Meetings September/October 2016 by 3S Media

www.theplanner.guru

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • Issue 69

DAZZLING

DECOR

Spruce up your next event with creative thinking

WAYS TO

get event attendees to use your app

Stand out with

TREND ALERT

What will impact EXHIBITIONS in 2017

BIG INTERVIEW The reality had kicked in that I needed to build this business up from the ashes. It was quite a reality check. I’ve never forgotten that moment and it was that reality check that has driven me on continuously.” Craig Newman, CEO of Johannesburg Expo Centre R50.00 (incl. VAT)

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do business The East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) features a 580-Seater Auditorium, Exhibition Hall, 6 Multi-Functional Conference Rooms, Executive Boardrooms, Restaurants and Bars. The multi-functional Conference rooms are designed for conferencing, conventions and trade shows, and are able to accommodate up to 1500 delegates, whereas the exhibition hall can accommodate up to 2100 delegates. Located adjacent to the ELICC, Premier Hotel East London ICC is bound to be the hotel of choice offering 260 luxurious bedrooms and sheer tranquillity over-looking the ocean.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 The Planner

www.theplanner.guru

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 • Issue 69

DAZZLING

DECOR

Spruce up your next event with creative thinking

WAYS TO

get event attendees to use your app

Stand out with

TREND ALERT

What will impact EXHIBITIONS in 2017

BIG INTERVIEW The reality had kicked in that I needed to build this business up from the ashes. It was a quite a reality check. I’ve never forgotten that moment and it was that reality check that has driven me on continuously.” Craig Newman, CEO of Johannesburg Expo Centre R50.00 (incl. VAT)

ON THE COVER

T H E

E X H I B I T I O N

INCLUDED A SPACE WITH THIS ISSUE TO SHAPE

Compex is dedicated to helping you STAND out. Marketing manager Katherine Gunningham shares three principles that may guide you in your efforts to ensure a successful career. For more, turn to page 6

BUSH, BEACH & BERG

TOP LOCAL DESTINATIONS

In this edition of TheIDEAS

Incentive Planner, we share top tips on how to plan successful incentive trips for millennials, share our top local bush, beach and berg destinations, explore Mauritius and experience the topSANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE five activities to do in Abu Dhabi.

Its location in close proximity to a wide range of accommodation options makes the SCC perfectly positioned for both local and international travellers.

Repeatedly voted as the most technically advanced venue in Africa, the Sandton Convention Centre provides access to the latest technology and telecoms. At the Sandton Convention Centre we can help take your exhibition to the next level – let’s make it a resounding success. Call us on +27 11 779 000 to book the ideal platform for your event.

MAGICAL MAURITIUS: PLAN THE PERFECT INCENTIVE WITH MIC

sandtonconventioncentre.com

JOHANNESBURG | SOUTH AFRICA POTENTIAL RELEASED

• Facts and figures

36 City of Tshwane A remarkable city 38 City of Tshwane Top venues 40 Cape Karoo Unforgettable experiences

BEST PRACTICE

EVENT SHOWCASES

21 Green business sustainability Tourvest I.M.E on how

42 The Planner website launch CedarWoods of Sandton offers a personal touch

44 S ASSA’s 10th anniversary celebrations Southern Sun Pretoria offers exceptional service

your next event and 10 must-use decor trends

26 Get everyone using your event app Karmen Vladar on ways to get attendees to use your app

28 R econciling the odd couple Geoff Donaghy on the relationships between hotels and convention centres

exhibitions provide more bang for your buck

• Top things to do in Durban

46 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Grand Chapitre Hilton Sandton glitters with gold

FEATURED VENUE 49 Killarney Country Club Discover true tranquility

TALKING POINTS

SUPPLIERS

50 SAACI Spring is in the air

33 Kings and Queens The Oyster King is the

51 EXSA Tips for exhibition attendees

master of cullinary entertainment

51 Event Greening Forum Green events are the future

REGULARS 03 Ed’s letter

12 What is a roadshow? Jacqui Reynolds unpacks

Lessons learnt

various exhibition types

04 Tidbits

14 Flexibility with style With an eye on the future, the

Must-know minutia

CTICC expands its exhibition capacity

31 Sound bite Tsogo Sun’s chef Garth Schnier

THE BIG INTERVIEW

32 20 Questions Unlimited

16 T he man behind the JEC Craig Newman celebrates 10 years at the helm

businessevents.southafrica.net

• Durban ICC shines

34 Eastern Cape A unique destination

24 Dazzling decor Alastair Laing on how to spruce up

Shinu Pillai explores how smaller, personalised

• 21st INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE: The impact of business events

• Durban - an award-winning city

18 Outstanding achievements The Women in MICE

to get the most out of your table decor

10 The new face of exhibitions In this case study,

CASE STUDY

• Noteworthy events

DESTINATIONS

23 Centre of attention George Sutherland on top ways

to consider when booking an exhibition venue

WHY KWAZULU-NATAL?

WOMEN IN MICE

you can incorporate greening into your next event

the exhibition industry is changing and eight things

The International AIDS Conference has helped establish Durban, as well as South Africa, as a premier business events destination. In addition to showcasing the conference, this supplement takes a look at why Durban makes a great host city.

Conveniently situated in the heart of Johannesburg, the economic capital of southern Africa, the SCC offers easy access via the Gautrain to OR Tambo Airport and to a myriad of world-class shopping and entertainment options.

the special award winners

08 T he evolution of exhibitions Expert advice on how

WITH THIS ISSUE

Our state-of-the-art venue provides a platform for people to share ideas, inspire progressive thinking and project innovative global solutions.

was an industry highlight of the year

FOCUS ON EXHIBITIONS

KWAZULU-NATAL

The award-winning convention centre is a proud host to some of South Africa’s largest and most successful exhibitions, offering dedicated exhibition space of over 10 000 m2 and an additional multi-purpose space of 7 700 m2.

WHAT THE EXPERTS KNOW: APPEALING INCENTIVE TRIPS

@theplannerguru

INCLUDED

THE MEETINGS & EVENT PLANNER'S GUIDE TO

Welcome to Africa’s preferred multi-purpose venue, the Sandton Convention Centre.

18 And the award goes to… Take a look at who were

@theplannerguru

Events’ Alastair Laing

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ED'S LETTER Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Zoe Board, Natashia Brittion,

Photo: Justiin Lee Photography

Geoff Donaghy, Henk Graff, Katherine Gunningham, Phumulani Hlatshwayo, Alastair Laing, Adriaan Liebetrau, Shinu Pillai, Jacqui Reynolds, George Sutherland, 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

LESSONS LEARNT

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. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/ are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

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N THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS, I have had the opportunity to take all the information that has been held in the pages of Meetings and put it into practice. I have had the pleasure and challenge of creating and hosting the Top 40 Women in MICE event as well as www.theplanner.guru launch. I also helped put together a gala dinner for a gastronomic society. The lessons that I learnt along the way have indeed helped me to both plan better events and have helped me shape my professional life. Here is what I learnt:

LESSON 1: MAKE IT A REALITY I once read, “You can have the best plan and intentions in the world, but that doesn’t get anything done. Taking action gets things done.” I couldn’t agree more. Action begets action. You may have the dream of organising a spectacular gala dinner for your client; but, if don’t act on it, it will stay an unrealised idea. You will be surprised how many people will help you turn your dream into reality.

LESSON 2: LEVERAGE OFF RELATIONSHIPS YOU HAVE BUILT Our industry is an industry of people. Over the years, I have met phenomenal individuals who share the same vision I do – to build a strong, cohesive and supportive business events industry. I am constantly engaging with those I consider to be industry role players and

the knowledge they have shared with me is invaluable. When I needed the basics for Women in MICE – venue, decor, audiovisual and catering – I was pointed in the right direction. When I went into full planning mode, the support was overwhelming and that, in my opinion, comes from a commitment to building relationships with people. Never underestimate the power of relationships.

LESSON 3: HOPE FOR THE BEST, PLAN FOR THE WORST When you’re planning an event for event planners, you need to have contingency plans. Now, the “what if?” list could be pages long, so have a plan B for the basics.

LESSON 4: ACKNOWLEDGE A JOB WELL DONE When the day arrives – give it the final push. You’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success, so, with contingency plans in place, it should be smooth sailing. After the event is done and the final piece of furniture is loaded on to the truck, take stock of what you have achieved and the new skills that you have acquired. There is a saying in our industry, “You are only as good as your last event”, so make sure it was an incredible one and that the lessons you have learnt will be used for your next event. Until next time,

Meetings’ must-know minutia

WIN A TRIP TO MAURITIUS De Hoek Country Hotel, the five-star country hotel cradled in the serene countryside of the Magaliesberg range, only an hour’s drive from Joburg and Pretoria, has launched a R70 000 incentive competition for conference organisers, event planners and corporates! Together with LUX Resorts & Hotels and Air Mauritius, De Hoek Country Hotel is giving hotel industry organisers the chance to win the prize of a lifetime – a sixnight trip to Mauritius for two people, travelling economy class. The draw will take place on 1 March 2017 at De Hoek at a prestigious cocktail event, to which all entrants will be invited. A special stay-over rate will apply. There can be only one winner – however, there are a few runner-up consolation prizes and all entrants will receive a goodie bag. +27 (0)14 577 9600 reservations@dehoek.com l dehoek.com Ts & Cs apply

RAND CLUB REOPENS Rand Club truly is an inner-city vision. As one of the iconic event settings in the heart of the historic Joburg CBD, Rand Club is a multipurpose venue offering various event configurations amid an array of old-school appeal, grand facades and unique decor. Set your event apart with the history and heritage that Rand Club offers. With 12 versatile event spaces available for hire, suitable for various event sizes from small, intimate functions of 10 people to large delegations of over 300 guests in a single event space at any one time, Rand Club is the ideal setting for high-profile functions such as conferences, weddings, workshops and meetings, to name a few. With direct access to over 120 secure parking bays, just 200 m from the Rand Club front door, complemented by a shuttle service that runs between the two points, parking arrangements are in place. Rand Club also has a relationship with Uber, and highlights to event organisers that the Gautrain at Park Station is just 2 km away, allowing ease of access in getting to the venue. In order to ensure market competitiveness, the venue has an extensive range of supporting services on offer to meet and exceed all client requirements; from in-house catering and beverage management, to preferred hiring, technical and entertainment services, Rand Club aims to be one of the leading venues in South Africa. A new era has begun at Rand Club; be a part of history – and history in the making. events@randclub.co.za l randclub.co.za

4 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

DIVAZ GIVES BACK Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, no matter how small the action; a sentiment taken to heart by the team from Divaz Event Management, who invited clients and partners to join them in painting and personalising 39 pairs of takkies for kids at the Mother of Peace children’s home. Divaz, supported by Worldview, as well as destination management companies from Japan, India, Portugal, Russia, Germany and Spain, invited clients to join a fun and interactive paint-the-day-away session, on 12 July. The lovingly decorated shoes were then handed over to the children on Mandela Day. “We wanted to ensure that each child received a unique pair of shoes and, so, each participant received details on a child’s name, age and shoe size,” explained Fatima Omar, MD, Divaz. “It was wonderful to see how the children’s faces lit up when they received their finished gifts. Moving forward, we hope to touch many more young lives in the future, just like Madiba did.”

EXHIBITIONS MASTER CLASS COMES TO CAPE TOWN The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) is bringing its annual Master Class to South Africa. The event will take place at the CTICC from 23 to 25 November 2016. The IFES Master Class is a fantastic opportunity for local industry professionals to network with international professionals, exchange ideas and generate industry knowledge. Local associations EXSA and AAXO are partnering with IFES for the event. This year’s IFES Master Class theme is ‘Translating Marketing Messages into Exhibitions and Events’. Speakers will define the topic, explain how to translate marketing messages into event messages, and address the impact of marketing strategy on exhibitions and events. The programme will be jam-packed with insights from internationally recognised experts, best practice examples, interactive workshops and a variety of networking opportunities. For more information or to register, visit ifesnet.com. Alternatively, contact Uta Goretzky, executive director, IFES, on +49 69 951 03 944 or uta@ifesnet.org.

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COVER STORY

SUCCESS STARTS WITH YOU Katherine Gunningham wants to know if there is a future for her, as a young professional, within the business events industry?

HE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION may not

be that simple. However, the journey to finding the answer might be very similar in nature, whether you work in the business events industry or any other, for that matter. It appears, after a little research, that I am part of the dynamic generation referred to as millennials (20 to 36 years of age). You may wonder why I have chosen the word dynamic to describe my generation… well, because we are the youngest generation in the workplace, perhaps the most educated and culturally diverse of any generation before ourselves.

6 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

We relish growth, change and personal development, and, for the most part, want to understand why we do the things we do, how we can consistently learn and experience more and how we can make an impact. By the way, we also dislike bureaucracy and hierarchical systems, and we love having a degree of flexibility. Obviously, this is a generalisation of mythic proportions and we could just be viewed as a bunch of over-confident know-it-alls who don’t heed the advice of more experienced superiors, but in an industry that is run by baby boomers and Generation Xers, it is important to

understand that we are driven to excel and be connected with the world around us. Ultimately, the onus to excel lies with each one of us, our experiences, beliefs and life visions, and, quite simply, we are personally responsible to take charge of our careers and shape not only our futures but also the futures of the industries in which we work. This topic intrigues me, because what are the factors that lead to successful careers and ensure we achieve the buzz phrase of work-life balance? (Another aspect that is important to our generation in particular is balance, apparently because we experienced first-hand the toll of boomer parents consumed by careers and we are not eager to repeat this pattern.) I’ve done some research and have spoken to a few individuals, which has led me to develop the three principles that may guide us in our efforts to ensure successful careers.

PRINCIPLE 1: KNOW THYSELF If you don’t know who you are and what you want in life, how do you know where you’re heading and how do you place emphasis on coaching or imparting advice on your peers? If you don’t take some time doing introspection, and defining your aspirations and goals, you’ll end up being constantly disappointed in both your

www.theplanner.guru

#STANDOUT personal and professional life. This may be easier said than done, but even if you don’t have the full, clear picture drawn out of who you are and what you want to become, even the smallest effort towards getting to this point will go a long way. Although cliché, you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses, know what you can improve on and when it’s time to get advice or hand it over to someone else who may have a talent that you do not. Be responsible for your own learning, development and performance because it will only aid you along your journey of discovery. TIP: You are not going to have it all worked out and this process of self-discovery will change along the way, but take the time to jot down your top five goals for the next two years and stick it somewhere where you can see it often (add to it or adapt it if need be, but keep the focus intact). This will serve as a constant reminder and provide you with the motivation you need as you tick off the items from the list.

PRINCIPLE 2: MANAGE YOUR MANAGER “What? Are you mad?” you might think. Let me explain what I mean by this. We are notorious for challenging our elders; we do not want to be told what to do but rather receive a suggestion. It’s in our blood, so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, we were raised to respect the generations older than ourselves, but we also want to make sure our opinion is heard. Some of us aren’t as fortunate as others to be working for the role-model-type boss. And even those “perfect” bosses aren’t always perfect in every aspect of the role they need to play – no one is! We millennials have a deep desire to make our lives meaningful through work, so we have high aspirations and actually enjoy accountability, and sometimes you may need to position this with your manager. Take the lead, and make sure to set up monthly or quarterly discussions with your manager, and don’t pitch up empty-handed. Prepare a clear agenda before the meeting, which you can also send to your manager in advance. Cover aspects like your performance appraisal and progress. Some organisations have formal performance appraisal processes in place – but if such a process does not exist, create your own one. Check in with regard to your career path at the organisation, and what would be expected from you to “move on” to the next role – whether that role is a more senior managerial role, or a more specialised role. Explore where you could get involved in other areas of the company you work for example, being an association representative or helping out with a specific event – believe me, your management team is usually juggling a couple

www.theplanner.guru

of balls at the same time, and for the most part, would probably appreciate the offer for you to get involved, plus you will learn something, regardless of the experience. These discussions will also help in building a trusting relationship between you and your manager, and you’ll also get to know each other’s working styles and, trust me, all the feedback you can get will only stand you in good stead in terms of the first principle we raised. Sometimes, you may find yourself in a scenario where you’re unhappy in your current situation, and you may not know how to get yourself out of it. Your manager might not be the right person to give you the advice and strategic direction you need, which brings me to my next principle.

I believe that our industry offers many opportunities for us young professionals, and whether you “make it to the top” or achieve whatever aspirations you have, it is 99% up to you and the attitude you adopt

PRINCIPLE 3: GET A MENTOR Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person, and we just love to be coached – we see it as a direct impact on driving our performance and personal growth. The mentor may be older or younger than the mentee, but they must have a certain area of expertise. Research has proved, time and again, the value of mentorship in enabling and accelerating individual development and growth. Usually, it makes sense to ask someone that has experience within your KATHERINE industry to GUNNINGHAM become your is the brand mentor, but marketing manager of you can also Compex. achieve a lot of value from @DeliveredByCompex someone

that comes from a completely different background or is an expert in a subject you’re passionate about. But, ultimately, that person needs to be someone that you look up to. You'd also be surprised at how willing people are to fulfil such a role, so don’t hesitate to ask. Set up quarterly coffee or lunch sessions with your mentor and prepare notes on specific matters you need guidance on.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN? Bringing it all back to our industry… in the last year, I’ve come to the conclusion that our industry has been led by a relatively older generation (thanks to our baby boomers and Generation X colleagues for paving the way), but has seen an influx of many young, aspirational professionals who enjoy the industry and see a future for themselves within it. However, I believe there is a gap in middle management leadership and, as a result, I’ve noticed that, perhaps, there is a lack of knowledge transfer as well as some tension between generations (which happens in most organisations and industries) in how things are and should be done or could be improved on. The functioning of any industry is set up to meet the varying needs of stakeholders and so the generational challenge that exists is ideal to meet these changing needs. As management teams, we need to understand what jobs and challenges best suit which generation and be cognisant of the differences. This, in my mind, can only ensure collective strength. So, is this generation and need for success and achievement a problem? There is a quote that goes, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude towards the problem.” I believe that our industry, and South Africa in general, offers many opportunities for us young professionals, and whether you “make it to the top” or achieve whatever aspirations you have, it is 99% up to you and the attitude you adopt. If this is where you are and want to be, or for that matter need to move on to new adventures, take charge of your career and go for it!

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

compex.co.za

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

FOCUS ON • Exhibitions

The evolution of Despite the rising popularity of virtual meetings and networking opportunities, face-to-face gatherings still dominate the business events industry.

XHIBITING REMAINS THE most cost-

effective way to reach the greatest number of decision-makers in a specific target market in the shortest space of time. “Through an integrated approach to marketing communication, exhibitions continue to deliver proven returns on invested marketing spend,” says Gary Corin, managing director, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. However, with many companies cutting their marketing budgets, there has been a shift in the exhibition landscape. “Exhibitors are now spending less on customs stands and are looking for different options to reuse their stands at the various shows they attend,” says Aidan Koen, manager: National Infrastructure, Scan Display. Dylan Solomon, managing director, 3D Shell, agrees, “The traditional, bigger-design stand exhibitors are also working on smaller budgets

and are aiming to get the best value for their money. There has been an increase in requests for off-the-shelf design stands, such as predesigned package stands.”

BUT FIRST… LET’S TAKE A SELFIE For Piroska Warren, owner of Piros Designs, the biggest change has come in the way lighting and technology as well as social media are used in conjunction with clients’ exhibition stands. LED lighting has allowed for designers to create fun, vibrant areas on stands that capture the audience, and LED lights have also allowed for colour changing and clever lighting that create an emphasis on the desired mood to be experienced on stands. Piroska feels that social media and apps have become so important in the strategy and drive to get visitors to a stand that they ultimately form part of the “what” and the “why”. “They

1 FIVE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY TRENDS Carol Weaving, managing director, Thebe Reed Exhibitions, on what will impact exhibitions in 2017.

8 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

WEARABLES In a wireless world, exhibitioners are increasingly employing RFID (radio frequency identification) technology as an innovative way to track delegate attendance. With wearable technology becoming all the more popular, people are more comfortable with employing it for both private and professional use. This presents a unique opportunity for the exhibition industry and we are already seeing the use of RFID at exhibitions internationally.

DATA BEACONS While this is nothing new to the retail industry, the incorporation of data beacons in the exhibition space is on the rise. Designed to collect and provide massive amounts of

often create a reason for people to visit a brand’s stand – ultimately driving the numbers of visitors and interactions with the brand being exhibited,” she says. Virtual reality is massive at the moment and the youth are definitely marketed to through their phones, so apps are becoming important to get a brand out there and to create a story or experience that drives people to visit a stand. “There also seems to be a need for a ‘bigger picture’. It's not just about the app or

customer behaviour data, data beacons can help exhibitioners determine how long delegates are spending where, what routes they are walking in the exhibition halls as well as the busiest hours/days of the exhibition.

DIGITAL MARKETING Gone are the days when professionals carried dozens of business cards around with them. Today, more and more exhibitioners are connecting with their customers electronically – by exchanging digital business cards and sharing electronic video brochures, for example.

