Business Events Africa March 2022 by Contact Publications

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 42 No 3 MARCH 2022

Restoring Bridges to be Better Together www.meetingsafrica.co.za

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Our doors are open to live again. Host your next business event in South Africa For more information: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business/page/about-south-africa

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Destination South Africa: Your next business travel and event opportunity

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Our doors are open to live again. For more information: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business/page/about-south-africa

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businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 42 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.

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 42 years

CONTENTS

VOL 42 NO 3 MARCH 2022

About the cover

a.com

www.businesseventsafric

Voice of the Business

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

Events Industry in Africa

Vol 42 No 3 MARCH 2022

Meetings Africa 2022 is all about reigniting Africa’s economy to grow back stronger than ever before.

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

VENUE NEWS 53 Century City Hotels opens new purpose-built Bridgewater Hotel.

PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE 54 Hospitality graduates are high in demand.

Restoring Bridges to be Better Together www.meetingsafrica.co.za

Cover Feature COVER STORY 10 Meetings Africa 2022 – reigniting the continent’s economy.

On the pages… EDITOR’S COMMENT 6 2022 – The year of possibilities. NEWS 8 Exhibitor registration open for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022. REIGNITING EXHIBITONS 22 The Plant Powered Show takes place in Cape Town in May. 24 Automechanika Johannesburg – returns in June 2022. 25 Securex — confirmed for 2022. 26 The Rand Show is back. MARKET NEWS 27 JAMMs welcomes Angela Lorimer as lead chair. SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY 28 The South Africa National Convention Bureau journey — 10 years on.

VENUE OF THE MONTH 56 The CSIR ICC — transferring knowledge and facilitating collaboration. MEET THE GM 60 The man behind Sun International’s only beachfront resort. CHEF’S PROFILE 62 Well-travelled Omar Menhouk brings a taste of the world to the Maslow.

Association news EVENT GREENING FORUM 64 Five reasons you need to sign the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge. SITE

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: 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 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 42 No 3 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and

65 Now is the time to join.

is published monthly. Due to Covid-19,

SAACI 66 Bounce back — in a manner that reflects our learnings.

the magazine is currently only available

AAXO 67 Pivoting from brain drain to brain gain.

in digital format.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

EXSA 68 EXSA VAT ruling — a huge benefit to members.

Regulars TOP TIPS 70 Four things travel SMMEs can do to up their bookings. 72 Directory and associations of interest.

SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH 48 Stand out from the crowd — with Barmotion.

MARKET NEWS 75 Vincent Bouwer — new GM at The Capital 15 on Orange.. 75 Index of advertisers.

HOTEL GROUP FEATURE 50 The Capital Hotels and Apartments for conference and events.

THE LAST WORD 76 Dual pricing in the local tourism space.

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

This year has certainly begun with promise. The world keeps spinning and willmuch continue to do so, regardless.

Nitta Sukha, South Africa National Convention Bureau and your’s truly attending Meetings Africa 2022.

fter two years – of what remains a surreal dream – the business events industry is back in action. The industry is buzzing, and everyone is ready to recoup what was lost. The positivity was palpable at the recent Meetings Africa. Well done to the South Africa National Convention Bureau for making the brave call to go ahead with the in-person show! Of course, there was a virtual element too, for those who couldn’t attend in person. s we approach the end of year, I am It was so good optimistic. to be backPersonally, on the floor cautiously I’m at Meetings and to reconnect feelingAfrica a lot more upbeat. with such long The industry businessfriends events after industry is aslowly pause. I must was emerging fromsay, an initially, enforcedithibernation. daunting to me,seeing beingan in increase a hall filled I am definitely in

physical with people, events but in the all parts strange of the ‘fear’ industry. of It the is unknown fantastic towas observe quickly thereplaced differentwith sectors much happiness in our industry whenstarting seeing everyone up again. The again, past and few it felt weeks likehave it was been theamazing. I’ve beginning been following of 2019 again! industry leaders on social The business platformsevents doingindustry what they hasdo much best — to do be to it exhibitions, get back what incentives, it lost, but I’m conferences sure our sector andis events. up for the Thechallenge. industry has been We always waiting are! for so long and all it took was What a green is exciting light from to seegovernment! is how active South AfterAfrican monthsTourism of despair, has finally been, there through is renewed the Southpositivity Africa National in the industry. Convention One big Bureau positive (SANCB) is that in South launching Africa new is now finally campaigns off most to reignite of the the world’s South travel African red lists, business including eventsthe industry UK. to the world. The This recent year, the Africa’s SANCB Travel celebrates and Tourism Summit 10 years!(ATTS) Wow!also What set athe journey sceneitfor has what been. isIntothis come. issueIfof anything, BEA, weI look get the back feeling at the past thatdecade our continent and ahead – theatcontinent the of forthcoming Africa – is years. finally realising its own strength It has been in unity. an honour Over the foryears, me toAfrican witness countries the SANCB have grow always from looked strength toto other continents strength under for tourism the leadership and business of Amanda events Kotze-Nhlapo. while, inI was fact, at itsthe own launch African of the countries SANCB atwere Meetings overlooked. Africa 2012 and it has There exceeded is no doubt all expectations. that there are still a lot The of pandemic challenges,did like not airlift, prevent visa the restrictions, SANCB frometc. staying on course. During the One past of two the challenges years, the SANCB addressed hasduring ATTS continued is thatitstourism/incentive quest for new bids andand has conference/events achieved much success packages on this in front. the past

have Currently, alwaysthe been world has geared changed, to the yet the fundamentals European or have remained. American markets. People If have we, Africans, the needwould to meet, like to and caterafter for our twoown African visitors years, we should the need package for face-to-face it differently.meetings isOver eventhe more past necessary few years, than ourever industry before. Yes, leaders thehave requirement done a lot of of thetalking hybridabout model, will the issue remain. of airlift within our continent as well However, as the issue nothing of visas will ever within replace Africa for meeting Africans, someone I hope that forATTS the first has time, ignited in a person, new chapter, at a conference where African or on airlines an look exhibition at new routes floor.within The knowledge the continent and exchange, finally break the those interaction, barriers the which have networking hindered travel is what within makes Africa. it all the more valuable. Of course, It’s we justwould not the allsame love to onsee a virtual international platform. delegates Don’t get andme tourists wrong, the virtual return to platform our shores serves but a purpose what prevents and if us it weren’t from exploring for these new platforms, markets we within wouldn’t our have continent? been able The Covid-19 to continue pandemic meetinghas during taught the us that pastwe two areyears. able to collaborate a Over lot better the next if wecouple keep the of months, I look forward communication to reconnecting streams open with more within our industry continent. friends The time in person. is now, Africa is open for Here’s business to the and year I am of proudly possibilities! African!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

Credit: Hein Liebetrau Credit: Hein Liebetrau

2022 – The year for of possibilities Africa is open business

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PAGE STRAP NEWS

Exhibitor registration open for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 After a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa’s Travel Indaba is back and registration is open!

urban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre will once again become a hub of activity with the return of Africa’s Travel Indaba, from 2-5 May 2022. After a successful Meetings Africa 2022, which created a platform for the coming together of the Africa business events industry, it is now the turn of the continent’s leisure tourism industry to showcase to the world what it has to offer at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022, a trade show that has established itself

8 Business Events Africa March 2022

as the continent’s premier tourism trade platform. Owned and managed by South African Tourism, the 2022 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba will, yet again, be hosted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. “Africa’s Travel Indaba is back with renewed energy and focus on creating a platform for the recovery of our industry. As the African continent, we cannot wait to welcome back international delegates from various parts of the world to reconnect and share our real success stories of resilience, whilst demonstrating

Africa’s world class tourism products that will continue to give travellers an unforgettable experience. This is our signature leisure tourism trade show and we are thrilled that we, as a tourism sector, can once again gather in person, network, share ideas and do business that will contribute to the much-needed recovery,” said Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau. At the last edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2019, the show attracted www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET PAGE STRAP NEWS

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau.

Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

about 6,200 delegates from all over the world, with 1,033 exhibiting businesses from 19 countries on the continent, showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to almost 1,177 local, regional and international buyers. Furthermore, almost 452 local, regional and international media representatives participated at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019, pointing to the stature and global profile of the African continent’s tourism industry. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 will create an opportunity for face-toface participation and therefore be taking a physical format, but will still have virtual components – as we have all become accustomed to – with the following structure: • Physical participation for all exhibitors. • Physical participation for all global hosted buyers not impacted by travel restrictions or other socio-political www.businesseventsafrica.com

factors in their countries. • Virtual Diary access for qualified buyers unable to attend. Amongst the key highlights to look forward to this year are: • A welcome function which will take place on the first day of the show, an opportunity for networking and engagements amongst the delegates; • Insightful educational and information sharing sessions throughout the three days, focusing on innovation, ideas, new trends and solutions to challenges that will assist us to contribute to the recovery and growth of the tourism sector; • Globally selected and vetted quality buyers; • Various media briefing sessions, providing much needed updates from the greater tourism industry; • An effective online diary and matchmaking system, that closely pairs

buyers’ needs with exhibitors’ offerings, to ensure a more efficient and productive trade show; • More SMMEs showcasing the lesserknown variety of South Africa’s product offering; and • Overall, a Covid-19 regulations adherence event that will ensure delegates’ safety. While registration for exhibitors is already open, early-bird discounts will be available to exhibitors who confirm their participation by 31 March 2022. Registration dates for buyers and members of the media are as follows: • Hosted buyer applications opened on Thursday, 10 March 2022 • Non-hosted buyer applications opened on Monday, 21 March 2022 • Media applications opens on Thursday, 4 April 2022 • Online Diary System bookings open on Tuesday, 15 April 2022 “We know from our research and connections with partners and consumers that travellers increasingly want to live their lives to the fullest again, but they are looking for reassurance that it is indeed safe to travel. With globally benchmarked health and safety protocols in place, all travellers (domestic, regional and international) can have the comfort of knowing that they will be safe while enjoying their time in South Africa. Africa’s Travel Indaba is our showcase of all that South Africa and Team Africa has to offer, ranging from quality assured accommodation establishments, adventure, relaxation, lifestyle events and culture and heritageinspired experiences and products,” Ms Kotze-Nhlapo concluded. Business Events Africa March 2022 9

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY

Restoring Bridges to be Better Together

10 Business Events Africa March 2022

www.meetingsafrica.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

From left to right: Seen at the official opening of Meetings Africa 2022, Tourism Minister, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, Interim Chairperson of The SA Tourism board, Advocate Mojanku Gumbi, Mayor of Johannesburg, Dr Mpho Phalatse and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Mr Parks Tau.

Meetings Africa 2022 –

reigniting the continent’s economy If there is one thing that Meetings Africa is able to do, it is to create opportunities to reignite Africa’s economy so that it may grow back stronger than ever before. This was the consensus at a pulsating Meetings Africa trade floor opening ceremony on 1 March at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

www.meetingsafrica.co.za

he sixteenth edition of Africa’s premier business events show – the flagship event of the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) – has brought together some 161 buyers and 216 exhibitors from thirteen African countries.

28 FEBRUARY 2022: BONDAY 1-2 MARCH 2022:

EXHIBITION VENUE: Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg THEME: Shared Minds. Shared Economies. When shared minds come together, we advance Africa

www.businesseventsafrica.com

BONDay

The newest addition to the Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay) was the MICE Masterclass, which equipped participating entrepreneurs with the tools and skills to confidently reenter the business industry space. Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said that with so many businesses shutting their doors over the past two years, the entrepreneurs who remain will form the backbone of the business events industry. “The masterclass helped existing businesses – and new entrants to the industry – to have real training and upskilling.” The Business Opportunities Networking Day also included a Youth Educational Programme as well as SMME training programme and educationals throughout the show. Business Events Africa March 2022 11

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY STORY: MEETINGS AFRICA 2022

Tourism Minister opens Meetings Africa 2022

peaking at the trade floor opening, Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, said that Meetings Africa presents an opportunity to collectively review and realign our African business events industry — one that embraces the increasing interconnectedness of trade and tourism. “Opening trade corridors across the continent must also open pathways for intra-African tourism to thrive, and vice versa. It is us – the African business events sector – that have to be intentional and strategic in ensuring that we leverage this mutual benefit between trade and tourism.” Minister Sisulu added that the business events industry accelerates progress as it is a platform for sharing information and collective engagement. “This, in turn, results in innovation and reinvention which are key for economic and professional development and advancement.” She does not doubt that the industry will be able to recuperate swiftly after a dormant two years. “During the recent

Meetings Africa in numbers

Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu.

Global Brand campaign launch at the Meetings Africa welcome event, we shared how the African continent has risen, time and time again. We shared our ability of always being able to rise with pride and resilience — that is the essence of Africanism. It is our ability to live again and build back better that sets us apart.”

• Exhibitors: 216 • 102 main exhibitors • 114 sharing exhibitors • Hosted buyers: 137 • International association hosted buyers: 15 • International hosted buyers: 90 • Local hosted buyers: 10 • Local association hosted buyers: 14 • Virtual buyers: 18 • Visitors: 495 • Media: 79 *These figures are unaudited.

Building Africa’s brand together

manda Kotze-Nhlapo, SANCB’s Chief Convention Bureau Officer, said that Meetings Africa has played a part in our sector’s recovery by focusing on regional buyers to align with South Africa’s Tourism Industry Recovery Plan, which focuses on domestic and regional recovery first. It will also look at reintroducing international buyers to Africa as the Covid travel restrictions are eased. “Platforms like these allow us to come together as Africa. In our sector, while we are in competition, we are also in co-opetition. And then of course, we need to build on our brand together, go out there and tell the world that Africa is ready.” She said that bidding – a process by which a country competes against others to attract international events – may be a tool that will encourage collaborative efforts among African countries. “It is a collaborative effort to go out there and bid for these big events. With our culture of sharing, we – as a continent – have the opportunity to rotate meetings among each other. We are able to help build that knowledge economy on the continent.” 12 Business Events Africa March 2022

She said that the business events industry is the catalyst to get the world to open its borders again. “After two years of shutting our imaginary national borders to each other, now is the time to allow for a freedom of movement. Sharing minds and economies does not mean that we sit behind our desks and stare at each other through screens. It means being able to travel from one place to another freely to create and grow relationships.” She added that Africa may begin to get the business events economy rolling by using its African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) as a springboard to achieving a shared economy. The AcFTA was signed into existence in 2018 and was effectively underway in January 2021. It will push all African countries towards greater collaboration with each other to boost trade and tourism.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief conventions bureau officer of SANCB.

Meetings Africa 2022 continues building on the Shared i Economies theme — with continued specific focus on regionalisation as a continental strategy, and how this enhances the positioning and value offering for the business events industry in Africa. When shared minds come together, we advance Africa. www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

Meetings Africa serves as the primary platform to enable the growth of South Africa, and the rest of the continent’s business events industry and ultimately contribute towards the continent’s economic growth.

African exhibitors 1. Botswana 2. Ethiopia 3. Ghana 4. Kenya 5. Malawi 6. Mauritius 7. Mozambique 8. Nigeria 9. Rwanda 10. The Kingdom of Eswatini 11. Uganda 12. Zambia 13. Zimbabwe 14. Tanzania

Key business events insights The business events industry is a key driver for economic growth and development and is a catalyst for South Africa’s broader economic recovery, local employment reactivation and job creation. The hosting of business events is a key signal of business confidence across the economy.

Sustainability Village • 16 vendors • The Sustainability Village gave small business owners an opportunity to sell their goods to hosted buyers and visitors through vouchers, cash and credit card. The Sustainability Village replaces traditional mass production gifting. • Exhibitors at the Sustainability Village indicated that besides the financial support, other value adds included promoting their products to additional markets and making connections. • Market access platform for SMMEs.

