Learning to surf in a tsunami

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

When this column is published, we will undoubtedly still be in some level of lockdown, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of us will have made more sense of the so-called ‘new normal’, while others might still be struggling to come to terms with it.

The fact remains that we all have to cope, manage our businesses and find innovative ways to survive, let alone prosper. As global speaker and business strategist Anthony Morris put it in a recent SAACI webinar: “we are in a tsunami and have to learn to surf really quickly!” He also said time no longer equals money, but that relationships and creativity equal money. The rules of the game have changed irrevocably. The question is, how do we play?

There seems to be consensus that some form of hybrid environment will remain part of our future, and that most industries will have to adapt significantly, making sacrifices on the one hand, but creating opportunities on the other.

Our recently-held webinar themed ‘Re- Boot’ was the beginning of our approach to bring in outside experts if necessary, to help members and employees make sense of the world post-Covid-19 for the business events industry. We will continue to bring relevant information to members and keep encouraging the industry to engage and seek assistance within the SAACI network or the broader industry network. Through sharing, we will help each other learn how to surf this tsunami we find ourselves in.

Now, more than ever, collaboration is key. Collaboration with other members who have knowledge or skills, collaboration with colleagues, suppliers, government – anyone who can contribute to the survival of businesses and the industry.

At SAACI, we are doing our utmost to be a conduit of information that can help members to stay in business and even pursue new opportunities. We have stepped up our member communication considerably and trust that members have found it truly valuable. Membership of a representative industry association is now crucially important.

Follow us on social media, check your inbox for important messages from us, communicate with us on askus@saaci.org and let’s keep on collaborating.