CASE STUDY
The 20th South African Spine Society Congress and Exhibition
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usiness Events Africa chatted to Yoshni Singh, director of Europa Organisation Africa, the organiser of the 20th South African Spine Society Congress and Exhibition. The South African Spine Society is a local association; however, many of its members are part of international association communities. Did Covid-19 have an impact of the event dates? The event was first scheduled to take place in 2020 – with planning, therefore, starting as far back as 2019. However, due to the current pandemic, it was moved to 2021. It is the first time that we have, as EOA, managed the event for the association. Does this association have a rotational schedule? It has a South African rotational schedule. This congress rotates between KwaZuluNatal, Gauteng, and Cape Town.
Yoshni Singh, Europa Organisation Africa.
16 Business Events Africa July 2021
Dates: 20-22 May 2021 Host city: Cape Town Hotel venue: Century City Conference Centre Client: The South African Spine Society Conference organiser: Europa Organisation Africa Delegates: 168 delegates that registered, of which 161 arrived. They came from all parts of South Africa. Including two in person international faculty from Germany and Belgium. International speakers: Four international speakers (three from the United Kingdom and one from Canada). They were Zoom-linked into the conference. Trade: 21 representing companies – 50 trade delegates. As the organiser, what challenges did you encounter? Hardest part – was the uncertainty of when the event would take place. With hybrid as well as virtual becoming the new buzz word – this made planning and mind shifts a little bit more challenging in general. Easiest – the organising committee took the decision early on in 2020 that when they were to go ahead in 2021 – it was going to be an in-person event – following and working within all the Covid regulations set out by government. This was to ensure a safe environment for
“The mission of the SA Spine Society is to foster optimal care for patients with spinal conditions through research and education as well as ethical practice.”
Dr Schalk Burger, neurosurgeon, SA Spine Society president
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