Exhibitor — Sustainability Village feedback

Nomaswazi Tinus, founder and director of African Mamas Crafts (Pty) Ltd, said: “For African Mamas, the emphasis of this year’s Meetings Africa was on rebuilding relationships, reconnecting face-to-face and meeting new people. We also made the most of opportunities to connect with hosted buyers, events and conference managers and some of the hotel groups, and we hope that these relationships will bear fruit.”

“Our experience at this year’s Sustainability Village was very meaningful in that it afforded us an opportunity to network and form relationships that will hopefully add to the sustenance of our business, especially after having suffered a decline in business due to Covid-19,” said Shereen Makhanye, chief executive officer and founder of Nubian Nature.

Fentse Mokale (above, right), founder and lead creative of Marabou Essentials, said: “My time at Meetings Africa was extremely fruitful. I made many meaningful connections as well as sales at the Sustainability Village.”

Business events have a symbiotic relationship with many other industries including airlines, hotels and venues, transport, catering, and cleaning. This means that our industry’s recovery is highly dependent on the simultaneous recovery of other enabling industries in the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Inclusivity Meetings Africa 2022 created an inclusive platform that included the following initiatives: • SMME pavilion which hosted 24 business events SMME products. • Sustainability Village showcased various authentic South African ranges of craft products. • Youth dedicated programme – 50 delegates participated from across South Africa – supported by Tourism Educators of SA Association (TESA) and IMEX Future Leaders Forum. • Women in tourism were prioritised across all platforms. Business Events Africa March 2022 13

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY STORY: MEETINGS AFRICA 2022

Exhibitor feedback Other African countries

“Meetings Africa was truly a success for Rwanda. Being the biggest business events industry showcase on the African continent, it enabled the Rwanda delegation to present and in turn generate tangible leads, that may be converted into future business. It was so refreshing to get together as the African business events industry, after the past two years. We have no doubt that this show has generated renewed confidence in our continent. It is now up to us to keep the momentum moving forward and continue to position Rwanda as a preferred business events destination on the continent.” Frank Murangwa, director of Destination Marketing, Rwanda Convention Bureau

“Meetings Africa 2022 was a success. We managed to showcase venues for various business events. We also collaborated with industry experts that are instrumental to growing business travel in Malawi. In addition, we shared ideas with others on how the business events industry may be leveraged as part of the economic recovery plan post pandemic. We congratulate SANCB for the successful event.” Sarah Njanji, Malawi Tourism 14 Business Events Africa March 2022

Local

“After two years of a crippling global health pandemic, Meetings Africa has brought hope to what had become a struggling industry. As a PCO in this sector and an attendee at Meetings Africa, I benefited greatly from the variety of enterprises represented at the event. Meetings Africa has provided extensive networks that I look forward to pursuing and cultivating. Such networking opportunities could only have been possible through an organised event of Meetings Africa’s nature, which placed independent businesses at the centre of its offering. Meetings Africa, and specifically its 2022 iteration, represents a revival of an industry integral to South Africa’s economic growth. It is my hope that the momentum created by Meetings Africa continues well into the future, as the public and private sectors continue to partner for sustainable economic recovery post Covid-19 and beyond.” Asanda Bukula, Osiba Management PCO

“Meetings Africa 2022 was as much about reconnecting as doing business, although there was more business around than we expected from the show. Although fewer buyers than in previous years, those present were serious and a few brought concrete RFP’s. The well attended Bond Day and Masterclass sessions highlighted the desire for continued education and it was encouraging to see The SCC Ballroom

packed to its social distance capacity. Business Events are back, and we look forward to participating in a bigger and better attended show in 2023.” Daryl Keywood, Managing Director, Walthers DMC

“Meetings Africa was just what the industry needed, especially now, more than ever — It afforded an opportunity for reconnection, reestablishment of trust and confirmation that the need to meet in-person remains the preferred option. Fewer buyers, but high-quality engagements and prospects. I applaud the SANCB for taking the courageous step of hosting the show and I’m certainly looking forward to more in-person meetings within the industry.” Minister Kganyago, business development manager, CSIR ICC

“Meetings Africa 2022 was a resounding success. We had representation from seven African countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia. It is always encouraging and inspiring to see the collaborations and innovations from industry stakeholders across Africa at this event, especially since the onset of the pandemic. Marriott International engaged with key customers, partners, African associates, and industry professionals to collaborate on efforts and opportunities that would reignite the continent’s tourism economy. Africa is truly open for business, and we are excited about the prospects of tourism in Africa.” Dorcas Dlamini-Mbele, area director of sales & distribution – Sub Saharan Africa, Marriott International www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

Hosted Buyers feedback

“It was fantastic to finally meet people face-to-face again. I enjoyed learning new skills and trends, sharing knowledge with the young people pursuing careers in tourism, meeting new people and rebuilding relationships. Thank you to SANCB for hosting us.” Linda Ben, chief executive officer of Leshauas

“In my opinion I noticed a complete shift in most buyers in terms of their willingness to conduct business with Africa. Though the number of meetings were less and people on the floor were fewer, we had quality meetings and discussions for the future.” Nancy Smale, marketing manager of Incredible Tours and Travel

“It’s good to be back and to be meeting face-to-face.” Busi Tshabalala, Ikhono Thrive Global. www.businesseventsafrica.com

“The vision of The Conservation Symposium to extend its presence across the continent was crystallised through the many connections and discussions that were made possible by attending Meetings Africa. Thank you to SA Tourism and the SANCB.” Freyni du Toit, Secretariat, The Conservation Symposium

It was an unique opportunity for us to experience the rainbow nation of people, colours and cultures during Meetings Africa 2022, the leading trade show in Africa for meetings and events industries. The two day exhibition and the post tour provided hosted buyers with an opportunity to connect with the relevant event professionals needed for future events. It was the perfect platform for professional and personal success. Thank you, Meetings Africa, for making this a memorable experience with all the hospitality, kindness and lovely memories we left with. We will come back soon.” Dr Ismail Khalil, president of Web Applications Society (@WAS)

I was very happy to be part of Meetings Africa 2022. From the hosted buyer side, looking at the application process, it was very professional. I would especially like to highlight the online interface to book pre-scheduled appointments. It was very good and provided all the information from both the buyer and the supplier side. The interface made it easy for potential buyers to connect with relevant parties. The Meetings Africa app was professional; all the show’s information was available and it was easy to navigate. What I found very good this year was that there was not only a badge to wear , but also – attached to the badge – a small chip with information on it and thus it was very easy to access the information on the badge. This way, access and other information was available everywhere, both to the organisers and to the participants. This is a new innovation, not even seen at big business events shows like IMEX America, IMEX Frankfurt or EIBTM World. I was hosted on a post-tour to Cape Town, one of the best organised tours of my life. The two-and-a-half day tour showcased the best and newest products the destination had to offer. As for Meetings Africa itself, the organisers have made the most of it in terms of size, as I think the most important exhibitors on the supplier side were present. It was very efficient to have more than thirty meetings in two days. Compared to other big international business events shows, Meetings Africa has an outstanding corporate identity, that is, a unified image, which is spectacularly implemented on all elements — from the badge to the local installations, to the website, to the app. In conclusion, I was really impressed by the professionally run event and the quality of the exhibitors at the show. It was great to reestablish and establish new contacts, which I look forward to working with in the near future. Tamás Varga, director of operation, I Like Mice Hungary Business Events Africa March 2022 15

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY STORY: MEETINGS AFRICA 2022

Seen at Meetings Africa 2022 Irene Vallihu from Durban ICC and Miller Matola, Millvest.

Phetogo Kubheka , Synergy Business Events; Tshepo Maseko, Nitta Sukha and Verushka Rugbeer, South Africa National Convention Bureau and Molebogeng Masote, Synergy Business Events.

Zodwa Msimang and Busi Tshabalala, Ikhono Thrive Global.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo and Bjorn Hufkie, South Africa National Convention Bureau.

From left: Hlobisile Khuzwayo and Mputle Dikobe, Gauteng Tourism Authority; Khomotso Kelsall, MakgaleTours and Philile Moreko and Gcina Matsoyane, Gauteng Tourism Authority.

16 Business Events Africa March 2022

Septi Bukula, Osiba Holdings; Esté McGalty, On Board and Moses Gontai, Namanje Events.

Travis Grundling and Nasrin Hoosen, Marriott International.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

Mmabatho Sikhakhane and Zinhle Nzama, South African Tourism and Nomi Charnley, WWP Group.

Verushka Rugbeer and Bjorn Hufkie, South Africa National Convention Bureau.

Natalie Swart, TLC Vacations.

Mark Jakins, Premier Hotels & Resorts and Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance.

Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA and Sibusiso Mncwabe, chairperson of EXSA.

Betty Sichivula, AAXO and Vernon Govender, INHOUSE Venue Technical Management.

Francine Zana, Exclusive Hospitality Concepts and Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC.

Matifadza Nyazema, Mbano Manor Hotel, Victoria Falls and Bradley Alder, Octanorm South Africa.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Bontle Thusi and Minister Kganyago, CSIR ICC.

Business Events Africa March 2022 17

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY STORY: MEETINGS AFRICA 2022

Neil Nagooroo, Flock Platform and Carmen Rossouw, sales and events professional.

Bongiwe Nzeku from South Africa National Convention Bureau and Esmaré Steinhöfel, ICCA.

Jeffers Miruka, the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE).

The Rwanda Convention Bureau team and Rwanda exhibitors at the Rwanda stand at Meetings Africa 2022.

Amrita Craig, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

Sibongile Magugwana and Michael Collins, Cape Town International Convention Centre.

18 Business Events Africa March 2022

Sonto Mayise and Mdu Biyela, Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau.

Minister Kganyago, CSIR ICC and Justin Hawes, Scan Display.

Nitta Sukha, South Africa National Convention Bureau and Irene Costa, Business Events Africa.

Lerisha Mudaliar Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau and Angela Lorimer, Lagoon Beach Hotel.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

Heidi Keywood and Daryl Keywood, Walthers DBS and Bruno Reis Neto, Sandown Tours & Incentives.

Zukiswe Ntwasa, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency and Nosisa Rubushe, Buffalo City.

Thebeetsile Ikalafeng, South African Tourism board member and Neo Mohlatlole, Seven Colors Communications.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau presented at the MICE Masterclass.

Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Tourism Authority and Hans Kekana, Gauteng Tourism Authority.

Dawie Mullins and Mabel Modipa, Minor Hotels.

Amisha Sheth, Bliss Travels, India and Dianna Martin, Northern Cape Tourism.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

The Eastern Cape team at Meetings Africa.

Business Events Africa March 2022 19

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY STORY: MEETINGS AFRICA 2022

Leigh-Anne Luus, Thaba Eco Hotel; Carla de Jager, Carlamani Conferences & Events and Cameron Hutchinson, Thaba Eco Hotel.

The Tsogo Sun Hotel team, from left: Madeleine Roux, 54 on Bath; Tracy Montano; Lindelwa Isabelle and Elmarie Swanepoel, Tsogo Sun Hotels.

Entertainers at the opening of Meetings Africa 2022.

Désirée Baltussen, chief business development officer of ICCA, Netherlands.

Panel discussion on a transformational approach to sales and improving revenue mix in a changed world, from left the moderator, Frank Murangwa, director of destination marketing, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda; Rob Kucera, director, Radisson Group, East Africa and Direct Radisson Blue and Kigali Convention Centre; David Sand, founder and chief executive officer of Uwin Iwin; Daryl Keywood, chief executive officer of Walthers DBS and Linda Balme, commercial manager, Travel Start & Innovation City, Cape Town.

Nico Vivier and Amir Golbarg, Minor Hotels.

Keynote Address by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, at the MICE Masterclass. Limpho Maputsoe and Boitumelo Moleleki, Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

Themba Khumalo, acting chief executive officer of South African Tourism and Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC.

20 Business Events Africa March 2022

Linda Ben, Leshauas and Nany Smale, Incredible Tours & Travel.

Laura Vercueil, Johannesburg Tourism and Phelisa Mangcu, Ugu South Coast Tourism.

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COVER STORY: MEETINGSCOVER AFRICA PAGE STORY STRAP 2022

Dave Milne, Peermont; Pieter Van Rooyen, Bon Hotels and Emran Sayed, Protea Hotel by Marriott Klerksdorp.

Tracey Painting, Stendon South Africa; Pearl Motaung-Mlangeni, Mypond Hotel; ChienChien Wu, student at Stendon South Africa and Jo Wilmot, Sunshine Coast Tourism.

Margaret Mouton, EQS Events Management, Gill Slaughter, Turners Secretariat; Asanda Bukula, Osiba Holdings; Lumka Dlomo, Johannesburg Tourism Company; Alshanthé Smith, SAACI; Rendani Khorommbi, Johannesburg Convention Bureau and Glenton De Kock, SAACI.

Shirley Sivero, Mpumalanga Convention Bureau and Salome Sithole, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency board member.

The Newmark Hotels team, from left: Elana Lodewyk, Carmen Rhodes and Shazia Classen.

Jaco du Plooy and Carla Abrahams, The President Hotel, Cape Town.

Rodney Weinrich, industry consultant and David Sand, Uwin Iwin.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau presented at the MICE Masterclass.

Jaco du Plooy, The President Hotel; Angela Lorimer and Cheryl Schmidt, Lagoon Beach Hotel.

Sam van den Berg, Super Sam and Jacqueline Joshua, JJ Conference & Travel.

Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA and Lynn McLeod, Event Greening Forum.

Bradley Glenn, Inside Edge and Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA.

Mdu Biyela and Sihle Ndlazi, Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau.

Rudi Van Der Vyver, We are Virtual; Bradley Glenn, Inside Edge and Tes Proos, Crystal Events and Site Africa president.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa March 2022 21

PAGE COVER REIGNITING STRAP STORYEXHIBITONS

The Plant Powered Show takes place in Cape Town in May The Plant Powered Show takes place this year at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29.

t will incorporate a not-to-be-missed three-day live in-person event as well as an exciting virtual component, which will allow visitors from other provinces and around the globe to attend online. The live show has been curated to ensure a great experience for attendees within the parameters of the relevant government Covid-19 guidelines. The Plant Powered Show is the first of its kind in South Africa, bringing the plant-based, vegetarian, vegan 22 Business Events Africa March 2022

and conscious living revolution to a mainstream audience. The hugely successful inaugural Plant Powered Show (under the name: The Festive Vegan & Plant Powered Show) took place online in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions and featured an extraordinary lineup of local and international chefs. Aimed at those looking to live and enjoy a healthier, more conscious and sustainable lifestyle with a smaller

Heidi Warricker.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

REIGNITING COVER EXHIBITIONS PAGE STORY STRAP

environmental footprint, The Plant Powered Show features professional chefs, celebrity cooks and rising stars presenting live cooking demos, diverse and compelling talks by the health and wellness experts, premium and interactive experiences, exclusive industry networking and a marketplace of plantbased food, drink and lifestyle products. “We are delighted to finally launch The Plant Powered Show as a live inperson event in Cape Town, but also pleased that it will retain the online component. We believe that this ‘hybrid’ format will be a potent combination. Consumers want to live more consciously and be more mindful of the animals we share the planet with. At the same time, chefs and foodies want to be inspired to create delicious meals with exciting new ingredients. It’s a food revolution. After a postponement due to the pandemic, we are launching live this year in Cape Town,” said event producer, Heidi Warricker. Also joining the team as a consultant is Emma-Claire Peter who commenced her culinary career in food styling, recipe development and writing before working as a restaurant and chefs’ theatre coordinator for TASTE festivals and then moving into food retail, working in Selfridges and Sourced Market in London. Ms Peter, a trained chef, most recently produced Plant Forward Kitchen for Google Foods in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, an experience that led to her adopting a vegan lifestyle. The Plant Powered Show has also announced FoodForward SA as its official CSI partner. FoodForward SA is the largest food redistribution organisation in South Africa. Established in 2009 to address widespread hunger in the country, FoodForward SA connects a world of excess to a world of need by recovering quality edible surplus food from the consumer goods supply chain and distributing it to community organisations that serve the poor. Ms Warricker explained why The Plant Powered Show selected FoodForward SA to be their official CSI Partner: “One third of all food produced in South Africa is dumped in landfill, while millions of people are going hungry in our country, on a daily basis. As consumers we can’t only focus on what we eat and where our food comes from, we also need to look www.businesseventsafrica.com

at food insecurity and what we are able to do to help alleviate this problem.” The plant-based food revolution is a fast growth industry and an exciting space for new and emerging businesses and start-ups. Sponsors to date include Food Forward SA, SA Vegan Society, WWF SA, Beauty Without Cruelty and Tourism Cape Town. Sponsors of The Plant Kitchen Chef’s Theatre are AGT Foods, Alpro, B-well Foods, Denny Mushrooms, SA Chefs Association, International Hotel School, Van Loveren Wines, SA Avo Growers Association and in The Plant Power Health & Wellness Talks, ProVeg South Africa and Wellness Warehouse.