PERSONALISATION AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES With the saturation of digital channels, exhibitors are turning to new and

fresh ways to break through the informational clutter and deliver highly targeted information to their audiences. To do this, they are harnessing big data and the vast scope of technology to create personalised, practical experiences that communicate strategic brand or product messages in a manner that audiences will remember.

EYE TRACKING Another trend that is offering exhibition organisers vast insights is eye tracking. This involves measuring the audience’s eye movements and, for example, tracking their points of gaze or how long they look at one thing. These insights are, in turn, being leveraged to drive improved exhibition design.

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#EXHIBITIONS

MEET THE EXPERTS

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING YOUR EXHIBITION VENUE

Desrae McDonnell, exhibitions and events manager of the JEC, on what you need to ask…

1 WHAT DATES ARE AVAILABLE? Rather GARY CORIN, managing director, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery

than going through the entire process of quoting and so forth, make sure to check if your dates are available first. Have a few sets of alternative dates in mind, so should the venue already be booked, or should there be a competing show booked in the same month, the need to be flexible is very important.

2 ALSO BE FLEXIBLE ON THE SPACE

YOU NEED Listen to the advice of your venue coordinator – they do this daily and may make suggestions that can improve your exhibition layout or flow.

3 KEEP FLOOR LOADING CAPACITIES AIDAN KOEN, manager: National Infrastructure, Scan Display

4 WHAT ACCESS DO YOU REQUIRE FOR DYLAN SOLOMON, managing director, 3D Shell

BUILD-UP AND BREAKDOWN? Will you be working through the night, or bringing in very large or even hazardous items? Always keep in mind that anything out of the ordinary requires venue, security and medical personnel on-site, to ensure that health and safety laws are being met.

5 WHAT ELSE IS ON AT THE VENUE ON

PIROSKA WARREN, owner, Piros Designs

YOUR DATES? There may be a very similar show already booked, which would lead to competition between the two, and the risk of potential exhibitors, and even visitors, having to choose which event they wish to attend.

6 CONSUMER SHOWS ATTRACT MORE

PEOPLE, SO KEEP THAT IN MIND FROM A REVENUE PERSPECTIVE Possibly, you could open your show to trade for the first day only, and then open to the public to increase the foot traffic through the show.

7 GENERATOR BACKUP Considering

the current power supply situation in the country, make sure the venue has a generator.

8 FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE

VENUE LANDSCAPE If you are hosting an outdoor exhibition, things like hills and pathways must be kept in mind when selling exhibition space. Other things such as fire protection, damaging grassed areas, and the safety and security of visitors are very important.

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Photos: Exhibition at the TicketPro Dome, Decorex by Thebe Reed Exhibitions, supplied

the stand – there needs to be a cohesive strategy and purpose across the board to get a message out there,” says Piroska. “The organisers of shows are now able to track their exhibitor forms and services in real time. 3D Shell has developed eziXpo for this exact purpose. Live social media feeds throughout an exhibition allow visitors to see what is trending on social media and points of interest at the show, and social media such as Twitter and Instagram are great examples of these processes,” says Dylan. When it comes to event-based apps, Aidan feels that they are a bit of a harder sell, as lack of free Wi-Fi combined with the cost of developing apps has had an impact on this, but he feels this will change going forward as we progress in to the online realm. “What Pokémon GO has done is entirely break the mould, and I think this format can be used in exhibitions to drive people to stands or specific areas,” he concludes.

AND ROOFING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS IN MIND Will you be rigging from the ceiling – can the venue you want to book accommodate rigging? Are the ceilings high enough and can riggers access what they need to in order to do the job properly? Floor loading requirements are also important because the venue needs to be able to cope with the weight of equipment going into the show.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

FOCUS ON • Exhibitions

THE NEW FACE OF EXHIBITIONS With exhibitors wanting more quality meetings and leads during trade shows, do custom stands really attract the right buyers at open-attendance exhibitions? Shinu Pillai explores how smaller, personalised shows can provide more bang for buck.

ELEBRATING ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY,

ibtm arabia (formerly GIBTM) welcomed buyers and sellers of MICE products from more than 40 countries. MICE professionals gathered in Abu Dhabi, in February this year, to meet new suppliers and buyers as well as familiarise themselves with new destinations. Some 3 000 appointments took place alongside networking parties, an opening forum, knowledge forum, lunches and dinners, with 250 participants staying together for the duration at Jumeirah Etihad Towers.

THE SHOW FORMAT The meeting pod format was introduced for the first time at ibtm arabia 2015, with great success. Following the event, 95% of exhibitors confirmed that they were satisfied with the

event, so that was a clear indicator that we should keep the same format for 2016. The new meeting pod format has helped mould ibtm arabia into an intimate, personalised, 1-on-1 experience for all the hosted buyers and exhibitors, providing value to 100% of attendees. The format helps foster the true industry community that the organisers, Reed Exhibitions, create each year. Participants stay in the same hotel and attend the same activities – from meetings to lunch, drinks to dinner. It’s about working hard and playing hard too, to develop genuine relationships and real business. This is something that the hosted buyers and exhibitors really value about the show, and something that makes ibtm arabia stand out from other events. As part of this new event format, Reed Exhibitions has also introduced

HOSTED BUYERS 101 THE PROCESS OF RECRUITING hosted buyers is always ongoing. Each year, Reed Exhibitions strives to bring the leading lights of the industry together and provide a platform for the meetings industry in the Middle East to connect with the world. To continue to achieve this, it is putting an even greater focus on uncovering new buyers, not only new to ibtm events but often new to the global events industry. The hosted buyer teams are spending more time in market to get to know these undiscovered buyers and they are also bringing ibtm events to them throughout the year. The international and regional hosted buyer teams are always working together to make sure that we have truly global representation. Reed Exhibitions also places huge weight on the feedback it

receives from its exhibitors, whose feedback informs what types of buyers they are looking to meet with. In order to maximise ROI for both exhibitors and hosted buyers, it is important to create a cohesive industry community with overlapping business objectives, as this provides the best opportunity for relevant and quality business appointments. When it comes down to evaluating prospective hosted buyers, the Reed Exhibitions team will look to make sure that international buyers can demonstrate that they have proven business to place in the Middle East and that regional buyers can demonstrate they have proven business to place internationally. The hosted buyer team will also evaluate buyers’ eligibility based on their purchasing authority, the

10 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

number of annual international or regional meetings, events, or incentives they organise, the future business they are sourcing/booking for 2017 and beyond, their annual budget for meetings, events and incentives, and their reasons for attending. Additionally, as the goal is to bring 100% new buyers to ibtm arabia 2017, prospective hosted buyers should not have attended ibtm arabia 2016. Having 100% new buyers at the last event provided the maximum opportunity for all exhibitors and hosted buyers, whether they were new or returning, to spend the three days making brand-new connections and this is something Reed Exhibitions wants to replicate at ibtm arabia 2017. Prospective hosted buyers can register their interest via their account manager, or by visiting ibtmarabia.com/Hosted-Buyers.

'meeting pods', which are simple and time efficient. There is no stand building – exhibitors just supply a graphic to illustrate their product and to brand their pod, then they are ready for business. This allows exhibitors to focus on other elements of the event, such as the numerous networking events and the mutual match appointment system.

MUTUAL MATCH APPOINTMENT SYSTEM Developed and perfected by Reed Exhibitions, the mutual match appointment system is one of the most important tools available to exhibitors and hosted buyers. This sophisticated system matches appointments between hosted buyers and exhibitors based on who they have indicated they would like to meet with, providing each buyer and supplier with up to 30 relevant and valuable meetings to attend throughout the event. The system is designed to provide exhibitors and hosted buyers with maximum opportunity for ROI by ensuring a large number of appointments between buyers and suppliers – matched by mutual interest. The way the system works is simple. Exhibitors and hosted buyers will be able to look through an inventory containing profiles of all attending buyers and suppliers and identify potential high-value meetings. They can then submit their meeting preferences to the system by requesting appointments with the buyers or suppliers they have identified in their search. Once these submissions have been received, the system will then set appointments between attending buyers and suppliers by searching for mutual interests. This ensures that all appointments occurring as a result of the system have been requested by both the exhibitor and the hosted buyer. Once the system has completed matching appointments based on these selections, exhibitors will

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#CASESTUDY

have the opportunity to request additional appointments with hosted buyers, who will then be able to accept/refuse said meetings. At ibtm arabia, the organisers want attendees to get out of the event and understand that this means offering a truly personalised experience. The mutual match

appointment system helps achieve this by taking into consideration what each buyer and supplier is looking for at ibtm arabia and ensuring they can meet their business objectives by providing them with relevant, valuable appointments that can provide genuine business opportunities.

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SHINU PILLAI is the exhibition manager for ibtm arabia. This show forms a part of ibtm events — the world’s leading showcase for the meetings and events industry, held in seven business destinations across the globe.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

connecting the Arabian incentives, business travel and meetings industry to the world

No.1

5-star

1-to-1

96%

& connections in the Middle East

of networking, business, education & discovery

for focused value-driven transactions

from Hosted Buyers & exhibitors

event for high value business

luxury setting for three days

meetings

overall event satisfaction

Enquire to exhibit or apply to be a Hosted Buyer at www.ibtmarabia.com Connections mean everything. Organised by

ibtm and the ibtm events symbol are trade marks of RELX Intellectual Properties SA, used under license. Hosted Buyer is a trademark of Reed Exhibitions Limited. Reed Travel Exhibitions is a registered trade mark of RELX Group plc.

FOCUS ON • Exhibitions

What is a ROADSHOW? Jacqui Reynolds unpacks the various types of shows that exhibitors can get involved in.

AVE YOU EVER THOUGHT about

joining a roadshow, but not been quite sure what it entails? Or wondered what distinguishes a table-top exhibition from a conventional one? Throw in industry jargon such as matchmaking or speed networking and you’re bound to be dazed and confused. You’re not alone. A roadshow is essentially a moving exhibition – a series of events in a particular region to showcase a product. Africa Showcase, for example, is a roadshow that takes African products, experiences and

destinations to global source markets to meet directly with travel trade.; this is niche tourism marketing. Other industries use roadshows for product launches or to share information. Exhibitions typically use infrastructure – walling, lighting, furniture and branding – to create a display stand, whereas a table-top exhibition cuts out the need for this and refers to the set-up of the meeting process.

ABOUT ON SHOW SOLUTIONS On Show Solutions hosts roadshows and exhibition pavilions in key markets around the world in a quest to promote tourism to Africa. The Africa Showcase visits the US, Russia, the UK and Ireland, South East Asia, the Nordic countries, Germanic Europe, South Africa, East Africa and Australasia, featuring exclusively African companies. www.africashowcase.travel

This ultimately puts the focus squarely on the quality of the meetings. The exhibitor may sometimes enhance the face-to-face time with a video presentation, table decor or pull-up banners, or the organiser may provide specific exhibitor signage.

SHAKE IT UP On many of On Show Solutions’ roadshows, things have been taken a step further by seating the visitors and moving the exhibitors. This product rotation works like speed dating, with exhibitors moving around the room, timed with a bell, to meet all the visitors and see who fits their product best. Matchmaking further enhances the overall interaction through prescheduled appointments that match visitors/buyers and exhibitors/sellers. By inviting the right exhibitors for a particular market and prequalifying the buyers, you guarantee there is good business potential for the meetings. A table-top exhibition requires the same amount of logistical planning as a conventional exhibition, often with more risk and unknown factors. Set-up time can be as short as an hour or two, which can be challenging if using a venue you haven’t even seen. This is often the case when organising a show in another country. On Show Solutions has in-country partners who conduct site visits and this comes with various pros and cons – a good lesson is to remember the difference between square feet and square metres when negotiating with US venues!.

LOST IN TRANSLATION Working globally is exciting, as you deal with lots of different cultures, languages and time zones. Talking to venues before the event may require phone calls at 06:00 to Auckland or 21:00 to Los Angeles. There are often major challenges and potential misunderstandings. Doing a technical rehearsal in Russian-English, with charades and translators, can be highly entertaining. Preshow marketing is a major element of roadshow planning, in order to attract the right exhibitors and the right buyers.

12 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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#EXHIBITIONS From press releases for traditional media and social media campaigns to designed graphics and invitations, a roadshow requires all the usual elements that go into an exhibition marketing plan, plus more. Even with a standardised template, each market uses its own terminology within the travel industry and content is often translated for a wider reach. In Australia, key operators are known as wholesalers; in Singapore, they are partners; and in the US, they are buyers. Preshow marketing and actual participation, however, are not enough to guarantee success. On Show Solutions provides full visitor databases for its exhibitors to do effective post-show followups. Thank-you mailers to the buyers and post-show reports for exhibitors are all part of the offered services.

Solutions’ exhibitors calculates ROI on the total spend for participation divided by number of contacts made. Another exhibitor needs to prove to his directors the total quantity of the database. Yet another exhibitor signed one deal of US$1.9 million on one of their roadshows and felt this justified his participation. Return on effort for roadshows is certainly appealing for sales and marketing people, who appreciate the prescheduled appointments and group travel arrangements. An organiser at heart, JACQUI REYNOLDS thrives on the adrenaline of the highly pressurised eventing industry. As co-owner of On Show Solutions, she has managed a range of client

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

events and has played an instrumental role in

All exhibitors have different ways of measuring their ROI. One of On Show

expanding Africa’s tourism trade through the

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IFES.pdf

2016/08/23

Africa Showcase roadshows.

My team and I have met some fantastic Africans on our journeys around the world, especially the behind-the-scenes people working in countries where you would least expect to see Africans. Our recent banquet manager in Copenhagen was from Cameroon and our set-up person in Edinburgh was from Zimbabwe - a saving grace especially when catering is involved. When we have briefed in African-themed suggestions before, there have been some hilarious outcomes – seeing koeksisters the size of bread loaves, tasting bland, dry malva puddings, having to educate African exhibitors that fufu is a foodstuff from Central Africa and convincing an American visitor that bunny chow does not actually contain rabbit. We have enjoyed sharing our stories with those in the travel trade who sell Africa with the same sense of passion we have, but there is always one thing that requires a deep breath and a smile – when you’re asked, “Can you please drop off this letter with my friend in Nairobi? Is it far from Johannesburg?”

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

8:33 PM

MASTER CLASS

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Translating Marketing Messages into Exhibitions and Events

Andrew Ross

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

C T I C C , C a p e To w n , S o u t h A f r i c a | 2 3 - 2 5 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6 In association with:

Translating Marketing Messages into Exhibitions and Events The IFES Master Class provides the perfect opportunity to learn from international experts and exchange ideas and generate industry knowledge with local and international colleagues. Who should attend: · · · ·

Exhibition organisers Event organisers Exhibition designers Marketers in the events sector · Exhibition stand builders and suppliers

Cost:

· IFES members €290 · Non members €350 · EXSA & AAXO members R4 600 incl VAT

Eddie Choi

Karla Juegel

NOW!

Klara Tihanyi

Contact Uta Goretzky on uta@ifesnet.org or visit www.ifesnet.com for more information.

FOCUS ON • Exhibitions

Photo: Alain Proust

Flexibility with STYLE With an eye on the future, the CTICC expands its exhibition capacity.

HE EXHIBITION HALLS of the Cape Town

International Convention Centre (CTICC) are renowned for their adaptability, allowing trade show and exhibition organisers the freedom to create big and inspiring events. What’s more, the CTICC East expansion will effectively double the centre’s versatile exhibition capacity, making the CTICC the ideal stage for networking with business in Africa. In the trade shows and exhibitions game, flexibility and versatility are key requirements for venues to meet clients’ wide-ranging and ever-changing needs. Three-time winner of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry’s Members Choice Award for Best Venue, the CTICC provides 11 399 m2 of dedicated exhibition space. Rectangular and pillar-free, the CTICC’s halls lend themselves to the smooth flow and circulation of visitors. Access to power, water and data communications runs every 4.5 m throughout the exhibition halls, via the neatly designed utilities floor pits. The halls can be used independently of each other, if required,

14 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

as they have movable partitions with acoustic cladding for sound absorption.

CTICC EAST In 2017, the CTICC’s exhibition and trade fair capacity will increase significantly as the CTICC East expansion comes on stream. CTICC East will add another 10 000 m2 of multipurpose space to the CTICC’s existing trade show and exhibition capacity. Set to open in March 2017, the exhibition venue will be subdivisible into six halls on two levels, which are 5 000 m2 each. In addition, the facility will boast 3 000 m2 of formal and informal meeting space, a sky bridge connecting CTICC East with CTICC West and a tunnel underneath one of Cape Town’s iconic thoroughfares to connect the two buildings’ service areas. “As a leading convention centre, we recognise that a vital part of a sustainable business model is the willingness to continually invest back into an innovative product offering and infrastructure,” says Julie-May Ellingson, CEO of the CTICC. “The expansion will enable us to meet growing demand from clients wanting to expand their events into exciting new venues and to secure even larger, upcoming events in the pipeline. The expansion will also allow us to run multiple, large-scale events concurrently,” Julie-May adds.

TECH-SAVVY The events industry cannot escape the digital disruption sweeping across almost every facet of business today. Exhibition clients want to take up opportunities offered by new digital technologies and services, driving venues to stay on trend with technological advancements. Added to the utilities pits of the CTICC East exhibition halls are fibre-optic data cables, allowing for greater bandwidth and faster, more reliable internet connectivity. The facility will also have a fully integrated building management system that will provide effective control over venue variables such as air conditioning, lighting and access control. “Advances in mobile technologies have allowed for a plethora of devices and operating systems. The CTICC’s ability to seamlessly execute ICT-rich events such as AfricaCom – the biggest technology event in Africa – is a testament to the centre’s worldclass infrastructure,” says Julie-May.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY The CTICC takes its environmental impact and footprint seriously, and has made sustainability part of doing business. The centre actively partners with clients who wish to green their events, finding innovative solutions to upcycle, recycle and reuse exhibition material. In keeping with its sustainability commitment, CTICC East was awarded a four-star Green Building Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. “We’ve paid considerable attention to climate control measures, especially concerning the extensive use of glass for natural light and minimising direct sunlight during daylight hours. The design also includes energy saving devices, electrical submetering, water conservation, waste management and the local sourcing of products,” explains Julie-May.

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Experience Extraordinary There’s a place where meetings, conferences and corporate events are transformed from ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. A destination, at the tip of the mighty African continent, where two oceans meet in the shadow of one of earth’s seven natural wonders. Where creativity comes to life, the unforgettable is experienced, and the impressions created last a lifetime.

Photo: Alain Proust

LAUNCH PAD INTO AFRICA Africa is the destination market to watch in the business events industry. And clients who wish to access the African market often turn to Cape Town as a launch pad into Africa. “The CTICC has played a pivotal role in raising Cape Town’s profile as the number-one destination for business events on the continent. Through hosting trade fairs and major exhibitions, the CTICC offers African businesses a platform to demonstrate their latest products and services, network with international role players, study the competition and assess

market trends,” says Julie-May. The benefits do not end with the hosting of an event, though. There is a macroeconomic contribution crucial to the very existence of the CTICC. As Julie-May explains: “These events further the sharing of knowledge, transfer of skills, intellectual advancement and expose our destination to trade and investment opportunities – outcomes aligned with the CTICC’s objective to add to the economic growth and job creation in the region.”

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

This place is Cape Town International Convention Centre. And to experience it is to experience extraordinary.

To transform your special event into an extraordinary experience contact CTICC: +27 21 410 5000 sales@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za

BIG INTERVIEW

THE MAN BEHIND THE JEC With his unique ability to assess each situation and act without delay, Craig Newman has successfully turned the Johannesburg Expo Centre into a highly profitable business, year on year. This June, he celebrated 10 years of service as CEO.

N 1 JUNE 2006, Craig Newman’s appointment as CEO signalled the beginning of a new era for the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC). Although it is now one of the top venues in Africa, the JEC was a forgotten gem when it bid to be chosen as host venue for the international broadcast centre for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “One of my most memorable moments was my very first day at the JEC,” recalls Craig. “Four hours into it, I sat back and asked myself, what have I done? The reality had kicked in that I needed to build this business up from the ashes. It was a quite a reality check,” he laughs. “I’ve never forgotten that moment and it was that reality check that has driven me on continuously.” Having set about fixing things immediately, Craig became the major driving force behind the JEC, with his exceptional vision and his confidence to make things happen. His liberal and frank demeanor is complemented by his positive outlook and

16 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

where some may see challenges, Craig sees opportunities for growth. “I grew up in a township called Wentworth that was known for its gang scene,” says Craig. “It was a tough environment and, as a result, I became a very strong and determined person. Nothing really fazes me. I see setbacks as building blocks and stepping stones to the next level,” he says.

EARLY CAREER Craig’s career began in 1991 at Forge Ahead Exhibitions. Since then, he has successfully occupied leadership positions in companies that included TML Reed Exhibitions, Oasys Innovations, Balanced Solutions and Kagiso Exhibitions and Events. “I joined an organisation that focused on below-the-line activations,” Craig explains. “This got me working with a lot of people, which I enjoyed because I’m a people person. It also led me to doing activations for my clients, which usually involved exhibitions, and that’s how I got involved in this industry.”

