Vol 35 No 2
2015
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa
Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa
Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com
Contents
The Authority on meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentives management
about the cover 8
The Pure Grit Group, formed in 2010 by Zaida Enver, chief executive officer, and Guido Ceruti, chief financial officer, both joint shareholders, is driven by passion.
Regular Features 4
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Comment
11 Future Focus 14 Personality Profile 20 A Local Perspective 21 Executive Chef 40 The Last Word
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Special Features 12
case study The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is to become one of the first sporting events to be declared carbon neutral in South Africa.
13 www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa
Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa
Official Journal of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry
Business Events Africa
Head Office physical address: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610. Head Office postal address: P.O. Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa.
Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
Editor: Irene Costa e-mail: gomesi@iafrica.com
Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com
is published by the proprietors, Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd. (Reg No. 81/11920/07)
Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa
Publisher: Godfrey King e-mail: gk@contactpub.co.za
Circulation: Jackie Goosen e-mail: jackie@contactpub.co.za Production Leader: Colleen McCann e-mail: colleen@contactpub.co.za Design & Layout: Beth Marchand e-mail: beth@contactpub.co.za
Tel: +27 31 764-6977 Fax: +27 31 764-6974 e-mail: contact@contactpub.co.za https://twitter.com/bizeventsafrica
Vol 35 no 2 2015 Venue News 22 Johannesburg Expo Centre ready to target more worldwide events. 23 54 on Bath rated among the best hotels in Africa. 24 CTICC ensures accessibility for all. 25 • Suncoast Towers appoints new head chef. • Laurence McGrath rejoins Valley Lodge as GM.
Market News
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26 Marriott expects to reach one million rooms by 2015. 27 Make your day and experience an adrenalin rush. 28 International wellness guru heads to Durban. 29 • Committee appointed to review SA Tourism. • INDABA 2015 exhibitors already on board. 30 The Table Bay staff answers call to SOS.
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31 • Southern Sun Ikoyi wins Travellers Choice award. • Sun International Zambia welcomes new general manager. • Southern Spoor to host first corporate showcase. 32 TRENDING INTERNATIONALLY
36 Index of advertisers
33 SAACI News
37 Calendar
34 EXSA News
38 Directory + aSSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST
35 SITE News Publication details: Business Events Africa is published monthly. There is a Yearbook in June with magazines from January to May and July to December.
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Advertising enquiries:
Printed by: Paarl Media KZN, 52 Mahogany Road, Westmead, Pinetown, 3610. www.paarlmedia.co.za Annual subscription rate: R525 which includes postage, packaging and VAT. Rates for addresses outside South Africa can be obtained on application to the Subscription Department, Contact Publications.
publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:
Gina Lorenzi (KwaZulu-Natal) Jean Ramsay (Western Cape) Cell: +27 72 015-7038 Cell: +27 (0)79 508-0428 e-mail: gina@contactpub.co.za e-mail: j.ramsay@telkomsa.net
Bernadette Fenton (Gauteng) Cell: +27 (0)82 443-8931 e-mail: bernadette@contactpub.co.za
Editor’s Comment
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Being in a relationship
doesn’t require a device I
n the fast-paced world we live in, we have in some elements, become rather self-absorbed. Technological advancements have meant we have become even more “connected” be it via social networks, e-mails or just bbm or WhatsApp messages. We watch our “friends” on social networks and never have to forget another birthday, but how sincere are these platforms?
I remember hearing about the “global village” when I was still studying and how it would change the way we communicate, and how we got our information, and how in the long term, would make information a lot more accessible. Effectively, the “global village” is the Internet. Yes, I agree with all these statements. However, I fear that the negative isn’t often touched on. The value of relationships in our private or business arenas cannot be judged on how many “likes” we have on Facebook, or how many twitter “shares” we get. To me, it is still foreign that people I have not met want to be my “friend” or want to “follow me”. For me a relationship means knowing the person, first and foremost. There needs to be some trust in the relationship that when I share my personal items that I know the people on my social network aren’t there with ulterior motives. Furthermore, I really don’t understand “checking in” on these networks. Maybe it is because I read a lot of crime fiction – but why on earth would I want people to know my every movement? Maybe it’s just because I’m South African and safety comes first. I do understand the value of having social networks and I love sharing people’s happiness and sympathising when something bad happens in their lives. My feeling is – if you are my “friend,”
I should be able to pick up the phone and call or meet up to find out what is happening in your life without having to check your “status”. From a business perspective, I see its value and prefer the term to “follow” a business I am interested in. Still, how much information should go onto this platform? How many competitors are “following” you? Do you even know who is “following” your business? As a publication, we put up links to stories on our website. For us, as a publication, the more people who follow us the better. I’m not dismissing social media. What I am saying is find the purpose for your Facebook or Twitter account when it comes to business. Putting together a strategy for these platforms before you launch them is wise. Don’t just have it because others do – or it is going to become a white elephant. Life is short. Don’t live through your social networks. Live life. Now and again put down your mobile devices. Those that you have built a real relationship with will find you even if you aren’t “online”.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
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News
SCC wins bid for global JCI conference
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he Sandton Convention Centre, in collaboration with Junior Chamber International South Africa and the City of Johannesburg, has won a bid to host the Africa & Middle East Conference of Junior Chamber International in 2016, a prominent global platform for young business leaders. This is the second time since the inception of the conference in 2005 that Johannesburg is the host city – the only city to have been appointed to host the event more than once to date. “It’s a real feather in the cap of the city and the SCC,” said Dr Mati Nyazema, executive director of Sandton Convention Centre. “It’s an indication of the position we hold as a world-class city with worldclass facilities. The city is also easily accessible from anywhere in the world and the Convention Centre is conveniently located in Sandton, South Africa’s business hub, with easy access to the Gautrain.” A unique aspect of the bidding process was the speed with which the decision was made. Yoshni Singh, international
sales manager for Sandton Convention Centre, said the request for bids was received in mid-April – and within a month, the bid had been awarded. The Africa & Middle East Conference of Junior Chamber International will take place from 4-6 May 2016, with 1 000 delegates. The conference will include breakaway rooms, cocktail events, and other special events. Linda Ben, national president of JCI South Africa, says presenting Johannesburg as the host city made logistical sense for the local chapter as the city is the most active region of JCI in the country. “Added to that, all our bidding partners wholeheartedly came on board and fully supported the bid throughout the entire process, making it that much easier to present the winning bid.” Ms Singh said: “Sandton Convention Centre’s ideal location in the Sandton business hub, adjacent to a wide range of accommodation, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment, is likely to have been a factor in the decision-
making. As of course is the venue’s extensive facilities and excellent track record in hosting top global events.” Sandton Convention Centre has an impressive line-up of international events that it has and is hosting, which include Power Africa from 2009 to 2015; Africa Energy Indaba from 2010 to 2015; Totally Concrete from 2013 to 2015; Africities in 2015; CIDESCO – World of Beauty and Spa Therapy in 2015; the phenomenally successful Days of the Dinosaurs in 2014; the World Orchid Conference and Show in 2014; and many others. “More than 60 per cent of the Convention Centre’s bookings are repeat business, indicating a strong degree of satisfaction with our overall offering,” Dr Nyazema said. “As Africa’s largest purpose-built convention and exhibition centre, the Sandton Convention Centre is looking forward to pulling out all the stops to ensure the Africa and Middle East JCI conference in 2016 will be the best one ever,” Ms Singh added. n
P O Box 2516, Durban, 4000, South Africa tel: +27 31 366 7577/80 email: conventions@durbankzncb.co.za
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Cover Story
His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania – official opening of S!TE 2014
The Pure Grit Group –
driven by passion
Pure Grit Project and Exhibition Management was formed in 2010 by Zaida Enver, chief executive officer and Guido Ceruti, chief financial officer, both joint shareholders in the company.
Z
aida Enver says: “We are an innovative, cutting-edge, professional and creative company; partnering with strategic stakeholders to provide amazing and measurable experiences, platforms and tailored solutions to cater to a spectrum of our client’s needs.” Driven by passion for seamless event planning and exceptional work ethic, Zaida and Guido head a handpicked team of leaders and implementers in their respective fields. Pure Grit Project and Exhibition Management (Pty) Ltd offers a complete spectrum of exhibition services in-house. These services include: • Trade events. • Consumer events. • Client-owned events. • Conference and event support services. • Exhibition and curatorship services. • Marketing, media and communication services. • In-house specialised financial and HR expertise.
The team at Pure Grit Project Exhibition Management have collectively, more than 20 years’ experience in the management and marketing of exhibitions and projects within a variety of consumer and trade sectors. “We are a team of 14 women. I love employing women. They are more in tune with our industry requirements … it requires a lot of attention to detail, heavy lifting, ridiculous working hours and multi-tasking. We are selective. We choose the right people, at the right stages of their lives. I believe it is vital that we empower the people we hire and employing the right people means they will embrace empowerment . “We are not just about the floor space, but about the experience. If we create a hassle free, memorable experience … the floor space will sell itself,” Ms Enver said. “My team understands that developing an effective and measurable trade platform is not just about B2B. There’s a bigger stage at play. Our platforms must forge sustainable businesses, grow industries, create employment and successfully contribute to the GDP,” Ms Enver said: “We manage all our projects with
MS Project, adhering to strict deadlines and budgets through mapping critical paths and processes. We are the only exhibition management company in South Africa that uses a US exhibition management system linked to a UK financial and accounting system, which provides a seamless process for all of our delegates from application through to on-site management. “All procurement of services pertaining to the exhibition is conducted in accordance with strict guidelines and vetting processes. Our events are governed by safety compliance and security protocols, each event is subjected to categorisation and convened by the joint operation committee and a core team.”
Growth and expansion into Africa Pure Grit has strategically begun to work its way across the border and expand into Africa, with the launch of the Swahili International Tourism Expo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This expo was launched for the first time in 2014. It is the first ever International Tourism Expo in east Africa, conceptualised and developed by The Pure Grit Group, owned by Tanzania Tourist Board. The expo is aimed at promoting inbound tourism within the east African region. To successfully run this show and gear itself for expansion, Pure Grit opened a registered company in Dar es Salaam in 2013. The office is managed by Grace Kimburu, a Tanzanian national. They have also employed a Congolese national, Marie Ange Lundu, as part of their
team who is fluent in French and Swahili. Ms Enver said there are many opportunities in Africa and she sees it as the biggest growth market, teeming with opportunities. “Africans still see the value of exhibitions as a means to a strong handshake, a warm embrace, an offer of hospitality, to speak fondly of our continent and to read body language and develop lasting relationships. We may be sophisticated business people, but our instincts are still basic. Internationally, clients are moving into a more digital interface which has its merits, but lacks the heart. This is what makes us Africans unique.” “We have begun to manage conferences and events. Over the last year we have had a number of enquiries, some of which stand alone, others are in conjunction with exhibitions. This is an area that we are keen to branch into. We are also close to concluding our digital marketing and HR service offerings which we hope to launch in April 2015.”
Relationships People do business with people and not with companies. Ms Enver stressed the importance of customer relationships. “Interface with clients, stakeholders and service providers is very important. We pride ourselves on appointing and working with the best service providers in the industry. When the chips are down, you need a great team to rally around you. Equally important though, is that it’s really not about who you know, but who knows you.” Ones’ reputation in the market precedes everything.”
Past Events: Tourism Indaba (Durban) from 2011 – current Indaba- “Africa’s top travel show” is the largest tourism exhibition in Africa and the third largest show in the world, featuring annually on the international tourism calendar for more than 20 years, managed and marketed on behalf of South African Tourism. We have held a five-year contract, which was extended after three years based on our ability to deliver on the project. We manage all the operations and logistics around the event. Although the exhibition is funded by the bid parties concerned, there is an element of sponsorship which we secure and manage to reduce some of South African Tourism’s exposure. Indaba boasts more than 1 100 exhibitors, 750 local and international media, 2 200 local and international buyers – 300 hosted buyers and just over 10 000 international and local delegates from 77 countries around the world.