The Plant Powered Show

Dates: 27-29 May 2022 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and online Website: plantpoweredshow.com/ Email: plantpower@liveevents. africa Business Events Africa March 2022 23

PAGE COVER REIGNITING STRAP STORYEXHIBITONS

Automechanika Johannesburg – returns in June 2022 Automechanika Johannesburg will see a return to a face-to-face trade show when it takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 7-10 June 2022. This will be the seventh time that the world-renowned Automechanika expo for the automotive aftermarket will be staged in South Africa.

he four-day event, which is the biggest of its kind on the African continent, will be co-located with Futuroad Expo, sub-Saharan Africa’s leading professional exhibition for the truck, bus, and commercial vehicle industries. “We are excited to host the automotive aftermarket industry at this event. As Automechanika events around the world resume, we have seen an unprecedented level of interest from both exhibitors and visitors, highlighting the fact that faceto-face platforms like these are important platforms for trade professionals, to network, increase brand awareness and to generate leads,” explained Michael Dehn, the recently-appointed managing director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa. “Messe Frankfurt, the German-based company has built up the Automechanika brand to world prominence in its field and has learned a great deal over the past two years in terms of reimagining its products and restructuring accordingly to deal with vastly changed circumstances in the global exhibition industry.” Mr Dehn explained. The biannual Automechanika Johannesburg has proved, since 2009, 24 Business Events Africa March 2022

that it is the ideal meeting place for industry peers and a place for exhibitors to build both their supplier and customer bases. Almost 150 B2B meetings were held during the 2019 Automechanika Johannesburg trade show. There will be an array of new product launches, with both local and international companies exhibiting the latest product innovations and technologies of interest to not only aftermarket sales stores and those in the automotive service and maintenance sectors, but also to those working at motor dealerships and related businesses. “Training and education have become increasingly prominent features of Automechanika trade fairs globally and South Africa is no exception. In fact, these opportunities are widely promoted as major benefits of attending the trade fair at Nasrec,” Mr Dehn said. “The automotive aftermarket environment is changing faster than ever before with the introduction of recent technologies, particularly electrification and this makes employee training and education critical building blocks for businesses operating in a

vastly different manner to which they were accustomed for so many years.” Messe Frankfurt’s Automechanika brand has a history that now stretches back 51 years to 1971 when the first of these trade fairs for the automotive aftermarket was held in Frankfurt.

Automechanika Johannesburg

Dates: 7-10 June 2022 Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Website: automechanika. za.messefrankfurt.com/ johannesburg/en.html Contact: Tracy Gounden Email: Tracy.Gounden@ za.messefrankfurt.com Cell: +27 (0)82 063 8157 www.businesseventsafrica.com

REIGNITING COVER EXHIBITIONS PAGE STORY STRAP

Securex — confirmed for 2022 Specialised Exhibitions, the largest trade show organiser in Southern Africa, is pleased to announce that its Securex South Africa, A-OSH Expo and Facilities Management exhibitions are confirmed to go ahead for 2022, with the exciting addition of Firexpo to the Securex show.

he four trade shows will take place from 31 May to 2 June 2022 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions, said: “The current rules around larger gatherings of people have allowed for the cautious reopening of the local business tourism sector, specifically relating to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.” “These new regulations, as well as the success of our Restart Expo, which successfully demonstrated that it is possible to hold organised gatherings in a controlled, safe way, have made it possible for us to go ahead with exhibitions planned for 2022.” Securex will celebrate its 28th year of existence, with its continued focus on all elements of the security sector — from physical and retail security to www.businesseventsafrica.com

access control, vehicle and personnel tracking, cybersecurity and more. “An exciting new development for Securex is the addition of the Firexpo section, which will focus exclusively on fire-related products and services,” Mr Anderson explained. “A-OSH will be in its tenth repetition and will once again focus in on all things occupational health and safety related, while Facilities Management Expo – our facilities and properties management community – commemorates its second year as a co-located trade show. “We’re expecting to see thousands of visitors attending the free-of-charge events over the three-day period, with the draw cards of seeing the latest industry products and services under one roof, quality content across our three seminar theatres, for Securex, A-OSH and Facilities Management Expo, and exceptional networking opportunities,” he added.

“Interest from exhibitors across the four expos has been high, but there is still some space available for those organisations looking to engage directly with potential clients and boost brand awareness.”

Securex South Africa, A-OSH Expo and Facilities Management exhibitions

Dates: 31 May-2 June 2022 Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre Website: securex.co.za Contact: securex.co.za/contact Business Events Africa March 2022 25

PAGE COVER REIGNITING STRAP STORYEXHIBITONS

The Rand Show is back Following two years of notable absence – due to Covid-19 – one of Johannesburg’s longest-standing traditions is back. Rand Show 2022 returns to Nasrec in the week of 13 to 18 April 2022.

mong some of the biggest drawcards this year are an exclusive music festival featuring some of South Africa’s best-known artists; a reality cooking competition; adventurous all-day kids’ activities and activations, and, of course, exhilarating carnival rides. The Rand Show has been an important annual fixture in Johannesburg for 128 years. The show has now evolved to entertain 21st-century audiences with an eclectic mix of music, shopping, family entertainment and adrenaline-fuelled rides. Returning visitors to Rand Show 2022 are able to expect to find their old favourites like the ever-present carnival rides, helicopter flipping, exhibitors from a variety of retailers and food. But there are a few new attractions that have been added to the programme too. As the world begins its return to live events, by popular demand, Rand Show Live Music Concerts kicks off with a music festival from Friday 15 to Monday 18 April, showcasing the best local artists, with two A-list artists, per day, in the Main Arena. Tickets to the music festival may be purchased online. Music festival tickets also entitle ticketholders to free entry into the Rand Show. And multiple options for music festival bookings 26 Business Events Africa March 2022

are available, including VIP hospitality suites with a better view of the stage. For anyone with travel envy following lockdown restrictions, Rand Show 2022 will also be launching its first-ever Travel Experience. Find out more about both local and international travel destinations and enjoy a much-deserved trip after two years of ‘staycations’. This first-of-its-kind exhibition space will showcase a variety of renowned landmarks from all over the world, built at almost life-scale by experienced sculptors. Ticket holders will be able to experience international cities they have dreamed of visiting and take in attractions like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the idyllic shores of Mauritius and a choice of inspiring natural attractions. Foodies and reality show buffs will be coming together for the Jacaranda Clash of Kitchens — a cooking challenge open to teams of two with major prize money up for grabs and celebrity chefs choosing their top local cooks. Teams will be judged on creativity, taste and presentation. And mentor judges will be on hand to provide guidance and feedback. Petrolheads are able to gear up for advanced driving, drifting and exclusive launches while fashion connoisseurs

browse designer gear. For the kids, there will be a variety of all-day entertainment on offer, public service and government agencies will be onhand to answer any pressing questions about service delivery and enlisting in the SANDF, among other things. With new management at its helm, Rand Show 2022 is a fresh take on an old South African favourite and the ideal antidote to Covid lockdown fatigue.

The Rand Show

Dates: 13-18 April 2022 Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC) Corner Nasrec Road and Randshow Road, Johannesburg Website: https://randshow.co.za/ Email: exhibit@randshow.co.za www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET PAGE STRAP NEWS

JAMMs welcomes Angela Lorimer as lead chair Angela Lorimer has been appointed lead chair of the Joint Association Member Meeting Sessions (JAMMs). She has been a member of JAMMs since 2018. She represents SAACI as their chair for the Western Cape and is a member of Skål International Cape Town.

s Lorimer takes over the position of lead chair from Fiona Angelico, who has been lead chair from 2019-2021, representing Skål International South Africa as national president. JAMMs was formed in 2007. The original partners are CTT (Cape Town Tourism), SAACI (Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry), FEDHASA Cape (Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa) and SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association). Ms Lorimer said: “WESGRO recently joined JAMMs in a supportive role as well

as Skål, who has joined JAMMs as a partner. As a network of membershipdriven associations, we represent the bulk of mainstream tourism in the province. The reason JAMMS was formed was to create a platform for members to crosspollinate, network and share information as well as to discuss broad tourism issues that affect the tourism sector as a whole.” “As a representative body, we are uniquely placed to advocate jointly for key matters affecting the sector in the province, one example of this being the collective efforts of the JAMMs partners in responding to the #DayZero crisis,” she concluded.

Angela (right) is congratulated by outgoing Lead Chair Fiona Angelico.

Building back Exhibitions and Events together! The founding Associations of the SA Events Council have consistently provided essential information and support on event safety, business relief and venue capacity. Ensure you are ready for business by engaging with your association today.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

hello@saeventscouncil.org

Business Events Africa March 2022 27

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THE SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU 10 YEAR JOURNEY

In this anniversary feature, Business Events Africa looks back over the past ten years and takes a closer look at the SANCB; the people, the services, achievements; and the contribution it makes to the business events industry and the country, as well as congratulatory messages from industry leaders.

THE TIME TO RISE IS NOW, JOIN US. ForTHE destination expertise and support, contact the TIME TOconvention RISEplanning IS NOW, JOIN US. South Africa National Convention Bureau. For(0)11 destination and convention planning support, contact the T: +27 895 3000expertise | E: convention@southafrica.net | W: www.businessevents.southafrica.net South Africa National Convention Bureau.

T: +27 (0)11 895 3000 | E: convention@southafrica.net | W: www.businessevents.southafrica.net

28 Business Events Africa March 2022

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

The South Africa National Convention Bureau journey — 10 years on In 2012, when the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) was launched, the message was ‘Rise with Us’. Ten years down the line and the message is even more pertinent today. The business events sector has transformed into something more impactful, and the 'Rise with Us' message could be seen as one of hope today as we ‘reawaken’ our industry — after two years of living through a pandemic.

By Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa.

he SANCB launch came at a time when the business events industry in South Africa was beginning to make a mark on the international stage but needed some direction. South African Tourism had a business tourism unit prior to the inception of the SANCB. The core difference was that this unit marketed South Africa as a business tourism destination. The SANCB was

established to provide benchmarked convention bureau services and coordinate South Africa’s bidding initiatives. Over the past 10 years, the SANCB has certainly done this. The business events industry is now acknowledged as a standalone industry that works hand in hand with tourism. Business events go ‘beyond tourism’ and, over the years, the

What is the SANCB? The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is a ‘one-stop solution’ for organisers looking to plan either a faceto-face or hybrid business event in South Africa.

ocated in a unique destination offering unsurpassed natural beauty, the SANCB aligns with world-class expectations and is on hand to give you impartial advice and valuable support on all aspects of hosting and organising a successful business event in South Africa that will leave delegates informed and inspired. When it comes to business events, Covid-19 has accelerated the evolving needs of its clients, and the future of the industry. It has also forced progressive destinations and venues to rethink their identities beyond physical places www.businesseventsafrica.com

and spaces. So, over the last few years and working in conjunction with South Africa’s city or provincial convention bureau, the SANCB have evolved their offering in response to these trends and adopted a digital mindset. Offering an advanced bespoke, dedicated service to business events planners looking to host either hybrid or face to face events in one of the most distinctive destinations in the world. A world-class execution for a world-class experience that inspires thinking to keep moving forward to ensure growth and leave a legacy.

sector has, through research, shown that it has a significant economic impact on our country and its economy. South Africa’s excellent track record in international events has seen it host meetings such as United Nations COP17, International Diabetes Federation, and has hosted the International AIDS Conference twice, the 10th BRICS Summit, the World Economic Forum and, most recently, the Intra-African Trade Fair, in 2021. South Africa is one of a handful of countries that has hosted the International AIDS Conference twice, and has played host to most of the major sports world cups, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the Cricket and Rugby World Cups. In this anniversary feature, Business Events Africa looks back over the past ten years and all that the SANCB has achieved. The SANCB has grown and, over the years, has delivered the best services to the business events industry. Business Events Africa takes a closer look at the SANCB; the people, the services, achievements, and the contribution it makes to the business events industry and the country, as well as congratulatory messages from industry leaders. Business Events Africa March 2022 29

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating 10 years — one-on-one with Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) team celebrated the 10-year anniversary at Meetings Africa 2022 in Sandton, Johannesburg, SANCB’s flagship showcase.

he South Africa National Convention Bureau was formed in 2012 and launched at Meetings Africa. The task was to grow the business events industry in South Africa. The aim was to provide assistance to meeting, exhibition planners and incentive organisers who were considering South Africa as their next business events destination. Today, the SANCB’s primary mandate remains the same: to provide support, to market and sell the country as a business events destination, and its success in this regard is evident in the number of successful bids made over the past 10 years. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo chatted to Business Events Africa, reminiscing on the beginning of what has been an exciting journey. “I was appointed the head of the South Africa National Convention Bureau in November 2011, pre its inception.” “I joined SA Tourism following a successful tenure at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau where I held the position of head of the bureau for six years. During this time, I represented the organisation on the management committee of the Best Cities Global Alliance and served as chairperson for one term.” Under Ms Kotze-Nhlapo’s leadership, Meetings Africa, Africa’s premier business events trade exhibition, implemented its strategic positioning ‘Advancing Africa together’, focusing on developing the show into a truly Pan African showcase to the world. “One of the key contributions to Meetings Africa was the implementation of the first ever hosted buyer qualification process for the show which drastically improved the quality of buyers.” Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said that one of the highlights of the past 10 years has been the number of successful bids they have made in collaboration with the industry. She added that despite the Covid-19 situation, the SANCB still submitted, for the 2021/2022 financial year, 85 international and regional bids that culminated in the value of R1,2-billion and almost 41,322 delegates, and of these bids, 38 have been won and will be hosted in South Africa between 2023 and 2027. That is a highlight for me, that we could come out with such resilience.” Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said: “The other highlight for me is that we got the South African business events industry to really buy into our strategy and work together. Since the establishment of the SANCB, we 30 Business Events Africa March 2022

have partnered with ICCA Africa and SAACI on many projects, as well as the other trade associations, namely; AAXO, EXSA, Site Africa and the EGF. Over the past 10 years, the introduction of convention bureau in the various provinces and business events units, has been instrumental in assisting the SANCB in achieving its goals. The goal for the SANBC is to continue to win bids and to be able to assist provinces to have a seamless process when hosting international events and conferences. “I think that will be a real milestone for us, to get an equal spread of business to all provinces,” Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said. The bureau has already hosted events in Phokeng in North West, Upington in Northern Cape and Gariep Dam in the Free State during the pandemic. Ms Kotze-Nhlapo said, “My hope is that the national association programme may spill over to corporates, where corporates also venture out to these smaller towns and where the whole community will feel the impact of business events industry tourism.” “My vision, through the SANCB, is for the business events industry to be recognised as a significant contributor to the South African economy. Furthermore, through the SANCB, I would like to see South Africa continue to claim its part of the global business events industry and to fulfil its coordinating role in Africa.” “It is not about competition, it is about co-opetition,” said Ms Kotze-Nhlapo. “The process of countries bidding against one another to host international events presents opportunities for collaborations, as countries have much to learn from each other,” she said. “We are able to help build that knowledge economy on this continent.” “My long-term goal was to develop an African fraternity of associations and to be the voice of an ever-growing continent, which I believe will result in the necessary rotation, education and legacy for Africa. This vision has been realised through AfSAE (The African Society of Association Executives). SANCB was instrumental in the launch of AfSAE. What is AfSAE? The African Society of Association Executives is a professional society founded by and for African association executives and not-for-profit leaders

Ms Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo.

and the supplier partners who support them. The objectives are to provide professional development and networking opportunities among the professional managers working in associations across the African continent. In addition, we want to connect them to the wider global professional industry of not-for-profit management to learn and share best practices and find solutions to current challenges while learning about new trends and opportunities for not-for-profit organisations. How has the SANCB helped AfSAE with their deliverables? SANCB was the first partner to recognise the imperative and opportunity to develop and advance African association executives and the organisations that they serve. SANCB supported the launch of the organisation, partnered on educational platforms and continues to support the expansion of our capacity to reach and serve more African Association Executives. ICCA rankings Through improved research and coordination with the local industry and stakeholders, South Africa’s city rankings has continued to improve over the years. As per the last ICCA ranking, done in 2019, South Africa’s global ranking is 38. South Africa remained the number one business events destination in Africa and the Middle East (ICCA Ranking 2019). Due to the past two years, due to Covid-19, ICCA reports have replaced the annual ICCA rankings. SANCB will continue to assist the continent to improve its ICCA rankings and bring more business to its shores and the rest of the African continent. www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Market priorities

What is a convention bureau?

he SANCB focuses its efforts on attracting conferences in economic sectors that government had identified as priority sectors for future development. Through strategic lead development and bidding for meetings aligned with government development objectives, these sectors provide an opportunity for potential business events for South Africa and the African continent.

convention bureau is a destination’s marketing body, and its primary role is to market and sell the destination it’s representing. The SANCB was the first national convention bureau to launch on the African continent.

