Business Events Africa - Vol 35 No 08 - August 2015

Vol 35 No 8

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 Hosting a successful eight day African Union Summit

for the organisation’s 54

member states is a triumph

for the Sandton Convention Centre.

Regular Features

6

4 Comment

13 Executive Chef

6

21 Future Focus

News

11 A Local Perspective

29 Giver of the Month

12 Personality Profile

40 The Last Word

Special Features

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22

14 SPECIAL FEATURE: POWER OF EXHIBITIONS

When it comes to growing your business or launching a new product, exhibitions can be the fastest and most effective way

to gain industry knowledge, capture prospective leads and

build your network.

22 SPECIAL FEATURE: WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

In this issue, Business Events Africa takes its annual look into

the amazing women that make up the conference, events and

exhibition industries. 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 8 2015 Venue News 30 • East London ICC hosts international association.

• Peermont closes Mondazur sale.

Market News

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31 Townhouse supports local entrepreneurs.

32 • Lumi launches Meetoo.

• Planning an event? We are here to help.

• CSIR appoints Edgar.

33 SAACI News

37 Calendar

34 site News

38 Directory + aSSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST

36 Index of advertisers

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33

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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 (KwaZulu-Natal) 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

Stand up for T

what you believe

he year has certainly moved into top gear as we approach the last quarter of the year. Already this year has given us, as South Africa, some amazing new events, international congresses, and new exhibitions. Then let’s not forget great

achievements, for instance the improved ICCA rankings, from 34 to 32 in the world, as well as some great accolades for the cities.

In the same breath, we have also had our share of challenges. The change in the visa regulations has certainly put a damper on our visitor numbers. To add to the mix, South Africa is still far from being out of the recession. Yes, we are value for money, but if getting here is more effort than necessary – other destinations are ready to oblige.

As much as I hate to say it, we are a Third World country. Loadshedding doesn’t help. Yes, we have all come to terms that this part of our daily lives. We even joke about it, but the truth is – it’s really not acceptable. Just as we get used to these terms that are supposed to make things “better”, we get accosted with new terms.

What exactly is “rotational shedding”?

Come on. We are really just talking about power cuts. Just say it. We aren’t children.

Tell us the truth.

On the issue of recession, yes, there is a mixed bag on this issue. I am no economist, but from talking to various members of our sector, our industry is still not out of the recession. Many companies in our sector have good cash flow, but prefer to hold on to it – just in case!

It’s not all gloom and doom. Most agree future prospects are good. There seems to be more happening next year and going forward. It just seems people are cautious, and, rightfully so.

I think more than anything I would like to feel that our government is

being honest with me, as a taxpaying citizen. This is my personal view. I am tired of things being sugar-coated.

Talking of sugar, August is Women’s Month in South Africa. It marks the anniversary of the great Women’s March of 1956, where women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the carrying of pass books.

We must not forget our past. These women who marched stood up for something. Let’s not forget that.

Every day in our industry, we have women who stand up for the business events sector. These women are doing an outstanding job. The business events sector is well represented when it comes to its share of women. These women are extraordinary.

The business events industry is blessed with many strong, professional women with integrity. In many respects, these women drive our sector.

The role of the woman has certainly changed in many aspects of our society.

South Africa is probably one of the only countries that put women on the government “agenda”.

In conclusion, I would like to personally salute the women in our sector for a job well done.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

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News

Cape Town raking in international accolades

T

he Mother City has yet again done locals proud by featuring prominently in international ratings of tourist venues – with no less than three significant accolades coming the city’s way.

Local hotels are holding their heads high after taking top spot in a recently announced new PwC report: Online reputations – Why hotel reviews matter and how hotels respond. PwC’s Online reputations report analysed guests’ online ratings of more than 11 000 hotels in 48 cities located in Africa, Europe, India and the Middle East. “Being Number 1 in such a large sample is a tremendous achievement for Cape Town,” enthuses Enver Duminy, chief executive officer of Cape Town

Tourism.

This follows closely on the heels of the recognition of Cape Town in PwC’s report, Hospitality Outlook 2015-2019, as the main growth spot for tourism in South Africa over the next five years.

This most recent report is particularly significant since online reviews are today seen as a crucial source of information for guests when researching hotels and locations.

In another poll, readers of the international publication, Travel + Leisure, ranked Cape Town 9th in the Top 10 Overall World’s Best Cities, and top in the Africa & the Middle East category. The city also achieved the coveted Hall of Fame status

in the Africa & the Middle East rankings for being listed as a top destination for 10 years in a row.

Mr Duminy is extremely happy with the news, commenting that: “These industry accolades are very important to us. The PwC report recognises the tremendous efforts of the Cape Town hotels in providing topnotch service to visitors to our city.

“And being listed as a leading destination along with such iconic tourist cities as Rome and Barcelona, among others, is a wonderful acknowledgement.

“All this good news reflects that the Cape Town tourism industry as a whole is putting its heart and soul into welcoming guests to our city.” n

Leading hospitality group enters into exclusive agreement

On 26 July 2015 in Franschhoek, South Africa, Dusit International and eLAN Property Group signed an exclusive agreement to manage several hotels and resorts in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. From left: Mark Taylor, chief executive officer of eLan Property Group; General Chatchai Sarikalya, Thai Minister of Commerce; Chanin Donavanik, chief executive officer and managing director of Dusit International.

LEADING Asian hospitality group Dusit International has entered into an exclusive agreement with South Africa-based eLan Property Group to manage several hotels and resorts in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.

The agreement was signed at a meeting held in Franschhoek near Cape Town, where Thai Minister of Commerce General Chatchai Sarikalya was in attendance, alongside Dusit International chief executive officer, Chanin Donavanik and eLan Property Group chief executive officer, Mark Taylor.

According to the agreement, Dusit will initially manage five hotel and resort projects: two in South Africa, two in Mozambique and one in Mauritius; a total of around 1 400 rooms across nine hotels. Dusit will also work closely with the eLan Property Group on a regional hospitality education project.

Project details are currently being finalised and will be revealed in due course. n

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Cover Story

Major General Ntsiki Memela-Motumi; Sierra Leonean politician and social activist Zeinab Bagura; Former British First Secretary of State William Hague; African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; US actress and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) special envoy Angelina Jolie; and Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Benita Diop attended a panel discussion on Conflict Related Gender Violence on 12 June, 2015 during an African Union (AU) Summit session at SCC. The panel was moderated by Independent Media group executive editor, Karima Brown (far right).

Sandton Convention Centre pulls off a successful AU Summit Hosting a successful eightday African Union Summit for the organisation’s 54 member states – with high level and multi-faceted requirements around the range of meetings, open and closed sessions, meals, functions, décor, logistics, and expectations – is a triumph for the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC), says executive director Mati Nyazema.

“We were wholly committed as a team to providing a valuable platform for the continent’s leaders and decisionmakers to debate and discuss issues of interest and concern in a comfortable and conducive environment,” adds Ms

Nyazema. The bottomline was that while preparation for events of these dimensions and stature usually take about 10 to 12 months to prepare for, Sandton Convention Centre had about three months to work with.

The first step for SCC to ensuring a successful Summit was to appoint a dedicated senior manager to the event – Janine Baltensperger – who worked full-time on the AU Summit and was the single point of contact for the AU, the South African government, as well as service providers and suppliers to the event.

“We were prepared for any eventuality – and as the Summit took place, there were several instances where we had to think on our feet and be instantly ready to accommodate changes to plans and find ways to make things happen,” says Ms Nyazema.

Preparations included certificated training on protocol for several hundred

permanent and temporary Sandton Convention Centre staff by an accredited national trainer.

“It was very interesting and highly informative and gave appropriate weight to the value of national symbols and the importance of respective nations’ heads of state. The result was that staff were more confident in their positions and it added to our levels of professionalism.

Of course this is also a skill that can be reused in the future, even to nongovernmental clients,” says Ms Nyazema.

Detailed plans were drawn up by the AU, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and SCC teams and many on-site visits and walkabouts were held to ensure that every requirement would be met.

According to Janine Baltensperger, events manager, the collaboration between the SCC, the AU and DIRCO was always smooth and professional. “We all worked well together to achieve one goal

Cover Story

– a successful AU Summit.”

Preparing the venue included the SCC providing several fully-fledged offices for AU and DIRCO officials, incorporating full IT connectivity, electricity supply, phone lines, desks, chairs, cabinets, computers, and other relevant fittings.

Several hundred support staff from the AU, DIRCO and related government departments were accommodated at the Summit.

Part of the SCC’s Exhibition 2 hall downstairs was transformed into a media centre for the more than 1 000 accredited international and local media people covering the event. A separate media room was created on the fourth floor for special briefings by heads of state.

The hand-over of the SCC building to the AU was done on 8 June and the first

event – the NEPAD steering committee meeting and the ministerial retreat – started on 9 June. The 27th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, attended

by Ministers, took place on 11-12 June, as did several other AU committee meetings.

From 10-12 June, a pre-summit high level panel on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment was held, which featured celebrities and eminent personalities such as US actress and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) special envoy Angelina Jolie, former British First Secretary of State, William Hague, chair of the AU Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Sierra Leonean politician and social activist Zeinab Bagura, and Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the AU

Commission Benita Diop.

Lunch on 11 June was hosted by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and a gala dinner on 12 June was hosted by Minister of Women in the Presidency in South Africa, Susan Shabangu. Other high level events included the meeting of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the meeting of the Peace and Security Council.

A fund-raising dinner for 800 was hosted by the AU Foundation and attended by some heads of state and business people from across the African continent on 13 June.

The 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union (Heads of State and Government meeting) was held on 14 and 15 June, with a banquet on 14 June hosted by President Jacob Zuma.

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Cover Story

Former British first Secretary of State William Hague, US actress and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) special envoy Angelina Jolie, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Major General Ntsiki Memela-Motumi, Sierra Leonean politician and social activist Zeinab Bagura, and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Benita Diop.

The lighting, sound, and audio-visual requirements for every meeting, function, and event were ably provided by SCC’s supplier, Gearhouse.

The SCC team was proficient in thinking on their feet, as they responded to the changing dynamic of the Summit, for example reformatting of seating plans and room configurations, and schedule adjustments to meal and break times.

“Altogether, between 9 and 15 June, a total of 12 500 meals were prepared and served, including more than 2 400 dinners served to delegates at the different evening functions,” says Janine Baltensperger, events manager, Sandton Convention Centre.

With the change in schedules, it was imperative the SCC still managed to deliver quality meals that met health and safety standards. “We had to do some quick thinking to make sure everyone was comfortable, happy and well-fed,” says Ms Baltensperger.

Because many of the meals and functions took place in the same function room, the look had to be different for each event, with décor and seating adjustments each time. This took amazing ingenuity and fast, creative work on the part of the décor team – who were still providing fresh, bright and stunning flower and décor displays up to the last

event of the final Summit day. The SCC team was also responsible for ensuring there was different entertainment for the various functions.

“The logistics had to be carefully planned at every turn as access to surrounding streets was restricted, and security management was optimum throughout,” explains Ms Baltensperger.

Although the SCC has a capable security service that it provides for events at the venue, a major heads of state or international event such as the AU Summit required the venue to work in conjunction with relevant government departments, to handle the specific security requirements of a conference of that stature.

This 25th AU Summit qualified as the second Heads of State gathering to be hosted by Sandton Convention Centre in its 15-year history – the largest being the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002.