NATURAL-BORN LEADER With more than 20 years’ experience in the South African events and exhibitions industry, Craig has developed an enviable understanding of the market and his wealth of knowledge and experience has been tantamount to the excellent turnaround strategy for the JEC. “The JEC has gone from strength to strength thanks to Craig,” says John Webb of Expo Guys. Hannes Venter, general manager, JEC, says, “Craig is a good manager, a good leader and shows an incremental approach to changing the status quo.” “My fellow shareholder and business partner, Raymond Burke, is my mentor,” says Craig. “He has over 40 years’ experience in the South African exhibitions industry and, over and above that, he epitomises what an entrepreneur should be. He has everything in his arsenal to be a successful entrepreneur and he has taught me the importance of calculated risk.” As the current CEO of the leading, multipurpose venue, Craig is respected and admired by all who meet him. His friendly approach, together with his fearless attitude, makes for a potent combination that is capable of leading the JEC for years to come. “In my time as CEO, I’ve learned that it’s important to lead with integrity, confidence and insight,” he says. “One must never become complacent and that’s why I do whatever I can to feed my enthusiasm, so that I continue

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#10YEARS FROM LEFT JEC is the proud host of the Gauteng leg of Ultra South Africa, the centre meets all the logistical and infrastructural requirement of construction machinery and mining machine trade fairs such as BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA, Asie from its capacity for entertainment, the JEC is well equipped to host trade and industry shows, as well as company year-ends.

to develop and grow as a leader.” Craig also acknowledges the importance that teamwork has had in his career. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link and I’m lucky enough to have an excellent team to work with,” he says.

in fact, we have never dropped the ball on a big international event, irrespective of its demands. We are right up there with what the rest of the world can offer and we need to drive this perception,” he says.

ROLE AT UFI

A DECADE OF SUCCESS

In 2015, Craig was appointed on to the board of the UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. This was followed by his appointment as the vice-chair of the Middle East Africa Chapter. “This has been one of the highlights of my career thus far,” says Craig. “In my capacity as vice-chair for our region, it’s my responsibility to draw more attention to the role that Africa can play in the global exhibitions industry. We believe that Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for UFI, and global membership can only benefit by giving Africa its support.” Craig also believes that South Africa has what it takes to become the leading country within the business tourism sector for Africa. “We have the expertise, experience and capability to handle large-scale events;

Reflecting on the past and his time as CEO, Craig feels the best is yet to come. “It has been an exciting, thrilling and adventurous journey to get to where I am now,” he says. “I started out in life as a musician and now I find myself in business,” he laughs. “It’s been a winding road, but also an incredible one.” What would Craig say to those wanting to pursue a career in the exhibitions and events industry? “It’s a wonderful and evolving industry,” he says. “Your attitude will determine how far you can go and where you could end up. Be diligent, be sincere and always keep your integrity.” Many years ago, a successful businessman posed a question to the JEC CEO that has stuck with him to this day. “He asked me, ‘How much is enough?’ So, I continuously ask myself the same

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question and the right answer is always, ‘Just a little bit more.’ That’s what drives me forward,” Craig says. “This doesn’t just apply to money but to knowledge and experience as well. I always want just a little bit more.” Thanks to his unwavering passion for what he does, it’s clear that Craig will continue to lead the JEC with success for years to come. “When it’s all over, I want to be remembered for making a difference,” he says. With a decade of excellent service under his belt and a bright future ahead of him, this is certain to be the case.

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

@jhbexpocentre1

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

WOMEN IN MICE

OUTSTANDING

ACHIEVEMENTS The Top 40 Women in MICE has become an industry highlight and this year’s celebrations did not disappoint.

VER THE PAST three years, Meetings magazine has acknowledged 125 phenomenal women who made a significant contribution to the industry. The Top 40 Women in MICE initiative has given these women a platform to tell their stories. They are stories that inspire, motivate and ignite. In order to grow the initiative into a community of influential women who are determined not only to build fruitful professional and personal relationships with one another, but to be advocates for an exciting new generation of business talent, it is vital to have a day where they can connect.

SENSATIONAL SUCCESS This year’s celebrations took place at the beautiful Monte De Dios. The ladies were treated to a three-course meal and entertainment was provided by Just 6, Morgan Beatbox, The Motherland, Lonehill Estate and Rubber Duc. This year’s Lifetime Achiever recipient, Jacqueline Stumke, summed up the day best, “What a fantastic day, stunning venue, delicious food, best decor ever and, of course, thanks for honouring such super women in MICE. I know that it meant so much to each and every award recipient to be acknowledged in front of their peers and I’m sure that the acknowledgement will make them strive to be even more professional in the years ahead.” Echoing her sentiments is EXSA’s general manager, Phumulani Hlatshwayo, “An event like Women in MICE is important to acknowledge successful women and their driving force in the industry.”

GIVING BACK This year, Women in MICE supported the Jess Foord Foundation’s handbag project. Each handbag is filled with essential items that will be needed after a woman reports her rape. A total of 223 bags were collected.

18 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

OUR SPONORS A special thank you to all the sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible: Monte De Dios, EPH Group, South African National Convention Bureau, Tshwane Convention and Visitor Bureau, Inspire Furniture, ELS Event Architects (decor), Khoja Group (trophies), RSVP Agency, Justin Lee Photography, Professional Passenger Services, Spier, Zevenwacht, Oyster King and Timeless Tents.

RISING STAR: SERVICES

RISING STAR: EVENT PLANNER

Zandi Nkosi

Inaze Sarang

Business events coordinator at Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau (GCEB) Zandi’s passion for engagement is what naturally led her to the events industry. She started out as an intern at the Gauteng Tourism Authority, working her way up to the business events coordinator for GCEB – a position that has seen her grow into a successful young professional. Being passionate about showcasing Gauteng, as well as developing good relationships with industry stakeholders, has ensured that GCEB is capable of delivery quality services to all interested parties. This self-starter enjoys a challenge and does not accept anything less than excellence in all areas of her life. Zandi has shown great leadership skills, honesty and integrity and no task is too big for her. Her passion for the industry is evident in the time and energy she devotes to her career. Zandi’s goal for the next five years is to own her own, woman-led events company. Watch this space.

Planner at Divaz Event Management Inaze is a hardworking, determined young woman who constantly strives for perfection in all she does, to ensure that her client’s events are the best they can be. When she started at Divaz, nearly two years ago, she didn’t even know how to add an attachment to an email. Today, Inaze can successfully manage and execute any event, proving that, with passion and determination, you can succeed at anything. She is dedicated to her work and is willing to spend whatever time or energy is needed to accomplish the task at hand. Inaze is open to new ideas and can think out of the box – essential requirements in the competitive MICE industry. Everything she does, she does with an extra dash of style, creativity and innovation. She is currently studying toward her bachelor’s degree in marketing through IMM. The future is bright for Inaze, as she strives towards becoming an established name in the events industry.

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Photo: Aimee Delagey

#40WIM

FIONA HACK INSPIRATIONAL AWARD* BRONWEN SHAW

NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo

Executive manager at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) This year, Amanda has been recognised as a “trailblazer” and named among the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry for 2016, by global business events magazine Successful Meetings. According to the magazine: “these people were chosen because they have either contributed to the business of meetings, made it easier for meeting professionals to do their job, helped raise awareness of the industry, or, through their actions, have had a significant impact on meeting professionals.” In April this year, Amanda was also awarded the IMEX Academy Award 2016 for Africa and the Middle East. According to IMEX Group’s Ray Bloom, chairman, and Paul Flackett, managing director, who presented the award at the 14th annual IMEX Gala Dinner held in Germany, Amanda was given this award for her role in developing the status of South Africa as a world-class destination within the meetings Industry. As part of her contribution in growing South Africa’s business events industry, she has

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worked with the Best Cities Alliance as well as partnered with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on some key projects. She was among the high-achieving meetings industry professionals from across the world that were honoured. The IMEX Academy Awards represents the very best in the meetings and incentive travel industry, honouring outstanding individuals. These awards and acknowledgments are confirmation that Amanda’s extensive experience and solid grasp of the business events industry have not gone unnoticed. A true achiever, more than a year ago, Amanda was elected geographical member for Africa to the ICCA board. Not only has Amanda been named Newsmaker of the Year, but she is also the first inductee into the Women in MICE Hall of Fame.

The passion Bronwen radiates for our industry is clearly evident. She firmly believes that, in order for anyone to make it in this industry, you need to be passionate, have tenacity, adopt a positive attitude, be hardworking and humble, listen and learn, try harder every day, stay focused, be energising, be creatively driven, make a difference, and remember to have fun. Bronwen knows her strengths well and makes sure she puts herself in both personal and professional situations where she can utilise these skills. She acknowledges that she has imperfections, but realises this is part of being human and she ensures that every mistake she makes is turned into a personal learning experience. She continuously asks herself how she can use her strengths to make the world that she lives in a better place. Bronwen is determined to continue to make a difference at every opportunity. She remains focused on continuing to raise the profile of this country for delegates coming in and ensuring that sustainability is consistent and maintained, leading the industry by the example she sets from a day-to-day perspective and growing and creating opportunities for all concerned in the business events sector. She has previously served on the Northern Territory branch committee for SAACI, the National SAACI board and has been a committee member on the Event Greening Forum. Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bronwen lives by this saying. *The recipient of this award makes a difference in the industry, her greater community and is a role model for other women. This award is named after Fiona Hack from Unlimited Events. Despite being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2014, Fiona still proceeded to run her business, even while undergoing chemotherapy, inspiring her staff and her clients. Today, Fiona has a clean bill of health.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Photos: Justiin Lee Photography

Key accounts manager at Chakela Hotels and Resorts

WOMEN IN MICE

LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD Guests were treated to chart-topping hits by some of South Africa's hottest bands – pictured above are band members of The Motherland and Rubber Duc

MAIN ELS Event Architects supplied the decor, which left a lasting impression on the guests ABOVE LEFT Khoja Group was responsible for making the bases for the beautiful trophies ABOVE RIGHT Guests described MC Thami Motlhabane (Top 40 2015) as a delight to see and listen to

20 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

LEFT Monte de Dios outdoor venue was the perfect backdrop for this year's event

Jacqueline Stumke

Founder of PCO Alliance Network Jacqueline is a highly revered professional conference organiser with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Her creative solutions, organisational skills and her handson approach have been major factors in the success of her company. Seeing a need to share skills and ideas, she founded the PCO Alliance Network. Under her guidance and leadership, the network has grown into a significant group of highly respected PCOs. She has been an inspiration and mentor to many people in this industry and this is highlighted by what the following people had to say: • “It is a proud thing, as a founding member of the PCO Alliance Network, to see Jacqueline being honoured with this award. She is an inspiration and friend to us all, with an amazing ability to ‘really listen’. Her positive energy, dedication, vision and passion have ensured the growth and success of the PCO Alliance Network.” Clare Coomer, Network Conferences Incorporated • “I met Jacqueline when I was wet behind the ears, working as a hotel receptionist. At first, I was quite intimidated by her, but her absolute respect for junior and senior staff alike was and still is something to admire. Her passion for people and sincere friendliness remind me why I am in this industry.” Chris Oosthuizen, GM, Pecan Manor Conference & Function Venue • “I met Jacqueline many years ago and always admired her work ethic and friendliness. I consider her an icon in our industry. So when she called me to say that she was starting the PCO Alliance Network, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the organisation. After 10 successful years, I am still a proud member and in total awe of what she has achieved.” Gayle Defranceski, Joburg Conferences • “Jacqueline's dedication, patience and leadership in dealing with all matters, both industry-related and on a personal level, have been the foundation of the PCO Alliance Network’s success. We, as members, are proud and honoured that she has been recognised for her contribution to this ever-challenging industry.” Ingrid Banfield, Banfield Sales & Marketing

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Photos: Justiin Lee Photography, Supplied

FROM LEFT Liezle Bothma, Conker Exhibitions: Top 40 2016; Jacqui Reynolds, On Show Solutions: Top 40 2013; and Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing: Top 40 2016

BEST PRACTICE

GREEN BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY Tourvest incentives, meetings & events shares ways that you can effectively use the "reuse, reduce, recycle and recovery" principle in your next event.

S BUSINESSES OPERATING within the meetings industry and the broader tourism sector, it is imperative that we start committing to principles that promote sustainability within our internal operational practices by combatting and minimising environmentally harmful activities. Understandably, it is easier said than done; and companies need to determine the harmonious balance between profit, sustainability and humanity. Although South Africa trails behind in terms of global greening trends and standards, this should be an opportunity to prepare ourselves for what’s to come, and how we will take remedial action to counter the implications associated with future greening policy enforcement. Incorporating greening as part of a business long-term strategy of becoming sustainable is predicted to yield competitive advantages and possible tax benefits as well as contribute to the sustainability of our economy for future generations. Service industries differ from product industries and, therefore, implementing ecofriendly practices becomes a complex scenario. The universal guiding principle when approaching greening could be considered the four Rs, these being reuse, reduce, recycle and recovery. Businesses in the service sector – meetings, incentives, conferences and events – can translate the following practices into the internal daily operations of their businesses as the first step to better internal practices. • Wherever possible, waste reduction is the preferable option. • If waste is produced, every effort should be made to reuse it, if practical.

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•R ecycling is the third option in the waste management hierarchy. Although recycling does help to conserve resources and reduce wastes, it is important to remember that there are economic and environmental costs associated with waste collection and recycling. For this reason, recycling should only be considered for waste that cannot be reduced or reused. Practising environmentally conscious decisionmaking and purchasing can cut costs and increase profit in the form of: lower waste disposal costs; lower waste treatment costs; lower energy costs; savings on materials and supplies; reduced regulatory compliance costs; lower storage costs; and cost recovery through the sale of recyclable materials. (For more information regarding the four Rs, visit www.iisd.org.) So we know that we can apply the four Rs, but where does one start? Companies can segment their businesses according to three, broad categories, namely: consumers, internal operations and government.

CONSUMERS It is a reality that we cannot dictate to clients what they should be doing to promote greener events but, as event planners, we should have the responsibility to guide their decision-making process. This can only happen if we, ourselves, are educated on the topic and the benefits associated with an eco-neutral event. This means additional pre-planning is required prior to each event.

INTERNAL OPERATIONS The adjusting of internal work practices is the easiest part of

going green, as it is the only aspect we have full control over. Being in the service industry, we only have power over the choices we make, such as carpooling to meetings, encouraging the digital transfer of documentation and even recycling old banners or leftover gifts into ecogifts for clients, to mention a few.

GOVERNMENT Government has geared towards sustainability and it is evident in the various legislations emerging these days, such as the carbon tax in January 2017. Businesses should start planning now for its imminent arrival and seek out ways in which emerging greening legislation will work in their favour.

NATASHIA BRITTION is the manager: Creative and Marketing at Tourvest Incentives, Meetings and Events (I.M.E). The company is affiliated with the Event Greening Forum and is committed to the development of the sustainability of the business, the future of the industry and future generations.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

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Centre of Table decor can be used to strengthen the corporate identity or set the mood. George Sutherland shares top ways to get the most out of centrepieces.

VOID THE OBVIOUS, forget the expected and infuse excitement. Guests will have to spend an entire evening at a table. Push the boundaries as far as you can without making your client feel insecure.

LOOK FOR INSPIRATION Our environment offers a lot of inspiration – architecture and the urban landscape will draw your thoughts towards layering, stripes on stripes, cubism, and ferrous and polished

metallic finishes. Nature – with its forests, deserts and seascapes – offers more fluid lines and different textures for inspiration.

INTERACTIVE CENTREPIECES Use centrepieces as a way to get guests talking to one another. For example, give each guest a switch or remote control to a different light source in the centrepiece – guests can then change colour, static or flicker, resulting in a fun way to have different-looking, changing tables throughout the evening.

LIMITED BUDGET Nature is almost for free – borrow and give back. Twigs, bark and an array of stones and pebbles are readily available. It is not a matter of what you use but more so how you use it – bundle it, pile it on or go zen; add a light source and you will end up with a dramatic table. It is time for urban ferreting. A visit to the local recycling depot, panel beater or scrap metal yard will give you endless inspiration, save your client money and provide the green factor to your piece.

Modding is the new buzzword when it comes to table decor

Modding is the new buzzword when it comes to table decor. Put all your finds together and create something. You will be amazed at the array of uses simple discarded items can have. A large bolt becomes that napkin-ring and old motor engines are a source for those special candelabras. Modding will add interest, excitement and an extra dimension to your table decor.

GEORGE SUTHERLAND is the managing director of Event Wizards. He is passionate about event design and is assisted by a super-efficient team with talent that knows no boundaries.

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MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

out of this world events Event Wizards exists to design wonderful celebrations. We are resourceful enough to deliver delightful results where others thought it was impossible and with an agility that seems almost…like magic!

BEST PRACTICE

Dazzling DECOR For Alastair Laing, one of the easiest ways to spruce up any corporate event venue is the use of decor.

ECOR IMPARTS A sense of formality to an event and creates an appealing atmosphere across tables, seating, walls, ceilings and walkways. An event is a visual extension of your brand or personality, and when done well, decor will create a cohesive reflection of the host. Whether it be for a corporate function, fundraising event, networking occasion or wedding, event decor transforms ordinary venues into organic spaces and makes the occasion inviting, sophisticated and memorable.

DECOR MUST-HAVES • Colour defines so much of an event – it sets the theme, mood, feel and overall vibe of your event. Colour trends evolve constantly; some are classics while others go out of style along with the latest fads. Hot colours for

24 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

events at the moment include colour palettes of pastels and bright candies. • Lighting is one of the most important decor influences and needs particular consideration to bring the magic and sophistication of an event to life. Lighting transforms a room and creates varied levels of energy, dependent on the required mood. Combined with draping, lighting adds a special element that cannot be achieved by other means. By adding colour through lighting, you set the mood and provide uniqueness to your function. From coloured ceiling lighting to string lights to pin spots, lighting provides ambience and guides focus to the unique features of the setting. • Incorporate elegant draping wherever possible at your chosen venue as it provides a blank canvas for the rest of your decor/ lighting and simultaneously directs guests’

focus to strategic areas. Draping is ideal for transforming unattractive spaces into magical wonderlands – it’s cost effective and adds a sophisticated touch to the look and feel of any event. • Centrepieces are the heart and pulse of event decor. Combining elements such as glass, crystal, candles and florals, centrepieces are key touch points that communicate the event’s theme, sophistication and mood. However, ensure that your beautiful pieces don’t block the line of sight to the podium or create obstructions between guests.

DECOR NO-NOS • Using props or staging that are abnormally large and would be expensive to transport and may pose problems when gaining access to the venue or fitting into the room. • Not knowing the 10-day weather forecast before an event and having no backup plan for decor items that may be affected by adverse weather conditions. • Using decorations that violate fire or basic safety codes – flammable paper such as posters, butcher paper or streamers to cover walls. • Hanging decorations from light fixtures and ceilings, creating a potential safety hazard. • Choosing a theme and decorations that may

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#DIVINEDESIGN

MUST-USE DECOR TRENDS

1 DRAPING Whether transforming a small,

ordinary venue or making a massive hall feel cosy and intimate, creative draping creates the canvas for your event mood. Through the clever use of draping to lower ceilings and create up-lit walls with washes of colour, you instantly transform unassuming spaces into elegant and memorable settings. Do your homework and ensure your supplier has experience in this field and be sure to ask for photographs of their previous draping work.

RIGHT AND COLOURFUL Colour is the B cornerstone in event decor. Stemming from the worlds of art, technology and fashion, 2017’s colours may gravitate towards palettes that are tranquil and calming – reflecting natural colours that communicate serenity, relaxation and exploration. If you’re afraid of going over the top with a colour theme, rather incorporate bright accent colours into table linens, your floral arrangements, centrepieces and event graphics. For companies with specific logo colours, accents are a great way to enhance without changing a company’s identity.

3 UNCONVENTIONAL SEATING Traditional and

be disrespectful of the guests’ cultures, backgrounds, identities and beliefs.

DECORATING ON A BUDGET • Make your meal menu a decor element by writing it on simple chalkboard pallets. • Create functional centrepieces using fruit or other edible items. • Use balloons to elegantly incorporate colour, mood and height colour to a room. • Make your bar and drinks a focal area by putting on display wine bottles, glassware and signature cocktails. • Use candles to inexpensively add light, romance, colour and character. • Use simple flowers sparingly to deliver a sophisticated, simple look. • Use your food displays as decoration. Colourful candy displays, bread tables and fruit displays are not only your meal, but make great eye-catching decor elements when placed in the right spots.

ALASTAIR LAING is the group CEO of Unlimited Events Group - a leader in the events supply industry and the preferred event solution supplier to many blue-chip clients across the country.