World Travel Market (London) from 2010 – current An international tourism event focusing on inbound and outbound tourism travel. Our mandate is to manage and market a 450sqm pavilion, on behalf of South African Tourism, to 42 elite South African products providing a unique platform to showcase their product offering. The team manages all the logistics, including the stand build, exhibitor registration, Minister’s stand walk about, stand cocktail functions and briefings, making it a seamless process for all stakeholders concerned. Zaida and Micasa - Tourism INDABA opening function.
Continued overleaf
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Cover Story
Past Events: ITB (Berlin) from 2011 – current An international tourism exhibition, the largest in the world featuring products and services from every spectrum of the International tourism industry. Our mandate is to manage and market a 450sqm pavilion on behalf of South African Tourism to 42 elite South African products, some poised to enter the International arena and others seasoned deal makers. The team manages all the logistics, including the stand build, exhibitor registration, Minister’s stand walk about, stand cocktail functions and briefings, making it a seamless process for all stakeholders concerned.
S!TE (Swahili Tourism Exhibition 2014, Tanzania) – current Tanzania’s first ever International Tourism Expo, conceptualised and developed by The Pure Grit Group, and owned by Tanzania Tourist Board. The expo is aimed at promoting inbound tourism within the east African region. This international trade and consumer show spans over a four-day period, attracting hundreds of tourism and travel professionals from all over the world. The Expo takes the format of a travel and trade exhibition with a conference element focusing on topical tourism issues like sustainability, conservation, global economic crises, technology as a marketing platform, on-line booking and other market-related issues. The team manages and plans all operations and logistics, including the full conference programme, acquisition of sponsorship, sales and marketing. We were also tasked to develop and curate a cultural village showcasing the best of what the east African region has to offer from fashion, art, paintings, local beers and other produce. The Pure Grit Team, together with the Tanzanian Tourism Board, made history in Tanzania as this was the first international
exhibition of an international standard to be held in the country. The inaugural event was opened by the president.
ABAV (Sao Paulo) 2014 The ABAV International Tourism Expo is the largest industry trade show in the Americas, with exhibitors from more than 60 countries around the world and invited key decision-makers and buyers. Over 38 000 trade professionals attended in 2013. The ABAV International Tourism Expo took place at Anhembi, São Paulo in Brazil from 24-28 September 2014. South African Tourism has appointed Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions Management to manage marketing, procurement operations and logistics regarding the stand. This includes the sales of all exhibition space as well as the management of all exhibitor requirements.
NEDLAC Civil Society Summit 2014 The NEDLAC Community Constituency Civil Society Summit, the first summit of its kind consisted of a conference, exhibition and gala dinner for 480 delegates. The aim of the summit was to mobilise civil society formations to be part of the solution in the economic development discourse in South Africa, while considering mechanisms to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in serving communities. Pure Grit Project and Exhibition Management had the mandate to design and manage delegate invites and RSVPs, co-ordinate all delegate transportation and accommodation, source service providers for gala dinner décor, manage all logistics around the exhibition, create an online delegate registration system to provide a detailed report of delegates attended, secure service providers for delegate bags and contents, as well as source and acquire panellist gifts. n
Confirmed Events for 2015 ITB Berlin : 4-8 March Indaba 2015 : 9-11 May National Construction Youth Indaba and Awards June 2015 Africa Golf Summit : 9-11 September Swahili International Tourism Expo (S!TE): 1-3 October WTM London : 2-5 November 2015
Zaida and Chef Benny Masekwameng, ITB exhibitor welcome event.
Physical Address: 46 Thembi Place, Calderwood Road, Lonehill, 2191 Tel: 011 467 5011 / 011 467 5024 Fax: 011 467 5350 International: +27114675024/5807
www.puregrit.co.za Zaida and Stedman Graham.
Future Focus
Jennifer Gibson ‘loves the industry and the process’
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ennifer Gibson, 32, chief executive officer of The Exhibitionist, started her company in July 2008. “The first six months of The Exhibitionist were very exciting months I marketed, designed, met with clients and was also able to manage my own time. I signed my first big job in November 2008. I built the Mpumalanga stand at Soccerex at SCC. What a high! “In the December, I made a conscious decision to take the profit from the job and re-invest it into the business. In January, I bought Octanorm stock. We signed a couple of jobs at Meetings Africa. I now had the stock, but nobody to assist me to build it and no truck to get it to site. “On that initial build, I borrowed my aunt’s Land Rover, hired a trailer and personally drove the stock to site. Nothing like being hands-on to get something done. I learnt so much. What a coordination feat,” Jennifer said. She added: “Post the show I bought our H100 Bakkie (still going strong) and hired my first employee, Mfundo Veli (what a super star). Mfundo is an incredibly loyal, amazing person and has driven the company forward through his dedication to task and ability to get his teams to perform at top speed and with great enthusiasm. “Once Mfundo came on board, I was now committed to the normal 8-5 working day, plus the additional hours you have to put in to grow a company. We were now officially a real company. Now also having to manage production, my design hours were limited, so I hired our first designer in April 2009. “We moved into a 280 square metre factory in Honeydew late 2009, where we are still happily located.” The Exhibitionist is now a firmly established company. “We have an absolutely incredible team. Mel Cook is heading up our Cape Town branch, and Johannesburg is flourishing.” “We have a permanent team of eight driven, committed, passionate and amazingly talented individuals. The Exhibitionist designs and delivers exceptional work and maintains a personal commitment to all our clients. “We offer a turnkey solution. The
designer involved on the project is responsible for the full delivery of the job,” Jennifer added.
What have been your achievements in the exhibition industry? The Exhibitionist is a multiple EXSA award-winning company. Two of our greatest achievements are Best Outdoor Pavilion for Suzuki in 2011 and winning Most Memorable Event (FAW Coega Assembly Plant Launch) in 2015.
When did you realise you wanted to be in exhibitions? I worked just short of a year with Scan Display before deciding I wanted to travel. I travelled to the US and worked at a ski resort in hospitality. I realised then I missed the excitement of driving my career forward. When I landed in the United Kingdom, I was keen to get my career back on track. I worked at an exhibition company called Service Exhibitions. It was an exciting space to be in and the economy was still in a place where budgets were flush. I worked up to head of design, but I missed being involved in the entire turnkey project. It was more like a production line and I was only one cog in the process. I wanted to control the entire project from start to finish. There is nothing better than handing over a stand to a happy client. When I returned to South Africa, I started The Exhibitionist.
What do you think has been your secret to success? I love the industry and love the process. I think in exhibitions, you have to be fully committed and truly love it, as it is a tough industry.
How long have you been in the industry?I have been in the industry for
What does your job entail? As a business owner, you are involved in all areas of the business. Upon arrival in the office, I meet in passing with production and allocate the necessary tasks for the day. Once at my desk, I have to scroll through a number of e-mails, allocate designs to the designers, touch base with clients, chase up on finances, focus on marketing the business and getting in new clients, meet with new and existing clients.
Do you ever have a typical day? There is no such thing. You are on the ground running the whole time. You will deliver whatever it takes. When on site, I will be on my hands and knees cleaning floors, managing staff, managing client’s expectation and delivering with a smile. You have to be incredibly versatile, dynamic and brave to tackle all the challenges at hand.
Which personal traits do you need for this position? You have to be highly ambitious, driven, strong-willed, able to cope under pressure and dedicated to your teams and clients alike.
What advice would you offer young people who are keen to explore the exhibition industry? It is a very fulfilling industry. It is exciting to actualise your designs. Be prepared to work hard and give it your all. You will either love it or hate it. It is not for everybody, but if you love it, you are in for the long-haul. Enjoy it. You will thrive on the adrenaline. n
10 years.
What challenges do you face as a young person in this industry? It is a very challenging industry. We face tough deadlines, work extremely late hours on site. On a personal level, it is hard to find a healthy work/life balance. Exhibition construction is not for the faint-hearted. Jennifer Gibson
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Case Study
Sanlam
Cape Town Marathon – one of SA’s first carbon neutral sport events The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is to become one of the first sporting events to be declared carbon neutral in South Africa.
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his will be achieved through the pilot purchase of carbon credits traded on a JSE platform using existing commercial and financial infrastructure. The platform and the carbon offset trading were showcased for market readiness at the JSE. The carbon offset trading pilot was part of a culmination of a three-year research project executed by Promethium Carbon in co-operation with the JSE and funded by the British High Commission in Pretoria. To offset and become carbon neutral, a company can purchase carbon credits
through any of the number of brokers in South Africa that facilitate the trade of credits. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, a weekend-long festival of running held from 20 – 21 September 2014 and preceded by the Peace Symposium on Friday, 19 September, attracted more than 12 500 runners from 53 countries, as well as spectators and symposium delegates. The total greenhouse gas emissions of the 2014 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and the Peace Symposium were calculated to be 873 tCO2 (823 tCO2 for the marathon and 50 tCO2
for the symposium). This amounted to approximately 0,07 tCO2 per participant. The emissions associated with the event emanated from transportation, mainly air travel, (the largest contributor at 85 per cent), manufacturing of goods and services for the event (13 per cent) as well as energy (one per cent). The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is the second Sanlam-sponsored event to be declared carbon neutral. Sanlam has also purchased carbon credits to offset gas emissions from its annual Benchmark Symposium since 2013. “We are proud of this critical milestone for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as well as our participation in the piloting of an environmental initiative which we hope fellow corporates will embrace,” said Sanlam Group’s head of corporate affairs,
Case Study Francois Adriaan. “Sanlam’s core business activities have a low impact on the environment, but we recognise that some of our activities, such as events, have a larger carbon footprint. As a responsible corporate citizen that cares about the environment and one that is concerned about the sustainability of our business and that of the communities in which we do business, we aim for every Sanlam event to be carbon neutral. We hope to achieve this by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting those emissions which we cannot avoid,” Mr Adriaan said. Participation in this initiative reaffirms Sanlam’s commitment to environmental and business sustainability, which the company is well recognised for. One such recognition is the inclusion of Sanlam on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in recognition of its leadership in corporate sustainability. Out of 19 insurance companies asked to participate in the emerging market index (companies in Brazil, China, Taiwan, South Africa and Poland), only the top 10 per cent insurance companies were included. Sanlam is the only South African insurance company selected for the index. “We believe in doing the right things and doing them for good. Part of that is
“We are proud of this critical
taking voluntary and responsible action such as mitigating the impact of our gas emissions. That is why Sanlam has taken the lead in contributing to the creation of a low carbon economy in South Africa and has exposed itself to scrutiny by participating in the Dow Jones Index and the Carbon Disclosure Index, among other initiatives.” The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is an annual event managed through a joint partnership between Western Province Athletics (WPA), ASEM Running and the City of Cape Town. The event is endorsed by event ambassador Elana Meyer, South Africa’s Olympic medallist and repeat record holder in long-distance running, and Francois Pienaar, the Rugby World Cup 1995 winning captain. Ms Meyer said: “I am proud to be associated with an event that is carbon neutral. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon endeavours to benchmark itself against leading international City Marathons in order to pioneer and be seen as leaders in sustainability initiatives. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s three core focus areas are to demonstrate concern for sustainability; to minimise its environmental impact; and to maximise engagement of all key stakeholders.” Sanlam aims to continue to mitigate
milestone for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as well as our participation in the piloting of an environmental initiative which we hope fellow corporates will embrace.