However, the AU Summit had additional complexity as meals were provided for delegates, unlike the WSSD where no meals were served in the venue.

“The SCC team pulled out all the stops for this event – as they do for every event,” says Ms Nyazema. “But the nature of the detail of the AU Summit ensured that most of the team was working

16 to 18 hours a day for the duration, and walking more than 100km each throughout that period. Doing it well was a matter of great pride for all of us.

We believe we showed our city and our country off in the best light because of our performance during this Summit,” says Ms Nyazema.

She notes that providing a service to government is regarded as a privilege by Sandton Convention Centre.

“The fact is that such government and international organisations play an extremely important role in the daily lives of South African and African peoples.

“It’s about providing an efficient service to a client that impacts our futures, that represents our nation, and that enables us to put our products on the global map, and much more. We were proud to be a part of it.” n

For more information on Sandton Convention Centre, log on to www.sandtonconventioncentre.com, join the Facebook page on http://www.facebook.com/SandtonConventionCentre or follow on Twitter at @SandtonEvents.

A Local Perspective

Tourism business index

shows drop in Q2 performance South Africa’s travel and tourism industry performed significantly lower than expected in the second quarter of 2015, says the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (“TBCSA”).

I

n the period between April and June, business performance levels across the tourism value chain slipped from a Tourism Business Index (“TBI”) of 99,9 in Q1 to an index score of 83,6 in the second quarter. This is the lowest performance level since the third quarter of 2011, when the industry registered a very low index score of 70,0.

TBI is a quarterly performance-monitoring tool, initiated by the TBCSA in 2010, to track business performance in the industry.

The index reports on changes or expected changes in demand and profitability which are expressed relative to the expected normal levels of trade for the relevant period.

An index score of 100 is regarded as an indication of normal levels of trade. When the index shows performance or prospects below 100, this indicates worse than normal performance.

Mmatšatši Ramawela, chief executive officer of TBCSA, said: “The results are worrying. To be realistic, we anticipated that there would be some decline, judging by our member feedback and the outcomes of the impact assessment study on the new immigration regulations. The past couple of months have been particularly tumultuous for our industry and, generally, business confidence is low.

“However, despite the decline in trade conditions, what’s coming out strongly from the latest TBI report is that maintaining employment levels remains top priority for many operators.”

As expected, new visa legislation with regard to biometrics and unabridged birth certificates topped the list of key factors contributing to the drop in performance.

While the lingering effect of the Ebola outbreak seems to be subsiding, with more than half of respondents citing no or neutral impact, only 16,9 per cent of respondents cited negative impacts as a result of the xenophobic attacks which broke in the second quarter.

Labour unrest, electricity and water shortages and reduced demand by the public sector were also cited as negative factors.

The accommodation sector saw worse than normal business performance, with an index score of 82,6 compared to the forecasted 102,7.

Other tourism businesses (excluding accommodation) also recorded lower than normal business performance with a score of 84,4 compared to the anticipated 93,2.

Interestingly, the accommodation sector is still planning to increase capacity in spite of poor recent and expected performance.

Gillian Saunders, head of Advisory Services at Grant Thornton says: “Expansion plans for accommodation capacity increases have long lead times and many projects were no doubt planned during the high performance years of 2013 and 2014, and cannot be shelved now without worse financial consequences.”

On the positive side, the hosting of large summits, long weekends and school holidays were highlighted as positive factors.

While the overall outlook for the next quarter is somewhat pessimistic, it is hoped that the weaker exchange rate, as well as the implementation of new promotional initiatives will boost trade in Q3.

“Times are tough for us right now, but we are a resilient industry and will bounce back,” Ms Ramawela said.

Comparing the latest TBI score to other economic indices such as the SACCI Business Confidence Index, Ms Ramawela said it was evident that travel and tourism was not the only industry experiencing some strain.

“We are working hard to address the industry’s concerns around the visa regulations and have recently met with officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

“In addition, individual businesses are reviewing their strategies to adapt to the changes in the operating environment.

“We will continue to forge ahead as an industry, cautiously optimistic that in the medium to long-term stability and growth will return.” n

“The results are worrying. To be realistic, we anticipated that there would be some decline, judging by our member feedback and the outcomes of the impact assessment study on the new immigration regulations.”

Mmatšatši Ramawela

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12

Personality profile

Lindiwe Rakharebe leads with love and respect Lindiwe Rakharebe, 49, chief executive officer of Durban ICC, exudes warmth with her radiant smile and welcoming manner.

S

he holds a Bachelors Degree in Management Leadership (Free State University), a Diploma in Management Development Programme (Executive Education), and a number of professional development programmes, including the Financial Services Training Programme (International Training Solutions).

With extensive experience in the financial services industry in KwaZulu-Natal and a well-respected business leader across the country, she has held various management and specialist positions in public sector banking, vehicle finance at First National Bank, Wesbank, Absa and Nedbank.

She is passionate about women and gender issues in respect of women empowerment and caring for the aged is close to her heart. In light of her leadership role in driving women empowerment and caring for the aged, she serves as the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Network in preventing violence against women.

Ms Rakharebe’s roots are in KwaZuluNatal. She was born and raised in Chesterville, and firmly believes nothing supersedes the value of being a mother and the importance of belonging to a family.

At the core of her purpose is to ensure that quality time is set aside for her family.

She is a loving and adored mother of four children – three boys and a girl.

Ms Rakharebe is personally and professionally committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Her motto in life is “treat others

the way you would like to be treated”.

How do you see the business events industry now and where do you see the industry heading in the future?

From a national perspective, I believe the business events industry is fundamentally solid and will continue to grow, albeit slowly, over the next year. We must remember many sectors are still under huge financial pressure, so we need to be cautiously optimistic about the future.

From an international perspective, I hope to see Africa growing in popularity as a global events destination and continue to attract important world congresses.

Hopefully by showcasing that we can successfully host this calibre of event, it will instill confidence in more associations to hold events on this continent.

Where did your career start?

My amazing banking journey started at Standard Bank in 1984.

How long have you been in the business events sector?

Events have always formed a core part of driving my business ventures. I mostly enjoy shared value partnerships and relationship building.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

The biggest, and most exciting change I’ve seen is a very purposeful expanding inclusion of the African continent as a global destination for major events.

Were you always involved in this sector?

The majority of my career up to this point was spent in the banking sector. However, my focus has been on business management and strategic leadership, which has prepared me well for this new role.

What role does your family play in your life?

My partner’s name is Eugene Jackson. My family plays an integral role in my life – they are my pillar of strength.

What would you change in your life if you could?

Nothing. I am happy to see the infinite opportunities that are available for our young ones, especially the inclusion of females in the traditionally male-dominated industries which were not open to females before.

Do you have any hobbies?

Mentoring – putting a smile on other people’s faces and inspiring hope. Spending time with family, old people and mentally challenged orphans. One day I would like to own and ride a motor bike.

Do you play any sports?

Tennis and basketball. I also enjoy brisk walks in my area, not forgetting the 2km I do every day at Durban ICC on our daily venue inspections.

What do you do for leisure?

Travel. I like to visit a new destination every year and I just love the authenticity of Africa.

What is your secret to success?

My secret is two-fold: perpetual learning and humility.

What is your pet hate?

Poor time-keeping and dishonesty.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Both Australia and Singapore were memorable for me for their cleanliness.

Paris was unforgettable for its food, art and architecture.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Me. I believe that I have been put on this earth for a reason, so I believe in putting my best foot forward at all times. I am not trying to be anyone else.

What is your favourite city?

Durban. There’s no place better than Durban. It has the most beautiful weather, people, food, warmest pristine shoreline.

Continued on page 36

Executive Chef

‘Hospitality is a way of life’ says Wayne

W

ayne Walkinshaw, executive chef at Valley Lodge & Spa in Magaliesburg, is a self-taught chef, with no formal training. He has climbed the ladder through hard work and dedication.

“I obtained my ‘chef papers’ by doing a portfolio of evidence, after which I was eligible to write my City and Guilds exam at HTA School of Culinary Art in 2008 and obtained my chef’s diploma. I also have a business management certificate from UNISA 2012.”

Wayne sports 24 years of hospitality experience gained from the UK to Zanzibar and at highly-acclaimed South African hotels including Walkersons Country Manor and Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa, which was voted one of the top 50 small luxury hotels of the world, while enjoying global recognition as one of the first members of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association in southern Africa before closing in recent years as a result of a land claim commission.

Wayne said: “I enjoy creating a unique, tasty experience for our diners, using only the finest fresh local and imported produce, incorporating pure and crisp French-Mediterranean flavours, while maintaining our signature Italian and South African themed cuisine.”

His belief in food not having to be complicated to taste good is attracting a whole new genre of visitor to this established country hotel.

Before joining Valley Lodge & Spa, he was with Lombardy Boutique Hotel for 8,5 years.

Wayne said being a chef means there is never a dull moment. “You are constantly challenged by suppliers, staff, and guest’s dietary and special requests.

“Every day is different with different challenges, the position is diverse, you get to cook, train, coach, administrate and manage costs, human resources, and so it goes on – it is never boring!”

In terms of trends, Wayne said: “It seems like people have moved away from the fine dining and are looking for tasty, well prepared, well presented, flavoursome dishes made with fresh and seasonal produce and priced right (value for money).

“Special dietary menus are also becoming a must-have as diets are becoming part of people’s lifestyle. Banting craft beer is also a popular trend.”

His advice to PCOs organising a conference or event is: “Obtain all your clients’ dietary requirement timeously from the conference coordinator to ensure all needs and expectations are met.

“Also, be familiar with the unit/hospitality location you are selling, its facilities, size, strengths and weaknesses – assess what is and what is not possible from a catering aspect.”

Wayne said the main challenge facing the sector is lack of welltrained, passionate young hoteliers.

“Many of the new graduates are getting into the industry for all the wrong reasons. There is no commitment, or respect for the industry. Many people are not willing to make sacrifices and work their way to the top, all looking for the big bucks in year one after graduation. Hospitality is a way of life.”

Wayne is married to Sinobia. “We have been together since 1999 but only got married in December 2012.

“I believe being married to a chef is not easy. Ask any chef’s spouse. I have two lovely children. My son, Logan, is 10 years old and baby girl Skye is five months old.

For leisure he enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys

playing golf.

His advice to newcomers is: “Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get to the top, put in the hours, learn as much as you can from your fellow chefs, steal with your eyes, stay humble and strive to be the best.

“One does not study to become a chef, it is a passion, if you do it to the best of your ability, success will follow.”

What is your signature dish?

Crispy roast duck, with roasted garlic and parmesan mash, orange crisps, candied walnuts and spring onion. I believe food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good or interesting- it is all about the combination of flavours and textures and of course quality produce. It should be accompanied with an Oak Valley Pinot Nior.

What trends are emerging in the conference industry in regards to food?

Food is becoming more interactive, guest are also looking for healthier, lighter dishes.

What has remained constant in this industry?

Good quality meat.

What is your favourite beverage?

I love a Jamesons.

What is your favourite food?

Meat, any meat and if it’s on a braai even better.

What is your pet hate?

Procrastinators - people who are able to look extremely busy, but are actually not doing anything.

What is your great love?

My wife and kids.

Are you adventurous?

