Business Events Africa January 2021

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 41 No 1 January 2021

EVOLVING THE CONFERENCING GAME IN 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 1 JANUARY 2021

About the cover Emperors Palace’s Studio Iris Emperors Palace has always been at the cutting edge of evolution in the hospitality and conferencing space and when the hard lockdown happened, one of their projects was immediately fast-tracked.

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 gomesi@iafrica.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Vincent Goode vincent@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

Features COVER STORY | EMPERORS PALACE FEATURES IRIS STUDIO 6 Studio Iris is a state-of-the-art and fully customisable broadcast studio.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

COMPANY PROFILE 20 CPDdata – working with the

conference organiser.

MARKET NEWS 29 Wesgro appoints Monika Iuel as

new CMO.

Destination Feature Association news 10 Menlyn Maine precinct offers

everything event organisers need.

On the pages…

EDITOR’S COMMENT 2 What a difference a year makes.

INSIDE TRAVEL 4 Getting South Africans safely back in the air.

NEWS 9 Hyatt Regency Cape Town launches.

CHEF’S PROFILE 13 Home is where the heart is for Wild Coast Sun’s new executive chef.

EVENT GREENING FORUM 21 Keeping business events in business.

Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 41 No 1 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.

SITE 22 How to re-enchant tourism.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

AAXO 24 How venues can embrace

technology to improve exhibitions.

SAACI 25 A glass half-full.

EXSA 26 Goodbye 2020, hello 2021.

SAEC 27 SAEC – facing challenges together.

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE 14 Rebuilding the industry together.

Regulars

VENUE | FANCOURT 16 The changing face of business events.

29 Index of advertisers.

30 Directory and associations of interest.

PERSONALITY PROFILE 18 Irene Vallihu – “Success isn’t about greatness”.

THE LAST WORD 32 A leap of faith combat toolkit for 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

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

What a difference

a year makes

W

e were living in quite a different world compared to today. We were still able to enjoy Meetings Africa and all the promise of new business opportunities coming to our shores in 2020/2021 and beyond.

There was talk of a deadly new virus in faraway lands; and pandemics were something that we South Africans didn’t have to worry about… little did we know?

As I sit here looking ahead at 2021, I am a lot more pragmatic and apprehensive, but still, hopeful.

Have we seen the worst of this pandemic and its devastation throughout our sector?

Quite frankly, I wish I could say yes, but after the year we have just had, probably not. It has been difficult for everyone.

However, 2021 has already commenced with a big positive - the global vaccine rollouts. South Africa should see the first vaccine rollouts hopefully by March 2021, but we still have a way to go.

This second wave, leading to the level three lockdown, occured a lot sooner

than most of us anticipated. Hopefully, it will pass quickly and with the vaccine rollouts, we may look forward to a third quarter of new beginnings.

Covid-19 is here to stay, even with the vaccine. Our world is different now and there is no returning to what we once knew. Sure, over time there may be some resemblance of the pre-Covid-19 way of life.

So, what do we do now? We ensure there is trust, first and foremost. As a destination, South Africa’s trust barometer is low as we are still very much in pandemic mode and our vaccine rollouts are a minefield of unknowns.

From what I have read over the past few weeks, the vaccine will become a standard requirement regarding air travel.

The sooner we have it, the better.

Where do we go to from here? We look inward – we must get our own domestic business events market up and running first. Then regional, and this is where we have a big opportunity to improve our regional airlift as well as finalise our inter-regional Covid-19 safety protocols

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

Last year, this time, we as an industry were preparing for what was going to be a bumper year.

and inter-Africa regional visa. This, in my opinion, should have been done a long time ago. Once we have this going for us, we will see renewed trust in our continent and country. This will also lead to an increase in rotational association meetings, congresses and exhibitions within Africa.

Let’s grow Africa together, as together we are stronger.

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

INSIDE TRAVEL

Getting South Africans safely back in the air Will the battered aviation industry be able to rebuild and regain its place in the world economy after a devastating 2020?

R

ebuilding confidence and showing travellers that it is safe to fly, is critical if the battered aviation industry is to regain its place in the world economy after a devastating 2020.

But there is already an abundance of green shoots forming after Covid-19 brought the industry to its knees mid-2020, Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) chief executive officer Duke Phahla believes. The vision of a trusted vaccine in 2021 fills him with hope that the darkest days in the industry now belong to the past.

“We need to have hope, and provide confidence to win back the masses,” he said. “Already, unique opportunities are forming with new players such as Lift entering the market. Novel technologies in

areas such as the self-service kiosk are also emerging from the ashes, keeping our system up-time in check, ensuring travellers that they will travel with ease in the future. Some airlines have emerged stronger after the slump, such as FlySafair, who actually grew their market share.”

“The pandemic affected the entire globe.

But I’m pleased to see that the recovery is beating the forecasted numbers that organisations such as the Bureau of Economic Research predicted.”

In the darkest of days, Mr Phahla said he realised that the virus had hit the reset button in his industry and that things would not be the same again; the same had happened to the industry post 9/11 with 100 per cent HBS (hold baggage screening) which became a regulation.

4 Business Events Africa January 2021

A vaccine will give travellers the necessary confidence to travel without concerns, Mr Phahla believes.

Coal face of travel ACS is at the coal face of travel in South African airports as baggage screeners, while also managing the Baggage Reconciliation System, commonly use terminal equipment and self-service kiosks.

The company, through its systems, enables the platform, ensuring that passengers’ bags board the flight with them, or that the bags are evicted from the plane if a passenger is not on board.

Mr Phahla remembers that at the beginning of the year - before the Coronavirus crisis hit - around 46,000 passengers per day passed through OR www.businesseventsafrica.com

INSIDE TRAVEL

Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

In June, after President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a strict lockdown a few months earlier, essentially shutting down South Africa’s passenger air travel, there were only 51,260 passengers per month of which most were repatriation from flights.

“Fast forward to November and we are on the road to recovery with 601,000 passengers, both international and domestic, passing through,” he explained.

Cost preservation mode But global aviation was hard-hit by different lockdowns imposed by governments worldwide. Airports Council International (ACI) World’s outlook expected the global airport industry to generate $172bn (R2,5trn). Instead, the Covid-19 crisis impact on airport revenues will result in a reduction of a devastating $111.8bn (R1,7tn).

Mr Phahla said ACS had to go into cost preservation mode from April because of the reduced traffic, even though ACS is a non-dividend distribution company. Profits are ploughed back into the industry by investing in modern and state-of-the-art technology.

For instance, salaries had to be cut by 20 per cent. Mr Phahla explained that ACS’s business model is volume driven, with only R12 per ticket contributing to the baggage screening service. The more passengers there are, the more money will flow to ACS. “It definitely affected us financially. We still had service providers to compensate for services provided. Our highly trained screeners needed to be paid. Equipment needed to be maintained. There were still repatriation flights that we had to provide services to.”

Contactless check-ins ACS was jointly established in 1999 by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) with the support of Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa), specifically to screen baggage for security purposes in South Africa. The company’s mandate is to specifically screen for suspected explosive material destined for carriage in hold baggage.

But they also manage self-service kiosks at the 13 South African airports in which they operate. While the machines are owned by the Airport Company of South www.businesseventsafrica.com

Africa (Acsa), ACS operates and maintains them.

Already a common feature in most of the developed world’s airports, South Africans have been slower on the uptake. Mr Phahla believed the need for contactless check-ins would encourage South Africans to move to these kiosks en-masse.

ACS has agents at hand for travellers struggling with the kiosks, Mr Phahla said.

The new kiosks will have the latest technology including touchless contact to further combat the Covid-19 virus.

Baggage screening Just because airports carried less traffic, it did not mean that ACS could ease up on their critical baggage screening. Mr Phahla said that through the years ACS has discovered that someone is always trying to test the system.

The 15-year-old baggage screening machines belong to ACS, and with low volumes of traffic at the moment it may be an ideal opportunity to start upgrading the machines with the latest technology.

Mr Phahla said investing in latest technology and state-of-the-art machines will ensure that South Africans feel more secure when flying.

Although searching for explosives is ACS’s primary objective, the screening machines have also become the nemesis of rhino horn smugglers, with screeners picking up more and more wildlife smuggling. Screeners also easily spot ornaments filled with drugs, Mr Phahla explained.

Baggage goes through five levels of screening, with most bags passing through in level one. If suspicious luggage is spotted at the machine, it is rejected to level two for further investigation, eventually leading to the passenger being paged and asked to

open their suitcase at level four in the presence of authorities and airline representatives.

“Screening is a big responsibility, and we simply don’t hire people off the street.

It is a specialist function which would require screeners to go through an intense training programme, enabling them to identify suspicious items contained in bags and they would have to attend regular refresher courses.”

ACS chief executive officer Duke Phahla.

What is the ACS? ACS was jointly established in 1999 by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) and the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) to provide operational support services to international and domestic airlines operating from, into and within South Africa.

Business Events Africa January 2021 5

COVER STORY | EMPERORS PALACE

THE PALACE OF STREAMS Emperors Palace’s Studio Iris is opening eyes to information sharing in the new normal.

Studio Iris may be booked by everyone from private individuals to corporates looking to communicate with employees or clients. In true Emperors Palace fashion, the studio comes complete with a Green Room to ensure guests are comfortable and relaxed.

6 Business Events Africa January 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | EMPERORS PALACE

E

mperors Palace has always been at the cutting edge of evolution in the hospitality and conferencing space and when the hard lockdown happened, one of their projects was immediately fast-tracked.

“Having an in-house studio was something we had flirted with for a couple of years now,” said Peermont hospitality executive Dave Milne, who was integral to getting the project off the ground. “So when the hard lockdown was declared in March of 2020, that was our cue to get Studio Iris up and running, because we knew that many clients would be looking for an alternative to the traditional conference setup.”

