SAACI NEWS

The power of meetings

We are an industry that drives knowledge exchange, seeks out solutions, and provides engaging platforms for many sectors of the economic system of our country.

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI.

We should remember that we play an important part in delivering business events that not only promote collaboration between teams, clients, and communities, but an industry, as we witnessed in Glasgow COP26, which drives significant change for mankind.

Let’s not underestimate how powerful meetings and events really are and why they’ll always be an essential component in any organisation. Within your communities there are opportunities for you and your clients to create unforgettable memories as we begin our journey to recovery within the business events industry. We have seen the pleasant reactions and the smiles of many a person who has ventured out to an in-person meeting during the past few weeks. The power of meetings is evident in photographs taken, the excitement, and the ease of confidence is gradually returning to meet safely and responsibly. Many will agree that the current environment remains a challenge due to the constant changes in restrictions over the past 19 months. However, this will stand us in good stead.

Virtual event burnout is a reality and the inability for associations and corporate companies to meet face-to-face with their members and/or colleagues after such a considerable time is compromising their relationships and corporate values. Many agree that the value of face-toface meetings, which many are longing for, will see a gradual return, although, how long, remains to be seen across South Africa. The small green shoots, the gradual optimism and the return of face-to-face business events — the appetite lingers. So many clients, members and staff are excited to be attending in-person events again. As resilient as we’ve been as an industry, people love being face-to-face; nothing beats a live conference vibe, something that we are all slowly returning to.

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