2012 – The beginning South Africa was aggressively pursuing a bigger share of the global business tourism market and former Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced that the newly established National Convention Bureau at South African Tourism would be critical in harnessing national business tourism efforts.

he South Africa National Convention Bureau was formed in 2012 and launched at Meetings Africa. The task was to grow the business events industry in South Africa. The SANCB would coordinate national bidding, undertake research, and collaborate with the business industry, to present a united front for destination SA. South African Tourism prepared an 18-month implementation plan for the bureau, including the preparation of a national bidding policy and guidelines for the selection of suitable events. The Bureau, through an extensive stakeholder engagement process, said it was working collaboratively with the business tourism industry on its activation strategy and business plan. In 2012, SA Tourism chief executive officer, Thulani Nzima said that the National Convention Bureau had been set up with a mandate to sell and market South Africa as a business events destination, but not to dictate to the industry. “There is now a formal partnership between cities and provincial convention bureau, provincial tourism organisations and the business events supplier community for the purpose of working collaboratively on the development of the industry.” The Business Events Coordinating Forum was formed in September 2012 and included – as members – heads of all cities and provincial convention bureau and business events units. Its role was to ensure that we work together and not against each other when attracting events to the country, so that everyone wins.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB structure

he SANCB structure has changed from when it was launched in 2012. The three units within the SANCB are MICE Sales, Exhibitions & Strategic Platforms and Business Events Development & Services Support. See each unit’s responsibilities below. MICE Sales • MICE Sales, Account and client management • Bidding • Bidding support

Exhibitions & Strategic Platforms • SANCB is mandated to execute strategic leisure and business trade platforms • Project manage and coordinate: > Meetings Africa > Africa’s Travel Indaba > Coordination of all the trade platforms

Minister of Tourism, Minister Van Schalkwyk, at the opening of Meetings Africa 2012, where he announced the launch of the SANCB.

In 2012, the South Africa National Convention Bureau announced the appointment of Gaining Edge as its sales representative company for the European and Asian markets. At that time, Gary Grimmer, chief executive officer of Gaining Edge said that South Africa had the proven capability, capacity, and an impressive track record when it came to the successful hosting of major international business events and incentives: “The world’s attention is shifting to Africa. There is no question that the meeting, convention and exhibition business will be growing exponentially there, and South Africa represents the most experienced, sophisticated and convenient staging place.” The South Africa National Convention Bureau’s campaign slogan at the time was ‘Rise with Us’.

Three international business shows that South African Tourism participates in under the South Africa National Convention Bureau umbrella: • IMEX Frankfurt • IMEX America • IBTM World Business Events Development & Services Support • On Site Event Support • Convention planning support • Delegate boosting • Business Development

THE LILIZELA TOURISM AWARDS These awards were launched in 2013 by the South African Minister of Tourism and they are South Africa’s premier travel and tourism recognition awards. The aim of the awards is to recognise and celebrate tourism and business events businesses for excellence, for their contribution to South Africa’s global competitiveness, and for growing tourism’s contribution towards GDP and job creation.

Business Events Africa March 2022 31

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The SANCB team CHIEF CONVENTION BUREAU OFFICER BUSINESS UNIT COORDINATOR

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo T: +27 (0)11 895 3212 C: +27 (0)82 333 6205 E: amanda@southafrica.net

GENERAL MANAGER: MICE SALES Bjorn Hufkie T: +27 (0)11 895 3097 C: +27 (0)82 839 4510 E: bjorn@southafrica.net

Mpho Mphago T: +27 (0)11 895 3094 C: +27 (0)71 892 8534 E: mphomp@southafrica.net

GENERAL MANAGER: EXHIBITIONS AND STRATEGIC EVENTS

HEAD: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES

Zinhle Nzama T: +27 (0)11 895 3040 3142 C: +27 (0)82 (0)60 929 529 5241 5027 E: neil@southafrica.net zinhle@southafrica.net

Bongiwe Nzeku T: +27 (0)11 895 3113 C: +27 (0)82 603 9393 E: bongiwen@southafrica.net

MICE SALES MANAGERS Merryl Fairfoot T: +27 (0)11 895 3114 C: +27 (0)71 316 1646 E: merryl@southafrica.net Tshepo Maseko T: +27 (0)11 895 3074 C: +27 (0)73 949 4077 E: tshepo@southafrica.net

MICE SALES OFFICERS • Associations (conventions) • Meetings & incentives Veruschka Rugbeer T: +27 (0)11 895 3136 C: +27 (0)82 461 5408 E: veruschka@southafrica.net Gugu Mchunu T: +27 (0)11 895 3115 C: +27 (0)78 099 9112 E: gugum@southafrica.net

EXECUTIVE PROJECT MANAGER: TRADE PLATFORMS • Indaba • Meetings Africa

SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR • Delegate boosting • Onsite support Nico Vilakazi T: +27 (0)11 895 3109 C: +27 (0)72 393 8593 E: nico@southafrica.net

Nitta Sukha T: +27 (0)11 895 3111 C: +27 (0)83 601 5377 E: nitta@southafrica.net

HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME OFFICERS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Swazi Dlamini T: +27 (0)11 895 3173 C: +27 (0)73 499 3234 E: swazi@southafrica.net

Sakhile Ndhlovu T: +27 (0)11 895 3183 C: +27 (0)76 265 5534 E: sakhile@southafrica.net

Fikiswa Mgolombane T: +27 (0)11 895 3009 C: +27 (0)79 302 9852 E: fikiswa@southafrica.net

STRATEGIC PLATFORMS AND EVENTS MANAGER Vacant T: +27 (0)11 895 3142 C: +27 (0)60 529 5027 E: zinhle@southafrica.net

STRATEGIC PLATFORMS COORDINATOR Mmabatho Sikhakhane T: +27 (0)11 895 3079 C: +27 (0)82 785 4168 E: mmabathos@southafrica.net

32 Business Events Africa March 2022

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SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Win as One In 2012, the Win as One pledge was unveiled at the SAACI Congress at the Indaba Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

he ‘Win as One’ pledge was unveiled at the SAACI congress in 2012. By signing the pledge, the business events industry players took the opportunity to commit in this public affirmation their support and collaboration as a partner to ‘sign up ultimately for the benefit of our destination, the profitability of business, the strength of our industry and the success of our economy’ through business events.

The Bidding I Support Programme

n 2016, the SANCB received an extra R90-million to establish the Bid Support Programme. The intention was to propel the SANCB forward on the hosting of business events, in order to allow South Africa to bid more aggressively for international association conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions. Definition of the Bidding Support Programme The bid support programme assists a destination with a value proposition to attract international business events to a destination. The support programme generally includes financial or nonfinancial support to organisations/ corporates/associations for the execution of projects that are aligned to

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government policies and priorities. Furthermore, the support may be utilised for support toward the hosting hosting requirement of the business event possible financial risks, civic receptions, direct subsidies and marketing support. Key objectives of the bidding support programme • Contribute towards achieving our growth strategy targets. • Achieve inclusive growth opportunities for SMMEs within the business events industry. • Contribute towards creating opportunities within the African market. • Creating regional spread opportunities and ensuring the spread of business across South Africa.

Business Events Africa March 2022 33

Bid Submissions

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Financial year: April 2015-March 2022

Won: 223

Estimated Economic Impact

R37,6-billion

541 SUBMISSIONS

Financial Bid Support for

354 submissions

Lost: 105

Financial Bid Support:

R161-million (up 2018)

Number of bids Number of bids 120 Impact due to the pandemic 100

119 108 93

40 67 20

0 2015 / 2016

2016 / 2017

34 Business Events Africa March 2022

2017 / 2018

2018 / 2019

2019 / 2020

2020 / 2021

2021 / 2022

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SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Financial Support for Bid Submissions Financial bid support Impact due to the pandemic

–120

R60m

R50m

–100

R40m –80

R119m

R30m

R36m

R20m

–60

R23m

R10m R13m R0m

R4m

2015 / 2016

2016 / 2017

R0m

–40

2017 / 2018

2018 / 2019

2019 / 2020

2020 / 2021

2021 / 2022

Number of Bid Submissions by Event Type Event type:

Associations

Corporate Meetings

Exhibitions

Incentives 9

Non Associations

Impact due to the pandemic

100 23

56 47 32

2015 / 2016

2016 / 2017

50 38

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2017 / 2018

2018 / 2019

2019 / 2020

2020 / 2021

2021 / 2022

Business Events Africa March 2022 35

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The SANCB’s five key support services T

he world is constantly changing. New concepts, business models, ways of working and technologies force businesses to adapt rapidly. Finding new ways to ensure success in an ever-changing environment, may be challenging for any business event organiser. With an understanding of this, the SANCB is there with you every step of the way. On hand, to offer advanced, yet simplified solutions that cater to the needs of business event organisers, associations, and delegates — ultimately making it easy for them to bid for and host a legacy-leaving event. Bid support Preparing a winning bid can seem daunting — the various bid materials, presentations and supporting documents to be collated can leave one feeling overwhelmed. With the added health and safety rules and regulations brought about by Covid-19, navigating it all may seem insurmountable. It is for this reason that our mandate at SANCB is to simplify the process and provide advisory and practical support every step of the way. As an organisation, we are on hand to walk this journey with you — making it easy for you to bid for and host a successful business event from, start to finish. Site inspection support Our SANCB team understands how vital this step is in securing the business event. Working with you, we will coordinate and invite key decision-makers to our amazing country in order to showcase our hosting capabilities. Our network of event professionals will work tirelessly to showcase our bid strategy and value proposition to the decision-makers. This is done by reinforcing our amazing venue/location options, accessibility, infrastructure, cuisine and entertainment. Convention planning support Any successful business event requires detailed planning, with a large number of stakeholders involved. Finding reliable venues/locations and innovative suppliers who can take your dream and turn it into an amazing one-of-a-kind event can be a challenge. As the SANCB this is where we shine! Delegate boosting support This is not a journey you need to walk alone. Using the creativity and artistic flair that South Africa is known for, the SANCB can assist with developing delegate boosting campaigns, using cutting-edge digital marketing and experiential activations to promote your business event to potential attendees. On-site services The SANCB understands that a lot goes into planning and hosting that perfect event that delights delegates and leaves a legacy. This is why we are on hand to provide support every single step of the way. With this understanding, we identify and assist in services that we know enhance the delegate’s experiences pre and post the actual event. What are on-site event services? • Travel arrangements and activities for accompanying persons • Welcome stands and airport transfers • Cultural entertainment • Activity/local attraction bookings • Personalised gifts • Support towards on-site elements of the event

36 Business Events Africa March 2022

The value of trade shows Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau, said: “SA Tourism, through the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), has identified trade exhibition shows as one of the key strategic focuses in growing economic activity as well as a number of delegates to South Africa.” South African Tourism has two types of trade shows and these are classified as either business or leisure shows. The SANCB is mandated to execute strategic leisure and business trade platforms: • Project manage and coordinate: > Meetings Africa > Africa’s Travel Indaba • The Lilizela Tourism Awards • Coordination of all the trade platforms Below are the four international business shows that South African Tourism participates in, under the South Africa National Convention Bureau umbrella: • IMEX Frankfurt • IMEX America • IBTM World In the drive to open international and local platforms to all South Africans, several SMMEs were hosted on these platforms over the last 10 years.

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SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

MICE Masterclass at BONDay during Meetings Africa 2022.

Delegates atttending BONDay during Meetings Africa 2022.

A delegate making a purchase from a stall at the Sustainability Village during Meetings Africa 2022.

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Business Events Africa March 2022 37

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Business Trade Shows

FRANKFURT 31 MAY – 2 JUNE 2022

CIBTM IBTM China 2022

IMEX FRANKFURT • IMEX Frankfurt is the tradeshow and global industry event run by meetings professionals for meetings professionals. • It’s where all the influencers from the world of meetings, events and incentive travel gather for three electric days of business, innovation and networking. • IMEX Frankfurt is the perfect business forum welcoming over 3,500 global exhibitors in a comprehensive range featuring tourist boards, international hotel companies, airlines, destination management companies, technology providers and many more. • The show presents quality business networking opportunities to all professional participants, who may also get in touch with prospective trade partners. • More than 70 highly informative educational sessions and seminars are scheduled during the show, to update all attendees regarding the currently prevailing market trends and developments from this sector. • IMEX is also renowned for attracting top-quality hosted buyers, so along with the thousands of trade visitors, you may expect up to 15,000 senior decisionmakers to mix and do business with. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats.

IBTM CHINA • Ibtm (Incentive, Business Travel and Meeting Exhibition for Travel and Tourism) China provides the ultimate platform for the world’s leading suppliers to the MICE industry to meet top level buyers with strong purchasing power who are responsible for organising and planning meetings, events and business travel, both in China, Asia and the rest of the world. • Ibtm China has over 4,000 attendees from around the world. • Exhibitors include: international venues, hotels, destinations, technology, business travel and events services providers essential for your meetings, conferences, incentives and events. • Ibtm China attracts buyers, event planners and all those involved in the decision-making process for meetings, events, conferences, incentives, as well as those involved in booking and buying business travel/group travel. • The unique Hosted Buyer Programme sets ibtm China apart from other exhibitions, hosting over 450 top level decision makers who place international business and facilitating over 8,900 one-to-one appointments between exhibitors and buyers. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats.

38 Business Events Africa March 2022

LAS VEGAS 11-13 OCTOBER 2022 IMEX AMERICA IMEX, one of the premier global business event trade shows hosted in Las Vegas, presents quality business networking opportunities to all professional participants, who can also get in touch with prospective trade partners. It is the largest business events exhibition in the Americas with an expected 2,000 buyers in attendance. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats.