Having a world-class multi-functional conference set up, Emperors Palace located in Kempton Park, had no problem setting up this state-of-the-art studio.

Taking its name from the divine messenger in Roman mythology who would deliver messages to the gods, Studio Iris is a state-of-the-art and fully customisable broadcast studio. The studio uses digital technology to broadcast a client’s message effectively and professionally, whether it is for business,

www.businesseventsafrica.com

entertainment or private functions, including: board meetings, talks and seminars, product presentations, awards shows, entertainment events, interviews and much more.

“The world is different now and we understand that clients are hesitant to have too many people in a room and that social distancing is very important. The lockdown has also taught us that we have options when it comes to communication,” Mr Milne continued.

“With meeting software, like Zoom or

Get Your Message Out Let Studio Iris deliver your message in real time: • Board meetings • Talks and seminars • Product Presentations • Entertainment events (music, comedy, etc.)

• Awards shows • Interviews • Game shows and draws • Internal company messages and information sharing

Business Events Africa January 2021 7

COVER STORY | EMPERORS PALACE

Studio Iris Features in a Nutshell

• High resolution LED screen which can be used to create any possible digital backdrop • Acoustically treated studio environment • Uninterrupted connection via the internet to any location on site, locally and globally • Fully integrated with the most popular hosting platforms: MS Teams, Zoom, Webex, Webinar Jam, YouTube, Facebook Live • Multiple camera angles up to 1080P Full HD Resolution • Highly experienced crew • Multi-configuration studio setup, specific to your needs • AutoQue scripting and presentation preview monitors • Chic and comfortable green room • Cutting edge technology including Yamaha LS9-16 digital sound desk, Sennheiser microphones, 50” preview monitors, Astera LED lights- all to professional broadcast standards Teams, you can connect to anyone in the world and you don’t have to leave your own environment. It saves money, it saves time and you don’t have to travel, sit in traffic or do any of those tedious roadshows. Technology and Wi-Fi have become more accessible than ever before, and Studio Iris is the perfect solution to connect with your audience and get your

message across clearly, through a highly professional medium.”

To launch this product, The Palace of Dreams has partnered with virtual events company Eventcast from Pretoria, who are professionals in the technology equipment required to stream broadcasts of any kind. Conveniently located in the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace, Studio Iris is manned by a team of broadcast professionals and features high resolution LED screens as a backdrop which can be used to project any possible digital background, from cityscapes to graphic branding.

“Technology today is marvellous,” said Eventcast managing director Marius van Rooyen, who oversaw the setup. “With Studio Iris, the potential is unlimited and your live broadcast could appear to be originating from anywhere in the world– you might have a basic office backdrop or we may even make it look like you are on the top of Table Mountain! Our technology ensures that the broadcast is professional and without any interruptions.” The room is acoustically treated and the broadcast has an uninterrupted connection via the internet to any location on site, locally and globally. It’s compatible with all the popular hosting platforms (MS Teams, Zoom, Webex, Webinar Jam, youTube Live, FaceBook Live) and broadcasts up to 1080 pixel, full HD resolution. Clients are paired with a professional team who are trained to cater to all needs, everything from the studio configuration, graphic backdrops, wireless microphones and even a helping hand with AutoQue scripting and presentation preview

8 Business Events Africa January 2021

monitors.

“Our team consists of broadcast professionals, and from our sound booth in the studio they are in full control of the broadcast using the latest software and programmes, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands,” Mr van Rooyen concluded.

Studio Iris may be booked by everyone from private individuals to corporates looking to communicate with employees or clients. In true Emperors Palace fashion the studio comes complete with a Green Room to ensure guests are comfortable and relaxed.

“The Green Room comes equipped with all the creature comforts you’ve come to expect,” Mr Milne said. “You can sit, have a cappuccino and go over your script while you wait for your cue. There’s also a monitor to watch the broadcast while you wait and, as usual, our team is there to assist with any specifics you may require.”

With technology playing a more pivotal part in the way we communicate, Studio Iris showcases how accessible live broadcasting has come in recent years, and evolved from buffering Skype calls to fully fledged, world-class broadcastsonce reserved for only television networks with big budgets. By sharing this technology it shows how Emperors Palace has gone from the Palace of Dreams to the Palace of Streams…

Contact information Studio Iris is available for bookings or demonstrations. For more information visit EmperorsPalace.com or contact the Peermont Sales Team on +27 (0)11 928 1903 or email sales@peermont.com.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort and all Covid-19 health and safety protocols are in place. For more information visit Peermont.com.

Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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VENUE NEWS

Hyatt Regency Cape Town launches The hotel marks the second Hyatt hotel in South Africa and brings the brand’s premium of level service to Cape Town for the first time.

H

yatt Hotels Corporation opened the doors of the Hyatt Regency Cape Town on 15 December 2020, the first Hyatt-branded property in the “Mother City.” Situated at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain, the 137-room Hyatt Regency Cape Town represents Hyatt’s growing brand presence across Africa. It joins eight existing properties on the continent and is the second Hyatt hotel in South Africa.

The Hyatt Regency brand is designed for productivity in mind, delivering seamless experiences addressing the needs of both business and leisure travellers. Services and amenities include a memorable culinary experience, flexible spaces to work, collaborate or relax, and expansive technology-enabled facilities for meetings and events, along with expert planners who anticipate every detail of a guest’s stay. Situated in the bustling Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and only a few minutes from Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and Robben Island Ferry, Hyatt Regency Cape Town delivers its brand promise to guests who are looking to experience South Africa’s rich and multicultural history.

“We are extremely excited to welcome guests to the first Hyatt hotel in Cape Town,” said Asif Raza, general manager Hyatt Regency Cape Town. “For business travellers the hotel provides easy access to

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the financial district and Cape Town International Convention Centre, while its location in the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood makes it a great base for leisure travellers too. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance and modern design will ensure a stress-free guest experience and we are proud that we are able to offer the renowned Hyatt Regency service to visitors to South Africa in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.”

Guest rooms The 137 guest rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency Cape Town each boast large floor-to-ceiling windows or a balcony as well as walk-in rain showers. Designed intuitively and with all the essentials, guests are able to make the most of their time away, with each room offering an expansive workspace, spacious desk and complimentary wireless high-speed internet access.

Dining and Drinking At 126 Cape Kitchen & Café, guests are taken on an unexpected culinary journey.

Created with flavours from traditional South African, Cape Malay and Asian cuisine, guests can enjoy a world-class dining experience. An international breakfast buffet with a variety of delicious food and beverages ensures that guests

start the day off right. Guests can also take in the breathtaking views of Signal Hill while unwinding and enjoying one of the signature drinks on the outside pool deck.

Meeting and Events Hyatt Regency Cape Town is designed to foster productivity and deliver flawless meeting experiences with the assurance of expert planners who anticipate every detail. Over 1,873 square feet (174 square meters) of event space, six different meeting rooms and two executive boardrooms will be able to accommodate up to 140 guests for social events, weddings and business meetings.

The state-of-the-art technology and audiovisual equipment paired with responsible and empathetic service allows guests at Hyatt Regency Cape Town to enjoy stress-free experiences.

The hotel adds to the significant expansion in Hyatt’s brand footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa, fuelled by the Hyatt Regency brand. Hyatt Regency Cape Town joins three Hyatt Regency hotels in the Sub-Saharan region including Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro and Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, along with the planned Hyatt Regency Nairobi in Kenya and Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria, set to open over the next three years.

Business Events Africa January 2021 9

Maine DESTINATION FEATURE | Menlyn xxx

The swimming pool area of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! By Marriott.

Menlyn Maine precinct offers everything event organisers need The Menlyn Maine precinct offers an all-in-one solution for conference and events organisers, with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment all within easy reach.

“T

he Menlyn Maine precinct was created with a vision of human connectivity – something that everyone is craving after a year of isolation, and the diverse conferencing options on offer at The Capital Menlyn Maine give businesses the opportunity to restore connections, and families and friends the space they need to rebuild relationships,” said Nelson Rodrigues, general manager of The Capital Menlyn and Trilogy of The Capital Hotels and Apartments.

“The district is situated just off the N1 Garsfontein offramp and is within easy reach of the Pretoria CBD,” explained De Villiers Heymans, general manager of the

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! By Marriott.

“The area was astutely created as a Green City, and offers an attractive and safe environment to walk around in, in between events, with various dining options available, along with gyms and other recreational options,” said Tracy Pretorius, cluster revenue manager, The Maslow and Time Square hotels.

With sufficient space to accommodate up to three hundred people, The Capital Menlyn Maine is one of the larger venues around - whether it’s for a wedding, car launch or a banquet, there is a venue that suits. The Octagon combines three large rooms to accommodate large conferences, while the Prism opens up

10 Business Events Africa January 2021

onto the park for events, natural light and breakaways. The Cube meeting rooms are all directly serviced by Koi restaurant, and are available for private dining. The Crescent is an outdoor events area at the pool deck which overlooks the Menlyn Maine square, and there is a purpose-designed Nomadic tent available in this area.​ The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! By Marriott Pretoria Menlyn offers five conference venues and 3 meeting rooms, are ideally suited for business gatherings, events and functions, and are supported by a dedicated and professional banqueting team available to attend to all needs. The conference venue upstairs is able to www.businesseventsafrica.com

DESTINATION FEATURE FEATURE | Menlyn Maine DESTINATION | xxx

The Capital Menlyn Maine. With a maximum capacity of 400, The Capital Menlyn Maine offers exceptional conference venues.

Menlyn Maine Central Square.

The reception area of Capital Menlyn Maine.