Yes, I have run with the bulls in Pamplona and scuba-dived with whale sharks in Zanzibar. n

Wayne Walkinshaw

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14

Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

Tips to help you choose the correct exhibition List your goals for the When it comes to growing exhibition your business or launching Before you decide where to exhibit, a new product, exhibitions list your reasons for wanting to exhibit and what you want to achieve from the can be the fastest and exhibition and beyond. The objectives most effective way to gain that you set should be obtainable, industry knowledge, capture measurable and specific. You will also find that the more specific your prospective leads and build objectives are, the easier it is to measure your network. Choosing the your success. Whether you are setting yourself a certain number of sales leads right exhibition can result in to generate, contacts to make or units a lot of high-quality leads for to sell, it creates incentive and can be your business or organisation measured. Other objectives could include launching a new product, keeping an while the wrong exhibition eye on the competition, monitoring will just waste your marketing developments in the industry, or testing a product. budget.

E

XSA, the Exhibition & Events Association looks at some tips to consider choosing where to exhibit next.

Research the exhibition – does it meet your goals?

Next, you should find key information about the exhibition from previous years

that will help you make an informed decision of whether or not it is worth your time and effort to exhibit. Some elements to consider: • The size of the exhibition and the number of feet that pass through the show.

• How many exhibitors previously attended the exhibition? Contact some of these exhibitors to find out about the demographics, quality and number of visitors at previous shows.

• Will any of your competitors attend the exhibition?

• How will the exhibition be publicised and will you be able to utilise any of that publicity?

• Has the organiser implemented any innovative programmes to attract more customers within your target audience?

• Will the region of the exhibition affect the turnout of your target audience?

With this information, you will be able to evaluate the potential of different

Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

exhibitions and determine if the show will help you meet your goals. This would then need to be weighed up against your budget.

Create a budget An essential question to ask before exhibiting is if you can afford it? A budget determines a lot of what we can do in terms of marketing and promotion.

Make sure you know how much you can comfortably spend on exhibiting to meet the defined goals and still be profitable.

To do this, you will need to factor in the cost of the different exhibitions, as well as the cost of staff, travel, advertising, building the exhibition stand, and the marketing materials needed during the show. There could also be extra hidden costs that come up such as electricity.

Once you have considered all these factors, you should have an indication of whether you can afford the exhibition.

You may also find that opting for a

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smaller exhibit space could make the exhibition a more viable plan.

Does it fit your demographic?

A show that matches your exact market is often the best show to attend. Identify exhibitions that have a mix of exhibitors that will attract your target market.

You can retrieve this information from previous exhibitor lists that can usually be found on the exhibitions website, or can be requested from the organiser. You could also contact exhibitors to find out about the show and determine if your company will stand out as a leader in its market.

Exhibitions give companies the opportunity to see their return on investment and the more effort you put into exhibiting well, the better the results will be.

For a calendar of potential exhibitions go to:Â www.exsa.co.za. n

Sue Gannon, general manager of EXSA.

16

Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

Overall positive results anticipated in UFI survey

Paul Woodward

RESULTS of UFI’s 15th Global Barometer survey indicate positive turnover expectations for 2015 and the first half of 2016, with all regions an average of six companies out of 10 declaring increases.

When compared to 2014, this appears to be a rather stable situation for the Americas or Europe, but it reflects a slight slowdown in Asia/Pacific or Middle East and Africa, who had higher levels of

growth in 2014.

However, both the US and China outperform their respective regions, with more than seven companies out of 10 declaring increases.

In terms of operating profits, around four companies out of 10 in all regions, except Asia/Pacific, declare of an increase of more than 10 per cent in annual profits for 2014 and 2015. In Asia/Pacific, only three companies out of 10 do for 2014, but the situation improves to five companies out of 10 for 2015.

China outperforms these results, with 58 per cent of companies expecting an increase of more than 10 per cent of their 2015 operating profits.

Around half of respondents from all regions declared that the impact of the “economic crisis” on their exhibition business is now over. This level is similar to the one reached six months ago, except in Europe where the level of confidence increases from 28 per cent to 45 per cent.

For another two to three companies out of 10 in all regions, the crisis will be over in 2015 or 2016.

The most important business issues remain related to the general economic

situation with the state of the national/ regional economy and global economic uncertainty consistently selected as among the three most important business issues for the last four years, together with local competition and internal management challenges.

Environmental challenges (customer expectations, regulations, etc.) appear, as in the last three surveys, as the next most important issue.

Paul Woodward, UFI managing director, concluded: “Despite fairly different economic situations around the world, the regional consolidated results indicate some converging positive results in terms of turnover increase for the coming year.

“This survey proves very useful for the industry and its stakeholders, and we encourage all surveyed companies to keep providing their input for the next editions.”

The 15th Global Barometer survey, conducted in June 2015, was answered by 201 companies from 55 countries.

Full results of the 15th Global Barometer Survey can be freely downloaded at www. ufi.org/research.

The next UFI Global Barometer Survey will be conducted in December 2015. n

Johannesburg is the host city for UFI Congress 2017 JOHANNESBURG was recently announced as host city for the UFI Congress 2017.

The announcement was formalised and approved at the recent UFI Executive Committee meeting and the UFI board

meeting held in Turkey.

The Johannesburg Expo Centre is proud to be a part of hosting the UFI Congress 2017. Craig Newman, chief executive officer of the Johannesburg

Expo Centre, and member of the UFI board of directors, congratulated all who were part of the bid. He added: “We look forward to welcoming all delegates.” n

Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

17

New records in 2015 for Africa’s Big Seven AS food and beverage industry trade events go, there is no question that Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is establishing an international standard for the continent. In June this year, buyers from 72 countries, 27 of which were African, attended the threeday event at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg.

This record number, a 39 per cent increase on 2014 figures, was matched by a 20 per cent increase in exhibitors to 267 companies.

New international exhibitors attracted by the expo’s reputation to deliver results came from Belarus, Belgium, Chile, Estonia, France, Peru, Ukraine and Vietnam.

John Thomson of organisers Exhibition Management Services, said: “We are delighted by the results. At a time when most exhibitions in South Africa are either stagnant or shrinking, AB7 is going from strength to strength.”

More good news came by way of other statistics, as over 49 per cent of visitors proved to be company owners or directors, whilst 53 per cent of visitors could authorise a purchase, a real plus for the exhibitors.

Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was very positive. Ewa Wójciga, the export vice director for Polish ingredient supplier Mokate, reported great interest by visitors from numerous countries including South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Nigeria.

“We were approached by several big companies interested in our products, and eventually we had over 20 leads

to follow up. I believe we will continue communication with them after this great event.”

The Wallonia Brussels Trade Commission, which hosted its first AB7 pavilion, said its six Belgian exhibitors found that AB7 was an excellent opportunity to test the interest of African markets for their products.

Enrique Marcello, a representative of agricultural company Randino on the Peruvian Pavilion, was delighted with the show. “Visitor interest in our products was fantastic. Our main aim is to seek partners and distributors, and the show has assisted us greatly with this.”

Jessica van Rensburg, marketing manager at Three Streams, said: “We received good feedback and had some great leads, with many South Africans as well as foreigners showing interest.”

The company supplies trout and salmon products from South Africa. “We are looking at exporting to Africa and the Middle East as well.”

Repeat exhibitor Ashton Kelder, is a Cape-based wine maker attending AB7 for the third time. Last year, the company linked up with a Zimbabwean agent at AB7 to secure its first importer into that country. “We are looking to expand further into African markets as well as into Europe, and source new distributors for our latest range. AB7 was the perfect platform for this,” said company spokesperson Greta du Toit.

“What a fantastic expo,” said Yana Smuts of first-time exhibitor Vietcoffee SA, a distributor of authentic Vietnamese coffee. “We made many new contacts for future imports and distribution, including the hospitality industry. We also had fantastic support from the Vietnamese embassy and Hapro, the Hanoi Trade Corporation, with whom we shared a stand.”

Concluded Mr Thomson: “Exhibitors and visitors had a rewarding AB7 experience this year and we are looking forward to repeat that success in 2016.”

Africa’s Big Seven 2016 takes place from 19-21 June 2016. n

BUILD WITH EXPERIENCE We believe in the power of engaging experiences that bring people together, innovative solutions that support cuttingedge events, and a seemingly endless service offering that consistently delivers superior outcomes.

Turning ideas into reality.

011 234 0604 exhibit@compex.co.za www.compex.co.za

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Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

3D Shell takes 67 minutes for orphaned children THE shell scheme service provider in the 3D Group of turnkey exhibition service providers, 3D Shell, visited Banakekeleni Orphanage in Alexandra to deliver goodie bags to mark Nelson Mandela Day 2015.

Banakekeleni means “care for the children” and this was the second visit by the 3D Shell team to the orphanage. On its previous visit, the company had donated toys and gifts to the children for Christmas.

For Mandela Day 2015, employees packed sweets, small toys, as well as useful everyday items into goodie bags for the 20 boys and girls who live at the orphanage.

This July, however, staff agreed that

once a year is not enough, and vowed to keep the spirit of uBuntu alive by visiting the children with gifts and necessities on a more regular basis.

3D director, Dylan Solomon, said: “Nelson Mandela was renowned for his contributions to initiatives that empower the youth of South Africa and his unwavering support for children’s rights. In this spirit, the 3D Shell family was inspired to give back to the community and treat the children of Banakekeleni Orphanage in the heart of Alexandra.

“The company pays for the basic goodie bag and some treats, but all staff dig into their own pockets to contribute additional

items. This year, among other things, a hot dog lunch was packed into individual lunch boxes and added to the bag.

“And, to honour Madiba’s memory, a card featuring his picture was included so that the children will learn about him and remember the greatest leader of our nation.

“A little more than 67 minutes was spent for this worthy cause and the feeling of accomplishment resonated through the hearts of all those involved. So much so that we, as a team, have decided to visit these wonderful children at Banakekeleni on a regular basis, and help them whenever we can,” he said. n

Exhibition industry resilient AS with all forms of marketing, in recessionary times, the tendency is to cut back on marketing expenditure,

Brad Alder

including exhibitions. This is according to Brad Alder, chairman of the Exhibition & Events Association of Southern Africa.

He said: “Exhibitors still want to exhibit, and often believe in the power of face-to-face communication. However, many are constrained by diminishing budgets. Organisers, venues and service providers have had to become increasingly creative to meet the budgetary demands of exhibitors.

“Some creative strategies include the re-use of exhibition stands for other purposes, i.e. showroom construction.

Organisers package their shows to include multiple events. And the collaboration of suppliers, organisers and venues within the exhibition industry to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

“More than ever, exhibitions are also under scrutiny to deliver return on investment (ROI) for exhibitors. The success of exhibitors, however, often falls out of the control of organisers, venues and service providers.

“As a result, exhibitor education and management is becoming vital, as well as synergies and synchronisation with other media, including digital media, which would appear essential in maximising ROI. “Recessionary times often have a way of spawning change,” Mr Alder said.

“However, the South African exhibition industry is extremely resilient and creative. The local industry punches above its weight limit when compared to international markets,” he concluded. n

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Special Feature: Power of Exhibitions

Exhibition organisers unite to launch new industry association SOME of the largest exhibition organisers in Southern Africa, namely Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, MMI South Africa, Hypenica, Thebe Reed Exhibitions, Spintelligent, Terrapinn, The Wedding Group, SA Confex Services, TE Trade Events, Exposure Marketing, LTE and Synergy Business Events, have announced they will be launching a new industry association – the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).

AAXO will be a powerful and cohesive voice that speaks on behalf of exhibition organisers specifically. It will focus on the urgent issues and unique challenges facing organisers, and will prioritise market research and trend tracking in order to drive the constant innovation needed to keep the South African exhibition sector flourishing and profitable.

