Vol 35 No 4
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 Durban ICC Board recently appointed Lindiwe Rakharebe as chief executive officer of the Durban International Convention Centre.
Regular Features
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Editor’s Comment
21 Executive Chef
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News
32 New Developments in Africa
11 Tech Watch
40 The Last Word
20 Personality Profile
Special Features
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destination feature: kwazulu-natal In this feature on KwaZulu-Natal as an exciting and competitive business events destination, James Seymour, head of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau divulges exciting new developments in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
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VENUE OF THE MONTH Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre’s exclusive wing, Silverbirch, has launched a unique “recharge package” to cater for daytime clientele wanting to refresh and recharge in comfort for a few hours.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa
Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa
Official media partner
Publisher: Godfrey King e-mail: gk@contactpub.co.za Editor: Irene Costa e-mail: gomesi@iafrica.com
Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com
Business Events Africa is published by the proprietors, Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd. (Reg No. 81/11920/07)
Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern 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
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 4 2015 Special Features 24 SPOTLIGHT ON CSR & GREENING The Green Cab is going the extra “carbon neutral” mile and Green Worx Cleaning Solutions says that if each industry takes responsibility for the effects that its actions have on the environment, true change can be effected. 29 SPOTLIGHT ON SPA CONFERENCING Set in the tranquil bushveld gardens of the Indaba Hotel, Mowana spa is a wellness sanctuary which will revive your senses, rejuvenate your body and soothe your soul.
Venue News
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26 Johannesburg Expo Centre: why it pays to be exceptional. 27 Townhouse Hotel leads the hotel pack in the CBD. 28 Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn opens its doors.
Market News 30 Walk in the footsteps of Madiba with new app. Royal Caribbean offers special booking incentive.
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31 More than 900 meetings already scheduled for INDABA 2015. 33 SAACI News
37 Calendar
34 EXSA News
38 Directory + aSSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST
35 SITE News 36 Index of advertisers
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Advertising enquiries:
Publication details: Business Events Africa is published monthly. There is a Yearbook in June with magazines from January to May and July to December. 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:
Jean Ramsay (Western Cape) Cell: +27 (0)79 508-0428 e-mail: j.ramsay@telkomsa.net
Bernadette Fenton (Gauteng) Cell: +27 (0)82 443-8931 e-mail: bernadette@contactpub.co.za
Wendy Odendaal (Gauteng) Cell: +27 (0)79 138 2221 e-mail: wendy@contactpub.co.za
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Editor’s Comment
Integrity bonds
our connection T
he business events industry in South Africa definitely has something endearing about it. Technically, we are in the hospitality
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industry, which means we are “hospitable.” However, I really feel there is more to this. South Africans are warm by nature, but this sector exudes warmth that I don’t think is found in many other sectors in the country. The longer I’m in the sector, the more I know it definitely becomes part of your being. I think the big thing is the connections we feel by being in this sector. It’s very “inclusive” of its people. In my opinion, authenticity and humility are two traits I can openly say that most people in this sector have. These elements add to Team SA’s winning formula. We are able to connect. These connections that we make are for life. Never under-estimate the power of these connections that lead to great partnerships. Being able to connect and partner with the right people is imperative in our everyday lives. Having the same value system is also important. These value systems steer us in the right direction, even when unsavoury options come around. They make it easier to stay on course. This leads me to the next point. Loyalty and integrity. People often classify these as separate, but to me, they are really more inter-linked than you think.
We often say people today don’t have much loyalty, but to be quite frank, I think the word is integrity. There is nothing wrong in being ambitious, but burning bridges is never a good idea. This works in all parts of our industry, from employer to employee, from venues to suppliers, to organisers, to clients. We all need to have integrity. What is integrity? According to the Oxford dictionary: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. If people stay honest, there cannot be any confusion. In business terms this means transparency. Gone are the days where you can do business without being transparent. Clients expect transparency. We all expect transparency. It just works and means there is no mistaking what will be done, and the breakdown of the costs. It also saves time. Getting the job done as stipulated is where integrity comes in. We are privileged to work in such a warm and welcoming sector. Through our well-chosen partnerships this sector can only grow from strength to strength. Let’s not forget integrity.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
Letter to the editor
In support of the article by Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, Vol 35 No 2 It is refreshing to see that members of our profession are seeing the light and challenging the age-old premise relating to earning our income “from commission”. The argument for commission is dysfunctional and I agree whole heartedly with her opinion on the matter. From our side (The Hiside) and having been in the industry for some 22 years, I have looked back to see what portion of our income stream has changed and, not
surprisingly, back in 1998 our commission represented 87 per cent of our income. Today, it has dwindled to eight per cent… so what do you read from all this? If we had relied solely on commission, we would today, be out of business. I think the challenge for anyone wishing to play a meaningful role in the events business, you need to understand the real value you offer to your clients, and it has got be more than just sourcing and
securing the appropriate “something”. Critical to the value of your value as a professional consultant is the CREATIVITY, the MEANING, the LEARNING, the SURPRISE, the MOTIVATION, the RELIABLE A-Z SERVICE, the SAFETY, the SAVINGS …and there are plenty more. Just ask your clients and they will tell you, and if you deliver … they will pay you for this, with a smile. Keep up the good work. John Ingram, Director: HiSide Group
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News
The Dome renamed Ticketpro Dome
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outh Africa’s leading ticketing innovator, Ticketpro, a whollyowned subsidiary of Blue Label Telecoms Limited, has secured a seven-year sponsorship deal of one of Johannesburg’s most recognisable landmarks, The Dome in Northgate, which has been successfully managed over the past 12 years by Thebe Reed Venue Management. This versatile multi-purpose venue has won Best Concert Venue for 14 consecutive years, Best Exhibition Venue South Africa at the EXSA 2014 Awards and Best Venue South Africa at the
Carol Weaving
PMR Africa 2014 Awards. The venue will undergo a name change and will be known as the Ticketpro Dome from 25 March 2015. “The Dome is an iconic landmark in Johannesburg and has hosted a series of international stars, as well as successful expos. This sponsorship is a logical next step in our evolution as a multi-service events partner. Through this partnership, we will take events hosted at the Ticketpro Dome to the next level,” said Werner van Reenen, chief executive officer of SA Distribution at Blue Label Telecoms Limited. Ticketpro has been responsible for many of South Africa’s premium sporting and entertainment events. Through utilising innovative technology developed by Blue Label Telecoms Limited, Ticketpro has been able to significantly streamline the ticketing, hospitality and access control for a range of events across the country. “Our use of innovative technology will enhance the customer experience and demonstrate to consumers what value they should be expecting from their ticketing partner. As a result, we expect to gain greater traction in the market as well as deliver a brand new, exciting and gamechanging experience for South Africans,” Mr van Reenen added. Thebe Reed Venue Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thebe Reed Exhibitions Group, holds the longterm management contract of South Africa’s leading indoor multi-purpose entertainment venue, The Dome, and has been awarded the management rights for a third consecutive term. Carol Weaving, managing director of
Thebe Reed Venue Management, sees massive potential for the newly-rebranded Dome, building on its already impressive track record as a premium, versatile venue. “It is a great honour and privilege to welcome Ticketpro as naming rights sponsor of The Dome. We look forward to growing this relationship and further building The Dome’s presence in South Africa. “Since being approached by Sasol Pension Fund, (the venue’s owners) in 2003, Thebe Reed Venue Management has taken The Dome to new heights, continuously setting the precedent for professional venue management in Southern Africa,” Ms Weaving explained. The move will see the Ticketpro Dome undergo an extensive rebranding exercise, as well as the inclusion of new access control technology which is exclusively managed by Ticketpro. This will enable customers at these events to make use of pioneering Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which provides the basis of a number of the innovations by Ticketpro. “The Dome is the most flexible entertainment space in Africa and certainly one of South Africa’s most loved and successful venues. The partnership with Ticketpro will allow The Dome to provide visitors with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class events,” added Ms Weaving. “Through Ticketpro’s innovative technology and service, focused on driving the ultimate customer experience, all future events at the Ticketpro Dome will surpass any event previously experienced,” Mr van Reenen concluded. n
News
Craig appointed vice-chairman
Change in Markex dates The dates for the Markex 2015 show have been brought forward by one week, with the event now taking place from 2-4 June 2015 at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC). This is due to the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU Summit), which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre over the second week
in June this year, meaning that for protocol and security reasons, the halls and other meeting rooms may not be shared by other shows or delegates. Fortunately, the date change will not impact any of the interesting features that Markex 2015 has to offer. It just means you will be able to enjoy them one week earlier. n
Johannesburg Expo Centre chief executive officer, Craig Newman, has been appointed vice-chairman of the Middle East Africa Chapter for UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. This follows Mr Newman’s appointment to the UFI Executive Committee by the main Board of Directors in November 2014.