Koi Menlyn Maine Central Square - fine dining and an oriental sense in warm surroundings.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa January 2021 11

Maine DESTINATION FEATURE | Menlyn xxx

The striking Sun Time Square campus is a magnificent spectacle to behold, especially at night.

comfortably host 180 delegates, with another 200 delegates downstairs.

For extravagant events, two conference rooms may be joined together to accommodate up to 350 delegates. The venue offers tailored packages which include unique tea and coffee breaks and canapé style luncheons. All event spaces are air-conditioned, filled with natural light and offer the latest in technology, including a 1Gbps fibre line, Wi-Fi and cutting-edge audio systems.

The Times Square Sun Arena is a state-of-the-art 8500-seater, multipurpose venue that is well-equipped to host events, exhibitions, conferences, launches, banquets and concerts of all kinds, and features four private hospitality suites and two meeting rooms.

The ballroom accommodates up to 450 people, and the hotel also has ten boardrooms which accommodate up to twenty people each.

“In my opinion, the key to a successful event is when an organiser fully outlines their requirements and there is a level of intensity that is required from the word go,” Mr Heymans said.

“The protocols, though stringent in some instances, are still perceived as ‘lacking’ from event hosts. I cannot adequately stress the importance of abiding by the current restrictions when it comes to conferencing and events and the ability to plan and prepare for this new normal. Upon arrival, the event space already sets the tone for both the organisers and delegates’ impression of

the destination and this can easily determine the success or failure of an event.”

“Events and conferencing have been picking up recently at all our venues across the country,” said Marc Wachsberger, managing director of The Capital Hotels and Apartments. “We have been able to host large groups safely in our large meeting spaces, while still observing all the necessary protocols.

Momentum is building with the ‘catch up’ effect after all the months of the hard lockdown, and what corporates really want now is for their people to get together in a room to strategise together, rather than having digital meetings. There really is no substitute for face-to-face engagements and connections.”

Grab a bite to eat or drink from the comfort of the Communal Table at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Pretoria Menlyn.

Conferences done in safety and style at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Pretoria Menlyn.

The Capital Menlyn executive room.

12 Business Events Africa January 2021

www.businesseventsafrica.com

CHEF’S PROFILE

Home is where the heart is for Wild Coast Sun’s new executive chef As a young boy watching his mother prepare family meals, Zacharia Maseko could never have imagined that one day he would be appointed executive chef at Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun resort.

Z

acharia’s appointment on 1 October 2020 was the culmination of a culinary journey which started as a buffet builder at the same four-star beachside resort 34 years ago.

With opportunities being slim on the ground, the matriculant, who was born in a township near Port Edward, just a few kilometres from Wild Coast Sun and grew up in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, was soon hired on a full-time basis.

“I liked cooking as a child but until I arrived at the Wild Coast Sun, I didn’t think I could make a career out of it,” Zacharia said. “I used to cook with my mother, things like steam bread and samp and beans, but culturally, men did not belong in the kitchen.”

He soon turned this idea on its head as his career took shape. “In 1988 I became a kitchen handler as management could see I had a passion for the kitchen.”

In 1994, Sun International sponsored his three-year Catering Management Diploma at the Durban Institute of Technology (now Durban University of Technology).

Since graduating, Zacharia has worked his way around the kitchen, first as demi chef and then as the relief chef, learning the ropes of the entire kitchen and reporting to a sous chef, before becoming one himself.

His last role was executive sous chef, a position he held for eight years.

Along with Chico’s (the main restaurant) and Driftwood (the à la carte restaurant), Zacharia is also in charge of food in banqueting, Privé, and the main casino floor as well as the golf club.

Asked if he felt nervous about taking control of a brigade of more than 30 staff, Zacharia said he had held the reins while the previous incumbent was on leave or working at another property. “I have always been fully accountable and I’ve been developed for this position for the past five years. I am ready.”

In the past few years, Zacharia believes there has been an increased focus on sustainability and healthy eating, saying more people are looking for plant-based www.businesseventsafrica.com

foods instead of meat and are keen to know more about the source of their meal, such as how it was grown or reared and transported.

“I am passionate about sustainability and seasonality. The freshest, highest quality in-season ingredients elevate dishes from ordinary to world class.” And when it comes to fresh, the kitchens at the Wild Coast Sun are spoiled for choice with an expansive on-site garden that delivers fresh vegetables and herbs right to their chopping blocks. Surplus vegetables are also sent to local soup kitchens which provide meals for about 900 school children.

Zacharia’s favourite meal to cook for himself is a stir fry. “It is an easy dish to make, the ingredients are fresh, and it can be assembled quickly.”

“Lamb chops is one of our guests’ favourite dishes - many of our clients are from the Indian community so they enjoy any lamb dish as well as our curries.

One ingredient which he cannot cook without, is onion. “You need one when you make salad, when you cook your hot food, when you make a sauce. I am not a pastry chef person; I am a hot kitchen chef.”

While his recent promotion is a feather in his cap, Zacharia recalls his proudest moment as being when he was a sous chef, and, along with his team, was called in for a standing ovation after a Valentine’s Day function with several VIP guests.

He is inspired by the Victorian chef Auguste Escoffier, a Frenchman who left a legacy of culinary writings and recipes that are indispensable to modern cooks. “Today, Jamie Olivier is engaging and fascinates me.”

Closer to home, he credits three chefs he has worked with who have had a profound influence on him and have contributed to his growth - Johan Szabo, Gary Hastings and Chris Reedoy. “They loved what they were doing and were passionate about it.”

But despite his global culinary interests, for this Wild Coast local, home is still best.

Although he has worked at Sun City, Zacharia said he remains at Wild Coast Sun because the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is where his home, his heart and his family are. He has been married to Nelsie for the past 25 years and the couple have four children.

What is your signature dish?

Stuffed rolled lamb loin with Amarula chakalaka, served with a pinot noir.

What trends are emerging in the conference industry with regards to food?

There is a trend towards healthier eating.

People are eating more plant-based food and fish, plus we have more requests for vegetarian offerings.

What has remained constant in this industry?

Value for money. Affordability is always a factor. Food should be of a good quality which speaks to the money paid.

What is your favourite beverage?

Rooibos tea, black with very little sugar.

What is your favourite food?

Samp and beans.

What is your pet hate?

Surprises, I really don’t like them. I like to plan and prep.

What is your great love?

People! In the service industry, if you don’t love people you are in the wrong career.

You need to understand and love people.

Are you adventurous?

No, I am not adventurous. Bungee jumping is not for me. I like to be calculated, so that I know my moves.

Business Events Africa January 2021 13

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Rebuilding the industry together The splendour and majesty of the Drakensberg is one of the big tourist drawcards of KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau is committed to recovery for our industry and the provincial economy. We know that the business events industry will lead the way towards global economic recovery in the near future.

By Sonto Mayise, acting chief convention bureau officer of the Durban KZN Convention Bureau.

A

s the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), we have taken swift and immediate steps to usher in recovery, such as collaborating with various stakeholders and the private sector. Our recovery efforts will continue and we look forward to being able to come together again as one industry.

While Covid-19 continues to affect our ability to host events and travel, the meetings and events industry will remain vulnerable. Yet, through the vision of its leaders and resilience of the industry members, Covid-19 is proving a catalyst for change, forcing the adoption of new skills and business models, as well as shifting the industry towards virtual and hybrid events.

Many of us are working from home for the first time, while others are experts at remote work. However, this I believe, will never replace face-to-face meetings– we are social beings and need human connection; we miss face-to-face meetings already!

Looking ahead, we will continue working with the South African government in analysing the situation and following government regulations. We will continue adhering to the regulations whilst working

on strategies for future recovery. As a province, we have negotiated with event owners and associations not to CANCEL but rather to POSTPONE the events which were supposed to be hosted from March 2020 and beyond, pushing them to later dates when it will once again be safe to host business events in our destination.

There are currently no definite dates for the postponed events as no one has a crystal ball and the end of the pandemic remains unknown. It is safe to say that most of the events are tentatively postponed to the third quarter of 2021 and others for 2022, when the situation improves, of course. With talks of the vaccine on the horizon, we remain hopeful.

In terms of costs: before postponing or rescheduling an event because of Covid-19, we engage as parties and come to an agreement. Currently, there are no losses as all the events are postponed rather than cancelled. Should a situation arise that there are issues relating to cost recoveries, we will have to analyse their rights and obligations under relevant material agreements entered between parties. Unfortunately, Covid-19 is new for

14 Business Events Africa January 2021

everyone so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. A valuable lesson for us as an organisation, going forward, is to seriously consider including viruses, epidemics and pandemics in the list of force majeure events in all our agreements.

Beyond Covid-19 As we continue with transformational travel, the CB will continue to push and extend the “experience economy” even further. Transformational travel proposes offering highly memorable, authentic experiences while connecting people with a deeper meaning that leads to personal growth and/or self-actualisation. The concept of transformational travel connects and incorporates concepts of wellness, sustainability, community and personal fulfilment through social responsibility programmes. To sum it all up, many of today’s incentive travellers desire more than fun in the sun with a piña colada in hand. Whether it’s a large or a small meeting, we will continue encouraging our partners and associations to have some sort of CSR programmes, to have some kind of positive impact on visitors when they come to the province. www.businesseventsafrica.com

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Indeed, we are seeing a huge trend in both sustainability as well as give-back components and as the Convention Bureau would like to encourage our partners and event owners to include this programme in their conference and incentive programmes when hosting in KZN, this will be a long-lasting legacy for the destination as we rebuild together.

SMME and youth opportunities are also growing in the business events space in KZN, noting though that the growth is slower than expected because of several challenges including the fact that as the Convention Bureau, we do not own the events, we depend on the event owners and associations to deliver on this mandate.

