EDITOR’S COMMENT

Change is coming

The song ‘I want to break free’ seems to be lingering as I write this. It is probably the fact that, after sixteen months, we are still restricted in our movement and sadly, also numbers when it comes to the business events sector.

Still, it has been a good month. I certainly have been more free and have been able to enjoy some more in-person events.

In fact, the last month has been quite liberating in many instances. I attended my first conference in over a year. The SAACI congress took place in Johannesburg and it was just so good to reconnect with industry players. The energy was exhilarating, and the fact is it just reiterated the fact that nothing could ever replace face-to-face. This was SAACI’s first hybrid event and there was a larger number of virtual delegates.

All safety protocols were observed, and at no time did I feel ‘exposed’. Well done to SAACI for leading the way. The congress was well organised and had great content. Overall, it was one for the records. I’m looking forward to many more.

After the congress, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed South Africa back into level two. The ‘gathering’ numbers were once again decreased to 100 inside and 250 outside. Though the battle continues, much is being done behind the scenes to allow our sector to operate at a 50 per cent venue capacity.

Headway has been made. HuntEx managed to win a court ruling against SAPS regarding the Covid-19 restrictions. The outcome of the settlement means that HuntEx may continue to trade in a similar way as any other shopping centre, that is, at fifty per cent capacity. Unfortunately, the event had to be moved from July to October. Still, it is a win and opens new doors for the sector.

Another first, I was invited to explore Sandton on foot. It was certainly an interesting tour as I got to see Sandton as I had never seen it before. I learnt so many new facts about the Sandton area. The bittersweet part is that it was so quiet, nothing like it was before. Hotels in the area have certainly taken a knock, with most corporates still working at home. There are so many that remain shut. However, there is much to do in Sandton from a leisure and incentive perspective. This is currently Sandton’s focus, at least until business returns to the area.

Lastly, the Global Exhibition Day celebration took place recently at the Johannesburg Exhibition Centre. It took the form of a drumming session and wow, such great energy – and I’m not referring to the drumming – which was spectacular. Our sector is ready to ‘rise again’ and the more I get out there, the more certain I become that we, the business events industry, have a major role to play in reconnecting the different economic sectors – in the form of conferences, exhibitions, meetings, incentives and events.

We are able to make it happen – we just need a little more patience. And a friendly bank manager. Things are changing.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com