The formation of AAXO follows the decision from several organisers to break away from the umbrella body for exhibitions and events, EXSA. The intention is to create a platform with greater benefits for organisers. However, AAXO will continue to engage and align with EXSA. Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe Reed, said: “The decision to break away from EXSA has been an ongoing debate among organisers for a number of years. EXSA is very supplier-led and we feel they are not serving the best interest

of the organisers.

“We believe exhibition organisers need a collective voice to lobby various stakeholders. Priorities need to be on annual research and industry benchmarking, tracking trends and quantifying our industry in terms of its size and value.

“We feel that EXSA, in its current form, is introspective, slow and focused on internal issues and drivers. However, we are, of course, still willing to align with EXSA and have a working relationship with suppliers and venues to discuss common industry issues.”

Elaine Crewe, chief executive officer of MMI South Africa, said: “The new association will assist us in promoting the channel of exhibitions as a marketing medium. The research we aim to conduct will assist in gaining government trust and investment, and we will also be able to assist exhibitors to gain funding and justify spend by calculating their return on investment.

“Exhibitions remain a powerful medium to source new customers, engage with existing customers, build brand awareness, launch new products and generate sales leads.”

Said Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery: “But, the economy has forced greater scrutiny into how marketing budgets are spent and companies have been more

selective in their choice of exhibitions and in their choice of exhibition organiser.”

AAXO aims to give members unique benefits, tailored to their requirements, in order to help them stay competitive.

These include a company listing and listing of their exhibitions on the AAXO website; creating a BBBEE suppliers list; association social media engagement; member discounts from preferred suppliers; exhibition and organiser awards; and advice on venues in Africa.

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers will add further value through legal and administrative support such as standardising legal agreements and documentation; offering a mediation facility in conflict situations; negotiating with government bodies on behalf of organisers; negotiate a SARS VAT ruling; and agreeing on a window period for staging competing exhibitions.

Various portfolios of responsibility have already been allocated to a number of organisers to ensure the AAXO will benefit from their relevant expertise.

Funding for the long-overdue industry market research has been secured through AAXO and this research will be of great advantage to all the members of the new association.

The Association of African Exhibition Organisers aims to be fully functional by January 2016. n

Carol Weaving

Elaine Crewe

Gary Corin

Future Focus

Lerisha Mudaliar enjoys being challenged

L

erisha Mudaliar, 31, was awarded the SAACI Western Cape Branch Award Young Achiever Award in 2014. She has been in the business events industry for seven years.

She is currently the marketing assistant at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, a strategic business unit of Wesgro, the Western Cape Destination Marketing, Investment and Trade Promotion Agency.

When did you realise you wanted to be in business events?

In 2004, when I was deciding which path I wanted to develop into a career after completing my National Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management.

Were you discouraged from pursuing a career in business events?

No, I was never discouraged. If I reflect back on the years I have worked in the business events industry, I can confidantly say I owe much of my achievements to the great mentors, peers and friends who have bestowed upon me their knowledge and expertise.

What challenges do you face as a young person in this industry?

There are two main challenges I faced as a young person in the business events industry: 1. Direction and guidance provided by my higher education institution lacked a great deal. The book knowledge is vastly different to what the application is in everyday life. A bridge needs to be formed between the tertiary institutions and industry expertise. Once I had completed my studies and I was able

to gain an internship, I was tasked with minuscule mundane office admin related tasks to carry out. Employees need to ensure they empower interns with tasks that will help them grow and not treat them as cheap labour.

2. “Young people equals lack of experience�. As a young person in industry it is assumed that because you are young, you cannot possibly have obtained enough experience to provide clients with the best service or advice.

It has taken me years of hard work and networking to be able to overcome this challenge.

execution of everyday duties. A person must have a zest for life, be passionate about the destination in order to promote it, which helps the client also have the best experience we able to provide.

What does your job entail?

I assist in marketing Cape Town and the Western Cape as a competitive business events destination globally by increasing the number of conferences/corporate/ meetings/incentive meetings and exhibitions attracted to our destination.

My day depends on what projects we are currently working on, or in the pipeline.

Most days are not the same.

Which personal traits do you need for this position?

A person needs to have a vast reservoir of tourism and business knowledge which will enable them to help promote the province and country. He or she should be dynamic, responsible and accountable, flexible and meticulous in their approach to any situation, especially if there are challenges or obstacles that need to be successfully overcome. It is essential to be a goaloriented and not to mention an extremely focused individual, who continually strives towards excellence.

I found that truth, honesty, integrity and sincerity are also major contributing factors needed for this position. Because we work on many projects at once, logical and systematic decisions help with the

Lerisha Mudaliar

What advice would you offer young people who are reluctant to explore the business events industry?

It is a wonderful industry to be a part of, and it is forever changing. You will constantly be learning about new and interesting matters via the networking and close circle of industry partners you will engage with. Your colleagues will become great friends and some will also feel more like family. Opportunities to engage with people from different walks of life and cultures will also enhance your global knowledge. If you enjoy a challenge, enjoy working with people and promoting your city/country, this is definitely a fulfilling industry to be in. n

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21

A travel girl

Special Feature: Women in the industry

22

through and through

By Vernon Buxton, Dragon Holidays

I

f you’d had the good fortune to travel anywhere in the world with Mary Shilleto, you’d soon have identified one very distinctive personal characteristic. It’s her undiluted enthusiasm.

The chief executive officer of Thompsons Travel in Johannesburg will instinctively insist, in her slow, firm, clear and erudite manner of speaking, “that we’re so very, v-e-r-y privileged to be able to travel the world and personally experience such wonderful things.”

Mary’s natural warmth, charm and “voluble” sophistication will undoubtedly seduce you too. Her propensity for laughter and cheerfulness is infectious and one comes away with the sense of having indulged in an immensely satisfying engagement.

Yet, one would be well advised not to take such openness and accessibility for granted. Behind the smiles and bonhomie sits a woman of substance, a bold decision-maker with an abundant intellect, deep insight, and a graduate “cum laude” in the “University of Life”.

This respected and loved travel leader has worked for SAA, Japan Airlines and KLM. She was also the general manager at Tourvest but now presides over a 70–strong team at Thompsons Travel, a subsidiary of Cullinan Holdings and an associate member of the XL Travel Group.

want to achieve in their business, while revealing what impact you as a strategic partner are driving for them? Move from supplier to strategic partner. “Relationship” is a reward for consistent value.

Engage with people who “can” and they will.

What would you still like to see happening for our industry?

We need to be proactive and educate our customers on problems that are inevitable when travelling. Position yourself as a trusted adviser and pre-empt unexpected situations or circumstances that would entail extra costs, or any form of unnecessary risk.

The travel industry is dominated by women, yet only a few are leaders in our industry? Why?

It’s a known fact that most in this industry are, predominantly, female.

They excel in this environment owing to their ability to connect emotionally and place themselves in the shoes of the traveller.

As a female leader, what challenges have you faced in the running of your business?

I have continued with very little difficulty and enjoy the healthy competitive environment with my male colleagues. Leadership is not about being in control, but ensuring you are “in the conversation” in order to influence it … be this with your customers or colleagues.

Good communication is everything.

What lessons can we learn from our stalwarts in the industry?

Stalwarts are valuable for expertise and experience but, whether you’re 18, 38 or 68, there’s a place for all who know their business and add value to the industry. Today’s travel industry is dominated by young, smart, well-informed people who are the future’s leaders. It’s about technical savvy, enjoying the fast-moving pace of this exciting world that has become a village, with information available 24/7/365.

Mary Shilleto, the chief executive officer of Thompsons Travel, with some of her management team at the head office in Rosebank, Johannesburg … Rudi Theunissen, Patricia Kinnear, Tanya Kite, Wendy Schulze and Hayley Walls.

What state do you find the South African travel industry in today?

It’s volatile, ever-changing and exciting, with many challenges … but people are forever boarding the “busses in the sky” in great hordes.

We’re living in a “connection” economy, with Facebook being a competitive advantage. Technology has changed demographics and our environment is changing ethics and societal values. We’re working in an increasingly complex society, so the ability to adapt in complexity is vital.

Is there something that should be changed?

We should become strategic partners for the client/corporate and help them achieve their objectives, establishing the outcome they

You have staff that remained with you for so many years. What is the secret to retaining loyal staff?

They are the backbone of your business. Share the spoils with them.

Incentivise them to take care of your customers so they stay with you and, in turn, so will the customers too. Empower them to make mistakes and grow. Expose them to new technologies and give them the tools they need.

Looking back over your vast experience, what would you advise those who wish to enter this industry?

Be prepared to handle immense amounts of pressure, to think on your feet and have a “can-do” attitude of ensuring that the customer is king. Build a relationship with your customer that is so good they find it hard to go elsewhere. Be authentic and live your values. Ours are “People, Pride, Passion, Purpose and Professionalism”. n

Special Feature: Women in the industry

24

EXPO CENTRE CELEBRATES

Womens’ Day

Desrae McDonnell

Vanessa Wilson

Tracy Tladi

Liesel Da Costa

Believe Sibiya

The Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) has earned itself a reputation for hosting some of the biggest industry names in entertainment. This month, we look at five of the incredible women who make it all possible.

“The exhibition and events industry has evolved to a point where it is now dominated by women,” explains Desrae McDonnell, events manager of the Expo Centre. “I believe this shift has occurred as a result of women becoming more confident in their abilities to deliver.”

Having served the industry for three decades, the JEC has become an iconic fixture on the skyline of the “City of Gold”.

From hosting South Africa’s favourite family event, the Rand Show, to major industry trade shows and international music festivals, the venue and its team have proven that the sky is the limit.

“I am exceptionally proud to be a part of this brand,” says Liesel Da Costa, the JEC’s newly-appointed marketing and communications executive. “I would like the public to know more about the talented team of people we have working here.”

One of the newest additions to the Expo Centre arsenal, Liesel obtained a degree in Business Finance and Marketing at the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently completing a post-graduate qualification in marketing.

“As one of South Africa’s leading exhibition, convention and events venues, I plan to take the JEC to new global heights,” she says.

With her determination, creativity and passion for marketing, Ms Da Costa aims to market the venue through innovative and strategic methods. “I want to make my mark in this industry,” she says.

“One of my long-term objectives is to expand the JEC’s portfolio by attracting international partners and clients.”

Also new to the JEC family is Believe Sibiya, who describes herself as a “team player” and who joins Liesel in the marketing communications department.

Ms Sibiya obtained her Journalism FET Certificate at Damelin College in 2012 and has been working for the Expo Centre for the past four months.

“I aim to bring a fresh stream of innovative ideas to the marketing team and to use my journalistic skills to communicate all that the Expo Centre is accomplishing,” says Ms Sibiya.

“The JEC is an exceptional venue. Even in my limited time here, I have come to see and experience just how versatile it is.”

Someone who is well-versed in the background workings of the Expo Centre is Desrae McDonnell.

As the exhibition and events manager, Ms McDonnell uses her 15 years of experience to assist clients in the logistical planning of each and every show.

“I have 30 years’ experience in the industry and I’ve spent at least half that time working here,” she says. “From planning and inception to the delivery of the end product, I am involved in every aspect of an event.”

Vanessa Wilson has been an asset to the Expo Centre team since 2006. “I have been a personal assistant to Craig Newman (JEC CEO) for several years, but I also work hand-in-hand with Hannes Venter (general manager), setting up contracts and agreements,” she explains.