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Cover Story
Lindiwe Rakharebe appointed as new Durban icc ceo The Durban ICC Board recently announced that Lindiwe Rakharebe has been appointed as chief executive officer of the Durban ICC, effective April 2015.
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s Rakharebe has a strong background in corporate management and has worked in a managerial capacity for all four of South Africa’s major banking institutions. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, research, marketing, community liaison, policy development and basic principles of good corporate governance. Ms Rakherebe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Leadership from the University of the Free State, as well as
other qualifications in Marketing Management and Management Development. She is highly qualified and brings more than 30 years’ experience in the corporate environment. Chairperson of the Durban ICC Board, Mato Madlala announced: “The Board is extremely pleased to have secured Ms Rakharebe as chief executive officer of the Durban ICC. While her professional experience prior to this has mainly been in the corporate financial sector, she is an exceptional executive who has repeatedly
Cover Story demonstrated her ability in strategic management and leading high performance teams. “She is well known for her passion and dedication in growing the KwaZulu-Natal economy, so it is fitting that she takes the reins at the Durban ICC, considering the immense economic impact which the company has on the provincial and national economies. We are confident that under her leadership the company will continue to grow from strength to strength as Africa’s leading convention centre,” added Ms Madlala. Ms Rakharebe joins the Durban ICC from her position as ABSA’s regional executive for KwaZuluNatal. Commenting on her appointment, Ms Rakharebe noted: “It is a great honour and privilege to take on this new role. I am thrilled to serve my city and my
province and showcase ourselves to the world with great pride that we have in our possession a ‘world class’ destination.”
“My experience in the finance sector has groomed me to work well in a structured environment which will, ultimately, result
in clean audits and a strong sense of order. This shift also gives me the opportunity to hone in on my creativity. Service excellence is crucial in this business and I believe that if you have love for people, then so much more can be achieved.”
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Cover Story
Ms Rakharebe joins the Durban ICC at a time of strong forward momentum, with the company posting profitable financial results for the fourth consecutive year and having received a clean, unqualified audit from the Auditor General in the last fiscal year. The Centre is also set to host a number of high-profile international events in the coming months, including the World Routes
T: +27 (31) 360 1000
Development Forum, World Sociology Science Forum and World Forestry in September 2015 and the International AIDS Conference in 2016. Lindiwe Rakherebe succeeds Julie-May Ellingson, who stepped down from the position in July 2014. Operations director Nicolette Elia-Beissel has served in an acting-CEO capacity in the interim.
F: +27 (31) 360 1005
E: sales@icc.co.za
“I am passionate about teamwork and plan to work very closely with our stakeholders to ensure that the world recognises our potential. It is important to have synergy and work collectively to achieve the best results,” concluded Ms Rakharebe. n
W: www.icc.co.za
Twitter: @DurbanICC
Africa’s leading convention centre
Tech Watch
SA hotel industry must embrace technology to stay competitive
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outh African hotels, like their global peers, must expedite the adoption of technology to meet customer-led demand, according to a new report from Grant Thornton. Internationally, the hotel industry has lagged behind other sectors in adopting technology and, as a result, hotels must now put mobile technology at the centre of their customer experience as they race to catch up and compete in the “sharing economy”, where services such as AirBnB are challenging the traditional business model. However, the report cautions against dehumanising the hotel experience, stressing that the most successful companies will be those that master the balance between using technology to respond to customer preferences and keeping the personal touch where human interaction is a valueadd. Hotels 2020: Welcoming Tomorrow’s Guests highlights the changing nature of hotels and their guests. This is in part due to the increasing spending power of millennials, digital natives looking for local, authentic experiences when travelling. This demographic group are set to outspend baby boomers in hotels by 2017 and expect increasingly tailored services, such as mobile room customisation and special in-app offers. With the number of Chinese tourists alone expected to double to more than 200 million by 2020, rising numbers of travellers from emerging markets mean hotels need to change their services to cater for new needs and preferences. Gillian Saunders, head of advisory services at Grant Thornton Johannesburg, and Global Leader for Hospitality and Tourism at Grant Thornton International said: “Hotels need to work to understand their guests’ requirements, making the most of big data to analyse and establish where personalisation through better use of mobile can really add value. “It’s all about striking the right balance between apps and technology, as well as human interaction, which is still hugely valued. Get it wrong and you risk alienating your customers. Get it right and you can reap the rewards.
“The battle for tech talent with other industries is fierce, and the sector will need to think creatively and work with external strategic partners to get it right. This could include technology providers, app developers and existing services such as Uber, as well as local hosts adopting the home-from-home aspect of the sharing economy. “With millennials and tourists from emerging economies set to dominate future reservations, tomorrow’s guests will expect tailored services that break down language and cultural barriers, while still offering an authentic, personal touch that gives travellers the unique experience they value.” The report points out that the hotel industry has been lagging behind other industries when it comes to mobile personalisation; from retailers and personal finance providers to travel companies and restaurants, mobile technology – and especially apps – are being developed at a rate of knots to provide accessible, customised customer services. The report urges hotels to consider apps that personalise elements of the entire guest experience, going beyond the simple logistical processes of room booking and check-in to allowing guests to truly tailor their stay through their smartphone. Ms Saunders said: “With the rise of digital enterprises like AirBnB, TaskRabbit and Lyft demonstrating the power of the sharing economy, it would be tempting for hotels to simply follow the ‘there’s an app for that’ mantra and just push out mobile technology that adds little value to the customer experience or subsumes it. Hotels must take their efforts further. “Developed carefully, with a real understanding of what the consumer wants, technology can go a long way to build unique customer experiences that meet today’s demands. From ensuring the minibar is stocked with a guest’s favourite drink to providing details of local restaurants via their smartphone, hotels must retain the personal touch that keeps consumers coming back.” Some hotel chains are already using technology well to personalise the guest experience.
Gillian Saunders
For example, during the London 2012 Olympics, Holiday Inn partnered with Samsung to enable guests to control their rooms’ TV, air-conditioning and lighting with their smartphones. Hilton Worldwide are developing a mobile check-in and check-out service, and the Ritz-Carlton app, launched last year, provides concierge services including booking reservations, local city guides and special offers. A snap survey conducted by Grant Thornton South Africa has found that unlike the foreign hotel chains, South African hotel groups are not addressing the advances in mobile technology. Martin Jansen van Vuuren, director and hotel consulting leader, Grant Thornton South Africa said: “Domestic hotel groups do not have the R&D muscle of the big international chains, but they certainly need to have a strategy in place if they want to continue to appeal to the markets of the future; international and domestic. “These markets are increasingly tech savvy and will have high expectations of personalised delivery. After all, they will be getting it elsewhere in the world and will expect nothing less locally.” However, with recent privacy concerns around the amount of data shared through cloud platforms and mobile devices, the report warns that hotels must be mindful of how much data is likely to be shared by guests, and therefore work closely with consumers to ensure that personalisation is introduced at a level that is comfortable and achievable for both parties. “Hotels must act now to differentiate themselves. They must make a reality of mass personalisation – while keeping the human touch – to surprise and delight guests,” Ms Saunders concluded. n
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Destination feature: KZN
Ballito on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Exciting new developments for
Durban and KwaZulu-Natal J
ames Seymour, head of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau says: “One of the hallmarks of a competitive
business events destination is its ability to constantly upgrade and develop its meetings-related infrastructure. There have been a range of new and exciting
developments in Durban and KwaZuluNatal which will continue to ensure this region’s status as a leading business events destination.” These developments include: • Greyville Horse Racing Course, which has recently established a new convention centre which can accommodate in excess of 1 000 delegates and which has a range of significantly sized breakaway venues. This facility is being managed by the recently established Greyville Exhibition and Events Company. • The Olive Convention Centre is continuing to expand and upgrade its facilities. This venue now has, in addition to its Hall 1, which can accommodate 1 500 delegates mainly
One of the many views in the Drakensberg.
Destination feature: KZN
in raked seating, a Hall 2 which is a banqueting and meeting venue, with a meeting venue capacity of 1 000. Furthermore, it has a range of smaller break-out meeting venues. • A new conference centre has been established at Dube City, a centre within the King Shaka Airport precinct. This centre, known as Latitude Conference Centre, has the capacity to deal with meetings of up to 300. The venue is flexible and can be broken up into smaller meeting venues. • The Royal Hotel has just been acquired by the Durban-based Coastlands Hotel Group. They have undertaken to
refurbish this landmark to its former glory. • The Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani have also converted their disco of old, “Raffles”, into a magnificent meeting and cocktail venue known as Sky. • In addition, there are a number of venues for congress social events that have just been established, or have been refurbished. Some notable examples being, California Dreaming, La Vue, a floating restaurant; and Moyo’s. From an incentive perspective, the Drakensberg, Midlands, combined with some of Durban’s fine hotels is increasingly
being seen as an ideal programme. This experience can include some of the worldrenowned spas of the Midlands, stays in substantial Drakensberg resorts, helicopter flips over the Berg and visits to the five-star Namibithi Private Game Reserve and the Cheetah Sanctuary. “In conclusion, we are particularly proud of the fact that the Durban ICC has once again been rated as the top ICC in Africa by the World Travel Awards and one of the top 15 in the world by AIPC. This ia a fitting accolade for a centre that constantly strives to maintain its service standards and keep its facilities maintained,” Mr Seymour concluded. n
The beaches along the KwaZulu-Natal province are a water sport haven for avid surfers and water sport enthusiasts.