”
the carbon footprint resulting from events such as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in line with the company’s overall sustainability strategy and targets, which include reducing the carbon footprint by 15 per cent at the end of this year. “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which already has a substantial charity drive, will now also have another social benefit for South Africa, which we believe sets it apart from many other events in the country,” Mr Adriaan concluded. This year, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be held from Saturday, 19 September to Sunday, 20 September 2015. n
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Personality profile
Andrew Gibbs – going beyond ordinary Humble Andrew Gibbs, 49, managing director of ConCept G Exhibitions & Events, dreams of leaving a legacy in the exhibition industry.
H
e started in the exhibition industry as a chartered accountant, but soon realised operations was where he wanted to be. “I was mentored by the best the exhibition the industry had to offer, Hans Zwets and Keith Lydon. My training ground was covered in sawdust in the shopfitting and bespoke environment and it was not too long before I came to know Octanorm – the best aluminium and infill panel system available in our industry. “From operations to key account management and finally, business development, I was witness to many changes in the exhibition and event industry over the 16+ years, and realised many successful projects for the respective companies under which I worked. “My partner and I started ConCept G Exhibitions & Events in April 2010,” Mr Gibbs said. ConCept G recently opened in Cape
Town. ConCept G is a single source supplier, specialist exhibition stand contractor and event infrastructural supplier. “We are active members of EXSA and IFES (International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services). Also proud OSPI members (Octanorm Service Partner International), we are one of only two companies in Southern Africa. OSPI is an international network of exhibit builders and stand contractors who are qualified as experienced full service companies with expertise in all facets of Octanorm Exhibition Systems, as well as other bespoke methods of exhibit design and fabrication.
How do you see the industry at present? 2014 was a celebration of the culmination of a very busy and productive year for the exhibition and event industry and for ConCept G, one of exponential growth. We cannot exclude the fact that business has been tough and is certainly being conducted very differently from that of the past. There is the effect of the economy on our industry. The first and second quarters of 2014 certainly felt this impact, with a gradual and positive rise in the latter part of the year. Business
activity expanded at the fastest rate in 21 months in September. We have to keep up with trends, constantly evolve and move forward. We have to go beyond the ordinary.
What are the main trends in the exhibition industry? There is the impact of technology, which is a constantly evolving phenomenon and if used correctly, a powerful and effective tool. It’s an APP world, where everything happens immediately. Brand loyalty is not guaranteed and therefore, we need to instil and build trust in business and we do this by most importantly, keeping the human factor, delivering an exceptional product on time, and maintaining consistency in business and delivery excellence. Design is everything and we must constantly strive to provide a unique experience, visual experience and appeal. The challenge lies in keeping Generation Y and Z happy, while also making sure that Generation Xers feel as if they’re being catered for. Cost pressures remained high, with both purchase prices and staff costs climbing sharply. Power and water outages will continue to affect productivity and deliverables. Yet, we will continue to make a plan. South Africans are world-renown for being the most adaptable. With adaptation and change, comes growth. A major is greening. We should strive to recycle, re-use and reduce wherever possible. It means constant educating, with regular meetings to assess and change the way we do things.
Where were born? I was born in Burmingham in the United Kingdom. At age three my parents immigrated to South Africa. I have two brothers and we are all seven years apart.
Where did you grow up? Benoni, Johannesburg. I went to Bonero Park Primary and Willowmore High.
Where did you start your career? At the Perm SA in Kempton Park. Andrew Gibbs
Personality profile
How long have you been in the exhibition sector? 18 years.
the business always comes first. Time is a precious commodity in our industry.
What is your favourite sport?
What do you enjoy most about it?
I enjoy rugby and international soccer. Ryan Giggs is my favourite sportsman.
The pace, the innovation, ideas and the constant change.
What do you do for leisure?
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?
Ride my Harley, eating out and exploring new restaurants, theatre, shopping.
What is your secret to success?
Technology and its constant advances.
Focus, drive, passion and PLANNING.
What role does your family play in your life?
What has been your biggest challenge in the exhibition industry?
I am married to Gill. She is the love of my life, my soul mate, my partner. Good, quality family time is essential, but rare, in our fast-paced industry and in current times. As time marches on, I find that I am making more time for family.
What would you change in your life if you could when looking back? I would have started ConCept G earlier. And maybe developed an APP.
Do you have any hobbies? Reading, riding my Harley, collecting watches.
Do you play any sports? Scuba-diving whenever there is an opportunity. Golf, but time is an issue as
Project managing the SA Pavilion at the World Expo 2010, in Shanghai, China from the bricks and mortar phase to realisation of the complete building and interior.
What is your pet hate? Lack of honesty and integrity. Lack of planning. Not being on time.
What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why? The Maldives. It is surreal.
If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why? Steve Jobs – for his vision, presence and
global impact.
What is your favourite city? London – the atmosphere and the fact that everything just works.
What is your favourite book, film, TV programme? Book: I enjoy many books, mainly regarding brands, marketing and research. Film: Black Hawk Down. TV Programme: Fringe, House of Cards, Sons of Anarchy.
How do you relax? I research, watch series, ride my Harley, go to theatre, bond with my cat, Frodo.
What is your favourite food? Steak, pizza, prawns.
Who is your favourite movie star? Angelina Jolie.
What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done? Bought a racing car – wow.
Who is your role model? I would say Nelson Mandela for his humility and grace.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this? Be true to yourself. Be persistent.
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A Local Perspective
Accommodation sector leads charge to conclude 2014 on a positive The accommodation sector recorded its highest score since the inception of the Tourism Business Index (TBI) in the last quarter of 2014, consolidating a year of largely positive performance for the local travel and tourism industry.
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he TBI report, released recently by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), highlights that the Q4 score of 113,3 for the accommodation sector exceeded the expected performance of 110,4. Overall, the industry performed almost in line with expectations, recording a score of 108,3 compared to the forecast score of 109,8. A score of 100 represents normal trading performance. The quarterly index is a TBCSA initiative and is compiled by Grant Thornton. TBI comprises two sub-indices: Accommodation which caters for the various types of accommodation establishments from guest houses to hotels and other tourism businesses which includes the tourism transport sector, travel agents, retail outlets, conference venues, attractions and foreign exchange traders. In Q4, the other tourism business segment (excluding accommodation) achieved a score of 104,4 points, five points lower than forecast, but still indicating a positive sentiment in the industry. Reflecting on last year’s key challenges, among these being the introduction of new immigration regulations and the Ebola outbreak in several West African countries, TBCSA chief executive officer, Mmatšatši Ramawela, said: “2014 was by no means an easy year for the local travel and tourism industry. Although we experienced a dip in business performance in the second quarter, we are happy to see that the fourth quarter concluded the year on a positive note.” “The greatest positive contributing factor towards both accommodation and other tourism businesses is the weak rand exchange rate,” says Gillian Saunders, head of advisory services at Grant Thornton Johannesburg and global leader: hospitality and tourism for Grant
Thornton International. “We expect the weak exchange rate to continue to have a positive impact on most businesses in both sectors for the next quarter.” The forecast for the first quarter of 2015 is confidently buoyant, with most respondents expecting normal trading conditions. Performance levels for accommodation and other tourism businesses are forecast to reach scores of 101,9 and 102,7 respectively. Assessing overall performance expectations for the rest of the year, industry outlook on indicators such as employment levels and capacity growth is fairly subdued. When it comes to employment, the majority of all respondents (79.4 per cent in both accommodation and other tourism businesses) do not expect employment levels to change. A total of 16,8 per cent of respondents expect to see an increase in employment levels, and only 3,7 per cent expect to see a decrease. In terms of capacity growth expectations 75,9 per cent of respondents surveyed do not expect capacity to grow this year. Respondents were also asked to rate various markets’ potential for growth in 2015, which presented a mixed set of results: • Almost half of the respondents expect low and significantly low growth in international and domestic meetings,
incentives, conferences and events, highlighting a pessimistic outlook for the business tourism industry; • Expectations for growth in domestic business travellers were high for a total of 40 per cent of respondents; • The majority of respondents expected both foreign and domestic leisure markets to grow in 2015; • The industry remained neutral with regard to forecasting growth for other markets such as Reverting back to Q4, most concerning is that cost of inputs remains the most cited negative contributing factor affecting business performance for the 10th consecutive quarter. On the other hand, positive influences mentioned include the positive signs that the Ebola outbreak is being contained, greater business demand and lower fuel prices. Q4 TBI results are on par with the results of other indices. Latest results of the quarterly RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (“RMB/BER”) showed an “uptick” to better than normal business performance in Q4; while the SAACI Business Confidence Index (“SAACI BCI”) indicated a weakening general economy for 2014, but with a very slight “uptick” in the last quarter. “Overall, we are pleased to see resilient results, as reflected by the TBI in the last quarter of 2014. Looking ahead into 2015, we expect another challenging, but exciting year ahead. TBI will continue to play a vital role in helping us to better understand the environment in which we operate,” Ms Ramawela concluded. n
Executive Chef
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Johannes De Bruijn ‘food is my chosen medium’ Johannes De Bruijn, 31, chef at Ten Bompas Hotel, Winehouse Restaurant, in Dunkeld, Johannesburg, has been in the industry for more than 13 years. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he started his culinary journey at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Harare before he relocated to Johannesburg to complete a four-year apprenticeship.
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fter completing a diploma in culinary arts through HTA (Hospitality Trainers and Associates) School of Culinary Art in Randburg, as well as receiving City and Guilds accreditation, he travelled the rest of South Africa seeking to expand his food knowledge. “On returning to Johannesburg, I followed my sweet tooth and took up a position at a small artisan patisserie near the city centre where I learnt the art of scratch-making French confectionery and artisan-style breads. “More recently, I spent two years at Cube Tasting Kitchen under the guidance of Dario De Angeli, where I found the freedom to experiment with new flavours and techniques and develop a more modern and fun approach to food. While working with Dario, I also had the opportunity to run one of the pop-up restaurants at the first Delicious Festival and worked with 2 Michelin star chef John
What is your signature dish? I don’t have a signature dish. I try to put the same amount of effort and passion into each dish that makes it onto one of my menus. One of my favourites on the current menu though is a starter of potato confit with Tahitian vanilla bean aioli, panko crumbed camembert, rice vinegar pudding and ground Honduras organic coffee beans. This dish will pair equally well with a pinot noir, or a chilled chardonnay.
Burton-Race, which is one of the highlights of my career.” After leaving Cube Tasting Kitchen he joined Ten Bompas. Johannes said he has always had a passion for cooking. “When I realised I could do it for a living, it was an obvious career choice for me.” His goal for the next five years is to make a name for himself on the South African food scene and to be associated with great food. Johannes said he enjoys what he does because no two days are the same, and it offers him the freedom to be creative on a daily basis. In terms of trends, he said: “The public have become a lot more aware of food from all over the globe and I think have become a lot more adventurous and are willing to try new things. “From a global trends perspective, there is a greater demand for a wider choice of fresh ingredients; meeting the needs of millennial consumers who are well informed and enjoy trying something new; a growing emphasis on unsaturated fats and oils (rich in healthy Omega’s) as concerns about obesity grow – as well as the return of using butter to naturally and tastefully flavour rather than its artificial counterpart, margarine.” His advice to PCOs organising a conference or event is: “Be familiar with the event space and be particular and detailed in communications.” Johannes said one of the main challenges facing the industry is the vast choice of venues. Johannes is married to Kyla. They have been married for six year. “For leisure I work out, and spend time with family and my dogs. To stay fit, I fight Muay Thai.” For newcomers, he said: “I still find a lot of young people who get into this industry still don’t realise how much passion you need just to make it a career. Try to spend some time in a professional kitchen environment and get a feel for whether you simply love cooking, or whether you have the drive to do it every day. The hours are long and, sometimes, you spend your entire day just cutting vegetables, but for some of us, it’s a dream come true.” n
What is your favourite beverage? I’m equally fond of a cool glass of water and a cup of strong black coffee.
What is your favourite food? Beef mince served any way.
