Ed’s Comment

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Maya Angelou

NEW YEAR, NEW VIEW

It may be a new year, but the circumstances haven’t changed. So, while we still face uncertainty, it pays to adopt a mindset that means we can easily adapt and build resilience.

We can hardly believe a whole year has passed us by, and in what feels like the blink of an eye too! At 3S Media, we were fortunate to be kept very busy during 2020, and are lucky enough to have a good few projects in the pipeline over the course of the upcoming year.

In this issue, on page 6, we look at some exciting innovations taking place within the MICE industry, which are creating a slew of exciting alternatives currently defining business events and ensuring objectives are met. Allied to this is the creation of safe havens in the form of bio-bubbles, which are aimed at providing all your staff, clients and patrons with a sense of reassurance. On page 9, we profile the venues and service providers that are getting this right. Turning to page 16, Meetings hears from performers and businessowners from across the live events and entertainment spectrum on how they have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, we see how this industry might be part of the solution, particularly when it comes to managing mass vaccine drives. Read more about where countries such as South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles are with their vaccination roll-outs on page 18.

Reflecting on how we as a company have managed to come so far has given me pause for thought and allowed me to take a step back to look at what has carried us to this point. Among this is the remarkable leadership we have been afforded, which has resulted in greater team cohesion. Without this solid leadership in place, it’s very likely we would not have gotten to this point. Collaboration will continue to be a means to survival, which we see coming through strongly from our associations in our Talking Points section on page 28.

Lastly, Meetings peers into the crystal ball to understand what we can expect from future trends on page 20. Industry developments aside, if experience has taught me anything it is that – during times of strife – you need to have the right people at the helm who can provide your team with the direction, tools and mindsets needed to succeed.

Shanna

Managing Editor Shanna Jacobsen (shanna@3smedia.co.za)

Digital Editor Pippa Naudé Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Sven Bossu, Glenton De Kock, Michelle Hinrichsen, Charlotte Kemp, Londi Khumalo, Greg McManus, Thami Nkadimeng

Production & Client Liaison Manager Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising Vanessa De Waal +27 (0)84 805 6752 | Vanessa.DeWaal@3smedia.co.za

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NOTICE OF RIGHTS Meetings is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or associated professional bodies. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

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