Canoeing on Kosi Bay.
Game-viewing in Umfolozi.
Diving with the stingrays at uShaka.
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Destination feature: KZN
Durban’s best-kept
hospitality secret Greyville Racecourse is turning into Durban’s new hotspot for conferences, events, concerts, weddings, exhibitions and much more. A team of leading professionals in hospitality and event management have joined forces to transform hospitality at the racecourse and have created the Greyville Exhibition and Events Company. They have gone from strength to strength and there is no stopping them now as they transform the 13 multi-flexible venues into dynamic spaces for all functions.
Providing an open-plan exhibition and conference space at one of Durban’s most recognisable landmarks, the multi-purpose centre is adept at hosting sporting events, conventions, corporate functions, concerts and weddings. Located at the historical grounds of the Greyville Racecourse (dating back to 1844), the centre features panoramic views of the city skyline and provides the perfect backdrop for networking. With more than 25 years of experience, it’s little wonder that this team has been
“It seems there will be a lot more than just racing going on at Greyville from now on as this dynamic team mix true eventing professionalism with a bit of fun to put Greyville Racecourse on the map”. appointed as the sole marketing, sales and operations agents of Greyville. With venues capable of hosting 20 people all the way up to the largest freestanding rooftop facility without columns in Durban where 1 600 people can comfortably be seated, there is nothing that can’t be done here. In close proximity to national highways Continued on page 16
Silver Ring Room.
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Destination feature: KZN
Continued from page 14 Silver Ring balcony.
The Classic Room.
and 5 000 secure on-site parking bays, make Greyville the preferred destination for both social and business occasions alike. This dynamic team are also hosting many of their own events at Greyville, and will be using their outside area for an International Horsepower Auto Showcase, jazz festivals, breaking a Guinness world record for the longest dining table, concerts and many more exciting events. Other in-house events include the likes of comedy shows, the Philharmonic Orchestra, a hole-in-one competition in their stadium shoot-out with R1-million in prize money, gala dinners, as well as bringing back the Mercury Networking Breakfast. It seems there will be a lot more than just racing going on at Greyville from now on as this dynamic team mix true eventing professionalism with a bit of fun to put Greyville Racecourse on the map. n
Destination feature: KZN
Sierra Adventure Resort ...
‘a blast from the past’ Sierra Adventure Family Resort – “a blast from the past” remembered by many for its leisure weekends, biking weekends and now enjoyed for family weekends is being catapulted into the
future by the eLan Hospitality Group. eLan Hospitality took over the entire 935ha property and hotel late last year and plans from the group will be to turn the property into Africa’s Finest Radical
Sports and Adventure Resort over the next 12 months. Conferencing, incentive team building and weddings together with themed entertainment weekends will be an Continued overleaf
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Destination feature: KZN
Continued from page 17
integral part of the offering as well. African Insignia Hotels have been awarded the sales and marketing contract and are very involved with the innovative future plans for the property. A new management team has been employed and a significant amount of work on the resort’s infrastructure
upgrade has already been completed. The equestrian centre, along with the other outdoor facilities activities, are all being upgraded this year. This resort is situated in the Natal Midlands 14km from the town of Mooi River, within a close distance to Giants Castle and Nottingham Road. There are five types of accommodation
available, including en-suite hotel rooms, chalets, rondavels, honeymoon suite and the bunk house, with the resort able to sleep 200 guests. Already to date, the resort has hosted several large conferences and a Harley Davidson rally and plans are afoot to host an annual music festival and resurrect the annual motocross events. n
Destination feature: KZN
Gooderson Monks Cowl
for a successful event
Hosting a conference or teambuilding function can be a daunting task, but with Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort, just four hours from Johannesburg and twoand-a-half-hours from Durban, one can feel at ease knowing the trained on-site staff will help ensure any event is a success. Regarded as one of the Drakensberg’s top 10 courses, Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort’s nine-hole, 18-tee golf course is certainly one of the most scenic with
views of the magnificent Champagne Valley – including Monks Cowl itself, which is between the towering Champagne Castle and Cathkin Mountains and took on its name because it resembles a cleric’s attire – from every tee. The conference venue, which is perfect for groups that enjoy a bit of outdoor activity such as a round of golf after every session, can seat up to 60 delegates cinemastyle with an option of smaller breakaway
rooms if one would like to extend the conference to smaller group sessions. The conference venue comes standard with a flip chart, pens and screen, PA system, lectern, white board, dry wipe pens, extension leads, as well as notepads and pencils and is ideal for both corporate meetings, conferences or even a more casual teambuilding function and both the half-day and full-day packages include a delicious lunch served in the restaurant. n
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Personality profile
Nick Papadopoulos –
‘be honest, dependable and take responsibility’ Humble Nick Papadopoulos, 49, managing director of Eat Greek and SAACI KwaZulu-Natal chairman, believes in taking responsibility.
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is dream for the future would be to establish a mentoring programme where leaders in the industry, past and present, could get involved. These mentors would work with up and coming youngsters in the sector and share with them their passion and experiences.
Where did you grow up? All my schooling was done in Zimbabwe. I moved to South Africa when I was 17.
Where did your career start? I applied at the Carlton Hotel but was told to re-apply the following year as I was too young. I spent 10 months at the Rob Roy Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal which proved to be a very quick introduction into the hospitality industry. I re-applied at the Carlton Hotel a month before my 18th birthday and started as a mail and message clerk.
How long have you been in the hospitality sector? I had the great privilege of starting my career at The Carlton Hotel in 1984, which gave me a great benchmark of the industry.
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?
The biggest shift I have seen is the lack of focus on quality of service and training.
What role does your family play in your life? This business can be very demanding. My whole family are hugely supportive and play a major role in my life.
What would you change in your life if you could when looking back? I would have travelled more.
Do you have any hobbies?
What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs? Any holiday is always greatly appreciated, but caravanning is not for me.
What is your favourite city?
I love my Shiraz’s so I have a small selection. I also have a large collection of about 150 unusual bottle stoppers that I have accumulated over the years.
I have to say I am a proud Durbanite. It’s an exciting place to be in now, apart from the beaches, weather etc. It has so much going for it. If I had to choose another city, it would probably be Florence.
Do you play any sports?
How do you relax?
Does Wii count?
Good movie, good wine and good company.
Basketball, golf and rugby.
I am not a great reader, but I do enjoy biographies.
Who is your favourite sportsman?
What is your favourite food?
What is your favourite sport?
What is your favourite book?
Larry Bird and Ernie Els.
Good old fashion soul comfort food.
What do you do for leisure?
Who is your favourite movie star?
Spending time at home with family and friends.
What is your secret to success? For me, your good name is more valuable than anything. No one can take that from you so, be honest, dependable and take responsibility.
What has been your biggest challenge in the hospitality industry? Finding the gems that are hungry to learn.
What is your pet hate? People that don’t stick to deadlines and I don’t tolerate dishonesty.
What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why? Nick Papadopoulos
south of Greece. Not only was the final destination memorable, but what topped it was the actual trip, the various stops at small villages enjoying the good food and hospitality. |t was probably a five-hour trip but was stretched into a wonderful experience.
On one of our earlier trips to Greece the family took a road trip from Athens to the
Roberto Rossellini.
What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done? Start a catering business.
Who is your role model? I have a couple of role models, my father being the most prominent. In my career, the person that interviewed me at the Carlton has possibly had the most influence in my career.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps? Constantly learn from your environment. Keep learning and pass on what you have learnt. Pay attention to what matters, be decent to others and have a good attitude. n
Executive Chef
Jean-Pierre works to attain consistent excellence Jean-Pierre Lenferna De la Motte, 32, executive chef of NH The Lord Charles, grew up on the Garden Route. He completed his chef studies at Warwick’s Chef School in Onrus, near Hermanus.