Creating an environment of inclusivity is not just about making sure that there is compliance, but geographic spread is in the economic development of the various districts of KZN. This is also not happening at the speed we would like to see because of factors like accessibility and availability of suitable venues, but growth has been seen in hosting events in various other districts of KZN, outside of Durban.

In growing business events in KZN, the Convention Bureau has partnered with the International Association of Conference Organizers (IAPCO) in a programme where we train and equip SMMEs around the province to be major players in the business events space.

With the current situation, it is difficult to really predict what the future holds but we are excited with the future major events that are planned for the province for 2021 and beyond. The team has been hard at work, navigating through this pandemic but the results are showing, their hard work is commendable.

Recovery While we cannot predict exactly what will happen, we do know that this difficult time will eventually pass. We will celebrate our successes and rebuild our industry again, one step at a time.

Covid-19 has taught us that we are more resilient than we initially thought.

However, maintaining your mental wellbeing is most essential; if that means seeing a therapist, so be it… there is no shame in that. It is okay to show vulnerability because you cannot do it all by yourself… #rebuildingtogether www.businesseventsafrica.com

Who is Sonto Mayise?

Sonto is by nature a determined woman.

This she has shown by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019. This is the same determination she shows at work, no matter the task she is faced with.

Long before Sonto became the acting chief convention bureau officer of the Durban KZN Convention Bureau or before she was making waves in her own right. She already had the massive task of bringing mega conferences to the province, which have noticeably helped boost the economy. Her efforts have earned her a number of accolades including being one of the top 40 women in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in 2018. She was also recognised by the Premier of KZN as his Discretionary Award recipient at the Premier’s Excellence Awards 2018 and recently earned the Convention Bureau an important award – the 2020 Oliver Top Empowerment Award in the category of Public Services as the most commendable organisation.

The master organiser that she is, Sonto has been instrumental in bringing to KZN events that have put the province on the international map, exposing it to both tourism and investment opportunities.

Some of these events include: the 2016 Aids conference, the UN International

Telecommunications Conference 2018, the BRICS Business Council 2018, the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017 as well as the Forbes Women Leadership Summit. Through these events, Sonto was able to expose the province to over 20 000 delegates collectively.

In her current job, Sonto is tasked with orchestrating and spearheading four avenues in order to attract potential visitors to the province. Those avenues are to coordinate: Meetings: primarily promoting KZN as the preferred destination for staging gatherings for the likes of product launches and meetings organised by global organisations and governments; Incentives: focusing promoting accommodation and corporate travel agencies; Conferences: whose key focus is on global, regional and local associations and lastly; Exhibitions: tasked to look for national and international organisers who are enticed to host events or exhibitions in KZN. She has taken these tasks in her stride… Sonto is a highly energetic, creative thinker and a problem solver with outstanding relationship development skills and the ability to key in on strategic partnership issues.

Business Events Africa January 2021 15

FANCOURT

The changing face of business events

Are you involved in business events (meetings, incentives, conferences and events)? If so, you know the sector is going through interesting – and changeable – times.

T

he business events industry is evolving for a number of reasons.

Along with adapting to the new demands imposed by Covid-19, the global workforce is undergoing a transition all of its own. Below, we highlight some changes to expect when it comes to business travel, both now and in the future, as well as provide some reasons why Fancourt is the go-to choice for business events on the Garden Route.

Safety protocols are taking centre stage

Nowadays, when you arrive at your accommodation (as part of a business or leisure trip), you will still be greeted with warm, welcoming hospitality and plenty of big smiles – despite not being able to see them underneath the masks! Yes, safety is a top priority as the world continues to battle against the coronavirus.

From sanitising your hands before entering the premises to filling in a wellness questionnaire to declare any symptoms that you may be experiencing, these Covid-related changes are significant, and the reality is that they are here to stay.

Perhaps the biggest change relating to business events in 2021 is the need to consider much smaller gatherings. This is why so many businesses and employees are selecting venues and accommodation that allow for outdoor corporate gatherings, and why beautiful surroundings have become even more essential and in demand than ever before.

The evolution of the global workforce

According to statistics, Millennials are estimated to make up around half of the global workforce; and Generation Z also

16 Business Events Africa January 2021

makes up an impressive 24 per cent. In other words, the workforce has undergone a drastic shift over the course of the last decade, as have the expectations and demands of the average employee and business traveller. So, what sets the Millennials and Generation Z apart from Generation X and the Baby Boomers?

• A greater emphasis on experience: Generation Z and Millennials, also commonly referred to as the ‘now’ generation, expect more from a business trip than a few insightful meetings and conferences. They want to soak up the many perks and wonders of the destination, too. In-between networking and making important business decisions, they want to take surfing lessons at the beach and head off on a challenging hike to sample the fresh air and savour the scenery. www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | EMPERORS FANCOURT PALACE

Playground of South Africa for nothing!

Fancourt places a huge emphasis on going above and beyond to ensure the safety of all guests and provides access to stunning and spacious conference venues, ideal for practicing strict social distancing. Following a meeting or conference, corporate travellers can venture off on a nature trail for some exercise or chat to our friendly staff to organise an afternoon of wine tasting at one of the local vineyards.

Other ‘experiential’ ideas to consider for adventurous employees include Big 5 game drives, an unforgettable beach braai, boat cruises along the Knysna • ‘Greener’ travel: The next most crucial thing on the list for generation ‘now’ is corporate travel that puts the environment first. They want to fly on ‘greener’ airlines and stay at eco-friendly guesthouses. They want to do their part at the chosen location by potentially spending an hour or two volunteering for a good cause. They want to support local and ‘give back’.

• Tech-savvy: Most Millennials and all of Generation Z have grown up with technology already heavily integrated to their lives – so they expect the same when it comes to travel. They use their smart devices to book and check in for flights, to take virtual tours of potential venues, and to cut costs as they go.

The changes brought about as a result of Covid-19, paired with today’s evolving workforce, means that the face of business events is undergoing a complete makeover, and industry experts, businesses, and corporate travel suppliers need to adapt accordingly.

If you are in the process of planning a business event for the first time since lockdown and you want to adhere to all safety protocols, all the while catering to corporate traveller demands, here are a few reasons why you can’t go wrong with Fancourt.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Fancourt for business events

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

Lagoon, and, of course, a challenging round of golf at one of South Africa’s top golf courses, including The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua.

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

Business Events Africa January 2021 17

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Irene Vallihu - “Success isn’t about greatness” Humble Irene Vallihu, 49, general manager: marketing, sales and events, Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has 29 years of experience in hospitality.

O

ver the past few years, I’ve grown in leaps and bounds as a person. I’ve challenged myself to try new experiences and meet new people, doing things that previously I probably would have avoided. I used to be a very “by the book person”, but I have since “eased” as I have realised that the world is more beautiful when we think “win-win”.”

“I love the adrenalin rush and diversity of hospitality; no two days are the same.

Most of all, I love serving people and accomplishing organisational and personal goals. Self-satisfaction challenges me to be better each day. I do what I love and I love what I do,” she said.

She said: “My career growth started at the Durban ICC in 2005. I began my career at the Durban ICC as a wedding coordinator. I have held six positions during my 15-year tenure at the Durban ICC. I have done it all, from coordinating and executing fairy tale weddings to international conferences to leading a winning team. My management experience includes marketing, sales and events, thus contributing positively to a comprehensive event lead management strategy. I am adept at planning and executing aggressive strategies to achieving organisational and departmental goals.”

“In addition to my role at the Durban ICC, I serve as a board trustee on the DUT (Durban University of Technology) Board Foundation of Trustees. DUT Foundation promotes and supports the development and advancement of the activities of DUT as an institution of higher learning and serves as a fund to provide scholarships, bursaries, awards and loans for the promotion of study, research, teaching and all learning that is undertaken by DUT. “I also serve as Chairperson for the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) KZN.” Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Woodhurst, a small

community in Chatsworth, which is a large township on the South Basin of Durban.

Growing up in this close-knit haven had both its perks and drawbacks. The drawback was “your business is everyone’s business”. The perk was “our community was like a giant family”. Everyone knew each other and most of us liked each other, people supported each other during hard times and people were proud of and celebrated each other’s achievements.

I am the youngest of seven children. I was raised by God-fearing, humble and the world’s “best parents” who not only instilled, but also practiced values like respect, integrity, can-do attitude and service to people.

I matriculated from Apollo Secondary.

My qualifications include hotel management via ML Sultan Technikon; project management via Varsity College; management development via University of Witwatersrand and business management via MANCOSA. I am currently pursuing my honours degree in business management with the intention of doing a master’s degree thereafter.

Where did you start your career?

I started my career as a receptionist at the Marine Sands Hotel.

How long have you been in the sector?

I have over 29 years progressive experience in the hospitality industry, a year at Marine Sands,14 years at the Maharani Hotel and 15 years at the Durban International Convention Centre. I have held several positions during my career journey.

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

The outbreak of Covid-19. It is having a catastrophic impact on the business events industry, especially the hospitality sector. In

18 Business Events Africa January 2021

my opinion, for the events industry, it is unlikely that business will return to normal, or even partially normal, any time soon. Social distancing and limitations on gatherings will continue for the foreseeable future as well as restrictions on international flights. This directly impacts our economy, jobs and tourism.

What role does your family play in your life?

I have been married to Colin for 29 years.

My family plays an integral role in my life, they have made me a better human being.

They are incredibly supportive of my career, goals and aspirations.

Colin and I are like “yin and yang”, but with balanced energies, but we are still here 29 years later.

Our blessings borne out of our marriage are our two children, Marcellino (26) and Danielle (21). My children are my “heartbeat”. They are my source of strength, joy, wisdom, inspiration and encouragement. As parents, we encourage independent thinking whilst also teaching our children to be Godfearing, respectful and think through the consequences before they speak or act.