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dining seating tends to supress interaction and, in some cases, hinders visibility of the podium or stage. Nobody wants to twist or move around to see the speaker or groom addressing guests. A trend that will continue into 2017 is less structured seating that encourages interaction between guests, giving them the opportunity to choose where to sit, while the arrangement maximises visibility and space.

4 VINTAGE STYLING This trendy Victorian-

inspired decor is akin to afternoon high tea and garden parties fit for Downton Abbey. Combining lanterns, pearls, garlands, rich textures, clean colours and dainty chinaware, lavish vintage event decor creates a wonderfully nostalgic setting for an elegant event. Next year, you’ll see a lot of event decor mixing and matching pieces of traditional lace with rustic textures; vintage suitcases with gramophones; and birdcages and vintage flower arrangements of roses, tulips, pansies and hyacinths for a bridal celebration in a bygone era.

5 INCORPORATING FURNITURE Furniture

has also become a big part of event decor – we’re finding more and more that clients want to combine furniture hire with their event decor. Hiring cocktail tables and loungers, for example, is much more costeffective than hosting a formal dinner. LED furniture is a leading trend in illuminating the way to a wonderfully vibrant function.

6 NEIGHBOURHOOD MARKET STYLE Growing in popularity in corporate events are set-ups designed around little stalls and live interactive buffets and action stations where staff are made fresh sushi, fried calamari or have the option to pick what they want prepared for their meal.

7 CHOICES AND FLEXIBILITY Today,

everything can be customised to a personal preference. Many corporates are enjoying giving their staff the opportunity to experience their function the way they want to experience it – who they sit with, the space they sit in, if they eat standing or lounging as well as what food and drink they take in. A big trend is providing a variety of seating options in different areas with different moods – a chilled, loungy environment, the cozy corner to chat, a refreshing outdoor getaway or a formal setting for more serious discussions. It’s vital to ensure that the preferences, comfort and choices of all your guests are considered. Casual seating – giving everyone, including different staff cultures, the opportunity to enjoy the event the way they want to – provides variety for all tastes.

8 THE ONE-STOP SHOP Clients have

definitely developed the mentality of the “one-stop shop” when it comes to event planning. From procurement, order processing and recon points of view, we find that corporates certainly favour a supplier who is able to provide full turnkey solutions spanning audiovisual, photography, entertainment, flowers, seating and furniture – all under one roof. This really does make life easier from an end-result view, providing a holistic and consistent concept, look and feel delivery with no fragmentation across a handful of different suppliers

9 WOW FACTOR Creating a focal point or

a moment of grand reveal has become a massive trend at events. Whether it be a fire dancer lowered through the ceiling or a crescendo to an audiovisual extravaganza, guests thrive on waiting for and photographing that wow moment epitomising the event.

10 ALTERNATIVE VENUES Farm yards, office parking lots, rooftops, a football field: all these make for unique venues that don’t cost a cent. A massive trend tying into these alternative venues is the use of pop-up food trucks, mobile bars, slush machines and roving food vendors.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

BEST PRACTICE

GET EVERYONE USING YOUR

According to the 2015 Event App Bible, there are 125 apps out there – each with its own unique benefits and features. It’s about finding the right tool for the job. When choosing, start by thinking about the following: • What is the right app for you? Think about your budget, your objectives and your stakeholders’ objectives. What are the desired outcomes of your app? Finally, will it be a selfor full-service solution from your provider? • What will work for the event? What type of event is it? How long is the event? Will you need to have an app packed with content or are interaction and engagement your primary goals? • Don’t forget the attendees What app will add the most value to their experience? Will they want to sift through lots of event content (event app)? Or, will they mainly want to ask questions to presenters (engagement app)? Maybe they want to do both? Once you’ve decided what your objectives are and what kind of app you require, it will be a lot easier to select a supplier.

Event apps full of content are more likely to be accessed in advance of your event, so highlight a point in the timeline of your plan to make sure you’re reminding and encouraging attendees regularly enough. Incentivising them will come in handy at this point. In our experience, one month is normally ideal, but two weeks is perhaps a more realistic target. Downloading event apps also tends to be more taxing on Wi-Fi, so set yourself a goal for pre-event adoption numbers and really drive it to ensure you don’t have too many people trying to get on your app when they arrive at the meeting. You know your audience. Will they engage early? If so, how early? When it comes to pre-event promotion, it is vitally important that you, first, have a strategy and, second, stick to it. Where appropriate, promote early and often, but whatever your strategy, create a timeline where you can map out all your communication dates clearly.

Social media is a powerful channel, but you might want to think about whether or not it is appropriate for your audience. Don’t forget to include some traditional methods that are still easy wins, like SMS or email, or by placing a ‘Download Now’ button on your conference website and including the download link in all ‘know before you go’ communications and on staff email signatures, if appropriate. If you think it will help, ask speakers, exhibitors and sponsors to share the app via their channels. Attendees are much more likely to download the app if they think it’s a good idea.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT APP

PROMOTE YOUR APP

26 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember: app promotion doesn’t stop the day before your meeting. It is unlikely you will manage to get everyone to download your app ahead of arrival, so make sure you continue your promotion during the event. When it comes to engagement apps, they are generally accessed for the first time on the day; however, if you think it will be a struggle to get attendees to download the app on arrival, you might want to send instructions a couple of days in advance.

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Stop bad meetings from happening to good people Gauteng: +27 12 349 1093 I Western Cape: +27 21 554 4964 I hello@meetoo.com

#APPENGAGEMENT

Whatever you do, strive to avoid any possible barriers to adoption and utilisation. Give your audience a reason to download the app. That might be content, interaction or rewards - inform them of the benefits and keep your instructions for accessing and using the app simple.

A clear and strong introduction to any meeting technology is vital. Where live polling is going to be used in a meeting, make sure you demonstrate how it works early on with a warm-up poll. Having your host do this during the welcome will position the app as an important meeting tool and not just a gimmick. Try not to beg, but genuine appeals for engagement with your app, be it poll responses or question submissions, can really drive attendees’ behaviour. The beginning of a session is the perfect point to get speakers encouraging the use of your app.

It’s no secret that simple works best. Meeting attendees will have a list of things that are more important than your app to them: what time does the evebt finish, what’s for lunch, is there a free bar tonight… and the list goes on. That’s why it’s so vital to give them simple, clear instructions and benefits to engaging with your app. Even if you get your promotion right and your adoption rate is high, your attendees still need to use your app to demonstrate a return on investment, so choose an app that is simple to use, or at least intuitive, and make sure your messages of encouragement are simple, so that they can follow.

AVOID BARRIERS

WI-FI It can be a real villain when it comes to apps, so it is vital that you get written confirmation from your venue/supplier that their infrastructure and Wi-Fi can support your needs. HOW-TO GUIDE Whether it’s a simple, on-screen introduction slide showing how to use your engagement app, or a detailed digital document stored in your event app, be sure to let your attendees know how to get it and how to use it. HELPDESK If you are using an event app, having a technical helpdesk will help mitigate many potential issues. In my experience, however, it is rarely actual app issues that get the most questions at helpdesks; it is: “How do I access the Wi-Fi?’ and then “What are my login details?”.

ENCOURAGE AND INCENTIVISE

GAMIFICATION A bit of competition and a leaderboard can drive people into the behaviours and activities you want from them. If you are using a content-loaded event app, regularly updating the content allows you to contact your audience to drive them back to the app.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

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.

One of the key measures of success of an event app is user retention, which is one of many valuable metrics that you will get from your analytics.

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MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Transform events forever Technology to energise and connect your audiences

ID123

www.lumiglobal.com Gauteng: +27 12 349 1093 Western Cape: +27 21 554 4964

ID 123

BEST PRACTICE

Reconciling the ODD COUPLE Geoff Donaghy explores the complex relationships between convention centres and hotels.

HE RELATIONSHIP between convention centres and hotels in the same community can be complicated. And this is not something unique to one or even a few destinations – it’s the same for many of the destinations around the world pursuing the most attractive meetings and conventions business. Given the essential roles that both play in the overall product equation, a successful relationship is one that can produce significant mutual benefits; however, there is also some inherent potential for conflict. The benefits generated by a major convention centre for the local hotels include increased accommodation room nights, which can easily extend into the hundreds of thousands – but there are also the satellite activities that accompany these centre-sized events; for example, board and sector meetings, hospitality events and entertainment, which typically spread out across the entire city.

This event has the potential to deliver many thousands of professional delegates and tens of thousands of room nights along with corporate entertainment and hospitality spin-offs across the city, providing an enormous contribution to that city’s profile and reputation for capability in a very high-profile professional field.

SO FAR, SO GOOD

CHALLENGING DISCUSSIONS

So, where are the conflicts? The first is based on something I would call the profit paradox – well illustrated by the number of times I’ve listened to industry colleagues complaining about high hotel rates at the same time as a lack of hotel rooms, without appreciating the irony of what they were saying. Clearly, we need to fully accept the supply/ demand dynamic and yield management philosophies that drive and underpin the next wave of new hotel investment, because that is what we need to grow our own business. However, having said that, convention centres provide a big part of the rationale for new demand, and, therefore, new investment in room stock. But there is another issue, which is best illustrated by feedback I recently received from a major global convention client staging a very high-profile event happening in a few years’ time in a major city I won’t name.

However, this client confided in us that they had “some of most challenging hotel discussions and negotiations” they had ever experienced, including difficulties securing appropriate room blocks and confirming rates as well as agreeing on the release or attrition conditions. We know that centre clients are not the only business segment for hotels – but this illustrates the inherent short-/long-term conflict that often exists in our relationship. Centres generally work in the long term, with lead times that can be up to eight years for international groups and up to four for some national events. Hotels, on the other hand, work in much shorter time frames – in fact, over the lead period for a major international event there could be two, or even three, changes of general management in a hotel that our client is also dealing with. With a focus on shorter-term returns, it sometimes appears that hotel owners and

28 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

investors don’t always understand the importance of reputation and positive positioning for the city in protecting their long-term property investments. However, research we undertake in our venues consistently confirms that, while the convention centre typically only receives about 8% to 10% of what international and national delegates spend in the destination, the hotel sector receives much more than that – which suggests they should be at least as concerned as we are about maintaining the benefits these events deliver. As I have already said, relationships are often complicated. But, in the case of centres and hotels, there’s too much at stake to let them fail. And, in fact, there’s little that can’t be solved by cooperation and collaboration driven by ongoing and open communication. Together, we can do a lot for each other – and, at the same time, for our overall community.

In addition to his role as AIPC president, GEOFF DONAGHY is CEO at ICC Sydney (the International Convention Centre Sydney) and director of Convention Centres AEG Ogden. He also represents AIPC on the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).

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A SPACE TO SHAPE IDEAS Welcome to Africa’s preferred multi-purpose venue, the Sandton Convention Centre. Our state-of-the-art venue provides a platform for people to share ideas, inspire progressive thinking and project innovative global solutions. Conveniently situated in the heart of Johannesburg, the economic capital of southern Africa, the SCC offers easy access via the Gautrain to OR Tambo Airport and to a myriad of world-class shopping and entertainment options. Its location in close proximity to a wide range of accommodation options makes the SCC perfectly positioned for both local and international travellers. The award-winning convention centre is a proud host to some of South Africa’s largest and most successful exhibitions, offering dedicated exhibition space of over 10 000 m2 and an additional multi-purpose space of 7 700 m2. Repeatedly voted as the most technically advanced venue in Africa, the Sandton Convention Centre provides access to the latest technology and telecoms. At the Sandton Convention Centre we can help take your exhibition to the next level – let’s make it a resounding success. Call us on +27 11 779 000 to book the ideal platform for your event.

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• Durban ICC shines • Facts and figures

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GROWING SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMY Business events have a positive impact on the South African Economy. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South Africa National Convention Bureau explains how.

S THE SOUTH AFRICA National

Convention Bureau (SANCB), one of the key strategic objectives, for us, is to continue positioning South Africa as a globally competitive, capable, professional, wellorganised and welcoming host destination. This includes the holistic approach we have for tourism in our country, and how we provide and leverage quality experiences delegates have when attending conferences in our country and use them to convert conference attendees into tourists through pre and post tours for them to return to our shores for leisure. Through the SANCB, South Africa now has a strategic platform for collaboration to claim a bigger slice of the global business events market. We are, however, cognisant of the fact that it is important that it is not only South Africa’s business events industry that grows but that of the rest of our African continent, too. Therefore, we have been working in collaboration with some associations and stakeholders for continent-wide marketing opportunities benefiting our African economy. The global meetings industry has also, in the last few years, recognised Africa as a business destination and, with that, we are encouraged to better our efforts. In 2015, South Africa hosted 140 international association meetings and conferences that attracted just under 80 000 delegates to the country. These events generate 542 combined conference days and generated just over R1 billion in economic impact for the country.

South Africa National Convention Bureau

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R765 MILLION INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS The SANCB created four international business events trade platforms for the local industry at the following shows: • IMEX, Frankfurt 2015 • IBTM, China 2015 • IMEX, America 2015 • I BTM World, Barcelona 2015. The SANCB subsidised 78 local business events products and services that enabled them to exhibit on the four platforms, including nine companies that qualified for the National Department of Tourism’s Tourism Incentive Programme. The SANCB generated 139 qualified leads from these trade shows, which could potentially attract 92 000 delegates to South Africa and generate R765 million for our economy.

Some 108 of these conferences met the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) ranking criteria. Conferences that are recognised for the ranking need to meet the following criteria: • Only association conference and meetings are counted. • The meetings and conferences needs to rotate to at least three countries. • The meetings and conferences need to be attended by at least 50 international delegates. South Africa has already secured 66 international association conferences and meetings for the five years starting in 2017. These events are already contracted for South Africa and are guaranteed business for the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. We estimate these events will contribute about R1.4 billion in economic impact, will attract 108 134 association professionals and will generate 311 event days that will benefit all the suppliers in the business events value chain. In addition, we have 45 bids that are still pending, again planned to take place in the years up to 2022. These events have the potential to attract 112 000 delegates, over 216 days, and can potentially contribute R1.5 billion to our economy.

businessevents.southafrica.net

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES HOSTED IN FY 2015/16

South Africa hosted various international conferences and meeting during FY 2015/16. Hosting these conferences in South Africa enabled the country to address key challenges, by hosting leading minds on various topics and focusing the world’s spotlight on African innovation and solutions for these challenges. Some of the highlights included: CONFERENCE

CITY

NUMBER OF DELEGATES

World Forestry Congress

Durban

5 500

World Library and Cape Town Information Congress

3 000

Johannesburg 3 000

AfriCities Summit

SUPPORT SERVICES FOCUS: ORGANISER/DECISION MAKER BIDDING SUPPORT • Bid support • Bid document • Lobbying • Bid promotion • Bid presentations

SITE INSPECTION SUPPORT • Bidding site inspection • Convention planning site inspections

CONVENTION PLANNING SUPPORT • Planning support • Venue and supplier recommendations

FOCUS: DELEGATE/CONSUMER

Photos©Century City Convention Centre

DELEGATE BOOSTING SUPPORT • Marketing support to promote the conference • Delegate attendance promotion

DELEGATE-BOOSTING The SANCB also assisted the local industry with 39 delegate-boosting activations, promoting South Africa as the next host destination at various conferences and meetings around the world. These activations enabled South Africa to reach 115 000 delegates, promoting the country to captive audiences during these promotional activations.

BUSINESS EVENT RESEARCH REPORT 2014/15 The SANCB embarked on a five-year research study to measure a baseline for South Africa’s business events industry. Two years of data have been collected and estimate, based on the report produced in conjunction with Grant Thornton, that the total direct spend for business events was R38.5 billion in 2014 and R42.4 billion in 2015. In 2014, the International Meetings, Conference and Exhibition Industry supported some 267 660 direct and indirect annual job equivalents in South Africa and 280 555 in 2015. This great performance shows that South Africa is a dynamic and stable economy, and we are confident that the work we do at the SANCB will contribute towards maintaining and growing this solid economy. n

South Africa National Convention Bureau

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R2.1 BILLION BID SUBMISSIONS FOR 2015 The SANCB, in conjunction with our city and provincial convention bureaus, submitted 53 bids for international business events during FY 2015/16. These business events have the potential to attract 86 000 delegates to the country, creating 242 combined conference days and generating a potential R1.2 billion in economic impact for the South Africa. These bids contributed towards the number of pending bids that are still awaiting an outcome.

ON-SITE SERVICES • Support toward on-site elements of the event

FOR DESTINATION EXPERTISE AND CONVENTION PLANNING SUPPORT, CONTACT THE SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU Go to www.businessevents.southafrica.net or email convention@southafrica.net or call +27 (0)11 895 3000

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Smart and sophisticated, rural and rustic – there is no denying that KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s favourite business event destinations.

WAZULU-NATAL IS ONE of South Africa’s most

important economic hubs and tourism provinces, and is an area renowned for its conservation efforts, natural attractions, prehistorical and historical sites. Some of its key natural attractions include: • the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park • iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Sites •g ame reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, South Africa’s oldest game reserve and where the white rhino was saved from extinction, and Tembe Elephant Park, which reportedly has the biggest elephant in Africa. The Drakensberg mountains are also renowned for rock art evidence of the early San people, or Bushmen, and this was one of the reasons why the mountain range was declared a World Heritage Site. Some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most fascinating historical sites are battlefields like Blood River, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Talana, Colenso and Spionkop.

MELTING POT OF CULTURE KwaZulu-Natal also has a rich cultural mix, which ranges from the cultures of one of the biggest Indian population concentrations outside mainland India to the famous Zulu people and communities from European ancestry. This makes KwaZulu-Natal representative of the wider world and a home-away-from-home destination for people from across the globe. This region is also associated with personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, John Dube, Albert Luthuli, Nelson Mandela and Alan Paton. Gandhi, for example, spent much of the more than 20 years that he lived in South Africa at his ashram in Phoenix, which forms part of a unique tourism route known as the Inanda Heritage Route. This route also includes the Ohlanga Educational Institute and the home of Rev John Dube, the first president of the African National Congress. This is the site where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote and went on to report to Rev Dube, at his gravesite, which is also found in the grounds of this institute, “We are finally free.” This symbolically also represented the end of Madiba’s “long walk to freedom”. KwaZulu-Natal is also known for its beach culture, which is influenced by a range of world-class beaches, internationally recognised surf spots and shark-diving reefs. It is this rich heritage and tourism environment that will provide delegates with a particularly distinctive experience while attending a conference in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as providing a deeper understanding of Africa and its resources. n

South Africa National Convention Bureau

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AWARDS

GALORE

Durban and KwaZulu-Natal were rated as Africa’s BEST MICE DESTINATION in 2012 and 2013 by the magazine Business Destinations.

AFRICA’S LEADING MEETINGS AND CONFERENCE DESTINATION BY WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2014 AND 2015.

Award-winning USHAKA MARINE WORLD is the fifth biggest aquarium of its kind in the world and has a leadingedge oceanographic research institute.

Voted the friendliest city in South Africa. EST CITY IN SOUTH AFRICA, B in terms of quality of life, in the 18th Mercer Quality of Life survey.

The New York Times named Durban as one of the 52 must-see places of 2015. Durban received the accolade of one of the New7Wonders Cities in 2014.

URBAN ICC has D been voted the best convention centre in Africa on 15 occasions by the World Travel Awards and as one of the top 15 Congress Centres in the world by AIPC. It has also won an international award for Most Environmentally Conscious Congress Centre.

businessevents.southafrica.net

HOSTING

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS It is important to note that Durban, mainly through its international conference centre, the Durban ICC, has successfully hosted a range of significant conferences, including:

A CONFERENCE OR INCENTIVE?

The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau can assist with:

WELCOME DESK at the King Shaka International Airport TOURISM INFO DESK with collateral

COMPLIMENTARY OR DISCOUNTED VOUCHERS TO KEY ATTRACTIONS

Advising on PREAND POST-TOUR OPPORTUNITIES

A WELCOME RECEPTION and contribution to a GALA DINNER

RAISING OF SPONSORSHIP

CONVENTION PUBLICITY

DISCOUNTED AIRFARES through SAA PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS Educational trips and SITE INSPECTIONS SUPPLIER and VENUE info and quotations

Assistance with CONGRESS BIDS DELEGATE BOOSTING INFORMATION KITS and WELCOME PACKS for delegates SHUTTLE SERVICES IDENTIFICATION OF PCO services

South Africa National Convention Bureau

A HOTEL ROOM HOLDING and complimentary rooms for VIPS and speakers

AND MORE...

CONTACT James Seymour +27 (0)31 366 7580 james@durbankzncb.co.za

SA_NCB

• Microsoft Conference • Sugar Cane Technology Conference • World Congress of Surgeons • International Society of Haematology Conference • International Congress for Electron Microscopy • International Society of Chemotherapy • International Statistical Institute Conference • International Nursing Conference • 5th World Parks Congress • World Lottery Association Congress • International Sociological Association Congress • World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance • International Bar Association • 2007 FIFA Preliminary Draw for the 2010 Football World Cup • 123rd Session of the International Olympic Committee Congress • United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP 17) • 2013 BRICS Summit • 2013 World Association of Co-operative Education • 2014 Congress of the International Union of Architects • 2015 World Forestry Congress • 2015 Congress of the World Baptist Alliance • International AIDS Congress in 2000 and 2016 • Loeries Creative Awards in 2015 and 2016 • 2016 Congress of the International Society of City and Regional Planners

WHAT’S NEXT?

