Meetings March/April 2017 by 3S Media

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March/APRIL 2017 • Issue 72

UNLOCK YOUR GENIUS

WAYS

to become a better event planner

exhibition Stands that impress

how to

get the most out of social media and event photography

BIG INTERVIEW

The venue that can

These are exciting venues and new additions to the CTICC’s inventory. These features invite the outdoors in and will allow you to feel the pulse and rhythm of the city. It will create an inviting and lively atmosphere around this part of the Foreshore.” CTICC’s CEO, Julie-May Ellingson on the centre’s expansion

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March/april 2017

www.theplanner.guru The Planner

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MARCH/APRIL 2017 • Issue 72

UNLOCK YOUR GENIUS

WAYS

to become a better event planner

EXHIBITION STANDS THAT IMPRESS

HOW TO

get the most out of social media and event photography

BIG INTERVIEW

The venue that can

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STAY LOCAL

AMAZING PLACES RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP

WHAT THE EXPERTS KNOW: INCENTIVISE YOUR STAFF TODAY PHOENIX RISING : REDISCOVER JOBURG - THE CITY OF GOLD

In this edition of The Incentive Planner, we look at why it is important to incentivise staff as well as what makes for a good incentive programme, share our top picks for local incentive travel, and rediscover Joburg the City of Gold.

Organiser focus

22 How to become a better planner today Terry

42 Reed Exhibitions As one of Africa’s leading

how venues and planners can work together

26 Social media and event photography Jamie Bell on how to get the most out of social media and photography

28 How tech-ready are your events? Karmen Vladar on what technology will influence events in 2017

29 Unlock your genius Pieter Swart on the importance of thinking differently

EVENT SHOWCASES 32 Momentum’s Grand White Lunch The team at Event Wizards are able to turn any dream into reality

FOCUS ON EXHIBITION STANDS 12 The value of face to face Exhibiting is one of the advertising world’s most successful models. Here’s why

STAND SHOWCASES 14 Marot & Sanders for Belgotex Floors Compex on a collaborative effort with an outSTANDing result

16 Madison Advertising for Dr Reddy’s Scan Display

34 2016 Mediclinic International Group Conference Fancourt Estate offers extraordinary experiences on an expansive estate

SUPPLIERS 36 #unzipadventure A Canopy Tours team-building experience will be enjoyed by all

18 The evolution of an icon CTICC’s CEO, Julie-May

exhibition, events and conference organisers, Reed Exhibitions are shaping the industry

Convention Bureau focus 44 South African National Convention Bureau puts a world of business opportunities at your fingertips

TALKING POINTS 46 AAXO Creating successful stands 46 UFI UFI congress 2017 comes to SA 47 AIPC Residents vs delegates 48 Event Greening Forum South Africa’s greenest cities 48 The MICE Academy Keep your skills fresh 49 Travelbags This year is all about networking

Regulars 02 Ed’s letter The RSVP vigilante 04 T idbits Meetings' must-know minutia 06 G uest column Tony Rubin reflects on half a century of change

30 Sound bite

SPEAKER’S CORNER 37 A breath of fresh air Unique Speaker Bureau is able to pair the right speakers to realise an event's needs

on stands that attract the right kind of attention

THE BIG INTERVIEW

www.theplanner.guru or martin@3smedia.co.za

BEST PRACTICE 24 Collaboration is key to success Silke Hoersch on

2017

with this issue

Sutherland on five ways to improve your skills

@theplannerguru

included

the cover STORY The Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa's largest purpose-built exhibition and events venue, is the leading venue of its kind in Africa. Looking at what it has accomplished, it’s easy to see why. For more, turn to page 10

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FEATURED VENUE 38 Monte de Dios A venue without equal

Ellingson on what the centre’s expansion will offer

Destinations

the business events industry

40 Garden Route and Klein Karoo Western Cape’s Eden

the fourm company’s Arno Boshoff

31 20 Questions Louis the lawyer

50 Miss Meet Valuable life lessons

#eventprofs

Westin Work Well Package WORK WELL IN A CLUTTER-FREE MEETING SPACE Full Day Conference includes: - 3 Tea or coffee refreshment breaks - Lunch - Venue Hire - Data Projector - Projector Screen - Flip Chart with pens - Conference pens and pads - Westin Pure Filtered water and sweets - Parking - 50% discount on set up costs To book, please contact Hotel Group Reservations on +27.21.412.9999 or email 01445.groupreservations@westin.com To learn more, visit westincapetown.com

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ed's letter Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Content Marketer & Writer Annette Beyers Design Martin Hiller Contributors Jamie Bell, Helen Brewer,

Amanda Cunningham, Geoff Donaghy, Justin Hawes, Michelle Hinrichsen, Silke Hoersch, Tony Rubin, Terry Sutherland, Pieter Swart and Karmen Vladar Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Morgan Carter Client Services & Production Manager

Antois-Leigh Botma

Marketing Manager Mpinane Senkhane Production Coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising Ruth Baldwin +27 (0)11 233 2600 ruth@3smedia.co.za

published by No. 9, 3rd Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/75 www.3smedia.co.za Meetings March/April 2017 © Copyright. All rights reserved 2017. www.theplanner.guru subscription R300.00 per annum (incl. VAT) | subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1684-9264 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.

member of

the RSVP vigilante

ver the last few months I have

become a RSVP vigilante. I am not alone in this transformation. Even in the one-click e-invite era, event planners are saying that the problem of guests failing to respond is getting worse. RSVP loosely translates from French to “Please Respond”. It’s an easy request. Having recently hosted an event, the last thing I wanted to do was spend valuable time emailing, texting and calling to see whether my guests would be accepting my hospitality. But that is exactly what I did. Luckily for me, I included buffer days into my RSVP dates to allow time to hunt down invited guests for responses. Oddly enough, most of the offenders claimed they'd always intended to attend – they'd just forgotten to tell me.

THE NEW NORMAL

in collaboration with

Take the online Q&A test and start gaining credits. www.theplanner.guru

It was during this time that I was left asking, “Is it too much technology or plain rudeness that means some people don't respond to an RSVP?” During Victorian times, if you were invited to an event, you were expected to respond within 24 hours. This was the norm, as it gave the host enough time to find a substitute. Okay, so there wasn’t much happening during this era and any chance to don on your frock or coat tails was pounced on. Since most invites were hand delivered, it was difficult to use the excuse, “I didn’t get the invite”.

But let me share a little secret with you. RSVP software allows the organiser to see that the invitation has been looked at and the action that has been taken. So that excuse just doesn’t cut it anymore. But maybe the larger issue isn’t the ease of responding — but the desire to put it off. These days, it seems it's quite acceptable to ignore invitations if you think you might get a better offer. Constant connectivity has created a situation where we have oodles of options and extremely easy ways of changing our plans. Then, of course, there are those invitees that don’t want to put themselves through the awkwardness of refusal. Adding to the RSVP rage is having to deal with guests who show up yet haven’t RSVP’d and let us not forget about those who said yes and then are a no-show. I understand that “life” happens but a simple message to let me know that you cannot make it would be appreciated. RSVP, what does it mean to me? RESPECT. Until next time,

@MartinHIller

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Conservation, Partnerships & Ecotourism

Meetings’ must-know minutia Pure Grit IN THE Top 4 at EY World Entrepreneur Awards

MORE CONFERENCE ROOMS FOR CAPE Town “Dynamite comes in small packages” is definitely applicable to Chandreshwar Singh, the newly appointed general manager of Tsogo Sun’s hotel complex in the Cape Town city centre. The new property will consist of two products in one complex, a 202-bedroom, latest-design SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl hotel and a 302-bedroom, new-generation StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl hotel. Each will have its own unique character and appeal, but the overriding offering in both is affordable and stylish, high-quality accommodation. Included in the complex will be five banqueting and conference facilities, with the largest catering for up to 140 delegates; Tsogo Sun’s trendy and fast-growing casual dining offering Vigour & Verve; a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views; a fitness centre; retail space and approximately 300 undercover parking bays. No stranger to Tsogo Sun or Cape Town, Chandreshwar describes his new position as a huge opportunity. “This will be my first general manager position and if I look back to where I started, I have come full circle and will now be managing my own hotel. It’s something quite special to open a new hotel and I am humbled at being selected to do so.”

Launched in Africa in 1998, the Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur Awards programme operates in more than 60 countries, identifying and celebrating entrepreneurs who lead successful and dynamic companies that challenge traditional business ideology. The African programme seeks participants from 10 countries. Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions Management was recognised in the Emerging Category for its leadership, innovation and constant striving to disrupt norms within the events and exhibitions industry. Pure Grit’s corporate culture and commitment is consistently evident in the investment and development of its employees, its engagement with the wider entrepreneurial community to create a shared economy and its passion to empower women.

From steward to sushi chef From his relatively humble beginnings as a steward at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom’s Aqua Restaurant, Kervin Barnes is now a passionate sushi chef who is keen to share the art and taste of sushi. Kervin joined Sibaya’s Aqua in 2009 and enjoyed watching and learning from the chefs in the kitchen. In 2012, he jumped at the opportunity to learn new skills and applied for a commis chef position that had opened up. He spent his days off with the sushi chefs and quickly became captivated with the art of sushi preparation. The hours spent learning from them paid off and, in 2013, he was appointed as a sushi chef. During the seven years that he has been at Sibaya, he has enjoyed the privilege of being mentored by its chefs and the freedom to be creative and develop his skills. Kervin is currently attending the International Hotel School for National Professional Cookery. His advice to those wanting to pursue a career in the culinary field is, “Never be afraid to take a chance. Always take the time to observe. Dedication, patience and action will get you to where you want to be.”

CTICC uncovers a buried part of historical Cape Town Construction on CTICC East was recently brought to a halt when contractors discovered remains of the old Cape Town harbour. When the harbour pier was demolished in 1939, the Foreshore’s boundaries were pushed further out to sea, leaving the original harbour lost to history… until now. Julie-May Ellingson, CEO of the CTICC, recently announced

4 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

that a contractor uncovered a portion of the old Cape Town pier. Construction had to be put on hold while archaeological assessments were made. The remains were identified as part of the base of the endmost section of the old pier. After consulting with Heritage Western Cape, the part of the pier has been removed for preservation and

the remaining construction works on the tunnel are progressing well. CTICC plans to develop a display of the remains accompanied by images of the pier in its original form. The idea is to acknowledge the position of the pier and recognise the dramatic changes to the Foreshore area that have occurred since 1938. www.theplanner.guru

guest column

THE Basics stay the same I

n 1968, I was enrolled for an engineering degree, but had six months of free time before studies commenced. I needed pocket money, so I started working as a kitchen cleaner and pot washer at the Boulevard Hotel in Pretoria. Once the six months were up, it was clear I was meant to be in hospitality – and here I am, 49 years later. Too many things have changed in the meetings and events industry over this time to mention them all. For one, we no longer have to start cleaning coal stoves and stoking fires at 03:00 in the morning to be ready for the chef to start preparing breakfast at 06:00. I also can’t remember there being event planners or professional conference organisers in those days. It was left to the banqueting manager, food and beverage manager or executive chef to meet with clients, understand their needs and put together an event package with menus, decor, music and entertainment.

ROLE CHANGES Today, it’s a whole new ball game. Clients ask for event planners or conference organisers to plan their events, and hotels or conference venues often don’t get to meet the clients. At times, this creates conflict, as the event planner doesn’t always understand the brief and the client only realises that when he or she arrives at the event.

TECHNOLOGY CHANGES With all these fast-paced changes, the role of technology cannot be ignored. Having Wi-Fi is no longer optional – it is essential. In days gone by, an overhead projector and screen were all

Tony Rubin reflects on half a century of change.

Tony Rubin is the general manager of the SAB World of Beer. During the course of his career , he has been a trainee manager at Hotel Boulevard and a banqueting manager, food and beverage manager and later an acting general manager at Bulawayo Sun Hotel (the youngest GM employed by the Southern Sun Group at the time) you needed. Now we need data projectors and proper sound. We also have to ensure all the different notebook models are compatible with our projectors and that there are technical staff on-site at all times.

ahead of the curve and reinvent ourselves and our businesses. No matter how many things change, however, the basics stay the same. It’s important to understand that we’re in the people business and all decisions need to take into account the needs of people – both staff and customers. If your employees are not committed and well looked after, you can’t expect to have happy customers. Proper planning and communication, and understanding your clients’ needs, are still key to hosting a successful event. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career – and it is as applicable today as it was half a century ago – is to never take anything for granted. Check, check and check again. Always remember that the event you’re planning might be the only such occasion in a client’s life, so make it memorable.

For one, we no longer have to start cleaning coal stoves and stoking fires at 03:00 in the morning to be ready for the chef to start preparing breakfast at 06:00

SUSTAINABILITY CHANGES Green events are becoming fashionable and this means we have to understand how to offset our carbon footprint, have jugs of water available rather than bottled water, provide recyclable stationery, and so on. I do think, however, that most industry players accept change and know we need to embrace it. In fact, I love the opportunities it gives us to use our imagination. We have to follow trends and speak to our peers – it’s the only way we’ll stay

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MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

The SAB World of Beer now offers a beer and food pairing on one Saturday per month. An experienced SAB Trade Brewer conducts the tried and tested food and beer pairing.

To secure your spot, tickets can be purchased on www.webtickets.co.za

Accolades

Enjoy Responsibly. Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of 18.

Please note only open to over 18’s

(011) 836 4900

events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com

www.worldofbeer.co.za

tripvisor

www.tripadvisor.co.za

@SABWoB

Make event planning more rewarding You take care of the event, we take care of you. We created IHG® Business Rewards because we believe that those who book accommodation, meetings and events for others can sometimes be the unsung hero of a successful event. So we want to thank you by rewarding you every time you book. It’s as simple as that. We reward you whenever you book on behalf of others, whether you’re booking anything from hotel room, board meeting, conference, wedding or social event.

Book your event at either Holiday Inn Sandton Rivonia Road or Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank and be rewarded with your own IHG Business Rewards.

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Recognising and Rewarding You.

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Hotels choices worldwide: With over 4,600 participating IHG hotels worldwide there’s so many opportunities to find the hotel that meets your needs.

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Cover story

Endless possibilities Local and international organisers alike see this as the venue of choice in Gauteng and, in looking at what it has accomplished, it’s easy to see why.

RAND SHOW

ometimes, finding the perfect venue is an event planner’s biggest challenge, but if you have the luxury of hosting your event in Gauteng, this task is simplified extensively. In fact, to satisfy all your needs, no matter how big or small, you really don’t have to look any further than the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC). There’s no doubt about it – the world is going through an economic crisis. The thing is, it’s easy to fall into a trap where you blame the global economic crisis for your company’s bad performance. It’s an entirely different ball game when you recognise the crisis and seek opportunity in the midst thereof. Craig Newman, CEO of JEC, has this to say, “We have been very lucky with the calibre of shows we’ve hosted in 2016, but I think that [2017] will be a difficult one for the industry in general. An exhibition that would have attracted 100 exhibitors in the past may now only secure 60 and an event that would have had 10 000 attendees may now only attract 8 000. As a result, we will have to raise the bar [in 2017] so we can continue to grow in tight economic conditions.”

change is the only constant More than 30 years in the industry doesn’t necessarily guarantee your future success, but

10 reasons to host your event at

Electra Mining Africa 2016

as Craig says, they “have been in this industry for long enough to know that change is the only constant.” This constant drive to keep the pace with the industry’s demands has brought about all kinds of renovations, upgrades and expansions, not only to existing facilities, but also to the overall vision of where they want to be in the next 5 to 10 years. They have even opened a film studio on site, which they envision to be South Africa’s Universal Studios. “Change is an accepted characteristic of business and we want to be around in the next 5 to 10 years. We must continue to ask ourselves: what more can we

The venue is flexible – “Our strength lies in the diversity of our facilities, which enables us to host anything from an international music festival to a professional trade exhibition,” says CEO Craig Newman.

10 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

With multipurpose facilities that provide over 50 000 m2 of indoor space and over 100 000 m2 of versatile outdoor space, the JEC offers a unique setting that can accommodate any client.

do for our clients and for the industry? And the answer must always be, just a little bit more,” says Craig.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS There really is no hurdle Craig and his team wouldn’t jump for their clients. Each and every need is attended to with the same "above and beyond" attitude Craig has in managing this venue and that is exactly why his clients praise his team and the venue with such enthusiasm. So if you need just a “little bit more” from your venue, don’t hesitate to make the JEC your first phone call.

A multipurpose arena for 20 000 people, with 20 000 parking bays, 24-hour security and five-star catering facilities, leaves very little for the demanding client to ask for. All your needs will be met.

Some of Gauteng’s finest 4- and 5-star hotels surround this venue of choice.

www.theplanner.guru

#JEC

WHAT CLIENTS HAVE SAID

Electra Mining Africa 2016

“With its sheer size and the variety of spaces it offers, the Expo Centre serves as the perfect venue to host shows of this nature. Not only does it have large exhibition halls that are perfect for large and complex exhibitor stands, live demonstrations and interactive product displays; but it has conference rooms, restaurants, food kiosks and several ablution facilities that contribute to its status as a world-class facility.”