“Mr Newman’s work ethic has rubbed off on me, which is why I am dedicated to my work, keeping a positive attitude and delivering on time. I don’t believe in putting off till tomorrow what I can complete today.”

Of course, there can be no Expo Centre without someone to balance the books.

Tracy Tladi, a financial assistant, ensures that creditors are paid, bank statements are balanced and accounts are reconciled.

“My biggest challenges occur at the end of the month when I need to ensure that all financial matters are up to date,” she says. “I enjoy working here and experiencing some of the fascinating things that take place. A personal highlight was seeing the South African National Defence Force in action at the Rand Show this year.”

South African women are empowering themselves in various sectors and the exhibition and events industry is no different.

“I am proud to be involved in a business where women are making things happen and driving positive change,” says Ms Da Costa. “ The key is that we continue to evolve and adapt with the industry,” agrees Ms Sibiya.

“It is phenomenal to see more women in positions of leadership in a sector as significant as this.”

For those women who feel they may have a future in events and exhibitions, Ms McDonnell has some valuable advice.

“The industry is broad and there are various potential areas of vocation for young women to explore,” she says.

“Find out what you enjoy, where your strengths lie and always work hard. There will be no limits to what you can achieve.” n

Special Feature: Women in the industry

Industry needs to support

women equality

By Nina-Freysen Pretorius

Recently, I read an article about feminism – a word that is very much something reminiscent of the 80s “flower power era ... when feminists burnt their bras in an attempt to demonstrate their frustration with inequality that culminated in a heighted awareness for women’s rights.

To be very clear here, I am very much a feminist, but there is no chance I am burning my bra or doing away with my make-up. I need all the help I can get at this point in time, thank you very much.

The challenge of ensuring equality for women in our business and the workplace remains something that I feel is important and should not be ignored.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not about putting a woman ahead of another individual if they are not capable of doing the job in the first place. But rather a matter of equal remuneration for all sexes and races, respect and appreciation for working mothers and creating a culture of inclusiveness.

In South Africa and around the world, the 18 July was officially Nelson Mandela Day. A day to do something good for 67 minutes. It is really a time for us to reflect and think about what we are doing and why we are making certain decisions. The impact that Nelson Mandela, a human being just like you

and I, had on a country and the world is significant.

So, remember it is up to you how you process and deal with every aspect of each day. Don’t complain about or get

bogged down by negativity, but rather start by changing how you think and react towards matters. Be the catalyst for a better “you”, an improved industry and a more positive tomorrow. n

Who is Nina Freysen-Pretorius?

Nina Freysen-Pretorius is chief executive officer of The Conference Company, which specialises in arranging conferences for local and international associations. The Conference Company, founded in 1997, also has offices in Cape Town and Durban.

Ms Freysen-Pretorius is president of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), serves on the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and is a former board member of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

She is a former chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, as well as a former national chairperson of the Association.

Highlights of her career include being project manager for the COP17 climate change conference held in Durban in 2011, professional conference organiser for the International Confederation of Midwives in the same year and being the Zambian Ministry of Tourism’s project manager for the UN World Tourism

Organisation’s World Congress at the Victoria Falls in 2013.

At the end of 2014 Ms FreysenPretorius received the mayor of Ethekwini’s excellence award for the promotion of tourism at the end of 2014.

She has been married to her husband, Michae, for 17 years, and has two sons, Ben and Matt.

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Special Feature: Women in the industry

Angeline took a

‘leap

of faith ’ in 2008

With more than 12 years’ experience in destination marketing and business tourism Angeline Lue took a leap of faith in 2008 and headed half-way across the world to Malaysia to take on the director of sales and marketing position at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“I was ready to broaden my international experience and Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia provided an ideal opportunity to contribute and make a difference.”

The Centre had recently opened and was establishing a leading profile, and the business events industry was gaining ground.

It was the perfect environment to thrive.

Exciting and exotic with great opportunities.

Ms Lue’s decade of marketing South Africa as a premier business tourism destination – her last posting was general manager of Global Business Tourism for South African Tourism – saw her awarded the 2008 International Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (IMEX) Academy Award for Africa and the Middle East for her contribution to the industry.

She was also instrumental in pioneering projects with respect to the development and launch of destination management

Angeline Lue

organisations, venues and convention and visitor bureaux such as Gauteng Tourism Authority, Sandton Convention Centre, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and South African Tourism Global Strategic Business Tourism Unit.

Ms Lue has applied the knowledge and experience gained in South Africa to her advantage in her current role. As the director of sales and marketing, she leads a team of more than 30 colleagues and has a primary role to drive global sales, marketing, promotion and image reputation management for the Centre in order to achieve a profitable business mix and maximise venue occupancy.

As part of senior management, she also drives the strategic interface of the Centre on key projects, manages stakeholder engagement, and the Centre’s global meetings industry interface.

Ms Lue’s expertise has also been tapped by Malaysia’s business tourism sector. Together with the Centre’s former general manager, Datuk Peter Brokenshire, she played an integral role in the Malaysian government’s Economic Transformation Programme’s (ETP) National Key Economic Areas’ (NKEA) Tourism Lab. In this capacity, they were able to present a case on how business tourism could contribute to the nation’s goal of doubling tourism receipts to RM103.5 million (R339 million) by 2020.

The result was the establishment of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in 2009 and programmes such as an RM800 million (R2.6 billion) allocation for subvention support and operational and marketing expenditure. Without doubt, the RM450 million (R1.5 billion) Subvention Fund has proven an asset in helping attract business tourism events to Malaysia’s shores.

Ms Lue shared that the Centre remains Malaysia’s premier convention facility and between opening in June 2005 and 30 June 2015, “we have hosted 10,505 events, welcomed more than 18.3 million delegates and visitors and, in turn, contributed approximately RM5.8 billion (R19.4 billion) in economic impact to Kuala Lumpur city and the country.”

She is also active in maintaining the Centre’s reputation as a market leader in the

region and under her purview the Centre has won more than 20 awards.

The most recent was the 2015 International Association of Convention Centres “AIPC Innovation Award”, the 2014 Best of Malaysia Awards for Best MICE Experience” by Expatriate Lifestyle Magazine and the International Conference & Convention Association (ICCA) Inaugural “Best PR Award 2013”.

On her experience with the Centre, Ms Lue says: “We have a dynamic and knowledgeable team with a collaborative mind-set. I enjoy being a game changer and we are big on product innovation. We are always focused on what we can do next to grow our people, to grow our business, and to make an impact and have a sustainable differentiated proposition.

“Rewardingly, my work also goes beyond the Centre. It’s about educating and advancing the future leaders about our venue, destination and the industry at large so we can continue to grow the positive economic and social impact the meetings industry can make.”

With this in mind, Ms Lue continues to work extensively in both the public and private sectors to promote the industry through participation in local and global forums.

Her recent presentations include ‘Building a Professional Development Framework for the Meetings Industry’ and ‘Working & Contracting with Venues’ at MyCEB’s Malaysia Business Events Week in August 2014; ‘Talent Management’ at the ICCA Congress 2014 in November 2014; and ‘Venue Innovation & Meetings Design’ at PCMA Meetings Forum in July 2015.

“What I’ve come to realise is that many of the challenges we face are universal, but occur in different environments and have a local context. No matter where we are in the world, we can make a difference and a contribution. And if we want to grow, we just need the right mind-set.”

And the most important lessons learnt to date? “To be grateful, open to different perspectives and willing to innovate.” n

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Special Feature: Women in the industry

Advertorial

A woman’s touch in delivering efficiency and excellence

Developing and enabling an environment that recognises female talent and nurtures their potential and skills is essential not only in our industry, but in the workplace in general.

In many instances, our female colleagues bring a unique perspective to the solutions we deliver to our clients.

For many years the supplier sector within the events and exhibition environment was primarily male dominated; the last two decades, however, has increasingly seen women play a greater and more influential role in the outcome of many a successful event.

By their very nature, men tend to be more involved in the physical side of supply, whereas a women’s natural ability for fluent project management, creativity and organisation has led to an evolving situation where more and more events are being managed by the combination of both female and male skillsets.

This dual-gender collaboration has proven to be advantageous, introducing a diverse

range of skills and knowledge and ensuring that the growth rate of our industry continues to increase.

The above perspective is true standing at Compex. We believe that a large part of our company’s success and competiveness is due to our ability to embrace diversity and inclusion.

We have come to realise that the different experiences, cultures, knowledge, talent and ideas that each of our employees bring to the table, contributes largely to our customers experience and, in turn, our reputation.

Our diverse collection of skills and knowledge has also allowed us over the years to increase our service offering to customers.

“At Compex, 37 per cent of our staff members are females, spanning the disciplines of sales, project management; factory management; health and safety management, finance, HR, marketing and design.

A lot of our female colleagues are the first point of contact for many of our exhibitors, their ability to efficiently handle multiple requirements at the same time for various exhibitors is an asset that we value and cannot do without.” says Dean Gunningham, operations director, Compex.

“These ladies take the lead on a build-up and manage the entire process, coordinating numerous supplier requests and changes, often within exceedingly tight deadlines, while ensuring that all requests come together to create the desired outcome for the exhibition or event,.” Dean continued.

Our female colleagues have a knowing understanding of exactly what the client desires and needs in Compex. This has proved over and over again to be a core strength when selling and designing custom stands and pavilions. They have the ability to visualise and create exciting spaces and brainstorm ideas that often lead to the development of workable solutions. This combination of skills lends itself seamlessly to providing great stand designs and producing extraordinary events.

“Our Art Department at Compex is primarily supported by females, and they have designed incredible stands which have exceeded not only our clients’ expectations, but also that of the operations team who then need to build the stands,” says Dean.

As we celebrate Women’s Day on the 9 August, it is important to reflect on the fact that women have, and will continue, to firmly establish themselves as an influencing force throughout the business world.

In an industry where women play such an integral role, it is essential that we continue to create an inclusive environment that recognises our female talent, empowers them and focuses on their career development as leaders within the events and exhibition sector. n

Giver of the Month

Tsogo Sun volunteers embrace Mandela Day

T

sogo Sun’s citizenship programme – the many causes the group supports throughout the year, as well as the time and effort that employees contribute towards volunteering to assist the underprivileged in their local areas countrywide – got a major boost on 17 July when thousands of Tsogo staff gave their 67 minutes and more in honour of Mandela Day. Tsogo Sun’s citizenship programme consists of three divisions – community development, entrepreneur development, and environmental education – each of which is aligned to positively impact society by leveraging Tsogo Sun’s resources, experience and location to support initiatives that will improve the social, economic and environmental conditions where the group has a presence.

Tsogo Sun Group CSI manager Shanda Paine said: “The impact of our collective compassion is seldom more evident than during Mandela Day, when we open our hearts and join hands with the rest of South Africa in service aimed at creating a better world.”

On Mandela Day, Tsogo volunteers throughout South Africa engaged in a wide range of activities, including feeding and entertaining crèche children, painting and maintaining an orphanage, cleaning up rivers, feeding the homeless, hosting caregivers from old-age homes, throwing a children’s party, distributing sleeping bags to

the homeless, painting and cleaning animal shelters, donating to and painting at an SAPS Victim Support Centre, to name a few.

One of the biggest Mandela Day initiatives for Tsogo Sun was the Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa (SHN SA) Million Meal Challenge, through Sandton Convention Centre’s venue sponsorship, at which 200 Tsogo Sun staff from Tsogo Sun head office, the SCC, Palazzo, Montecasino, Silverstar Casino, Garden Court Morningside, Garden Court Sandton City and Sandton Sun helped pack one million meals for children.