Major conferences lined up for Durban in October: • Congress of the World Federation of Trade Unions • Institute of Municipal Finance Officers Conference 2016 • 2nd National Pharmacy Conference 2016 • International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness 10th General Assembly • 2016 World Hospital Federation Congress

businessevents.southafrica.net

Photo©International AIDS Society/Marcus Rose

BUSINESS EVENTS The International AIDS Conference has not only had a major positive impact on Durban’s economy but it has helped establish the city, as well as South Africa, as a premier business events destination.

HE LOCAL ECONOMY of Durban has benefited directly from the delegates’ spend with the hotels, restaurants, transport providers and tourist attractions. Over and above this, the city is also being showcased to this immense international audience as an attractive destination, which further stimulates the desire for people to return to the destination with their families in future years. From a venue perspective, it is an opportunity to showcase the Durban ICC’s ability to host mega events. The Durban ICC is well suited for events of this nature and has South Africa National Convention Bureau

SA_NCB

successfully hosted many complex international events for high-profile delegations. Each time the Durban ICC hosts a high-profile event of this nature, it engenders confidence in the rest of the world that our country, the city and the centre can successfully compete at a world-class level.

THE PREMIER CONFERENCE DESTINATION Durban has played the pioneering role in South Africa’s international conference industry, having had the foresight to build the country’s first international convention centre back in 1992. South Africa’s conference industry owes much of its success to Durban and the Durban ICC for the role it played in ensuring that South Africa was welcomed back into the international business tourism community. Durban also offers all of the conveniences one would expect from a modern convention city, including a worldclass airport, an efficient transport system and a wide variety of excellent hotels and restaurants, not to mention the award-winning convention centre. The city’s scenic beauty, golden beaches and glorious sunshine make it an obvious choice for conference organisers. n

businessevents.southafrica.net

Photos©International AIDS Society/Rogan Ward

THE IMPACT OF

FOOD FOR THOUGHT 2 500

8 000

40 000

67 200

30 000

68 800

10 000

140 000

10 800

muffins

bottles of water

sandwiches

cups of coffee

pastries

cold drinks

DID YOU KNOW?

125 500

water cooler cups

1.2

tonnes of fresh fruit

A HELPING HAND

The Durban KZN Convention Bureau helped secure the International AIDS Conference by:

RAISING FINANCIAL SUPPORT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF SANCB TO SUBSIDISE THE VENUE BY R7 MILLION

FACILITATING CITY DRESSING

HOLDING LEAD-UP WORKSHOPS

EXTENSIVE PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT

FACTS & FIGURES* THE 21ST INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE • 18 to 22 JULY 2016 DURBAN HAS PREVIOUSLY hosted the International Aids Congress, making it and Washington the only cities that have hosted this significant congress on two occasions

R800 MILLION

RECORD-BREAKING The largest event of its kind ever hosted in South Africa South Africa National Convention Bureau

TALKING RANDS AND CENTS

SA_NCB

economic impact from the International AIDS Conference

10 500 BEDROOMS

All hotels within a 45-minute drive were booked out. In addition, delegates stayed in alternative accommodation

20 000 +

combined delegates, exhibitors and visitors to the global village

CREATING JOBS 300

extra security personnel on duty

500

waiters and bar staff per day

120

supporting staff assisting with set-up, technical requirements and turning around of venue configurations

businessevents.southafrica.net

Photos©Durban ICC

litres of milk

bottles of SA wine

* Info supplied by Durban KZN Convention Bureau and Durban ICC

loaves of bread

Photo©International AIDS Society/Marcus Rose

In the lead-up to the International AIDS Conference, these are some of the selected food and beverage items Durban ICC procured in preparation for the conference:

THINGS TO DO IN

DURBAN

EAT

PLAY

LEARN

More information: southafrica.net/za/en/articles/overview/durban

THE INDIAN DISTRICT

THE GOLDEN MILE

HIT THE BEACH

FLORIDA ROAD

Two waves of Indian imigration – one of indentured servants under British rule beginning in 1860 and the second by traders in the 1880s onward – helped make Durban home to the highest concentration of Indians outside India. You can stop off at the Zulu muthi (traditional medicine) market and the Victoria street market (the Vic), where dealers in traditional kurtas and saris hawk incense, ornately embroidered fabrics and aromatic spices.

Named for the golden, sandy beaches lining the coastal edge of the city’s central business district, the popular “Mile” actually extends about 6 km from Blue Lagoon south to Addington Beach and Durban Harbour. A wide, brick-paved promenade makes it easy to walk, jog or bike the route, detouring out on the piers to watch surfers and kite boarders or soaking in the warm Indian Ocean breeze.

Comfortable sea temperatures averaging 21°C year-round, a subtropical climate, and over 300 days of sunshine make any day in Durban a potential beach day. Each stretch of golden sand has its own identity: the South Coast for world-class surfing, Addington Beach for families and the Bay of Plenty for beach volleyball tournaments. The Golden Mile beaches closest to Durban’s city centre are the most convenient.

With its warm street vibe and unique, historic architecture, spending time on Florida Road in Durban is an atmospheric experience. Home to a range of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, studios and bars, Florida Road has earned its reputation as one of the city's trendiest streets, where people gather to shop, eat, drink, meet and hang out.

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS Founded in 1849, Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens house one of the world’s top collections of “living fossil” plants. These pre-dinosaur cycads (seed-producing plants extending back 250 million years) face possible extinction in the wild. The Wood's cycad species is named for founding Durban Botanical Gardens curator and botanist John Medley Wood, who, in 1895, discovered a single, surviving cycad plant in a Zululand forest. Walking through the gardens’ cycad forest is a bit like stepping on to the set of Jurassic Park. No dinosaurs here, but the pink-backed pelicans sitting in the trees do look eerily like pterodactyls..

South Africa National Convention Bureau

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BEYOND DURBAN South Africa is home to a wealth of diverse destinations and experiences. Popular destinations outside of Durban include Nelson Mandela’s capture site, Mahatma Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement, and, further afield, there’s the option of flying to Cape Town or Johannesburg.

MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM Take a trip on the SkyCar or make the 550-step adventure walk to the top of the arch and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Durban. Or take a look inside the stadium. For the adrenaline junkies, try plunging off the 106 m arch on the Big Swing or explore the stadium on a Segway.

businessevents.southafrica.net

SOUND BITE

Keeping it fresh In a career spanning more than three decades, Chef Garth Shnier has had a profound influence on the hospitality industry through a variety of leadership, competition and mentorship roles.

What is your favourite food memory?

What is the proudest moment in your career as a chef? I have been fortunate

ow has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? Food is moving away from

molecular gastronomy, which has been very popular in recent years, and back to more simply prepared, traditional, wholesome foods, using good-quality ingredients.

What are some of the current trends in the food and beverage industry?

nothing more satisfying than whipping up egg whites by hand for soufflés.

What dish are you asked to make most often? Omelettes/risotto/soufflés. What is your favourite food? Classic carbonara, because it’s simple but packed with flavour.

Everyone is feeling the pinch of the worldwide recession and waste must be kept to a minimum in order to preserve profit margins. This has led to a more nose-to-tail approach to cooking.

Did you eat your veggies as a child? I had to – I was in boarding school. We were served pumpkin and red cabbage every day.

How can one present plain food to make it look more appealing to delegates? There are many ways, but serving

There is a new one every day. When you love what you do, work is a fun place to be.

What is your funniest kitchen incident?

a dish in a deconstructed format allows each element of the dish to shine and adds drama to the plate.

What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? A whisk – there’s

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ABOUT CHEF GARTH Garth Shnier is the nodal executive chef of Sandton Sun, InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers and Sandton Convention Centre.

My grandmother baking cookies.

What is one ingredient you cannot cook without? Good-quality salt.

in my career as I have had many memorable moments, including serving as a member of the South African National Culinary Team for 17 years and competing in Bouse d’Or in 1995. I have been privileged to represent South Africa in no less than nine international individual and team competitions, bringing home two gold and several silver medals. At the beginning of 2014, I was asked to assist the South African Culinary Team in an advisory capacity, coaching and mentoring the team that will compete in the 2016 Culinary Olympics. But, on a less personal note, I derive great joy from seeing young chefs I helped train doing well globally.

Who in the food world do you most admire? American chef and restaurateur Charlie Trotter.

What’s your ‘Last Supper’ meal – your ‘death row’ meal? Foie gras and shaved truffle.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

20 QUESTIONS What are you addicted to? I’m addicted to living life to its fullest.

Tell us something about yourself that few people are aware of. I am an extrovert at work but an introvert at home.

Who is your celebrity lookalike? A young Robert Redford.

What superpower would you like to possess? To be able to know what is going to happen a day in advance.

With over 20 years of experience, Alastair Laing knows what it takes to deliver world-class events.

ow do you see the industry at the moment? The industry is

What have been your career highlights so far? A major career highlight

under severe pressure right now and we’re seeing massive strain due to the declining economy.

What drew you to the business? This is not something that I wanted to do, strangely enough; it happened by pure default. My sister, Rosemary, was the reason I got involved in the business and it is my true passion today. What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry? One major change I’ve noticed is the shift from gala dinners to cocktail parties, as well as a major trend in clients including furniture hire for their events – this is now a big factor in the industry.

for me has been being part of a team that has created a world-class brand that delivers sensational, world-class events. In addition to this, Unlimited Events achieved a Top 3 CEO award at the International Business Excellence Awards in Portugal, competing against 240 companies across Asia, Europe and Africa.

If you could speak any language, what would it be and why? French, because it is so beautiful, and Spanish, because knowing Spanish helps you understand a whole lot of other languages and dialects as well.

Who would be your ultimate dinner guest? Russian president Vladimir Putin. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in; it is not a political game, it is about what is right and wrong.

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? Haggis!

Why should one use Unlimited Events? We offer every aspect of event

Where is your favourite holiday spot and why? Myrtle Beach, Florida, USA, where

supply under one roof, alongside consistency, reliability and competitiveness. We are unsurpassed in terms of our experience in the local market – we’ve had close on two decades of successful business and satisfied clients.

I play in the World Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

What has been your most memorable event? All our events are memorable because we strive to give every client a gooseflesh-inducing experience!

What do you do in your spare time? I really enjoy playing sports.

What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? My family, food and water. Are you a dog person or cat person? More of a dog person.

What quote best describes you? “It is

What would your obituary say? “Humble

what it is,” and, “I will sort it out now.”

in demeanour and true to life.”

ABOUT ALASTAIR In 1998, Alastair Laing and Rosemary Foord, in association with Red Carpet Leisure, took a step out of the corporate world to form Unlimited Events and Entertainment - focusing on team building, resort entertainment/corporate fun days. Thanks to Alastair’s dynamism, entrepreneurial nature, energy and enthusiasm,

32 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

today, Unlimited Events offers full event solutions ranging from events for 10 to 5000 guests and employs around 131 staff. In 2014 alone, Unlimited Events Group hosted over 2 100 events. Despite the economic downturn, under Alastair’s watch Unlimited Events Group has experienced phenomenal growth. He recently invested in leading furniture

hire business Inspire Furniture, formalised a merger with highend audiovisual conferencing business to form Unlimited Productions and launched stretch tent business. Alastair has received the following awards: Top 3: CEO of the Year, EMEA Business Excellence Awards 2015 and CEO of the Year: SA Business Excellence Awards 2015.

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SUPPLIER PROFILE

of culinary entertainment Entertain guests in the language that everyone speaks – the language of food.

EET THE ROYAL FAMILY of Supreme

Culinary Entertainment. Choose any one of these roving royals – the Oyster King, Biltong, Sushi, Caviar, Bubbly, Ice Lolly, Macaron and Cake Pop Queens or the Fortune Cookie Girl – to entertain your guests while serving a few gourmet-inspired morsels.

UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE Each brand activation is quite unique; a welltrained, personable promotional team serving oysters, sushi, caviar, macarons, bubbly, biltong, ice lollies, cake pops or fortune cookies to your guests makes its way around the crowd. All you do? Sit back and watch the beaming faces of your guests. The Oyster Kings and Queens are teams of debonair young guys and girls who are quick on the draw as they shuck, garnish and serve fresh West Coast oysters. Dressed in their leather attire, they’re equipped with tools, oysters and condiments for hors d’oeuvres that will set the tone for a truly inspirational event. These kings and queens are also well versed in oyster trivia, to further that interactive experience you have created. While they chatter, your guests are invited to top their oyster with tabasco, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a crack of black pepper as they enjoy the taste of the sea without missing a beat in conversation. The Caviar Queens will float through the crowd, serving up spoonful, of glassy caviar directly on to the gentle curve between the index finger and thumb, which then pops on the tongue rather seductively. Alternatively, the Caviar Queens could serve the coy little sea jewels on blinis with crème fraiche – a treat for anyone. The Sushi Queens are chosen for their geisha-like qualities, accented with sharp wit and vast knowledge about these canapés. They will arrive equipped with all the condiments

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and knowledge needed to whip up a hand roll or present maki rolls before your very eyes. Training to be a sushi chef takes many years but these exquisite ladies have been given the tools and taught the tricks to be able to pull it off in style. The South African culture of biltong runs deep and it is no wonder that we go around the world and share this national treasure. The Biltong Queens, in their sassy safari suits, are the perfect way to put a proudly South African stamp on your party.

SWEET FANTASY For those with a penchant for the sweeter side of life, the Ice Lolly, Macaron and Cake Pop Queens are a truly charming bevy. Holsters filled with delicate meringues sandwiched with ganache, or trays with artisan ice lollies or fanciful, decorated cake pops are carried through the room by elegant beauties. With these ladies around, you’re definitely letting your guests have their cake and eat it too. The Fortune Cookie Girls have outstanding personalities and will communicate with your clients in a fun and interactive way while giving them the chance to take a bite out of their fortune. The slip inside the cookie can contain numerous messages. Design the messages in a way that suits your brand. It’s an innovative

way to communicate your core messages and brand values. Why not create a social media buzz around your event? The messages can contain wishes, logos, slogans, lucky draw numbers, prizes or internet links. Bubbly is every socialite’s best friend. There’s something quite magnificent about watching the streams of bubbles swirl in a long-stemmed glass. Presenting your guests with a baseless champagne glass is sure to spark a conversation topic and take them out of their comfort zone for the evening. With the ever-elegant Bubbly Queens keeping your guests’ eyes and glasses sparkling, every night is a red-carpet affair. Add an extra layer to your event by including a King or Queen. It’s the proverbial cherry on top of an effortlessly perfect soiree with all kudos going to the host, of course. Stand out in the sea of eventing and impress your guests with a sensory journey through food.

0860 OYSTER (697837) info@oysterking.co.za oysterking.co.za

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

DESTINATION • Eastern Cape

A UNIQUE DESTINATION The Eastern Cape’s people, sights and sounds have all contributed to making it a MICE destination of choice.

ROM PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES, great team-building activities, state-of-the-art conference facilities and various accommodation options, there is truly something for everyone in the Eastern Cape. The province’s two main economic hubs, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (Port Elizabeth,

DID YOU KNOW? BUSH LOVERS' PARADISE

The Eastern Cape is home to a number of awardwinning private game reserves that not only offer amazing game viewing, luxury accommodation and indulgent spa treatments, but also provide inspirational and memorable team-building and conference experiences.

34 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Uitenhage and Despatch) and Buffalo City (East London, Mdantsane, King William’s Town and Bhisho), are ideally positioned to host conferences, conventions and trade shows. Each location boasts its own international convention centre and has a number of great mediumto smaller-size venues. Delegate accommodation includes hotels, boutique hotels and guest houses. With an increasing demand from clients to have ‘a conference with a difference’, the Eastern Cape’s smaller towns, villages and hamlets, located between the province’s two largest airports (in Port Elizabeth and East London), provide the event practitioner with the perfect location. Adequate road infrastructure ensures that your clients and delegates will reach their destination. With so much on offer for the event practitioner, their clients and delegates, the Eastern Cape should be top on the list for your next destination conference.

REASONS TO PLAN YOUR EVENT, TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY OR INCENTIVE IN EASTERN CAPE

1 NATURAL BEAUTY From deserts to

beaches, forests to game reserves, delegates will enjoy all the fantastic views the venues offer.

2 SPECTACULAR COASTLINE With long stretches of unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky coves, secluded lagoons and towering cliffs, the coast is the province’s main tourist attraction.

3 QUIRKY TOWNS From Grahamstown,

also known as the City of Saints because of its 40+ churches, to the enchanting Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda (pictured above) and the giant pineapple in Bathurst, the Eastern Cape is filled with small towns and villages that offer a unique backdrop for a conference with a difference.

4 HISTORY Explore Mvezo, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela; visit the famous sites of the South Africa’s liberation struggles and relive the 1820 Settlers’ movements. In addition to conference content, delegates can learn first-hand about South Africa’s history.

5 FESTIVALS Host your event around a

festival so that delegates can maximise their stay in the province. Famous festivals include the Standard Bank National Arts Festival, Grahamstown; the Prickly Pear Festival, Uitenhage; and the Vodacom Splash Festival, Port Elizabeth.

6 BIG SEVEN Few experiences are quite

as absorbing as seeing Africa’s great beasts up close. The Eastern Cape is home to the Big Seven: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, great white shark and southern right whale.

7 ADVENTURE The Eastern Cape is the

ultimate destination for an adventure. Explore some of the most intriguing locations in South Africa; take to the skies, keep your feet on the ground or feel the rush of the ocean.

For more: southafrica.info and visiteasterncape.co.za

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CSIR

International

Convention Centre

naturally hospitable â&#x20AC;˘ globally accessible

Pretoria/Tshwane | www.csiricc.co.za | +27 (012) 841 3884

D E S T I N A T I O N • Ts h w a n e

Take a moment to explore the City of Tshwane via YouTube: bit.ly/2a0KDEk

Remarkable Tshwane The City of Tshwane has a proven track record as a premier conferencing and events destination, with several national and international trade meetings under its belt. Meetings explores the city…

GREAT CITY FOR business and

leisure, Tshwane offers world-class restaurants and bars, ranging from family-friendly spaces to trendy pubs and dazzling nightclubs ready to test the dawn’s early light. Local entertainment can be found downtown or in the townships, where you can chill with friends and listen to live jazz performances while enjoying a traditional African meal at one of the local shebeens.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EXPERIENCES The City of Tshwane is known as the “smart capital of South Africa”. South Africa spends a lot of time staring into space – staring into deep space, that is. In fact, it is from the littleknown (outside of the scientific community) Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), west of Tshwane, that deep-space

36 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

data that has had an impact on the work of NASA, is captured. HartRAO is part of NASA’s space programme and played an important role in NASA’s space missions in the 1960s, and it continues to play a part in the American agency’s work. The first images of Mars came through HartRAO and were then transmitted to America. Today, much of the research conducted at the facility sets the pace for satellite mapping, geodetics engineering and the tracking of global weather patterns. HartRAO falls under the National Research Foundation, one of seven national research bodies based in the City of Tshwane. As South Africa’s leading research centre, Tshwane combines many unique characteristics that make it an ideal global meetings and events destination. It is a city that has a dynamic

approach to innovation and technology, with the aptly named Innovation Hub near the CSIR. It is also home to several tertiary institutions, such as the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of South Africa, better known as Unisa. With its large student population comes a forward-looking and creative mindset. The city has a young and vibrant atmosphere, with a cosmopolitan lifestyle to match. Visitors can expect a warm welcome from the city with heart. It is no coincidence that it was voted the most friendly host city of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

A PLAYGROUND OF HIDDEN TREASURES No visit to the City of Tshwane would be complete without exploring its best-kept treasures. Visitors can cycle through the streets of Mamelodi, and stop at its historical landmarks or chill at a local shisa nyama (a township street barbeque spot), or they can visit the Tswaing Crater, site of a meteor impact some 200 000 years ago. There, visitors can enjoy the 7.2 km hiking trail – one of the few meteor hiking trails in the world.

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#EXPLORETSHWANE FROM LEFT A 9 m bronze statue welcomes vistors to the Union Buildings; the Voortrekker Monument is Gauteng's most visited attraction; take a tour of a working diamond mine in Cullinan

MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN TSHWANE

1 THE UNION BUILDINGS – the seat of South Africa’s government.

2 THE IMPRESSIVE 9 M TALL BRONZE STATUE OF NELSON MANDELA in front of the Union Buildings.

3 FREEDOM PARK – the home of

reflection and reconciliation; a memorial honouring those who played a role in the struggle for liberation.