Jean-Pierre Lenferna De la Motte
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is love for cooking started at home in his mother’s kitchen. “She was also a chef and I used to help her with private catering from home. My grandfather was from Mauritius and was an amazing cook. He showed me what passion for good food looked like.” Jean-Pierre’s first official job as a chef was at the 12 Apostles Hotel, near Camps Bay in Cape Town. “I worked under Roberto de Carvalho.” He has been working in the hospitality industry for 13 years. “After 12 Apostles, I joined Figaro’s at Spier Wine Estate under the watchful eye of Craig Cormack, I then dabbled in selfemployment with a catering business on the Garden Route for four years, returned to formal employment at Fushi Restaurant in Plettenberg Bay, with Vanie Padayachee. “New Zealand was on the cards next, and I worked at two small hotels in the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wine region on the South Island. This region is also responsible for the superb farmed salmon and mussels that New Zealand is famous for. “I returned to South Africa and freelanced between a few chef friends that had their own restaurants while looking for the right employment.” He has been with the NH Lord Charles for three-and-a-half years, firstly as executive sous chef. “I have been in the role of executive chef for almost two years now.” Jean-Pierre’s goal for the next five years is to continue developing his management style and skills as an executive chef while
continuing to learn from and teach others. Looking ahead, he said: “I would like to move from a large corporate production type hotel to a smaller boutique hotel where I can continue to focus on fine dining and teach a smaller dedicated brigade to attain consistent excellence in a leisure foodie hotel market.” Jean-Pierre said working with people makes his position interesting. “It is the hardest most challenging thing to do. I manage 28 chefs and 20 stewarding staff. I have realised that effective management and motivation of people is an art that is developed slowly through practice and patience.” On trends, he said there is definitely a move toward healthier foods with people recognising their own specific dietary requirements. “Vegan and gluten-free requirements lead the pack.” On the global front, he said: “There is a push for more healthy unrefined wholefood products. The costs are a little higher as production costs are not as watered down to give you an unlimited amount of an inferior product that is readily available at not much less. “Buy more sustainable food products. It is worth it. For the sake of our health and the health of our local economies support local and sustainable producers.” For PCOs organising a conference or event, he encourages them to be confident enough to guide a client to make the right informed decisions. “The wrong type of menu for a meeting or conference can really make your event feel awkward. Don’t be shy to meet and discuss options and requirements with the chefs. A good chef will accommodate you as best he can and advise you in regards to his/her limitations.” Jean-Pierre said the biggest challenge facing the sector is the rapidly rising costs of food and energy. He is married to Chantal and has two daughters, Lilly-Ann, 7 and Arielle, 5. “They were born on the same day two years apart.” For leisure he enjoys spending time with his family. Jean-Pierre’s advice to newcomers is:
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“Work hard when you are young and learn as much as you can. Always be openminded about techniques and persevere. Don’t drink too much and avoid thinking that sick leave is owed to you, because that kind of mentality makes you unreliable and you’ll never perform at a level that is required from an executive chef.” n
What is your signature dish? I love this dish as it satisfies my taste for balanced spices and uses our abundant Cape resource of fresh hake that makes this dish a sustainable choice. The dish: freshly-caught grilled hake brushed with chilli and chermoula salsa served with mango pickle and tomato petals. This is served with coriander and lime cous cous, fried aubergine and zucchini ribbons. This dish is best served with a Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer 2013.
What trends are emerging in the conference industry in regards to food? A variety of small, beautifully presented bowl and finger foods that can be consumed while chatting and networking and offers the diners the chance to sample many flavours and textures.
What has remained constant in this industry? The demand for quality at the best price.
What is your favourite beverage? Homemade Rooibos ice-tea flavoured with honey, mint and orange.
What is your favourite food? I’m crazy about curries. I love spice and the balance of flavours in a really well-made curry.
What is your pet hate? Unorganised dirty work surfaces.
What is your great love? Reading and learning about not one subject in particular at all. I love expanding my general knowledge.
Are you adventurous? I raced yachts in club races in the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand; I remember our yacht being piloted by dolphins often.
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Venue of the month
Popular recharge package adds to the Silverbirch experience OR Tambo International Airport is the gateway to Africa for many foreign travellers who often find themselves stuck in the airport for several hours on end before boarding the next leg of their journey. To this end, Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre’s exclusive wing, Silverbirch, has launched a unique “recharge package” to cater especially for daytime clientele wanting to refresh and recharge in comfort for a few hours.
B
eing situated less than 10 minutes from the arrivals hall in OR Tambo International, and with an hourly complimentary shuttle bus service running between Birchwood Hotel and the airport, Silverbirch has launched its Recharge Package to both domestic and international travellers with lengthy day-time stopovers in the airport, a place to relax, freshen up and rejuvenate before continuing on the next leg of their journey into Africa. Silverbirch, a brand new concept of a fully upgraded “hotel within a hotel” catering for the exclusive needs of Birchwood Hotel’s discerning business clients, is situated in a discreet section of the hotel. The Recharge Package offers international travellers the opportunity to catch up on sleep or work on the large designated work stations with free and fast Internet in quiet surroundings. The package also gives clients’ access to the hotel’s restaurants, a R100 Mangwanani Spa voucher, the swimming pool, gym facilities and large gardens. The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre is the largest business-to-business conferencing facility in the southern hemisphere playing host to thousands of business travellers, conference delegates and guests a year. Situated only 7km from OR Tambo International Airport and set in 53ha of gardens with 665 hotel rooms, 60 business
Venue of the month
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conferencing venues and a Mangwanani Spa, the Birchwood Hotel plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day business of Southern Africa. Silverbirch @ Birchwood, which was launched in February, is situated in a quiet and tranquil area on the Birchwood property with separate controlled access away from the hustle and bustle of conferencing business. This new concept in hospitality boasts a dedicated check-in area within the main hotel reception. The 153 beautifully finished rooms are expressly designed to ensure a peaceful and comfortable night’s rest set apart from the main hotel. Other little extras include larger workstations, unlimited and uninterrupted high speed Wi-Fi access and an elegant business centre all precisely designed to ensure the most comfortable stay possible for the busy corporate traveller. Silverbirch @ Birchwood also offers its clients a complimentary airport shuttle service, a dedicated porter facility, a turn-down service and a private breakfast room within close proximity. Fine dining away from the crowds is available at the Grill at One Twenty – a modern grill house offering a variety of dishes to suit every palate – ensuring meals can be enjoyed in a quiet and relaxed environment. Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, chief executive officer of Birchwood, said: “Silverbirch affords our discerning guest looking for a more exclusive business stay the best of both worlds – they are still part of the business centre of Birchwood with all the facilities we provide, together with the privacy and those little extras to ensure our guests can relax and do business. And now with the Recharge Package, travellers-on-the-go can also make use of our top-class facilities – even if just for a few hours in the day.” n
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SpotlighT on CSR & Greening
The GreenCab meet and greet team.
GreenCab –
goes the extra ‘carbon neutral’ mile
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reencab is a multiple awardwinning, women-owned and operated company that has been specialising in event transport facilitation for the past six years. Over the past three years alone, it has serviced in excess of 100 events that includes prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum on Africa for two consecutive years. The company is committed to going the extra mile to help stem the current alarming slide into ecological debt by deploying various emission reduction technologies as well as engaging in carbon sequestration of its residual emissions. It is a well-known fact that upwards of 80 per cent of all greenhouse gasses produced through a medium-sized international event is attributable to travel. GreenCab’s “conferencing with a conscience” offers a turn-key solution. The GreenCab team seamlessly
integrates with the host team to offer transfer and touring services from an onsite travel desk which can also serve as a facility to afford delegates an opportunity to off-set the emissions related to their flight. This can be channelled into a Legacy Project beneficiating a community-based renewable energy project. Once the event is concluded, the host/ organiser is issued with a Green Transport Certificate that certifies that the transport services rendered were carbon neutral. GreenCab’s low-carbon footprint extends from Cape Town to Johannesburg where it recently serviced the annual BMW Dealer of the Year Awards … all the way to Sun City, where it provided for all the mobility needs of the International Mine Ventilation Congress 2014 to great acclaim. GreenCab invites all responsible business event organisers to join the green drive by contracting its services. n
SpotlighT on CSR & Greening
Fostering a sustainable
hospitality industry How many beds are there in the hospitality industry nationwide? If each bed in every room in all hotels, guest houses, lodges, long-stay apartments or bed and breakfasts is fitted with a sheet, a blanket, a comforter and at least two pillows – how much laundry does that equate to daily? How many bathrooms, kitchens and dining halls must be cleaned? How many dishes must be disinfected in the restaurant sector? Safety standards require that this industry focuses on sanitation, but this does not require the use of harsh chemicals that damage the environment. In April, the world celebrates Earth Day. According to the Earth Day Network, this will be the 45th anniversary of Earth Day and could be the most exciting year in environmental history: the year in which economic growth and sustainability join hands; the year in which world leaders finally pass a binding climate change treaty;
the year in which citizens and organisations divest from fossil fuels and put their money into renewable energy solutions. These are tough issues, but the future of our planet and the survival of life on earth are at stake. “On Earth Day we need you to take a stand so that together, we can show the world a new direction. It’s our turn to lead. So our world leaders can follow by example.” The aim is to redefine what progress looks like, with the motto “It’s Our Turn to Lead”. In celebrating Earth Day, a local green cleaning product manufacturer is encouraging the hospitality industry to adopt sustainable practices to safeguard the environment, its guests and its employees. “The extent of the damage that chemical products have on the environment, on the health of those that use it, and on the people that are exposed to it, cannot be overstated,” said Clinton Smith, of Green Worx Cleaning Solutions.