The SHN SA Million Meal Challenge is a massive three-city (Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban) volunteer meal packaging drive, to pack one million meals in four 67-minute shifts. These meals enable the non-profit organisation to feed 5 000 children healthy nutritious meals for one year.

In 67 minutes, each volunteer packed enough to feed 20 children three meals a week for a year.

SHN SA mobilises volunteers to help eradicate hunger on an ongoing basis by providing prepared meal packs to 12 048 young children at 226 unregistered early childhood development centres, where there is no formal funding mechanism providing nutritional support to these children.

Sandton Convention Centre joined with SHN SA on Mandela Day for the third consecutive year by providing a venue for the packing marathon in Johannesburg.

Mati Nyazema, executive director of SCC,

said: “We are all inspired by the focus Madiba had on South Africa’s vulnerable people – especially children – and we are committed to Tsogo Sun’s far-reaching and sustainability-centred social investment strategic framework, which aims to improve the wellbeing of South Africa’s disadvantaged people.

“With this in mind, we regard it as a great privilege to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile undertaking of providing meals that will go a long way to bettering the nutritional intake and the lives of thousands of children.”

Graça Machel, patron of SHN SA, said her patronage of the organisation is in support of initiatives in southern Africa that ensure that children, especially, do not suffer from chronic hunger and malnutrition.

She adds: “Further, their model of partnering with other NGOs and donors to find a holistic solution to hunger and education is sustainable and to be applauded.

“Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children obtain an education while being hunger-free.

“The Mandela Day meal packaging event also gives recognition to the efforts of my late husband and the first democratically-elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

“There can be no greater joy than acknowledging that each year, our efforts with Stop Hunger Now, continue to nurture and feed hungry children while ensuring their education.” n

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Venue News

East London ICC hosts international association

F

rom 29 June to 1 July 2015, the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) played host to the South African Accounting Association (SAAA) and International Association for Accounting Education & Research (IAAER) Biennial Conference, the largest assembly of accountancy academics in South Africa, supported by professional institutes and academic publishers.

IAAER partnered with SAAA for the third consecutive conference and saw 300 delegates participate in panel discussions featuring “our role as accountancy educators”.

The conference organisers needed to accommodate 40 international delegates

from Russia, Czechoslovakia, America, England and Australia, who were having a paper development workshop running concurrently with the conference.

As a complement to the extensive conferencing facilities, ELICC offers on site accommodation which incorporates two hotels; the 260-roomed Premier Hotel EL ICC, as well as the adjacent 175 rooms of the Premier Hotel Regent.

Additional requirements for the SAAA and IAAER bennial conference included catering to satisfy the diverse delegates attending the conference, five breakaway rooms all fitted with laptops and sound equipment for the conference paper presentations as well as an exhibition space

for 11 exhibitors/sponsors.

Different rated accommodation to satisfy delegates’ various budgets was also a deciding factor in the organisers’ choice of the ELICC as its conference venue.

Denny Emslie, organiser, shared her highlights of the conference experience at ELICC. She said: “The food was excellent and all the delegates raved about the variety and quality.

“The staff, especially the senior staff, were great and very helpful and accommodating. We will definitely be using the ELICC again.”

The ELICC is equipped with state-ofthe-art technology and can accommodate breakaway sessions, presentations, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, cocktail and banqueting events.

“The ELICC, which features a 580-seater auditorium, conference rooms, an exhibition area and conferencing floor taking up to 90 stands, a press room, restaurants and two boardrooms can accommodate up to 1 500 delegates, whereas the exhibition hall can accommodate up to 2 100 delegates.

Despite the fact that East London is a smaller metro, the ELICC has attracted considerable business and has hosted groups such as Nestle, Iron Man, as well as government conferences.

Highlights include hosting The National Tourism Careers Expo, the Home Expo which attracted exhibitors and 18 000 guests from all over the country, NASA’s Annual Congress of the Neurology Association of South Africa in 2012, and 700 delegates at SA Heart, a major conference on cardiovascular medicine. n

Peermont closes Mondazur sale PEERMONT Hotels Casinos and Resorts has closed the sale of the four-star Peermont Mondazur Hotel and Spa at San Lameer in KwaZulu-Natal, to the Cape Town-based Fairtree Hospitality Real Estate Private Equity Fund.

The hotel is being rebranded as the San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa to align with the San Lameer Golf Estate.

“We are pleased to conclude this transaction,” said Anthony Puttergill,

chief executive officer of Peermont.

“We are confident that, in Fairtree Capital, we have found a buyer who will continue to develop and improve the property for the benefit of our guests whom we have enjoyed hosting over the years.

“Following the sale, the current staff complement remains in place under new general manager, Marc Gers.

“On behalf of Peermont, I would like to thank all our customers for supporting

Mondazur and look forward to being of service to travel, corporate and conference buyers for all our other properties, including the new Thaba Moshate Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Burgersfort, Limpopo and our new Umodzi Park business precinct management contract in Lilongwe, Malawi which includes the fivestar President Walmont Hotel and the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre.” n

Market News

Townhouse supports local entrepreneurs

T

he Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town’s CBD is proud to continue supporting local entrepreneurs, by extending its relationship with Startup Grind into 2016.

Startup Grind, founded in 2010, exists to nurture start-up eco-systems in 63 countries through various events and partnerships.

The Cape Town chapter is headed by Guillaume “G” De Smedt, who chose to partner with the Townhouse Hotel due to its central location and exceptional conferencing facilities.

The Townhouse Hotel has hosted the monthly Cape Town Startup Grind events since 2014, and has received only fantastic feedback from both Mr De Smedt and the hundreds of attendees.

Says Mr De Smedt: “We are thrilled to have found a venue that is not afraid to step out of the events box, and give our guests one memorable evening after another.

Modern, perfectly suited to our needs and our guests’ standards, the fact that the

hotel offers secure parking and friendly staff is a complete bonus.

“As most guests arrive straight after work – with quite an appetite – the excellent quality of the food is also something that took us by surprise.

“We’ve also yet to cancel an event due to load-shedding – the Townhouse team has proven they are able to manage whatever we throw at them!”

Long a favourite for business guests, the hotel’s events centre is spread out over three levels, and equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and full high-speed Wi-Fi coverage.

Recent speakers at these Startup Grind events include Andre de Wet, of PriceCheck.co.za and Paul Simon, of YDE, Uber Flavour and Threads fame.

Consistently drawing crowds of more than 100 people, entrepreneurs and business minds are able to book their tickets through Eventbrite.

Jacqui Williams, general manager of the Townhouse Hotel, commented on this partnership: “We have been hosting Startup Grind for almost a year, and are excited to continue this relationship into 2016. We feel it’s a great fit for the hotel, and always look forward to welcoming a new crowd every month.”

Understanding that delegates and guests need more than simply mints and water, the Townhouse Hotel offers specialist planners and a Michelin-trained chef among their in-house resources – and easy access to a reputable network of industry specialists. n

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Market News

Lumi launches Meetoo Lumi, a leader in real-time audience insight technology and solutions, recently announced the launch of Meetoo, a realtime polling and messaging app that enables collaboration from any location on any device.

The new app is set to revolutionise meetings by providing a cloud-based platform that makes it easy for every attendee to participate, including the ability to share feedback anonymously.

Meetoo is the first app of its kind to provide real-time polling and messaging in meetings of 1 000 participants or more anywhere in the world, enabling them to communicate, collaborate and make instant decisions.

Meetoo can be used in a number of scenarios, including internal meetings, virtual meetings, town halls, training sessions, classroom lectures, corporate meetings and multi-location meetings.

Attendees can access Meetoo from any iOS or Android device, or use the mobile web on any web-enabled phone, tablet or computer.

Marking the end of traditional, oneway meetings with disengaged attendees, the global adoption of smartphones and Wi-Fi provided the opportunity to create a

Advertorial

32

collaborative platform.

Lumi’s new interactive meeting software is designed to allow organisers to gauge audience sentiment, answer questions or concerns and encourage colleague participation.

It has already been successfully used by big international corporations such as PwC to help empower their workforce, brainstorm ideas and develop strategy.

Key features of Meetoo include: • Live polling: Create questions onthe-fly and collect immediate results allowing organisers to measure understanding and get answers that aid decision-making.

• Group chat: Participants can share ideas, “like” comments and communicate with each other through group messaging – saving time and the need for follow-up meetings.

• Moderation: Ensures conversations remain on-topic to allow constructive outcomes and efficient use of company time.

• Q&A forum: Outlet for participants from any location to ask questions – anonymously or using their identity – without embarrassment or the need to interrupt audio.

Planning an event?

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We, at Promotag, recognise that the eventing industry is demanding and strenuous. However, when interacting with our friendly staff you will experience outstanding service delivery, committed to fulfil your needs.

Promotag’s ® Product range includes: Identification accessories • Lanyards. Customised or stock options • Nametags and pouches. Ample variety. Ideal for holding and protecting name cards.

• Delegate pouches. A practical solution for storing event programmes, with pen holder.

• PowerPoint add-in: Presenters can create questions and poll attendees in the moment during their presentation, making it easy to adapt to the needs of the meeting.

• Multi-party access: Join up to 1 000 people or more from across the globe in a single meeting.

• Immediate reporting: Full meeting data and narrative (including live polling results and participant messages) in a simple Excel feedback report.

Speaking about Meetoo, chief executive officer of Lumi, Richard Taylor, said: “I am incredibly excited about the launch of Meetoo. I am sure many will recognise the scenario of being on a frustrating call or webinar where there are too many participants to use audio effectively so everyone has to mute.

“What should be a multi-way interactive discussion then becomes a one-way broadcast. Meetoo enables people in disparate locations to feel as if they are a part of the same meeting, allowing everyone to get involved in a way that is manageable for the meeting organiser or presenter.

“It’s a great way to make a large meeting feel more like an effective small meeting.” n

CSIR appoints Edgar

Access control items • Wristbands. Branded options for access control at concerts and events.

• Access card holders. An essential security card holder.

• Retractable reels. A convenient solution for scanning access cards Travel accessories • Luggage tags and straps. Ensure your baggage is easily identified and secure.

• Travel wallets. Handy for travel tickets and passports.

• ID and passport covers. Protect your official identity documents.

Promotional items • USB. Extensive selection of flash drives for information storage.

• Silicone wristbands. For creating awareness, fund raising and event participation.

• Pens. To suit any occasion or purpose. n

Edgar Makhalavhula has been appointed as a Housekeeper at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC).

SAACI News

33

SAACI launches Tshwane branch

T

he Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) recently launched its Tshwane branch at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Menlyn.

Robert Walker, director of Jukwaa Group, is the chairman of the SAACI Tshwane branch.

Mr Walker said: “The newly-formed SAACI Tshwane branch board is a vibrant mix of youthful energy and experienced event professionals.”

He said: “The board unanimously decided the new branch will do things differently, and in a more dynamic manner going forward. By engaging closely with the Tshwane Convention Bureau and other stakeholders, the SAACI Tshwane branch aims to highlight the areas with capacity to host business and other events.

“The board decided the branch events would take a unique and different angle to traditional SAACI events, and would

highlight the ‘treasures’ of Tshwane.