ULTRA SOUTH AFRICA

Ultra South Africa

“We plan to grow the event in South Africa for many years to come so that Ultra South Africa becomes a destination festival that music fans should experience at least once. As Ultra expands to other parts of the globe, there may not be a more appropriate location in South Africa than the JEC.”

Russell Faibisch, Founder, producer and CEO of Ultra Music Festival and Ultra Worldwide

Gary Corin Managing director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomory

China Sourcing Fairs

Sexpo

Rand Show

“There is no venue more suitable to host this iconic event than the Expo Centre.”

SEXPO

Pula Dippenaar South Africa Shows Messe Frankfurt

All service providers that you could possibly need for your event are available onsite. There is no need to go anywhere else.

The venue achieved top honours at the PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards in 2016 in the Top Exhibitions and Events Venue category, winning its 3rd Diamond Arrow award and 5th PMR. africa award in total.

<< C raig Newman, CEO, JEC

A team of passionate, professional and highly dedicated staff work with you to ensure that your event is a great success.

“This was the 10th anniversary of the show so we were determined to make it the biggest yet and the Expo Centre was the perfect venue to deliver a memorable performance. There’s ample parking, easy access to and from the venue and large exhibition halls that satisfy every possible show requirement.”

“We were delighted to introduce China Sourcing Fairs to the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This is the ideal venue for this unique brand, meeting all our requirements as well as those of our exhibitors and visitors.”

Wendy Lai, China Sourcing Fairs

"We are proud to be recognised for what we are achieving; but mostly, we are happy that our clients' expectations are being met. We will always look to improve our service offering so that our clients never experience anything less than the best." Craig Newman, CEO

Sean Newman CEO of Sexpo SA

Lanseria Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport are a mere 30 mins away. The venue is accessible from all major highways.

China Sourcing Fairs

The centre is affiliated to EXSA, SAACI, SOJO and UFI, all of which are major industry associations.

CONTACT

Capital Air manages a registered helicopter landing base on the premises.

expocentre.co.za

+27 (0)11 494 1920 l info@expocentre.co.za @jhbexpocentre1 Expo Centre Nasrec

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

F OCUS ON

The value of face to face Exhibiting is one of the advertising world’s most successful models. Meetings shows you how to utilise it in the best way possible.

hen it comes to spending money on advertising, exhibitions are nearly unbeatable in value, especially if your aim is business development and marketing communication. Advertisements in magazines, newspapers, radio and television are great, but only if you know you’re attracting the attention of the correct target market. If not, then you’re wasting your time and money. The fact of the matter is, at an event targeted to the exact people you want to sell to, you are face to face with your target market. Potential clients can see, touch and examine your product (if you’re product-based), page through portfolios and ask questions (if you’re service-based), examine and admire your skill set or products (if you’re a supplier and can display these) and admire photos and/or videos of your venue (if that’s what you’re advertising). More importantly, your best sales people can pitch the product/service to potential clients.

Standing out in a crowd By exhibiting, you’re buying into an opportunity to speak directly to your target market. That being said, so are 50 other exhibitors. Now,

whether you will be representing your own company and building your stand yourself or whether you’re a stand builder representing a client, it’s important to understand what sets the company/product/service apart from the rest. What are your unique selling points? Identify these early and make sure they are conveyed in your design. Incorporate the company vibe or spirit in your designs. If you’re simple, but modern, be sure to incorporate that into your stand design. If you’re vibrant and you like to think out of the box, ensure that that’s clearly visible and conveyed in your stand. Remember that people work better together if they’re on the same wavelength. So, if your potential clients know what wavelength you’re on from the get-go, it’s easier to attract the right clients – the type of clients who will stick with you for years to come.

The devil’s in the detail Accidents happen, miscommunications occur and sometimes mistakes are made, but if you can prevent any of them, do so! Every exhibition has specifications handed out or emailed to exhibitors once they book their

The Wesgro stand was designed by Resource Design using EcoXpo. The Xboard (made locally), used in the construction of the stand, is the only board in South Africa to receive the Eco Standard of Sustainability stand. The specifications are useful not only for determining the size of your stand and what you can do with it, but they also contain all the instructions and restrictions for your exhibition stand. Go through this thoroughly and make a list of what needs to be done before the exhibition. If you’re working for a client, be sure to organise these details while remaining flexible at all times. If a client changes their mind at the last minute, you need to be able to at least try and accommodate their new requirements. If you’re using a stand builder or other suppliers, try and keep communication clear and current. The last thing you want is for something to fall apart because you neglected to confirm a measurement with your stand builder. Also ensure you convey dates and requirements to your stand builder and/or suppliers as soon as possible, so they can assist you with an accurate timeline and ensure everything is ready for the day of the exhibition.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Make sure that your stand incorporates the company vibe or spirit. If you’re simple, but modern, be sure to incorporate that into your stand design. If you’re vibrant and you like to think out of the box, ensure that that’s clearly visible and conveyed in your stand

12 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

Whether you’re an exhibitor, stand builder or organiser, there is so much that you can potentially do to improve sustainability. Take careful consideration when deciding on customisation and the materials for your stand. Ideally, you should use as much reusable and recyclable material as possible. Modular stands are a great option for this reason. Delegate bags and piles of leaflets aren’t exactly environmentally friendly either, so why not opt to customise flash drives with the company or event logo and fill them up with free content. This not only helps with sustainability, but also cuts costs significantly.

www.theplanner.guru

#STANDDESIGN

What does 2017 hold? Trends for 2017 are mostly digitally oriented. So if you really want to outperform, take a chapter out of the international trend book and invest in

What the exhibition stand experts SAY

things like gamification, iBeacons and augmented reality. All of these may sound like they’re meant for a more technologically advanced world, but do your research and find out if you can incorporate them into your exhibitions, because they offer incomparable levels of interaction.

Exhibition stands that will do well are those that give attendees the opportunity to engage, especially something with a sense of fun. An example of this is trade shows that add consumer elements – think craft beer or wine tasting. According to Phil Soar, chairman of the Society for Exhibition Research, exhibitions remain steady. This means we still need to use all five senses. There may be lower budgets and some sectors are under severe pressure, but there is substantial growth in other sectors, especially those related to technology. Greening continues to be an important aspect of events and exhibitions, with some large corporates insisting that this be taken seriously. Exhibitors are becoming educated about “green washing” and what constitutes real “eco-friendly materials and practices”. It’s about sustainability – use local where possible.

Karen Healey Director, Resource Design

www.theplanner.guru

As a well-experienced stand-building company for the likes of German Pavilions around Africa as well as many stands in Southern Africa, we have seen a consistent approach towards system bespoke stands. We are in the business of face-toface marketing, so the relationship between exhibitor and stand builder, from a solution perspective and real expertise of the consultant, is primary. Quality and delivery of your promise is paramount. Designs need to be simple yet effective. They must meet clients’ brief, yet portraying the correct image is vital.

Pat Cronning Commercial director, Expo Guys

4 reasons to exhibit 1

Generate new leads and sales

Launch or test a new product

3 4

Establish business partnerships Build brand awareness

Customers’ expectations are changing rapidly, with more demands than ever before. It’s likely that the influence of social platforms and the internet have led to this dynamic and yet the need for the industry to provide creative and innovate approaches to face-to-face marketing is essential in order to remain relevant and competitive. Customisation through experiential engagement and learning opportunities will continue to become central in presenting solutions to clients. During the 2017 exhibiting and events season, one must remember that storytelling is very relevant to brands and their ability to reach their target audience. “I want something different and unique” will become more of a common statement, and as suppliers to the industry, we will need to have an answer for this statement.

Katherine Gunningham Brand marketing manager, Compex

In terms of building stands, consider using lighting in dramatic and new ways to create unique and amazing effects. Combine these with curves and colours and you immediately stand out in a row of runof-the-mill stands. For the exhibition planner, look into the idea of secret exhibitions. The concept is quite new and very experimental, but the exclusive nature of these exhibitions keeps your audience captivated right up until the event. By combining the day of the event with a couple of extra special reveals, you have people talking about your event for months after.

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

F OCUS ON

Belgotex stand at Decorex

THE DETAILS THE CLIENT Marot & Sanders for Belgotex Floors THE SHOW Decorex 2016 and Grand Designs 2016 THE BRIEF The role that this product plays in consumers’ lives is sensory, in particular that of touching, feeling and seeing. As a result, both Belgotex stands were designed and built to create the opportunity to truly experience the product by envisioning how the product would fit into potential clients’ homes. Both stands needed to have a similar look and feel in order to create brand awareness and product interest for Belgotex, thus two teams of great people came together to deliver something special. Compex took the brief and envisioned the initial structural design, shape, look and feel, and then Marot & Sanders brought in the specific design elements, ideas and product knowledge to ensure the stand came together to best position the brand as a market leader in flooring solutions.

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Belgotex stand at Decorex

Awaken the

senses

Every product and service in the marketplace is out there competing for attention. The Compex team has the expertise and skills to take their client’s brand and create an experience for the exhibition visitor that will leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, however, this combination of skills and expertise is a collaborative effort, between two great enterprises who have the same goal of ensuring their client’s brand STANDS out!

Belgotex stand at Grand Designs

The DESIGN Belgotex's stands were a fusion of function and style. With a career spanning five years, Vincent Pretorius specialises in exhibition design and has earned a reputation for having an exceptional eye for design and a deep commitment to understanding his clients’ brand and what they want to achieve by holding the event or being an exhibitor. He has a diploma in interior design from Inscape Education Group. He worked closely with Marot & Sanders on the design of the stands.

It is fair to say that visitors attending Decorex and Grand Designs have a passion for their client’s home or their own; they are either building a new one, or renovating/ redecorating. Compex and Marot & Sanders wanted to give Belgotex’s clients – industry suppliers, such as Builders Warehouse and Floors Direct, and independent contractors – the opportunity to ensure an engaging, sensory and enticing experience. As a result, the size and shape of the structure was crucial to creating a presence for the brand at each show. It was also important to position Belgotex’s product range so that visitors could see how it would be able to fit in with their own style or that of their clients. This was done by using different colour pallets in key areas on the stand to elicit a feeling that the brand is able to support all styles, regardless of tastes, colour or decor preferences. Mood boards and product samples were used and positioned in and around the stand, allowing visitors to move through it, see the products and interact with Belgotex staff members, creating interest and intrigue. Both stands were fitted with high-end finishes to complement the Belgotex brand and its subsequent objective of providing quality products.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONSUMER The larger stand at Decorex allowed for various arrangements of beautiful lighting and custom-made counters, as well as strategically placed artwork. A theatre room was incorporated in to this stand in order to engage prospective buyers with content about Belgotex and introduce them to the entire product range. This was done in order to ensure that even if the visitor didn’t purchase the product, the brand would be positioned as a trendsetter in flooring solutions. Touchscreen questionnaires were placed on the stand, providing an opportunity to customise the prospective industry buyer’s engagement with the brand. The results from the questionnaire matched individuals and representatives from companies with specific product ranges, helping the sales consultants to better assist clients and communicate with them in the future.

The clients Marot & Sanders Brandvertising Magic & Media is a team of advertising technicians that service business largely in the B2B and retail markets. It specialises in utilising technology platforms to enhance marketing and crafted design. In its tactical approach to advertising, it drives shopper engagement through systemised processes to innovate, create and amaze the world. WHY DID YOU USE COMPEX? At Marot & Sanders, we live to amaze our clients, and Compex partners with us to create a team that is braced to do just that. Compex is always driven to deliver its best. The Compex team members understand and align themselves to our company values, to achieve unique milestones not only on behalf of the client but also for our own companies. They take the time to really understand what we are trying to achieve at the outset of each project and follow through with a system of processes that result in a well-planned and -executed result. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH THE COMPEX TEAM? We have partnered with Compex for the past few years and our relationship has grown from strength to strength into one that is trustworthy, reliable and punctual. Marot & Sanders utilises Compex’s combined expertise and service offerings to draw on the very best and deliver with excellence to client. Compex ensures that we always push the boundaries of client expectations. Compex, in turn, supports our vision with an efficient team who go the extra mile – from planning, to pre-builds, implementation and on-show support. We rest on the fact that, if Compex cannot do it, it really can’t be done. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND COMPEX? Definitely. We are proud of all the projects we delivered together and Compex understands that our success is its success.

Find out how Compex can help you STAND out +27 (0)11 234 0604 l hello@compex.co.za

compex.co.za @DeliveredByCompex

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MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 • Belgotex stand at Grand Designs

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DETAILS CLIENT Madison Advertising for Dr Reddy’s THE SHOW World Psychiatric Association International Congress 2016 at CTICC, Cape Town THE BRIEF Scan Display was tasked with taking design direction from Dr Reddy’s international stands, which incorporated lots of curves. The client wanted an open but inviting stand, while ensuring maximum visual impact as they were the main sponsor at the event. The functional requirement was to create a hospitality area where coffee and food were served and doctors could relax.

innovation

AT ITS BEST

Your stand design is very important, as it is the face of your business. The Scan Display team has the understanding and experience to know how to produce a perfect exhibition stand to draw the right kind of attention.

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#STANDDESIGN

The DESIGN

Paul Robberts was appointed sales development manager for the Johannesburg branch of Scan Display. He has worked on some exciting projects during his time at the company, including the Chicago stand for World Routes in 2015, the infrastructure for Professional Beauty since 2012, and the infrastructure for Meetings Africa since 2013. In 2014, he attended the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services World Summit in India, where he gained valuable insight into stand design.

Paul Robberts, sales development manager, shares how Scan Display produced a standout design that drew people in and allowed the client to differentiate themselves from the sea of other exhibitors. WHAT WERE THE STANDOUT FEATURES OF THE BUILD? The stand incorporated sleek gloss finishes and minimal structural elements, which created a simple yet striking stand. Lighting was an important factor in the stand as it was used to bring the design to life. The bright lights and circular edges created an inviting space for doctors to engage with the brand. The extensive use of white created a ‘clinical’ feel, while the subtle hint of purple signified wisdom and creativity, qualities with which Dr Reddy’s associates itself. The graphics were also kept to a minimum and logo branding was oversized to create maximum visual impact. The circular bulkhead felt like a hovering spaceship! WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES AND HOW WERE THEY OVERCOME? We had a very tight build-up period for such an ambitious structure – only one day to complete the stand. As a result of proper planning and a complete pre-build of the stand, we were only required to assemble the stand and apply final touches on-site.

9000

LOW SEATING AREA

PURPLE ROLLED CARPET TO MATCH PANTONE AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE CUSTOM COUNTER CC24

5300

6000

450

3X ANGLED ARCHES WITH GRAPHICS AND CNC LOGOS- ROLLED PAINTED WITH DOWN LIGHTSMETAL INTERNAL FRAMEWORK

2140

3465

SERVING COUNTER

DETAIL WALL WITH PERSPEX GRAPHIC

32MM RAISED FLOORWHITE LAMINATE OR SPRAYED WHITE NOTE: One design concept will be put together with up to two design revisions. Additional revisions or designs will be billed at a rate of R900 per revision.

WORK IN PROGRESS drawing to be certified for production (design stamp required)

Plan Scale 1:33 1/3

CONSTRUCTION drawing number 001/1revE drawing date 08.11.16 //designed by: Alan de Beer/Adam Kwan

This proposal and design used in this concept are each subject to the national and international copyright laws for the protection of intellectual property rights. It is not allowed to duplicate or hand out this concept and design or any part of it to third parties. Please note that any dissemination to third parties, distribution or copying of this concept and design is prohibited. All dimensions and relevant details to be checked by production and pre-built prior to construction on site. All dimensions are given in mm. Any discrepancies are to be reported to the designer immediately. No changes are to be made to this design without the approval of the designer. Colours and graphics are represented as close as possible but may differ from the actual finished product.

The clients

Madison is a dynamic, creative and full-service agency concentrating on the pharmaceutical market. Co-owners Jenny Garvey and Jeanette Budd know the importance of working with good suppliers as they offer backup and additional services to deliver above and beyond their clients' requirements. WHY DID YOU USE SCAN DISPLAY? A well-designed exhibition stand is key to ensuring the results you want. Scan Display understands this. We use Scan Display for complete peace of mind. Once the team starts a project you can relax knowing that the end product will be perfect and functional. It’s always a pleasure dealing with all their staff. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH THE SCAN DISPLAY TEAM? They were professional, talented and, most importantly, pleasant to deal with. They used the latest technology to design our exhibition stand, and then produced it to a high standard while still maintaining good communication with us to ensure the best outcome. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND SCAN DISPLAY? We already do!