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SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

3-5 May 2022 Durban ICC 2 May 2022 BONDay IBTM WORLD • ibtm World (formerly known as EIBTM) is a great opportunity for you to get in front of the industries’ finest trade professionals and international buyers. • A place to grow your business in the meetings, events, conference, incentives and business travel industry. • Through highly targeted introductions, Ibtm World brings you face to face with the right people in the right organisations, to build relations, develop your business and expand your knowledge. • As an established exhibitor or a newcomer, the show’s focus is to bring key buyers and new business opportunities to all participants. • ibtm World is constantly evolving and innovating to stay ahead of the market. 3,000 global exhibitors and 15,500 industry professionals gather to attend each year and the unique Hosted Buyer Programme sets IBTM World apart, hosting top level decision makers who place international business, and facilitating one-to-one appointments between exhibitors and buyers. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats.

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Africa’s Travel Indaba The Africa’s Travel INDABA (Previously known as INDABA) Exhibition is a business-to-business platform created by South African Tourism to encourage global dialogue to sell South Africa as a preferred destination. INDABA is already the largest and most prestigious travel and tourism exhibition in Africa. It is one of the largest leisure tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar. INDABA has a solid base and an ever-growing number of exhibitors from South Africa and other African countries. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. Africa’s Travel INDABA has become a formidable business trade show platform for leisure products, with a focus on all tiers of products and experiences, and with a specific focus on the transformation and development of Small and Medium Enterprises. Value Proposition • A proven track record of yearon-year participation growth — the show has been in existence for more than 30 years; • Almost 50,000 (48,551) scheduled diary meetings, 18,908 confirmed, with a ratio of 11 meetings per diary holder over a period of three days; • More than 1,500 buyers — 420 hosted buyers, 1,137 non-hosted; • 1,094 exhibiting companies. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats.

28 Feb 2023 to 2 Mar 2023 Sandton Convention Centre Meetings Africa Meetings Africa has earned its place as Africa’s premier business events trade show. The show attracts quality buyers from around the world and superior business events products and services from across the continent. Meetings Africa is a tool for collaborative African growth. With the SANCB’s involvement and leadership, Meetings Africa has grown significantly. It has become the preferred meeting place for the business events industry on the African continent. It offers international buyers and exhibitors an African platform to meet and bring together global industry leaders to advance the business events industry on the continent. Value Proposition • A proven track record of year-on-year participation growth; • More than 12,000 trackable diary meetings, with a ratio of 18 meetings per diary holder over a period of two days; • More than 400 vetted hosted buyers and 300 exhibitors who have undergone stringent evaluation to be selected for participation; • Exhibitors can enjoy numerous participation benefits in the form of discount structures and participation in the BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day), as well as access to key networking opportunities; • A unique, robust Hosted Buyer Programme which offers Pre or Post Show Tours that showcase the destination and the Business Events offering. *The above numbers reflect pre-Covid stats. Business Events Africa March 2022 39

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Messages Dirk Elzinga, a past chief executive officer of CTICC

or many years, a special desk at South Africa Tourism was dedicated to the promotion of South Africa as a destination for international meetings and events. South Africa Tourism could be regarded as a front runner amongst its international colleagues. Already, way back in the eighties, I met representatives of SA Tourism at annual international ICCA conferences around the world! The opening of three truly state-of-theart international convention centres in the country at the end of the nineties and the beginning of this century (ICC Durban, Sandton Convention Centre and CTICC) made SA Tourism think again about how this important sector of the tourism sector could get more support from the government agency. Several convention specialists were successively appointed to prepare for a National Convention Bureau, but it took until 2011 for the SANCB to be formally created as part of SA Tourism. The industry was happy. It could also make itself heard after an SA Tourism marketing subcommittee was established in 2013, with seven industry representatives as its members, specifically tasked with assisting the management of the SANCB to plot its strategies. I’ve been honoured to be one of those seven committee members for several years in a row. I was privileged to see, from the front row, how professionally Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo and her team put the SANCB to work, how successfully they became over the years, anually attracting dozens of international meetings to take place in our country at

40 Business Events Africa March 2022

the southern tip of the African continent. One of the first important decisions taken in 2013 was to create a national subvention fund assisting international meetings to bring their events to South Africa. SA Tourism managed to get this fund going with a starting budget of no less than R90-million as I remember, a spectacular start that gained international respect. Although personally, I believed at that time that the world ‘owed’ us to host their international meetings and that a subvention fund was maybe unnecessary, the day-to-day reality proved how wrong I was. We had become part of an international field of competing destinations. We wanted to compete with the best of the world, so we needed comparable tools to be successful. The SANCB team deserves compliments and congratulations for its achievements in the past decade. Not only for South Africa, but I would say for the whole continent. Many African countries came to be inspired by SANCB; they could and are able to always count on thorough advice and also always welcome at Meetings Africa. Together making Africa stronger! I wish the SANCB team good luck and many successes in the decades that will follow this memorable first one!

transformation. Hosting international conventions is a powerful strategy for building Africa’s trade and intellectual networks. Africa’s future is all about connecting, innovating and building. By bringing a world of thought leaders, investors and innovators to your country, SANCB is helping South Africa to succeed even better than before. And SANCB is also the model that other African nations may emulate to help achieve their own social and economic progress. As usual, South Africa leads the way, and in terms of the global convention industry’s engagement with Africa, SANCB is the beacon on the hill. Congratulations to SAT, to Amanda and the team and to the business events industry in South Africa for your collaborative efforts and success in building SANCB. It is unbelievable that it’s been 10 years! Wishing you great success as you continue to set the standard.” James Latham, founder and producer of the Iceberg presented by The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC)

Gary Grimmer, executive chairman of Gaining Edge

I I

always look back on my times working with SAT on establishing the SANCB as one of the best projects ever. Setting up the first national bureau in Africa was important, not just for South Africa but for all of Africa. Hopefully, the 21st century will be Africa’s century of growth and

n SANCB’s 10 years, this organisation has transformed the business events landscape, and managed, through coordination, to deliver quality business events to international clients. These clients demand a coordinated body to approach and deal with, particularly in the bid process, because they require centralised access to local expertise and communities, and supply chains, relevant to the purpose of the event. In this regard, SANCB has been the capacity builder that has resulted in the successful growth of bid wins and immediate impacts in supply chain www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Messages consumption (tourism), but also the knowledge transfer, inward investment, and talent acquisition as legacies of these events which have longer lasting enrichment of the economy and society. Furthermore, the increased client focus on intellectual capital has meant that SANCB has been able to coordinate sector-specific events within South Africa and deliver support to the clients. For South Africa itself, the alignment of intellectual capital to the purpose of the events has ensured that these medical, industrial, and creative industry outcomes and legacies have resulted in growth, employment, and capacity building within these sectors and places. With this client and government sector priority focus, SANCB has not only secured a greater visitor economy, but also accelerated other sectors of the knowledge and creative economy of South Africa, and the whole of Africa with its emphasis upon Advancing Africa Together. Of course, as political administrations pass through the electoral windows of democracy in South Africa, there needs to be consistency of client contact. This is particularly true of the association sector, which requires anything up to seven years’ lead time from initial bid invitation to hosting the convention, congress, or conference. I applaud the work of Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo and her team who have weathered the passage of political time to ensure consistency of offer from South Africa’s business events community for which all stakeholders – especially potential clients and the SA government – will, and should be, extremely grateful. Amanda understands the importance of the role of business and professional events ‘including yet beyond tourism’ by being client-centric. As a result, she has secured more business, seeded greater cross-sector growth and development, and immediate tourism gains for South Africa and the continent of Africa. Africa deserves a larger share of the international association events sector, but SANCB has provided the platforms, including the great Meetings Africa event as the baseline required to be in the game. As sustainability and the SDGs become the hat stand of destination selection and – provided the South African government maintains the www.businesseventsafrica.com

wisdom of its funding support for the SANCB – then South Africa, and Africa as a whole, can expect even greater success in the business and professional events sector. Long live the SANCB. Senthil Gopinath, chief executive officer of ICCA

he culmination of SANCB a decade ago created the vision for the meetings industry of South Africa and, to a greater extent, to the continent of Africa. Indeed, it was a special moment and a validation of professionalism for the convention industry in South Africa. ICCA is proud to work in close partnership with the SANCB, enhancing the common purpose of growing the meetings industry on the entire continent. SANCB’s role in strategising the growth of the meetings industry and developing the knowledge economy is commendable. The leadership of SANCB has been continuously working towards achieving social-economic development for South Africa and achieving sustainable growth. I wish the SANCB great success in its future endeavours.

t is wonderful to see the progressive advancement, success, and continued momentum of the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) since its formation in 2012. Prior to this period, as the global business tourism portfolio manager at South African Tourism, I was responsible for the development, leadership and implementation of the South Africa National Business Tourism Growth Strategy, and the establishment of SANCB was the ideal vehicle to advance South Africa’s business events proposition and elevate the social and economic value business events deliver to the visitor and knowledge economy. I feel very proud to have been part of the pioneering team that worked so passionately to garner recognition of our industry sector, and I commend the efforts of the SANCB team for achieving industry recognition and major success as they celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Bureau.

Esmare Steinhofel, regional director Africa of ICCA

Angeline Lue-van den Broecke

ongratulations to the South Africa National Convention Bureau for celebrating 10 years. The SANCB has also been instrumental in assisting industry stakeholders, local and regional association executives by means of their various projects and programmes. ICCA is also proud to be a business partner of the SANCB and is looking forward to working with them going forward. Business Events Africa March 2022 41

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Messages Taubie Motlhabane, chief executive officer of CTICC

Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has been instrumental in positioning South African cities and venues on the global business events map. They have done this through their excellent research, sales and marketing activities and provision of valuable conference support packages. Here’s wishing this amazing team many more years of successfully bringing business events to South Africa.

Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of Durban ICC

Jeffers Miruka, AfSAE President (outgoing)

he importance of convention bureau in the success of the business events industry cannot be overstated. The South Africa National Convention Bureau has been instrumental in the success of our industry. We are grateful for the work they have done in the last 10 years and look forward to more success (especially after Covid) in the next 10 years! Congratulations to the team. You have a lot to be proud of. Julie-May Ellingson (former chief executive officer of Cape Town International Convention Centre and former chief executive officer of Durban International Convention Centre)

ongratulations to Amanda and the entire CVB team for their superb work over the past ten years. The South

42 Business Events Africa March 2022

became involved with the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) way back in 2015 when I participated, for the first-time, during Meetings Africa. Since then, I have come to learn and understand their role as a key leader and player in the business events industry, not only in South Africa but also around Africa. Without SANCB, we wouldn’t have AfSAE. They single-handedly helped to establish the society and have supported it to this day. SANCB has been a source of growth, learning and creating networks in our sector. They have inspired other African countries to equally establish convention bureau and worked closely with them to promote and position Africa as an equal player in the global business events industry. As they mark their 10th Anniversary, let it be known that through their leadership, SANCB has greatly helped to grow the business events environment in South Africa and Africa as a whole.

e are honoured to extend our warmest celebratory wishes to the SANCB, congratulating them on this important milestone of reaching a decade in existence. Over the years, we have come to view the SANCB as an invaluable partner, when it comes to marketing Durban and the beautiful Province of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. The role they played in attracting iconic events to our shores has immensely contributed positively to the economic development for the city. The SANCB has added exceptional value to the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition markets. One cannot underestimate the importance of business events and the favourable impact the SANCB has had on contributing to the growth of the economy and tourism in South Africa. We look forward to working even more closely with the SANCB over the next 10 years and are confident that, together, we will secure even more world class conferences and events. Miller Matola, chief executive officer of Millvest (Past chief executive officer of Durban ICC and past chief executive officer of Brand SA)

ver the past ten years, the SANCB has made an immense contribution to the www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Messages competitive positioning of the business events sector as a critical contributor to South Africa’s economy. Since its establishment, the SANCB has played a significant role in the growth of South Africa’s share of the business events market through active collaboration and cooperation with the industry to bid for and secure international meetings for the country. In our interactions with the SANCB over the past decade, they have demonstrated high levels of professionalism, a strong understanding of the business events sector and critically, an unflinching commitment to undertake and support initiatives to secure business events and develop the sector in South Africa and across the continent. As the SANCB celebrates a decade of making a difference, we wish them well and look forward to many more years of contribution to the sector and the country’s economy. Sonto Mayise, general manager of Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau

Mati Nyazema (Sandton Convention Centre executive director from 2006 to 2016)

ongratulations to Amanda and the SANCB team on the occasion of their 10th anniversary. As then-executive director of the Sandton Convention Centre, I was privileged to witness the launch of the SANCB. This was a defining moment for our industry as it signalled the creation of a dedicated team focusing on the promotion of the meetings, exhibitions, events and incentives industry in South Africa. Led by Amanda, I also served for a while on the board of the SANCB, witnessing the growth of our bidding structure and success in winning bids as a destination. Wishing you all another great 10 years, and more. Monika Iuel, Chief Marketing Officer, Wesgro

n the occasion of the South African National Convention Bureau’s 10th anniversary, the Kwazulu-Natal Convention Bureau has great pleasure in extending our best wishes and congratulations, and in wishing them all the best, further progress and prosperity as they continue growing the economy of our country through business events. In the coming years, I hope that the ties between our provinces will continue to grow and strengthen our sector in growing our economy together… as we are stronger together! Here’s to many more…

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esgro, the Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, congratulate the South African National Convention Bureau on their 10-year anniversary. Since inception, the SANCB’s vision has been to promote the country as a destination to host business events, using a shared value proposition. Business events add to the macro and micro economic growth of the country. This was the motivation provided to National Treasury in securing a Subvention Fund. To remain a competitive destination to host business events, the fund has been instrumental to the Western Cape securing

events since it was launched in 2017. The SANCB is an important partner in the bidding process as it lends support across the bid process, to maximize South Africa’s chances of winning events. Together with the SANCB, Cape Town and Western Cape can enhance its bids and provide support services to clients during the staging of business events. Together with the work conducted by the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, the SANCB can align with the National Government’s priority sectors for growth and development. Kwakye Donkor, Africa Tourism Partners

TP congratulates the SANCB for having played a major role in achieving great successes in the business events space in Africa. It has been a very productive 10 years. This was never an accident, but as a result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort by the SANCB. I am personally proud of this milestone. Considering this, ATP will continue to collaborate and support South African Tourism through our annual Pan-African initiatives, including but not limited to Africa Business and MICE Masterclass and Africa Tourism Leadership Forum. Happy anniversary! Justin Hawes, Treasurer: Event Greening Forum

e thank the SANCB for all the support that it has given the Event Greening Forum over the years. The SANCB is at the forefront of event greening and has made sustainability an important part of its events. Some of its initiatives include Business Events Africa March 2022 43

PAGE SANCBSTRAP 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Messages implementing Green Awards for exhibitors, creating a Craft Village sustainable gifting programme, and conducting a green audit post-event. Congratulations to the SANCB on 10 successful and sustainable years!

Projeni Pather, AAXO chairperson and managing director of Exposure Marketing

our exceptional industry partners and stakeholders — we look forward to another successful decade ahead.” Tes Proos, president of Site Africa

James Seymour, past chief executive officer of Durban KZN Convention Bureau (From 2010 to 2018)

A C

ongratulations on your tenth anniversary. I will never forget the invaluable support you provided during my tenure as the chief convention bureau officer of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. From 2010 to 2018, you assisted significantly to: • establish this body into a fully-fledged business event marketing agency; • secure, on average, R1-billion per annum for the KwaZulu-Natal economy in terms of business events bids that were guaranteed; • host at least 20 international and African association meetings in KwaZulu-Natal per annum; • help Durban to achieve an ICCA ranking of 100 for international association meetings hosted; • secure the World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Business Event Destination (not ICC) for KwaZulu-Natal on two occasions; and • win mega-events for Durban such as the World Forestry Congress and the World Aids Congress for a second time. We even secured the International Rotary Congress, only to lose the right to host, because of a lack of hotel rooms, even though Durban had enough quality accommodation. Thank you for what you do. South Africa is now a destination of choice for major international business events.

