Meetings September October 2017 by 3S Media

PoPI IS COMING - ARE WE READY?

TECH MUSTHAVES HOW TO

accelerate your productivity

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM NON-PAYERS

BIG INTERVIEW Yes, we have the capacity and facilities to cater for large-scale events; but more importantly, we wish to be associated with high-quality exhibitions, conferences and events that add value.â&#x20AC;? Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre

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SIZE DOES MATTER

Big.

Spaces

Better.

Options

Best.

Experiences

It’s been said that size doesn’t matter, but when it comes to creating extraordinary experiences for your guests, delegates or attendees, we have to disagree. That’s why we recently expanded the CTICC with the sole aim of giving our clients and guests more…

More space. More flexibility. More award-winning cuisine. More attention to detail. More convenience. More breathtaking views. More parking. More facilities. All of which give you more opportunity to transform your meeting, event, conference or show into a truly extraordinary experience.

To discover the massive positive impact our bigger and better convention centre can have on your brand or business, contact the CTICC today on +27 21 410 5000 or email sales@cticc.co.za

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

www.theplanner.guru The Planner

PoPI IS COMING - ARE WE READY?

TECH MUSTHAVES HOW TO

accelerate your productivity

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM NON-PAYERS

BIG INTERVIEW Yes, we have the capacity and facilities to cater for large-scale events; but more importantly, we wish to be associated with high-quality exhibitions, conferences and events that add value.” Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre

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@theplannerguru

WOMEN IN MICE

THE COVER STORY

Meetings hosted its annual Top 40 Women in MICE event, with women from across all walks of life applauded and celebrated at a glamorous luncheon at the Rand Club. For more, turn to page 20

Scan Display started out 21 years ago in a garden cottage, and has since grown into one of the biggest stand builders and infrastructure providers in the Southern African exhibitions and events industry. For more, turn to page 6

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INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE PACK YOUR BAGS

DISCOVER OUR FAVOURITE INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS

SENSATIONAL SEYCHELLES: THE LAND OF PERPETUAL SUMMER CRADLE OF HUMANKIND: TIME TO GET BACK TO YOUR ROOTS

In this edition of The Incentive Planner, we take a look at top local and international destinations. It's time to pack your bags and explore the land of perpetual summer, the Seychelles, and get back to your roots at the Cradle of Humankind.

FEATURED VENUE

SPEAKER’S CORNER

26 Empowering the next generation CSIR ICC believes

38 The art of storytelling USB specialises in finding the

that, through education, you can empower the future leaders within the events industry

right speaker for your event

DESTINATION

BEST PRACTICE

39 City of Tshwane A host city of excellence

27 Tech trends for events Karmen Vladar shares five

TALKING POINTS

conference tech must-haves

28 PoPI is coming – Are we ready? Simeon Tassev on how to protect your data

30 Accelerate your productivity Michael Licenblat on

30 FOCUS ON 10 The power of exhibitions Carol Weaving on why exhibitions provide a platform for authentic, face-to-face interactions and conversations

11 Now and what next? Exhibiting is one of man’s oldest trades. Perhaps this is why it is also one of the most durable

ways to stay active and efficient

41 Event Greening Forum Carbon offsetting debunked 41 Travelbags Why exhibitions work

REGULARS

EVENT SHOWCASES 32 Croner Launch 2017 Event Wizards organised an event to remember

34 The Diamond Works and NAC Helicopters Cape Town networking function Let the Two Oceans Aquarium take you on an enchanting voyage

03 Ed’s letter Rome wasn't built in a day 04 T idbits Meetings’must-know minutia 24 S ound bite CedarWoods of Sandton's Jarred Ison 25 2 0 Questions On Pointe's John Arvanitakis 40 Industry perspective AIPC's Aloysius Arlando shares his views on convention centres and what the industry can expect in the future

36 Hack the World – Johannesburg Creative

42 Miss Meet Everything happens for a reason

conferencing at SAB World of Beer

13 How to make sure you get paid The Association of African Exhibition Organisers shares ways to product yourself from non-payers

14 5 0 years of success Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery has a reputation for consistently delivering shows of excellence

BIG INTERVIEW 18 The centre that can Craig Newman on why the Johannesburg Expo Centre has what it takes to host large conferences

EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE CONFERENCE CENTRES

A CONVERGENCE OF BUSINESS AND ADVENTURE

Ntshondwe Conference Centre & Wedding Venue: (034) 983 2540 Ithala Game Reserve

Didima Conference Centre & Wedding Venue: (036) 488 8000 Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Let Ideas Expand Beyond the Office We have the freshest of air, an abundance of wildlife, the best adventure tracks and trails, breathtaking sights and scenery, but most importantly, we have conference centres in these magnificent tranquil surroundings. Didima Conference centre accommodates delegates from 120 classroom style, 60 U-shape style to 120 seated cinema style configuration. Ntshondwe Conference centre offers a cinema style seating arrangement for up to 140, a lecture style for 90 or a single U-shaped for 45 delegates. Ntshondweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two breakaway rooms offers a cinema style seating arrangement for 30, lecture style for 18 and single U-shape for 16 delegates. Both Conference facilities offer various accommodation options, are fully serviced and can comfortably be adapted from one-day events to multi-day workshops.

Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle Wedding Venue: (036) 353 3718 Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site Hilltop Resort Wedding Venue: (035) 562 0848 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Central Reservations: 033 845 1000 w w w.kznwildlife.com

Make your big day perfect with unlimited privacy, breathtaking scenery, birdlife, wildlife, scenic trails, comfortable accommodation, delicious food and personalised service.

ED'S LETTER Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Managing Editor Martin Hiller Editor Mpinane Senkhane (mpinane@3Smedia.co.za) Journalist Pippa Naude Design Martin Hiller Contributors Michelle Hinrichsen, Michael Licenblat,

Greg McManus, Simeon Tassev and Karmen Vladar Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Morgan Carter Client Services & Production Manager

Antois-Leigh Botma

Production Coordinator Zenobia Daniels Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

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

PUBLISHED BY No. 9, 3rd Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/75 www.3smedia.co.za Meetings September/October 2017 © Copyright. All rights reserved 2017. www.theplanner.guru SUBSCRIPTION R300.00 per annum (incl. VAT) | subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1684-9264 NOTICE OF RIGHTS Meetings is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or associated professional bodies. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

MEMBER OF

IN COLLABORATION WITH

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ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY

COMMON ASSERTION is that

“invisibility” kills start-ups and this rings especially true within spaces such as the MICE industry, where word-ofmouth referrals and partnerships have the potential to elevate an unknown business almost as fast as venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. Furthermore, studies show that building relationships in business is central to success. We aren’t just talking about the “Hi, how can I help you?” sort of relationship, either. Business relationships should extend to a deeper level, where trust and understanding – and even empathy – come into play. Trust of course plays a massive role in building business (and any other) relationships. And while trust takes time to earn, it can be thrown away in mere minutes. So, creating an environment that instils fairness, trust and honesty does one key thing – it builds loyalty. And I think this, among other points, is what Meetings and its related products stand for. This is also fundamental to my approach in my life’s next chapter, as the new editor of Meetings magazine. I have only been with the magazine for all of a figurative two minutes, but what has already stuck with me is the amount of hugging that comes with the job. Everybody hugs. The culture of hugging in this industry is unlike any I’ve seen before. After the huge

success that was Women in MICE, it occurred to me that the hugging is a part of a culture at the heart of the MICE industry; a culture defined by its people. Why is this point important for me? Well, plainly said, it is through conversation that you discover people’s wants, needs, problems and perspectives. Conversation takes a commitment of time and is not a one-off event. I’ve become more committed to developing relationships with people, not purely for dividends but really to nurture the quality of the relationships and opportunities we have to help and serve one another. So yes, bring on the hugs. In closing, I would like to take this moment to pay homage to every single event planner on the continent. After being involved just on the periphery of the success that was the Top 40 Women in MICE, I have a newfound respect for event planners – putting together something like that is certainly no easy feat. Yet that’s what this industry is about: doing the hard work behind the scenes to make such moments and meetings special. Until next time,

TROPHIES - AWARDS - MEDALS +27(0) 12 327 5885 | info@khojagroup.net www.khojagroup.net | www.khojagroup.co.za

Meetings’ must-know minutia

DURBAN ICC BIDS FAREWELL TO MALA DORSAMY After 21 years of service to the Durban ICC, Mala Dorasamy, marketing, sales and events director, bids the centre farewell in July. Mala has accepted an offer to relocate to Malaysia. She was part of the original team that opened the Durban ICC in 1997, and has served faithfully in the Marketing and Sales Department for the last 20 years. During her tenure, she was responsible for bidding for, securing and coordinating numerous successful world-class events hosted at the centre and also personally projectmanaged the opening of the Durban ICC Arena in 2007. Mala has played a pivotal role in the strategic direction of the department for many years now and is well respected in the global events industry.