Supspended ceilingroller painted with down lights

+27 (0)11 447 4777 justin@scandisplay.co.za www.scandisplay.co.za 3mm sprayed cnc logo

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

Photo: Alain Proust

big interview

icon The evolution of an

As steel and glass fuse in the construction of the expansion project of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Meetings talks to CEO Julie-May Ellingson about the new venue spaces being added to this iconic meetings venue.

lanked by Table Bay Harbour on one side and the buzz of Cape Town city centre on the other, the CTICC’s 31 148 m2 expansion project, CTICC East, is taking shape – a fusion of stone, steel and glass. Opening towards the middle half of the year, CTICC East will be incorporated into the original building and the two facilities will form an event venue complex that will offer clients more options, new spaces, and greater flexibility for their events.

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Orientation Attentive visitors will notice that CTICC East’s design is in keeping with its original counterpart to offer a seamless visual and event experience if you are running events across the CTICC complex. Conversely, a number of new design elements have been included to delight event managers. The most striking feature of CTICC East when standing in the luxurious reception foyer, is its impressive 28 m floor to ceiling

height. Unlike the current building, CTICC East is built across 6 floors and will have four levels above ground and two subterranean levels. Exhibition halls will span across two floors with three halls per floor; the first mezzanine level will house meeting rooms and meeting suites; the second floor will have further meeting rooms and the second mezzanine level will house two terrace rooms. Subterranean levels will house parking bays, kitchens and service areas; and up-top a

delightful rooftop garden. Thanks to its multilevel structure, CTICC East will offer views of the harbour and of Cape Town’s Foreshore area which is now undergoing dramatic changes due to a number of new infrastructure developments. Driving into Cape Town along the elevated freeways, you can immediately see that the centre is also making use of material that encourages the use and diffusion of natural light. A saw tooth roof offers the ability to deflect direct sunlight while admitting natural light deep into the building. Extensive glazing across the Western façade will bathe the centre’s public spaces and reception with natural light. These measures as well as electrical submetering, energy saving devices, waste management and water conservation processes, have earned the centre a Four Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. “The CTICC has always focused on sustainability as a core business practice,” says Julie-May Ellingson, the CTICC’s CEO. “Across the globe consumers and event managers are demanding companies to follow sustainable business processes. From an environmental perspective waste management, energy consumption, local sourcing, and

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CTICC East: Exterior view

CTICC East: Interior view

Julie-May Ellingson CTICC’s CEO water conservation are key areas of concern for convention centres. The expansion project always had to have serious sustainability credentials.”

Venue spaces Over the years, the Roof Terrace venue has become one of the CTICC’s most popular rooms, often used for cocktails and evening functions. Now, CTICC East will have two terrace rooms for such events. What’s more, event managers will be able to host informal network sessions, sultry cocktail sessions and magical functions on CTICC East’s 500 m2 rooftop garden. Overall, CTICC East has more exterior balconies than the original building and a coffee shop opening up to the pedestrian thoroughfare.

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“These are exciting venues and new additions to the CTICC’s inventory. These features invite the outdoors in and will allow you to feel the pulse and rhythm of the city. It will create an inviting and lively atmosphere around this part of the Foreshore,” continues Julie-May. CTICC East offers 10 000 m2 of multipurpose conference and exhibition space with halls numbered 5 to 10 running across the ground floor and second level. The exhibition halls on the upper floors will not only be carpeted, but Exhibition Hall 10 will have acoustic panelling and an external balcony that looks onto the harbour and Cape Town’s pulsating traffic arteries. “The venue is not even finalised yet but has already captured the imagination our sales teams who have identified it as an ideal banquet hall,” reveals Julie-May. Approximately 3 000 m2 of formal and informal space is being constructed in the new building. Corporate clients will be particularly interested in CTICC East’s meeting rooms and suites. These subdivisible rooms face toward the city centre, and will be great venues for corporate meetings, training sessions and workshops. In keeping with current architecture and as a homage to the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the centre’s

meeting rooms will be named according to indigenous flowers. This design interpretation will also be applied on interior finishings in other parts of the centre.

Gathering support Sales and marketing teams have been working hard to create awareness of the new venue. CTICC East has struck a chord with international associations having already secured events up until 2022. The Global Evidence Summit in September 2017 will see all of CTICC East’s meeting rooms being used for breakaway rooms and Halls 8 to 10 for the association’s gala dinner. In addition, the 19th annual AfricaCom, will be expanding into CTICC East from 2017 for its tenth year at the centre. The event takes place in November this year. Finding solutions for feeding earth’s 9 billion people will be the focus of the Global Food Security Conference in December 2017 which will be completely hosted in CTICC East. “The World Ophthalmology Congress in 2020 promises to attract 15 000 delegates and is the largest event the centre has secured in its 13-year history. We would not have been able to secure this

event without the expansion,” explains Julie-May. International experts in biomedicine will meet in CTICC East for the 18th International Congress of Immunology in August 2022. With a forecast attendance of 6000 delegates, the conference will be using both CTICC buildings. “Winning these bids show the potential of CTICC East and, overall, the important role the CTICC plays in developing the knowledge economy, supporting African participation in global issues while at the same time ensuring direct economic benefit to the citizens of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” Julie-May continues. Over the past 13 years, the Cape Town International Convention Centre has made a significant contribution to Cape Town’s reputation as a global meetings and event destination. CTICC East represents an exciting evolution of this influence.

+27 (0)21 410 5000 info@cticc.co.za l cticc.co.za

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

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best practice

HOW TO become a better planner TODAY Terry Sutherland shares her top five suggestions on how corporate event planners can improve their time management skills.

op event planners are either good at their jobs – brilliant, even – or they just aren’t. The brilliant ones know the value of each event for promoting their company’s corporate branding, and seem to have enough creative tricks up their sleeves to pull off experiences that resonate deeply, engage and impress. Another key quality that successful event planners possess is their exceptional organisational skills. They are good at juggling the finer details, reassuring their clients or bosses that all is under control, delegating tasks, pushing back on ideas or requests when they have to – and they have effective time management skills. In fact, effective time management skills are quite ‘up there’ on the professional expertise list for any event planner – because, if you don’t know how to orchestrate your own work life and manage your own work commitments, then how could you possibly do it for your corporate events? The good news is that there is an abundance of advice for those event planners who need to improve their time management skills.

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GOAL SETTING Setting daily, weekly and monthly goals is one way to ensure that you manage your time correctly. Goals should always be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time based. The best way to develop SMART goals is to write down a statement for each that reflects each letter of the acronym. For this, YourCoach blog suggests asking yourself the following questions to flesh out each of your SMART goals and objectives: • What exactly do I want to achieve? • What steps do I need to take to reach this goal? • By when will I need to achieve this goal? • Who do I need to involve? • What are the conditions and limitations for the task? • Are there possible alternative ways of reaching my objectives?

PRIORITISATION Goals are prioritised according to their importance and urgency. Being able to prioritise a task appropriately involves the ability to understand relationships between different activities. How might one task affect another? How much time does one activity need compared to the next? Here, a simple project management tool may come in handy to set time frames and help event planners think through all the variables.

MANAGING INTERRUPTIONS Effective time management skills include the ability to reprioritise goals and tasks so that processes can still run on schedule. Again, a project management tool can be useful here to recalculate and set new time frames for a team. Working to a tight schedule, which cannot accommodate such interruptions, is never a great idea, so event planners need to allow for wiggle room in all their planning for unforeseen interruptions and time delays.

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PROCRASTINATION

Something big is coming to the events industry

TECHNOLOGY

Different personality types handle work pressure differently. Some people thrive on doing things last-minute, others may drag their feet because they don’t know how to get a job done. An event planner needs to know themselves and their team well enough to understand the different work styles and who to allocate to a task. Delegating tasks according to each person’s strengths and preferences is one way to prevent any feet dragging out of disinterest or lack of skill.

Effective time management skills can be augmented by using appropriate RSVP software for events. RSVP software can help corporate event planners streamline their online registration and guest management processes – freeing up more of their time to focus on achieving their goals.

Terry Sutherland is the founder of The RSVP Agency and has extensive experience in the development of RSVP solutions for clients across industries.

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@EPCollectiveSA #eventprofs #revolution #bethechange

best practice

collaboration

IS KEY TO SUCCESS Silke Hoersch shares ways on how venues can support event planners and maximise event ROI.

e’re moving at an incredible pace. As the world around us is becoming smart and connected – Google Car, Wearables and smart buildings, just to name a few – many industries are restructuring and digitising their processes. What about the events and exhibitions industry? As technology makes us more flexible, booking requests and client requirements are changing – short-notice enquiries, spontaneous requests or changes on–site are expected. Everything is happening faster. But what does all this mean?

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THE PERCEIVED ROI IS CHANGING We’ve all heard of Gen Y. A new generation of leaders, exhibitors, delegates and visitors is shaping the way events are designed. Meeting formats of the future will be much more interactive and increasingly combine face to face with the virtual. Engagement of participants and a flipped learning experience will be key to delivering an incredible event experience. The German Convention Bureau recently worked on a great project about future meeting formats and pictured potential future scenarios.

With these changes, collaboration between venues and event planners is becoming more important as we move away from the traditional supplier-customer relationship. Creating synergies and working together on the best possible event ROI will make the organiser more successful and, at the same time, allow the venue to stand out from the crowd.

SUPPORTING EVENT ROI As a venue, you can directly impact the event ROI by supporting event planners and helping them to meet their goals. Take a moment to look at your strengths and weaknesses, and ask yourself: •W here can you provide support to planners? •W here can you improve? •W hat is your area of expertise? Put yourself in the planner’s shoes to see where you can provide support and help them to meet their goals. Customer-centricity can become your unique competitive advantage and serve as the foundation to successful business cooperation with event planners.

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INNOVATIVE event FORMATS The future of education requires interactive meeting formats and small groups. There will be an increased demand for flexible spaces, state-of-the art event technology and equipment to support these formats. And still, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune: Open spaces are cost-efficient ways to engage audiences and use spaces in a flexible, creative way. Altogether, the idea of space is undergoing a change. Future meetings won’t necessarily happen in one and the same location. They will increasingly consist of meeting participants who are located in different places and time zones. Meeting spaces, therefore, require state-of-the-art video and conference technology to facilitate these formats.

CATERING AND WELL-BEING Okay, a meeting is not a spa. However, learning experiences and knowledge-transfer work best when everybody involved is happy and focused. And this requires an environment of “well-being”. Especially for young professionals (Generation Y and Z), health is an important topic. And with that, food is the topic. Everybody wants to be healthy, and everybody is on a different diet: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free. Does your in-house caterer react to these food trends and allergies? While food and beverage certainly is a crucial topic, the possibility to relax and withdraw from the crowd for a few minutes is another important aspect. How about offering comfy corners, blogger areas or spaces where event participants can meditate in a calm environment? These may be convincing elements for planners and, in the end, it could be your hip and healthy venue that will be the new place to be.

With over 15 years of experience in the international events industry, Silke Hoersch has consulted with many event venues and organisers regarding their software requirements. She holds a masters degree in business administration and tourism/ event management and oversees the marketing activities of Ungerboeck Software International in the EMEA region. She is a regular speaker at industry events and association conferences as well as universities.

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#burningquestion Zandi Nkosi, business events coordinator at Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau, wants to know...

What are the new challenges for venues and event planners?

In addition to finding top quality venues, www.theplanner.guru highlights various planning tools that you can use. It will also provide you with innovative concepts, creative designs and event trends. With e-books, case studies, webinars and infographics, there is no need to go anywhere else for the information you need and the suppliers you want.

Venues need to be quicker and more versatile than ever. Event planners need to seek the best possible event ROI.

Send your burning question to martin@3smedia.co.za

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best practice

Social Media and Event Photography Jamie Bell shares his top five ways to use social media and photography effectively at your next event.

PLAN DEDICATED SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY RESOURCES

These days, we are all pretty used to snapping away with our smart phones and posting the results across a plethora of social platforms. So, why not simply rely on your on-site team to all “take a few shots” on their phones? Here’s why not: • If it isn’t someone’s specific responsibility, it’s unlikely you will get all the shots you need. Onsite is generally a busy and unpredictable time for members of your organising team and it is almost guaranteed that something perceived to be more important than social media pictures will crop up. A single photographer also helps to ensure you get a consistent style and composition across your images. • A decent smart phone is definitely your best option for social pictures, giving you ample quality and super-easy sharing to your social platforms. However, don’t expect your team member to use their own phone. Providing your dedicated snapper with kit has a number of benefits; you can ensure the phone and, more importantly, its camera are good quality. Staff can share as many photos as they want using the company-supplied data allowance and pre-event you can check all the basics are in place, apps installed, accounts logged in and batteries charged.

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REMEMBER TO FOCUS ON THE BASICS, PLAN AND BRIEF

Don’t forget to plan. Just because you’re shooting images only for your social sites, it doesn’t mean you should neglect the basics. In exactly the same way that you would for your traditional event photographer, prepare a brief outlining the shots you require, think about what shots might work well post-event and what you might use them for in future. Don’t forget that all the same rules apply: busy room shots, smiley faces, networking, handshakes and so on… Portray your event in its best possible light.

TOP EVENT TIP Most photographers will be also be willing to help with a limited number of shots for social media, but make sure you discuss this with them pre-event and include it in their brief. Professional photographers will generally be shooting images in formats that are not quick or easy to convert for social media. That said, if they know they need to give you a batch of 10 or 12 social-mediaoptimised images at the end of each day, they can plan for it.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

On-site social photography doesn’t have to stop with the basics of capturing images and sharing them across your platforms. Social media and events seem to be big business for software and tech developers these days. There is an everincreasing range of tools and suppliers out there to help your social photography work harder on-site. Big-screen displays for social content continue to increase in popularity and sophistication. Platforms such as WeSawIt and Eventstagram offer all sorts of interaction features that can have a big impact, allowing you to show off the best images live from your event to your participants. Website feeds are a great way to showcase images live from your event to the outside world, potentially even encouraging others to attend on subsequent days or editions. There are plenty of third-party plug-ins out there for this but, to be honest, it’s a pretty simple job to set up an Instagram feed on a website. Curation tools like Storify are a great way to pull together photos from your event and, when complemented with other social content such as tweets and video, provides you with a centralised round-up of your event’s activity. This can then be shared with your audience; reinforcing the value they got from attending but also encouraging those who didn’t attend to do so in future.

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#EVENTphotography

WHY SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS

HAVE A YEAR-ROUND STRATEGY

Photography for social media shouldn’t just be about shooting and posting images during or immediately after your event, the shots you take could be a valuable resource year-round; here’s why: • Stats show that Facebook posts that include a photo get, on average, 53% more likes than those without, so making the most of your images outside of the event can have big benefits for your social activity in general. • Regular posting is important on image-led sites too. If you have an Instagram or Pinterest account, then aim for regular posting to avoid your presence looking neglected and, therefore, potentially brand damaging. • There are some great online tools out there to help you make even more of your images and create other useful graphics too. Sites like Canva and Picmonkey let you add text, icons, calls to action and more, giving you the ability to create a form of mini social media posters that can be really effective.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COVERED LEGALLY

Over the past few years, I’ve read various articles on how the explosion of smart phones and social image sharing sites have created some big grey areas around image consent for event organisers. The conclusions of which all seem to be fairly consistent and offer a few simple bits of advice: • Look to integrate consent into registration and sign-up processes for your event. Be as specific as possible when explaining when and where images will be taken and what you intend to do with these post-event. • Consider introducing on-site signage explaining or reiterating the above to capture anyone such as VIPs or speakers who might not have come through the standard participant registration systems. • Most importantly though, talk to your legal team about what you will be doing on-site, what you plan to do with images post-event and, therefore, what you need to do before, during and after your event to make sure you are squeaky clean legally.

get started today by visiting THESE WEBSITES wesawit.com

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app.eventstag.com

storify.com

canva.com

picmonkey.com

There’s nothing new about event photography. It’s been around forever and, for years, most of us likely followed a similar process – brief your photographer pre-event to make sure all the key elements of your event will be covered. He or she shoots at the event and then, a couple of weeks later, you receive a disk full of fantastic images that get added to the website and so on. If you are lucky, you might also have a press-style photographer who turns a few shots around the same day to pop on your Facebook page. There is absolutely still a need for this; social media hasn’t changed the fact that we need professional photographers with tight briefs resulting in lovely, high-end, edited images to stick on the website and to use in our marketing material post-event. However, social media has added a new dimension, with new expectations. We, and more importantly our attendees, now expect everything quicker; they want to engage and explore your event online (even while attending) via every type of available media. No surprise then that this includes photographs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. So, with that in mind, here are my top tips for making the most of social media and event photography. Social media and event photography shouldn’t be a bonus or ad hoc activity that takes place if we have the time. Being able to access event images across social media is now a basic expectation for most event participants and can provide multiple benefits for an organiser. Therefore, dedicated resource and planning are required to achieve success and, to really maximise impact, third-party software and technology are essential. As the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so make them count! Jamie Bell specialises in social content and video for events. He is passionate about using these channels to engage event participants and meet strategic objectives. Jamie runs Bark Digital and works with live events and businesses to help maximise their social, content and video strategies. His particular focus is the planning, production and distribution of real-time social media content at live events. Projects led by Jamie have received recognition and awards from a range of high-profile event industry and marketing publications.