Marcellino and Danielle are “critical, non-biased thinkers” and sometimes teach me about myself or remind me of my values. Indirectly, they are my thought leaders.

What would you change in your life, if you could, when looking back?

I would have picked up on continuing with my studies in my 30s and not in my 40s. I know, it may sound ridiculous to be studying close to my retirement age, but I www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Do you play any sports?

There is no one sport in particular; I love outdoor adventure like hiking, paragliding, zip-lining.

Oprah is an example of inspiration and evidence of faith.

I quote, “Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” She didn’t just give away cars and produce many talk shows, she gave minorities and ordinary people, worldwide, a voice and an outlet, which provided them with the opportunity to observe others who weren’t like them, acknowledging that they were human beings too, similar to them.

What do you do for leisure?

Shop, travel, gym, walks on the beach, socialising with friends and spending quality time with my family.

What is your favourite city?

Cape Town. I love the coming together of cultures, cuisines, landscapes and the multitude of completely different activities.

am pursuing my studies for my selfachievement. Achieving my MBA is part of my journey to complete myself.

Do you have any hobbies?

Travelling, shopping, reading, learning about different cultures.

What is your secret to success?

Integrity, hard work and perseverance.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Covid-19, the disruption of business and more especially the hospitality industry on a global level. The scary thought of waiting for not only the hospitality industry, but whole world, to return to normality, instead of planning on how to solve the crisis. I feel like I am “handcuffed”.

What is your pet hate?

My pet hate is when people only see you based on your designation. I hate it when the first question I get asked by a new acquaintance is “what do you do?” or “what is your position?” I am a strong believer in building the relationship first and business will follow. People buy based on trust, no matter how recognised your brand or product is.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Dubai. I am mesmerised by the development of Dubai from a desert into the glittering cosmopolitan city it is today.

I love that it is relatively crime-free and a melting pot of business and tourism.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Holidaying in the house of friends, family, or colleagues. I love my independence and my personal space.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Oprah Winfrey. I love her hustle and how she grew from poverty to riches by overcoming every obstacle in her life. www.businesseventsafrica.com

I believe in the phrase "I am, because you are".

Every person that crosses our path has an impact on us, be it a positive or negative experience; this in turn moulds us to be who we are.

What is your favourite movie and book?

Movie: My favourite movie would be “Pay it Forward”. I find this movie incredibly inspiring as it shows how a small gesture of kindness can produce a great effect and the importance of humanity without the “brag”.

Book: It’s your time by Joel Oesteen. I love how true short stories are incorporated into messages of faith, each story with a different message and lesson.

This book has helped me declare my faith in God. I seek God’s favour in everything that I do and I give control of life to him.

How do you relax?

Watching a good movie or shopping, yes shopping!

What is your favourite food?

Lamb or chicken breyani.

What is your favourite movie star?

Idris Elba.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Getting a tattoo at the age of 49. This

has been on my bucket list for the past eight years.

Who is your role model?

My late mum and dad. They did not have formal schooling education, but they were the wisest and most learned people I know. My mum, a housewife, would never miss the daily “6 pm news”, which she would share with us. My dad was unemployed in my matric year. However, he insisted that I continue with tertiary education post matric. He was a carpenter by trade, and made wooden crosses that he supplied to funeral parlours for Christian funerals. He would commute by bus to the funeral parlours to deliver them. Sometimes he would do three loads by bus as they were too heavy to take in one load. He used this money to pay for my tertiary education and run the household.

I strongly believe that for every bit of formal teaching there is a percentage of learning by those who are taught. They taught me the value of love, humility, sacrifice, respect, integrity… the list goes on. My mum was the ‘milk of human kindness’ and my dad was the ‘epitome of sacrificial love’. They have been my personal coaches at every stage of my life journey.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Success is not about greatness. It is about faith, hard work, dedication, integrity and consistency– greatness will follow. Have faith in yourself, and plant that seed of faith in the kingdom of God. When you do what you love and love what you do, the ladder of success is climbed as a result of your actions and not your words.

Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. Be inclusive, no job title is too big to disallow you to respect and serve people. I believe in the phrase “I am, because you are”. Every person that crosses our path has an impact on us, be it a positive or negative experience. This in turn moulds us to be who we are.”

What is your dream for the future?

My decision to pursue my studies is underscored by my desire to be a director or chief executive officer of an organisation. My short-term goal is to be a director at a hospitality institution. My long-term goal is a chief executive officer of an organisation.

Business Events Africa January 2021 19

PAGE STRAP COMPANY PROFILE | CPDdata

CPDdata – working with the conference organiser CPDdata was established in 2019 by business partners, Adrian Garrett and Kevin Bradfield. The business was spawned by a client’s request to monitor the movement of their delegates in and out of their conference session for issuing CPD points. Key to the request was that the system had to be hands-free.

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fter much research, without any result, Mr Garrett contacted Mr Bradfield, who owns an athletics timing business and told him of the request. Mr Bradfield has written all of his own software and his system has been developed over the last 12 years. He was able to adjust his system to fulfil the client’s request and CPDdata was born.

Mr Garrett has 20 years’ experience in the conferencing industry, working as a professional conference organiser (PCO).

Mr Bradfield is a programmer specialising in data analysis with 23 years’ experience in this field. CPDdata’s main function is the monitoring of delegate movement in and out of conference rooms and events for the purpose of issuing CPD points, but there is a lot more on offer.

How does this all work?

The conference organiser collects relevant data from delegates registering for their conference (privacy agreements are in place). This info is passed on to CPDdata who then allocate a RFID tag to each delegate and load the information into their system. The RFID tags are married with the delegates’ ID badges and when they arrive at the conference, the delegates collect their badge. CPDdata places antennae and readers in the conference rooms to be monitored. Once the delegate passes the antenna, the system logs them as present. The first entry triggers an SMS and an email to the delegate. Included in the message is a short welcome note as well as log-in details for the delegate’s profile on CPDdata’s website with a direct link. At the end of the conference a CPD points certificate will be added to each delegate’s profile which they can print or download.

Working with the conference organiser, the programme of sessions and their points, are loaded to the system. Should an adjustment to the programme be made, the organiser is able to advise the onsite CPDdata technician, who will adjust the system ‘on the fly’.

Adrian Garrett

Break out sessions are also monitored.

Each session or presentation may be allocated points as required. Our system will read who is at the session and what points they need to be allocated.

In the case of international conferences with various disciplines, CPDdata is able to automatically allocate different points to different countries and different disciplines etc.

Benefits: For the organiser, they are able to receive live feedback of numbers per room, as well as other breakdowns, dependent on data provided at registration (discipline, country, age, sex, association etc.). They also get feedback for presenters on their audience, dependent on data provided at registration.

They will also have the ability to compare session attendance based on the registration data provided.

For delegates, they do not need to worry about scanning or signing in and out at each plenary or break out session. They are able to see their points being allocated on their profile. They will also have the ability to check their CPD points which were allocated at other conferences monitored

by CPDdata. They may print or forward current or previous points certificates. They may focus on learning and networking at the conference without having to remember to collect their CPD points.

For businesses and associations, CPDdata is able to allocate points or attendance

20 Business Events Africa January 2021

Kevin Bradfield

registers per company, division, association, or branch as required. Breakdown of members or staff attending may be sent directly to head office or branch etc. as needed.

CPDdata will happily monitor your conference solely for attendance monitoring or for conference data analysis if that is all that is required.

CPDdata’s system may be used to send out messages to delegates. At the start/end of sessions, delegates passing the antenna will trigger an sms/email message to each delegate. This could be to thank them for attending the session/conference or to remind them of a social event etc. The trigger could be based on any of the data provided (discipline, age, sex, country, language etc.). This facility may be sold to sponsors as a revenue stream for the event.

Due to Covid-19, CPDdata have put in place a simple Covid declaration form that may be sent out and collected prior to the conference. This declaration will be stored on the delegate’s profile or could be forwarded to the conference organisers.

As CPDdata owns and develops their own software, they are able to adjust the system to suit the needs of the client. If integration with other software systems is required, we have the ability to build APIs in order to satisfy all needs.

CPDdata’s systems are web-based and do not rely on any one computer. Data is secure and stored safely on more than one system. www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

Keeping business events in business

To ensure the sustainability of our industry, the Event Greening Forum (EGF) argues that we need to respect lockdown regulations.

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erhaps it was pandemic fatigue at the end of 2020 that led to several restaurants and events disregarding health and safety precautions meant to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In the case of Ballito Matric Rage, this meant that it became a super spreader event which was reported to have directly infected at least 948 school leavers.

These instances and general complacency are believed to have contributed to the fact that South Africa entered its second wave shortly thereafter, reminding us just how rapidly the virus can spread. It was also a reminder of how critical health and safety guidelines are. Adopting them will ensure transmission of the virus is limited, if not prevented, at events.

EGF member Advocate Louis Nel, who has specialised in legal matters relating to travel and tourism, said that aside from an ethical obligation to adhere to these guidelines, there is the issue of statutory compliance with Government’s lockdown regulations. “In other words,” he said: “All the laws and regulations issued by the government MUST be complied with.

The failure to do so can lead to penalties such as fines and incarceration.”

Indeed, during his address on 14 December, the President warned that the individuals responsible for establishments that failed to enforce mask wearing could www.businesseventsafrica.com

be liable for a fine or up to six months of imprisonment. This shows that government is prepared to act against businesses that do not uphold the current regulations.

Government isn’t the only one who could come after you. “Ultimately there is also the duty of care obligation on all parties. If such duty of care due by any of the parties is not heeded or heeded adequately, it may result in/be deemed to be a breach of this duty of care and thus negligence and a delictual (tort) action for damages may ensue,” Mr Nel explained. In other words, you open yourself up to legal liability.