44 Business Events Africa March 2022

big thank you to SANCB for opening South Africa’s window to the world and lighting the pathways to our diverse offering as a country. May you continue collaborating with us, with consistent support, to strengthen the exhibition and events sector. As an industry, we strive to embellish the many platforms that present South Africa to the world. Glenton De Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry

AACI is extremely proud that the South Africa National Conventions Bureau has played a pivotal role in the past decade in elevating South Africa's position on the world stage. From attracting the most sought-after global meetings and community events that leave lasting legacies, to setting new industry standards in sustainability and service — it has been a remarkable 10 years. This success is a testament to the passion and dedication of the team at the South Africa National Convention Bureau and the support from

ith the inception of the National Convention Bureau 10 years ago, we could have not received a more rewarding outcome for South Africa as a destination, and for more valued support for us as SITE. SITE Africa is very proud to have been associated with the SANCB since its inception in 2012. The collaboration between the SANCB and SITE Africa has been invaluable to support development and sustainability for the inbound incentive travel market. Being the ‘I’ in MICE, our partnership with SANCB and Meetings Africa has enabled our destination to showcase its best to international buyers as well as develop new products and services to highly fluid demands from our clients. We congratulate the SANCB on its 10th birthday. SITE Africa looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the SANCB, together building our incentive industry for the next 10 years. The EXSA board

XSA would like to congratulate the SANCB as they celebrate 10 years of success. It has always been a pleasure working with you… and we treasure the strong ties and relationship we have built. Wishing you many more years of EXSA-llence. www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAGE STRAP

Testimonials We hosted a small welcome function in a large room with high open eaves, the delegates enjoyed the interaction after having none for so long and felt comfortable and safe within the space and the measures in place. We would not have been able to provide this function without SANCB support. Most of the medical fraternity have suffered huge financial losses due to Covid, with the closure of operating theatres and hospital wards, as well as the reluctance of their patients to go to hospitals inbetween Covid waves. SANCB assistance enabled us to lower the registration fees and thereby attract more delegates to the conference. Denise Kemp, Eastern Sun Events (PCO) Hepato-pancreato-biliary Association

SANCB allowed us to bring in key buyers from around the world and meet – in-person – leading industry partners. This has sparked a lot of business but, more so, made international hosted buyers experience how well-run and organised South Africa is and what a superb destination it is for events. Rex Bowden, Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA)

With our membership spread over South Africa, the board was still keen to host a virtual event. The assistance from the Bid Support Programme allowed for that extra support funding to lower the risk of potential losses of an in-person event. Marianne Botes, South African Facilities Management Association

The South African National Convention Bureau has been one of the outstanding partners that have been instrumental in supporting JCI South Africa position South Africa as a business and tourism destination, and in showcasing South Africans as globally competitive people. With their support, we have been able to successfully bid and host JCI international events in our country. Ms Simphiwe Zuma, JCI – Junior Chamber International South Africa

Entertainers at the opening of Africa's Travel and Tourism Summit. Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit was hosted simultaneously in three major cities in Africa – Johannesburg, Durban and Lagos – between 19 and 21 September 2021. The hybrid event gave delegates from around the world the option to attend either physically or virtually. It also gave those outside of Africa the opportunity to be a part of the Summit as they could schedule events according to their time zone. Centred on the theme of Re-awakening Africa, the Summit called on all tourism players throughout the continent and all global tourism friends and partners to reflect, reimagine and reignite the sector in a world still ravaged by Covid-19.

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PAGE STRAP

we are open

46 Business Events Africa March 2022

www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE STRAP

For more information: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business/page/about-south-africa www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa March 2022 47

PAGE STRAP SUPPLIER NEWS OF THE MONTH

Stand out from the crowd — with Barmotion Barmotion has all your corporate event hospitality needs covered, from product launches, brand activations, roadshows, to internal office events. Energise and personalise your events with genuine, brand-centred hospitality.

armotion is more than just a mobile bar company, it is a complete and unique below-theline marketing solution that works wonders in boosting the client’s brand’s presence at any event or exhibition stand. Barmotion offers a full turnkey solution, specifically tailored to

48 Business Events Africa March 2022

the client’s requirements. Alexia Swart (Lex), managing director of Barmotion, said: “We pride ourselves in being the best in our industry and strive to ensure that we create a memorable first impression for your brand at any event. Our team are certified Barmotion ‘rock stars’ who go above and beyond, and I am

very proud of them all.” “The Barmotion ‘rock stars’ are all trained and fully certified to be perfect brand ambassadors — whipping up a buzz and a vibe to make your event rock, making your guests and visitors feel not only welcome, but appreciated and valued. Our rock stars are experts in

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SUPPLIER OF THE PAGEMONTH STRAP NEWS

creating a great first impression, setting the scene for a positive experience and interaction for every visitor or delegate.” “We carefully wrap our cosmopolitan hospitality solutions, from coffee bars to pop-up sushi stands, around your brands to create those all-important emotional and personal moments when people share food and drink together,” she said. Lex added: “Our extensive experience and knowledge in the events, marketing and hospitality sector let us understand what’s key to achieving the results you need, and we offer the best in service to our clients.” Lex said that event hospitality is the perfect corporate branding opportunity, and it’s what we do best. “We offer a wide range of branding solutions to match each of our bars and outlets and make it as easy as possible for you to choose what you need. Every branding solution we offer is built to match our standard bars; you simply choose the options you want and we do the rest.” Barmotion understands how important it is to integrate your message across as many touchpoints as possible, for the maximum desired effect — delegates and attendees will walk away with your brand top-of-mind and literally in their hands. “We offer a hands-on approach, taking the time to understand your brand and its values, so we can meet your brief with a first-class hospitality solution,” she added. Lex further added: “Branded hospitality for corporate events is a tool to bring people together for a moment in promoting communication, opening channels and networking. Choose healthy options, sweet treats and even gourmet dishes for your guests, branded with your company identity or key campaign messages, and integrate them into your event with our carefully thought-out turnkey service.” “Exhibition stands are all about making a splash, attracting visitors to your stand, and keeping them there long enough to fulfil those all-important business objectives. There’s no better way to bring

people to your stand and keep them there, than the kind of first-class hospitality which we provide. Whether it’s that perfectly made coffee they need when their enthusiasm and energy flags at the end of the day, or a bright, zesty smoothie when the show opens, we know how exhibitions work and what visitors need and want throughout the day. It’s the perfect drawcard to attract delegates onto your exhibition stands and boost your brand’s presence,” she added. Let Barmotion become an extension of your brand and allow the Barmotion ‘rock stars’ promote your business through our services — while you focus on building relationships with your target audience. Lex said: “As experienced exhibitors, we can work closely with your stand builder to ensure all power and space requirements are met too.” “We understand the importance of making an exceptional first impression — and we take this seriously! Call us today and discover just how good hospitality can be. We love what we do, and we are proud to say that we’re the best,” she concluded. Why Choose Barmotion: • We have over 12 years of experience in the events sector. • We are a reliable and professional service. • Industry-leading equipment, with backup units on standby. • We use the highest-quality ingredients. • We devise unique event solutions. Solutions We Offer • Exhibition hospitality. • Product launches. • Organisational incentives. • Conferences. • Wellness days. • Corporate and private functions. • Roadshows… and much more! Contact details Tel: 0861 937 625 Email: info@barmotion.co.za Website: www.barmotion.co.za

Providing Mobile Bars & Hospitality Solutions for any Event & Business Expo Events Africa March 2022 www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE HOTEL VENUE STRAP GROUP NEWS FEATURE

The Capital Mbombela, Nelspruit.

The Capital Hotels and Apartments for conference and events Make your meetings and events a breeze at The Capital. Across their 51 conference venues, choose an impressive and evocative setting for your meetings, product launches, events, galas, corporate getaways, incentive travel and other social events. The Capital caters for business and leisure travel with impressive facilities and experiences, therefore booking a corporate getaway makes perfect sense.

edicated professional banqueting teams partner with clients, ensuring that meetings of all sizes are a total success. Delegates are treated to the finest, custom-crafted cuisine, prepared by chefs who’ve polished their culinary skills and are experienced in delivering excellent dishes for small and big events alike. Superb meeting spaces are matched by modern and slick rooms, making overnight conferences a pleasure; guests have a choice of standard rooms, suites, studios and apartments. Guests also

The Emerald Lounge & Restaurant at The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape Town.

50 Business Events Africa March 2022

Tech-enhanced venues The Capital’s tech enhanced venues feature superfast and secure connectivity with enough bandwidth to stream live broadcasts to off-site delegates, allowing the hosting of Hybrid events with ease, ensuring clients have the best of both worlds.

Pioneering a new type of workspace In a post-pandemic world, for many companies, a one-size-fits-all return-towork base has become an outdated concept. Employers are giving their teams flexibility and choice. In the past two years we have learnt new ways of working — have developed new rituals, new rules and behaviours that help us cope with complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty exacerbated by Covid. These ‘new’ work habits and behaviours have now become an integral part of our lives.

Event setup at The Capital On The Park, in Sandton, Johannesburg.

ElevATE Restaurant at The Capital Mbombela, Nelspruit.

enjoy complimentary high speed uncapped Wi-Fi, in-room complimentary tea/coffee stations, in-room dining service, onsite gym and pool, and in-house entertainment programmes.

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HOTEL GROUP VENUE PAGE FEATURE STRAP NEWS

Event setup at The Capital On The Park in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Entertainer at the official launch of The Capital 15 on Orange in Cape Town.

This has resulted in The Capital becoming a natural choice as a new work base. Common working spaces allow guests to set their temporary offices for the day at The Capital hotels. Whether it’s The Club lounge at The Capital Zimbali, magnificent restaurant at The Capital Pearls or the lobby and Deli Express at The Capital On The Park, a work base has the ability to be anywhere.

additional spaces, including the restaurant and foyer, that may be used as the perfect cocktail reception or coffee break area. Facilities include audio-visual equipment, and their experienced dedicated events team is on hand to help with all your meeting needs. Mangwanani Signature Spa offers express spa treatments and guests are able to take advantage of onsite IV Therapy sessions too, at an additional cost.

New venues The Capital Mbombela opened doors in November 2021 and this head-turning landmark comes with Mbombela’s newest conference centre, one of the largest venues in the city. Well-designed meeting rooms with built-in state-of-the-art tech, connects and empowers guests for hybrid meetings. Floor to wall windows engulfs delegates in natural light in the largest venue and chefs create meals to energise and delight guests. The Capital Zimbali opened doors in December 2021, after a substantial renovation. The Conference Centre hosts upwards of 700 attendees with Jubilee Ballroom hosting up to 500, banquet style. The Conference Centre has five venues and two meeting rooms. There are also

Epic Experiences The Capital 15 on Orange is bringing to the Cape Town City Bowl – for the first time – DinnerTimeStoriesSA | Le Petit Chef Southern Africa. A mind blowing, innovative, unique, internationally acclaimed, gastronomic experience full of ‘Never-to-be-Forgotten’ tabletop projected fun and surprises. The mood, music, table patterns, props and decoration all change with the chapters of the story, promising to immerse you in the most eye-catching ‘meal’ you will ever see — guaranteed! This is a lovely add-on experience that may be added to the delegates’ experience at an additional cost. The Capital Zimbali has partnered with Inverroche and launched the Gin Academy — the first of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Club Lounge at The Capital Zimbali.

Private Dining Room – The Capital 15 on Orange.

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Guests experience a world of fascinating flavours that engage the senses. Tantalising the taste buds, captivating scents and stunning creations make this a must-do activity. The three-hour experience includes: • An Inverroche welcome drink and canapes during the class (and some gin tasting, of course). • Gin Distillation Masterclass where guests produce their own personalised 500 ml bottle of Inverroche gin to take home and enjoy. • Daily times: 10:30-13:30 and 16:30-19:30. • Activity is at an additional cost. Live it up/Turn it up The Capital Mbombela, The Capital On The Park and The Capital Zimbali have weekend DJs and live entertainment at their pool decks. Conference guests are invited to join in the fun. Contact information: For more details, please contact the hotels directly or – Email: reservations@thecapital.co.za Tel: +27 (0)11 290 9700 Website: thecapital.co.za

The Octagon The Capital Menlyn Maine.

Business Events Africa March 2022 51

The ideal place for your next event.

Discover our venues and see why we are the perfect destination for your conference or event.

requirements. • Conference guests enjoy the hotel vibe and in-house experiences. • Cosmopolitan hotel rooms, suites and apartments for a fantastic stay. • Expert teams will work side-by-side with you to ensure that everything is planned with precision, meets your requirements, and is on budget.

• Location, location, location – we put you in the hub. • Our tech enhanced venues facilitate hybrid events giving you the best of both worlds. • A variety of scalable venues that fit your

Central Reservations reservations@thecapital.co.za +27 (0)11 290 9700

thecapital.co.za

JOHANNESBURG | PRETORIA | DURBAN | CAPE TOWN | MBOMBELA

RIGHT, WHERE YOU NEED TO BE

VENUE PAGE STRAP NEWS

Century City Hotels opens new purpose-built Bridgewater Hotel Century City Hotels recently announced the launch of their new offering, Bridgewater Hotel, a purpose-built hotel ideally suited to the modern business traveller.

he new hotel was built in response to the increase in demand for rooms in the Century City precinct to cater to the Century City Conference Centre delegates. This was as a result of the overwhelming success and popularity of its existing hotel, the Urban Square Hotel and additional accommodation in the precinct. The stylish 80-room property overlooks a tranquil six-hectare parkland of islands and waterways, yet it is just a stroll from the buzz and bustle of Century City’s vibrant Urban Square and a stone’s throw from

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the ever-popular Canal Walk Shopping Centre. To celebrate the benefits of this unique location, the new hotel has been designed to create a zone of tranquillity in the heart of activity. Sitting at the intersection of natural beauty and urban energy, Bridgewater Hotel offers guests a wide variety of activities to choose from, all within easy walking distance. These include running, cycling, canoeing, and stand-up paddling on the extensive waterways of Ratanga Park and the Grand Canal.

Hi-tech, low-touch hospitality With innovation and convenience at the core of its offering, Bridgewater Hotel is equipped with all of the latest trends in hospitality technology. From the option of a frictionless digital check-in and the thoughtful provision of power points throughout all the public areas, to the ease and speed of the free, hotel-wide Wi-Fi. All of the rooms have got intelligent TVs, conveniently loaded with the popular streaming apps, Netflix and YouTube.