Although a recent study indicated that consumers avoid utilising green cleaning products due to the perception that they are more costly than traditional products, the reality is that enzyme-based products are more concentrated, are more efficient, and are therefore more cost-effective. The enzymes digest host material where the germ and odour-causing bacteria live and reproduce. When ensuring that their facilities are sufficiently sanitised, accommodation providers should focus on utilising safe, non-toxic products that are effective and reliable. Where facility management services are utilised, industry leaders should exert pressure on these organisations to implement green practices. “If each industry takes responsibility for the effects that its actions have on the environment, true change can be effected,” Mr Smith concluded. n
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Venue News
Johannesburg Expo Centre: why it pays to be exceptional
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fter three decades of exceptional service, exhibiting world-class shows and being home to some of South Africa’s favourite events, the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) has acquired a name for itself in the industry. This name, synonymous with excellence and efficiency, has some of the finest shows and exhibitions travelling across the globe to visit its hallowed halls. Craig Newman, chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, said: “I have been extremely fortunate these past years to work with a team of individuals who always deliver the highest standard of service. This has led to some of the most popular and successful shows in the world returning to our doors for a second and third time.” The JEC has been working side-by-side with local and international partners in an effort to continue delivering shows of a world-class standard. “By fostering and nurturing relationships in South Africa as well as abroad, we aim to keep ourselves relevant in the broader context of the exhibitions and events industry,” Mr Newman explained. Ultra Fest, the world’s premier electronic music event which began in Miami, enjoyed a very successful and incident-free debut at the Expo Centre in 2014, making it the biggest electronic music festival to ever take place on the African continent. “We were extremely proud of the first Ultra South Africa,” said Shaun Duvet, one of the directors of a local South African partner company. “The response from fans was incredible, and we knew that Ultra had a bright future in South Africa. We couldn’t have asked for a more organised and professional show experience at JEC,” he said. This year, Ultra returned to South African soil at the JEC with every intention of making history again. “Ultra South Africa turned out to be a very special show for our team, the artists and the fans who were lucky enough to witness history in the making,” said Adam Russakoff, executive producer, Talent Booker and director of Business Affairs for Ultra Music Festival and Ultra Worldwide. “First year shows are renowned for their
glitches and growing pains, but the South African show, for the second year was seamless.” “We were extremely happy with our location in South Africa, both this year and in 2014. The JEC fits our plans for Ultra perfectly,” said Russell Faibisch, founder, executive producer and chief executive officer of Ultra Music Festival and Ultra Worldwide. “As Ultra expands to other parts of the globe, we plan to grow the event in South Africa for many years to come so that Ultra South Africa becomes a destination festival that music fans will travel to experience,” he said. Elaine Crewe, chief executive officer of BAUMA CONEXPO South Africa, also believes the Expo Centre will provide the perfect platform for her large-scale event. The International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles takes place at the JEC on 15-18 September 2015. “The Expo Centre is one of the largest trade fair venues in Africa,” Ms Crewe said. “If required, there are more than 50 000 square metres of fully-equipped hall space and more than 100 000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space available. This means our event has the potential to grow in future,” she added. The lay-out and structural set-up at the Expo Centre makes it the perfect place to host the logistical and infrastructural requirements of this significant construction machinery and mining machines trade fair. “Our recent refurbishments have allowed us to provide exhibitors and visitors with ample parking space, 24-hour security and five-star catering facilities,” Mr Newman explained. “It is part of our commitment to our clients that we will stay relevant and cater to their changing needs as time goes by.” The JEC’s versatility is what has given this venue its edge in the industry. “There aren’t many venues that can play host to an international music festival, the Rand Show and a 12-day automotive exhibition and lifestyle show,” Mr Newman said.
Back again in October, the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) will be making noise at the Expo Centre with more thrills than ever before. Running in conjunction with two additional shows, the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Show and Auto Shop, JIMS offers a complete representation of the motor industry, serving sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa as host country. In 2015, car enthusiasts can look forward to an experiential consumer engagement show where “Ride and Drive” activities will allow visitors the opportunity to experience their dream cars in action rather than simply viewing a static display. “There’s the famous 4X4 track which will allow fans to test the ruggedness and capability of their favourite 4X4 vehicles,” explains Mr Newman. “There will also be numerous opportunities to meet motoring personalities and car brand ambassadors.” With local and international shows lining up for their chance to greet South African audiences, the team at the JEC expects 2015 to be yet another successful and exciting year. Mr Newman said: “So many of these events are coming to us for their second or third time, and we hope this will solidify our reputation as a top exhibition and events venue. I hope it also goes a long way to proving that Johannesburg is a world-class host city.” n
Craig Newman
Venue News
Townhouse Hotel
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leads the hotel pack in the CBD THE Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town’s CBD started the year on a high note when the recent STR reports put it head and shoulders above its local competitors. A global, monthly report, the STR data helps to identify property market share by comparing its performance against competitors – in both rate and demand. Leading on occupancy – both for the preceding month, and the running 12-month period, the Townhouse Hotel reported an incredible 27 per cent growth in occupancy for the 12 months, when compared to the 4,1 per cent of its competitors over the same period. Jacqui Williams, general manager, said: “While our focus has always been on providing an exceptional guest experience – and not comparing ourselves to others – it is heartening to see that our work ethic of ‘dare to care’ is being recognised and that we have the pleasure of welcoming even more guests through our doors.” This 107-roomed urban oasis is clearly still the hotel for mid-week business travel, showing travellers all the comforts of home, while providing a convenient base for local meetings and conferences. While work is what brings most to the Townhouse Hotel, it
is also an undiscovered gem for leisure travel – whether it is for out-of-towners wanting to explore the sights and sounds of the CBD, or for locals wanting a “staycation” to explore their city. n
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Venue News
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn opens its doors THE 17m Chesterfield couch has been installed in the lounge. The trees are throwing their shade on the deck of the outdoor living room next to the Olympic-length lap pool. The stairwell graffiti shimmies up towards the rooms, and the staff are ready and smiling. Welcome to chic central, aka Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn. After three years of preparation and construction, the people of Pretoria can now don their designer labels and start visiting this dramatic and extraordinary hotel which has made such a striking impression on Capetonians and Jo’burgers, who have embraced this sociable, forever-young brand with happy abandon. “With every Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! property the Protea Hotels group opens, we have pushed the envelope on style and have set trends. Pretoria is no different. We think the people of
Pretoria will welcome the opening of this new city hotspot with as much enthusiasm as we do,” said Mark Satterfield, Marriott International business leader in South Africa. The hotel sets a new standard for stylish hospitality in Tshwane with its seamless indoor/outdoor social spaces and its on-trend interior tone. But the hotel’s real drawcard will be the wide variety of event offerings, tailor-made for the Pretoria audience. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn’s general manager Johan Cronje said the hotel is conveniently situated next to the Menlyn Park shopping mall and close to the N1, making it an obvious place for people to gather. The residents of Pretoria will no longer have to wait for their Cape Town holiday or a trip to Jozi to enjoy the unique food and beverage concepts, which continue to create talkability due to the extensive milkshake flavours and gourmet burgers. This new hotel has taken the concept further to include gourmet pizzas which will have a Fire & Ice! twist to them in terms of flavour and presentation. “But there’s so much more to the hotel than these popular food and beverage offerings. Wine, brandy and whiskey connoisseurs will be very happy with the selection available in the bar. Our executive chef, Genghis San, has some delightful surprises up his sleeve for food lovers, and the list of events we have planned is very different to anything the people of Pretoria have come to know,” Mr Cronje said. Mr Satterfield said: “Pretoria is a young, exciting city that simply doesn’t get its dues. Protea Hotels recognised that there is a lively set of young-at-heart, ambitious movers and shakers in Pretoria whose choices for playing hard after working hard are pretty limited. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn fills a gap we believe our guests have been waiting years for.” n
ADVERTORIAL
SpotlighT on Spa Conferencing
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Mowana Spa
will rejuvenate body and soul