CAPE TOWN’S HOTTEST NEW EVENT SPACE The Aleit Group, renowned for its spectacular, high-end events and weddings over the past 17 years, has been appointed by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa as the exclusive restaurant and event operator throughout the museum. This includes the management of the restaurant and venue on level six, as well as all events hosted within the museum. For anyone looking to host a remarkable event, the museum space is unlike anything on the continent. In fact, it is arguably unlike anything in the world. Available for private after-hours functions, the atrium is an exceptional space for arrival drinks and canapés, allowing guests access to view the works on display across 80 galleries. The level-six restaurant and venue looks out on to the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden. It truly is a breathtaking event venue, which can accommodate up to 200 guests with a 270-degree view of Cape Town, and possibly the best view of Table Mountain in the city. The museum venue and event spaces are set to open over Heritage weekend – starting on 22 September 2017.

TASTE OF AFRICA AT BIRCHWOOD Business travelling foodies passing through Gauteng can look forward to a uniquely African dining experience with the launch of business tourism giant The Birchwood Hotel & O.R. Tambo Conference Centre’s new onsite restaurant, Phomolong. Aptly named “vacation” in Southern Sotho, Phomolong offers a warm, entertaining environment as guests view the cooking action while dishing up their hearty meals. Led by head chef Shannon Jooste, Phomolong is situated in the heart of the hotel’s 53 ha gardens, and is the latest addition to The Birchwood Hotel’s existing repertoire of on-site, speciality restaurants – namely The BC Café, a popular lunchtime meetings venue, and The Grill at OneTwenty, an upmarket grill house.

CTICC GIVES BACK

MILESTONE BBBEE DEAL FOR 3D GROUP Tsholo Wesi and Clarissa Carsten, an ambitious and tenacious duo, have fast-tracked their goal of guiding the fortunes of leading a conference, exhibition and event solutions company in Africa with their acquisition of a 51% share in the 3D Group. Originally from the Northern Cape, Tsholo and Clarissa have earned a reputation in that province for their determination and flair, plus acute business acumen. The duo are not only joining 3D Group’s board of directors but are playing a major role in the day-to-day running of the business.

4 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) celebrated its 14th anniversary on 28 June, and what better way to celebrate than to give back to the community of Cape Town. On Wednesday 28 June, the centre donated R14 000 worth of much-needed goods to each of its five local community partners. The donation (worth R70 000 in total) included electronic devices, kitchen appliances, furniture and catering equipment. The CTICC, which opened its doors in 2003, has entered into a partnership with five local community organisations, namely Ikhaya le Themba, Abalimi Bezekhaya, Foundation for Alcohol Related Research, Journey of Enrichment, and Mothers Unite. “Our 14th birthday presented the ideal opportunity for the CTICC to celebrate and support the work done by our local community partners (LCPs). So often, nonprofit organisations will receive funding for projects but run the risk of not being able to fulfil their mandate because they do not have the operational resources required. We hope the items provided by the CTICC will allow our LCPs to not only sustain, but extend, the positive work they are doing in and around Cape Town,” said Julie-May Ellingson, CEO of the CTICC.

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COVER STORY

21 YEARS AT A GLANCE 1996

• Scan Display is founded

1998

CELEBRATING 21 YEARS

OF VALUE CREATION

• Exhibits for the first time, at Markex – has been at this show every year since

• Introduces the roller banner to the SA market, retailing for R3 800 – today, Scan Display’s entry-level option sells for only R1 300

2000 • Scan Display Botswana opens

2002 • First custom-designed stand is built for SAA at Tourism Indaba • Cape Town branch opens • Completes first big infrastructure project, for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, on behalf of the City of Johannesburg

2004

N 1996, JUSTIN HAWES – a newly qualified chartered accountant – founded Scan Display. These were humble beginnings. He operated from a garden cottage in Parkhurst and would spend his days driving around town to demo the product he was importing: the pop-up display. He would show people how easily it could be assembled (as the name implies) and how professional it looked. “It’s a great product!” he says. “We still sell it today.” Fast-forward two decades and Scan Display has expanded in every aspect: from Gauteng into Southern Africa; from one staff member to almost 200; and from one product to an extensive range, including full in-house turnkey production operations.

Justin says three factors have been critical to the company’s growth: “First, we are very creative. This is core to our company culture; to find new solutions to every problem, not only in design but in our day-to-day challenges. Second, we stay abreast of innovations across the globe, and are quick to adopt those that we think will offer our clients greater value.” One example of this is the Modulbox, a Germandesigned mobile cube that unfolds into a versatile space for events. Scan Display manufactures the Modulbox under licence to mo systeme, and is the sole African distributor. The third factor is collaborative teamwork. He says, “We have amazing teams in every department – from design, production and logistics, to accounting and sales. Each staff member feels like they are a part of their team, and each team knows they are valued and important.”