What is your pet hate? I have a fairly good eye for detail and can’t stand it when things are out of place. This applies to everything, from the way the dry goods get packed away to the way each dish is plated. I want everything to be in its place every time.
What is your great love? Food. I like to think of chefs as artists. Food is my chosen medium and plates are my canvas.
Are you adventurous? I like to think I’m a little adventurous, but I take calculated risks. My biggest adventure was definitely fighting in the International Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok.
Johannes De Bruijn
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Venue News
Johannesburg Expo Centre ready to target more worldwide events
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outh Africa is well-positioned within the international exhibition sector, with many global events planned and hosted here by international organisers. Having celebrated three successful decades in the industry last year, the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) is ready to target more worldwide events as it aims to meet and exceed international standards. This is according to Craig Newman, chief executive officer of the JEC, who said that South Africa’s exhibition, conference and events industry is fast becoming one of the country’s most important industry sectors. “In a short space of time, the South African exhibition industry has seen a series of new joint ventures, purchases and investments from Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. These include organisations such as Messe Frankfurt, UBM Montgomery, Terrapin, Fleming Gulf FZE, Reed Exhibitions and Fierra Milano.” The benefit for South Africa is that well-established international brands bring with them large international exhibitors who bring credibility and critical mass to an exhibition, not to mention the host venue. In 2014, Messe Frankfurt announced its 56 per cent majority stake in South African trade fair organiser, South African Show Services (SASS). This portfolio includes some of Expo Centre’s leading events, including the Johannesburg International Motor Show, the AMID Motorcycle Expo, the Johannesburg Boat Show and the SA Outdoor Lifestyle Show, as well as
Automechanika Johannesburg. The Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is a 12-day automotive exhibition and lifestyle show taking place at the JEC from 14-25 October 2015. Running in conjunction with two additional events, the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Show and Auto Shop, the shows collectively offer a complete representation of the motor industry, serving sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa as host country. On the trade front, the fourth edition of Automechanika, South Africa’s leading international trade fair for the Automotive Industry targeting trade visitors from the sub-Saharan region returns to the JEC from 6-9 May 2015. Over the years, Automechanika Johannesburg has built up a reputation as the leading meeting place for the automobile sector in Southern Africa. The show offers a unique spectrum of products from the fields of automotive parts, car washing, workshop and fillingstation equipment, IT products and services, accessories and tuning. “Africa is an upcoming region of great importance to us and we take pleasure in inviting the Southern Africa automotive community to participate in this event,” said Michael Johannes, brand manager of Automechanika. “Africa is expected to be the fastest growing economic region from 2015, which means that the question is no longer ‘why do business in Africa?’ but rather ‘how do we achieve this?’ says show
director Philip Otto. “The ‘how’ is using Automechanika Johannesburg as a business platform to reach into the rest of Africa,” he explained. The rising importance of Africa in the world’s construction and mining markets is taking centre stage at this year’s BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA 2015 from Munich, Germany. The International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles comes to the Expo Centre from 15-18 September, 2015. Elaine Crewe, chief executive officer of BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA, believes South Africa is the perfect platform for this international event. “As investors look towards developing countries for new growth, the mining and construction industries are set to profit. “The need for infrastructure is a great opportunity for those present in these sectors to provide services and products throughout developing countries. The growing number of international entrants into the African market is a telling sign of just how important Africa is becoming,” she said. Mr Newman said: “On a global front this is a very mature business sector, driven largely by cross-border trade and globalisation. “Companies from all over the world are recognising the power of the African economy, not just purchasing its products and services, but selling to its increasingly global marketplace,” he concluded. n
Venue News
54 on Bath rated among the best hotels in Africa TSOGO Sun’s luxurious and sophisticated 54 on Bath achieved 6th place in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards recognising the Best Hotels in South Africa, and was rated among the top 25 hotels in Africa. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice awards for hotels at the 13th annual awards showcase. In total, 8 151 unique properties worldwide won awards in 2015, covering eight regions around the globe. Travellers’ Choice award winners are determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide. Travellers’ Choice winners are celebrated for their remarkable service, quality and value. “This is the second year that our guests acknowledge our unique offering, elegance and excellent service. Our exceptional attention to detail in an intimate, vibrant and energetic environment, complimented by our relentless focus on service always stands us in good stead,” said Deborah Pillay, general manager at 54 on Bath. With its signature blend of luxury and style, and its trendy location in Sandton’s tranquil suburb of Rosebank, it is no wonder 54 on Bath is distinguished as one of the best hotels in South Africa, and on the continent. Business travellers and holidaymakers alike are able to truly relax and rejuvenate in a luxurious environment, ensuring an experience that is sure to be rewarding at every turn. n
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Venue News
CTICC ensures accessibility for all The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) achieved its first Universal Accessibility (AU) audit, with an outstanding result of 83 per cent for mobility accessibility from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) at the end of the last year. “At the CTICC, we are committed to providing accessibility for all our clients and patrons, especially those who have special requirements. We were delighted with our result of level 3 which is the highest classification that one can obtain,” said Julie-May Ellingson, chief executive officer. For the past five years, the CTICC has been assessed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and has maintained its five-star rating.
Due to a recent government mandate, all hospitality institutions were assessed for their universal accessibility on mobility. This was the first time CTICC was evaluated and was able to achieve remarkable results. Aage Hansen, general manager: operations and food & beverage, said: “The audit findings stated that the CTICC provided ‘excellent mobility facilities’. This affirms CTICC’s ethos of creating exceptional experiences through our ability to ensure the safety, comfort and accessibility for our clients and patrons.” The CTICC was designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that all feel welcome. The building has features that live up to Universal Accessibility Standards and the South African National Building
Regulations (NBR) Standards. The world-class facilities at the Centre offers full wheelchair access, designated drop-off points and parking bays for people with disabilities, toilets have been specially designed for the physically challenged, elevators with Braille inscriptions, and tables and chairs which adhere to universal accessibility requirements. The width of all external and internal doors has been designed to accommodate wheelchair access and lift buttons are placed to allow easy access by those in wheelchairs. Auditorium 1 is also equipped with designated seating sections for wheelchair occupants. The CTICC has been the venue of choice for a diverse group of meetings and events since its inception. On 14 February 2014, the Centre hosted the Disability Employment Summit, which aimed to raise awareness especially among business, government and other sectors of society, on the challenges and opportunities of employing people with disabilities. Events hosted previously include the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability (IASSID) in 2008 which had 800 delegates; and the Disability Workshop Development Enterprise International Small Business Conference in 2009, which was attended by 200 delegates. n
Venue News
Suncoast Towers appoints new head chef TSOGO Sun’s Suncoast Towers Hotel recently announced the appointment of Sandren Govender as head chef. In his new role he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s dining venue, room service, catering and culinary events, as well as further enhancing the hotel’s celebrated culinary offerings. “I’m thrilled and privileged to lead such a talented team. The hotel has great ambitions for the restaurant and, together, I believe we are creating something really special. I firmly believe that if you love food, it will love you back and I’ve built my career on loving what I do,” Mr Govender said. Having served in various hospitality food and beverage positions from around the globe, Mr Govender is a seasoned culinary professional with more than 21 years experience. Mr Govender, who specialised in Indian cuisine, has been a part of the Tsogo Sun group for more than four years and has been at the forefront for the launch of Jeera, an authentic Durban Indian restaurant. “We are delighted to welcome Sandren and his wealth of culinary knowledge and zeal as head chef of the hotel,” said Adrian Penny, general manager Suncoast Towers Hotel. “We are confident his expertise and impressive level of talent and enthusiasm will heighten the hotel’s diverse dining offering to a new level of excellence for our guests,” Mr Penny said. “We are proud to have a chef of this calibre on our team. He is perfect for the position, and we wish him all the best,” said Mike Jackson, operations director KwaZulu-Natal hotels. n
Laurence McGrath rejoins Valley Lodge as GM THE owners and team at Valley Lodge & Spa in the Magaliesberg welcome Laurence McGrath back as general manager. After two years as general manager at the country hotel, Mr McGrath set off to consult
for a Dubai-based hotel company who required his skills to assist them in completing a hotel in south Sudan, managing the layout, design and procurement. However, once this project was completed, he was happy to return to Valley Lodge & Spa to once again take up his former position. Mr McGrath is Southern Sun-trained and
has travelled and worked internationally, including managing four- and five-star hotels in the United Kingdom, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique. He decided to return to his roots, which are in Gauteng, as he enjoys the energy and drive of the region, while savouring the tranquil surroundings of Valley Lodge & Spa in the historical Magaliesberg. n
OLD MUTUAL CONFERENCE & TRAINING VENUES
Old Mutual provides an ideal environment and infrastructure to host an array of large or small corporate events, ranging from conferences and training to exhibitions, product launches and year-end functions. Our venues boast state-of-the-art audiovisual and video conferencing facilities. We have a number of conference venues with our largest venue seating 1000 delegates cinema style seating and 700 delegates for a round table event. We offer venues for weekend and evening training.
