NELSON MANDELA BAY

Launch of COLABeS A new era for business events in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Nelson Mandela Bay Region has taken a significant step forward in establishing itself as a leading hub for business events with the launch of the Collaborative Alliance for Business Events and Stakeholders (COLABeS). Officially launched at the prestigious Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards, this ground-breaking initiative unites key players within the business events sector to promote the region as a premier destination for high-quality conferences, meetings, and exhibitions.

The power of collaboration

At the core of COLABeS is the idea of partnership-driven growth. The alliance brings together some of the most influential organisations in the business events sector, including the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Guesthouse Association (NMBTGA), Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), South African Communications Industries Association (SACIA), Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Eastern Cape (SATSA EC), SKAL Nelson Mandela Bay, the Port Elizabeth Metro Bed and Breakfast Association (PEMBBA), and Discover Mandela Bay. These entities, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Convention Bureau, Kouga Municipality, and Addo Tourism, aim to pool their expertise and resources to raise the profile of the Nelson Mandela Bay Region in the highly competitive global business events arena.

The launch of COLABeS marks a key turning point for Nelson Mandela Bay, setting the stage for a more strategic, coordinated, and dynamic approach to attracting and hosting business events. This alliance of diverse stakeholders reflects the shared vision of elevating the region’s standing as a leading destination for conferences, exhibitions, and other business events that generate significant economic and social impact.

A vision for sustainable growth

COLABeS is more than just a collaboration of stakeholders — it’s a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth within the region’s business tourism sector. One of the primary objectives of the initiative is to foster innovation and inclusivity by encouraging collaboration across industries, promoting quality service, and driving revenue growth. Importantly, the alliance also strongly emphasises advancing diversity within the business events sector, ensuring that small and emerging businesses, particularly those owned by historically disadvantaged individuals, are part of the region’s growth story.

The ultimate vision of COLABeS is to present Nelson Mandela Bay as a unified front for business excellence. By aligning the goals and strengths of its members, the alliance aims to create a platform for impactful collaboration that can generate significant economic returns, enhance the region’s global reputation, and stimulate local job creation.

Showcasing the region: the PCO Alliance Network visit

As part of the region’s efforts to showcase its potential as a premier business events destination, the Nelson Mandela Bay Region hosted the Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Alliance Network from 10-13 September 2024. This visit was a pivotal moment for the region as it provided an opportunity to demonstrate its infrastructure, venues, and unique offerings to a group of renowned Professional Event Organisers. The PCO Alliance Network, recognised for its high standards and influence in the events industry, plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the industry by selecting prime locations for events that attract global attention.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau (NMBCVB), in collaboration with Addo Tourism and Kouga Municipality, hosted the PCO Alliance FAM (Familiarisation) Trip, designed to immerse these industry professionals in the region’s offerings. From site inspections of leading venues to networking events with local tourism stakeholders, the PCO Alliance members experienced first-hand the diverse range of opportunities available in the region. This engagement was not just a showcase but also a crucial relationship-building exercise, as the region aims to secure more large-scale events in the future.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards: a night of collaboration

The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards, where COLABeS was officially launched, provided an ideal platform to introduce the PCO Alliance members to local tourism leaders and stakeholders. The awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence in tourism and business events, was a key highlight of the FAM trip, offering the PCO Alliance a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the region and its commitment to hosting world-class events.

Through the awards event, the PCO Alliance members had the chance to network, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations with local tourism professionals. This interaction further positioned Nelson Mandela Bay as a prime location for future events and solidified the region’s reputation as a destination that values quality, innovation, and partnerships in its business tourism offerings.

FAM trip itinerary: a full immersion into the region

The FAM Trip itinerary, supported by NMB Tourism Products, NMBCVB, Kouga Municipality, and Addo Tourism, was meticulously curated to provide an immersive experience of what the Nelson Mandela Bay Region has to offer. The itinerary included site inspections of top venues and event spaces, cultural experiences that showcased the rich heritage of the area, and networking opportunities that connected PCO members with local tourism stakeholders.

The cultural and experiential aspect of the trip was particularly important, as it allowed the PCO Alliance members to see the unique value proposition of the region beyond its venues and infrastructure. By experiencing the local culture, hospitality, and natural beauty, the PCO Alliance gained a holistic understanding of why Nelson Mandela Bay is an ideal destination for business events that blend professionalism with authenticity.

A milestone for the future of business events

The launch of COLABeS at the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards and the hosting of the PCO Alliance FAM Trip represent significant milestones in the region’s collaborative efforts to grow its business events sector. Through this innovative partnership, Nelson Mandela Bay is not only setting a new benchmark for the quality and inclusivity of its business events but also laying the groundwork for longterm economic impact and growth.

As COLABeS continues to evolve, it will play a critical role in shaping the future of business tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Region, ensuring that the area remains at the forefront of the industry while fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity. By uniting key players, COLABeS is building a platform for collaboration that will drive the region’s success as a top-tier business events destination.