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best practice

How tech-ready are your events? Technology has always moved at a rapid pace we’ve seen huge advancements and the world around us is now a much different place. The world of event technology is no different. Event apps, live Twitter feeds and drones are almost ubiquitous at events now, but what will the event of tomorrow look like? Karmen Vladar shares what event technology you can expect to see a lot more of in the year ahead.

VIRTUAL REALITY AND AUGMENTED REALITY Event tech continues to develop and change the face of the events industry, and nothing demonstrates this quite as much as the rise of virtual and augmented reality. With VR headsets now commonplace at most events, planners are looking for ways to incorporate VR into their event. It’s not just for creating a bit of buzz around your stand or event; more planners are starting to use the technology in other ways too – think virtual site inspections, for example.

The increasing proliferation of iBeacon technology is great for event organisers and the insight it provides can be invaluable, allowing organisers to deliver personalised and location-specific content to attendees as they move around event venues. Attendee walks past an exhibitor? Up pops some info on their phone. Sessions just finished? Push out speaker surveys to everyone’s phone as they leave the venue. These beacons can also act as a replacement for GPS, allowing attendees to navigate their way around exhibitions and conferences without the need for an event programme or map. Perhaps most important is the information and data they can provide to planners and organisers. Analyse the routes attendees take through your venue to make it easier to navigate next time, or look at the heat maps and dwell times to see which exhibitors were pulling in the crowds. These insights will be very useful when it comes to proving your ROI or planning future events.

Along with VR sets, expect to see an increasing number of robots and even more drones appearing at events this year. Robots are guaranteed to get people talking and draw attendees towards your event stand, but you can also make use of their camera or video capabilities to take pictures of guests and attendees – which you can share on your event’s live social wall – or use them as an innovative way of collecting valuable data from your guests. The same can be said for drones, which create genuine excitement as they zip around your events and they can add real value after your event has finished. All the aerial footage your drone has been filming makes for some fantastic, engaging content that you can use in your post-event communications.

iBEACONS AND ANALYTICS

RISE OF THE ROBOTS

Karmen VLADAR is a self-proclaimed tech junkie and strong advocate for improving communication and measurement at conferences and events. She is the marketing manager at LUMI.

28 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

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Engage your audience with live polling Technology to energise and connect your audiences

ID 123

www.lumiglobal.com Gauteng: + 27 87 806 4284 Western Cape: + 27 21 554 4964

best practice

Unlock your genius

The Event Architecture International Master Classes aim to introduce global thought leaders to our local industry, to build on existing competencies and to create unique selling points to boost your career and business – in short, to unlock your genius, to professionalise and advance our industry and to expose opportunities for innovation.

The default approach for traditional thinkers is to reach a decision as quickly as possible. Pieter Swart explains why this is dangerous.

hen faced with a task, many people tend to rely on a two-step process: know and do. They know something – from a case study, a book, an article, best practice, or previous experience. They then move straight to doing something. The failing of this process is that it cuts out the possibility of new ideas and finding new approaches.

Originality comes from the exposure of factual knowledge to the animating force of imagination. Imagination is the ability to conjure mental images, sensations, or concepts without perceiving them through the senses. Everyone is born with this ability, but the genius is a person who cultivates it, applies it, and invests in it. Imagination is a learnable skill. You can learn anything, but you can’t learn everything.

REIMAGINE EVENTS A better way to reach a decision is to make one. When you insert making in-between knowing and doing, you put new ideas on the table. You invent models, prototypes, or mock-ups that can be tested before they are selected. The know-make-do process is at the core of design thinking, the discipline at the core of innovation. Anything that can be changed can be designed.

START FROM A DIFFERENT PLACE The ability to produce original work is a rare and valuable asset. It lies at the heart of innovation, strategic differentiation and societal progress. It imparts a quality of “never-before-ness” that can command attention, fill voids, and create wealth.

IMPORTANCE Of MEETING DESIGN Meeting Design represents one of the few opportunities to enable meeting and allied professionals to do more with less, which has become the “new normal” in the meeting industry. Meeting Design has proven to reduce costs and increase value by focusing on what matters most to all stakeholders. Meeting participant needs are evolving beyond satisfying their basic needs for food, shelter, safety, proximity to others and exposure to information. Attendees want innovative, unique experiences that challenge their senses, their expectations, their knowledge and their ideas. Fulfilling that potential is the ultimate value of Meeting Design.

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stay revelant It’s a competitive world, and the best way to outrun your competitors is to outlearn them. It’s not about the extent of your knowledge. It’s about strategic alignment. Does your learning line up with your goals? Will it lead to fresh insights or deeper understanding? There’s plenty of time to learn everything you need to know, so long as you learn strategically and not randomly. Take responsibility for your work. Create positive outcomes that reach beyond the near and now. Practice good design. Be a genius. Genius, not evolution, is now the primary driver of progress. A genius is a person who takes creativity to the point of originality while creating better and more beautiful things – tools, objects, experiences, relationships, situations, solutions and ideas. If the outcome is not beautiful, the maker is not demonstrating genius but mere creativity. Genius works on a higher level. It strives for elegance, ethics, and a level of quality that comes from mastery. This article was inspired by Marty Neumeier’s The 46 Rules of Genius: An Innovator's Guide to Creativity.

Pieter Swart is a lifelong event management scholar working on the strategic considerations of event psychology and physiology and the application of those in event management. He is a business events strategist and managing director of Conference Consultancy SA, author and lead presenter of Event Architecture and facilitator of the International Master Class series.

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

For the first and only time in South Africa, Maarten Vanneste, CMM, from the Meeting Design Institute in Belgium, a well-known author, innovator, strategist and plenary presenter at IMEX, Convening Leaders, EIBTM and many other global platforms, will be lead presenter of the Meeting Design Master Class.

DETAILS Cost R5 395 excl. VAT Dates 5 - 6 June Time 09:00 - 18:00 Venue CSIR ICC, Pretoria

BOOK NOW Corné Engelbrecht +27 (0)12 349 2301 +27 (0)82 925 9241 corne@confsa.co.za

5 - 6 June 2017 CSIR ICC, PRETORIA In proud partnership with

Hosted by

SOUND BITE

TASTE experiences Chef Arno Boshoff focuses on highquality, creative and traditionally made dishes created using locally and ethically grown produce. How has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? To some extent we have become lazy chefs because nearly every ingredient is available all-year round. To stand out, chefs are now literally turning the garden upsidedown to forage new and simple ingredients for each season.

What are some of the current trends in the food and beverage industry? People want to know where their plate of food comes from and how it was prepared. The virtual experience is huge right now – food is presented as one thing but the actual virtual taste and texture profile is something completely different. People also want to experience food; food that sparks topics of conversation and reflects a purpose. At the forum, we have become trendsetters with our interactive meal board concepts, finger lunches and live cooking stations.

What is your number one catering tip? Less is more – we tend to focus on complementing textures, tastes and colours, and lose focus on the actual ingredient that we want to showcase.

What is your favourite dish to make? I love anything

30 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

pasta. It reminds me of home. Growing up in the Free State, my mom always served lasagne on cold days.

What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? My ice-cream machine. The possibilities are endless and I am not just referring to ice cream. after any service, I run to the clearing section to see if the plates come back empty. Each empty plate signifies to me that I contributed to a food memory for someone else and that is the most important thing for any chef.

What is one ingredient you cannot cook without? Herbs – Mother Earth’s natural flavouring.

What dish or element are you asked to make most often? I am constantly coming up with new ideas for preparing chicken. People love their chicken!

What is the proudest moment in your career as a chef?

Are there any foods you just don’t like? Rabbit. It’s

Becoming the group executive chef for the forum company.

simply a mental block. It always feels like I’m eating one of my pets.

Did you eat your veggies as a child? Sometimes, but usually only after getting bribed with a sweet.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef? At the age of 12, I started making Sunday lunch for my family. The rest is history.

What is your favourite food memory? I have plenty of those, but honestly for me,

About Chef ARNO Chef Arno Boshoff is the group executive chef for the forum company. As such, he is responsible for recipe and menu development, ensuring an innovative and world-class food menu is on offer at the forum company.

What are your favourite foods to cook with? Fish, beef, chicken, chocolate, lemon, herbs and spices.

What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with? Anything gluten-free.

What’s your “death row” meal, as Anthony Bourdain puts it? Jumbo burger and chips with coleslaw, and don’t forget the pickles and onion marmalade.

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Staying legally fit

When you have legal woes or need some preventative risk management, who are you going to call? Louis the lawyer. How do you see the MICE industry at the moment? It is in a state of flux, constantly trying to reinvent itself. Despite budget constraints, the events industry somehow manages to come up with something ingenious from time to time.

What excites you most about the industry?

About LOUIS

Adv Louis Nel studied at the universities of Stellenbosch, UCT, Wits, Tulane (New Orleans, USA) and London. His qualifications include BComm, LLB and LLM degrees, Wits EDP and Executive Negotiator courses, diplomas in marketing and industrial relations. He focuses on preventative/ proactive risk management, facilitating and mediating disputes. Louis has been doing legal work in the tourism and events industry for 34 years.

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20 questions What have been your career highlights so far? Growing my business – I initially focused on the tourism industry but now I am involved in offering legal advice to the entire travel and hospitality industry, including events.

Why is it important for event organisers to have a lawyer on speed dial? Risk identification and management is crucial for any business – if you do that properly, you can sleep at night. It is vital to understand service level agreements, Ts & Cs, contracts and human resources implications. Being part of Louis’ Legal Advice Club will empower you to do just that and more. It is always useful to have a lawyer on your side, especially one who is available 24/7 at a reasonable price and with intimate knowledge of the industry.

What has been the most memorable event you attended? Seeing Muhammad Ali win his third world title live and meeting him afterwards.

What has been the best and worst advice you have received? The best: be an

HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION?

As from the next issue of Meetings, Louis the Lawyer will be answering your legal event queries. Please send your questions to martin@3smedia.co.za

2 000 sit ups per day. I stilll compete in 400 m hurdles both locally and internationally.

What superpower would you like to possess? I am passionate about sustainability, so it would be the ability to make every product safe for the environment.

If you could speak any language, what would it be? French, as it is such a beautiful language.

Who would be your ultimate dinner guest? My dad, mom and brother – all who have passed. There is nothing more precious than family dinners.

With the proper training and knowledge, small, medium- and microsized enterprises have the opportunity to flex some muscle in the events space. Events provide the opportunity to create experiences that people will remember. For me, there is nothing like seeing a blank canvas transformed into a stunning environment for a memorable event – unique, historic and characterful venues are brought to life through events.

energy of the mind (and body) is the essence of life.”

What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? My wife,

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen? The

What are you addicted to? Besides training the grey

copious magnums of wine and lots of books.

events landscape has been radically transformed due to technology. New and emerging technology has changed the way we share information, the way we interact with clients and the way event planning works.

matter on a regular basis, I love to exercise and meet new people.

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? Mopani

optimist and believe in yourself. The worst: I would not do that if I were you.

worms. Interesting taste.

Who is your celebrity lookalike? Microsoft’s Bill Gates.

Where is your favourite holiday spot and why? Any

A few of years ago, at a wedding reception, a guest came up to me and said, “We’ve been taking bets – please tell me you are not Bill Gates.”

beach, as it is the one place I can switch off completely.

What do you do in your spare time? Write poetry, read and drink wine.

What quote best describes you? To misquote Aristotle, “The

What is something that few people know about you? I do physical training twice a day. This includes doing 200 push ups and

Are you a dog person or cat person? Dog. What would your obituary say? His enthusiasm was infectious.

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

event Showcase

A grand affair It is hard work, consistent quality spanning almost 20 years, and hard-earned professional partnerships that ensure that Event Wizards can make almost any event idea come alive. Meetings chats to George Sutherland, managing director, who explains how the magic happens.

THE DETAILS CLIENT Momentum EVENT A Grand White Lunch for Momentum staff VENUE Sorex Estate in Centurion BRIEF Client wanted their very own Grand White event. The function needed to be a pop-up picnic with guests dressed in white with a touch of green. Guests needed to be treated to delicious food and great entertainment DATE 17 Nov 2016 NUMBER OF GUESTS 500 staff members from different departments and positions in the company

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THIS EVENT? Conceptualising an event and managing all facets until the end is what we are well known for. As a result, there are many aspects of this event that we are proud of. With that said, a stand out for us on this event was our focus on sustainability. We involved and supported the local community for this event. • The culinary fare, which was seasonal and locally sourced, was served at various food stations. Each guest was given a wooden box to pack their food in. It also doubled up as their plate. The wooden boxes were built from pallets we got from a local farmers’market. • Part of the table decor was small bundles of wood. We bought the invasive Australian JUST DO IT black wattle sticks from informal vendors next to Take small steps but do take the road, sawed it to the them. When in doubt, start desired lengths, dipped with the basics – recycle, one end in paint and tied reduce and reuse. the bundles with a piece

32 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

of rope. We chose Ruscus as our flower centrepieces and bought them from a local farmer. • All the white bunting and flags, made from discarded fabric,were made by a company that forms part of a human development initiative. • The apples used in the decor were ordered from a greengrocer around the corner from the venue. The client took them with after the event. LET’S TALK ABOUT… THE VENUE We wanted a venue that was close to Momentum’s head office. It needed to have a large outdoor area with ample parking as well as allow for outside catering. Sorex Estate ticked all the right boxes and the management was very accommodating with all our requests. EVENT DECOR Being such a large area, we needed to create zones with decor items that would lead guests to the main area. White flags were placed next to the road leading up to the 20 m x 60 m white stretch tent and an arrival area with white cocktail tables was created between giant white pinwheels. Supersized white balloons and bunting added a festive feel to the tent. The guests were seated on white Wimbledon chairs at eight long tables covered in white linen.

SUSTAINABLE lessons from the event

GET CLIENT BUY-IN

Discuss sustainability with your client without making it overcomplicated.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Use your local vendors and suppliers, as this will cut down on transport and all its evils.

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The clients

Yolandi Erasmus, executive personal assistant, and Louise Vorster, business support: Client and Intermediary Interaction, both from Momentum, share their thoughts on working with Event Wizards. HOW DID EVENT WIZARDS EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS? We had a big dream and a tight budget. Event Wizards listened to our brief. They saw our vision. They cared about our dream. They respected the budget. They made our Grand White event come to life – and made the dreams we had come true while not compromising on the quality of the product they delivered.

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WHAT WERE YOUR EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH THE EVENT WIZARDS TEAM? The most rewarding part of this event was seeing our dream come to life. From a brief in a boardroom to a product that was talked about for weeks after, the creative expertise of the Event Wizards team made working with them a rewarding experience. They cared about us and the success of our event; this level of care underpinned our experience when working with them. MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

PHOTOS: Marieta Kemm

Ruscus, green apples and our bundles of sticks created garlands down the table centres. The white-washed wooden boxes placed at each table setting were used by the guests to "forage" beautifully presented and tasty fare from the food stations. CATERING Special permission was obtained from Sorex Estate to do our own catering. Picnic food was served from various food stations placed around the tent. Each station had its own theme – ranging from sushi to filled French baguettes, hamburgers and hotdogs with fries, chicken and vegetarian curries, salads and, of course, a delightful dessert table where sweets and icecream in sugar cones were served. ENTERTAINMENT A saxophonist and an accordion player greeted the guests with lovely French tunes on arrival. After the welcome and short speech, the duo continued playing, gradually picking up the pace and moving to contemporary tunes during lunch. When most of the guests were done eating, a professional DJ took over the musical entertainment and really got the party started. The “photobus” (a customfitted retro VW bus) was parked in one corner of the tent, where guests could have their pictures taken and printed on strips. For larger groups, we also had a backdrop set up where they could take photos.