Laurence McGrath
Tel: +27 (0)21 509 0403 | Fax: +27(0)21 504 7630 Email: mschacht@oldmutual.com
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Market News
Marriott expects to reach one million rooms by 2015
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ontinuing its trajectory of rapid global growth and creating opportunity, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) said it expects its portfolio of hotels, either open or under development, to surpass one million rooms by the end of 2015. When open, the hotels under development will have generated more than $50-billion in real estate investment globally by Marriott’s owner partners and created more than 150 000 anticipated new hotel jobs. Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s president and chief executive officer, said: “An important focus of the World Economic Forum in Davos is creating new jobs and economic growth. In partnership with our owners in more than 100 countries and territories where we operate or have new hotels in development, “Marriott is making a meaningful contribution to economic opportunity. The growth in Marriott’s portfolio is truly a global trend, with strong expansion in the US and in many markets around the world. “In 2014 alone, Marriott signed agreements for more than 650 hotels and 100 000 rooms to be added to its worldwide system over the next few years, a signing pace of nearly two new hotel deals a day. This anticipated investment by our owner partners in Marriott-affiliated hotels will show their confidence in our brands, which reflects the preference our brands have with customers. “Together, our growth fuels economic development in communities around the globe, boosting construction and direct employment at the hotels, as well as incremental commerce that emerges around this growth,” Mr Sorenson said. A study by the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) researched the economic and community benefit of hotels and found in its initial study of the
JW Marriott Lima Hotel in Peru, which employs 350 associates and features 300 guest rooms and 10 meeting rooms, that the hotel contributes more than $10- million annually to the Peruvian economy through expenditures on salaries, supplies and services. In developing regions such as Haiti and Africa, Marriott is working closely with hotel owners and non-governmental organisations to prepare and then hire local residents to manage and operate new hotels. The new Marriott Port-au-Prince in Haiti opened in February, having added more than 200 new local jobs. “With nearly one billion people moving upward into the middle-class across the globe, the incentives to travel, both for business and to see the world, are powerful and are building in momentum. “The doors to travel are increasingly open, as seen in the recent landmark agreement between China and the United States for mutual 10-year visas. “Since that policy change was announced, there has been a nearly 39 per cent increase in applications for US visas for Chinese visitors, who spend on average, seven thousand dollars per trip. The potential for new travel and economic growth is huge,” said Mr Sorenson “Clearly efforts to grow, generate economic opportunity and encourage travel can pay big dividends, not just for companies involved, but for communities around the world,” he said. Tony Capuano, Marriott’s executive vicepresident and chief development officer, said the company’s dramatic growth profile has been building steadily. “We achieved record growth across the board in 2014, as we opened more than 46 000 rooms worldwide. Having signed agreements in 2014 for more than 650 new
hotels and 100 000 rooms, we boosted our record pipeline of new hotel development to nearly 240 000 rooms. “When opened over the next few years, these new hotels will expand Marriott’s presence from 80 countries and territories today, to more than 100. This continues an historic four-year surge in demand for new Marriott hotels that drives a bullish growth outlook. “Our success has been boosted by a number of factors, including our continental leadership structure that connects our local development teams with development partners and lenders, the continuity of our senior development team, and the introduction of new brands which accounted for nearly 40 per cent of our new room openings this past year. “We and our hotel owners are excited about our new brands, including Moxy, AC by Marriott, Autograph and EDITION, and our newly-acquired Protea brand in Africa.” Marriott’s growth is significant on a regional basis. In North America, the company is entering new secondary and tertiary markets as well as adding to its strength in the largest cities. In Asia, the company expects to more than double its distribution as hotel projects in the current pipeline open, more than doubling Marriott’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The company also expects its robust growth will continue in the Middle East and Africa, where Marriott’s portfolio could expand by more than 75 per cent, and the Caribbean and Latin America, where its system size could increase by nearly 50 per cent. In Europe, the company’s aggressive growth plans will leverage a broad portfolio of brands, including Moxy, a new stylish budget alternative for travellers with a millennial mindset. n
Market News
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and experience an adrenalin rush CORPORATE and incentive groups, get ready to don your flashiest tuxedo, and join in shooting the favourite weapons of the world famous 007, James Bond. On offer are the legendary Walter PPK, semiautomatic assault rifles and shotguns. The Gun Fun Indoor Shooting Range is based in the heart of the Cape Town CBD and is offering visitors and locals an opportunity to experience an adrenalin rush, as you get to shoot real firearms only seen before on the “big screen.” The indoor shooting range is state-ofthe-art, and caters to gun enthusiasts, gun hobbyists, sportsmen, first time shooters and law enforcement professionals. Our family friendly facility was designed to accommodate both handguns and rifle shooting (AK47) in an indoor environment. The firing range employs sound deadening materials and a decent ventilation system. Whether you know your way around guns, or have never handled a firearm before, book an experience at our indoor Cape
Town shooting range and pick the perfect shooting adventure package. Make your day with “Dirty Harry’s” 44 Magnum revolver. The world’s largest pistol, the Desert Eagle .50 AE calibre, is also available for the brave to handle. Other packages include a Cowboy package with traditional cowboy guns shooting at “outlaw targets”, a Femme Fatale package where the ladies get to shoot a pink Glock and assault rifle. The Special Forces package will equip you with an array of the latest military firearms and send you out on the range to “save the hostage”. After a mandatory interactive safety briefing and a kitting-out with earmuffs and safety glasses, firearm enthusiasts take to the range to shoot their selected packages. Part of a growing global trend to make shooting accessible to people of all shapes, sizes and outlooks, Gun Fun believes that shooting a gun can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A waiting area with retro
armchairs and coffee creates a unique atmosphere, and experienced instructors ensure a fun and safe experience for all. For those with the future of our wildlife close to your heart, try out the AK-47 SAve the Rhino Package. Save the Rhino by stopping the poacher. But beware, if you miss the poacher, you will be asked to make a donation to the “Saving Private Rhino” fund. Gun Fun offers a number of different shooting experiences, well as an opportunity to shoot the firearms individually. A full range of curios, including the must-have “I shot an AK47 in Africa” T-shirt, are also available. Open six days a week, this adventure is suitable for: • Individuals and experience gifts. • Corporate groups and teambuilding fun days. • Bachelor & Stag Parties, Bachelorette. For corporate events, we cater to smaller and larger groups. Minimum booking for a group package is six. Larger groups will be broken up into smaller groups of a maximum of 20 each. n
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Market News
International wellness guru heads to Durban The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is delighted to host international wellness guru, Dr Deepak Chopra during his second South African tour in March this year. The prestigious tour is presented by Oval International,
Dr Deepak Chopra
a registered Private Institute of Higher Education, in partnership with the Durban ICC. Dr Chopra will inspire and enlighten guests on “The Future of Wellbeing” through his insightful seminar covering areas such as physical, emotional, spiritual,
career, community, ecological and financial wellbeing. The aim of his visit to South Africa is to present a roadmap for audiences for “higher health” and in support of his theories, will offer practical ways to experience higher consciousness, transformation and healing. He will showcase his latest findings in alternative and mainstream medicine in his plight to create understanding and awareness of how the conscience can enhance the holistic wellbeing of human beings. Mala Dorasamy, marketing, sales and events director of Durban ICC, said: “It is an honour for us to partner with Oval International in bringing such a worldrenowned luminary to our shores. The Durban ICC has always been on the cuttingedge of thought-leadership in South Africa and we are looking forward to the insights which Dr Chopra will impart at this event.” Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to interact with Dr Chopra and address specific topics at the seminar. The programme includes a list of questions that Dr Chopra will address such as: • Are we in the midst of a major paradigm shift in science? • Is there an ultimate reality? • Does consciousness conceive, govern, construct and become the physical universe? • Is the universe becoming self-aware in the human nervous system? Dr Chopra is acknowledged by TIME Magazine “as one of the top 100 hero icons of the 20th century” and Globe In acknowledges him as “one of the top most influential spiritual leaders around the world”. He is the author of more than 80 books translated into more than 43 languages, including 22 New York Times bestsellers in both the fiction and nonfiction categories. He is the founder of The Chopra Foundation, co-founder and chairman of the board of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, founder of The Chopra Well on YouTube. Dr Deepak Chopra will be presenting his insights live at the Durban ICC on 19 March 2015. n
Market News
Committee appointed to review SA Tourism SA Tourism, the entity responsible for marketing South Africa as a domestic and international destination is going to be extensively reviewed, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has said. SAnews.gov reports Mr Hanekom has appointed a ministerial committee to review SA Tourism’s institutional alignment and strategic focus in the context of the broader public and private sector landscape for tourism marketing and tourism sector governance. “The tourism sector operates in a dynamic and constantly changing environment. Technology is developing rapidly and is changing the way we communicate and market ourselves, consumer preferences are evolving, and source markets are shifting,” Mr Hanekom said. “Continual change in the operating and market environment requires us to review how effective our organisational structures are to deliver against their mandates,” he said. According to the report, tourism has been identified as a key sector with the potential to contribute to economic growth and
sustainable employment in the National Development Plan. Several tourism, marketing and governance experts are part of the review team: • Valli Moosa (chairperson) • Dr Crispin Olver (deputy chairperson) • Mavuso Msimang • Kate Rivett Carnac • Dr Tanya Abrahamse • Nunu Tshingila-Njeke • Jeanine Pires The panel’s analysis will include “a study of international best practice that guides tourism governance and marketing; the division of roles between national tourism administrations and destination marketing organisations, and key performance indicators of comparable destination marketing organisations.” The review is expected to be completed by the end of April 2015. This will precede the appointment of a new Board which will assume duty on 1 June 2015. n
INDABA 2015 exhibitors already on board More than 400 travel and tourism products and services have applied to exhibit at Africa’s biggest and best established travel tradeshow. They include the widest variety and depth of African travel products from both the private and public sectors of the industry, which is why Indaba celebrates the exhibitors as the show’s core differentiator. Among the companies that have already confirmed their exhibiting space at INDABA are: andBeyond; Fair Trade Tourism; the Tanzania Tourist Board; The Blue Train; Tourism KZN; Hilton Worldwide; MalaMala Game Reserve; Cape Town Tourism; Tsogo Sun and British Airways (operated by Comair). South African Tourism welcomes each INDABA 2015 exhibitor. Indaba is nothing without the passion, commitment and professionalism of every single one of its exhibitors. Their warm and welcoming spirit literally forms the heart and soul of the show, and as a team are solely responsible for driving Africa’s tourism industry forward. INDABA takes place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, from 9-11 May, 2015. n
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Market News
The Table Bay staff answers call to SOS SUN International’s, The Table Bay, kicked-off its Switch Off Something (SOS) Campaign to motivate and inspire its staff to start using electricity wisely on Monday, 2 February 2015. Employees enthusiastically embraced the initiative and have committed adopting electricity-smart ways in their daily work. The campaign aims to ignite excitement around energy-saving concepts while providing employees with important information that can help them improve energy efficiency in their daily tasks. These tips and information can also be applied in their own homes – to save money on their electricity bills and contribute to a healthier planet. The Table Bay boasts a staff complement of 500. Every member of staff will be part of the campaign, and play an intrinsic role in its success. “The Table Bay Hotel is acutely-cognisant of the dire state of South Africa’s electricity network, and recognises that every South African business and individual has an obligation to save energy. We are also aware of the growing international focus on saving electricity and using precious resources such as electricity and water mindfully. “To this end, and to ensure that we are able to achieve our vision of becoming a ‘green’ hotel, we are striving to inculcate a culture of resource efficiency among our staff, and implement energy-saving
technologies in our operations.” Sherwin Banda, general manager of The Table Bay, said: “Every little tactic employed to save power collaboratively has a tremendous impact. Together, we can make a difference.” According to Mr Banda, the campaign leverages various internal communication methods to ensure that all staff is aware and involved. The campaign was introduced to staff at a launch event where they were treated to themed cupcakes and received energy-saving items such as solar powered lights to ignite excitement. Posters, newsletters, stickers, and other top-of-mind awareness methods, including a staff roadshow are also being used to build awareness. “We will also be staging competitions where employees will be acknowledged for their participation and support of the campaign,” Mr Banda added. The SOS Campaign forms part of the hotel’s ongoing programmes to optimise the energy and resource efficiency of its operations. Over the past few years, The Table Bay has invested in energy-saving technologies such as energy efficient lighting and heat pumps. “Our efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve water have shown reassuring results. For example, last year we managed to recycle 12 680 kg of cardboard; 4 074kg of plastic; 4 760kg of paper; 5 064kg
of glass and 922,5kg of scrap metal. These initiatives have definitely assisted in reducing our usage on property and resulted in cost savings over the last year. “From an energy-saving perspective, we have cut consumption considerably in the past two years through various initiatives, including the implementation of energysaving lights and heat pumps. “We know we could be saving more electricity purely through behavioural change. We want to encourage energysaving among our people and motivate them to adopt energy-wise ways of working which they can also use at home to reduce their own consumption and costs,” Mr Banda said. “All South Africans have a responsibility to save electricity. South Africa is in the throes of an energy crisis and unless we all do our bit to reduce the demand on the electricity supply, we face a dark few years ahead while our power utility brings new power stations online. “Very often it is a lack of awareness and knowledge that prevents people from taking steps to reduce consumption. Through campaigns like ours, we can show people just how easy it can be to save power. This knowledge not only benefits employers’ in their efforts to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint, but also empowers employees to make positive changes at home to save costs,” he concluded. n
Market News
Southern Sun Ikoyi wins Travellers Choice award SOUTHERN Sun Ikoyi Hotel has emerged winner of the highly coveted Trip Advisor “Traveller Choice Award” for 2015. The award, bestowed on the hotel by the renowned international travel and online review website Trip Advisor, selected Southern Sun Ikoyi as a winner in its 2015 Best Hotels Category – Nigeria. Elated with the award, Southern Sun Ikoyi general manager Mark Loxley, attributed the hotel’s success to “fantastic team effort, quality customer service and the dedication of staff and management in providing a continuous high level of superior guest service.” Mr Loxley continued that, the award will “further motivate staff and management to continue efforts in maintaining the status of high quality service delivery at all times.” The award which was developed to identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the global hospitality industry, determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. Offering the most visible international platform for providing reviews of travel related content, the Trip Advisor award is judged by the vast number of guests who visit any named
hotel. Their comments and reviews about the hotel are posted onto the international travel website which is visible to millions of travellers from around the world. The Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel was appraised by guests on a whole range of hospitality disciplines, namely service delivery, cleanliness, efficiency, security, comfort, value for money, superb culinary reputation, and sophisticated ambience amongst other points. The hotel’s particular warm response to all comments and queries posted on the website earned them excellent ratings with guests. n
Sun International Zambia welcomes new general manager EMMANUELLE Moneger has been appointed as the new general manager at Sun International Zambia’s beautiful Zambia Falls Resort which comprises the prestigious Royal Livingstone Hotel and the newly-refurbished Zambezi Sun. She is French by birth and is passionate about Africa, hence her 17 years dedicated
Emmanuelle Moneger has been appointed as the new general manager at Sun International Zambia’s beautiful Zambia Falls Resort.