Mr Nel added: “It should be borne in mind that this is a ‘two-way street’, and not only must the product and/or service provider and/or venue comply, but also the customer, such as with wearing masks and social distancing.”

While business events are not yet truly “back in business”, vaccines are starting to be rolled out around the globe. And we are hopeful that the Restart Expo held in November 2020, an initiative by Specialised Exhibitions and the Johannesburg Expo, will help our government understand the difference between a professional business event and other gatherings, and just how safely business events can be managed (when done correctly). However, when the time

comes, we also need to be able to prove that this argument is well founded, and that we can fulfil this expectation professionally and responsibly. Please don’t let us all down.

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 January 2021 21

SITE NEWS

How to re-enchant tourism With the now-real-potential for a viable vaccine, we can begin to think about tourism post pandemic.

After Covid-19 becomes a tragic chapter in the history of the tourism sector, leaders will have to find ways to rebuild the industry, to increase both the number of people travelling and also regain profitability.

By Dr Peter Tarlow, the founder and president of Tourism & More, Inc located in College Station Texas.

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he hoped for and desired boom of 2021 can be very positive, but the tourism industry must be careful not to repeat the failures of the pre-Covid-19 tourism world and once again create a world of over-tourism.

It behoves us all to remember that in English we derive the word “travel” from the French word for work, “travail” and all too often travel has become work.

Travel during Covid-19 is not easy, but it behoves us to remember that even in the pre-Covid-19 world travelling was often difficult. The treatment of crime and terrorism forced people to pass through what, at times, seemed like an obstacle course to board a flight; changes in frequent flier programs, rules and even flight schedules meant that travel was often more a hassle than a pleasure. Once the pandemic occurred, travel, when it existed at all, was often a nightmare. If we are to rebuild travel and tourism in 2021 then it is more important than ever to find ways not only to ensure visitor safety but also to enhance and re-enchant the visitor experience.

Due to the pandemic, nations around the world suffer from weak economies and disillusionment with political leadership. In much of the world, globalisation has been discredited and organisations such as the United Nations have become irrelevant.

These new realities, however, only present part of the story. Furthermore, from the travel and tourism industry’s perspective these extraneous events are passive actions:

that is that they are things that happen to the industry, but not necessarily within the industry’s control. If the travel and tourism industry is to rebuild and to succeed once again in these challenging times, it must do more than merely see itself as a victim of other people’s decisions; it must also examine itself to see where it too can improve. That means that pricing must be fair and that all aspects of the travel industry must find ways to enhance the experience rather than create illogical or bureaucratic restrictions.

Perhaps the greatest threat to the leisure industry (and to a lesser extent to the business travel industry) is the fact that travel had lost a good deal of its romance and enchantment. In its rush for efficiency and quantitative analysis the travel and tourism industry might have forgotten that each traveller represents a world unto him/ herself and quality must always override quantity.

Especially in the leisure travel industry, this lack of enchantment means that there are fewer and fewer reasons to want to travel and to participate in the tourism experience. For example, if every shopping mall looks the same, or if the same menu exists in every hotel chain, why not simply stay at home, especially after the pandemic and the fact that we have now become accustomed to a world of social distancing regulations? Why would anyone want to subject himself or herself to the dangers and hassles of travel, if rude and arrogant front-line personnel destroy the journey’s

22 Business Events Africa January 2021

enchantment? Although there is still a need for personal business travel, the fact that the world has survived with electronic meetings for almost a year, means that the travel industry will have to work doubly hard to win back customers.

Once the pandemic ends and travel and tourism begin, we all need to find ways to put a bit of the romance and enchantment back into each part of the travel and tourism industry. Here are a few suggestions on how to achieve this: • Never forget that we dare not take our customers for granted. The visitor does not have to go on vacation nor travel to our destination. When we begin to take people for granted then we destroy our greatest asset, namely our reputation.

• Emphasise the unique in your community or what is special about your business. Do not try to be all things to all people. Represent something that is special. Ask yourself: What makes your community or attraction different and unique from your competitors? How does your community or business celebrate its individuality? If you were a visitor to your community would you remember it a few days after you had left, or would it be just one more place on the map? If you are a business, ask yourself what makes your customer’s experience special? For example, do not just offer an outdoor experience, but individualise that experience, make your hiking trails www.businesseventsafrica.com

SITE NEWS

special, or develop something special about your beaches or river experience.

If, on the other hand, your community or destination is a creation of the imagination, then allow the imagination to run wild and continually create new experiences.

• Create enchantment through product development. Advertise less and give more. Always exceed expectations and never overstate your case. Never oversell and under-deliver!

The best form of marketing is a good product and good service. Provide what you promise at prices that are reasonable. The public understands that seasonal locations have to earn their year’s wages in a few months. Higher prices may be acceptable but gauging never is.

• Enchantment begins with a smile and comes from the people who serve the public. If your employees hate tourists, then the message they are giving is one that destroys a sense of being special. In the past, managers were at times more interested in their own ego trips than in the vacationer’s experiences. An employee who is unique, funny, or makes people go away feeling special is worth thousands of dollars in advertising. Every tourism manager and hotel GM ought to do every job in his or her industry at least once a year. Often tourism managers push so hard for the bottom line that they forget the humanity of their

employees. Be with the visitors and see the world through their eyes.

• Assess the areas of your tourism experience that destroyed enchantment. For example, are people subjected to: lines that are too long, a lack of shelter from the weather, sun, wind, cold etc.? Did we have rude service personnel, employees who neither listened or cared, or owned a complaint? Have we thought of creative solutions to traffic jams and airport hassles, or a lack of adequate parking?

Each one of these small annoyances destroyed the enchantment of travel in the past and must be confronted if we are to rebuild the industry of tomorrow.

If so, these are some of the elements that transform a positive travel experience into a negative one.

• Check for ways that you can create enchantment. Work with specialists in such areas as lighting, landscaping, colour coordination, exterior and interior decorations, street appearances and city themes, parking lots and internal transportation service. Utilitarian devices, such as the San Francisco trolley cars, can be vehicles of enchantment if they enhance the environment and add something special to a particular place.

• Coordinate festivals and other events with the ambiance of the place. Festivals often do best when they are integrated within the community rather than taking place outside of town. In-town festivals that are part of

the community’s genre not only add to the charm but also can be a boom to local businesses rather than a reason for money to leak out of the community.

• Create a safe and secure atmosphere. There can be little enchantment if people are afraid. To create such an atmosphere, local security professionals must be part of the planning from the beginning. Tourism security is more than merely having police or security professionals hanging around a site. Tourism security requires psychological and sociological analyses, the use of technology, interesting and unique uniforms and careful planning that integrates the security professional into the enchantment experience.

Enchantment-oriented communities realise that everyone in the community will have a part to play in creating a positive tourism experience and one that will create a unique and special environment, not only for the visitor, but also for those who live in the community.

• Be a bit outlandish. If the other communities are building golf courses, then build something else. Think of your community or destination as another country. People do not want the same food, language and styles that they have back home. Sell not only the experience but also the memory by being different from other destinations.

Wishing everyone a very successful and happy 2021!

What we’re all about: motivational experiences Why we do it? Business results!

Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results.

Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool across diverse industries, regions and cultures.

Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make personal connections that sustain professional growth.

Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organisation is Site...

Contact

Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com www.sitesouthernafrica.com www.siteglobal.com

AAXO NEWS

How venues can embrace technology to improve exhibitions

By Mark Anderson, treasurer of AAXO and exhibition sales manager, Specialised Exhibitions

As we begin 2021, attempting to forget the shambolic year for our industry which was 2020, what are we able to extract from last year, and utilise it effectively to improve our sector?

E

xhibitions and events are scheduled to commence from as early as March 2021; with all the Covid-19 safety protocols being adhered to.

At the end of 2020, the exhibitions and events industry united in support of the Restart Expo. The Restart Expo was an opportunity for the collective industry to unite in demonstrating to government and the authorities how exhibitions and events may take place safely with all the required Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.

In addition, this event also implemented technologies which may be utilised for future events and exhibitions.

These technologies included the following: • Real-time counting system that can track and monitor visitor numbers at any given point.

• Sessions and talks can be live-streamed with participants located globally. Thus, the message reaches further than ever before.

• Temperature screening at all access points by means of fever screening thermographic cameras.

The fact that technology is always improving and evolving may be a win-win situation for all parties if venues and organisers embraced available technology, which will facilitate and

improve the core basic need of people, which is allowing them to connect and meet face-to-face.

The first modern public exhibition can be dated back to 1756 in London. Today, the core basic model of an exhibition remains the same– connect the buyers to the sellers in a face-to-face environment.

Exhibitions, events and conferencing may all be part of the solution to negate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and society. Technology has its own, crucial role to play in assisting the conferencing and events sectors moving forward.

SAACI NEWS

A glass half-full

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

All indications are that we will have a slow start to 2021, with many business event planners and event specialists certain that digital/hybrid conferences will continue for the first half of this year.

I

t will not deter those planners that have experienced the organising of in-person events at the end of 2020.

Momentum on pursuing the in-person events, hybrid events and business meetings early in 2021 will certainly continue as we all are better informed than we were a year ago on this Covid-19 pandemic.

As we witnessed the roll-out of the vaccine around the world at the end of 2020, we all await the roll-out of the Coronavirus vaccine in South Africa. It is assured that physical audiences may cautiously increase over time. A vaccine roll-out may lower the risks and anxieties that many attendees may feel when considering attending in-person events and meetings during 2021.

We are all eager to return to in-person

meetings and events. As David Audrain, executive director, Society of Independent Show Organizers; chief executive officer and partner, Exposition Development Co. recently commented: “The value of being able to see it, touch it, taste it or work on it, on a trade show floor is far superior to anything done online.”

