide, and will continue to do so until some form of ‘herd immunity’ is achieved through effective vaccination programmes.

As the agency tasked with the promotion of international tourism, trade and investment in the Cape, we felt first-hand the profound impact of this on so many of the Western Cape sectors. With route connectivity, airline capacity and air traveller confidence key to the recovery of international air travel, our Cape Town Air Access team - a collaborative project dedicated to promoting, developing and maintaining air routes in and out of the Western Cape – foresees the following key trends that will shape Cape Town and the Western Cape aviation industry recovery in 2021.

Government procedures eclipse airline strategies The past year has seen a global pandemic, but also prolonged containment measures including lockdowns, border closures, travel restrictions and testing regimes implemented by governments across the world. This has left many carriers relying on air cargo and repatriation flights during

the hard lockdown, and quickly resuming service as soon as any type of passenger flight was allowed.

This current operating environment is not sustainable. Even those airlines that received government bailout or private sector cash injections have implemented strict cost-containment measures, rationalising their workforces and reducing their fleet sizes to survive.

A sobering statistic by the Lufthansa Group reveals the airline is losing more than USD 1 million every two hours during the global pandemic.

Government regulations and protocols will be the principal driving force behind passenger air services for 2021. For example, the extra travel restrictions imposed by the Netherlands on 23 January 2021 has forced KLM to cancel its services to South Africa and some other intercontinental destinations. This curtails any strategy or plan the airline had in place for the upcoming months, and will place a heavy burden on its financial resources.

Foreign government measures such as these will have a profound negative effect on international travel to and from South Africa, and will dampen supply of air services and traveller demand for at least the first half of 2021.

40 Business Events Africa February 2021

Testing – and not the vaccine – will remain a requirement to travel internationally… for now The start of mass vaccinations in many countries will hopefully be the kickstart that global tourism desperately needs, although the International Air Transport association (IATA) cautions that things might get worse before they get better, as travel restrictions will persist until effective roll-out is achieved.

Because of this, governments will be forced to stick to systematic testing approaches, and other proven health and safety protocols for much of 2021, and possibly thereafter.

The hope is that by the second half of 2021, as more people are vaccinated globally, we will start seeing a renewed appetite for international travel. With Cape Town and the Western Cape well positioned for travel in a Covid-19 world – boasting an affordable worldclass travel offering underpinned by wide open natural spaces - we remain confident that the destination will remain high on the “bucket list”. South Africa and the Western Cape were cited this past month as number 15 out of 20 places to visit in March 2021 by the International Condé Nast Traveller.

In the longer term we should see a coordinated effort from global policy makers to establish the use of vaccination certificates when travelling and the implementation of common, harmonised digital related travel principles, protocols and documents that countries can follow.

A response that is currently being trialed is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass, a global and standardised solution to validate and authenticate all country regulations regarding Covid-19 passenger travel requirements. IATA states that “The main priority is to get people travelling again, safely. In the immediate term that means establishing confidence in governments that systematic pre-departure Covid-19 testing can work as a replacement for quarantine requirements. And that will eventually develop into a vaccine program.” Etihad and Emirates are the first major carriers that have partnered with IATA to trial the Travel Pass.

The domestic passenger market will only recover to pre-Covid levels in 2022 The domestic passenger market reached 50% of 2019 levels by December 2020, www.businesseventsafrica.com

THE LAST WORD

with aircraft occupancy levels, or load factors, at just above 70%, showing the return of passenger confidence and offering a glimmer of hope and positivity for the holiday period. Unfortunately, the stricter lockdown measures implemented over the festive season halted any further recovery in the market, putting a dampener on expectations for the first quarter of 2021.

As local restrictions ease over the coming weeks with the expected drop in infections, we will see a gradual rise in domestic passenger movements, initially driven by local business travel and then leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel over the Easter period.

Cape Town Air Access estimates that passenger numbers will reach around 60% of 2019 levels by April, and slowly increase to 80% of 2019 levels by the end of the year. This would translate into around 330 000 domestic passenger arrivals for Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) in December 2021.

As international travellers return, many of them will connect domestically on their onward journeys - historically this accounted for over 20% of total passenger numbers for CTIA in 2019.

International connectivity and capacity will realistically only return in the last quarter of 2021 According to CAPA – Centre for Aviation, over a third of the global aircraft fleet remained grounded at the start of 2021, with more than half of the European fleet inactive. This obviously does not bode well for the Western Cape as, historically, 45% of our international inbound passengers are from Europe. We therefore expect suppressed international travel numbers for the remainder of the South African summer period due to a combination of factors, including continued foreign government travel restrictions as previously mentioned, limited aircraft supply and low traveller confidence.

Northern hemisphere destinations are hoping that their approaching summer season will lead to a resurgence in air travel with people keen to visit foreign countries. This will obviously still be fraught with many challenges as reopening of borders and relaxation of restrictions will differ from country to country.

During the approaching winter months and our usual low tourist season, we will www.businesseventsafrica.com

still have residual travellers wanting to visit the Western Cape and we predict that the usual year-round airline services will continue during this period, although at a reduced capacity. The major positive is that connectivity to our usual source markets will return over this period in anticipation of the summer season, which will be further bolstered by the return of the usual seasonal services during the last quarter of the year. We except international passenger numbers to reach 60% of 2019 figures by December.

The pandemic will continue to drive air cargo demand During the development of the pandemic air cargo has been the shining light for airline revenue generation. At the start of the pandemic, many airlines converted and retrofitted passenger aircrafts to handle air freight - as passenger movements were mainly limited to repatriation flights. When commercial passenger traffic resumed, the belly-cargo carried in the hold of the aircraft contributed to bottom lines, in many cases replacing the loss of significant business class traffic. Pre-Covid estimates from IATA were that the cargo business is responsible for 12% of airline revenue and the 2021 estimate suggests this could rise to as much as 33%.

The Western Cape export offering is very suitable for movement by air with perishables making up almost 70% of air cargo exports. Cape Town is also seen as the leader in e-commerce on the African continent, and this market is set to grow even further during 2021 with digital technologies and online platforms boosting demand for parcel delivery services. The massive effort needed to distribute the Covid vaccine will put additional pressure on the system and will need to be managed.

The Western Cape and Cape Town air cargo offering is unfortunately not sufficiently developed and will not be able to capitalise on the expected growth if immediate reforms are not implemented and investment in infrastructure realised.

As 98% of air cargo is moved in the belly of passenger aircraft for CTIA, all dedicated international air freight moves through OR Tambo International Airport.

New cargo infrastructure such as a temperature-controlled perishables centre would enhance the Western Cape product offering and increase export competitiveness. This could also have

assisted with storage and distribution of vaccines, which will now have to be transported by road from Johannesburg.

The importance of developing air cargo capabilities for the Western Cape and South Africa cannot be understated and should receive immediate attention to assist in the economic recovery effort.

Final thoughts What counts in our favour is that we are well positioned to welcome back international airlines as soon as possible.

The Cape Town International Airport is well prepared for increased flight and passenger numbers. All health protocols and safety measures have passed stringent tests, showcased by the awarding of the Airports Council International (ACI) global health accreditation presented to Airports Company South Africa in December 2020.

The Cape Town Air Access team is in constant contact with the airline network planning teams, and through this proactive approach, and the extended partnerships it has formed with the private and public sector, the Cape will be well positioned to welcome back travellers as they start to return this year.

Who is Tim Harris?

Tim Harris is chief executive officer of Wesgro - the Tourism, Exports and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Previously a Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Finance for the Democratic Alliance (DA), Mr Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Masters in Economics from the University of Cape Town.

Business Events Africa February 2021 41

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