to experiential luxury travel across Africa and central India. Ms Moneger’s achievements include developing new safari lodges in the best African and Indian hot spots, namely Tanzania, Zanzibar, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and central India. Ms Moneger shares her view on her new role as the general manager of the Royal Livingstone and the Zambezi Sun Hotel: “I have a passion for delighting guests, service excellence and attention to detail is second nature. I believe that by inspiring people, anything can be achieved together. We should all strive to achieving excellence so that The Royal Livingstone and the Zambezi Sun, become a reference in Africa and ‘The Best’.” Ms Moneger holds a Master’s degree in hotel management and sport and an HR and law degree from the Perpignan University in the South of France. n
Southern Spoor to host first corporate showcase BY exclusive invitation to corporate trade and agents only, Southern Spoor Marketing recently announced the inaugural Southern Spoor corporate showcase to be held in Johannesburg on 24 March, 2015. Open to the corporate trade and agents by invitation only, this first-ever showcase of the Southern Spoor corporate portfolio will present some of the best properties in South Africa and Kenya suitable for business travel, meetings and conferences, with the opportunity to meet with the hotels’ general managers and senior executive staff. In addition, there will be some fantastic prizes from member hotels up for grabs, including a grand prize of a trip to Kenya with flights and luxury accommodation from Sarova Hotels. Date: Tuesday, 24 March, 2015 Time: 09h00 – 12h00 followed by a light finger lunch Venue: The Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Further details will be communicated prior to the event. Complimentary entrance to qualified corporate trade and agents. Space is limited, so get in touch now to secure your place at the inaugural Southern Spoor showcase on info@southernspoor. co.za. n
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Trending InternaTionally
Melbourne launches
first pop-up gala space
L
orum Ipsum is Melbourne’s first pop-up gala space that is set to truly transform the city’s events landscape. Melbourne is a city renowned for its creativity, design and culinary culture – its hidden laneways, bars and restaurants waiting to be discovered. Lorem Ipsum is a space that captures these hidden characteristics and is ready to be uncovered. This all-inclusive concept offers a
completely immersive events experience that encapsulates Melbourne’s unique style, with sophisticated theming, stateof-the-art audio-visual and award-winning food. Lorem Ipsum features stunning design with beautiful crystal chandeliers, gold pressed panelling, creative lighting, incredible menus with matched wines, and a team of event management experts to ensure each and every detail is perfect.
Popping up in an unexpected location, this new and unique space is available for end-of-year bookings and is scalable to accommodate gala dinners or lunches from 500 to 1 200 people and cocktail functions for up to 2 000. Lorem Ipsum is centrally located, with on-site parking, close to public transport, taxis and accommodation and surrounded by some of Melbourne’s hottest bars. n
SAACI News
Should PCOs or their clients take responsibility for association congress losses? By Denise Kemp, public officer of SAACI and owner of Eastern Sun Events
I
have always felt that the academic content and the financial outcome are the two most important aspects of a congress. We have always taken responsibility for managing conference budgets so there are not losses, and have presumed that this is the norm for all PCOs. But apparently it isn’t. Financial information needed to draw up a budget should come from the client, but it rarely does. Information that can influence the budget on the income side, such as the number of expected delegates, sponsorship and trade exhibition monies they expect to raise and some info on the expenditure side such as the number of speakers to be funded, do they fly business or economy class, the number of venues needed for parallel sessions, etc. So, armed with all this information, what can possibly go wrong? All the PCO has to do is draw up a budget and try to stick
to it. So how could a projected profit of R1-million end up as a R300K loss? • Numbers were estimated at 2 500 but, in reality, these ended up being 800. • Sponsorship monies came in at 50 per cent of what was expected. • Exhibition monies were very low and the cost of the venue ended up being higher than the income paid for the stands.
How could any PCO foresee the above scenario? A PCO who is serious about the financial outcome of a congress will do their own investigation and find out that there were 2 500 delegates at the last Vienna congress. Vienna is accessible to the whole of Europe. Cape Town isn’t. They looked at the figures for South America (another long-haul destination) and these were 900. So they immediately change their delegate numbers to 800 and work on a break-even of 500. The congress chairman has indicated that he will invite six international speakers who will be fully funded with economy
class flights. So this is indicated on the budget. Speaker No 1 comes back to say he only flies business class and his flight estimate is R105 000. The chairman asks the PCO to change the budget to accommodate the increase. If the PCO is taking responsibility for the finances they should advise the chairman that the budget cannot sustain this and the invitation should be withdrawn if the speaker won’t fly economy class or use his own miles to upgrade. If the chairman overruled me on this, I would no longer be able to manage the budget. I asked one of my clients the other day if he expected the PCO to take responsibility for the budget. He said: “Absolutely. And, if a PCO isn’t trained in finance, I would show them the door.” Our clients expect us to deliver a profit for them, however small. This is what we do for a living and we should have expertise in this. Associations need income from congresses to run their associations and we have a responsibility to do this if we dare to call ourselves professional conference organisers. n
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EXSA News
New dates for EXSA’s conference announced
T
he Exhibition & Events Association (EXSA) is delighted to announce that its annual two-day conference will be held at the prestigious CSIR this year. The conference will take place from 1-2 June, and will have various breakaway sessions to cater for all the different forums of the association – organisers, venues, suppliers/services and the young professionals forum. “We will have plenary speakers who will cover topics in a broader sense with great input for all members, and then breakaway sessions inviting specific industry experts to inform and inspire our industry,” said EXSA chairman, Brad Alder. “The conference committee promises that it will be a breath of fresh air for the South African exhibition and events industry.” You may be asking why attend this conference? Industry conferences allow you to bolster your network. They give you the opportunity to engage with like-minded successful people where you can trade ideas, keep an eye on the competition and keep up with the latest trends. Industry conferences are also a hotbed for interesting topics and seminars. The more you can fit into your schedule, the more you are learning, and the more knowledgeable and passionate you are to prospective clients. Conferences may also give you your next big idea, or inspire you to change your way of doing business and possibly growing it further. “Personally I am extremely excited at the speaker line-up and programme, which has been tailored to deliver exceptional value and relevant exclusive content for members and interested companies in the exhibition industry,” Mr Alder said. EXSA is putting great emphasis on the youth, with the young professional forum actively involved in the development of an
exciting programme which will cover a number of aspects of the South African exhibition industry. The full programme, along with various exciting sponsorship opportunities, and a few surprises are still to follow. EXSA takes great pleasure in inviting all EXSA members to participate in the conference and share in the knowledge and networking opportunity. n
Brad Alder
Site news
Site SA hosts its Summer Summit 2015 By Tes Proos, immediate past president, Site SA
S
ite SA had the privilege of welcoming back change guru, Michael Jackson to our second Summer Summit in Cape Town on 27 January 2015. The event was held at the recently refurbished Fire & Ice Hotel in Bree Street and I have to say, the team went above and beyond their call of duty. Our panellists were Rick Taylor from The Business Tourism Company; Elmarie Delport from Tsogo Sun, as well as Cornè Koch, from the Cape Town Convention Bureau. Last year, we addressed the matter of where to focus our marketing efforts. Both Daniel Silke and Michael Jackson did a huge amount of research and all indicators showed we needed to focus on Africa and Asia – China in particular. To be honest, not all of us are equipped to deal with those markets and probably did not launch full-tilt into driving our marketing bucks into those regions. This turned out to be a good thing … who would have thought, less than a year later, we would have visa issues from the Far East, major terrorist attacks in Nigeria and a fatal disease sweeping through Western Africa?
The sad thing Is how these issues have negatively affected travel into South and Southern Africa, in spite of not being physically affected by any of it. All of us have felt the punch in one way or another. The big question is – how does one deal with situations like this? How do we know how much business we are NOT getting, simply because South Africa is no longer on the list of desired destinations? At this year’s Summit, Michael Jackson relayed some truths, which we all know but do not necessarily know that we know. When we were kids (and I am talking about the 60s now), our parents used to say “the more things change, the more they stay the same”. Well, we all know that is no longer true. Today, with the power of technology – which we flower power kids can’t keep up with – things change faster and faster on a daily basis. And we need to be cognitive of this. Stay with the times – literally. That brings us to another point. We need to harness our youth and help them develop into the best they can be. Right now, I need youth to help me sort out my website and programme my cellphone. To most 20-year-olds this is second nature, but I no longer have the time nor patience to figure these things out, as I would when I was 20 years younger.
We need to recognise our youth’s value and support them in every way as they are the leaders of our future – business and otherwise. Finally, back to Michael. Collaboration leads to convergence. A blurring of the lines and we all end up working together one way or another. It boils down to the same old (vital) thing – relationships. That is what makes the world go round and what makes things happen. Treat your suppliers, clients and staff with respect. You never know when you are going to have to dig deep and ask for a favour. On that note, here is wishing everyone a wonderful Meetings Africa and see you at the next SITE event. n
Tes Proos
What we’re all about ... motivational experiences Why we do it? ... business results Site Organisational Mission • 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 ...