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et in the tranquil bushveld gardens of the Indaba Hotel in the upmarket suburb of Fourways, in Johannesburg, Mowana Spa is a wellness sanctuary which will revive your senses, rejuvenate your body and soothe your soul. Mowana Spa, which takes its name from the majestic Baobab tree of African lore and legend, offers wellness journeys based on the recognised healing energy of tribal massage in keeping with the spirit of the “Tree of Life”. Signature Pamper Journeys include the decadent Mowana full day african rejuvenation pamper which is an indulgent spa experience including breakfast, lunch, complimentary beverages and six revitalising treatments; the romantic Mowana African Skies Night Spa Pamper which includes dinner, complimentary beverages and three relaxing treatments; and the indulgent Mowana African Escape spa & stay pamper journey for the ultimate decadent relaxation. While many of us dream of “spending the day at the spa”, workload, deadlines, limited time and budgetary constraints in our current 24/7 lifestyle often do not allow for valuable team members to be out of the office for extended periods of time and, thus, essential wellness can be compromised. So, the mobile relaxation zone, “Mowana on the Move”, brings wellness to you by incorporating relaxing massage techniques into the short time periods in the comfort of your home, office, corporate or conference environment. Mowana on the Move means that wellness and relaxation is accessible to all. In addition to the decadent pamper journeys and rejuvenating single treatments, Mowana Spa offers a MatsiMela retail outlet boasting a local product range with its roots in Africa. Drawing from the wisdom of Africa, the Mowana Spa Baobab Signature product range, created by MatsiMela, harnesses the natural moisturising properties of the Baobab kernel which produces a rich, golden oil used for centuries by African women to protect their beautiful skins against the harsh African sun. The commitment to service excellence and staff empowerment through training and mentoring will ensure that your needs are met and expectations exceeded as you enjoy a day of African rejuvenation with the “Makoya Morning Journey,” or indulge your senses with the “Mowana Time-Out Pamper”. n
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Market News
Walk in the footsteps of Madiba with new app
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he “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” map, developed last year by South African Tourism in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, has been developed into a mobile phone app to further enhance visitors’ experiences Tourists and South Africans seeking out sites and attractions associated with the late South African president and global icon, Nelson Mandela, will now have all the information they need at their fingertips thanks to a new mobile phone app developed by South African Tourism in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. This is in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the former president’s release from prison. The app is based on the “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” map launched in 2014 to encourage tourists from around the world and South Africa to travel the country, and walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. It features tourist sites as well as general places of interest in the four main provinces that defined Mandela’s life. These range from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island, where he was imprisoned; to his post-presidential office at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, to
Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where he is laid to rest. “This app is inspired by a true South African icon, and users now have the ability to find, experience and share some of the best attractions, places of interests and unique content we have ever been able to put together as part of this ‘Madiba-Inspired tourist attractions’ offering. “As we remember the historic year of Madiba’s release from prison, we encourage everyone to use the app to discover some of the stories behind the legend. “This is an exciting new layer to the map which has already proved to be hugely popular with the international and domestic travel trade. “This app makes ‘walking in the footsteps of Madiba’ much easier than before, and greatly enriches visitors’ experiences of the attractions associated with one of the greatest men of our time, Nelson Mandela,” said Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Derek Hanekom. Minister Hanekom launched the new app recently at Liliesleaf in Rivonia, one of the places featured on the “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” map. Liliesleaf is also a place which was once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge
for its leaders, including former President Nelson Mandela. Guests were invited to test out the app’s offering for themselves. The GPS-enabled app uses location-based services to establish which attraction the user is visiting and provides real-time information to enrich their experience. This includes written information on the attraction, audio describing the attraction and other relevant information including contact details, map previews and photo galleries. The app also gives users their proximity from other “Madiba-inspired tourist attractions” and includes an itinerary builder, helping to make it as easy as possible for those wanting to visit numerous attractions to best plan their route. It also makes it simple for visitors to share their experience on social media and features a rewards system linked to visitors’ social media activity. The rewards system will also encourage visitors to visit more than one Madiba site. The app is now available for download in English from the Apple iTunes store (iOS devices) and the Google Play store (Android devices). It will soon be available in other languages, including Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Dutch, French, German, Italian, simple Mandarin and Portuguese. n
Royal Caribbean offers special booking incentive AS part of its campaign to encourage business travel on board its cruise liners worldwide, Royal Caribbean International has announced a special business events booking incentive. Companies and organisations using Royal Caribbean, which is represented in South Africa by Cruises International, for business purposes’ will enjoy a discounted premium
beverage package, as well as a discounted Internet package when booking their next meeting or incentive programme on board. The Premium Beverage Package costs US$31.86 per person per day and includes call and premium cocktails (up to $12 in value), frozen cocktails, beer, premium wines by the glass, non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled water, soda fountain drinks and a 20 per
cent discount on bottled wine. The offer also includes a one-hour cocktail reception. The normal price of this package is $57.00 per person per day. The discounted Internet package costs $5.00pp/day for unlimited Internet usage on Oasis and Quantum Class ships and $2.50pp/ day for 24-hour access on all other ships. Terms and conditions apply. “Cruising offers businesses and other organisation’s unique advantages when planning their incentive trips, meetings, exhibitions and congresses, which are estimated to involve a 30 per cent saving compared to land-based equivalent events. These advantages include excellent on-board meeting and conference facilities, a vast array of destinations, and the opportunity to include travelling partners in the packages,” said Dalene Oroni, who heads up Cruises International’s groups and incentives. “These special beverage and Internet booking incentives sweeten the offer even further for meeting organisers,” she added. n
Market News
More than 900 meetings already scheduled for INDABA 2015 WITH less than a month to go, buyers and exhibitors are gearing up for INDABA 2015. Key to these success factors is the INDABA 2015 online diary and matchmaking system. This service is already giving buyers and exhibitors (INDABA delegates) a platform to plan their INDABA meetings and extract optimal business value from the trade show. Thanks to these tools, buyers and exhibitors can view and select companies they would like to meet, and confirm their meetings before INDABA kicks off on 9 May 2015. “INDABA is the soul of the African tourism industry. It is the single most important event in the year to drive the industry, and the continent forward. The INDABA 2015 online diary and matchmaking system have, over the years, proved to be key platforms in linking exhibitors and buyers that are serious about maximising their time at the show,” said South African Tourism chief executive officer, Thulani Nzima. Both the matchmaking and diary components of the system are available at no additional cost to all INDABA exhibitors, delegates and visitors. Users need to set up a profile that includes detailed information about their company and meeting requirements. This information is then used intelligently to match their profile to the right individuals. A private online
report is generated that enables the user to view companies matching their profile and use it as a basis to set up meetings. “Last year, 19 399 meetings were set up using these tools. This is proof of just how valuable this digital platform is, and its critical role in INDABA’s success. Taking into account user feedback, these tools have been further optimised for INDABA 2015,” Mr Nzima said. n
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New developments in Africa
Peermont welcomes
Malawi to its group
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outh African-based hotel and casino group, Peermont Hotels Casinos and Resorts, is currently completing the pre-opening development phase of Umodzi Park, which incorporates Malawi’s first five-star hotel, the President Walmont, the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC), and the Presidential Villas, in the capital, Lilongwe. Peermont concluded a management contract agreement with Umodzi Holdings in October 2014, and is completing the final fitout and interior design finishes, infusing local Malawian influences with a distinctly continental African flair. The entrance to the Umodzi Park business precinct features 2 500 secure parking bays and leads to the statuesque double volume and twin buildings of the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC). Facilities of the BICC include the Lilongwe Auditorium, which seats 1 500 delegates and is accessed by a large volume foyer, which can accommodate the same number of guests. The Heron, Ibis, Pelican, Sparrowhawk and Sandpiper conference rooms can be combined, or used individually, to cater for up to 70 delegates each, and are perfect for company meetings or plenary sessions. Njobvu (Elephant), Mbidzi (Zebra) and Mvuu (Hippo) are banqueting halls which can be used individually to house 200 delegates, or combined to cater for more than 1 000 guests. A further four multi-functional venues, Mphasa, Mbuna, Chambo and Usipa offer varying configurations, that each cater for 15 people, in an executive boardroom set-up, or up to 60 people in cinema-style set-up. There is also an exclusive VIP boardroom, lounge and holding room, Mafumu, meaning royalty, that has a separate entrance and a dedicated lift, providing an unparalleled level of safety and security. The International Convention Centre also features the Mseko Bistro which will serve speciality coffees and light snacks, sandwiches and salads. Both buildings of the BICC open out onto Malawi Square, a large paved outdoor exhibition and event area featuring the sun of the Malawi flag etched into the vast paved brickwork expanse. Then, overlooking the vast Malawi Square is The President Walmont Hotel, the first-ever five-star hotel in Malawi. It has a large reception area, beautiful lobby bar, relaxing lounge and is home