“The focus at these events will be to maximise the networking opportunities and increase the ROI for members who give up their valuable time to attend and support the new branch. We’d like to encourage all participants within the business events sector to actively engage with the new branch and we look forward to many exciting developments in the future,” Mr Walker concluded. n

Suncoast hosts SAACI KZN AGM

By Dawn Holmwood

from Patrick Coetzee, from the Life Prep Group.

Mala Dorasamy, marketing and sales director of Durban ICC, was presented with the Fellowship award by Adriaan, Nick Papadopolous and Imran Ahmed. n

Seen at the event …

SAACI KZN’s AGM was held at the Tsogo SunCoast Towers Hotel, who sponsored the event.

After the business part of the AGM

was concluded, Adriaan Liebetrau, chief executive officer of SAACI, updated members on SAACI matters, as well as provided information on the upcoming SAACI Congress.

We then had a short motivational talk

All the AGM attendees.

Mala Dorasamy, receives the Fellowship Award.

Liam Prince, of Selby’s; and Imran Ahmed, of Aqua Tours.

Hykue Yelseth, Elizabeth Houareau and Kim van Wyk, of Social Inbox.

34

Site news

Why SA is one of the world’s exciting incentive destinations South Africa has a colourful cultural and political history. In tandem with that, it has an incredible diversity of natural wonders, such as Table Mountain, Blyde River Canyon and the wonderful “Garden Route” – to mention a few.

By Tes Proos, Site Southern Africa chapter president

W

e have the “Green Season” running along our southern coast, from Cape Town all the way to Port Elizabeth during our winter months (mostly May to August), providing emerald green vegetation and the most magnificent kaleidoscope of colour with the winter flowers in bloom.

These plants are known as Fynbos (or Fine Bush) and forms part of one of the seven unique floral kingdoms of the world.

With more than 15 international airlines offering direct flights into South

Africa, access is easy from all parts of the world. OR Tambo International, in Johannesburg, is a great springboard for visitors to extend their stay from South Africa into other parts of the exciting African continent.

South Africa has become a favourite convention destination over the past few years. As a result, we have seen the development of new, modern convention centres around the country, including Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

The Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC) is currently expanding due to popular demand. The CTICC expansion, whichis scheduled for completion

in early 2017, will raise the global competitiveness of Cape Town as a premier world-class meetings and events.

Simply put, the expansion will double our existing exhibition capacity by adding 10 000m² of multi-purpose conference and exhibition space and almost 3 000m² of meeting space.

In addition, the brand new Century City Convention Centre is currently under development, due for opening in February 2016.

South Africa offers a vast array of experiences for incentive travel programmes – be it a “boutique” group of 10 people or mega-corporate of 1 000 people. There are unique experiences for small and large-scale groups, making for life-time memories.

Some of these include a rhino tagging expedition in the bush.

Rhinos are in danger of extinction and the tagging exercises are costly. Small groups, up to 15 guests help fund these

Site news

vitally important conservation projects and also provide participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

They come in direct contact with the animal, assisting the vet with the tagging and other health-related processes.

A bicycle ride through Soweto adds a new dimension to cultural experiences and creates the opportunity for international visitors to come face-toface with South African township culture.

The food, music and energy is an exhilarating experience and there are many ways to participate, varying between the townships around the country.

Mzoli’s, near Cape Town, is a legendary Butchershop turned BBQ restaurant, and Sakhumzi is famous for its typically township fare, located directly in front of Nelson Mandela’s Soweto home.

There is no shortage of experiences for the adrenalin junkies. Experiences include kite-surfing, bungi-jumping, sky-diving, hot-air balloon safari, 4 x 4 driving and rhino tracking on foot … to mention but a few.

Teambuilding often comprises an important element of incentive travel and there is no shortage of that. There are both serious and hilarious elements that can be included in the programme.

These depend entirely on what the client wants to achieve.

In addition, the impact of corporate responsibility programmes are increasingly important and there certainly is no shortage of projects that need support, although you may need the assistance of your DMC to identify the right project to suit your budget and purposes.

Finding your local partner in a destination management company is crucial to the success of your programme.

The DMC will have local knowledge and expertise to guide you through the vast array of options available to your group and make sure that the experience is a good match to your client’s needs.

The national and regional convention bureaux can be instrumental in making these introductions for you.

There are a number of South African DMCs who are members of Site and we are proud to reveal that South Africa has won no less than 14 Crystal Awards over the past 10 years for best motivational programmes.

This is more than any one country has been awarded in the same period.

Hopefully that is a great testimony to the credibility and integrity of South African destination management companies and their ability to address the client brief and ensure delivery on their ROI targets.

Finally, one of South Africa’s greatest attractions is its wildlife. In previous years, this was restricted to the Kruger Park, then adjacent private game reserves started developing.

During the past 20 years, many more private game reserves came into being and much more accessible than before. Experiences vary from budget accommodation to super-luxury experiences. This depends entirely on budget but, at least, a great safari experience is very accessible for most incentive travellers. n

Tes Proos

What we’re all about ... motivational experiences Why we do it? ... business results Site Organisational Mission •

•

•

Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool across diverse industries, regions and cultures Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make personal connections that sustain professional growth 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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Lindiwe Rakharebe leads with love and respect Continued from page 12

What is your favourite book, film, TV programme?

I am an avid reader and spend more time with a book than I do watching TV or a movie. I am currently reading “Yesterday I cried” by Iyanla Vanzant and “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne.

How do you relax?

Going to the spa for a Thai massage is an excellent stress-reliever, and I love spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.

What is your favourite food?

I love wholesome food – especially African cuisine, especially fruits and vegetables.

Who is your favourite movie star?

My favourites include Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington and Cicely Tyson.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

The most impulsive thing I ever did was back in 1984. I was determined to get into banking, so I gathered up my matric certificate and school accolades, and walked into Standard Bank in Smith Street and asked to speak to the bank manager.

The bank staff were very surprised, no doubt thinking: “What does this black girl want?”, but I told them I would not leave unless I spoke to the bank manager. I eventually got my time with him, presented my case and told him I wanted a job. I managed to pull it off and he ended up employing me in another branch. That was how I got my start in banking.

Who is your role model?

My grandmother, Sophia Rakharebe. She taught me everything I know, from the basic skills about cooking, sewing and gardening to the fundamentals of love and respect which I try to live each day.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry?

Allow yourself to be a sponge. Learn from those who’ve been around longer, regardless of their position. n

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: 2016 FEBRUARY 18-21: IAPCO 2016. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town. More information: www.iapco2016.co.za FEBRUARY 23-24: MEETINGS AFRICA. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg. More information: www.meetingsafrica.co.za/

International: 2015 AUGUST 5-6: IBTM CHINA. Venue: China National Convention Centre, China.

More information: cibtm.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8271 2143 AUGUST 25-26: ICOMEX. Venue: Mexico City, Mexico. More information: ibtmevents@reedexpo.co.uk. Tel: +44 (0)208 910 7711

International: 2016 FEBRUARY 9-11: IBTM Arabia. Venue: Jumeirah at Etihad Tower, Abu Dhabi. More information: ibtmarabia.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8271 2127 FEBRUARY 23-24: AIME. Venue: Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Australia. More information: aime@reedexhibitions.com. au Tel: +61 2 9422 2500 MARCH 2-4: COCAL 2016. Venue: Guadalajara, Mexico. More information: www.cocal2016mexico.com/ MARCH 16-18: ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition.Venue: Istanbul Congress Centre + Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar. More information: Tel: +90 (216) 465 95 56-57. E-mail: info@ameistanbul.com. Website: www.ameistanbul.com/ APRIL 19-21: IMEX frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imex-frankfurt.com

International: 2015 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 OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4: 54th ICCA Congress. Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More information: Mieke van Loenen. Tel: +31203981902.

Website: www.iccaworld.com NOVEMBER 17-19: EIBTM 2015. Venue: Fira Gran Via, Montjuic 2 Exhibition Centre, Barcelona, Spain. More information: Erica Keogan. Tel: +44 208 910 701. Website: www.eibtm.com

International: 2016 MAY 25-27: IAPCO EDGE Seminar. Venue: Whistler, Canada. More information: info@iapcoeducation.org. Website: www.iapcoeducation.org 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

International: 2017 MAY 16-18: IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imex-frankfurt.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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38

Directory

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:

Glenn van Eck CMP: Magnetic Storm. Tel: (041) 393-4800.

Fax: (041) 393-4899. Cell: 082 800-2616. E-mail: glenn@ magnetic.co.za

ADVISORY BOARD:

Denise Kemp (Public Officer): Eastern Sun Events.

Tel: (041) 374-5654. Cell: 082 654-9755 E-mail: denise@ easternsun.co.za

Jaques Fouche (Into Africa): Gearhouse SA Pty Ltd. Tel: (021) 929-7232. Cell: 083 607 2046. E-mail: jaques.fouche@ gearhouse.co.za

Adriaan Liebetrau: Tel: (011) 880-5883. Cell: 082 863-6302 E-mail: adriaan@saaci.org

Moses Gontai (Future Focus): Namanje Event Solutions Pty Ltd. Tel: (011) 538 7262. Cell: 073 407 9322. E-mail: moses@namanjevents.co.za

Keith Burton (Chair: Conference & Events): African Agenda. Tel: (021) 683 2934. Cell: 083 415 4111.Email: keith@africanagenda.com Wayne Johnson (NTB Chair): Fancourt. Tel: (012) 653 8711. Cell: 083 448-1324. E-mail: waynej@fancourt.co.za Crystal Kasselman (WC Chair): Centeq Events. Tel: (021) 948-9549. Cell: 082 414-4471. E-mail: crystal@ centeqevents.co.za Nick Papadopoulos (KZN Chair): Eat Greek. Tel: (031) 5633877. Cell: 084 450 5011. E-mail: eatgreek@telkomsa.net

Helet Barchardt (Community): Sanlam. Tel: (021) 947-4486.

Cell: 082 458 8211. E-mail: helet.borchardt@sanlam.co.za

Lillian Hlabangane (Stakeholder Engagement): City of Tshwane. Tel: (012) 358 8248. Cell: 082 700 5172. E-mail: LilianH@tshwane.gov.za Liam Prince (Branding & Communication): Selbys Productions. Tel: (031) 700 6697. Cell: 072 589 8782.

E-mail: liam@selbys.co.za Kim Roberts (Intelligence): The Forum Company. Tel: (011) 575 3750. Cell: 082 652 2008. E-mail: kim.roberts@ theforum.co.za

Zelda Coetzee: Imfunzelelo Tourism & Event Specialists.

Tel: (021) 674-0013. Cell: 084 657-5476. E-mail: zelda@ imfunzelelo.co.za

Esmare Steinhöfel (Chair: Venue Forum): CTICC. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888 2624. E-mail: esmare@cticc.co.za

Bronwen Shaw: Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank. Tel: (011) 448-3600. Cell: 083 646-8778. E-mail: bronwens@therosebank.co.za

Kim Gibbens: Aqua Mice. Tel: (086) 100-2782. Cell: 079 693 9530. E-mail: kim@aquamice.co.za

Andrew Stewart (EC Chair): PeriExpo. Tel: (041) 581 3733.