Contact Debbie de Villiers Office + 27 (0)21 448 9965 Fax: +27 (0)21 448 7244 E-mail: debbie@terra-nova.co.za www.terra-nova.co.za
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Calendar
Local and international conferences, workshops and exhibitions of interest to the conference, exhibition and special events market For free entries in this calendar, please supply information to: Contact Publications, PO Box 414, Kloof 3640. Tel: (031) 764-6977. Fax: (031) 764-6974. E-mail: colleen@contactpub.co.za local: 2015
International: 2015
FEBRUARY 23-25: MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 – Advancing Africa Together. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. More information: Scan on Show. Tel: (011) 431-4126. Fax: 086 601-0504. E-mail: meetingsafrica@meetings-africa. co.za
FEBRUARY 24-25: AIME 2015 – Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo. Venue: Melbourne Convention + Exhibition Centre, Australia. More information: Reed Exhibitions Australia. E-mail: inquiry@reedexhibitions.com. Website: www.reedexpo. com.au
april 13-15: IBTM AFRICA 2015. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. More information: Marketing Manager. Tel: +44 (0)20 8910 8911. E-mail: jessica.vogel@reedexpo.co.uk. Website: www.ibtmevents.com
MARCH 23-25: GIBTM 2015. Venue: Abu Dhabi International Exhbition Centre (ADIEC), Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates. More information: Reed Exhibitions. Tel: +44 20 8271-2134. Website: http://www.reedexpo.com/
april 13-15: ILTM 2015. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. More information: Marketing Manager. Tel: +44 (0)20 8910 7804. E-mail: jen. barratt@reedexpo.co.uk. Website: www.iltm.com
APRIL 14-16: IT&CM CHINA + CTW CHINA 2015. Venue: Shanghai Exhibition & Convention Centre, China. More information: Olivia Ng, Event Executive, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. Tel: (65) 6395 7575. Fax: (65) 6536 0896. E-mail: olivia.ng@ttgasia.com
april 15-17: WTM AFRICA 2015. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre. More information: Marketing Manager. Tel: (011) 549-8300. E-mail: Chardonnay@ThebeReed.co.za. Website: www.wtmafrica.com may 9-11: INDABA 2015. Venue: Durban International Convention Centre, KwaZulu-Natal. More information: Tel: (011) 467-5011. Fax: (011) 467-5350. E-mail: indaba@indaba-southafrica.co.za june 1-2: EXSA CONFERENCE. Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, Tshwane. More information: Tel: (011) 805-7272. Fax: (011) 805-7273. E-mail: exsa@exsa.co.za Website: www.exsa.co.za AUGUST 2-4: 29TH SAACI CONGRESS. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town. More information: SAACI Secretariat. Tel: (011) 8805883. E-mail: wcbranch@saaci.co.za. Website: www.saaci.co.za
MAY 19-21: IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imex-frankfurt.com JUNE: AIBTM 2015. Venue: Chicago, United States of America. More information: IBTM America. Tel: +1 203-840-5636. E-mail: AIBTM@reedexpo.com october 1-3: Site 2015. Venue: Mlimani City Conference Complex, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. More information: Tel: +27 (0)11 467-5011. Fax: +27 (0)11 467-5350. E-mail: info@site.co.za. Website: www.site.co.tz october 13-15: IMEX America. Venue: Las Vegas, United States. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imexamerica.com OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4: 54th ICCA Congress. Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More information: Mieke van Loenen. Tel: +31203981902. Website: www.iccaworld.com NOVEMBER 17-19: EIBTM 2015. Venue: Fira Gran Via, Montjuic 2 Exhibition Centre, Barcelona, Spain. More information: Erica Keogan. Tel: +44 208 910 701. Website: www. eibtm.com
International: 2016
International: 2017
APRIL 19-21: IMEX frankfurt. IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imex-frankfurt.com
MAY 16-18: IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imex-frankfurt.com
NOVEMBER 12-16: 55th ICCA Congress. Venue: Kuching, Malaysia. More information: Mathijs Vleeming, marketing project manager, ICCA, Toren A, De Entree 57 1101 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1962. E-mail: mathijs@icca.nl. Website: www.iccaworld.com
DATE TBA: 56th ICCA Congress. Venue: Prague, Czech Republic. More information: Mathijs Vleeming, marketing project manager, ICCA, Toren A, De Entree 57 1101 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1962. E-mail: mathijs@icca.nl. Website: www.iccaworld.com
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• Bags can be customised to your specification with high quality print of up to 5 colours (5 sizes of standard stock printed bags are also available) • Bags have a unique sequential number or barcode Under Licence to
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Directory
Kim Gibbens: Aqua Mice. Tel: (086) 100-2782. Cell: 079 693 9530. E-mail: kim@aquamice.co.za Glenn van Eck CMP: Magnetic Storm. Tel: (041) 3934800. Fax: (041) 393-4899. Cell: 082 800-2616. E-mail: glenn@magnetic.co.za
OFFICE BEARERS National Chairperson: Zelda Coetzee Vice Chairperson: Kim Gibbens Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Chief Executive Officer: Adriaan Liebetrau Physical Address: Association Hub, 158 Jan Smuts Avenue, 4th Floor East Wing, Rosebank 2196; Box 381, Parklands 2121. Tel: (011) 880-5883
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Zelda Coetzee: Imfunzelelo Tourism & Event Specialists. Tel: (021) 674-0013. Cell: 084 657-5476. E-mail: zelda@imfunzelelo.co.za
EASTERN CAPE Chairperson: Andrew Stewart Vice-Chairperson: David Limbert Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Secretariat: Wendy Knott-Craig Committee: Natalie de Lange; Gill Dickie; Rachel Greensmith; Sadie Isaacs; Cheryl Kietzmann; Leigh Myles-Rohroft; Toni Payne; Alastair Stead; Patsi van Zyl. Eastern Cape Secretariat: Wendy Knott-Craig. Tel: (041) 360-4415. Cell: 073 201-8699. E-mail: ecbranch@saaci.co.za Natalie de Lange: Bojangles Caterers. Tel: (041) 586-3700. Cell: 083 469-7259. E-mail: bojangle@ global.co.za Gill Dickie: Budget Car Hire. Tel: (041) 581-4242. Cell: 079 527-7619. E-mail: gilld@budget.co.za Rachel Greensmith: The Boardwalk. Tel: (041) 507-7777. Cell: 082 290-4617. E-mail: rachel. greensmith@za.suninternational.com Sadie Isaacs: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. Tel: (041) 582-2575. Cell: 082 9907652. E-mail: conference@nmbt.co.za Cheryl Kietzmann: The Function Warehouse. Tel: (041) 581-0454. Cell: 083 593-7239. E-mail: cheryl@ thefunctionwarehouse.com David Limbert: Magnetic Storm. Tel: (041) 3934800. E-mail: david@magnetic.co.za Leigh Myles-Rohroft: Hotel Savoy (JH Group). Tel: (041) 368-8343. Cell: 083 228-3928. E-mail: leigh@ jhgroup.co.za Toni Payne: Access Management. Tel: (041) 408-8958. Cell: 084 421-2623. E-mail: toni@ accessmanagement.co.za Alastair Stead: Scan Display. Cell: 073 236-6618. E-mail: alastair@scandisplayec.co.za Andrew Stewart: PeriExpo. Tel: (041) 578-5987. Cell: 082 581-3733. E-mail: andrew@periexpo.co.za Glenn van Eck CMP: Magnetic Storm, Box 27427, Greenacres 6057. Tel: (041) 393-4800. E-mail: glenn@magnetic.co.za Patsi van Zyl: The Green Room Design Company. Tel: (041) 581-8903. E-mail: patsi@greenroom.co.za
KWAZULU-NATAL Chairperson: Nick Papadopolous Vice-Chairperson: Imrah Ahmed Treasurer: Dawn Holmwood Secretariat: Carol Macnab Committee Members: Kim Gibbens; James Seymour; Zelda Robertson; Denver Manickum; Keith Bentley; Scott Langley;
Denise Kemp (Public Officer): Eastern Sun Events. Tel: (041) 374-5654. Cell: 082 654-9755 E-mail: denise@ easternsun.co.za Adriaan Liebetrau: Tel: (011) 880-5883. Cell: 082 8636302 E-mail: adriaan@saaci.co.za Keith Burton (Chair: Conference & Events): African Agenda. Tel: (021) 683 2934. Cell: 083 415 4111. Email: keith@africanagenda.com Wayne Johnson (NTB Chair): Fancourt. Tel: (012) 653 8711. Cell: 083 448-1324. E-mail: waynej@fancourt.co.za Crystal Kasselman (WC Chair): Centeq Events. Tel: (021) 948-9549. Cell: 082 414-4471. E-mail: crystal@ centeqevents.co.za Nick Papadopoulos (KZN Chair): Eat Greek. Tel: (031) 563-3877. Cell: 084 450 5011. E-mail: eatgreek@telkomsa.net
KwaZulu-Natal Secretariat: Carol Macnab. Cell: 079 072-0133. Imran Ahmed: Aqua Tours & Transfers. Tel: (086) 100-2782. E-mail: imran@aquatours.co.za Keith Bentley: The Gateway Hotel. Tel: (031) 536-9200. Cell: 083 779-3567. E-mail: gm@ thegatewayhotel.co.zaa Kim Gibbens: Aqua Mice. Tel: 086 100-2782. Cell: 082 318-1671. E-mail: kim@aquamice.co.za. Marlene Govender: Durban ICC. Tel: (031) 3601000. E-mail: marleneg@icc.co.za Dawn Holmwood: Tel: (031) 765-7494. Email: dawnholmwood@outlook.com Scott Langley: Durban ICC. Tel: (031) 360-1000. Cell: 082 805-8794. E-mail: scottl@icc.co.za Denver Manickum: I-Cube Alternative Advertising. Tel: (031) 701-0474. Cell: 083 482-8525. E-mail: denver@icube.co.za Nick Papadopoulos: Eat Greek. Tel: (031) 5633877. E-mail: eatgreek@telkomsa.net Zelda Robertson: Tsogo Sun. Tel: (031) 362-1360. E-mail: zelda.robertson@tsogosun.com James Seymour: Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. Tel: 031 366-7575. Cell: 082 925-5508. E-mail: james@durbankzncb.co.za NORTHERN TERRITORIES Chairperson: Wayne Johnson Vice-Chairperson: Estelle Lötter CMP Treasurer: Joe Hattingh Secretariat: Heather Heskes Committee: Aidan Koen, Chris Prieto CMP, Brian Prowling, Bronwen Shaw, Gabi Babinszky, Yolande van den Berg NTB Secretariat: Heather Heskes. Tel: (011) 787-4672. Cell: 076 321-6111. E-mail: ntbbranch@saaci.co.za Gabi Babinszky: Compex. Tel: (011) 262-2490. Cell: 086 658-5059. E-mail: gabi@compex.co.za Joe Hattingh: Lumi Mobile. Tel: (012) 345-5161. Cell: 082 329-6569. E-mail: joe@lumimobile.com Wayne Johnson: Fancourt. Tel: (012) 653 8711 Cell: 083 448-1324. E-mail: waynej@fancourt.co.za Aidan Koen: Scan Display Solutions Pty Ltd. Tel: (011) 447-4777. Cell: 082 561-3188. E-mail: aidan@ scandisplay.co.za Estelle Lötter CMP: Ripcord Promotions. Tel: (011) 482-2835. Cell: 082 651-4556. E-mail: estelle@ ripcord.za.com Chris Prieto CMP: Tel: (011) 973-5138. Cell: 083 778-2644. E-mail: saaci.chrisprieto@gmail.com Brian Prowling: IEBE. Tel: (011) 463-1767. Cell: 083 379-3154. E-mail: brian@iebe.co.za
Esmare Steinhöfel (Chair: Venue Forum): CTICC. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888 2624. E-mail: esmare@ cticc.co.za Andrew Stewart (EC Chair): PeriExpo. Tel: (041) 581 3733. Cell: 082 578 5987. E-mail: andrew@periexpo. co.za
ADVISORY BOARD: Bruce Dorrofield (Chair: Technical Forum): ImproVision. Tel: (031) 564-4217. Cell: 084 714 8888. E-mail: bruce@impro-vision.co.za Denver Manickum (Chair: Services Forum): I-Cube Advertising. Tel: (031) 701-0474. Fax: 086 559-9105. Cell: 083 482 8525. E-mail: denver@icube.co.za James Seymour (Chair: Destination Marketing): Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. Cell: 082 925-5508. E-mail: james@durbankzncb.co.za Bronwen Shaw (Chair: Transport Forum): Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank. Tel: (011) 448-3600. Cell: 083 646-8778. E-mail: bronwens@ therosebank.co.za
Bronwen Shaw: Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank. Tel: (011) 448-3600. Cell: 083 646-8778. E-mail: bronwens@therosebank.co.za Yolandé Van Den Berg: Selah Productions. Tel: (011) 913-0326. Cell: 083 323-3910. E-mail: info@ selahproductions.co.za WESTERN CAPE Chairperson: Crystal Kasselman Vice-Chairperson: Desireé Smits van Waesberghe Treasurer: Jaques Fouche Secretariat: Lara van Zyl Committee: Jaco du Plooy, Kurt Johnson, Janine Abrahams, Esti Venske, Lerisha Mudaliar, Liezel Short; Thiru Naidoo, Zeenat Parker. Western Cape Secretariat: Lara van Zyl. Cell: 082 223-4684. E-mail: wcbranch@saaci.co.za Janine Abrahams: Tourvest. Tel: (021) 5252500. Cell: 083 440-06806. E-mail: jabrahams@ tourvestdm.com Angelique Isaacs: Impact Incentives & Events. Tel: (021)712-5358. E-mail: angelique@impactincentives.co.za Jaco du Plooy: NH Lord Charles Hotel. Tel: (021) 855-1040. E-mail: j.duplooy@nh-hotels.co.za Jaques Fouche: Gearhouse SA (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (021) 929-7200. Cell: 083 607-2046. E-mail: jfouche@ gearhouse.co.za Kurt Johnson: AV Alliance. Tel: (021) 469-1420. Cell: 082 822-8867. E-mail: kurt@avalliance.co.za Crystal Kasselman: Centeq Events. Tel: (021) 948-9549. Cell: 082 414-4471. E-mail: crystal@ centeqevents.co.za Lerisha Mudaliar: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau (Wesgro). Tel: (021) 487-8694. Cell: 072 631-7674. E-mail: lerisha@wesgro.co.za Thiru Naidoo: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau (Wesgro). Tel: (021) 487-8600. E-mail: thiru@wesgro.co.za Zeenat Parker: HWB Communications. Tel: (021) 421-0430. Cell: 081 248 2801. Email zeenat@hwb. co.za, Liezel Short: Red Hot Events. Tel: (021) 510-05478. Cell: 083 283-2330. E-mail: liezel@redhotevents. co.za Desireé Smits van Waesberghe: Capemotion. Tel: (021) 790-2190. Cell: 072 335-5282. E-mail: dsmitsvanwaesberghe@helmsbriscoe.com Esti Venske: Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Tel: (021) 460 3518. E-mail: venskee@ cput.ac.za