4 THE PALACE OF JUSTICE IN CHURCH SQUARE – the venue of many trials against South Africa’s freedom fighters.

5 THE VOORTREKKER MONUMENT – the most visited attraction in Gauteng

The brightly painted geometric shapes of the Ndebele are instantly recognisable across the globe. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history and meaning of this art from locals if they stop by the small village of Mabhoko in the west of Tshwane. Across the city, in the east, is the Victorian mining town of Cullinan, reminiscent of times gone by, with its corrugated iron houses and the red sandstone of the more important buildings. Visitors can take a tour of a working diamond mine and see exactly where the largest gem-quality diamond was uncovered in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond weighed in at a whopping 3 106.75 carats. Visitors can also escape the city and take a game drive less than an hour later, at the 90 000 hectare Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. Tshwane is one of two cities in the world with a big-five game reserve within its municipal boundaries. While there are countless incentives to entice people to attend any conference or exhibition, it is the impressive range of conference venues, choice of accommodation and logistical support that make the City of Tshwane the perfect place to host meetings and events.

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BUSINESS AND EVENTS ALIVE The City of Tshwane has played host to myriad conferences, exhibitions, meetings and major international sporting events. In 2018, the City of Tshwane will proudly host the world’s largest international choral music event – the World Choir Games. Also known as the Olympics of the choral community, the games will see some 25 000 visitors arrive in Tshwane for a fortnight of music and song. With its concentration of academic, medical, scientific and technological institutes, Tshwane is rightly regarded as the knowledge capital of South Africa. An estimated 85% of all research and development in South Africa is conducted within the walls of the CSIR, the Human Sciences Research Council, the National Research Foundation, the University of Pretoria, the University of South Africa and Tshwane University of Technology. The CSIR will also host the International Symposium on the Remote Sensing of the Environment in 2017. Come 2019, event organisers will have another exciting choice of venue for their business events – the Tshwane International Convention Centre (TICC). The TICC will be the largest convention centre on the continent and will

provide facilities for a variety of event types and sizes. Strategically located in Centurion, the TICC will mark a new era for business tourism in Tshwane and the African continent. Tshwane’s strategic location is a boon, and it is easily accessible from O.R. Tambo International Airport via the Gautrain or via direct flights from Cape Town into Tshwane’s own Wonderboom Airport. Conference organisers and participants are spoilt for choice, with access to world-class international and boutique hotels, and state-ofthe-art venues. In total, more than 7 000 rooms and 400 conference facilities are available, catering for large and small events. The automotive industry has also found a home in Tshwane, shown by the presence of motoring giants Nissan, BMW, Ford and Tata in a purpose-built automotive zone.

AT YOUR SERVICE Business travel and events are central to building Tshwane’s local economy and sit at the heart of everything that the Tshwane Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB) does. And the professional efforts of the TCVB are paying off: the City of Tshwane is now ranked in the top 10 cities in Africa for hosting international meetings and conferences. Rankings are adjudicated and allocated by the International Congress and Convention Association. Organisers in the MICE industry can count on the TCVB for strategic support: they are guaranteed assistance with bids, site inspections and destination information. In addition, the TCVB is able to facilitate meetings with local suppliers, negotiate accommodation rates, and help with venue sourcing and obtaining high-end incentives. The City of Tshwane lives by its motto of “igniting excellence”, and the TCVB can do just that for any conference or event.

tshwane.gov.za

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

D E S T I N A T I O N • Ts h w a n e

DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED Ideally positioned, easily accessible and offering more than 100 conference and meeting facilities that can cater for groups of less than 20 to as many as 6 000, the City of Tshwane is the perfect destination for your next event. Meetings shares its top venues… DESTINATION OF DISTINCTION Excellent location, unsurpassed elegance and supreme luxury, Cricklewood Manor Boutique Hotel will take your breath away with the grandeur of a bygone era. Centrally located in the prestigious suburb of Waterkloof, Cricklewood Manor is ideal for discerning guests looking for elegance and a touch of distinction. The venue’s spacious amenities include ultra-luxurious suites, modern meeting facilities and customised pampering spa treatments. Quiet splendour, exclusive ambience and state-of-the-art equipment make any event held at Cricklewood a truly memorable one. An added bonus of having an event at Cricklewood is the venue’s classic cars. Three classic Rolls-Royces and two rare Bentleys can be used for guest transfers and offer timeless elegance and a touch of glamour to any event. Cricklewood has five different conference rooms to accommodate 8 to 45 delegates. Furthermore, overlooking a beautiful, treed valley and dam are three spectacular wooden decks, two of which have thatch roofs, where functions can also be held. Sumptuous cuisine, subtle yet attentive service, and attention to detail set the venue apart from the rest. +27 (0)12 460 8225 l reservations@cricklewood.co.za cricklewood.co.za

BLANK CANVAS 012central comprises a number of closely situated buildings that enable diverse, rich experiences for people or companies that need a venue for their event. Whatever you can imagine can be brought to life in one of the multipurpose venues. These venues are: • The 012 The cornerstone of the precinct, this raw, urban space is dotted with art, greenery and has an incredible sense of scale. There is a sizeable outside section too. The venue can accommodate up to 1 200 guests (standing). Parking is available on-site and at the State Theatre. • Bank Towers Designed in the 1950s by prolific South African architect Norman Eaton, Bank Towers boasts spectacular views of the city. If you are looking for a rooftop for your event, it does not get better than this. This venue can accommodate up to 200 guests (standing). Parking is available nearby. • Jardown This building was originally designed for a tobacco distribution business in the style of a hangar. The acoustics in the space are exceptional thanks to the massive volume and curved roof. This venue can accommodate up to 900 guests (standing). Parking is available on-site. • Prinschurch This venue overlooks the State Theatre, Reserve Bank, Sammy Marks Square and the Union Buildings. This rooftop venue is ideal for taking in the view of South Africa’s capital city. The venue can accommodate up to 500 guests (standing). Parking is available on-site or at the State Theatre. +27 (0)12 357 1613 l 012central.co.za

38 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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#EXPLORETSHWANE ROYAL TREATMENT From magnificent banquets to the most refined conference facilities, Sheraton Pretoria Hotel will delight you with impeccable service and attention to detail. Events for up to 300 people can be held in the Jacaranda Ballroom, with a further six meeting rooms. The Jacaranda venues have a separate foyer available for registrations, buffets or product display. The outdoor pool terrace offers more than your guests will expect. Private banquets on the Union Terrace give you unspoilt views of the Union Buildings. Conference facilities include video conferencing, mobile in-house public address systems, state-of-the-art presentation tools as well as touchscreen technology to make your event a success. Professional staff will be at your side to organise every detail for your meeting, conference or wedding, to make your celebrations unforgettable lifetime moments. The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel has introduced sustainable meetings with the intention of reducing events’ carbon footprint. This simple and effective way of conducting meetings will reduce your impact on the environment by means of a reduction in paper wastage, power conservation and even by selecting a menu prepared with local produce only. +27 (0)12 429 9999 l 01136res@sheratonpretoria.com sheratonpretoria.com/en/meetings

DID YOU KNOW?

The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel is not only renowned for being the only hotel to host royalty, such as Queen Elizabeth II, who stayed there in 1999, but also for being the preferred choice when hosting heads of state as well as international stars. Sheraton Pretoria Hotel was the first fivestar international hotel in the capital city of South Africa.

A MONUMENTAL EVENT Connect and get inspired in the renovated Monument Function Centre’s meeting rooms, with state-of-the-art technology and personalised attention. The fully equipped meeting rooms offer versatile spaces for important meetings, conferences and business events. Close to Pretoria railway station, the tranquil location provides easy main-route access for guests. From corporate conventions and seminars to presentations and board meetings, the modern meeting venues offer everything you need to host a productive business event – from delicious food and stylish accessories, to private rooms and much more. Ample secure parking is available. The Monument Function Centre includes: • Amphi Hall, which can be transformed into an enchanted dream world for any event for up to 2 500 guests. The open-air venue with stage can accommodate up to 35 000 guests, making it ideal for concerts. • De Kroon Kamer will satisfy the most discerning taste and complement any occasion. Various conference rooms with a capacity of 10 to 120 people are available. • Fort Schanskop can seat 45 guests in boardroom-style seating. This conference room is situated in the Fort Schanskop Museum and is a great venue for brainstorming, conferences and launches. • Blikkantien is situated in a lush indigenous garden at the foot of the Voortrekker Monument and has an old-world feel and theme. This unique venue offers guaranteed personal service, and is equipped to host any kind of function for up to 200 delegates • Monument Restaurant is nestled in the foothills of the Voortrekker Monument and can accommodate 200 guests in banquet-style seating. +27 (0)12 321 6230 l monumentrestaurant@mweb.co.za monumentrestaurant.co.za

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MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

TOURISM

DESTINATION • Cape Karoo

VINTAGE CHARM The Lord Milner in Matjiesfontein is a heritage-site hotel and offers 15 classically furnished, historic standard double rooms, and historic luxury and single rooms. Take a step back in time, to hear history’s palpable heartbeat – while the rooms have been tastefully updated in terms of linen and bathroom facilities – the experience will take you back to the Karoo of old. At the Lord Milner Hotel, historic ambience, old-world service and classic comfort come together. There are a variety of conference and wedding venues within the immediate locale of the hotel. • The old Court House was built in 1897. The venue, with its panelled walls and raised stage for seating the judiciary, provides a historic backdrop for a small party or seminar with seating for around 60 guests, dependant on seating arrangements. • The Transport Museum features old vintage cars, trains and bicycles within a private garden and courtyard setting. The main car hall can accommodate large corporate functions, wedding receptions and large family celebrations in its spacious, double-storey interior. • The Railway Station Conference Room is located at the working station, and is ideal for a seminar with seating for around 60 guests, depending on seating arrangements. Two chapels are also located near the hotel. +27 (0)23 561 3011 | milner2@mweb.co.za | matjiesfontein.com

UNFORGETTABLE

EXPERIENCES

Steeped in rich cultural heritage, the Cape Karoo is the perfect destination to escape from the busy city life and unwind while conferencing.

WINE TIME Oaksrest Vineyards Guest Farm is nestled in the valley of Dwarsriver, 10 minutes’ drive from Ladismith, at the foot of the legendary Towerkop, the second highest mountain peak in the Western Cape, and surrounded by spectacular fruit orchards and wine and table grape vineyards. Oaksrest Vineyards is a working wine and table grape guest farm and a versatile venue. It doesn’t only cater as accommodation, but is also a superb venue for different functions. Accommodation is available in a variety of cottages and catering is provided on-site. The Colombar conference facility also serves as a stylish, intimate venue centre for exclusive functions or conferences of up to 130 guests and dining can be enjoyed as formal cuisine or relaxed, traditional braais. Conversation corners offer private nooks for discerning guests. Spectacular sunsets and mountain views can be experienced from the fountain outside. The venue comes complete with audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi reception is available. +27 (0)28 551 2027 | info@oaksrest.com | www.oaksrest.com

DID YOU KNOW? ROUTE 62 SOJOURN

Linking tourist attractions from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, through the Karoo heartland, Route 62 presents some of the well-known things to do in the Karoo and uncovers hidden galleries, restaurants and eclectic personalities in the area. These activities can be strung out for a few days, or handpicked to fill out a busy day out.

40 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

COUNTRYSIDE EVENTS Protea Hotel Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate’s charm and superior standards provide a tranquil setting for country-style events in the Cape Karoo. The hotel is close to the exotic crocodile and ostrich farms the town is famous for and a short drive from the world-famous Cango Caves. The function room can accommodate up to 120 guests and comes with standard conference and audiovisual equipment. The hotel has Wi-Fi and is wheelchairfriendly. The hotel team is able to assist with locating extra requirements, and will organise decor, a dance floor and anything else that you may require. An excellent restaurant serves the best in country fare and guests can keep their heart rates up with golf, tennis, squash, gym and lawn bowling amenities nearby, plus the venue also offers state-of-the-art conference facilities for business and corporate guests. +27 (0)44 272 6161 | marriott.com/protea

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#DISCOVERCTWC

WHAT’S COOL TO DO IN THE CAPE KAROO?

MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY Located close to Oudtshoorn and en route to the Cango Caves, De Oude Meul Country Lodge lies nestled at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg mountains. Accommodation takes the form of self-catering units, and the lodge also boasts a luxury suite. The on-site à la carte restaurant caters for all meals. The wedding and conferencing venue is able to accommodate up to 200 delegates and has a spacious dance floor. The venue has spectacular views of the farm and the surrounding foothills of the Swartberg mountains. All standard facilities are available for conferencing: internet services, screens, data projectors and telephone services. +27 (0)83 900 7970| deoudemeul@mweb.co.za deoudemeul.co.za

NATURE'S CALLING Ko-Ka Tsara Bush Camp, meaning small bucks’ kloof in Khoi, is set in the Nuweveld mountains of the Great Karoo, 8 km outside BeaufortWest. This intimate and exclusive bush camp is situated on a private game reserve. The secluded bush camp consists of seven chalets, a conference centre, bar and boma surrounded by rocky crags and the Nuweveld mountains. Stylishly decorated, each chalet sleeps four, with an en-suite bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and private braai facility. Ko-Ka Tsara Bush Camp has excellent conference facilities for up to 40 people and is the perfect venue for weddings, small conferences and team-building weekends. +27 (0)23 415 2753 | info@kokatsara.co.za kokatsara.co.za www.theplanner.guru

HANDS-ON COOKING

Situated in the charming farm of Badsfontein, near the town of Murraysburg, Karoo Cuisine specialises in personalised cooking classes – fun for everyone. Breathe in the fresh air while learning to cook seasonal, country-style, delicious dishes from a professional chef who knows the area. What could be better than a mix of old and new methods to create magical mouthfuls in the semi desert? This concept has proved very popular, so we advise booking in advance. + 27 (0)49 844 9622 info@karoocuisine.co.za karoocuisine.co.za

A BLANKET OF STARS

Detox from technology by switching off your phone and heading out for a night under the stars in the Cape Karoo, aptly nicknamed the ceiling of lights. Hans and Tilanie Daehne from Astro Tours in Prince Albert are waiting to tell you about the celestial big five, which light up the night in what is known as a star-gazer’s paradise. Stand amazed as you see the surface of Jupiter through giant telescopes. The planets are so close you can almost reach up and touch them. +27 (0)72 732 2950 info@astrotours.co.za astrotours.co.za

GHOSTBUSTERS OF MATJIESFONTEIN

Hop on the train (or drive) and meet the ghosts of the Cape Karoo. Matjiesfontein looks like something out of a movie, perfectly preserved in time. The dining room at the Lord Milner Hotel has been serving guests for the last 120 years. Choose the succulent Karoo lamb, a dish that makes this area famous, add a bottle of fine wine, and you are all set. Hop on an old English red bus for the amusing “shortest tour in South Africa”, guided by a hilarious entertainer named Johnnie. +27 (0)23 561 3011 milner2@mweb.co.za matjiesfontein.com

JOURNEY TO THE FORGOTTEN FRONTIER

Join Dr Judy Maguire’s Koekemakranka Tours (based in Prince Albert) and get a unique, hands-on look into the past of some key landscapes and heritage sites situated in the remote former heartland of the pastoralist Khoi and hunter-gatherer San, or Bushmen. The tour includes visits to old farms, buildings and structures that are steeped in the history of our country’s earliest pioneers. +27 (0)76 977 2308 l judy@koekemakrankatourism.com koekemakrankatourism.com MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

EVENT SHOWCASE

PERSONAL

TOUCH One of the most beautiful qualities of true hospitality is to understand and be understood. With this in mind, CedarWoods of Sandton offers bespoke solutions ensuring every event is a success.

THE BRIEF The venue needed to accommodate a registration area, a plenary session and a ‘chill’ area. The spaces needed to be blank canvases so that the client’s vision could be easily interpreted. The venue needed to have free Wi-Fi and threephase power.

HEN PLANNING AN event for a launch of a new events industry website with event planners in attendance, you need to make sure that everything is perfect – from the venue right down to the table decor. Attended by 120 event professionals, the launch of theplanner.guru showcased decor trends, used event technology and treated delegates to great entertainment.

WHY CEDARWOODS OF SANDTON? Conveniently located in Woodmead, near the Sandton CBD, this family-owned destination offers the comfort of a hotel, restaurant and conference venue in a single location. The venue brings distinction and style to your function. The

42 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

hotel provides you with a complete one-stop service and customises every detail according to you needs. Nestled in lush gardens, this hotel offers easy access to national roads, on a direct route to O.R. Tambo International Airport, and is close to the Marlboro Gautrain station, making it easily accessible for delegates. There is also unlimited Wi-Fi, which was important for this event – as people needed to explore and sign up to the new online platform. •M EETING AND EVENT SPACES The multifunctional conference centre has nine fully air-conditioned venues, which are versatile enough to accommodate launches, exhibitions, weddings, team building, training, board meetings and events from 10 to 700 delegates. For this event, Serengeti 1 was used for the main part of launch. Serengeti 2 was used for lunch, where a band provided music. One of the stacking doors was opened between the venues in order to give delegates a glimpse of what was to come after the panel discussion and online platform demo. Serengeti 1 has its own stage, where Compex built a screen for presentations. The space behind the stage allowed for rear projection. Serengeti 2 was the ideal venue to create a ‘chill’ area. Unlimited Events and Inspire Furniture provided cocktail tables and couches so guests could sit and enjoy the culinary fare provided by CedarWoods. Serengeti 1 & 2 have access to three-phase power, which is ideal if you’re having a live band. The reception area was used for registration, as well as for welcome tea and coffee. There is also a generator on-site. • CATERING The experienced team of chefs delivers mouth-watering dishes to suit every palate and can cater according to your dietary requirements. Chef Jarred Ison worked with the organiser to create a unique, mouthwatering menu. CedarWoods is well known for its catering wizardry and will work with you to create a menu that

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THE ORGANISER

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PERSONALISED SERVICE Under the guidance of Randy Moniez, general manager, and Marielle du Toit, sales and marketing manager, the dedicated events team is always on hand to provide expertise and personal service to ensure that all events held at CedarWoods exceed client expectations. When you host an event at CedarWoods, you are assigned a dedicated function coordinator who takes ownership of each event, from booking confirmation to the departure of the last guest. From the time of booking the venue, through to the build-up and finally breakdown, everything was handled professionally. Marielle provided invaluable assistance to the event organiser by providing regular updates and going the extra mile to ensure that the event organiser’s vision of the event was met.

Special thanks to CedarWoods of Sandton, Compex, Inspire Furniture, Lumi Insight, Oyster King and Unlimited Decor for sponsoring the event.

MARTIN HILLER is the editor of Meetings. Having been in this position for over three years, he has sound knowledge of organising events. Being a Type A personality, he strives to deliver the best. “Not being an event planner by trade, I knew that I needed to work with a team that would be able to provide me with the best support and guidance. Marielle and her team went over and above what I expected to ensure that the event was a success. ‘No’ is not in their vocabulary. Marielle didn’t even bat an eyelid when I mentioned I wanted an elephant in the conference room.”

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Photos: Mientjie Kleinhans

matches your event – the only limitation is your creativity. From African-style evenings featuring shisanyama, pap and tripe, to Bollywood-style cuisine with butter chicken and rotis, the CedarWoods team enjoys a challenge. If you prefer something more structured, fixed packages are available to choose from. • ACCOMMODATION This event did not require accommodation. If yours does, CedarWoods boasts 50 newly renovated bedrooms in townhouse-style apartments, ranging from single for the individual traveller, to superior deluxe, accommodating the most discerning businessperson. All bedrooms are air conditioned and offer a view of the country-styled, well-manicured and tranquil gardens. CedarWoods is a tranquil haven in the city. • ENTERTAINMENT CedarWoods allows you to bring in our own suppliers (excluding catering). For this event, Compex provided the audiovisual; a photo booth provided many great selfie opportunities and Bad Peter entertained guests with some indie tunes. The team at CedarWoods will be able to recommend suppliers, should you need any suggestions.

EVENT SHOWCASE

EXCEPTIONAL

SERVICE THE BRIEF The venue needed to cater for 400 guests in classroom-style seating. It also needed to be able to accommodate a live broadcast, complete with a technical crew and equipment.

Located in the heart of the capital, Southern Sun Pretoria is renowned for offering exceptionally high levels of service. It is where business meets style.

44 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

HIS YEAR MARKED the 10th anniversary of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). To celebrate this milestone, SASSA hosted a full-day event at Southern Sun Pretoria. The hotel’s spectacular contemporary steel and glass façade, which overlooks lush, landscaped gardens, provided the perfect backdrop.

WHY SOUTHERN SUN PRETORIA? Situated in the heart of the beautiful Jacaranda City, Southern Sun Pretoria is within close proximity to SASSA’s office. Combined with exceptional service and great facilities, the hotel was an obvious choice for SASSA’s 10th anniversary celebrations. •M EETING AND EVENT SPACES The hotel offers exceptional conference facilities that can deliver a tailor-made conference experience to maximise any event. Southern Sun Pretoria offers a choice of five conference facilities and function venues. The venues can be configured to host a range of functions, from an intimate boardroom meeting for

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THE ORGANISER

12 to a cocktail function for 520 guests. The terrace overlooking the gardens was used for a cocktail party and the large, impressive foyer for tea breaks. • CATERING Guests were treated to different dining experiences, with a variety of menu options available. Custom menus are available on request. The organiser decided to use one of the standard menus, as she felt that there was enough variety to suit any culinary preference. •A CCOMMODATION Should any of the guests have decided to stay the night, the hotel offers 240 bedrooms and suites. All of the rooms make a bold statement through chic, modern design and decor, offering a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere where guests can enjoy their luxurious rooms at leisure. There are various accommodation options to suit any budget.