WOULD YOU USE EVENT WIZARDS AGAIN? Most definitely. We were very particular with our brief. We had a clear idea in our minds of what we wanted our event to look like. Event Wizards delivered a perfect and tailored product. Everything was done professionally, with a touch of class – from the precision with which they arranged our tables and chairs to the set-up of the giant pinwheels. Event Wizards clearly use only the best suppliers.

event Showcase

THE DETAILS CLIENT Mediclinic FUNCTION 2016 Mediclinic International Group Conference VENUE Fancourt Estate DATE 10 – 13 October DELEGATES 170

THE BRIEF For this conference, INCOSO had to arrange a three-day conference at a unique location that is easily accessible in terms of flights and airport transfers. The venue needed to be modern and allow for a custom-built set and stage. Some of the duties included: • arranging single accommodation, with Wi-Fi • organising pre- and post-event tours for the conference delegates • planning two informal dinners, each needing to be different • organising and setting up of the gala dinner • working closely with the audiovisual team, as this conference relied heavily on AV.

natural paradise

Fancourt Estate offers extraordinary experiences on an expansive estate, with breathtaking views and an array of on-site and off-site venues and activities.

ancourt Estate lies at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains in the heart of the Garden Route. A combination of old-world charm and contemporary luxuries is what makes Fancourt so distinctive. At Fancourt Estate, staff pride themselves on offering facilities of unsurpassed standard and their conference centre is no exception. From state-of-theart audiovisual and computerised facilities to the fully equipped business centre, elegant private meeting rooms and 400-seater ballroom, Fancourt Estate is the perfect venue, offering comfort well beyond the convention.

and world-class golfing and boasts an award-winning spa. It is also an ideal location to explore the Garden Route. Sightseeing excursions to the picturesque coastal towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay or the Klein Karoo towns of Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert and Calitzdorp can be arranged by the on-site tours and travel desk. •M EETING AND EVENT SPACES Fancourt Estate offers various conference rooms, each equipped with the latest features, which makes it possible to accommodate

WHY FANCOURT? Just 7 km from George Airport, with daily flights from major cities, Fancourt Estate ticked all the right boxes for the organiser and her client – from its beautiful location and contemporary conference facilities, to its accommodation offering with fresh and modern amenities and various restaurants each with their own unique style and cuisine. What also appealed to the client was that Fancourt Estate embodies a flawless fusion of leisure

34 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

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The organiser

functions with different requirements. Both levels of the conference centre offer a foyer for refreshments and registration. The upstairs balcony can host 150 guests for small lunch buffets, cocktails or provide a breakaway area for conferences. For this conference: the Ballroom was used for the plenaries, Kingfisher was used as an office and the Plover Suite for ad hoc meetings. Informal dinners were hosted at the La Cantina Restaurant and Monet’s at Fancourt. The client did not want to have the gala dinner in the same venue as the conference. As a result, a glass marquee was erected on the golf course’s practice facility. • CATERING Conference lunches and tea breaks were standard. The gala dinner had a James Bond/Casino

Royale theme and the menu was customised to match. The event organiser enjoyed working with the executive chef who provided an innovative menu. • ACCOMMODATION At Fancourt Estate, guests can choose between a room in the beautifully restored The Manor House or one of the many stately garden suites and studios, which are all newly refurbished. The housekeeping team at Fancourt Estate will ensure that your guests are well looked after. According to the event organiser, “Personalised room drops for such a big group are always challenging, but the executive house keeper was a pleasure to work with, as she and her team, along with our staff, managed to make sure that everyone received what they were meant to.”

PERSONALISED SERVICE The staff are very flexible – nothing is ever a problem for them. They assisted the organiser and her team in prepping the venues with the conference material, which had to be placed on the tables, and with the setting up of the marquee for the gala dinner. “There were always sufficient staff and the banqueting operations manager was always in sight – I never had to look for anyone if we needed assistance,” says the organiser.

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INCOSO was started in 2007 by Candice Christians in her home study. After rapidly developing a strong customer base and investing in the very latest technology available in the market, INCOSO moved to bigger premises in 2009 to accommodate its growth. Driven by the aim to always improve, INCOSO understands that the conference industry is always changing and, therefore, is always looking for the latest products and event solutions to offer its clients. Candice is a full-time working mom to two beautiful girls and has a passion for food, fitness and outdoor life. “Any event organiser will know that a venue plays an important part in the success of an event. The staff at Fancourt Estate were not only flexible but also helpful and friendly – they were great to work with. I always felt that they had our best interests at heart. They provided advice and solutions, which helped in pulling off this spectacular conference. With such awesome service coupled with a beautiful location, modern facilities and mouth-watering fare, Fancourt Estate is a must-use venue”.

+27 (0)44 804 0020 groupreservations@fancourt.co.za fancourt.co.za

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

s u p p l i e r s • Te a m - b u i l d i n g

unzipadventure From the office cleaner who likes going slow, to the new girl who likes going fast, to the finance manager who loves monkeying around – everyone will enjoy a Canopy Tours team-building experience. Anneke Smit from Cape Adventure shares why she uses this service provider.

THE DETAILS Canopy Tours take people up into a previously inaccessible realm of nature whereby platforms built high up within the branches of an indigenous tree or against the cliffs of ancient mountains are joined by spectacular long zip-line cable slides high above the forest floor. Enjoy flying along the slides or spend a few minutes relaxing and absorbing the tranquillity of your natural surroundings while on each of the platforms.Trained canopy guides ensure the safety of each group while describing interesting facts about the surrounding environment. Suitable for all ages, Canopy Tours are great for the whole family, nature lovers, thrill seekers and corporate groups. With seven official Canopy Tours around the country – Tsitsikamma, Karkloof, Magaliesberg, Magoebaskloof, Drakensberg, Swaziland and the Cape - there’s one near you! DURATION Overall experience takes about 2 - 4 hours. DEPARTURES Hourly departures between 08:00 - 14:00 during summer months and 09:00 - 13:00 during winter months. EQUIPMENT All zipline equipment is provided. EXPERIENCE No experience is required. FAST FACT A film crew is also available to take pictures and videos for you, which are available as an additional purchase.

canopytour.co.za

CAPE CANOPY TOUR + 27 (0)21 300 0501 KARKLOOF CANOPY TOUR +27 (0)33 330 3415 TSITSIKAMMA CANOPY TOUR +27 (0)42 281 1836 MAGALIESBERG CANOPY TOUR +27 (0)15 535 0150 MAGOEBASKLOOF CANOPY TOUR +27 (0)83 866 1546 DRAKENSBERG CANOPY TOUR +27 (0)36 468 1981 MALOLOTJA CANOPY TOUR +268 7633 5749

36 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

WHY IS TEAM-BUILDING SO IMPORTANT? Team building events benefit self-development, effective communication between employers and employees as well as problem-solving skills within a group. WHAT MAKES CANOPY TOURS A GREAT TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY? Canopy Tours is a great outdoor experience that includes a lot of adrenaline and fun. A tour takes employees out of the office, helps break down personal barriers, and pushes employees out of their comfort zone while they enjoy a fully guided nature tour from a bird’s-eye view. If a client is nervous or requires assistance, the guides will happily go in tandem with them. Additional ‘soft adventure’, ground-based, team-building activities are also available. Canopy Tours reengages teams to be more effective in the office, releasing pent-up energy and helping them to reach new heights. WHAT HAVE SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS SAID ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE? Participants felt that Canopy Tours does a great job of making employees feel safe yet challenged. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND CANOPY TOURS? Yes, I would. Canopy Tours is a safe, yet adrenalinpumping, nature-guided tour for school groups, sports teams, or corporate team building and is suitable for people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels. Canopy Tours can also provide add-on services or tailor a function to suit clients’ needs. Services include transfers, additional meal options, facilitated interactive team-building sessions and overnight stays. Canopy Tours will excite, unite, motivate and inspire your group.

THE team buildER Previously from the rafting and safari industry, Anneke Smit has had the privilege to travel and discover the unspoiled beauty of Africa. Her passion for adventure, tourism and client relations gives her indepth knowledge of her client’s needs. Her collaboration with local operators ensures the best outdoor activities and tour packages for adventurers and travellers of all ages. Anneke is in charge of Cape Adventure Zone’s new tours, marketing, reservations and behind-the-scenes logistics to make your trip unforgettable.

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Speaker's corner

A breath of fresh air The success of Debbie Guest’s events relies on the speaker being able to connect and engage with a diverse audience. It is for this very reason that she works with Unique Speaker Bureau, as they are able to pair the right speakers with her event needs.

THE DETAILS

Debbie Guest FNB Enterprise and Customer Services THE EVENT Enterprise and Customer Services hosts regular events as part of their employee engagement initiative. These events are aimed at helping align an employee’s personal goals and values with the organisation’s goals and values. The speakers at these events need to inspire individuals. THE SPEAKER Alex Granger is an impact speaker – one who will provoke delegates to question their existing thinking while providing new insights. He can be used to open or close a conference, but is also comfortable delivering strategic content to a management conference, to MC or facilitate an event or direct a panel discussion. He can best be described as dynamic, inspirational, energetic and passionate about making an impact on people. He delivers meaningful presentations with comprehensive content that is both easy to understand and implement. He has the ability to motivate, guide and lead delegates to higher thoughts on business strategy and personal development.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BOOKING A SPEAKER for your events? • ABILITY TO FINE-TUNE THEIR PRESENTATIONS The speaker should be able to mould their presentation to suit the needs of the event and the organisation. The speaker must research the corporate culture and modify the presentation as per the organisation’s needs. • ACTION-ORIENTED The speaker must leave a lasting impression on the audience. The presentation needs to not only make the audience understand what to do, but inspire them to do it – now! The speaker must provide an actionable programme that the audience can take away with them. • A PASSION FOR THE CRAFT The speaker must command the audience’s attention with their passion. A passion for life, success and work must be evident in the presentation. WHY WAS THIS SPEAKER CHOSEN FOR THIS EVENT? After consultation with USB and having seen Alex Granger in action, I knew he would be a perfect fit. He fits into our company’s brand values. I like the way he is able to combine his past business experience and track record with his motivational talks. His presentations are practical and provide enormous value to people at all levels in companies. HOW DO YOU RATE HIS DELIVERY AND SUITABILITY FOR THE AUDIENCE? Alex has worked well with the various audiences he has presented to. He has a fantastic personality and awesome wit. His presentations always have a great impact on his audience. He is always prepared, professional and brings his personal touch to an event. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS SPEAKER FOR OTHER EVENTS? Yes, Alex can help ensure

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Alex Granger - dynamic, inspirational, energetic and passionate about making an impact on people that your event goals are met. He has great initiative and is innovative and I have no reservations in recommending him. WHY USE USB? I appreciate the fact that USB hosts not only speaker showcases but also workshops and speaker breakfasts throughout the year. It is here that event organisers can access the speakers in order to get a better understanding of what they can bring to a conference, event or intervention. With a unique understanding of the markets it serves and based on knowledge and experience, USB has developed the ability to creatively pair the right speaker with the right event, making it relevant, aligned with the client objectives and a good use of budget. MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

CLIENT SPEAKER BREAKFASTS IN 2017 SHOWCASING RENOWNED AND FRESH PREMIER LEAGUE, SPEAKER TALENT. Contact Paul on 011 465 4410 / paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com to discuss your speaker requirements or go to www.uniquespeakerbureau.com to find out more.

USB is producing GURUS, a business TV show that exposes untapped wisdom reaching audiences through CNBC Africa. Gurus is proudly brought to you by Unique Speaker Bureau, one of the world’s leading speaker agencies.

f e a t u r e d v e n u e • Gauteng

The venue without equal With a variety of versatile outdoor and indoor venues to choose from and comprehensive event services that include technical, decor and team building, Monte De Dios provides a professional and stress-free event solution. perfect setting for your next • Exhibition • Conference • Gala dinner • Product launch • Year-end function • Team-building adventure • Corporate family day

ow would you like to host your event in Spain without travelling across the border? A mere 8.9 km from Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, nestled against a picturesque mountain, lies a beautiful Spanish equestrian villa. Once you set foot on the property it feels like you have been transported to a different world–the terracotta roof tiles, tower-like chimneys, balconies, ornamental iron works, courtyards and beautiful patios all amount to one thing – a touch of Spain.

THE X-FACTOR

+27 (0)87 654 4457/8/9 info@montededios.co.za montededios.co.za

Every venue has its unique factor, something that sets it apart from the rest – Monte De Dios is definitely unique; it’s everything you could ask for if you need a stunning venue for your next event. Monte De Dios has the finest facilities, outstanding catering and professionally trained staff. Sister company, EPH Group, ensures that event planners have access to the latest and best conference equipment available

DID YOU KNOW?

Monte de Dios is rapidly becoming a popular foodie destination thanks to the unforgettable dining experiences offered.

and with experienced technicians on hand to assist with any difficulties. And what about space, you ask? Even that is covered by this one-of-a-kind venue. As owner Leon Pheiffer says, “Where else in Pretoria can you have an executive breakfast for 30 in a castle dining room, a 50th birthday for 80 in a cellar, a food and wine festival in a garden and amphitheatre, welcome drinks at a courtyard outdoor fireplace, sundowners under a glass atrium, an awards dinner in a ballroom for 450, and a team-building exercise on a mountain?” It really doesn’t get more unique than that.

the perfect combination People often underestimate the value of convenience when planning events. Combine convenience with good service, high quality and innovation and you’ve found the perfect combination. This is exactly why clients return to Monte De Dios – not only do they offer everything under one roof, but they go out of their way to do all of this with their client’s limited budget in mind. It’s not always easy, but they still manage to do this every time, regardless of their busy schedule or their client's needs and requirements. Monte de Dios is still planning on doing even more with this remarkable venue to improve on the already superb setting and facilities, so watch this space.

These include: • Sunday Spanish tapas • Nibble Markets with gourmet food, gin, beer and wine stalls

• R omantic movie and picnic evenings • Six-course food and wine pairing dinners . www.theplanner.guru

d e s t i n a t i o n • Garden Route and Klein Karoo

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo:

Western Cape’s Named for its natural abundance and beauty, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo offers diverse landscapes - lush indigenous forests, secluded lagoons, striking gorges covered in aloes and fynbos, picturesque farmlands and towering mountain peaks. This creates a stunning backdrop for meetings, incentives and events. Fancourt Estate

WHAT TO EXPECT Visitors can expect excellent wineries and gourmet artisanal foods; high-quality crafts and designer boutiques; farmer’s markets and antique stores; and unique furniture and interior decor that utilise the marvellous indigenous woods and other natural resources of the region. For active visitors, there is walking or nature hikes, marine cruises and fishing, scenic drives and flights as well mountain biking, abseiling, bungee jumping and even shark diving.

40 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

Fancourt Estate

OUT OF AFRICA Set in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains and surrounded by the unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve ensures a truly unique safari experience. This is an exceptional place for a day visit, getaway, special function, themed evening or even an intimate wedding. The reserve is situated on a 3 500 ha game farm and comprises over 26 different species of animals and a wide variety of birds. Each of the 17 luxury, air-conditioned, tented suites at Botlierskop is elegantly decorated in a romantic colonial theme. The en-suite bathrooms are lavishly equipped with deep baths and the outdoor bush showers ensure stunning views. The seven-bedroom manor house on the reserve offers different accommodation with similar styles to the tented accommodation. The chefs have a variety of menus, from buffet style to set menus. The cuisine is very traditional, with a variety of meats including fillet, kudu, crocodile, chicken and more. Botlierskop offers the perfect venue for adding a touch of magic and style to your functions. +27 (0)44 696 6055 l info@botlierskop.co.za botlierskop.co.za

A bush experience Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is 6.5 km outside Oudtshoorn en-route to the famous Cango Caves. The lodge offers a unique and perfect setting for your conference, product launch, meeting, corporate function or team-building session. The venue can seat up to 100 delegates in cinema style. The modern conference centre is situated on the edge of a natural waterhole with a wide wooden deck – the perfect atmosphere to promote the sharing of information and where productive and innovative thinking can take place. Enjoy breakaway sessions out on the deck beside the 5 ha dam, in the lookout lounge or in the a la carte restaurant. On offer are numerous activities such as bush safaris, horseback safaris and elephant excursions, all supervised by trained professionals. The game lodge has a total of 29 luxury, air-conditioned tents with en-suite bathrooms and private outdoor showers. Each unit has a view over the waterhole and the picturesque Swartberg Mountains and accommodates two delegates, either in twin, or king-size beds. +27 (0)44 272 0000 or +27 (0)82 377 7304 marketing@buffelsdrift.com buffelsdrift.com

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES Fancourt Estate offers extraordinary experiences on an expansive estate, with breathtaking views and an array of on- and off-site venues and activities. Just 7 km from George Airport, with daily flights from major cities, delegates can choose from 117 Fancourt hotel rooms and 19 The Manor House suites and an assortment of leisure activities. With a 400-seater ballroom, boardrooms and numerous breakaway rooms, Fancourt provides you with many venue options to cater for your specific needs. A variety of leisure activities and entertainment offers the Fancourt business traveller so much more than just conferencing. Some of the outdoor and indoor activities that Fancourt offers include a fully equipped spa, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and running and walking trails. On-site team-building activities include a golf clinic, night golf, a 4-hole challenge and potjie competitions. Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, a trip up the Outeniqua Mountains on the Powervan or an experience with lions or meerkats are examples of off-site team building in the area. +27 (0)44 804 0020 l groupreservations@fancourt.co.za fancourt.co.za www.theplanner.guru

The Knysna Yacht Club

WHAT A VIEW The Knysna Yacht Club is situated on the Knysna Lagoon, offering views that are unique and extensive. Guests can marvel at The Heads – one of the most eye-catching geological features along the Southern African coastline; bask in natural splendour with the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance (often with a dusting of snow in winter) and take delight in the lagoon itself, which is sprinkled with yachts. The club caters for tailor-made functions. Whether you are looking for that perfect venue to get hitched, or to knock the socks off guests at your private birthday bash or year-end function (or any other function, for that matter!) – this is the venue for you. The venue seats 100 people in its beautiful white clubhouse, with the water lapping under your feet. Parking is readily available and the Knysna Waterfront is right next door. Experienced caterers will ensure that your culinary wishes are granted and the efficient and imaginative events management team will keep everything on track. +27 (0)44 382 5724 l secretary@knysnayachtclub.com knysnayachtclub.com

Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant

AT THE WATER’S EDGE If you’re in the mood for a sensory treat, then there’s simply no place better than Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant in Plettenberg Bay. Beautifully situated right on the famous Lookout beach, this terraced restaurant was carefully designed without walls, so as not to spoil the phenomenal panoramic views, which stretch from the gently lapping lagoon all the way to the Tsitsikamma mountain range. Visual feasting aside, the menu at Lemon Grass is equally delicious. A variety of freshly prepared foods are available – from the freshest fish and seafood to mouth-watering meats and game, all drawing influences from either international or traditionally local cuisine. Each dish is carefully prepared by one of the restaurant’s chefs, making sure you’re smiling from the first bite to the last. The restaurant can be booked out for private functions and can comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. +27 (0)44 533 5520 l leon@lemongrassplett.co.za lemongrassplett.co.za

Things to SEE AND DO

GET CHILLED

While you're visiting ostriches in Oudtshoorn, stop by Karusa Vineyards. But don’t be fooled by the name as there is so much more to do than just taste wine. The tasting room is intimate and opens up on to the wine garden. While you taste the wine, staff will provide you with a wealth of knowledge about the region and the wines, helping you select your favourites. If you prefer beer, you are in luck – the vineyard boasts a microbrewery on-site. And while you're there, enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the beautiful views. +27 (0)44 272 8712 info@karusa.co.za karusa.co.za

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Just 29 km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder – the Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. The Cango Caves is the only show cave in Africa that offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours. All tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited caves guides. +27 (0)44 272 7410 reservations@cangocaves.co.za cangocaves.co.za

#UNZIPADVENTURE The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour takes places in the magnificent Tsitsikamma forest, with most of the platforms built around giant 700-year-old Outeniqua yellowwoods. Hold your breath as you slide from tree to tree through the forest, stopping at each new platform while your guides tell you a little more about the surrounding ecology. If you are fortunate, you will spot a pair of Knysna loeries or the brilliant red plumage of the elusive Narina trogon. +27 (0)42 281 1836 canopytour.co.za

Become a Discoverer

Built on the site where Portuguese explorers first met the indigenous Khoi people, the Dias Museum complex in Mossel Bay includes the Maritime Museum, which celebrates the early days of discovery. Star of the show here is a life-size replica of Bartolomeu Dias’ caravel, the ship he arrived on back in 1488. The replica was built in Portugal in 1987 and was sailed to South Africa in 1988 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Dias' voyage. Discover original maps, ancient artefacts and a wide range of other maritime displays giving you insight into the history of the Dutch, English and Portuguese navigators and explorers. Within the complex, you will be able to visit the Old Granary (exhibiting a range of flowers and plants found in Mossel Bay), a shell museum and aquarium, the big post office tree, the fountain, ethno botanical gardens, an old whale skeleton, Malay graves and much more. +27 (0)44 691 1067 info@diasmuseum.co.za diasmuseum.co.za

MEETINGS l march/april 2017 •

Let us help meetyou in our inspiring province Letyou us help in our inspiring province Let us help you meet in meet our inspiring province

#1 destination for meetings in Africa (ICCA 2015)

#1 destination for meetings in Africa (ICCA 2015) #1 destination for meetings in Africa (ICCA 2015)

capetownconventionbureau.org capetownconventionbureau conventionbureau@wesgro.co.za capetownconventionbureau conventionbureau@wesgro.c +27 (021) 487 8600

conventionbureau@wesgro.c +27 (021) 487 8 +27 (021) 487 8

ORGANISER F OCUS

Industry trendsetters Reed The group’s portfolio of shows and exhibitions Exhibitions is one of Africa’s leading WTM Africa is the only Africa travel week – three ILTM Africa is a specialist, ibtm africa is a highexhibition, trade show of its kind to travel industry events, one invitation-only event quality, content-driven events and cater to both inbound venue – Cape Town International where the very best travel education programme. The and outbound markets. Convention agents and advisors from conference brings together AFRICA | TRAVEL AFRICA AFRICA | WEEK | TRAVEL | TRAVEL | WEEK | WEEK Centre. This event conference At WTM Africa, you can comprises three co-lated shows across the world meet key meeting planners generate sales leads, launch – WTM Africa, ibtm africa and Africa’s most spectacular from some of the leading organisers. new products, enter new ILTM Africa – and encompasses luxury travel experiences. corporates in South Africa markets, develop and Africa's inbound and outbound A bespoke appointment and suppliers from the Here’s why… TM

ne of the

largest and most successful event and venue management companies of its kind in Africa, Reed Exhibitions is spearheaded by the dynamic Carol Weaving, who is reputed for her passion for delivering high-profile, customerfocused events in established and emerging markets, which generate billions in business revenue for the industries that we serve. Reed Exhibitions’ wide range of event management solutions includes trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and meetings – from conception to delivery. The group’s portfolio includes major awardwinning exhibition titles and trade shows in South Africa. With these highprofile shows to its credit, the group is a trendsetter in the industry serving a wide range of industry sectors. Reed Exhibitions is committed to creating market places for businesses to help them grow and establish their presence through trade exhibitions and conferences in growing and developing markets.

markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector.

programme lies at the heart of the event, allowing buyers and exhibitors to choose up to 57 appointments from a select community of elite buyers and suppliers.

meetings industry. The conference gives attendees insights into technology, future trends, procurement and consolidation and the convergence of the travel and meetings industry.

maintain relationships, raise brand awareness and command press attention. WTM Africa is a three-day, must-attend event that brings the world to Africa and Africa to the world.

Details 21 – 23 April www.iltm.com/africaco.za

Details 20 April www.ibtmafrica.com

Details 19 – 21 April www.africa.wtm.com

LOGO - Connected Industries - FINAL - WHITE LOGO - IIoTech Expo - FINAL - COLOUR

Friday, October 7, 2016 3:29:38 PM

Friday, October 7, 2016 3:28:05 PM

LOGO LOGO - Connected - Connected Industries Industries - FINAL - FINAL - WHITE - WHITE LOGOLOGO - IIoTech - IIoTech Expo -Expo FINAL - FINAL - COLOUR - COLOUR

Friday, Friday, October October 7, 2016 7, 2016 3:29:38 3:29:38 PM PM

Friday,Friday, October October 7, 2016 7, 3:28:05 2016 3:28:05 PM PM

Africa Automation Fair is a focused networking platform for the automation and control industry and works closely with industry associations including the IIG, SAIMC and Technews Publishing to plan and execute a world-class event. The fair targets senior buyers from South Africa, the rest of Africa and invites participation from international buyers through matchmaking initiatives, the hosted buyer programme, the Reed Exhibitions International Sales Group, input from focused conference and content experts. The fair generates more exposure to and support from relevant government bodies across the African continent, Europe, Asia and the USA. Both local and international exposure to senior buyers ensures extended visitor dwell time at the trade fair, provides more educational and training content, and draws even more exhibitors showcasing the topmost industrial control and automation technologies. In an ongoing effort to incorporate future trends and cutting-edge technology, Africa Automation Fair 2017 will collaborate everything automation with IoT/Industrie 4.0, by inviting companies to showcase their innovative products and solutions at the fair, and simultaneously hosting a world-class “Connected Industries” conference alongside the already popular trade fair. The conference will host local and international keynote speakers from government and leading industry specialists covering topics on “The Impact of Industrie 4.0/IoT on the economy” as well as a “Technology Show Case”. With so much to offer all under one roof, Africa Automation Fair is the most comprehensive showcase of industrial control technologies of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Details 6 – 8 June 2017 l Ticketpro Dome www.africaautomationfair.com

42 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

This show is devoted to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, providing an invaluable platform for small businesses to market themselves and interact with prominent business leaders and representatives from a number of corporate companies. It’s the ideal platform to stimulate business growth and motivate both current and aspiring entrepreneurs. This year, visitors and exhibitors will have access to seven free workshops with content tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs, business owners and start-ups. Content will range from high-level discussions and motivational talks to more in-depth, focused presentations. The show is moving away from a static exhibition to a dynamic and meaningful platform of brokering relationships where businesses and entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate. Details 3 1 August – 2 September l Ticketpro Dome www.SmallbizExpo.co.za

The #BuyaBusiness Expo is an annual trade show held at the Ticketpro Dome. This expo connects entrepreneurs and investors who are looking to grow, diversify or enter into business ownership with one of the many business and franchise opportunities available at the show. The show will again feature networking events, a match-making diary and #TheClub. The #BuyABusiness Expo is not simply an exhibition but a platform for brokering relationships. Details 3 1 August – 2 September l Ticketpro Dome www.BuyaBusinessExpo.co.za

www.theplanner.guru

NEW SHOWS FOR 2017 18 - 21 March 2017

or, design and lifestyle exhibitions will once again be the destination of choice for those intent on turning as well as offering the ultimate business forum for trade professionals. With no fewer than 44 000m2 of howcasing the latest décor and design trends, products and services, across Durban, Cape Town as well as or, design and lifestyle exhibitions will once again destination choice for those intent on turning tion an extensive Trade Business Programme. Being be thethe biggest and theof best is a strong motivator to keep on as wellSA asportfolio. offering the ultimate business forum for trade professionals. With no fewer than 44 000m2 of ecorex howcasing the latest décor and design trends, products and services, across Durban, Cape Town as well as tiondesign an extensive Trade exhibitions Business Programme. Being be thethe biggest and theof best is a strong motivator to keep on or, and lifestyle will once again destination choice for those intent on turning We have been exhibiting at Decorex Exhibitions ecorex as wellSA as portfolio. offering the ultimate business forum for trade professionals. With no fewer than 44 000m2 of Africa’s largest for a number of design years and feel that is the across Durban, Cape Town as well as howcasing the latest décor anddecor, design trends, products anditservices, and lifestyle exhibitions willAfrica, premium design show in South it not onlyand adds tion an extensive Trade Business Programme. Being the biggest thevalue best is a strong motivator to keep on againasbea the destination ecorex SAtoportfolio. ouronce business brand, but in turn offers the home owner 18 - 21 March 2017

Durban Exhibition Centre

the FIRE & FEAST BUTCHER'S FESTIVAL

27 - 30 April 2017 The launch of The Fire & Feast Butcher's Festival was inevitable dueCTICC to South Africa's love of anything meaty. The festival will create an interactive experience that provides the attending public with an educational opportunity to understand the various cuts and varieties 9 -13 August 2017 of meat, how to buy and prepare meat, pairing techniques and, finally, the art of cooking meat. Gallagher Convention Centre Details 26 – 28 May l Ticketpro Dome www.fireandfeast.co.za

of choice foran those intent Durban Exhibition Centre and professional avenue to on explore the latest in design turning house into home as Details 18 - 21 March 2017 trends giving them a wealth of inspiration. well as offering the ultimate 18 – 21 March 2017 Durban Exhibition Centre business forum for trade Durban Exhibition Centre 27 - 30 April 2017 Clinton Soutter With no fewer 18 - 21 March 2017 www.decorex.co.za CTICC een exhibiting atprofessionals. Decorex Exhibitions THE VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE Franke South 44 Africa 000 m2 of exhibition ber of years andthan feel that it is the Durban Exhibition 27 - 30 April 2017 Centre EXPO EAST AFRICA decorexsa@reedexpoafrica.co.za space the latest w in South Africa, it notshowcasing only adds value CTICC This expo is the only trade event focusing exclusively on een exhibiting atdecor Decorex design trends, brand, but in turn offersand theExhibitions home owner 9 -13 August 2017 ber of years andproducts feel itand isinthe value-added agriculture in East Africa. The interactive event avenue to explore thethat latest design services, Details 27 - 30 April 2017 Gallagher Convention Centre in South Africa, it notDurban, only addsCape value Town will showcase value-added products with brands “made in East awwealth of inspiration. across 27 – 30 April 2017 CTICC brand, but in turn offers the home owner een exhibiting at Decorex Exhibitions 9 -13 August 2017 Africa” only, as well as machinery, equipment and technology as well as Joburg, not to CTICC avenue to explore thethat latest design ber of years and feel it isinthe Pollution and Waste Technology Africa that will encourage a change towards more efficient and Gallagher Convention Centre mention an extensive Trade www.decorex.co.za awwealth of inspiration. in South Africa,Asit anot only adds value consequence of human impact on our environment we need to explore new solutions for sustainability. Pollution and Waste productive value-added production in East Africa. Business Programme. Being brand, but in turn offers the homeisowner 9 -13 August decorexsa@reedexpoafrica.co.za Technology Africa the ideal platform to showcase the latest technology, innovations and2017 solutions for processing, reducing the biggest and the is This trade exhibition is co-located with Africa Automation Fair and aims to connect industry Details 24 – 25 May l Kenyatta Conference Centre avenue to explore the latest in design and managing waste andbest pollution. Gallagher Convention Centre www.decorex.co.za specialists and professionals across private and public sectors. a strong motivator to keep www.valueaddedagri.co.za a wealth of inspiration. decorexsa@reedexpoafrica.co.za on reinventing the Visitor profile: Engineers, manufacturers, Details professionals within pollution, energy, water, waste and construction as well Decorex SA portfolio. as local authorities. 9 – 13 August 2017 POLLUTION & WASTE TECHNOLOGY AFRICA www.decorex.co.za

18 - 21 March 2017

Exhibitor profile: Companies providing technology, innovations and solutions for pollution and waste management. www.decorex.co.za Gallagher Convention Centre decorexsa@reedexpoafrica.co.za

Durban Exhib tion Centre

This trade exhibition is collocated with Africa Automation Fair. This new exhibition is focused on technology, innovations and solutions used to process and reduce pollution and waste from all industry sectors and as a consequence of the human impact on our environment. Details 6 – 8 June l Ticketpro Dome www.pollutionwasteafrica.co.za

The finest of inspiring South African and international design is Pollution showcased atmanagement 100% Design South Africa. Exciting and waste are topical issues,” says Carol Weaving, Director of Reed Exhibitions. only are we seeing the impacts of new workManaging and ranges from a stellar“Not exhibitor list of top poor environmental management in our daily lives, but international and local legislation will local brands, from classic and contemporary furniture to increasingly force organisations to address pollution and waste issues. More efficient methods ceramics, textiles andpollution moreand – all of which set the style must be harnessed to reduce improve waste management in Southpace Africa. In addition, there is significant scope for business opportunities and job creation through for the year to come. 100% Design South Africa promises innovative approaches to pollution and waste management in the country.” to become bigger and better due to a collaboration with Inspire Trade Expo, the country’s exclusive business-tobusiness furniture, decor, design and retail trade exhibition. Details 9 – 13 August 2017 l Gallagher Convention Centre www.100percentdesign.co.za

6 - 8 June 2017 Ticketpro Dome www.pollutionwasteafrica.co.za info@pollutionwasteafrica.co.za

INTERNATIONAL SOURCING FAIR (ISF) Reaching African markets in home, hospitality, office and retail, ISF is a landmark three-day event set to transform the face of buying across Africa, as the continent’s increasingly sophisticated consumer culture continues to accelerate unprecedented economic growth. ISF will provide a forum where international suppliers can make direct connections with potential retailers, buyers and procurement teams from South Africa and other selected African countries. Details 1 3 – 15 September l Ticketpro Dome www.internationalsourcingfair.co.za

THE VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE EXPO WEST AFRICA

Mediatech Africa, co-owned by Sun Circle Exhibitions and Reed Exhibitions, is a biennial advanced media and entertainment technology trade show held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The expo showcases new technologies and services from industry leaders in AV system integration and communications; live entertainment technology; television and broadcast; animation and film; studio and production; and DJ and pro-audio equipment. Details 1 9 – 21 July 2017 l Ticketpro Dome www.mediatech.co.za

Wehavebe nexhibtingatDecorexExhibtions foranumberofyearsandfe lthati sthe

+27 (0)11 549 8300 l info@reedexpoafrica.co.za www.reedexpoafrica.co.za All shows and dates are subject to change

www.theplanner.guru

This is the only trade event focusing exclusively on valueadded agriculture in West Africa. The event brings together the full value chain in agriculture, which includes farmers, manufacturers, suppliers, government representatives and investors, offering networking and trade opportunities to the entire agriculture value chain in West Africa.

27 - 30 April 2017

Details 2 5 – 26 October l Accra Conference Centre www.valueaddedagri-wa.co.za

FIBO BUSINESS SUMMIT AFRICA This show is the only international business platform for gym owners and managers, distributors, suppliers, investors and health professionals in the fitness, wellness and health industry on the African continent. Trainers, instructors and physiotherapists will gain knowledge on how to create tailored exercises and training programmes for their clients and patients. Start-up entrepreneurs will be introduced to the latest equipment, technology and products to boost their businesses and skills. Gym and wellness institute owners and managers will gain knowledge and insight on the understanding of health management in the workplace.