Cell: 082 578 5987. E-mail: andrew@periexpo.co.za

Liezel Short (Academy): Red Hot Events & Hiring. Tel: (021) 510 0547. E-mail: liezel@redhotevents.co.za

EASTERN CAPE Chairperson: Andrew Stewart Vice-Chairperson: David Limbert Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Co-ordinator: 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 Co-ordinator: Wendy Knott-Craig. Tel: (041) 360-4415. Cell: 073 201-8699. E-mail: ec.za@ saaci.org Natalie de Lange: Bojangles Caterers. Tel: (041) 5863700. 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) 5077777. Cell: 082 290-4617. E-mail: rachel.greensmith@ za.suninternational.com Sadie Isaacs: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. Tel: (041) 582-2575. Cell: 082 990-7652.

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) 393-4800.

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 Co-ordinator: Carol Macnab Committee Members: Kim Gibbens; James Seymour; Zelda Robertson; Denver Manickum; Keith Bentley; Scott Langley; KwaZulu-Natal Co-ordinator: Carol Macnab. Cell: 079 072-0133. E-mail: kzn.za@saaci.org Imran Ahmed: Aqua Tours & Transfers. Tel: (086) 1002782. 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) 360-1000.

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) 563-3877.

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 Co-ordinator: Heather Heskes Committee: Aidan Koen, Chris Prieto CMP, Brian Prowling, Bronwen Shaw, Gabi Babinszky, Yolande van den Berg NTB Co-ordinator: Heather Heskes. Tel: (011) 787-4672.

Cell: 076 321-6111. E-mail: gp.za@saaci.org 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 7782644. E-mail: saaci.chrisprieto@gmail.com Brian Prowling: IEBE. Tel: (011) 463-1767. Cell: 083 379-3154. E-mail: brian@iebe.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 GAUTENG/TSHWANE Chairperson: Robert Walker Vice-Chairperson: Melanie Pretorius Treasurer: Marius Garbers Co-ordinator: Heather Heskes Committee: Anette Burden; Nellie Swart; Leon Pheiffer; Neliswa Nkani; Oscar Motsepe; Pieter Swart; Roz Prinsloo; Jeana Turner Gauteng/Tshwane Co-ordinator: Heather Heskes.

Tel: (011) 787-4672. Cell: 076 321-6111. E-mail: gp.za@saaci.org Anette Burden (Stakeholder Engagement): Casa Toscana Lodge. Tel: (012) 248 8820. Cell: 082 787 6144. E-mail: anette@casatoscana.co.za Marius Garbers: Baagisane. Tel: (012) 362 6327.

Cell: 082 789 7963. E-mail: mgwcom@mweb.co.za Oscar Motsepe (Community): Lesett Corporation.

Tel: (012) 661 3100. Cell: 082 807 7000. E-mail: oscar@lesett.com

Neliswa Nkani (Branding & Communication): City of Tshwane. Tel: (012) 358 7750. E-mail: neliswan@ tshwane.gov.za Leon Pheiffer (Future Focus): EPH Productions. Tel: (011) 100 3305. E-mail: leon@montededios.co.za Melanie Pretorius (vice-chairperson): CSIR. Tel: (012) 841 3821. E-mail: mpretorius1@csir.co.za Roz Prinsloo (Sustainability): Workshops Anonymous. Tel: (012) 661 9229. Cell: 083 407 8583.

E-mail: roz@workshopsanon.co.za Dr Nellie Swart (Academy): UNISA. Tel: (012) 433 4678. Cell: 082 771 0270. E-mail: swartmp@unisa.ac.za Pieter Swart (Intelligence): Conference Consultancy SA Pty Ltd. Tel: (012) 349 2301. Cell: 083 230 0763. E-mail: pieter@confsa.co.za Jeana Turner (Into Africa): NFS Technology Group.

Tel: (011) 394 9554. Cell: 071 440 3617. E-mail: jeana@nfs.co.za Robert Walker (chairperson): Jukwaa Group. Tel: (012) 667 2074. Cell: 082 550 0162. E-mail: r.walker@ jukwaa.net WESTERN CAPE Chairperson: Crystal Kasselman Vice-Chairperson: Desireé Smits van Waesberghe Treasurer: Jaques Fouche Co-ordinator: Lara van Zyl Committee: Jaco du Plooy, Kurt Johnson, Janine Abrahams, Esti Venske, Lerisha Mudaliar, Liezel Short; Thiru Naidoo, Zeenat Parker.

Western Cape Co-ordinator: Lara van Zyl. Cell: 082 223-4684. E-mail: wc.za@saaci.org Janine Abrahams: Tourvest. Tel: (021) 525-2500.

Cell: 083 440-06806. E-mail: jabrahams@tourvestdm. com Angelique Isaacs: Impact Incentives & Events. Tel: (021)712-5358. E-mail: angelique@impact-incentives.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

Andrew Binning (Organiser Forum): Inkanyezi Event Organisers. Tel: (041) 363-0310. Cell: 082 372-9247. E-mail: andrew@inkanyezi.co.za Lindy Cambouris (Venue Forum): Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888-2625. E-mail: lindy@ cticc.co.za 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

Karen Healy (Western Cape Forum Chair): Resource Design. Tel: (021) 510-7776. Cell: 082 893-6036. E-mail: karen@resourcedesign. co.za Jason King: Hypenica. Tel: (021) 700-4300.

Cell: 072 386-7321. E-mail: jason.king@ hypenica.com

OFFICE BEARERS: Chapter President: Tes Proos, Crystal Events, Box 50596, Waterfront 8002.

Tel: (021) 555 3617. Fax: 086 698 7792.

E-mail: tes@crystalevents.co.za

ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association

Doug Rix (Suppliers Forum): DK Design. Cell: 082 579-7071. E-mail: Dougrix@wol.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 Lorraine Strydom (Venue Forum): Sandton Convention Centre. Tel: (011) 508-0474. Cell: 084 568-1277. E-mail: Lorraine.Strydom@ tsogosun.com

Graeme Marshall (Suppliers Forum): Gearhouse South Africa. Tel: (011) 508-0472.

Cell: 083 607-3036. E-mail: graeme.marshall@ inhousevtm.com

Nigel Walker: Complete Exhibitions. Tel: (012) 667-2074. Fax: 086 653 2616. Cell: 082 5517604. E-mail: nigel@compex.co.za

Immediate Past 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

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

Bronwyn Mathias (Young Professional Forum Chair): Seatworks. Tel: (011) 027-6360. Cell: 082 774-6570. E-mail: bronwyn@seatworks. co.za

Nicole Smith (Membership): The 12 Apostles Hotel.

Tel: (021) 437-9000. Fax: (021) 437-9055. E-mail: nsmith@rch.co.za

Peter John Mitrovich (Treasurer-Elect): Grosvenor Tours. Tel: (021) 460-4700. Fax: (021) 448-0003.

E-mail: Peter-John.Mitrovich@grosvenortours.co.za

Geoff Saner (Treasurer): Leading Incentives (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (011) 022-9264. Fax: (086) 615-0110. E-mail: info@li.co.za

Robin McLeod (Cape Town Events and Education): Green Route. Tel: (021) 447-3607. Fax: (086) 6366942. E-mail: robin@greenroute.co.za

Henk Graaf (Gauteng Events): SW Africa Destination. Tel: (011) 880-0910. E-mail: henk@ swafrica.co.za

Adriaan Fourie (PR and Social Media): Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau. Tel: (021) 487-8600.

Fax: (021) 487-8700. E-mail: adriaan@wesgro.co.za

Daryl Keywood (Meetings Africa): Walthers DMC. Tel: (011) 467-8867. Fax: 086 654-6438. E-mail: daryl@walthers.co.za

ICCA African Chapter: Chairperson: Gadi Mbuya, Shades of Green Congresses, Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 272050081 / +255 789655690 E-mail: ceo@shadesofgreensafaris.net

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: Fred Simiyu, Kenyatta ICC Tel: +254 20 2214535 e-mail: fred.simiyu@kicc.co.ke President: 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.

STA – Sandton Tourism Association. Tel: 083 558-5445.

E-mail: secretariat@sandtontourism.com. Website: www.sandtontourism.com.

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/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.

39

40

The Last Word

Technology is changing hotels

By Nicholas Barenblatt, group marketing manager for the Protea Hotel Group, part of Marriott International

T

he world of work remained fairly constant during the 1950s to 1970s, and then technology began to make an impact. It’s been the most significant factor in the world of business over the past 20 years, changing the face of business at a constantly increasing speed.

This is certainly true of the hospitality industry, where we have moved from the guest reserving a hotel room by posting a hand-written letter to the hotel and then paying for the room in cash (drawn out at a physical bank building), to a variety of electronic reservation and payment systems – including the use of mobile technology.

The latest innovation for hotels is mobile check-ins and check-outs, which improves the travel experience by giving guests added convenience and greater choice, while allowing hotel staff to deliver an even higher level of service.

Another casualty of the electronic age is the hotel business centre. Since business travellers are a significant part of the Protea Hotels client base, we have always been focussed on responding to the needs of the business traveller.

This included the provision of facilities inside our hotels for business people to use to keep up to date with their work while away from the office.

These facilities, which became known as hotel business centres, were set up as distinct physical locations within a hotel with the equipment typical at the time for an office: a landline telephone, a fax machine, and a desktop computer.

A second phase was the addition of Internet connectivity to the desktop computers via fixed line systems. In some cases, the centre was manned by a staff member and was open during specific hours only (generally office hours).

Just considering the fact that landline telephone lines are no longer crucial for running a business since mobile phones have taken over, and the fax machine is fast becoming a dinosaur. Today, teenagers have no idea what a fax machine is.

It’s clear that the requirements for an office environment have changed substantially in the past few years.

We have found that the business centres have become less popular in recent times, and so we are moving away from them now. This is clear in the fact that our plans for new hotels do not include space allocated to a business centre.

The falling popularity of these facilities matches technological developments.

Fixed-line connectivity is no longer the only way to use the Internet or to download e-mails.

With the advent of 3G and 4G mobile networks and, more recently, the proliferation of wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), desktop computers dependent on fixed-line systems are less popular. This has co-incided with a period during which laptop computers and mobile devices have become far more accessible.

So, with most of our guests now able to bring along their own device when they are away, there is less need for people to use the business centre in the hotel.

Wi-Fi has replaced the business centre as a necessity in a hotel, and today it’s pretty much a standard feature of any hotel offering.

Who is Nicholas Barenblatt?

Armed with a B.Soc.Sci degree and a post-graduate diploma in Marketing Management, Nicholas Barenblatt joined Protea Hotels 11 years ago, rising through the ranks to his current role as group marketing manager. This position encompasses responsibility for three brands, namely Protea Hotels, African Pride Hotels and Protea Hotels Fire & Ice!

This means that, while the business centres already in existence are being retained, the floor space in a hotel previously allocated for these centres is now available for other use in new hotel plans.

So, too, as regards reception desk space: with the use of technology specifically geared to deal with mobile check-in and check-out, we will no doubt find in the next few years that we can utilise less space for the check-in area, and so our overall floor space is likely to reduce.

Coupled with this is the fact that, owing to the mobility of technological devices today, people are able to work in a variety of spaces and to use these spaces for a multitude of activities.

Instead of working from an exclusive work area like a business centre or within a guest bedroom, one can now do work on a portable device – a laptop, mobile phone or tablet – in a dining area or in the hotel’s bar, and so these areas are being used far more extensively than was the case in the past.

So, too, with hotel lobbies. Often a person will sit in the lobby and work while waiting for a business associate to arrive or for a taxi to fetch them.

And so, the days of the business centre are numbered. Technology will continue to play a greater part in the way we engage and serve our guests and as a result will continue to impact hotels in new ways – and hospitality as we now know it will look very different in the future. n