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PAGE A LOCAL STRAP PERSPECTIVE

Hospitality graduates are high in demand Corporate sector companies are increasingly appointing hospitality management graduates to senior positions outside of their traditional roles, particularly due to their ability to interface effectively with the public and handle diverse crises, an education expert says.

n the wake of the pandemic and lockdown measures, the hospitality and service management industry has grown and evolved tremendously, and to paraphrase the famous saying — reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated,” said Candice Adams, academic development manager at The IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. Ms Adams said that in recent years, the definition of hospitality evolved beyond the traditional one of receiving and welcoming guests and visitors and provisioning services in traditional 54 Business Events Africa March 2022

hospitality environments such as hotels and restaurants. “Customer-centricity has evolved, building a whole new perception of what it means to live and work in the ‘hospitality industry’,” she said. “Due to an increase in expectations regarding what constitutes good customer service on the part of the general public, a wide range of companies look for those leaders who have a track record of being able to fulfil the needs and demands of their customers, and a hospitality management background is emerging as just the qualification that encapsulates the diverse

range of skills required to do so.” Ms Adams said that this broadening of the understanding on the part of employers, of the skillset held by hospitality management graduates, is translating into opening an abundance of career opportunities for graduates. “Service management is the new buzz word on the business scene and is destined to become one of the most sought-after skillsets across business sectors as businesses adapt their strategies to differentiate themselves from their local and international competitors following the pandemic and the massive acceleration in globalisation www.businesseventsafrica.com

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE PAGE STRAP

that has resulted.” New job titles and roles are being created in businesses – focusing on guiding, supervising, curating or managing the customer journey – such as customer success consultants/managers, customer experience consultants, customer relationship managers, client services representatives, service managers, customer value representatives, and client innovations representatives/managers to name but a few. “Additionally, in the traditional hospitality industry, we are seeing that change is happening faster than ever before. The travel industry is one of the largest and most influential on earth, and is beginning to pick up again globally, not just locally. While we may not be at the point of beds that make themselves or self-cleaning bathrooms, technology and innovation are bringing new and exciting changes for hoteliers and guests. “In addition to forward-thinking hotel tech, we’re seeing changes to the workforce and work culture, shifting guest preferences, and an increased focus on eco-friendliness.” So, what will the hotel of the future look like? “Based on research focusing on new trends, hotel designs will be a lot less big box and a lot more out of the box,” Ms Adams said. “Hotel design trends now show a www.businesseventsafrica.com

different approach, focusing on art, community, and uniqueness. In some hotels, the space itself is what drives uniqueness, with creative lobby ideas or public areas that showcase nature, for example.” The internet of things is spreading not only into homes, but also into hotel rooms, Ms Adams added. From access to streaming services to a room key on your smartphone, the essential hotel amenities in a guestroom are becoming increasingly digital. Guests want concierge services or temperature controls at the push of a button (or tap of a finger), and voice-activated controls are expanding beyond simply asking Siri/ Google or Alexa to play your favourite song. These trends might sound futuristic, but it won’t be long before guests will expect them, rather than these features being a nice-to-have. “These automations aren’t going to automate themselves. Ensuring that the hospitality experience – whether in restaurants, for functions, or hotel stays – continue to deliver and delight, will always require a human with the right skills and leadership qualities. “So, for those students interested in studying Hospitality and Service Management, the message is clear — your options are good and growing, not just in the traditional environment, but are also expanding into other career paths with great prospects.”

Who is Candice Adams? Candice Adams, operations manager – academic, at the IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management and Capsicum Culinary Studio, is a trained chef and hospitality manager and is currently completing her nutrition and personal training certifications. She serves on the board for NPC, the South African Chefs Association and is passionate about mentoring and coaching youth entering the hospitality industry. She hopes to make more opportunities available to support and guide young graduates in their journey towards meaningful, successful careers in the sector. Business Events Africa March 2022 55

PAGE SUSTAINABILITY VENUE STRAP OF THE MONTH

The CSIR ICC — transferring knowledge and facilitating collaboration The CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC), the first international standard convention centre to open in South Africa, boasts over 40 years’ experience hosting local and international conferences, exhibitions, and special events. This prestigious business events venue is in the eastern parts of Pretoria, Tshwane, a city with a high concentration of research and academic institutions – a naturally spectacular and smart city.

he CSIR ICC offers world-class facilities and hosts more than 600 conferences, meetings, and related events each year. The Centre has thirteen venues including two auditoriums seating 500 and 200 persons respectively, each equipped with interactive technology including interpreting and voting facilities. The CSIR ICC has a further eleven multi-purpose venues as well as a large exhibition hall and a luxurious VIP suite that is strategically located to offer a private entrance, away from the rush of 56 Business Events Africa March 2022

other events. Attractive outdoor facilities, such as the alfresco dining deck, set into the convention centre’s natural surrounds, are perfect for bird watching enthusiasts seeking a quick reprieve from business talk. Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, general manager of CSIR ICC, said: “Our tagline, ‘Transfer Knowledge. Facilitate Collaboration’, is our maxim because we understand that the sharing of knowledge is precisely what conferencing is about. Our city is renowned as the home of

Bronwen Cadle de Ponte.

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VENUE OFVENUE THE PAGEMONTH STRAP NEWS

VIP suite.

experts in countless research and academic fields and is a knowledge hub for events of a professional nature, of which we host over 600 every year. In all of our marketing and collaboration efforts, this professional focus has supported a blossoming of events, which truly contribute to the knowledge economy in the past years.”

The CSIR ICC has previously undergone extensive expansions and refurbishments. Part of the expansion was done to its existing 4,000m2 facility. This additional space ensures that this area can now cater to the new evolving convention formats. The ICC also boasts a modern multifunctional exhibition hall with dedicated

organisers’ offices and storage facilities, floor services and floor loading that can accommodate large vehicles and heavy machinery. To keep abreast of the rapidly changing landscape and norms of our industry, the CSIR ICC continuously reviews its business processes, products, and services

Diamond auditorium.

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Business Events Africa March 2022 57

PAGE VENUE STRAP NEWS OF THE MONTH

Alfresco dining deck.

to remain relevant to ensure that conference organisers, committees and association boards and members achieve their strategic objectives when making use of the CSIR ICC for their events. To this end, with the recent demands brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the CSIR ICC enhanced its digital and hybrid event solutions. They help to deliver your event content to multiple venues or persons across the world, from a studio environment or live event broadcast from any of their

purpose-built venues. A variety of solutions exists to cater for digital events, from simple broadcasting to complex conventions with exhibitions, sponsorships, and parallel sessions — no one event is the same as another, we know it and we tailor every solution accordingly. The CSIR ICC has consistently been recognised and rewarded for delivering world class products and services that assist in growing South Africa’s global destination competitiveness.

Testimonials “My overall experience at the CSIR ICC was pleasant, the planning and execution of the event was excellent. I would recommend the CSIR ICC to anyone.” – Mandela Mining Precinct “I've not experienced this level of professionalism and excellence in a very long time — thank you!” – SAPS Innovation Round Table “You are providing excellent and unmatched service. Your facilities are well kept and the staff have good work ethics. Customer service is your priority. They do not compromise the culture of your company. Keep it up!” — SANTS Orientation of Tutors. Contact details Tel: 012 841 3884 Email: icc@csir.co.za Website: www.csiricc.co.za/

Exhibition Hall.

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VENUE PAGE STRAP NEWS

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Business Events Africa March 2022 59

PAGE PERSONALITY MEETSTRAP THE GM PROFILE

The man behind Sun International’s only beachfront resort Peter Tshidi, general manager, Wild Coast Sun. • Age – 44 • Place of birth – Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria • Family – Two sisters and two brothers, three children, including a daughter and two sons • Years in industry – 25

eter Tshidi was appointed general manager of Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun on 1 May 2019. His return to the Sun International stable came after he had begun his journey with the group 22 years ago at The Palace at Sun City. Mr Tshidi began his career as a luggage porter at The Palace of The Lost City in 1997. Since then, he has gained a wealth of experience in local and international hotel operations, retail, operations management and casino operations, both with Sun International and elsewhere. Today, he sees himself as the custodian of a national and significant provincial tourism asset — The Wild Coast Sun. The Wild Coast Sun is Sun International’s only

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beachfront resort and second oldest property after Sun City, having celebrated its 40th birthday at the end of 2021. “Being back with Sun International makes me feel like I have been around the world and have come home,” he said on his appointment at the Wild Coast Sun. Mr Tshidi is hugely passionate about South Africa as a destination and sees the Eastern Cape largely as an undiscovered jewel, a wonderland of people, natural beauty and products. He studied hotel and tourism management with Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s national tourism authority based in Galway. “But, during my career, I’ve done many other managerial short courses and www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY MEET PAGE PROFILE THE STRAP GM

management classes on a wide range of topics and skills within the industry,” Mr Tshidi said. “But what I found most memorable was gaining personal knowledge by talking to the people I met during these classes. I am still learning today, by engaging with people from all walks of life.” He is not a man to rest on his laurels. He simply said: “My biggest achievement is yet to come. I am always looking to achieve more tomorrow than I did today.” So, even though the hospitality and tourism sectors were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, Mr Tshidi and his dedicated team have steered the Wild Coast Sun’s ship through the worst of the storm. “During December 2021, our room nights sold rose to 99 per cent of that of December 2019, the closest metric we have achieved before the pandemic began,” he said. “What is interesting to note is that the beginning of December was buoyed by an increase in conferencing business, but by midDecember our guests were upcountry, domestic travellers booking holidays for www.businesseventsafrica.com

their families. They also booked longer stays with the minimum period being three days.” Mr Tshidi credits good rates and offering value for money as a key factor in the resort’s success. “We focused on what was within our control, which is how rates became the success story of the month.” He believes that pent-up demand from the domestic market and easing of Covid-19 restrictions are the other factors which will help drive the recovery in the domestic tourism sector this year. It is this drive, passion and focus that fuels a man who is family-orientated and describes his greatest achievement as his four children — a daughter and three sons. Mr Tshidi is a keen sportsman, enjoying running and surfing and who, in his youth, turned out for Mamelodi Sundowns Under 21s. He is a huge supporter of the Brazilians, he supports Sundowns locally and internationally, he is an Arsenal fan. During rugby season, his allegiance is split between the Sharks and the EP Kings. Musically, he is a fan of Mi Casa and

lists their song La Vida as his personal favourite. He has also grown to love the seaside. “Anywhere that has gorgeous white, sandy beaches.” Has he ever considered other careers? “Not really. Hospitality offers me a job that changes me all the time. It is a fast-paced environment where I am doing varied tasks each day. I am on my feet and moving around a lot, which helps me think, feel, and react better. And, I am not stuck in a cubicle all day.” For those seeking to enter the industry he has the following sage advice. “There are many and varied job roles available in hospitality. Waiters and chefs often come to mind when one mentions a career in hospitality. In truth, the hospitality industry is one of the largest sectors in the modern world, with enough variety in job roles for any kind of person, from the creative person to the corporate-minded.” And travel the world. “From a young age, I wanted to travel and see the world. Hospitality became the best way to fund my travels and extend my qualifications in the industry. It helps grow you as a person,” Mr Tshidi concluded. Business Events Africa March 2022 61

PAGE STRAP CHEF’S PROFILE

Well-travelled Omar Menhouk brings a taste of the world to the Maslow When the Maslow Hotel Sandton’s executive chef said that he doesn’t look at the time, he looks to see if a job is done, you begin to appreciate why Algerian-born Omar Menhouk, 51, said that he drinks espressos every day.

ith more than 30 years of culinary experience in some of the continent’s most exclusive properties, Omar first arrived in South Africa in 1994 to open a well-known French restaurant in Pretoria. He returned to Gauteng in December 2020 – after working in neighbouring Swaziland – to head up the kitchen brigade at The Maslow, Sun International’s premier business hotel in the heart of Sandton. He said: “Having grown up in a family who takes food very seriously, from homemade bakes to traditional casseroles and soups, from an early age I was curious about food and the preparation of it, it's 62 Business Events Africa March 2022

then that I decided that I had to be a chef.” This is not Omar’s first foray into cooking for Sun International guests. Early in his career he worked as a chef de partie at Sun City from 1998 until 2001 and returned as executive sous chef a year later. Since then, he has cooked his way up to his most recent position of resort executive chef at the Royal Swazi Spa. Having worked for a member of ‘the Leading Hotels of the World’ as well as one of the world’s most exclusive game lodges in Kenya, Omar prides himself on attention to detail and knowledge of many of the world’s leading cuisines. “My goals for the next five years are to

improve the offering at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, to secure my retirement and guide my daughters on their journeys of life,” he said. Omar has cooked for celebrities including Sir Richard Branson, the First Lady of Zambia and the Royal family of Saudi Arabia. “Sir Branson was a true businessman and a gentleman. He would ask me to dish up for him from the buffet as to what I thought he should eat.” “I am happy to be back home and closer to my three daughters, two of whom live in Pretoria,” he said. With a diploma in cooking from Algeria, Omar speaks five languages including www.businesseventsafrica.com

CHEF’S PAGE PROFILE STRAP

Arabic, Swahili and Italian, which helps with staff as well as guest relations. Omar enjoys meeting new people and learning new cultures and traditions along the way. “I like to make sure my guests are happy and don’t leave disappointed. Your meal must be quality, and delicious. But you are only as good as your team. You all pull the wagon together. Remember, I cannot cook every dish myself. When my team do wrong, I point it out, and the same when they do a good job,” Omar said. His mentors include Graham Wood, Sun International’s chief operating officer of hospitality and Australian chef Peter Washbourne, to whom he attributes having ‘built my name and my career when I worked at The Palace at Sun City’. “Today I am recognised for my training skills. Nurturing young aspiring chefs to reach standards of excellence is a passion for me.” Omar enjoys creating innovative dishes and enjoys cooking with lots of herbs and spices. These include turmeric, ginger and Himalayan salt. “I stay away from canned ingredients.” In his own fridge, Omar said that he always has fresh vegetables, lettuce and all types of fruit, as well as lamb, fish or calamari. Omar used the quieter periods during the Covid-19 lockdowns to adapt the menus and add some exciting dishes. “Of course, we didn’t remove guest favourites, but I was looking to do something very different. More Mediterranean Berber cuisine, sharing the centuries of closely guarded secrets that have been around for more than a thousand years, delicious steaks with premium cuts, quality lamb, goat and beef. The popular choice, lovely tapas in our bar overlooking the pool and gardens at The Maslow. In line with the growing trend for vegetarian and vegan dishes, these dietary requirements will also be catered for, as well as Halaal and Kosher-friendly, if requested 48 hours in advance. For leisure, he said that he spends time with friends, golfing and travelling locally. “I keep myself occupied in my spare time with good classical movies and the sounds from an orchestra.” “My hobbies include tasting good food and drinks, trying new creations whilst having a unique dining experience at www.businesseventsafrica.com

different places.” “Travelling and exploring new places, markets, theatres and musical shows all appeal to me, but my favourite is spending time with my three daughters, creating new memories and guiding them on their journey to adulthood,” Omar added. He said: “Current trends are moving toward dietary requirements, a lot more vegan and vegetarian guests, people eating ‘clean’ is definitely a trend that is gaining traction.” “A global trend for meat-free and gluten-free food has seen a surge in the food and beverage industry, foods that are friendly to the planet and our bodies have become the popular choice.” Omar said: “The main challenges facing our industry is the rise of online purchases; people are able to get almost anything online and have it delivered in the comfort of their home; also Air BNB is something to watch out for.” “I am happy to be at The Maslow, with its beautiful garden environment. Although systems have changed since I was last with the Sun International Group, with many improvements to ordering and receiving, it still feels like home and we are looking forward to more guests returning.” The Maslow is a popular choice for business conferences, weddings, baby showers and birthdays and Omar looked at bringing in healthier menu choices. “If you’re here for business, you don’t want to eat something heavy and then have to go back into a session and, as such, we created balanced meals and desserts with less sugar and more fruit.” The Maslow’s kitchen brigade was about 40-strong during the pandemic, but this is small fry for the chef who has run kitchens with more than 100 chefs. However, exposure to the upmarket Sandton clientele makes this posting one with small margins for error. “You have to be very diplomatic to work with people; there are many different personalities and ages. You must listen and keep smiling. No-one wants to see a chef with a sour face while they are trying to enjoy their food!” In conclusion, his advice to newcomers aspiring to become an executive chef is: “Do not chase the clock, follow your passion and learn as much as you are able to from those around you. It is not easy, but with hard work and dedication you are able to reach great heights.”