STAFF REFLECTIONS

• Durban branch opens

2006 • Justin Hawes becomes chairman of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA)

2010 • Completes a number of big activations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the Adidas Pavilion and the public viewing area at Mary Fitzgerald Square

6 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

ALEX HAWES

CHAIRMAN Since the company’s inception, what achievement stands out the most for you? For 21 years, I have witnessed Justin’s enthusiasm and dedication, his focus on great client service, and his unwavering moral compass, all of which have made Scan Display a leader within the industry. I believe these qualities were recognised when he was appointed treasurer and vice president of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), by his international peer group.

MARTINA KOMANE

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR How has Scan Display helped to shape the role of women in the industry? Scan Display ensures women in the company are given opportunities to progress into senior positions. I am a good example of this. I have been with the company since 2002, when I joined through a learnership programme. I worked my way up through various positions and, in 2014, was appointed production director. They didn’t look at my background or qualifications (I have no degree or diploma), but instead looked at how committed and hardworking I am, and my understanding of exhibition production. Similarly, Naume Moakamedi worked her way up to become the infrastructure services manager, Jane Steel and Monique de Sousa to sales managers, and Zola Chamane to financial manager. I feel especially honoured to manage Scan Display’s production, because I am dealing with men in a very male-dominated space. It’s been amazing to be entrusted to do this job.

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#21YEARS 2011

MOSES NEFALE

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

The Modulbox

The 2016 Scan Display interns

How has Scan Display helped to shape the future of the youth and SMMEs over the last 21 years? At Scan Display, we are committed to empowerment. We have a Level 3 BBBEE certificate, and the Scan Display BEE Trust owns 27% of the company. The company has always nurtured and developed its youth employees. This has resulted in many staff promotions – from entry-level jobs to, eventually, top management positions. I’m a case in point. I joined the company as a freshly graduated intern. Nine years later, I am the financial director. Skills development and training have contributed to this upward movement. Seven employees are currently undergoing skills and training development. Plus, we offer learnership programmes to unemployed graduates and matriculants, giving them invaluable work experience. Equally, we have been committed to working with SMMEs. For our BBBEE rating, we scored 91% under Enterprise and Supplier Development. Currently, 90% of our procurement comes from SMMEs.

• On behalf of the Department of Environmental Affairs, creates the Climate Change Response Expo, which runs alongside COP17. The project includes a number of creative, sustainable initiatives

• Scan Retail is founded

2012 • Port Elizabeth branch opens • Justin Hawes co-founds the Event Greening Forum, a non-profit organisation promoting sustainability in the local events industry

2013 • Scan Display redesigns its logo

• UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, awards Scan Display the UFI Sustainable Development Award for the COP17 project

2014 • Justin Hawes is elected to the IFES (International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services) board as treasurer

2015 • Manages a large-scale infrastructure build in Zambia for the African Development Bank Forum

Cape Town Art Fair 2017

2016

PAUL HUGO

• Justin Hawes is elected vice president of IFES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on? It’s hard to choose, but I would say the Cape Town Art Fair. We were approached to do the show when it first launched in 2012, and have worked on every iteration since – even after it was bought by an international company, Fiera Milano, in 2014. It’s been a journey of growth, development and excellence. From the start, we designed our own lighting and walling, and have continued to elevate the design over the years. Today, we have developed 3.6 m high modular walling that is easy to assemble. This allows us to build 1.3 km of gallery walling in two days – a huge achievement in itself. The growth of Scan Display products through the development of the show has been remarkable, and the skills development has been exciting and encouraging.

2017 • Scan Display forms a joint venture with a Kenyan company in Nairobi

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

FOCUS ON

THE POWER OF

EXHIBITIONS

The beauty of the exhibition’s space is, and always will be, its ability to provide a platform for authentic, face-to-face interactions and conversations.

HE RISE IN TECHNOLOGY and digital marketing has created an opportunity for exhibitions to flourish as economic drivers and powerful marketing tools. As consumers, our interactions are primarily online and extremely disrupted as brands fight for our attention.

INTERACTION MARKETING According to ufi.org, 80% of businesses agree that customers spend more money with companies they have met with face-to-face. This doesn’t mean that using online marketing and technology should be ignored because, if used smartly, it is an exceptionally effective way to personalise the customer experience and adapt the event experience according to what interests the visitor.