The main draw of conferences is not always the speakers. Networking and casual interactions are also valuable to participants.

With the work done around the health and safety protocol guidelines, physical conferences will very likely look very different. This we have seen and organisers will be need to be creative as well as show clarity on the needs of the attendees. Content will be king and engagement for online attendees who

may still be hesitant to attend in-person, will be key considerations when delivering business events and meetings in 2021.

Striking the balance early in 2021 by embracing the value and impact that technology has had on our industry will provide our industry’s offering with an improved client experience.

Our sector is a work in progress and the Covid-19 pandemic will be viewed as our Rubicon moment, both in a good way and in a way that has changed the way we view the glass: half empty or half full.

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 Business Events Events Africa AfricaLearning October January 2020 2021 25 | Growth | collaboration

PAGE NEWS EXSA STRAP

Respond | Recover | Thrive

Goodbye 2020, hello 2021 2020 for many of us, was all about pure and simple survival.

By Gill Gibbs, chairperson of EXSA

F

rom rethinking our individual business models, to applying business pivoting, to learning new skills and having to make plans left, right and centre, there was also an uncovering of hidden talents.

EXSA, within the collective industry association community, was in respond mode, managing continuity whilst simultaneously, representing our sector, fighting for Industry recognition, flying the flag for a safe reopening as well as for effective solutions for our Industry plight.

It was a year that meant many things to each and every one of us and one that has impacted us all, forever.

It was the year that was to signify renewal and opportunity for success in new ventures – as we pass from the old year into the new, this is certainly not in the way many of us had initially hoped, nor indeed expected, yet the world and

the times underwent significant and distinct change and an opportunity to change for the better was presented to us all.

As we head into the first quarter of 2021, it is a year that will yield success to those who really work hard and apply the learnings of the year that was. It is going to take even more ounces of our resolve and resilience and importantly, focus, planning and discipline to emerge resiliently in this, our recover mode. What we endured in 2020 will now complete itself, it will ground us and bring us to its resolution.

There is no time to waste and as an industry, we need a good foundation to achieve positive and fruitful results.

Therein lies our next milestones: instilling and promoting confidence and assurance in our capabilities, educating and demonstrating the same, all the while

26 Business Events Africa January 2021

implementing rapid testing solutions and applying the paramount, consistent principles and fundamentals of safety, health and well-being in every activity, every task, every element and every project. This is our professional responsibility.

Working hard is in our DNA; it’s in our work ethic as ambassadors and advocators of our industry. It just looks and feels different from what we have done before and, as with many things new, it is a little scary and we may feel uncertain.

Everything that we thought we knew and that we expected, has to be reworked to fit into our brand new world. What we, and that which our customers value and deem important, requires us to re-evaluate how we go forward from our recovery into our thrive mode.

EXSA is with you, every step of the way.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SAEC NEWS

SAEC – facing challenges together

By Tes Proos, chairperson of the South African Events Council

“Perilous” would probably be the word I would use to describe 2020. It has been a year of challenges, panic and despair for many. Our industry got side-swiped and the end is nowhere near in sight.

T

he great positive for me is how the industry has rallied together to try and make the best of a bad situation. No less than fourteen event associations teamed up to form the South African Events Council. It was my privilege to lead this team since June 2020 and it has been heart-warming to feel the energy and effort from all the individuals who signed up to help rescue our sector.

A very comprehensive Covid-19 protocol guidelines was written and published in June 2020. This was distributed to all key stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism, SAPS, Nedlac, Department of Labour and various regional government authorities including Western Cape, KZN, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Our task was to lobby for earlier reopening of our industry, and we succeeded with small steps. We have ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Tourism, SA Tourism, the South Africa National Convention Bureau, Department of Labour, Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

We put on two proof-of-concept events to show government, clients and the industry that we can successfully operate events with all Covid-19 protocols in place. More recently, the Restart Expo event was held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre to show how exhibitions will operate under Covid-19 protocols.

In addition, we are lobbying for the extension of TERS funding as we know, realistically, that we will not have any significant business until at least Q 2 of www.businesseventsafrica.com

2021, if not later. In the meantime, there is still a good chance that more businesses will close and more lives and livelihoods will be impacted upon.

The current second wave we are experiencing on a global scale is certainly causing mayhem in our industry. The greatest challenge we will be facing for the next few months, is the fear factor amongst our clients. It is going to take hard work to get confidence back. We need to collaborate across borders in order to harmonise protocols, minimise quarantine factors and educate our industry, across the board, to effectively apply those protocols. Otherwise, until a safe vaccine is freely available, our industry faces a very real chance of collapsing.

That said, in December 2020 I presented at a workshop in Kigali, Rwanda. The day before the event, the government declared that all delegates at any sort of gathering must undergo a rapid test prior to access. All delegates in my group were tested the night before and all tests were negative. The workshop was held at the Marriott Kigali and I was impressed with their application of Covid-19 protocols at all levels. That, and knowing the fact that all delegates were Covid-free, truly provided a sense of safety. Perhaps this is the way to go, to help events restart with confidence?

In the meantime, our sector is experiencing a massive brain-drain as we lose thousands of highly experienced individuals as they lose their jobs and close their businesses. By the time events are ready to make a come-back, we may have lost these people permanently to other industries. We are already

experiencing massive declines in service levels from our suppliers with little or no response from enquiries, due to many working short time, from home and without the support of their office and management infrastructure.

Communication is key and training is critical. We need to ensure that those teams that are still operating be motivated somehow. Existing skills should be honed and new skills developed.

Multi-tasking within our workforce is more important now than ever before but are we asking too much while they have to do three times the work at a fraction of the salary? This is where leadership will emerge, so pay attention to your team’s performance and recognise those who go the extra mile as these could be our future leaders. e: hello@saeventscouncil.org

Business Events Africa January 2021 27

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N FO

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B

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S

SINE

businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 41 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

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

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

MARKET NEWS

Wesgro appoints Monika Iuel as new CMO Wesgro has appointed Monika Iuel as its new chief marketing officer.

D

avid Maynier, Western Cape Minister of finance and economic opportunities said: “We welcome Monika Iuel to the team. With the tourism industry hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are grateful to have someone of her calibre and experience on the team to promote Cape Town and the Western Cape so we can rebuild the industry and save jobs in the Western Cape.”

Ms Iuel will take lead of the destination marketing organisation and communications and marketing teams from 15 March 2021.

Ms Iuel began her career in 1992 when she worked for an outbound tour operator in Berlin, followed by boutique DMCs in Johannesburg, and thirteen years at Tourvest Destination Management. Ms Iuel then spent four years at South African Tourism (SAT), initially as regional director for the Americas, during which time she opened the office in São Paulo and ultimately as general manager for international marketing, supporting all international SAT offices in Europe,

Americas and Australasia.

Since 2016, Ms Iuel has been chief executive officer of Private Safaris Southern Africa - a destination management company owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings based in Toronto, where she led the reinvention of the business and assisted it to weather the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Marketing is key to ensuring that Cape Town is top-of-mind as a destination of choice for both local and international travellers. This has become even more vital as we navigate our recovery from the consequences of lockdowns due to Covid-19. The visitor economy is everyone’s business and the economic lifeline for many businesses in Cape Town, supporting thousands of jobs.

“I, therefore, welcome the appointment of Ms Iuel and trust that her extensive experience will add to the province’s impressive tourism recognition,” added Alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic opportunities and asset management.

Tim Harris, chief executive officer of

Monika Iuel, Wesgro CMO.

Wesgro, concluded: “Monika has had a stellar career that demonstrates extraordinary ability and passion for marketing and tourism. She has a deep knowledge of the destination marketing and communications space, and strong industry relationships locally and abroad.

We look forward to having her as part of our team as we take Cape Town and the Western Cape’s wider economic and tourism offer to the world, assisting to drive a strong recovery.”

January 2021 Vol 41 No 1 ADVERTISER

PAGE

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

24

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

CTICC

3

sales@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

sales@peermont.com

www.EmperorsPalace.com

Emperors Palace – Iris Studio

OFC, 6

Event Greening Forum

21

info@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

EXSA

26

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

reservations@fancourt.co.za

www.fancourt.com

Fancourt

IFC, 16

MJunxion

2

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

SAACI

25

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SA Events Council

27

hello@saeventscouncil.org

www.saeventscouncil.org

SITE

22

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa January 2021 29

DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

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

Vice chairperson: Gabi Babinsky, Brandex t: +27 (0)64 655 3323 e: gabi@brandexpro.co.za

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

Networking: Melissa Palmer B&E Conference Centre e: melissa@becbc.co.za c: +27 (0)82 437 7600

Treasurer: Moses Nefale, Scan Display t: +27 (0)79 882 8616 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za

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

Networking: Wanda Fourie Eastern Sun Events e: registration@easternsun.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 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS & CONVENTION ASSOCIATION

EVENT GREENING FORUM

ICCA African Chapter 179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za Chairperson: Greg McManus, Heritage Environmental Management Services 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 EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Chairperson: Taubie Motlhabane, Cape Town International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: Taubiem@cticc.co.za Deputy chairperson: Jacinta Nzioka, Kenya National Convention Bureau t: +254 722464221 e: jacinta@kncb.go.ke 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 SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

Learning | Growth | collaboration EXSA OFFICE www.exsa.co.za Chairperson: Gill Gibbs, BluCube t: +27 (0)83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson: Kim Roberts Mise-en-place Solutions e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com t: +27 (0)82 652 2008

30 Business Events Africa January 2021

Public officer: Denise Kemp, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565 Membership services consultant: Alshanthé Smith t: +27 (0)71 299 0601 e: members@saaci.org

