SAACI NEWS

Next Generation — developing young professionals

Meetings Africa 2024 has just concluded, with positive optimism expressed by all in attendance.

By Glenton De Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

While many will agree, we still have a way to go, not only to exceed the delivery of meetings and events in respect of the base activity numbers of 2019, but the industry is indeed well on its way this early in 2024.

It was pleasing to see the engagement and participation of many young students and professionals as part of the Future Leaders programme. The robust discussions and delivery of the projects are most welcoming. As an industry, we need a collective push to ‘deliberately’ nurture, develop, and work with the next generation of event professionals in the meetings and events industry.

Whether we consider internships, apprenticeships, or basic mentoring, the meetings and events industry in South Africa can benefit by growing and developing young professionals.

It may not appear to be so, but the practical hands-on experience, which our industry is, will provide invaluable practical experience that allows students to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

SAACI is constantly seeking partnerships with members or industry stakeholders to create platforms for young professionals, whereby they can obtain events experience in key areas such as venue sourcing, logistics, marketing and budgeting.

Too often, we have heard how students view our industry, ‘that we are given the menial task’, ‘basic filing, and moving speakers and boxes’. While this may be either true or just a perception, our industry is practical, it is a people-driven environment with unforgiving hours, that challenge one’s character. Learning through doing is a way that many seasoned event professionals have built their experience and knowledge.

We need to build on this and encourage the commitment and passion we witnessed at the Future Leaders forum recently. Volunteering to offer time that will allow access to mentors and industry professionals who can provide guidance, share knowledge and advice on building a successful career path, is one way we may consider lending a hand.

An environment that fosters a competitive edge, develops critical skills, builds important connections, and positions our future industry for success in the meetings and events field, will lead to a sustainable human resource future for our country.