Directory
EXSA OFFICE National Chairperson: Brad Alder Immediate Past Chair: Nigel Walker Treasurer: Jason King General Manager: Sue Gannon, Box 2632, Halfway House 1685. Tel: (011) 805-7272. Fax: (011) 805-7273. E-mail: exsa@exsa.co.za Website: www.exsa.co.za. BOARD MEMBERS Brad Alder: Octanorm. Tel: (011) 433 2010. Fax: (011) 433 1927. Cell: 082 445-2661. E-mail: brad.alder@octanorm.co.za
Andrew Binning (Organiser Forum): Inkanyezi Event Organisers. Tel: (041) 363-0310. Cell: 082 372-9247. E-mail: andrew@inkanyezi.co.za Ann Dalton (Western Cape Forum Chair): Agri Expo. Tel: (021) 975-4440. Fax: (021) 975-4446. Cell: 082 550-4700. E-mail: ann@ agriexpo.co.za Lindy Geyer (Venue Forum): Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888-2625. E-mail: lindy@ cticc.co.za Andrew Gibbs (Services Forum): Concept G. Tel: (011) 708 7991. Fax: (011) 708 3718. Cell: 083 260-8065. E-mail: andrew@conceptg. co.za Rachel Jowahir (Venue Forum): Gallagher Convention Centre. Tel: (011) 266-3000. Cell: 073 304-6692. E-mail: rachelj@gallagher.co.za Jason King: Hypenica. Tel: (021) 700-4300. Cell: 072 386-7321. E-mail: jason.king@ hypenica.com Graeme Marshall (Suppliers Forum):
Gearhouse South Africa. Tel: (011) 2163000. Cell: 083 607-3036. E-mail: gmarshall@ gearhouse.co.za Elizabeth Morley (Organiser Forum): Expo Trends. Tel: (011) 478-3686. Fax: (011) 4783684. Cell: 083 675-0076. E-mail: elizabeth@ expotrends.co.za Cara Nortman (Young Professional Forum Chair): SSQ Exhibitions. Tel: (011) 7921241. Cell: 079 254-9572. E-mail: cara@ ssqexhibitions.co.za Natalie Naude (Organiser Forum): Three City Events. Tel: (021) 689-3262. Fax: (021) 689-3269. Cell: 083 680-8088. E-mail: natalie@ babaindaba.co.za Clive Shedlock (Venue Forum): JHB Expo Centre. Tel: (011) 494 1920. Fax: (011) 494 1005. Cell: 083 589-8422. E-mail: karabo@ expocentre.co.za Nigel Walker: Complete Exhibitions. Tel: (012) 667-2074. Fax: 086 653 2616. Cell: 082 5517604. E-mail: nigel@compex.co.za
National Events and Education & Immediate Past President: Tes Proos, Crystal Events, Box 50596, Waterfront 8002. Tel: (021) 555 3617. Fax: 086 698 7792. E-mail: tes@crystalevents.co.za
Barry Futter (CSR Projects): Adventure Works. Tel: (021) 790-9015. Fax: (021) 790-6245. E-mail: barry@ adventureworks.co.za
Committee Members Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence OFFICE BEARERS: Chapter President: Debbie de Villiers, Terra Nova, Box 51170, Waterfront 8002. Tel: (021) 448 9965. Fax: (021) 448 7244. e-mail: debbie@terra-nova.co.za
Nicole Smith (Membership): The 12 Apostles Hotel. Tel: (021) 437-9000. Fax: (021) 437-9055. E-mail: nsmith@rch.co.za
Peter John Mitrovich (Treasurer-Elect): Grosvenor Tours. Tel: (021) 460-4700. Fax: (021) 448-0003. E-mail: Peter-John.Mitrovich@grosvenortours.co.za
Geoff Saner (Treasurer): Leading Incentives (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (011) 022-9264. Fax: (086) 615-0110. E-mail: info@li.co.za
Robin McLeod (Cape Town Events and Education): Green Route. Tel: (021) 447-3607. Fax: (086) 6366942. E-mail: robin@greenroute.co.za
Henk Graaf (Gauteng Events): SW Africa Destination. Tel: (011) 880-0910. E-mail: henk@ swafrica.co.za
Adriaan Fourie (PR and Social Media): Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau. Tel: (021) 487-8600. Fax: (021) 487-8700. E-mail: adriaan@wesgro.co.za
Daryl Keywood (Meetings Africa): Walthers DMC. Tel: (011) 467-8867. Fax: 086 654-6438. E-mail: daryl@walthers.co.za
Other ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association, Box 2594, Pinegowrie 2123. Tel: (011) 888-8178. Fax: (011) 782-3814. Cell: 083 679-2110. E-mail: monique@abta.co.za. Website: www.abta.co.za. Founder: Monique Swart.
PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. Tel: (011) 462-9465. Fax: 086 515-0906. Cell: 083 458-6114. E-mail: nikki@psasouthernafrica. co.za Website: http://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za Executive Director: Nikki Bakker.
TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Box 11655, Centurion 0046. Tel: (012) 654-7525. Fax: (012) 654-7394. E-mail: tumi@tbcsa.travel. Website: www.tbcsa.travel. Events & Membership Coordinator: Boitumelo Moleleki
ANTOR – Association of National Tourist Office Representatives. President: Hélène Bezuidenhoudt. Vice-president: Wendie White. Treasurer/Secretary: TBC. Postal Address: Box 41022, Craighall 2024. Cell: 083 200 4444. Fax: (011) 523-8290. E-mail: helene.bezuidenhoudt@ franceguide.com
SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association, Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128. Tel: (011) 011 9288 Fax: (011) 011 9296. E-mail: saboa@saboa.co.za President: Mr A Sefala. Executive Manager: Mr E Cornelius.
TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146. Tel: (011) 8953000. Fax: (011) 895-3001. E-mail: enquiries@ tourismgrading.co.za.
ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents, P O Box 650539, Benmore 2010. Tel: (011) 293-0560/61. Fax: 086 504-9767. E-mail: barbara@asata.co.za. Chief Executive Officer: Otto de Vries. Cell: 076 140-7005. Fax: 086 5051590. Office Manager: Barbara Viljoen. FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, Box 71517, Bryanston 2021. Tel: 0861 333 628. Fax: 0867 165 299. E-mail: fedhasa@fedhasa.co.za. Website: www.fedhasa.co.za Manager – National Office: Lynda Bacon.
SATI – South African Translators’ Institute. Executive Director: Marion Boers Tel: (011) 803 2681. E-mail: office@translators.org.za Website: www.translators.org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, Box 900, Ferndale 2160. Tel: (011) 886-9996. Fax: +27 866832082. E-mail: jennym@satsa.co.za. Website: www.satsa.com. Chief Executive Officer: David Frost. Chief Operations Officer: Jenny Mewett. SKAL International South Africa. For full details go to www.skalsouthafrica.org or contact Skal International secretary Anne Lamb on tel/fax: (021) 434-7023. Cell: 082 708-1836. E-mail: anne@yebo.co.za.
TINSA: Interpreters Network of Southern Africa (TINSA). Co-ordinator – info@interpreter.org. za Tel/Fax: (011) 485-2511. Cell: 083 249 0010. Website: www.interpreter.org.za Translators Network of Southern Africa (TINSA) Co-ordinator – info@interpreter.org.za Tel/Fax: (011) 485-2511. Cell: 083 249 0010. Website: www. interpreter.org.za TPSA – Technical Production Services Association, Box 2245, Pinegowrie 2123. Tel: 082 371 5900. E-mail: admin@tpsa.co.za Website: www.tpsa.co.za – Administrator: Tiffany Reed.
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The Last Word
Agents commission – is it a roadblock on our path to professionalism? believe that, as “anI truly industry in a country
By Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, general manager, CSIR ICC
C
ommission paid to venue finders and PCOs by venues and other service providers in the meetings industry has always been part of our landscape. From time to time, most often in SAACI forums, the issue of whether commission should stay or go has been hotly debated, but the debate has been dropped as quickly as it was brought up and no conclusions reached. Possibly because we are not ready or prepared to really face this topic head on and take a stand one way or another? Does this mean we are not ready to embrace transparency and professionalism in the meetings industry in South Africa? I am writing this piece to put forward the premise that the practice of transacting based on commission holds us back. I truly believe that, as an industry in a country blossoming with opportunity, the fact that our industry practices are underpinned by norms and acceptance of the practice of commission payments is a blight on our progress towards professionalism and respect as an industry. I believe that commission, as a means of reward and remuneration, drives the wrong behaviour. When a client employs the services of an agent to find them a venue or organise their conference where is the incentive for that agent to find the client the best deal when the agent’s remuneration
is directly linked to the cost of the venue, décor, av, etc? How many clients have thought they are saving money by using the “free” services of an agent when, in actual fact, their conference/meeting/event has ended up costing them much more than it would have if they had paid a professional as they have been steered toward using the most expensive venue plus all kinds of added extras that they do not really need so that the agent can earn higher/more commission? There can be no meeting of minds nor satisfaction on both sides when one party is driven to save money and the other driven by reward based on expenditure. In my mind, a truly professional conference organiser would charge professional fees for their services instead of working on commission. The charging of professional conference organising or venue finding fees would clearly demonstrate there is value in the service provided and that clients’ needs and requirements take precedence over how the highest commission can be earned. This model holds transparency and accountability in high regard and surely sets the tone for a more mutually beneficial professional relationship between client and agent than one based on undeclared commissions? While we have a number of professional conference organisers in South Africa who
Who is Bronwen Cadle de Ponte? Bronwen Cadle de Ponte is the general manager for the iconic CSIR International Convention Centre situated in Tshwane. The Convention Centre was the first international standard convention centre to be built in South Africa almost 40 years ago, and has been hosting international meetings ever since.
blossoming with opportunity, the fact that our industry practices are underpinned by norms and acceptance of the practice of commission payments is a blight on our progress towards professionalism and respect as an industry.
”
do work on a professional fee model, they are, unfortunately, still few and far between and I have to ask – why are we so ashamed of the service we offer that we choose to rather work on commission than charge a professional fee? Some agents will argue that “commission is covered by the venue/service provider anyway, so I am saving my client money”. Not true. In order to accommodate the expense of commission, venues and other service providers have to increase their prices to accommodate commission payments, which results in a more expensive product or service for the end client. Without the expense of commission, venues and other service providers could provide end clients with a much better value for money product and/or service. Commission exponentially makes everything more expensive for the client. We need more brave souls in our industry in South Africa to demonstrate self-respect and support professionalism by dropping commission and charging professional fees instead. Only then can we be truly appreciated by our clients and ourselves and only then can we claim esteem for what we do and develop value in our profession. When charging professional fees, agents will also be challenged to articulate exactly where and how they add value to the clients’ event which can only propel our industry more speedily towards professionalism and respect as a value adding profession. n