to the signature Wild Orchid Restaurant, with its elegant indoor seating and outdoor pool deck terrace offering an international breakfast buffet and an à la carte lunch and dinner menu. The hotel’s lobby lounge and bar is open throughout the day offering a selection of light snacks and hot and cold beverages. The hotel also houses a spa and wellness centre, a curio shop, hair salon, meeting rooms and the “afropolitan” Afroma Terrace Bar, where chilled music soothes and sundowners are served in the bar, or at the outdoor lounge that overlooks the entire precinct. The President Walmont Hotel comprises 130 rooms and suites, with 60 classic king rooms, 60 classic twin rooms, a special assistance room and 10 presidential suites, all with airconditioning, 40-inch TV’s with local satellite channels, a writing desk, international plugs, Wi-Fi, a mini bar that is stocked on request, and a tea and coffee station. Additionally, there are 14 presidential villas in a secure estate – a short drive from Umodzi Park – that offer the ultimate in privacy and security and serve as a great option for discerning international government delegations, long-stay guests and royalty. The Villas offer a private clubhouse and relaxation and sporting facilities. The BICC has been operating in a limited capacity since November 2014 to service the needs of the local and regional community, and Peermont expected the finalisation of the interior design fit-out to be completed by mid-March 2015. Thereafter, the BICC will operate at optimum standards and capacities. The President Walmont Hotel will be open for sale to the general public from 1 May 2015 after a period of soft trading to test and check all facilities and standards. Website bookings have opened on the Peermont website www.peermont.com as has Peermont Central Voice Reservations on +27 (0)11 928 1928. A substantial Malawi local recruitment drive has ensured that essential management and staffing positions have been filled, and Neal Sewnarain, an experienced hotel manager, was appointed as the general manager for Umodzi Park in October 2014 to oversee the pre-opening phase. “We were very proud to be awarded this prestigious management contract, and Peermont is confident that the Umodzi Park Hotel, Convention Centre and Presidential Villas, under our management, will provide customers with a world-class business experience – and will definitely complement our existing range of market-leading hotels and convention centres. “We also want to pay tribute to the professional dealings of the Umodzi Board,” said Anthony Puttergill, group chief executive officer at Peermont. Mr Puttergill said: “As a company that successfully operates many multi-faceted hotels and convention resorts in South Africa and Botswana, including the renowned Emperors Palace and The Grand Palm brands, we believe that the Malawi development will be in good company and benefit from the existing business networks we have built up, as well as our adherence to strict operating standards. “Our sales and marketing teams are hard at work to position this wonderful business park correctly in the global business community.” n
SAACI News
Registrations open for SAACI’s 29th Congress By Adriaan Liebetrau, chief executive officer of SAACI
R
egisterations are now open for SAACI’s 29th Congress themed “It’s business – It’s personal”. SAACI’s aim for this year is to create its own new DNA to reaffirm the Association’s core values to ensure our members act with integrity by sharing intelligence with the industry with an innovative approach to ensure the sustainability of the business events sector in Southern Africa. The Congress takes place in Cape Town from 2-4 August 2015. We have torn up the previous Congress legacy document and doing everything we can to showcase the latest innovations and trends in the business events industry. In April, we started educating the industry on the new membership categories and benefits that will roll out on 1 July. May will see nominations open for the various Members Choice and SAACI awards. June is election month for the eight advisory members for the various pillar champions. From 7-10 July,
each branch will host its local AGM, and in August we expect more than 400 delegates to attend the congress. SAACI’s 29th Congress is co-hosted by African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel and the Westin Hotel, with the welcome function taking palce during lunch and the evening function changing to a “re-connect” event at the Cape Town City Hall and gala dinner “Extravaganza and Awards ceremony” at a new trendy venue in the Cape Town CBD. Delegates can look forward to being addressed by our two keynote speakers, former personal assistant to the late Nelson Mandela and author of “Good Morning Mr Mandela” Zelda La Grange, along with sales and marketing guru and author of “Mama I sold you” Thaamir Moerat, to bring home the theme of It’s business – It’s personal. Following the welcome addresses and keynotes speakers, the programme will be structured into three key streams, namely hot topics, solution sesssions and tech central, where delegates will receive first-hand training on social media, events apps and software solutions for our sector.
The programme is structured to offer members intense, interesting and interactive sessions with an easy flow between sessions, not forgetting a separate future focus programme aimed at students in the tourism, hospitality and events management fields. For the first time we introduced a “first time” attendee rate and a discounted registration rate for C&E forum members. The “first time” attendee programme on Sunday morning will introduce SAACI in a personal and interactive way to new members and assist them to build their own profiles on our new website and provide them with tools to better utilise their membership. Hurry and book your spot now at www.saaci.org. Congress – 2015 registration closes 15 July. Do not miss the opportunity to do things differently. We are also already at work on the 30th and 31st Congress taking place in Mangaung, Bloemfontein and Tshwane, Pretoria respectively – as we are committed to delivering an unforgettable Congress for our members to take home lots of learning and many new contacts. n
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EXSA News
Exhibitions – top of the marketing mix
E
xhibitions are the most powerful, versatile and cost-effective marketing tool available. Over the years, marketing has shifted its focus from being outbound and shouting its messages at people in the hope that they will buy a product, and it’s now back into the hands of the consumer as they browse through catalogues on their tablets and cellphones. Social media has also taken over. But nothing is better than face-to-face marketing. Standing in front of your potential buyer. And when economic times are tough, exhibitions work even harder for your marketing budget than any other media. You can showcase a new product or service, network, generate direct sales while simultaneously enhancing your brand image – all at an exhibition. Exhibitions are finding a strong niche in marketing budgets because of the quantifiable and invariably impressive returns they offer. CEIR’s global research shows that 58 per cent of visitors attend exhibitions for the hands-on interaction with the products, while 51 per cent of exhibitors choose exhibitions because of the face-to-face interaction. Research shows that the majority of visitors to an exhibition arrive with an agenda, making personal contact that much more valuable,” said EXSA member Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions. The CEIR research states that 87 per cent of exhibition attendees say they will share information obtained at exhibitions with their immediate superiors, and that 48 per cent of exhibition leads don’t require a sales call to close the deal – thus bringing down costs significantly. According to CEIR, exhibition leads cost 56 per cent less to close than field sales calls. Bringing people together for exhibitions and events can be a complex task, especially when there are high expectations and large numbers of people involved. As a result organising events has become a very important marketing skill. Exhibition organisers may find themselves at any point researching, writing and planning all aspects of an exhibition or event
on behalf of a client or their own organisations show. “An organiser these days has to be completely savvy when it comes to the particular industry they are looking to enter by putting on an exhibition,” said EXSA general manager Sue Gannon, who has 40 years of experience in the industry. “One looks at the big picture, research your industry, location is so important too – where will the show do well – which province? All such important factors. Have you got enough potential sales to fill a large exhibition hall?” We asked Dee Reuvers, chief executive officer of SA Confex Services and organiser of several major exhibitions over the years, to give her tips of things to keep in mind when starting out organising an expo.
Do your research According to Dee, when starting your own exhibition or event, it is essential to ensure that the exhibition or event that you are organising does not conflict with the demographics of another similar show in the same arena. “Two shows with the same demographics may affect the potential success in attracting an acceptable number of exhibitors and visitors to both events,” Ms Reuvers said, resulting in neither exhibition being all that successful.
Everything costs money – budget carefully The venue costs money, the infrastructure of the show costs money, your sales and operations staff cost money and you have to pay for security, signage, carpets, décor and even electricity. Then you should also not forget that there are legal fees, insurance, taxes and more. “Surround yourself with professionals who you trust in the areas you will not be focusing on, such as lawyers, accountants and marketers,” Ms Reuvers said. This will ensure you get value for money. You may also get a lot of suggestions on entertaining, fun and attractive things to do at your exhibition, but those costs all add up, and to have an affordable event, some tough decisions may need to be taken with some innovative planning.