C TIC

Details 7 – 8 November l Emperors Palace www.fibo.com

MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

C o n v e n t i o n B u r e a u F OCUS

A world of business opportunities at your fingertips Each year, the South African National Convention Bureau has a pavilion at various international tradeshows that attracts buyers, event planners, and all those involved in the decisionmaking process for the MICE industry, as well as those involved in booking and buying business and group travel.

IMEX Frankfurt is the paramount tradeshow and global industry event run by meetings professionals for meetings professionals. It’s where all the influencers from the world of meetings, events and incentive travel gather for three electric days of business, innovation and networking. It is the perfect business forum, welcoming over 3 500 global exhibitors in a comprehensive range featuring tourist boards, international hotel companies, airlines, destination management companies, technology providers and many more. IMEX Frankfurt is also renowned for attracting topquality hosted buyers; so, along with the thousands of trade visitors, you can expect up to 15 000 senior decision-makers to mix and do business with.

ibtm china provides the ultimate platform for the world’s leading suppliers to the MICE industry to meet top-level buyers with strong purchasing power who are responsible for organising and planning meetings, events and business travel in China, Asia and the rest of the world. The show has over 4 000 attendees from around the world. Exhibitors include: international venues, hotels, destinations, technology, business travel and events services providers essential for your meetings, conferences, incentives and events. ibtm china hosts over 450 top-level decision-makers who place international business, and facilitates over 8 900 face-to-face appointments between exhibitors and buyers.

IMEX America sets the pace for doing business on an international scale. Increasing in size and scope annually, this event features the largest hosted buyer programme. The energy at IMEX America is palpable; it connects everyone with key players, generating innovative ideas, and driving business with the force of global opportunities. Plug into the power source at IMEX America: the pulse of the meetings industry. IMEX America hosts over 2 900 top-level decision-makers who place international business, and facilitates over 60 000 faceto-face appointments between exhibitors and buyers. 10 – 12 October 2017 imexamerica.com

23 – 24 August 2017 cibtm.com

16 – 18 May 2017 imex-frankfurt.com

To find out more about these shows and how to exhibit, contact Mmabatho Sikhakhane on +27 (0)11 895 3079 or mmabathos@southafrica.net

44 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

www.theplanner.guru

Inspiring new ways ibtm world (formerly known as eibtm) is a great opportunity for you to get in front of the industry’s finest trade professionals and international buyers. Through highly targeted introductions, ibtm world brings you face to face with the right people in the right organisations, to build relationships, develop your business and expand your knowledge. The show has a strong and successful 27-year history as the leading exhibition for the global MICE industry. Today, ibtm world looks and feels very different, constantly evolving and innovating to stay ahead of the market. Each year, 3 000 global exhibitors and 15 500 industry professionals gather to attend. The hosted buyer programme is at the heart of the event, guaranteeing top-level decision-makers and highlevel business opportunities. 28 – 30 November 2017 ibtmworld.com

SA Tourism exhibits at IBT Berlin and has a pavilion at WTM London.

ITB Berlin is the world's largest travel trade fair. It provides a unique opportunity to look behind the curtain of the global tourism industry. Each year, the show welcomes 10 000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries. The companies represented at the fair include hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. The thematically ordered market segments help visitors and exhibitors to quickly find their way through the wide product range of ITB Berlin: book world, business travel days, cruises, cultural tourism, economy accommodation, etravel world, adventure & responsible tourism, gay & lesbian travel, ITB mobile travel services, training and employment (CareerCenter), travel technology, trends & events, wellness, and youth travel. ITB Berlin is where supply meets demand. Over 114 000 industry-related professional attend the show each year.

World Travel Market London (WTM) is the leading global event for the travel industry. It provides a unique opportunity for the whole global travel industry to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof. All sectors of the travel industry are represented, including tourist boards, airlines, cruise, hotels, luxury travel, responsible tourism and travel technology. Close to 5 000 exhibitors take part in the event to showcase their destinations, products and services. These organisations use WTM as a platform to reach almost 50 000 travel professionals across the three days of the show. WTM London facilitates business with its unique networking events, including the ever-popular Buyers' Speed Networking sessions. WTM means business. 6 – 8 November 2017 wtmworld.com

8 – 12 March 2017 itbberlin.de/en

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MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

ta l k i n g p o i n t s

industry views AAXO – for the exhibition organisers

Creating successful stands Amanda Cunningham shares three top tips that will ensure your exhibition stand is the best.

s the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) saw at the recent ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards, together with exhibition organising, stand design is of an exceptional standard in Africa. We are a body driven by exhibition organisers for exhibition organisers, but our mandate has always been to promote a thriving exhibition industry as a whole. After all, if exhibitors are successful, our exhibitions will be successful. And it all starts with the exhibition stand.

Amanda Cunningham is the manging director of The Wedding Expo and is a member of AAXO.

KEEP IT SIMPLE Keep signage and layout clean, clear and simple. Your stand should make a statement and immediately announce to the visitor what your service or product is. Your product should be easily accessible and on display.

USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE It is easy to get caught up in all the latest technology

industry views

CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE It is no secret that lighting, scent, colours and music can all be used to enhance the customer experience. Think carefully about what feelings you would like to invoke with the customer when they enter your stand. Enlist the expertise of a reputable stand design company if you need to. To quote Carol Weaving, chairperson of AAXO, “Exhibitors are the lifeblood of exhibitions. At AAXO, we are determined to ensure that all stakeholders in the industry succeed. Careful attention to some of the smaller details of designing an exhibition stand can make all the difference.”

UFI Congress 2017 comes to SA

UFI - a global network of exhibition organisers

The congress will facilitate business opportunities, the sharing of information, and face-to-face networking, writes Craig Newman.

U Craig Newman is the CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre and vice-chair of the Middle East Africa chapter of UFI.

trends but for smaller exhibitors, something as simple as a media device customers can use to look at your website or enter a competition will do. Give away something the customer really wants. By running a simple competition, you get to collect your own names for a lead list as a bonus.

FI is the leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers, exhibition centre operators, national and international exhibition associations, and partners of the exhibition industry. With over 700 members from 84 countries, UFI’s main objective is to represent, promote and support its members and the exhibition industry, and it plays a major role in promoting trade fairs and exhibitions globally as top marketing and communications tools.

Connecting AFRICA The 84th UFI Global Congress, which heads to South African shores in November, will bring large organisations from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and

"We look forward to hosting this prestigious event and being involved in Africa’s development as a promising future platform for the global exhibitions and events industry."

46 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

the United Kingdom that invest in exhibitions worldwide. This congress will connect Africa with the rest of the world. It will be a platform for those seeking new opportunities in emerging markets, and for those who would like to launch their businesses locally, to meet with big potential partners from the international arena.

GET INVOLVED UFI is a global organisation, which gives us the opportunity to promote Africa and to create awareness of the business opportunities available here. Therefore, we ask that the industry take advantage of the opportunities that the event will bring through either exhibiting or sponsorship.

THE DETAILS The 84th UFI Congress, which is expected to attract over 400 delegates, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 1 to 4 November 2017. www.ufijoburg2017.co.za

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Ta l k i n g p o i n t s

Residents vs delegates

industry views

AIPC on the role of conference centres

New research clarifies opportunities and misconceptions about business events delegates, writes Geoff Donaghy.

MISCONCEPTIONS

recent research project* carried out by AIPC has clearly put into focus a number of the key questions around how local residents regard meetings and conventions delegates relative to leisure tourists. At the same time, it has created a template for action by identifying misconceptions along with areas of opportunity for centre communications.

In addition to his role as AIPC president, Geoff Donaghy is CEO at ICC Sydney and director of Convention Centres AEG Ogden. He also represents AIPC on the Joint Meetings Industry Council.

KEY FINDINGS Emerging as the key findings were: • The benefits associated with meetings and convention delegates were distinctly different, with leisure visitors associated almost entirely with spending-based benefits, while those participating in meetings and events being seen to contribute to knowledge, business development, professional practices and other areas of broader community benefit. • At the same time, convention and exhibition delegates were significantly less likely to be associated with negative behaviours such as crowding and congestion, theft and vandalism, the environmental burden and disorderly behaviour. • Finally, respondents were twice as likely to believe that new investment to attract more visitors to their destination should be directed toward the meetings and conventions area rather than leisure tourism.

There were some major misconceptions that blunted the generally beneficial message these kinds of results suggest. The first was that while respondents felt that centres and the events they host created those broader output benefits, very few were clear as to what exactly these were. It is clear that there’s a lot of work to be done in delivering information about such events in order to underline just what it is that they leave behind in our communities. The second is even more important. With regard to the economic benefits associated with visitor spending, surveyed communities believed that leisure visitors had higher levels of spending than delegates. Studies have shown that per diem spending by delegates in most parts of the world where this has been looked at is at least 2% to 300% higher than for other types of visitors. This misconception can easily be addressed by making sure economic impact information is credible and used effectively in centre communications.

CLEAR PICTURE While the results are important to centres, they in fact apply to everyone in the meetings industry, because they go to the heart of industry image in a time when everyone is competing for attention and resources. *Research conducted in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and Sydney.

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MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

1) SAACI Community 2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa

FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM:

THE WORK WE DO IS GUIDED BY FOUR KEY PRINCIPLE PILLARS:

THE PILLARS THE PILLARS THAT GUIDE US THAT GUIDE US

6) Stakeholder Engagement 8) Future Focus

2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa

FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM:

5) Branding & Communication 7) Sustainability

1) SAACI Community

5) Branding & Communication 6) Stakeholder Engagement 7) Sustainability 8) Future Focus

Association Hub 158 Jan Smuts Avenue 4th Floor, East Wing Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

@SAACIOfficial

Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

SAACI Head Office P.O. Box 381 Parklands, 2121

SAACI Official

www

+27 (0) 11 880 5883 +27 (0)86 218 6817 info@saaci.org www.saaci.org

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ta l k i n g p o i n t s

GREENING views

Keeping green with the Event Greening Forum

South Africa’s greenest cities SA cities first to represent Africa on sustainable event destinations index, writes Justin Hawes.

urban, Cape Town and Tshwane are the first African cities to be included in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, an innovative new measure for the level of sustainability that cities can offer the business events industry.

SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION Only 35 cities from five continents participated in the first GDS Index, which launched internationally in 2016. The early adoption of the index by these cities is testimony to South Africa’s commitment to making the country a sustainable destination for business events and tourism. Each city’s score is calculated by its performance across four criteria: city environmental strategy and infrastructure; city social sustainability performance; industry supplier support (restaurants, hotels and convention centres); and convention bureau strategy and initiatives. While the South African cities are not ranked at the top of the list – Durban scored the highest at 19, followed by Cape Town at 21 and Tshwane at 23 – this is still a significant move towards improved sustainability, as it benchmarks how each city is performing compared to other international destinations, as well as where

Justin Hawes is the chairperson of Event Greening Forum and also the managing director of Scan Display.

industry views

ABOUT GDS Index The GDS Index is a collaborative business initiative created to help destinations, convention bureaus, event planners and suppliers drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry. The GDS Index does this by measuring and comparing the social and environmental sustainability strategies, policies and performance of participating destinations by sharing best practice from around the world. gds-index.com

Keep your skills fresh

The MICE Academy - promoting industry best practice

The MICE Academy will be undertaking three specific Knowledge Bubbles during 2017, writes Helen Brewer.

R HELEN BREWER is a director of the MICE Academy. She has been involved in the industry for over 35 years and has immense knowledge and experience to assist with best practice.

improvements are most needed and what challenges each faces. The Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, says, “Hosting any business event is a resource-intensive activity, from the transportation of delegates to utilising huge amounts of energy for event productions and food preparation. But business events also have the power to transform people’s lives and develop businesses into sustainable employment opportunities. So it is extremely important that our country provides sustainable solutions that not only include greening guidelines, but also profit and people solutions.” The next GDS Index assessment will take place in 2018, giving the cities time to work on improving their performance.

espective Knowledge Bubbles will update the experienced travel, training and venue participants on a whole range of MICE requirements with a supplied manual and high-value takeaway notes. Non-core tasks within the travel trade, venues as well as training companies include the organising of various types of events and courses respectively. Although the organising tasks may appear relatively simple, the various subtleties between the core and non-core tasks can strongly influence

WHAT IS IN A NAME? The MICE Academy asked international experts to provide a full explanation of the term Knowledge Bubble. This is how MICE defines it, “Everything one knows is contained in a bubble. As one learns about new topics one’s knowledge bubble grows bigger. It's a simple premise, really. Sometimes, one believes one has a big bubble. When you realisation how little you know when somebody tells you about a new concept or preferred way of doing various tasks, you find yourself trying to increase the size of your bubble with this new knowledge.”

48 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

whether or not a client is satisfied on completion of the organising tasks. There are several incidents where reputations have been tarnished due to a lack of the expected requirements within various planning needs. Similar to a stack of cards, the participant’s core tasks may be exemplary yet the non-core organising tasks, not carried out as expected, may topple the relationship between client and supplier.

THE RESPECTIVE KNOWLEDGE BUBBLES WILL INCLUDE: •U nderstanding the mind of the participant/attendee • The communication process • Dos and don’ts of terms and conditions • Important catering criteria • Venue requirements with the participant in mind The Knowledge Bubbles will take place in March. For more: miceacademy.co.za or info@miceacademy.co.za

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Ta l k i n g p o i n t s

This year is all about networking

industry views

Travelbags how travel impacts the industry

A new year welcomes a different and innovative Travelbags, writes Michelle Hinrichsen.

"The lunches will be a platform whereby members can create valuable connections and relationships with fellow colleagues and potential clients."

ince taking the president’s seat in July 2016, I have wanted to incorporate changes into the Travelbags lunches. I no longer wanted the same old format as we have always had and, after receiving member feedback, I felt that it was time for a change. As with everything in life, you need to be dynamic in order to be relevant and, in turn, successful.

and using them as an excuse to get out of the office, and saying hello to networking, professionalism and an event of choice to attend. Travelbags will add great value to your professional arena. So, before you brace yourself for an innovative and productive 2017 with Travelbags, I want to leave you with these words from Robert Kiyosaki, “Successful people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.” Marinate on that for a minute.

VALUABLE CONNECTIONS

Michelle Hinrichsen has been involved in the travel industry for over a decade. She is the owner of Iconique Brands and is the current president of Travelbags.

This is the reason why we have changed a few things for the Travelbags lunches 2017. The focus, now, will be on networking. The lunches will be a platform whereby members can create valuable connections and relationships with fellow colleagues and potential clients. The committee and I are industry professionals and we pride ourselves on this. We want to extend this same professionalism to each and every supporter of Travelbags. So we are saying goodbye to wasting time at our lunches,

TRAVELBAGS South African Travel Womens Club, Johannesburg

To become a member or for more info: info@travelbags.co.za or travelbags.co.za.

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MEETINGS l March/April 2017 •

Discover the World at WTM Africa 2017

WTM Africa is Africa’s leading and only B2B exhibition for both inbound and outbound travel and tourism markets, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to South African, African and International travel professionals. Through it industry networks, global reach and regional focus, WTM Africa creates personal and business opportunities providing our customers with quality contacts, content and communities.

Generate new sales leads

Network with key decision makers

Develop new and existing partnerships

Launch new products

Increase brand awareness

Gather market intelligence

Book your stand today at wtmafrica.com

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) 19 - 21 April 2017 A MEMBER OF: ORGANISED BY:

PART OF: R

t h e b a c k pa g e

Valuable life lessons Miss Meet has learnt a lot from event management and she uses these teachings in her daily life.

have come to realise that as much as we draw from life, mentors and continued education to enhance our careers, so too can we tap value from our careers for our life in general – if we choose to reflect.This is my list of top life lessons drawn from my experiences in event management.

NEVER MAKE ASSUMPTIONS One of my early event management mentors planted this seed of advice, but my failure to heed his advice on a few occasions finally cemented this as very sound advice indeed. Remember, before you assume, try this crazy method called asking.

Illustration: Nicolene Louw l nicolene@fine-line.co.za

LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE The work we do is filled with lots of little details. “The devil is in the details” is often quoted at courses and seminars and could not be further from the truth. It is also necessary just to stand back and look at the bigger picture. If we don’t reflect on the event at large, our focus on the objective, the client and the audience will be for naught. The details may be taken care of, but that is no good if the event objective is not achieved. I have learnt to do this in other areas of my life too. We can get so bogged down with our daily routines outside of work that we sometimes forgot to just stand back, breath and take in the bigger picture. Ray Bradbury once said, “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is in knowing how to tip ourselves

over and let the beautiful stuff out.” To let the beautiful stuff out, we need to breathe and stand back from the maddening rush.

TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT Organising an event is like raising a child – it takes a village. No one in the chain is more or less important than anyone else. I have been shocked to see that some event managers often disregard, and don’t even greet, key people such as security officers, registration staff, cleaners and serving staff. We can get a lot more value out a relationship if we treat people with respect and dignity. So too in life, we should not create a divide in our minds between who is worthy of our respect and who

is not. If you think someone is lower down the pecking order than you in life, remind yourself that they are fulfilling a crucial role in someone’s life and, therefore, in society too; pecking order is relative depending on your viewpoint and you may just be left with a little egg on your face when they win the lotto tomorrow. Therefore, before we ink the word “respectful” of all on our portfolios under our top character traits, let’s measure this against the wise words from Richard Branson, “Respect is how your treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.” Event management is a wonderful source of daily learnings – step back and take it in!

index to advertisers Barmotion 5 Canopy Tours 36 Cape Town International Convention Centre IBC, 18 - 19 Compex 14 - 15 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank 8-9 EPH Productions 39 Event Architecture International Master Classes 29 Event Planners' Collective 23 Event Wizards 32 -33 Fancourt Estate 34 -35

50 • MEETINGS l MARCH/APRIL 2017

Fine-Line Illustrations Gauteng Convention Bureau Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road Johannesburg Expo Centre Khoja Group KZN Wildlife Lumi Monte de Dios Rand Club Reed Exhibitions

4 55 8 -9 OFC 54 1,3 28 38 6 42 - 43

SAB World of Beer Scan Display South Africa National Convention Bureau Sun City The Exhibitionist/Yours Eventually The Westin Tsogo Sun Unique Speaker Bureau Wesgro World Travel Market

7, 53 16 - 17 44 - 45 20 -21 OBC 2 IFC 37 40 - 41 49

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STAY LOCAL

Amazing places right on your doorstep

WHAT THE EXPERTS KNOW: incentivise your staff today PHOENIX RISING : rediscover Joburg - the city of gold

The SAB World of Beer is a sophisticated five-star conference and event venue in Johannesburg’s trendy Newtown area. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has become one of the country’s top attractions for foreigners and locals alike.

Accolades

Conferencing

Beer Tours

The SAB World of Beer is a popular conference venue and tourist attraction, having achieved a five star rating for its various conference facilities

The SAB World of Beer, graded by the Tourism Grading Council, is a fivestar conference and event venue situated in the heart of Johannesburg.

The SAB World of Beer is a fun-filled beer showcase that explores the rich history of beer. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has become one of the country’s top attractions for foreigners and locals alike.

SAB World of Beer ...the venue with a difference you’ve been looking for!

(011) 836 4900

events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com

www.worldofbeer.co.za

tripvisor

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Enjoy Responsibly. Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of 18.

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E X PERT ADVICE

MEET THE EXPERTS

Staff incentives matter Organisations across the globe are asking the same question: how can we better incentivise our staff?

Kim Currin is the accounts director for Currin’t Events. The company has managed a variety of corporate events. It also promotes client interaction with stakeholders through incentives, team building, golf days, and sports hospitality. currintevents.co.za

Liane McGowan is the founder of Happy Monday. This wellness campaign focuses on mental health and happiness in the workplace, delivering employee wellness campaigns that make the difference. happymonday.co.za

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good success strategy for 2017 would not be complete without guidelines on motivating staff to perform better, be happier in the workplace and increase productivity and profits. According to Kim Currin, account director, Currin’t Events, the starting point in planning staff incentives is to determine specific objectives. “These can range from increased sales targets and more motivated staff, to friendly competition within the workplace, a healthy challenge and improved team communications. A well-planned and -executed incentive will include regular teasers to build excitement, and frequent progress updates to maintain momentum.” When determining the objectives, be realistic. “Focus on setting reasonable targets that are achievable,” advises Kim. “Put an inviting package together that involves staff from the onset.”

WHAT DO STAFF WANT? The key to any incentive is to ask what the staff want. Liane McGowan, founder of Happy Monday CC, suggests a motivational drive. “There is value in giving staff something to work towards, so brainstorm and identify what your staff really

CRITICAL ERRORS WHEN PLANNING INCENTIVES

NOT INVOLVING STAFF Companies often don’t involve staff in the process, which means there is no buy-in, and it inevitably leads to failure.

NOT CHECKING CREDENTIALS Many agencies do not have the experience in logistics and planning that is essential. Specialised incentive companies know how and support to manage unique incentives and offer a full solution.

want. An incentive will only work if it is enticing to the employees. A full campaign teases staff throughout the process,” says Liane. “It motivates internal conversations, builds team cohesion and improves achievement.”

MEASURING ROI Once the incentive has run its course, the next step is determining the return on investment (ROI). “If staff are more motivated and their stories and experiences stimulate other staff to do better, you know you are on the right track,” confirms Kim. “ROI is absolutely measurable. It is based on financial targets, and the costs of incentives should be built into these targets.” Kim concludes with some suggestions for incentives in 2017. “A year-long incentive plan, with a long-term, high-value prize will motivate staff throughout the year. Add to this shorterterm (maybe quarterly) prizes, which will qualify staff for the major prize. An incentive planner is essential to help with roll-out, and avoid the incentive stalling after the first quarter.” “Let staff know they are important by communicating with them and encouraging them,” concludes Liane. Post leader boards so that staff know how far they are from the top. Make sure you inform staff in advance of the timeframe of the incentive to give them time to make the necessary arrangements in their personal lives – and if your prizes include travel, make sure all participating members have a valid passport.”

MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

INCENTIVES : LOCAL

STAY LOCAL One of the keys to a successful employee travel incentive programme is choosing the right destination. A suitable destination is one that offers memorable experiences that one can keep long after their trip. With the economic recovery on simmer rather than at a full boil, some companies are still proceeding with caution when looking at international incentives. This means destination management companies are looking at local destinations. What does a local incentive travel initiative look like? It could involve a short excursion and an overnight stay at a local hotel. It could take the shape of a threeor four-day stay at a local resort. Here are our top incentive venues.

CELEBRATE LIFE Nestled in a crook of the Magalies River, in the lush and fertile valley of the Magaliesburg Mountains, and only an 75 minutes away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, De Hoek Country Hotel is the ideal place to celebrate life. ACCOMMODATION This luxury hotel boasts 16 beautifully appointed superior suites, which grace the west gardens near the river, and 12 new contemporary superior suites facing the east, looking out onto the mountain. DINING The chefs at De Hoek are committed to food excellence and create sublime dining experiences every single day. De Hoek has been in the top 100 restaurants in South Africa for many years and has won many food accolades including American Express Fine Dining. Interesting and unique wines are sourced all over South Africa. Old favourites and new finds appear on our wine lists, which have been voted Best New Wine List in South Africa by both Diners Club and Diamond on many occasions. SPA TREATMENTS Enjoy a relaxing pamper session in the Meridian Room. Decide between individual or couple treatments. EXPERIENCES Wonderful packages are available to stimulate guests or company groups while here. This includes hot air ballooning, gliding, elephant interactions and horse riding. ABOUT THE DESTINATION Let Magaliesburg enchant you. This small village lies at the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous woodland – home to a variety of birds. But it is not all natural bushveld. Here, you will also find a wealth of hospitality – country guest houses, hotels, lodges, stores, art and craft studios, working farms, horse and mountain bike trails and much more. +27 (0)14 577 9600 reservations@dehoek.com dehoek.com

TAILORED EXPERIENCES At Century City Hotel, they understand that each traveller has unique needs – whether you’re a family with little ones, or a business traveller ready to take on the world from the tip of Africa. In fact, every detail of the hotel has been thoroughly considered with this in mind, and brought to life by the very best talent around. ACCOMMODATION The hotel boasts 125 expertly designed, modern rooms. Rooms are both comfortable and functional. DINING You can enjoy breakfast and lunch harvest-table buffets at the Square Cafe & Wine Bar. The wine cellar, featuring an exclusive range of local wines, is designed to be a sophisticated, intimate venue for private tastings and events. There are also numerous fine dining restaurants to choose from in Century City. SPA TREATMENTS Relax and unwind with a treatment or pampering session in the wellness studio, from manis and pedis, to massages. EXPERIENCES The travel desk – operated by MK Exotics Tours – is situated next to the reception desk, and assists in arranging airport transfers and tours. ABOUT THE DESTINATION Century City is ideally situated between the renowned winelands and the picturesque beaches of the Western Cape. The location offers a myriad of leisure options, all within walking distance of the hotel. For those looking for a spot of retail therapy, Canal Walk – one of Africa’s largest shopping centres – is just around the corner. There are also a number of attractions that are sure to appeal to the healthconscious traveller, such as a choice of walking, cycling and running trails set in a picturesque, safe and secure environment. +27 (0)21 204 8000 reservations@cchotel.co.za cchotel.co.za

54 • MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l MARCH/APRIL 2017

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We specialise in Designing & Manufacturing of Unique and Contemporary Trophies , Medals , Awards and Gifts.

TROPHIES • AWARDS • MEDALS

tel +27(0) 12 327 5885 | info@khojagroup.net | www.khojagroup.net | www.khojagroup.co.za

a little piece of heaven Antbear Lodge is situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg. The guest house overlooks the Bushman's River Valley offering spectacular views. It is an ideal place to base yourself while you explore the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands. It is also the place for feeding your soul and rekindling your spirit. ACCOMMODATION Antbear Lodge has six double, en-suite bedrooms. Each room is differently decorated with uniquely eccentric and artistic wooden furniture. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom, and there is a main lounge and dining room for your exclusive use. DINING Plan for decadent dinners by candlelight, prepared by your hosts Andrew and Conny. Sometimes it’s a Moroccan spread or maybe it’s a surprise of just how delightful Chinese food can be. Breakfast is served with freshly baked bread and often becomes a two-hour affair. SPA TREATMENTS The lodge does not have its own spa, but there are a number of excellent wellness spas in the area. EXPERIENCES There is plenty to do in the area - go for walks, visit the bushman paintings, experience horse trails through a private game reserve, go white river rafting, reach new heights with the canopy tour or discover hidden treasures in the Midlands Meander. ABOUT THE DESTINATION Lying at the southern end of the central Drakensberg, Giant’s Castle, which gets its name from the outline of the peaks and escarpment that combine to resemble the profile of a sleeping giant offers some of the most breathtaking scenery. There is good access to Giant’s Castle along gravel roads from Mooi River or from Escourt – both towns are on the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg. +27 (0)76 441 2362 reservations@antbear.co.za antbear.co.za

SUPERIOR SERVICE Situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, the 54 on Bath hotel offers its guests a signature blend of luxury, style and intuitive service – ensuring the highest levels of comfort. ACCOMMODATION This boutique hotel offers a range of comfortable, elegant rooms that provide views of the beautiful surrounding garden and green city skyline. Guests are assured of a relaxed stay, spaciousness and privacy, with rooms that reflect the philosophy of luxury. Block-out curtains, fluffy duvets, crisp white linen and feather-top beds ensure rest and relaxation of the highest level. With so much on offer, it is no wonder that the hotel is regarded as one of the best in South Africa. DINING Level Four restaurant offers guests distinctive fine dining. The menu combines classic cuisine with contemporary influences. For a relaxed treat with friends or for a sumptuous day-date, the high tea is a must – the menu includes classic afternoon tea favourites and an indulgent royal tea. SPA TREATMENTS The hotel does not have its own spa but there are a number of excellent wellness spas. Guests get complimentary access to Rosebank's Planet Fitness Gym. EXPERIENCES An enclosed sky bridge links the hotel to Rosebank Mall, perfect for the avid curio and high-street fashion shopper. ABOUT THE DESTINATION 54 on Bath is perfectly situated in the tranquil, leafy and upmarket suburb of Rosebank. Its location is the epitome of convenience. It is a few metres away from the Rosebank Gautrain Station making Sandton a 5-minute ride away and O.R. Tambo International Airport a 20-minute one. +27 (0)11 344 8500 54onbath.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

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OPULENT AFRICA Inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom, The Palace of the Lost City is set on the highest ground at Sun City, ensuring that its grand proportions and graceful towers are visible from across the resort. The fantasy of an African palace is indulged in every detail, from the stately volumes of the reception and dining areas to the mosaics, frescoes and fountains that enhance the architecture. ACCOMMODATION The 338 suites at the Palace of the Lost City transport you to the heart of a mythical African kingdom. Every detail of the suite is designed to inspire and pamper. DINING The restaurants at The Palace of the Lost City are famous for their menus, which are carefully curated by world-class chefs. SPA TREATMENTS The Royal Salon wellness spa and beauty salon encompasses luxury and elegance. Experience the epitome of pure indulgence by requesting a poolside massage at the Palace Pool. EXPERIENCES There are a number of activities at Sun City Resort that will have special appeal for guests at The Palace of the Lost City. Walk with lions or track rhinos on guided tours that will take you within whispering distance of the Big 5. Let your soul soar on a hot air balloon safari, tee off on world-famous greens, or soak up the sun at the Valley of Waves. ABOUT THE DESTINATION Towering above the wild landscape of the Pilansberg Nature Reserve, The Palace of the Lost City invites you to marvel at the primal immediacy of Mother Nature. Set in the heart of an extinct volcanic crater, this is a destination that thrums with the beat of ancient drums – a silent energy begging you to explore South Africa's adventurous North West province. +27 (0)14 557 4307 scenq@suninternational.com suninternational.com

MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l MARCH/APRIL 2017 •

TOURISM

South Africa's premier incentive destination

TOURISM

Delight in the city of gold Joburg is filled with many extraordinary experiences that are perfect for incentives.

s a result of South Africa’s past, Joburg has been divided into three distinctive parts. There is Sandton, the Dubai of South Africa. The roads are wide, clean and filled with shiny cars. The buildings are new, representing the success of the businesses that occupy them and the people residing within its neighbourhoods. On the far southern side, you have Soweto – a vibrant, colourful ‘township’. Entrepreneurship is visible wherever you go, indicative of the people striving forward, seeking their own gold nuggets.

PHOENIX RISING And then there is the old Joburg – an African phoenix rising from the remains of western civilisation. Will it have the strength to pull the wealthy and the ambitious together and once again be the hub of a city where the heartbeat is tinged with gold? We think so. Urban regeneration is slowly changing the face of the city. Intellectual stimulation can

be accessed from all over the city. Numerous museums cover a variety of subjects, from archaeology through to zoology. Theatres are plentiful, from Soweto to Sandton, and cover a wide spectrum of entertainment. Art galleries are virtually around every corner, varying from the traditional to the contemporary. Stunning graffiti can be seen in select places and artists are given opportunities to ply their trade. Shopping can be done at some of the tiny little boutiques, run by our upwardly mobile youngsters, or at the impressive shopping mall. The coffee culture is growing and a wonderful cuppa can be had in tiny coffee shops scattered across the city centre. You can also grab a bite to eat in one of the numerous little restaurants lining the streets. In-between all this activity, you will learn something from the gold era of yesteryear. Explore the impressive art deco buildings, one of the original gold mines tucked under one of the banks and old mining equipment in an open-air museum. n

56 • MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l MARCH/APRIL 2017

"Joburg is a city of promise, a city under reconstruction, a city of real people." Peter Moni and Petra Esmark from Firelight Tours

REDISCOVER AFRICA'S PULSE Joburg: a metropolis that rose out of a tented, gold-rush mining camp and transformed itself into the major commercial hub of Southern Africa over a 130-year period. It was at the centre of our political upheaval from oligarch to democracy. It landed in the gutters and is once again rising, out of the euro-centric remains, to become a truly South African city. Join Firelight Tours in exploring the exciting new developments – the regeneration of the old; the merging of the various cultures; the hustle and bustle of a people seeking their fortunes; the historical; and the ever-changing face of a city, which is representative of the people and their spirit. Whether you choose to do this on foot, bicycle or in a car; during the day or at night; exploring the variety of music venues, theatre productions or interesting little restaurants serving good food; the city is an exciting melting pot of experiences. Half-day and full-day tours are available. Let Firelight Tours know your specific interests and it will develop a tour that will enhance your experience of Joburg. +27 (0)82 809 0038 info@firelighttours.co.za firelighttours.co.za

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With 10 000 mÂ˛ additional multi-purpose exhibition space, 3 000 mÂ˛ additional meeting space, a reduced environmental footprint and a significantly increased socio-economic contribution, we are ready for bigger and more concurrent events. For more information about the even bigger and better CTICC visit www.cticc.co.za or email us at sales@cticc.co.za.

www.cticc.co.za Cape Town International Convention Centre

Your Turnkey Specialist Provider Exhibitions, Events, Displays & Presentation Products JHB: 011 794 4478 CT: 021 422 1230 DBN: 074 066 7118 admin@theexhibitionist.co.za www.theexhibitionist.co.za 076 174 3706

Yours Eventfully is a full service event planning & creative design company. We organise corporate events, expos and exhibitions, corporate and promotional gifting and design. 011 794 3989 events@yourseventfully.co.za www.yourseventfully.co.za