What is your signature dish? My signature dish would have to be a lovely lamb shoulder Tajine pot couscous with vegetables, and it has to be paired with a good, fresh mint tea. What has remained constant in this industry? One thing that has remained constant is change. An industry that changes with the times. One has to adapt and make the changes necessary, to stay relevant. What is your favourite beverage? My favourite beverage has to be an espresso — make it a double. What is your favourite food? My favourite food is seafood or lamb. What is your pet hate? My pet hate would have to be lies. Dishonest people really get me riled up. What is your great love? My greatest love is my family, my three daughters. The love(s) of my life. Are you adventurous? I enjoy a good challenge or adventure — my most recent being walking in the Sahara Desert with the world famous Masai Mara from Kenya. We walked for almost six hours in the scorching heat and drank fresh milk from camels. I learnt that the Masai drink cow’s milk with blood. I tried the milk, but did not add the blood. Business Events Africa March 2022 63

PAGE STRAP EVENT GREENING FORUM

Five reasons you need to sign the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge

formidable at effecting large scale and innovative change. Rather than various event businesses around the world working in silos, sharing knowledge, ideas, support and more, are able to catapult us all into achieving the drastic results that are being called for.

Cost is no longer an excuse Yes, you may spend a lot of money on implementing sustainability measures. But no, it’s not inevitable or a requirement. The roadmap that is being developed for Net Zero Carbon Events will not be prescriptive and – instead – all signatories are encouraged to find their own pathway to achieving the ambitious goals set out in the pledge. The EGF has many resources to help your business adapt to this new normal, so contact us if you’d like to find out how we are able help you.

By Greg McManus, chairperson of Event Greening Forum.

he Net Zero Carbon Events pledge is a commitment that event stakeholders from around the world are making to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim goal to reduce their emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. The initiative was developed through global event industry collaboration, driven by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). “With already more than 300 entities from 48 countries around the world supporting the initiative, the project has grown to be the biggest, most international, and most inclusive collaboration ever seen in the events industry around sustainability,” said Kai Hattendorf chief executive officer of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and Board Member of the JMIC. He added: “After we presented the Zero Carbon Events Pledge to world and climate leaders at COP26, work is now underway on the roadmap for implementation, to be delivered at COP27 at the end of this year. Our collective work will continue over the coming years, with best practice sharing, roadmap updating and overall progress tracking, and we thank all our colleagues in the South African event industry who have registered to www.netzerocarbonevents.org.” The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is proud to be a signatory of the pledge. Greg McManus, chairperson of EGF, said: “We welcome the scale and ambition of this initiative, both of which are necessary, given what we are up against. We also know that our industry is capable of achieving impressive feats within tight deadlines, so we feel optimistic that this is something we are able to do, and do well.” Here are the EGF’s top five reasons why you should sign the pledge if you haven’t already:

It’s the right thing to do Greenhouse gas emissions are

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causing climate change, and these effects are snowballing towards catastrophic impacts if we do not act now to stop them. Because we are all responsible for causing these emissions, it makes sense that we all collectively take responsibility to reduce them. According to the US-based company MeetGreen, in 2017 a three-day event with 1,000 attendees would generate roughly 530 metric tons of CO2. South African events will likely have a different profile, but it would be wrong to say that we don’t contribute to the problem. For example, our coal-derived energy is one of the dirtiest in the world, and, as a long-haul destination, our international events create an outsized impact from air travel alone. But even small local events have an effect, and every little bit adds up.

Change is inevitable Because climate change is arguably the most pressing concern humanity is facing, most nations from around the world have signed the Paris Agreement. This treaty is a commitment to limit the global temperature increase to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. South Africa is a signatory, which means business requirements to limit carbon footprints are coming, it’s just a matter of time. So why not get ahead? Not only will this benefit your business, but it will appeal to many of your clients and the sectors you represent, who are trying to make a positive difference too.

Collaborating is powerful Collaborative efforts may be

It’s for everyone The pledge is open to all event industry stakeholders. This includes companies involved with creating events as well as industry associations, clients, suppliers, destinations, consultants, media, etc. There are also no requirements in terms of having sustainability programmes in place. For more information and to sign the pledge, visit netzerocarbonevents.org.

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 www.eventgreening.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

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PAGE SITE STRAP NEWS

Now is the time to join The new year has begun positively for most incentive professionals both on the inbound and outbound sectors.

By David Sand, board member of Site Africa

s the world opens up gradually, there is a greater demand for incentive travel around the world. Research in the United States, Canada and Europe all supports the reality that incentives are not dead in the water but are a powerful motivational tool that corporate executives are eagerly awaiting. Site, as an industry association, has been a huge support to professionals during the two-year pandemic. There are the most amazing testimonies from people all over the world who have benefited from

their membership, seminars and networks during this dreadful time. The SITE global conference is set for 20-23 April 2022 in Dublin and will be the first in-person conference that the association has delivered since the beginning of the pandemic. For more information on the conference, please visit: https://siteglobal.com/event/ global-conference-dublin Now is the time to join, participate, keep your visibility up, fly your destination’s flag high and, of course, show your service offering.

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...

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Contact

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

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SAACI NEWS

Bounce back — in a manner that reflects our learnings In recognising that we have lived through turbulent times in the past 24 months – which have forced us to grow in strength and resilience – means that we are better equipped to stride bravely into the unknown.

et’s pause for a moment and take solace that our collective knowledge and experience of these past two years will be a guide that allows us to bounce back in a manner that reflects what we have learned. As time moves along, we have gained confidence and clients are making decisions to meet and engage more, in-person. As an industry we know that the business events industry is the one that will keep our cities, communities and world moving. After all, we drive the knowledge economy through our ‘network economy’. It is apparent that the narrative is reflective of the catchphrase ‘living with the virus’. Especially now, while finding the middle ground between economic and societal health priorities. So, as we all work on our recovery and bounce-back, let us not forget that we are not out of the woods, just yet. As an industry, we still have a way to go, and we need to work smarter in a way that brings back lost skills and builds new

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI.

talent for our industry. As a crucial element of the visitor economy, our bounce-back is a massive driver of economic benefit and social improvement, as well as delivering opportunities for growth at national, regional, and local levels. We are able to recover and continue our work on continuous improvement in our industry and with our partners and government stakeholders, by: • Recognising our unique complexity — business events are not like concerts; theatre shows or festivals. The ecosystem covers a wide range of suppliers and as such cuts across many industries. Knowledge and trade exchange occurs. Our planning is sometimes measured in years. Government needs to try harder to understand our ecosystem. • Confidence — we have demonstrated that we may meet across platforms, inclusive of in-person, with minimal concerns. Back us and we will do our

best for the communities we serve, as we always have. • Consistent communications — government needs to be clearer when announcing new measures. Think carefully of unintended consequences. This is so important as our country considers removing the state of disaster and doing away with the Disaster Management Act. As an industry, we have provided the necessary input that will ensure that this happens with more clarity. There is no doubt that we will work to achieve the above, as we have gotten ourselves to this point through collaborative partnerships. As SAACI, we have facilitated direct input to – and with – partners, to lead on crucial discussions, grounded in expertise and the reality of delivering events safely and managing risks effectively.

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 Events AfricaLearning October 2020 66 | Growth | collaboration

AAXO PAGE STRAP NEWS

Pivoting from brain drain to brain gain

s the South African exhibitions industry embarks on its recovery after a two-year hiatus, we face our next hurdle — access to skills and talent. Over the past two years of exhibition and event closures, many professionals who were previously working in our industry have had no choice but to find alternative employment, or to reinvent themselves, resulting in a substantial loss of highly skilled and experienced talent. Fast-forward to February 2022 and we are finally gearing up for the return of in-person exhibitions in South Africa, coupled with hybrid and digital offerings flourishing over the past couple of years. The question is, are there enough people with the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver these? Speaking to my colleagues, locally and internationally, many are finding it increasingly difficult to fill vacancies for

new and existing roles and unanimously, there is a concern that there is going to be a skills gap across the entire exhibition value chain. Although a challenge, this presents us with an opportunity for evolution and a rethink on who and what our businesses may require. In other words, preparing ourselves for reimagined roles and business models and learning from other industries. This will enable us to develop, nurture and retain the talent that has remained, but ensuring that we are making our industry accessible and attractive to young talent is also crucial. Encouraging young people into the industry will bring renewed ideas which can certainly be of benefit to the industry. In so doing, we will have to equip them by harnessing the experience of those who remained in the industry to help and support those who are newly entering.

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

In addition, our industry has to look at introducing stronger focus on internship programmes, work placement opportunities and even reach out to schools/universities, encouraging young people to look to our industry for career opportunities. As part of our remit for the coming years, AAXO will be implementing a number of initiatives to support talent already in the industry as well as the budding talent looking to embark on a career in exhibitions. This includes our career centre and mentoring partnership programme providing an opportunity to speak to professionals and to increase network opportunities, to share experiences and to learn about best practice along the way.

Let’s grow the exhibition industry by investing in our young professionals.

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EXSA PAGE NEWS STRAP

EXSA VAT ruling — a huge benefit to members EXSA’s SARS VAT ruling is an irreplaceable benefit exclusive to EXSA members only. If used properly it will ensure that you are able to give your organisation a big competitive advantage when dealing with clients’ budgets. It will greatly benefit your clients, saving them from the rigmarole of having to navigate a non-familiar tax system to claim the VAT back via a tedious process from wherever they may be in the world.

n 4 February 2022, EXSA hosted a webinar highlighting the main factors of the VAT ruling. Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display and EXSA member, presented these points. Here is a summary of his presentation Every 12 months EXSA supplies SARS with a list of members that qualify for the VAT ruling in accordance with their membership status. This will allow those members to zero-rate goods and services supplies to non-South African residents. Mr Hawes’ presentation explained the act as follows: Section 11 – Zero-Rating (splitting into goods and services): Goods (what does the act say?) (1) Where, but for this section, a supply of goods would be charged with tax at the rate referred to in section 7 (1), such supply of goods shall, subject to compliance with subsection (3) of this section, be charged with tax at the rate of zero

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percent where… (d) the goods (being movable goods) are supplied to a lessee or other person under a rental agreement, charter party or agreement for chartering, if those goods are used by that lessee or other person exclusively in any commercial, financial, industrial, mining, farming, fishing or professional concern conducted in an export country and payment of rent or other consideration under the agreement is effected from such export country; or - Movable goods. - Rental agreement. - Goods used by that lessee. - Concern conducted in an export country (enterprise). - Payment of rent or other consideration under the agreement is effected from such export company — it may be Rands. Services 1.5.1 The following services supplied by EXSA members to a non-resident

By Liam Beattie, board member of EXSA and Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display and EXSA member. exhibitor may be zero-rated insofar as the requirements of section 11 (2) (l) are met: - Arranging for the rental of the exhibition space. - Arranging for the rental of goods, décor, fixtures and fittings. - Designing the layout of the exhibition site. - Erecting the stalls. - Dressing and setting up the stall. The supply of movable goods directly from the act: 4.8 Although movable goods supplied under a rental agreement qualify for www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE EXSA STRAP NEWS

zero-rating under section 11 (1) (d), this provision has a narrow application. It is conditional on the rented movable goods – 4.8.1 Firstly, being used for purposes of the foreign enterprise’s (that is, the foreign exhibitor’s) commercial enterprise. 4.8.2 Secondly, the foreign enterprise should be conducted exclusively offshore. 4.8.3 Thirdly, payment of the rental should originate offshore from the country where the foreign enterprise trades. 4.8.4 Finally, documentary proof should be obtained and retained in accordance with Section 11 (3) — see below and read with paragraph F, also below, of table A in IN31. Section 11 (3) – Documentary proof to substantiate a vendor applying the zero-rate Where a rate of zero percent has been applied by any vendor under a provision of this section, the vendor shall obtain and retain such

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documentary proof substantiating the vendor’s entitlement to apply the said rate under that provision as is acceptable to the commissioner. Paragraph F: Description of supply: Movable goods used exclusively in a business conducted in an export country [section 11 (1) (e)] Documentary proof required: a) Tax invoice; and b) Proof of payment, which must also evidence that the rent or other consideration was affected from the export country where the business operates or trades. EXSA has the following responsibility to SARS to uphold the benefit. 5.4 This class ruling is conditional upon the following: EXSA members must obtain and retain the documents as required by section 11(3) read with IN31 when the zero-rate is applied. 5.4.2 EXSA providing Legal Advisory

with a list of all 74 EXSA members (refer to Annexure C of the Ruling) together with the VAT numbers of the EXSA members who are registered for VAT. Should the names and the VAT registration numbers of the members change, EXSA must provide SARS with an updated list every 12 months from the date of the said change. Liam Beattie, from Hott 3D and board member of EXSA, is someone who makes extensive use of this competitive advantage. He said that if you do projects in excess of R60,000 a year for offshore clients in South Africa, the 15 per cent VAT exemption to these clients literally covers your EXSA membership fee. It also gives a 15 per cent budgetary advantage when pitching projects to these clients. If you would like any further information on the VAT ruling benefit or enquiries around EXSA membership, please do not hesitate to contact the office at info@exsa.co.za. We will be releasing our list of participants for the 2022 year in March, so please do not delay or you will lose out on this great opportunity.

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PAGE TOP TIPS STRAP

Four things travel SMMEs can do to up their bookings With our Instagram-worthy natural splendour, a vibrant culture scene, world-class hospitality and a pleasantly moderate climate, South Africa has a lot going for it as a tourist destination.

nd, while these attributes give the country a great foundation from which to attract visitors, it pays for those in the tourism industry to ensure that they’re ticking all the boxes when it comes to the things they can do to increase their bookings. Here are four things which smaller tourism operators, like guesthouses and B&Bs, in particular, can be doing to up their bookings and – ultimately – increase market share and profit in 2022.

A dynamic digital footprint A relevant online presence is non-negotiable in 2022. Travel and tourism SMMEs can’t afford to skimp on a website or ignore the power of social media when it comes to marketing to potential clients. “To stand out in 2022, tourism and hospitality professionals need to take advantage of technology to ensure that they’re appealing to active, modern travellers,” said Tshepo Matlou, head of marketing and communications at local booking platform, Jurni. He added that technology is a definite enabler and that small businesses in the tourism sector will benefit from investing in their online presence to increase both visibility and accessibility. “Proper engagement on a platform like Jurni can really advance the marketing efforts of a 70 Business Events Africa March 2022

small business, especially in previously disadvantaged pockets of the country,” he said.

Tell a story Stories are a powerful way to share information about an area, an experience or a site of interest – it’s a way to make it come alive for the traveller – which is why it’s crucial to tell stories about your offering. Think short video clips, photo essays and listicles, and make sure that it’s entertaining and interesting. The point of the story is to show off and share what you know to be great about your area, your activity or your facility. Most importantly, have fun with it because enthusiasm is contagious!

The right credentials Ensuring your business is graded by a recognised authority like the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is an important part of your business’s credibility. Mr Matlou explained that some travellers use the grading system as a guide to where they should book their stay. “Grading your B&B, for example, benefits the business and the customer because it tells the customer that your offering has been successfully reviewed by an expert in the field,” he said.

Tshepo Matlou.

Keep it simple Convenience is the name of the modern travel game, and technology is central to that. Today’s travellers do their research online before they get in touch with you, which is why you want to ensure that your online offering is as simple to use as possible — and definitely mobile friendly. Similarly, have an online payment system ready when you market your business. Consider partnering with a booking entity like Jurni to help mitigate costly marketing and development processes. “An online booking platform that streamlines the offering by making it super simple to book and pay is critical for SMMEs who want to be competitive in the market and offer a superior customer experience,” Mr Matlou said. www.businesseventsafrica.com

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For more information: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business/page/about-south-africa

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Business Events Africa March 2022

Articles inside

THE LAST WORD

TOP TIPS

EXSA NEWS

AAXO NEWS

EVENT GREENING FORUM

VENUE NEWS

SITE NEWS

CHEF’S PROFILE

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

MEET THE GM

VENUE OF THE MONTH

HOTEL GROUP FEATURE

REIGNITING EXHIBITIONS

MARKET NEWS

REIGNITING EXHIBITIONS

NEWS

SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH

REIGNITING EXHIBITIONS

REIGNITING EXHIBITIONS

EDITOR’S COMMENT