Learn from the experience Enrol with a relevant association such as EXSA to ensure you have support for your exhibition says Ms Reuvers, and get the relevant and recognised training to help you build your exhibition. “You should also not be afraid to network with fellow organisers and suppliers, sharing knowledge and advice given freely,” Ms Reuvers said. EXSA is a great networking association. n
Postal Address: P O Box 2632, Halfway House, South Africa,1685 Physical Address: Ground Floor, Gallagher House, Gallagher Estate, Richards Drive, Midrand, South Africa Telephone: +27 11 805 7272 Facsimile: +27 11 805 7273 E-mail: exsa@exsa.co.za Website: www.exsa.co.za
Site news
Site South Africa
rebrands E
xciting times are ahead for Site South Africa, having just undergone a slight, but very important rebranding exercise. The chapter will now be known as Site Southern Africa. Tes Proos, Site Southern Africa chapter president said: “It has been very encouraging to see MICE development in various African countries during the past few years. “New convention centres opened in Nigeria and Rwanda, and a few leading South African incentive houses even opened offices in these regions. “Zambia has done really well in recent times, and Zimbabwe has been making a marked effort in encouraging MICE business by creating hosted buyer programmes around relevant expo’s such as ZITF. “We found that there was great enthusiasm around Site, but regional
support has been lacking. Until now, the interest has been there, but new members dropped off after the first year as there were no networking or educational events in our neighbouring countries, so these members had no reason to renew. “Last year, it was suggested to expand Site South Africa into a regional, rather than just a national chapter. It was tabled at the last executive board meeting in Dubai and we were very pleased to hear that this has been approved. “Now, we have to reach out to our fellow MICE operators, as well as strategic tourism partners in the region and together work out how to advance business into Africa. “The region has a vast amount to offer and we believe the only way to develop these opportunities into real business is to work together, train together and
Mariaan Burger
thereby encourage faith and investment. “We trust this will grow incentive and conference business into Southern Africa, which will create much-needed job and business opportunities across the subcontinent,” she concluded. In addition, a new secretariat position was created for the chapter and this crucial position was taken up by the energetic Mariaan Burger. Mariaan joins Site Southern Africa with a wealth of experience within the hospitality industry and her key role is to support the chapter president with general administration. Mariaan may be contacted for any Site related enquiries on info@sitesouthernafrica.com n
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 Contact Tes Proos Office: + 27 (0)21 555 3617 Fax: 086 698 7792 Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who E-mail: tes@crystalevents.co.za seek the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organisation is Site ... www.crystalevents.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 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
International: 2015 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.tz. 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
International: 2015
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4: 54th ICCA Congress. Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More information: Mieke van Loenen. Tel: +31203981902. Website: www. iccaworld.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
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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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.org 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: 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
ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association
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
ICCA African Chapter: Chairperson: Rashid Toefy, CTICC.Tel: (021) 410 5000. Fax: (021) 410 5001. e-mail: info@cticc.co.za
Secretariat: Chris Prieto CMP, ICCA Africa Regional director. Cell: 072 273 7230. E-mail: africa@icca.nl. Website: http://www. iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter
Vice-chairperson: Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Tourism Authority. Tel: (011) 085 2500. Fax: (011) 085 2500. e-mail: nonnie@gauteng.net Treasurer: Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company. Tel: (031) 303 9852. Fax: (031) 303 9529. e-mail: nina@confco.co.za
ICCA African Regional Office: Regional Director Africa: Chris Prieto CMP, PO Box: 4957, Atlasville 1465. Cell: 072 273 7230. E-mail: africa@icca.nl. Website: http:// www.iccaworld.com
Other ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association, Box 2594, Pinegowrie 2123. Tel: (011) 888-8178. Fax: (011) 7823814. Cell: 083 679-2110. E-mail: monique@abta.co.za. Website: www.abta.co.za. Founder: Monique Swart. 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 ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents, P O Box 650539, Benmore 2010. Tel: (011) 2930560/61. Fax: 086 504-9767. E-mail: barbara@asata. co.za. Chief Executive Officer: Otto de Vries. Cell: 076 140-7005. Fax: 086 505-1590. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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 Co-ordinator: Boitumelo Moleleki TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146. Tel: (011) 895-3000. Fax: (011) 895-3001. E-mail: enquiries@tourismgrading. 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
Africa – ‘a continent full of promise’ By Rick Taylor, The Business Tourism Company
T
he business events sector is seen as a major instrument to achieving the goals of economic growth, development and poverty alleviation. Throughout Africa, progress has been made in developing and promoting destinations via the diversification of tourism into the business events sector. The significant potential of this sector is, however, not yet fully realised and much still needs to be done to achieve a long-term vision for the continent … that business events should play a leading role in spearheading economic growth in Africa. The meetings industry has firmly placed itself at the centre of tourism and is globally understood to be an important generator of income, employment and inward investment. Meetings and events increase international trade, boost knowledge, foster scientific advancement and reduce the ebb and flow of seasonality. The industry in Africa must galvanise to communicate this to governments and align the sector with government priorities. In the past the lack of purpose-built meeting facilities explains much of Africa’s poor showing in the business events sector (accounting for approximately only three per cent of global association meetings, according to ICCA 2013 statistics). This has, however, changed significantly with venues, accommodation and other facilities and amenities now being developed throughout the continent at a rapid rate; tailored to modern technological innovation standards. There is also growing interest in establishing convention bureaux
Who is Rick Taylor?
throughout Africa. The continent is poised to establish itself as an innovative and highly competitive offering for organisers worldwide. The theme for the 10th Meetings Africa in February 2015 was “Advancing Africa Together”. Fifteen African destinations exhibited their products showcasing convention centres, hotels, DMCs and PCO members to qualified international hosted meeting buyers, journalists from around the world, as well as corporate and association buyers who visited independently. In addition to South Africa, Tanzania and Zanzibar, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia promoted their business events sectors. Nigeria launched the Calabar International Convention Centre due to open in June 2015, while Malawi announced the imminent launch (May 2015) of its first fivestar hotel and conference centre at Umodzi Park in Lilongwe. Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland and Botswana were represented, while Mozambique is rapidly developing the sector with Maputo playing a more prominent role as a conference city with many properties being renovated and a number of construction projects underway.
Rwanda as a business events destination Outstanding bio-diversity, a rich cultural heritage, a robust business environment, excellent safety and security, an expanding airlift and the improving quality of meeting venues and accommodation are some of the key assets on which Rwanda is building its sustainable business events sector. Rwanda Development Board identified the business events tourism sector as providing a clear and long-term opportunity
Rick Taylor is the chief executive officer of The Business Tourism Company. A pioneer in the greater Cape Town tourism industry, Rick was the founding chief executive officer of the Cape Town Convention Bureau, South Africa’s first stand-alone convention bureau. In 2004, Rick was tapped by South African Tourism to set up a national convention bureau designed to attract more international meetings and conferences to the country. With more than 20 years’ experience in tourism marketing and advertising, Rick launched The Business Tourism Company in 2005. Rick has worked on assignments in Southern Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Europe, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a B.Com degree from the University of Lausanne. Rick was the 2011 recipient of the IMEX Academy Award – Africa & Middle East in Frankfurt, May 2011.
to diversify and grow Rwanda’s export strategy. The Business Tourism Company was appointed in 2014 to implement Rwanda’s National MICE Strategy and establish the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB). The key objective was to grow the sector, thus contributing to the achievement of Rwanda’s ambitious Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy II objectives. RCB serves as the focal point for the co-ordination of all business events tourism industry activities. It is responsible for building the country’s business and events brand and aims to position Rwanda in the top 10 African meeting destinations by 2019-20 (based on ICCA Africa rankings). Under the strapline “Meet in Remarkable Rwanda”, the RCB was launched in March 2014 to stakeholders nationally, with a formal international launch at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2014. RCB’s broad objectives are to market Rwanda as a preferred business events destination, work with key institutions (e.g. RwandAir, tour operators, industry stakeholders) to position the country as a regional business events hub, bid for new business and build capacities in the private sector (professional conference and event organisers). Rwanda’s capital city is preparing to unveil the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), due to open in mid-2016. Positioned on a hilltop in the heart of Kigali near Parliament, the development is set to become one of the most recognised and iconic modern structures in Africa. With a maximum capacity of 2 600, the KCC will help position Rwanda as a leading business events destination in East Africa. In tandem with the KCC, a number of international five-star hotel brands are currently under development (Radisson Blu, Marriott, Park Inn, Kempinski) with more than 600 high-end bedrooms coming on to the market. Just ten minutes from the city centre, the Kigali International Airport has recently been upgraded and is now able to handle 1 500 000 passengers annually, triple its previous capacity. Coupled with the sector’s basic infrastructure and telecommunication requirements, there is a growing desire to find new meeting and event destinations, especially in the incentive segment, as long as they are considered safe. There is an abundance of rich cultural and natural heritage on the continent to share. Africa is not yet the promised continent … but is a continent full of promise! n
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
Connecting people with people The tried and tested resource for the meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentive markets Business events – conferences, exhibitions, special events and incentive travel – generate extensive economic wealth for the local, provincial and national economy, and is an all-important industry which provides huge value for tourism and beyond. Now in its 34th year of publication, Business Events Africa is the official industry journal for the conference, exhibition, special events and incentive markets in sub-Saharan Africa. As such, the publication has a highly focused readership of people at the very heart of these industries. In line with evolving world publishing trends, Business Events Africa is available on a multitude of platforms ranging from traditional print to digital on desktop PCs, Laptop, Tablets and – in the pipeline – Smartphones.
To find out what we can do for you e-mail us on bernadette@contactpub.co.za
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. Tel: 031 764 6977 | Fax: 031 764 6974
P O Box 2516, Durban, 4000, South Africa tel: +27 31 366 7577/80 email: conventions@durbankzncb.co.za