Branch coordinator: Hayley Pretorius e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)79 507 3607 c: +27 (0)62 758 7933 JOHANNESBURG Branch chairperson: John Arvanitakis, Chat’r Xperience t: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za

DIRECTORS

Branch vice-chairperson: Lorin Bowen, Lorin Bowen Business Events t: +27 (0)82 433 8687 e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za

EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

Branch treasurer: Chris de Lancey, Multi-Media t: +27 (0)82 854 2230 e: chris@multi-media.co.za

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

COMMITTEE:

JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen Business Events e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687 WC acting chairperson: Angela Lorimer, Century City Conference Centre e: angela.l@ccconferencecentre.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101

Aidan Koen, Ogada Group t: +27 (0)82 561 3188 e: aidan@ogada.co.za Carmen Rudd, Synergy Business Events t: +27 (0)82 707 3977 e: carmen@synergybe.co.za Emma Kumalo, Potters Hand Activations t: +27 (0)84 250 6850 e: emma@pottershand.co.za Leigh Anne Luis, Upatone t: +27 (0)82 409 3680 e: leighanne@upatone.co.za

Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046

Rendani Khorommbi, Joburg Tourism t: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com

Co-opted youth: Minister Kganyago CSIR e: MKganyago@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)79 513 8708

Branch coordinator: Angelique Smith c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org

Venue rep: Michelle Bingham Sandton Convention Centre e: Michelle.Bingham@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 EASTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Andrew Stewart, PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 Branch vice-chairperson: David Limbert, Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 9064 198 Branch treasurer: Alistair Stead, Scan Display e: alastair@scandisplay.africa c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 COMMITTEE: Learning: Caroline Morgan EXBO e: caro@exbo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 553 6185 Communication: Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

TSHWANE Branch chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH & Monte de Dios e: leon@ephproductions.co.za; e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046 Branch vice-chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht, Savetcon e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Branch treasurer: Refilwe Nchebisang, CSIR ICC t: +27 (0)12 841 3770 e: rnchebisang@csir.co.za COMMITTEE: Melanie Pretorius, At Zone Hospitality Consulting c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 e: melanie.pretorius@mweb.co.za Herkie du Preez, Event Wizards c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za Branch coordinator: Heather Heskes, SAACI c: +27 (0)76 321 6111 e: tsh.za@saaci.org

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DIRECTORY KWAZULU-NATAL Branch chairperson: Irene Vallihu, Durban International Convention Centre c: +27 (0)79 692 4604 e: irenev@icc.co.za Branch vice-chairperson: Gill Slaughter, Turners Conferences c: +27 (0)31 368 8000 e: gills@turnersconferences.co.za Branch treasurer: Sibusiso Mncwabe, Marketing Well c: +27 (0)83 477 5536 e: sibusiso@marketingwell.co.za COMMITTEE: Tracey Delport, The Hospitality Experience c:+27 (0)83 293 5190 e: tracey@thehospitalityexperience. 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

Gheeta Payle t: +27 (0)861237890 e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com Branch coordinator: Lara Van Zyl c: +27 (0)822234684 e: wc.za@saaci.org SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

Treasurer: Peter-John Mitrovich c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com

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

Board member at large: Rick Taylor

Wiseman Mnguni, Mboniseni Events and Project Management) c: +27 (0)78 220 2162 e: mboniseni.events@gmail.com

North Africa support: Brad Glen

East Africa (Rwanda): Chris Munyao North Africa: George Fawzi 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

WESTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Angela Lorimer c: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: angelajacobson862@yahoo.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

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA Africa, regional director Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance network chair Charlotte Kemp, PSASA deputy president Kim Roberts, SAACI national chair Kevan Jones, SACIA executive director Justin van Wyk, SALPA chair Sharif Baker, TPSA chairperson; SACIA board member

Denver Manickum, I-cube Alternative Advertising c: +27 (0)83 482 8525 e: denver@icube.co.za

Ansu Colditz c: +27 (0)82 457 8071 e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za

Gill Gibbs, EXSA chairperson

Septi Bukula, SITE member

International board member: Daryl Keywood c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 e: daryl@walthers.co.za

COMMITTEE:

Chad Botha, EXSA board member

Taubie Motlhabane, ICCA Africa chapter chair

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

Branch treasurer: Thiru Naidoo t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 e: thiru@wesgro.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

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

President: Tes Proos c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676 e: tes@crystalevents.co.za

Branch vice-chairperson: Alex Wrottesley c: +27 (0)21 430 2060 e: alex@intoafrica.co.za

Sibusiso Mncwabe, EXSA board member; EXSA KZN Forum Chair; SAACI KZN committee member and treasurer Doug Rix, EXSA board member

Kim Jackson, Greyville Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 378 2264 e: kimj@goldcircle.co.za

Branch coordinator: Kerry Potgieter c: +27 (0)84 777 3452 e: kzn.za@saaci.org

e: saboa@saboa.co.za www.saboa.co.za

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

Tarannum Banatwalla, Jellyfish Catering & Event Management c: +27 (0)83 254 9462 e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za

Sandile Dlamini, Anzomode c: +27 (0)79 104 5510 e: sandile@anzomode.co.za

Mike Lord, Event Safety Council interim chair

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 Members Carol Weaving, AAXO board member Tiisetso Tau, AAXO member Corne Koch, Best Cities Global Alliance chair Justin Hawes, Event Greening Forum treasurer

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 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 PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa t: +27 (0)11 462 9465 c: +27 (0)83 458 6114 e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za www.psasouthernafrica.co.za SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 t: +27 (0)11 511 7641

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 January 2021 31

THE LAST WORD

A leap of faith combat toolkit for 2021 Prior to 2020, events professionals were familiar with event challenges, knew how to mitigate risks and to plan for unforeseen circumstances, while managing a successful event.

W

hen the impact of Covid-19 and its ripple effect on our lives and livelihood became known, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory, trying to navigate our personal and business survival on so many levels.

We have learned to reflect; we have reassessed our business models, but we are resilient to open the industry and to ‘proof the concept’. Initiatives such as the #RestartExpo and the RECHANGE 2020, are best practice events that provide valuable guidance on how events can open in a safe and responsible manner.

A new year is synonymous with new hope, and from a human behaviour perspective it allows us to #restart and to investigate new opportunities. We are cautious about the prospects of 2021, as we have learned the #recovery will be much slower than anticipated. We are all gasping for a breath of new ideas as we greet 2021, while some of us have even considered new career opportunities.

Fortunately, for many of us, events are part of our DNA and we will ‘soldier on’ regardless of how fierce the survival battlefield will be. Therefore, I do not want to share the top trends for 2021, or another checklist on how to make your business work. I am sharing a ‘combat toolkit of faith’ with some familiar and not so familiar ‘tools’ to provide comfort during 2021.

Tool 1: Change your behaviour. As human beings we feel uncomfortable when we are confronted with change, as this takes us to the unfamiliar and out of our comfort zone. The good news is that we can adapt to new circumstances when we make a cognitive decision to do so.

Going forward, we need to learn how to be more flexible and how to acquire new skills, fast. Change requires us to be emotionally more mature and intelligent, especially as the workplace culture has changed and became more integrated with our home lives. We know that mental health and burnout needs to be managed, and this can create opportunities for business event managers to design events where people can learn how to adjust to the ‘next normal’. Assess how you have done business in the past, how did it

change, and how these changes may be implemented by you in your new business events model.

Tool 2: Collaborate. When we collaborate, we co-create, which mitigates the challenges and frustrations of negotiations. In 2020 the Events Industry Council has set the example on how industry stakeholders can collaborate and design new strategies to open the industry. We need to continue to build on initiatives like this. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ protocols must be embraced and supported by all nations, as this will provide comfort and certainty to all travellers. Globally, PCR testing has become the norm, and Health Passports might soon become part of our tourism regulations. This provides new opportunities for event owners to collaborate with health authorities and technology companies for the development of safe seamless event operations and logistics. Therefore, assess how you can either vertically or horizontally integrate or align your events business with strategic partners.

Tool 3: Value through innovation: The traditional events design approach might have changed, but this allows for new opportunities to develop an enabling environment where people can meet. Fluid event spaces to reach new audiences and the marketing of new products can create such opportunities. The business person of tomorrow will carefully assess if it is really worth the time, money and effort to attend an event, and if they would rather do this from the comfort of their homes or offices. Consider the value of the events you organise, how this event makes people feel, and how accessible the event needs to be, either in person or digitally.

Tool 4: Don’t forget the planet: The new protocols and regulations have the potential to cause more harm to the planet than before Covid-19. The Event Greening Forum provides an array of guidelines on how to comply with the safety protocols, while taking care of the planet. Sustainable event management, where we consider people, processes and the planet, needs to be aligned with your

32 Business Events Africa January 2021

new events business model.

Tool 5: Transformation is here to stay: In many business management handbooks we learn that if transformation is successful then we can transform the minimum resources into the maximum outputs. In South African we are familiar with the Tourism Sector Human Resource Development Strategy that guides the human resources transformation of the sector. In events, the digital transformation associated with online and hybrid events has become popular. More skills and research are needed to learn how we can use technology such as virtual- and augmented reality to mimic life experiences at our events, without causing screen fatigue.

We might not know what 2021 will hold for us, but we need to trust our knowledge, skills and experiences which have guided us to become the event professionals we are.

Foster good relationships, be flexible, listen to the sciences, trust your ‘gut’, take a deep breath, and follow your ‘heart’ with courage in 2021.

Who is Dr Nellie Swart?

Nellie Swart is an Associate Professor in Tourism at the University of South Africa, and a Certified Meeting Professional. She holds a DCom in Leadership Performance and Change. Nellie authored and coauthored accredited journal articles, book chapters, a number of accredited conference proceedings, and has organised local and international conferences.

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