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PROFESSIONAL TEAM Ranging from themed events and specialised menus to detailed event planning, the hotel’s team of professional banqueting staff are available to assist in planning the event. This proved very helpful for the organiser, as she only had a week to coordinate the event. The banqueting team pulled out all the stops to ensure that SASSA’s 10th anniversary celebrations event was a major success. The can-do attitude and willingness to help impressed the organiser.

+27 (0)12 444 5500 sspretoria.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

DINEO MOSETE is the senior manager for internal communications at SASSA. She has been in the communications and marketing field for 15 years. “This was my first event for SASSA, as I joined them in January. As a result, my reputation depended on this event being a success and choosing Southern Sun Pretoria was the best decision I made. The holding room for the VIPs was well catered, the sound was good and the programme went smoothly. I look forward to hosting my next event at Southern Sun Pretoria.”

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

EVENT SHOWCASE

THE BRIEF Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international society devoted to choice dining and camaraderie of the table. The Chaîne creates bonds of friendship across cultures and boundaries, promoting the art of fine cuisine among both amateur and professional gastronomes, and supporting the development of young culinary professionals. Each year, the country chapters hold a Grand Chapitre, which consists of an AGM, an induction ceremony for new members and new committee members as well as a gala dinner. Various other gastronomical activities can be held around these events. The venue for the Grand Chapitre needed to be able to cater for the AGM, induction and gala dinner, have on-site accommodation as well be centrally located to major attractions. Since the Chaîne is about fine dining, the catering at the venue had to be of an extremely high standard.

MEMORABLE

EVENTS Hilton Sandton has the space to suit your needs. Flexible set-ups, modern equipment and ample outside space offer all you need for a seamless and unique event.

HE CULMINATION OF the South African Grand Chapitre was an elegant gala dinner held at the Hilton Sandton. Under the guidance of the Elena Loannou, hotel event manager, and Stuart Cason, executive chef, the banqueting and events team ensured that all the events held at the Hilton went smoothly, and that the food was of the exceptional standard the Chaîne welcomes.

WHY HILTON SANDTON? Set among landscaped gardens and suburban surroundings, Hilton Sandton is located just north of Joburg in the city’s business district. Guests have easy access to the Gautrain, the JSE, global banking institutions and Nelson Mandela Square. Modern guest rooms and a host of amenities make the hotel the ideal base from which to explore Sandton.

46 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

•M EETING AND EVENT SPACES The hotel boasts nine customised meeting rooms and a grand ballroom accommodating up to 1 000 guests. The ballroom and banquet facilities are connected to an outdoor terrace. The ballroom can be divided into three smaller spaces for breakout sessions or intimate events. This is what was done for the gala dinner and induction ceremony. The AGM was held in the stylish boardroom. The hotel also has a beautiful garden area, which is the ideal spot for recreation, outdoor luncheons and breakaways. On-site parking is available for up to 300 vehicles. • CATERING Members of the Chaîne expect the finest in food, service and atmosphere. The food must not disappoint in either selection or quality. Culinary visionary and Chaîne member, Chef Stuart Cason knew what

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was expected of him. “For the gala dinner, I wanted to showcase my fresh, modern comfort-food philosophy. We have amazing local ingredients that are really great to work with. For the main course, we served organic beef from Badgerleur, a certified organic farm just outside Heidelberg. I use ingredients that complement and highlight the main element of the dish,” says Stuart. The Hilton Sandton catering teams work with you to plan a completely customisable menu. Enjoy incredible dining options whether your event calls for traditional sit-down service or a more relaxed atmosphere. • ACCOMMODATION Out-of-town guests were able to stay the night in one of the hotel’s 329 en-suite rooms, which offer either city or garden views. Designed to provide complete relaxation and convenience, hotel guests will find

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thoughtful amenities throughout their room. The hotel staff are always ready to provide personalised service, should you or your guests need anything at all. • DECOR The theme for the event was ‘A Touch of Gold’. Having been in the event decor industry for the past 17 years, the staff at Unlimited Events Decor execute every event to perfection. The decor at the gala dinner was outstanding and provided the perfect backdrop for fine dining and great conversation.

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY The event and banqueting team at Hilton Sandton are here to help you plan, book and host your meeting or event in style. They offer a high standard of experience and ensure service delivery every time. All departments collaborate

EVENT BONUS offers HHonors Points and Miles as an incentive for event planners booking events, meetings or group business. This ranges from a Hilton meeting to a wedding or large convention. Event Bonus is discretionary to the hotel for each piece of business and is not a requirement. Be sure to ask for Event Bonus when planning your next event at Hilton Sandton. Event planners have access to the same rewards as all other HHonors members. You can redeem your points for free hotel stays at any one of the 3 750 hotels from the Hilton Wordwide portfolio. If a dream vacation doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you can redeem your points for a once-in-a-lifetime experience – fly a fighter jet, rent a motorcycle or learn to surf. For a full list of HHonors rewards available and how to join: hiltonhhonors.com.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Photos: Shaun Smith: Studioski

DID YOU KNOW?

EVENT SHOWCASE

seamlessly as a team to ensure that every event is executed with perfection. The Hilton Sandton staff and the service sets the establishment apart from any other hotel. Part of the success of the Grand Chapitre can be attributed to this.

MEET WITH PURPOSE Hilton Sandton has launched a new initiative, called Meet with Purpose, which makes it easy for event planners to achieve business and sustainability goals in their everyday meetings and events. Meet with Purpose consists of three core pillars: •M INDFUL MEETING highlights the eco-minded steps Hilton Sandton takes to assist planners in lessening waste during their meetings and events. The solutions range from using paperless registration and placing notepads in a central location to turning off climate control when a meeting room isn't in use. Planners can also utilise the LightStay meeting calculator, with carbon footprint reporting, to measure the amount of electricity usage, water consumption and food waste they are saving. • MINDFUL EATING is about offering an F&B experience that supports a balanced diet and includes local and seasonal ingredients, in line with today’s dietary trends. The chefs at Hilton Sandton ensure that they utilise local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients, and the banqueting team encourages event planners to re-examine event dining to minimise food waste and encourage healthy choices. The hotel offers solutions such as portion control, local sourcing, pre-plated salads and central water stations with reusable containers. • MINDFUL BEING is about offering the delegates an experience that maintains high energy levels, boosts their well-being, and drives productivity. Proven to make meetings more productive, memorable and meaningful, Meet with Purpose promotes ecofriendly practices and +27 (0)11 322 1888 sandton.reservations@hilton.com offers balanced choices for hilton.com/Sandton meeting participants.

48 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

MEET CHEF STUART CASON

ITH OVER 17 YEARS of experience in the hospitality industry, Stuart Cason has a wealth of knowledge in culinary arts that we are excited to see blending with the all-day dining experience at Hilton. Stuart has always dreamed of becoming a chef, and started his career at the Sandton Sun & Towers Intercontinental hotel at just 16 years of age. In 1999, he received a bronze medal in his first Salon Culinaire competition and, in the same year, he was nominated to participate in the Inter Hotel Chefs Academy. This gave Stuart the opportunity to work in leading properties in Johannesburg and train at the International Hotel School. “This gave me the upper hand in my career, and I was extremely privileged to be able to participate in such a prestigious challenge at the start of my career,” says Stuart. At 21, he became the youngest chef ever to win the Unilever Chef of the Year competition. “I believe in creating a sense of nostalgia for my guests, with food that takes them back to fond family lunches. My food is simply cooked, with carefully chosen ingredients, continuing the modern comfort-food

concept I’ve maintained over the years – food should be simple but still tasty. I like to bring in my own signature dishes into the kitchen, along with more local produce, in a farm-to-table approach,” he says.

CURRENT CATERING TRENDS Farm-to-table approach and healthy eating – that is why I try to source local ingredients that are in season. We have adopted a bit of a farm table theme, which we are rolling out in stages and which is getting a lot of positive feedback.

NUMBER ONE CATERING TIP Keep it simple and, whatever you do, count! Make sure you have enough.

DISH YOU ARE YOU WELL KNOWN FOR There isn’t one specific dish. I have received a great amount of enthusiasm regarding my rolled baby chicken with braised lentils and butternut, a pan-fried sea bass with textures of cauliflower, and a strawberry garden – which is made up of delicate macarons and textures of chocolate.

INNOVATIVE MENUS FOR CONFERENCES It is important to try to create a menu that complements the client’s theme or what they are trying to achieve with their conference. I am flexible when it comes to menus and adapting to what the client’s needs are. I have created menus that are healthy and modern, with some classics in there.

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FEATURED VENUES • Gauteng

Discover true TRANQUILITY Whether you wish to entertain 5 or 500, Killarney Country Club is able to provide a choice of fully catered venues that are sure to meet your needs.

LOCATION Nestled in the beautiful suburb of Lower Houghton – with its exclusive 18-hole golf course, and conference and banquet venues – Killarney Country Club is centrally located alongside the M1 with easy access from Rosebank, Hyde Park, Sandton and the Joburg CBD. The venue has ample parking.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Host a business meeting, conference or celebration in one of these flexible spaces: • The Crystal Room is warm and inviting, with a classic feel of elegance. • The Gazebo Room is a light and airy venue with magnificent views overlooking the 18th hole and its water features, birdlife and forestlined fairway. • The Terrace Room is suited to hosting smaller dinners and conferences. • The Killarney Bowl has its own private bar with an outdoor braai facility. • The Side Bar boasts a view of the water around the beautiful 18th hole.

The Crystal Room The Gazebo Room The Terrace Room The Killarney Bowl Courtyard 1 The Side Bar

Banquet

CATERING

OTHER FACILITIES Visitors to the Killarney Country Club can enjoy a good round of golf. The golf course is a narrow,

ACCOMMODATION There is a variety of accommodation close to the venue that will suit any budget.

Banquet

(with dance floor)

Cocktail

280 250 500 130 110 150 60 50 80 144 250 12 boardroom 30 pax for breakfasts, lunches or dinners

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one looks their best for their event.

No matter the event, the team of chefs and caterers can offer you innovative cuisine that’s tailored to your palate, ideal for the season and perfect for the chosen theme of your event. Traditional kosher and halaal cuisine is on offer. Guests can also dine at the KCC Terrace Bar and Restaurant as well as KCC La Vie en Rose.

VENUES AND CAPACITIES Room name

park-style, 18-hole course that is 6 149 m long in total. The course was designed by internationally renowned golf course designer Robert Trent Jones and is frequently ranked as one of the best courses in South Africa. Other sports on offer include tennis, squash and bowls. Makeover Hair Salon will ensure that

U-shape

Schoolroom

Cinema

60 30 35 -

200 40 40 -

400 100 100 200

+27 (0)11 442 7411 killarneycountryclub.co.za info@killarneycc.co.za

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Photo: Rianka’s Wedding Photography, supplied

FFERING THE PERFECT combination of accessibility, peaceful surroundings and well-kept facilities, Killarney Country Club boasts some of Joburg’s finest meeting and event spaces. There is no need to limit your activities to the boardroom; you can conduct business, meet, and entertain clients in the relaxed atmosphere of Killarney Country Club. The professional events team will assist you with all your needs, from decor to dietary requirements.

TALKING POINTS

Spring is in the air

INDUSTRY VIEWS

With the new season here, it is time to reflect on what we have been doing and how to improve our offerings, writes Adriaan Liebetrau.

SAACI's take on keeping current

I ADRIAAN LIEBETRAU is the CEO of SAACI. He has many years of experience within the conference and events industry.

Integrity | Intelligence | Innovation | Sustainability

LOVE THIS time of year: the sun rises earlier and sets later, the flowers and trees start to bloom and, soon, we will have the first of our summer rains… well, in Joburg that is. With spring comes a time for renewal – the proverbial spring cleaning – and we have that final push ahead before most of us start winding down for the annual December holidays. But, you must be thinking, what does spring have to do with the meetings industry? Simple… we are approaching our silly, I mean busy, season.

EXPERIENCES SO FAR I often hear people ask each other: what are the trends for the future and what can I expect? Earlier this year, in February, SAACI hosted a panel discussion to try to answer that question. What was discussed was fairly spot on but, even if we had a crystal ball, we couldn’t get it all right. This has been a rough and tough year for many people in our sector, with budgets being very tight, and I suspect

it will be the case for at least the next year. The good news is that, in July, the International Monetary Fund announced that South Africa pushed past Egypt to once again secure the second spot for the biggest economy in Africa and has closed the gap behind Nigeria. I want to challenge our SAACI members, and the industry at large, to use this opportunity to revive your business by refreshing your service offering. We don’t have to prove the importance of our sector to anyone – we are relevant and needed – the warning I issue is that we need to constantly strive to improve our standards. Recently, SAACI partnered with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa with an aim to review the venue grading for establishments. This is a long consultative process aimed at ensuring our standards are of the highest in the world and that more venues have access to grade the facility. Share with us your thoughts and ideas, and go follow our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube and become part of a learning community.

50 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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THE VOICE OF CREDIBILITY & PROFESSIONALISM FOR EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

80%

Exhibitor training and workshops

AAXO Members account for 80% of the organising community in SA

All organisers show’s are audited by ABC to verify visitor numbers

Exhibitors look out for this badge

Mediation facility for exhibitors and organisers

AAXO APPROVED EXHIBITION

Organiser training to grow sales & revenue

Access to market research to justify spend and value of exhibitions

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Taking AAXO to Africa & bringing Africa to AAXO For membership enquiries: membership@aaxo.co.zawww.theplanner.guru 2016 58 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER For more information visit www.aaxo.co.za or contact Annamari Erwee on +27 (0)11 549 8300

TA L K I N G P O I N T S

Tips for exhibition attendees

INDUSTRY VIEWS EXSA - giving a voice to the industry

Exhibitions are essential to business. Phumulani Hlatshwayo shares ways to get the best return on investment from shows.

O GET THE MOST out of attending an exhibition, you have to have a clear strategy in mind. Knowing what to do before, during and after the show will ensure that your valuable time away from the office is well spent.

• Attend presentations; educating yourself on your industry and your competition is key. The conference areas are also a great place to network with industry leaders.

AT THE SHOW BEFORE THE SHOW

PHUMULANI HLATSHWAYO is the general manager of EXSA. He brings a wealth of experience in the development and implementation of robust operational processes to the association.

• Register in advance. Shows have different policies and pricing structures; you may be able to save money by registering early and time at the door when arriving at the show. Some exhibitions only want qualified buyers, media people and experts. Others simply require that you register online. • F ind out what your organisation or company’s expectations are for you attending the show. Answer the following question: what is it you need from the show? • Set appointments with the exhibitors you really want to meet with. They may not be available if you just walk by. Organise your list into two categories: must-see and wantto-see exhibitors. • Give yourself enough time at the show. There are a lot of exhibitors to meet and you may spend more time with some than others.

GREENING VIEWS

keeping green with the Event Greening Forum

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AFTER THE SHOW • Plan how you are going to implement information gathered and share it with your company. Follow up with leads you were interested in, or with whom you would like to do business.

Green events are the future The Event Greening Forum hosts another successful conference, writes Zoe Board.

T ZOE BOARD is a committe member of the Event Greening Forum. She is also the marketing manager for Scan Dislay. Zoe is committed to ensuring sustainability.

• Maps are provided in the conference programme – use them to navigate the exhibition floor. • Dress the part. People will take you more seriously if you dress appropriately. •C ollect the information that is of interest to you. Always make sure to get contact information. This way, you are in control of future communication. • Trade shows are also the ideal opportunity to gather information about what your competitors are doing. It's often the first glimpse you'll get of new product releases, special programmes, or fresh marketing initiatives.

HE EVENT GREENING FORUM’S fourth annual conference started on a high note with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, giving the opening address. The conference was held at Hackle Brooke Conference Centre on 21 July 2016, its first time as a standalone event. Roger Simons, director: Regional Sustainability, MCI, and president of the Green Meetings Industry Council, was this year’s international keynote speaker. He shared global insights on brand communication strategies and how brands are incorporating their sustainable initiatives into the greater marketing mix. Gone are the days when sustainability was just an afterthought – companies are starting to ask the right questions as sustainability has moved higher on the agenda. Rashid Toefy, managing director, MCI Africa, and the local keynote speaker at the conference, took it a step further, noting that it’s not simply about what we do at the event, but rather the legacy that we leave behind. We need to become more responsible in ensuring that our sustainable strategies are carried through from the get-go until after the event has ended.

DRIVER OF SUSTAINABILITY The ‘What do Corporates Want?’ interactive standing debate was a hit with the delegates, who were given an opportunity to understand what corporates are doing to green events.. However, it was interesting to see that, by the time the debate concluded, the delegates agreed that the responsibility didn’t lie only with corporates but also with suppliers. Everyone needs to play a role and become a driver of sustainability. The World Café sessions (short presentations followed by table discussions) highlighted the need for more research on sustainable materials for exhibition stands. It was also felt that there isn’t enough information on sustainability for the audiovisual sector. It was encouraging to hear that organisations across the board are educating their employees on the importance of sustainability and encouraging employees to support local suppliers and communities, where possible. By the end of the conference, it was clear that people want to work with sustainable brands. In the near future, we will see changes within the industry, with corporates and suppliers taking more responsibility for the environment and becoming more aware of the impact of events on resources.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

T H E B A C K PA G E

Excuse me… Miss Meet shares what not to say to an event manager.

WILL YOU ORGANISE OUR HOLIDAY? YOU’RE THE EXPERT. I know event

be referred to as event project managers – as we are managing projects, which requires skill in project management, financial management, human resource management, marketing management, social media, negotiation, copywriting and public relations, to mention a few.

managers are considered control freaks – and, in some instances, I believe the job warrants this – however, this does not mean that we want to control every other aspect of our lives as well. The greatest gift you can give me as an event manager is to take me on a holiday that I did not have to plan or be involved in. This is the one time where I feel I can leave my work at home and truly relax.

THE IMPORTANT THING HERE IS TO REMAIN CALM. One of the qualities I pride

Illustration: Nicolene Louw

YOU ARE SO LUCKY YOU’RE IN EVENTS. MY JOB IS SO STRESSFUL – YOUR JOB IS SUCH FUN! Because we are organising what appear to be parties all the time, people misperceive the facts. For the sake of clarity – we are not on the receiving end of the fun – we are stressing ourselves into a frenzy behind the scenes to make sure everyone else has a good time. So, contrary to popular belief, we are not guests at millions of parties with a wardrobe full of glitzy, glamorous outfits. The term for this sort of person is a socialite – we are event managers.

WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO? For some reason, most people have no idea or, worse, have a completely wrong perception of what an event manager really is. Most people think event managers are caterers, florists, admin

assistants or exclusively wedding planners. This is why people are confused when they see us in roles other than what they expect. Event managers require a multitude of skills and are, in fact, experts in a number of different areas. Because of this, it is often difficult to explain “in a nutshell” what we do. I, therefore, prefer that we

myself on is remaining calm under pressure. However, there are a few occasions where I have been forced to raise my voice or lose my temper. One such occasion was when a supplier lied to me about having submitted documents relating to safety and security and, therefore, put my event at risk. I was not angry about the fact that the documents were not handed in – as I understand, we all have a lot on our plate and sometimes we don’t get to something on time. I was angry because he sat across from me in a meeting lying that he had done it. I then, in the meeting, got confirmation that it was not done. That was when I lost my temper. He made the unfortunate mistake of telling me in the meeting, “The important thing here is to remain calm ma'am.” Well, the rest is history! In conclusion, a word of advice and inspiration to my colleagues in the industry, by author Virginia Satir: “We must not allow people’s limited perceptions to define us.”

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS AAXO Compex CSIR ICC CTICC Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Event Wizards Fine-line Illustrations Gauteng Convention Bureau Hilton Sandton ibtm arabia IFES Master Class

50 OFC 35 14-15 29 23 3 38-39 46-48 11 13

52 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Johannesburg Expo Centre LUMI Killarney Country Club Monte de Dios Oyster King Peermont Premier Hotels SAB World of Beer Sandton Convention Centre Southern Sun Pretoria Sun International

16-17 26-27 49 IBC 33 5 IFC 2 30 44-45 OBC

Tourvest I.C.E Tshwane Convention and Visitors Bureau Unique Speaker Bureau Wesgro

21 36-37 1, 22 40-41

THE INCENTIVE PLANNER Antbear Lodge Mauritius Incentive Connection Satyagraha House

3 6-7 5

SANCB PULL-OUT www.theplanner.guru

BUSH, BEACH & BERG

TOP LOCAL DESTINATIONS

WHAT THE EXPERTS KNOW: APPEALING INCENTIVE TRIPS MAGICAL MAURITIUS: PLAN THE PERFECT INCENTIVE WITH MIC

BEST PRACTICE

APPEALING incentive trips Henk Graaff shares some tips on how to plan a successful incentive trip for millennials. BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE Millennials place a higher priority on helping people in need than having a high-paying career, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Centre. An incentive trip is the ideal opportunity for them to put their ideals into practice by engaging in opportunities to explore the local geography and cultures while giving back. Millennials want to matter and make sure they have an impact on the world. An incentive trip should, therefore, contain an element of culture building and volunteerism. Millennials are not looking for tried and tested solutions, they want to be surprised and challenged. So, it’s up to us to come up with creative, unique and one-of-a-kind solutions. People want to make a long-lasting difference in someone’s life; they don’t just want to embark on a township tour, they want to get their hands dirty and do something truly meaningful, such as building a house for a family.

INCLUDE WELLNESS Wellness is an integral part of the millennial lifestyle. They enjoy fun, personalised workouts, healthy foods and holistic wellness, and want this to be integrated in their incentive experience. One solution is to organise activities such as fun runs in the early mornings as well as morning yoga and meditation sessions next to the pool. But, wellness doesn’t need to be limited to only yoga, runs and spa days; wellness can also be incorporated in any corporate responsibility activity, by allowing travellers to work together

towards a common goal of giving back to the destination. Why not plant trees or create gardens to get your daily workout? Or, organise a soccer match with the kids from the local township. Not only will travellers get a workout, they’ll also feel they’ve made an impact on the local community.

MAKE SURE THE TRIP IS AUTHENTIC Every traveller wants to broaden their horizons by exploring new destinations and cultures; but, for the millennial traveller, this takes on a completely new dimension. Millennials want to be completely and utterly immersed in a culture; they want to see, feel and taste their destination and explore every aspect of the culture. One way to become immersed in a culture is through its cuisine. There's a growing trend among millennial travellers to embark on culinary trips and sample the various cuisines from countries all over the world. Culture exchange experiences

are not limited to food alone – the possibilities of cultural exchanges are endless. For example, an incentive group of musicians came to South Africa and brought along violins to donate to the local township. The musicians joined the local choir and orchestra to perform, creating a powerful and moving show. Music brings an immediate connection on different levels for both the community and the travellers. This is exactly the powerful type of interaction that people treasure.

DON’T SKIMP ON TECHNOLOGY It’s no secret that those of the selfie-generation love social media and want to share every detail of their lives. So, don’t expect them to pack away their smartphones while on an incentive trip, and make sure they have access to free Wi-Fi at all times. The internet is part of this generation’s DNA so, unsurprisingly, it also plays a big part in their travel experiences. They want accommodation and meeting venues to not only be authentic, but also feature the latest technological advancements that integrate with every possible device. Millennials appreciate new technologies and mobile apps that make everything accessible at once. THE ENVIRONMENT IS IMPORTANT As much as social responsibility is important, so too is sustainability. Despite the fact that millennials are coming of age in one of the most difficult economic climates, a recent Nielsen global online study found that they

2 • THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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ADHERE TO A NEW DEFINITION Incentive budgets will continue to grow in 2016, according to the IRF’s 2015 Pulse Study. However, before splurging on luxury hotels and fancy restaurants, it is important to take note www.theplanner.guru

that millennials have redefined the concept of luxury. For millennials, luxury means authenticity, uniqueness and social value. So, instead of looking at those five-star resorts, why not try something completely different to wow the millennial travellers and give them a true luxury experience, as they understand it? Imagine an authentic luxury mobile safari camp set up exclusively for your incentive group in the middle of the African wilderness. Camps are set up in unexplored Southern African safari territory where no other hotel accommodation is available or can handle the group size. A born and bred, sixthgeneration South African, HENK GRAAFF fell in love with Africa, as well as the travel industry, at a young age. He has since enjoyed a wonderful career doing what he loves. An entrepreneur at heart, he bought into SW Africa Destination Management in 2002. The company offers tailor-made corporate and leisure travel, and meetings and incentive travel solutions throughout Southern Africa.

TOP LOCAL INCENTIVE IDEA Cape Town offers the ideal setting for any foodie-inspired incentive. Take delegates to a township restaurant where they will be able to sample shisanyama, chakalaka and have a taste of home-brewed beer. Or book a picnic basket and enjoy feasting in the Cape Winelands, where delegates can participate in grape footstomping festivals, carriage and horse rides through vineyards, and hot-air ballooning. For a truly unique culinary incentive in Cape Town, book a cooking workshop in the colourful Bo-Kaap, where delegates can discover the distinctive cuisine of the Cape Malay community and learn how to prepare a typical Cape Malay dish, such as masala, samoosas or even a Cape Malay curry.

THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

Experience the Drakensberg and the Midlands in style

Getaway from the madding crowd and make Antbear Lodge in the Drakensberg Mountains your next conference destination. The lodge is ideal for small meetings, team building workshops and retreats. With 15 accommodation suites, a conference facility and restaurant in the lodge, we offer everything that you will need. Antbear Lodge will make your getaway a tranquil and productive experience.

Antbear Lodge l 076 441 2362 l reservations@antbear.co.za l www.antbear.co.za

Image: Cape Winelands Cuisine by La Motte, supplied

continue to be the most willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings. Incentive organisers wanting to incorporate the sustainability aspect in their trips can opt for environmentally friendly, green hotels or other accommodation. But, the element of sustainability can also be introduced in the experiences they offer. There has been a clear trend where millennial travellers are asking to actively take part in conservation when embarking on a safari. Particularly suitable for smaller incentive groups of up to 10 delegates, participants in conservation activities will be able to assist wildlife vets with animal relocations and notching. From the darting of animals to notching and relocations, travellers can truly experience what it’s like to be a wildlife vet. Participating in these tangible conservation projects is an unforgettable experience for incentive travellers.

INCENTIVES: LOCAL

BUSH, BEACH & BERG South Africa boasts some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery. Nestled in these landscapes, you will find luxury venues that are ideal for the incentive traveller. We share our top picks.

WELLNESS AND WILDERNESS Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg mountains lies Bushmans Kloof – an ecological oasis within a roughly hewn and magical land that offers a distinctive wilderness experience among open plains and ancient sandstone formations, including over 130 sites of rock-art paintings – some dating back as far as 10 000 years! ACCOMMODATION Bushmans Kloof offers a range of beautifully proportioned rooms, suites and a private villa. The reserve can accommodate 34 guests, all in sublimely appointed spaces. Koro Lodge is available for larger groups, ensuring effortless and hugely enjoyable breakaways for up to 10 guests. The splendid luxury of accommodation amid botanical gardens and pristine wilderness will draw you into a special world, while small surprises and thoughtful touches throughout your stay augment the experience. CATERING Bushmans Kloof is the home of authentic Cape cuisine. As a Relais and Châteaux property, the venue has exceptionally high standards with regard to the quality and creativity of the cuisine. The organic garden provides the kitchens with fresh, robust produce, while indigenous fynbos adds a distinctly ‘Cape’ dimension to a fusion of innovative and traditional fare. The passion for service and hospitality ensures every meal is a special experience. The award-winning wine list offers a superb variety of South African wines, French champagnes and cognacs. SPA TREATMENTS The spa is a peaceful sanctuary where one can surrender to the ancient mystical powers of the African landscape, rejuvenate all your senses, replenish your spirit and achieve deep inner peace and harmony. SOMETHING SPECIAL Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10 000 years. The sites on the reserve may be viewed by guests. Since its founding, Bushmans Kloof has been dedicated to protecting this extraordinary treasure. Accordingly, the reserve has been awarded the status of a South African National Heritage Site. In 2004, the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre was opened, featuring an extraordinary collection of priceless artefacts, jewellery, dancing sticks, hunting kits, musical instruments, digging sticks and magical paraphernalia. The centre is a wonderful source of insight into the lives and culture of the ancient Bushmen. Join the conversation at #BKROCKART. +27 (0)21 437 9278 l reservations@bushmanskloof.co.za bushmanskloof.co.za

A ROYAL AFFAIR Standing majestically on uMhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box is the ultimate in colonial charm and style. ACCOMMODATION With 86 luxurious rooms, suites and villas to choose from, The Oyster Box can accommodate the varied individual needs of every type of visitor. Meticulously refurbished, each room is superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. CATERING Carefully crafted to meet the wishes and whims of guests from across the nation and world, The Oyster Box is proud to offer tasteful, ethnically inspired menus perfect for guests seeking anything from special fine-dining occasions to simple, relaxed meals or just a small bite. SPA TREATMENTS The exceptionally skilled therapists are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of the guests. SOMETHING SPECIAL The Oyster Box’s high-tea table is legendary and laden with sumptuous treats – from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes to finger sandwiches and savouries. Inspired by the hotel’s original, colonial architecture and resplendent with chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, high tea at The Oyster Box is a lengthy, leisurely affair. +27 (0)31 514 5000 l reservations@oysterbox.co.za oysterboxhotel.com

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INNER-CITY SANCTUARY Tucked away in a corner of Joburg is Satyagraha House – an ode to Gandhi.

ROM 1893 TO 1914, South Africa was home to Mahatma Gandhi.

During this time, he spent two years (1907–1909) at Satyagraha House. Within these walls, Gandhi created and developed his philosophy of passive resistance – satyagraha in Sanskrit. RIGHT IN THE HEART OF AFRICA’S MOTHER CITY You can’t get

much closer to Table Mountain than this. A truly extraordinary luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town, MannaBay is a gateway to the table-topped landmark and its natural mystique – quite literally. A gate leads directly from MannaBay’s grounds to the Table Mountain National Park. ACCOMMODATION MannaBay has one suite – the Versailles Suite – and seven luxury rooms, including Black & White, Orchid, Flamingo, Explorer, Persian, Pom Pom and Oriental. The hotel sleeps a maximum of only 16 guests to ensure a more exclusive and intimate stay. Each room is individually designed and decorated. All rooms have extra-length, king-size beds that can be made into twins, with the exception of the suite. CATERING From the perfect eggs Benedict to an oven-baked omelette, breakfast at MannaBay is the perfect way to start your day. For lunch and dinner, you can try some of the award-winning restaurants and cafes in Cape Town. MannaBay offers complimentary dinner transfers. Alternatively, you can order in and enjoy a meal in the comfort of our dining room. After dinner, delight in the whisky and sherry served on the high-tea table, along with nougat and chocolates. Another culinary must is the high tea. The chefs create and prepare the high-tea fare daily to offer guests a daily variety. SPA TREATMENTS The Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel, close to MannaBay, is the ideal spot for some pampering. A therapist to give you treatments in the privacy of your room can be arranged. SOMETHING SPECIAL Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a wine connoisseur, or you’re just starting out, you are welcome to join in on one of the wine tasting evenings, where you’ll get to learn about and taste some of SA’s finest varietals. + 27 (0)21 461 1094 l res@mannabay.com l mannabay.com

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ABOUT THE HOUSE The house was built in 1907 by Gandhi’s close friend, German architect Hermann Kallenbach. Today, it serves two purposes. It is a guesthouse and a museum. Guests will be able to retrace Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa and particularly those that he shared here with Hermann. A peaceful and meditative atmosphere channelling Gandhi’s life within these walls inhabits the property. ACCOMMODATION In all, seven rooms are spread out between the original house, called the Kraal, in reference to its architecture resembling a traditional African farm, the cottage added a few years later, and the modern wing built in 2010. All the rooms reflect Gandhi’s philosophy of simplicity. But don’t be alarmed, they are elegantly decorated with crisp, white linens, a comfortable, king-sized bed and statement pieces sourced from India. And there’s Wi-Fi. DINING All meals served at Satyagraha House are vegetarian. Most of the key ingredients used in the kitchen are sourced from the property's organic garden. You can dine in the courtyard, at a long, wooden table in the dining room, or in the cosy living room. Alcohol is not served on the premises as a mark of respect for Gandhi. SPA TREATMENTS Satyagraha House is associated with Africology. The company’s exclusive spa treatments are offered to you in your room or in one of the rondavels. The fragrance and the treatment ritual have been designed especially for Satyagraha House by Africology specialists. ACTIVITIES In addition to the massages, other activities include yoga and meditation classes by specialists and high-quality African tea tasting of the prestigious Yswara brand. The house is located close to various Joburg hotspots and transfers are available on request – but once you enter Satyagraha House, you will not want to leave. +27 (0)11 485 5928 eoberholzer@satyagrahahouse.co.za satyagrahahouse.com

THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

INCENTIVES: AFRICA

DISCOVER

FRESH IDEAS

FEATURED VENUES

Mark Twain once wrote, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.” He was right.

NOWN FOR ITS LUXURY resorts, beautiful beaches and

sapphire blue waters, Mauritius has long lured visitors to its shores with the promise of a relaxing sea-side holiday. However, beyond the beaches lies an island bursting with so much more – markets, authentic Mauritian cuisine, beautiful gardens, pineapple farms, sugarcanes, rare wildlife, temples, mountains and its people. It truly is a tropical paradise.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC Mauritius Incentive Connection (MIC) provides an exciting new look to the meetings and incentives market in Mauritius. Launched by Connections DMC in 2011, MIC brings choice to the

South African MICE market. Working with 12 leading hotels, MIC is able to provide different concepts from the top-level executive board meeting to a more budget-type conference, from allinclusive budget incentive groups to the more extravagant incentives. Also part of the MIC family is Impact Production Group (IPG). This production company is a one-stop shop for events and has been operational for more than 15 years in Mauritius. IPG covers any type of event, from conferences and gala dinners, to team building and product launches. The company consistently offers quality performances and international standards of professionalism, with cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly equipment.

INTERCONTINENTAL MAURITIUS RESORT BALACLAVA FORT Located on the north-west coast, this beautiful resort is a 15-minute drive from the main tourist region of Grand Baie and Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It is a 60-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The hotel has 210 ocean-view rooms and one of the biggest conference room capacities (600 guests) on the island, with accommodation. Guests on the all-inclusive package have access to all five restaurants located throughout the resort.

WHAT MAKES MIC DIFFERENT? 12 of the finest resorts on the Island • 5* Luxury Constance Le Prince Maurice • 5* The St Regis Mauritius Resort •5 * Westin Turtle Bay Mauritius •5 * Constance Belle Mare Plage •5 * Hilton Mauritius Resort • 5* Intercontinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort •5 * Outrigger Mauritius Resort & Spa •5 * Heritage Resort & Spa Mauritius •5 * Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius • 5* Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort • 4* Le Meridien Ile Maurice • 4* Maritim Crystal Beach Hotel Best DMC in Mauritius • Connections DMC Mauritius - a dedicated DMC with a different approach to incentives Best event company of the region • Impact Production Group

Hermina Sennelo l +27 (0)74 699 8076 hermina@mic-mauritius.com www.mic-mauritius.com

• Access to the biggest meeting space and conference facilities • Highly competitive rates • Flexible, all-inclusive packages to suit any budget • Personalised quotations • Maximum of 48 hours' turnaround on all requests

Make Mauritius the flavour of 2017 with MIC! Add value to your proposal: • Tropical welcome with flower garlands • Traditional greeting with Indian & Sega hostesses • Seasonal fruit platter in room • Beach BBQ dinner • Confirmed room upgrade • Complimentary site inspections And so much more…

6 • THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

OUTRIGGER MAURITIUS BEACH RESORT This luxurious resort is nestled in the nature reserve of Bel Ombre, a 60-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Guests can embrace the refinements of a world-class resort with celebrated modern Mauritian cuisine, international wine tasting, afternoon tea, and the pampering Navasana Spa. They can toast a blushing sunset with lively sega music, fly high on a kitesurfing spree, and discover local wildlife at the historic Domaine de Bel Ombre Nature Reserve. The resort has 181 sea-facing spacious rooms. Several outside venues and the resort’s well-geared and flexible team make for successful groups events. www.theplanner.guru

#DISCOVERMAURITIUS THE WESTIN TURTLE BAY RESORT & SPA Ideally situated on the north-west coast, this property is bright, trendy and easily customised to meet specific needs for meetings or incentives groups and is only a 60-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Everything at the hotel is designed to help the guests feel their best – from the worldrenowned Heavenly Bed to the SuperFoodsRx dishes. There are 190 rooms and one large ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 guests. A choice of five restaurants, each different from another, as well as exclusive venues can be used for exciting group evenings. CONSTANCE LE PRINCE MAURICE This boutique hotel, set amid lush tropical greenery on the east coast of the island, is a 75-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. It is the only hotel on the island that has rooms on stilts. It boasts two 18-hole championship golf course estate offering unlimited green fees. With its 89 suites and a helipad on resort, it is perfect for top-end executive groups. A choice of four restaurants (including one floating restaurant), four bars and the biggest wine cellar of the Indian Ocean region will leave your guests spoilt for choice.

Divaz Event Management and MIC hosted corporates to experience what Mauritius offers the MICE market. This is what they had to say…

HILTON MAURITIUS RESORT & SPA This popular beach resort is ideally situated on the west coast. It is only a 10-minute walk to the bustling tourist village Flic en Flac and is a 60-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The hotel boats 193 bedrooms and the ballroom can accommodate up to 350 people. The resort offers a perfect mix for conference and incentive groups, with an experienced MICE-geared team. Earn or redeem HHonors Event Points and Miles at the resort. www.theplanner.guru

• "Mauritius is both a tourist and business destination where you can strategise, relax and enjoy all it has to offer. Not to mention the wonderful cuisine, friendly people and breathtaking sight-seeing places. I received excellent service from both by MIC and Divaz - every event, site visit and entertainment was so well organised." Rookshana Jooma, Alexander Forbes • "The great attention to detail, the well-organised site visits, the pampering and wonderful, thoughtful gifts from every hotel, as well as from MIC and Divaz, all combined to make a memorable time that will never be forgotten." Bridget Nkuna, Westcon • " Without a doubt, the service and hospitality received from MIC and Divaz was phenomenal and I appreciated the high level of professionalism shown by both companies." Dorio Bowes, First Distribution Divaz arranges INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES in Mauritius

+27 (0)74 741 0116 info@dadivaz.co.za dadivaz.co.za

THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 •

INCENTIVES: INTERNATIONAL

ABU DHABI incentive ideas revealed

DID YOU KNOW?

The South African Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has developed a range of lowto high-end MICE itineraries to give organisers a solid starting point. The office is also there to assist organisers with MICE bids, recommendations and client presentations.

Climbing to 73rd place in the recent ICCA rankings, and with aspirations to continue its ascent, Abu Dhabi has its eye on the meetings and congresses sector, aiming to deliver first-class products and variety so that the destination not only delivers a venue, but also a destination experience.

SANDY SAFARI Travel two hours from Abu Dhabi to the breathtaking desert resort of Qasr Al Sarab at the edge of the largest uninterrupted desert in the world. Commandeer your desert ship and “sail” into the sunset on the back of a camel, or gain first-hand insight into the oldest Arabian traditional sport of falconry and hunting with salukis. Enjoy cocktails on the Royal Pavilion under the stars and indulge in Arabian cuisine Bedouin style.

2 3 4 5 TRADITIONAL ARABIA

SUNDOWNERS ON THE GULF

Explore the Arabian culture of Abu Dhabi at the Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village. Or witness one of the largest mosques in the world: with 82 shimmering white domes and beautiful inlaid mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stone floral decor, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most important architectural pieces in the UAE.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Saadiyat Beach Club, an Ibiza-style private beach club on the beautiful Blue Flag Saadiyat beach where hawksbill turtles have nested for years, with beautiful views over the crystal-clear Arabian Gulf. Or set sail on a magnificent Arabian Gulf cruise on the sophisticated Belevari catamaran, journeying to your own private island and enjoying views of the spectacular Abu Dhabi skyline at night.

8 • THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

YES TO YAS

7-STAR OPULENCE

The self-proclaimed island of all things fun is a definite pit stop on any incentive tour. The Yas Marina Circuit provides an opportunity for guests to take part in various driving experiences, ranging from passenger laps to formidable F1 sessions where delegates will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an ex-Formula 1 car. Ferrari World, the largest indoor amusement park, is home to the world’s fastest and now highest roller coasters.

If you think all that glitters is gold, you’d be right when it comes to the seven-star extravaganza that is Emirates Palace on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Yes, the mother-of-pearl basins, Indian silk walls and gold-dispensing ATM in the lobby may be a little over the top, but when else could you spoil your delegates in such sevenstar luxury. Enjoy a goldleaf cappuccino and slice of palace cake, topped with gold-leaf, for afternoon tea.

www.theplanner.guru

087 654 4457/8/9 • info@montededios.co.za • www.montededios.co.za

ANOTHER LEGEND REVEALED In an ancient volcanic crater lies an enchanting oasis, where unparalleled adventure, joy and delight awaits the whole family!

From exciting new stores and delectable restaurants to world-class conferencing venues, Sun Central offers the next level of entertainment.