EXPERIENTIAL EXHIBITION ELEMENTS According to the CEIR survey's consensus, visitors value in-the-moment interaction with your exhibiting team that will let them experience everything there is to know about your product. This includes product demos, sensory engagement with products to let visitors see, touch, smell and taste (where possible) your product, and leaving with relatable information takeaways that they can explore after leaving your stand. To keep visitors coming back, you need to create a sense of innovation and originality. People love being among the first to

“Exhibitions have the ability to bring the world together in one room. Each year, there are around 31 000 exhibitions globally, with over 4.4 million companies that exhibit.” Carol Weaving, MD of Reed Exhibitions South Africa

10 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

experience or find out about something. Give your attendees a unique brand experience and you’ll be on the right track to getting the best ROI from your exhibition. If your products or services can’t all be displayed at your stand for users to physically interact with, showcase the product’s key features digitally. Make use of touchscreens and gamification to let users experience how the product works, run videos to explain your products and services, and utilise social media to share reviews and posts from your fans – especially if you are selling an experience like travel.

DIVERSITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT Exhibitions have the ability to bring the world together in one room. Each year, there are around 31 000 exhibitions globally, with over 4.4 million companies that exhibit. There is something truly exciting about being able to connect and communicate with international visitors around a common interest, which inevitably leads to the opportunity to do business internationally, making a positive mark on the economy. Worldwide, it is estimated that over $109 billion is spent at exhibitions by visitors and exhibitors. Reed Exhibitions has seen this first-hand at World Travel Market Africa where, in 2017, over 5 000 industry professionals from 72 countries attended the event in Cape Town with the primary objective to do business with one another. Over 200 hosted buyers were present and an incredible 11% year-on-year increase in the number of appointments was recorded!

EXHIBITIONS ARE POWERFUL When approached with strategic and wellplanned messaging, goals and activations, exhibitions remain one of the most effective platforms to market your brand from, with many organisations experiencing positive return on investment in financial, brand awareness and marketing capacities.

Reed Exhibitions is Southern Africa’s top exhibition organiser and venue management company. With access to global trade and consumer event organising expertise serving 43 industry sectors, Reed Exhibitions provides the best platform to showcase all industry sectors in South Africa and into Africa. At Reed Exhibitions, our exhibitions make an impact in their respective industries. By delivering on the promise of quality, professionalism and service excellence, we meet the challenges and opportunities that face the industry. Its portfolio includes, among others, Decorex SA, Mediatech Africa, #BuyaBusiness Expo, Small Business Expo, 100% Design South Africa™, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange, Africa Travel Week™ comprising World Travel Market Africa®, International Luxury Travel Market and Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Expo in partnership with Reed Travel Exhibitions. For more information, visit www.reedexpoafrica.co.za

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FOCUS ON

NOW & WHAT NEXT? Exhibiting is one of man’s oldest trades. Perhaps this is why it is also one of the most durable. Pippa Naude investigates.

HE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY is a robust marketing tool that has overcome many challenges in recent years. However, this strength shouldn’t be taken for granted – it’s important to look critically at the industry, to see what is working and where there are opportunities for improvement.

remember a time without smartphones and the internet. The Centre for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reported that 98% of young exhibitors believe trade shows offer a unique value that cannot be fulfilled through other marketing channels.

LESS SPEND, BUT STILL SPENDING VIRTUALLY CHALLENGED Over recent years, the fast flurry of new technologies raised concerns that virtual events might eradicate attendance at actual events. Happily, this hasn’t happened, and exhibitions have continued to be a marketing vehicle of choice. Apparently, face-to-face wins over face-to-digital-alternative. This opinion is even shared by the youth – those who cannot

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Another threat to the industry has been the economic recession. Shrinking marketing budgets have risked a decline in exhibitors. But instead of pulling out, many businesses continue to exhibit, albeit with smaller stands. In fact, the CEIR has reported that the industry is showing modest growth around the globe. This loyalty to exhibitions is not blind. According to the Exhibition and Event

Association of Australasia (EEAA), exhibitions account for 9% of their members’ marketing budgets, but return approximately 23% of business. And the CEIR found that, on average, 81% of trade show attendees have buying authority, and over 90% are actively looking for new products.

WHAT NEXT? Despite these inherent strengths, there seems to be a consensus that the SA exhibition industry cannot afford to become complacent. There is room for improvement and greater professionalism. Meetings spoke to an organiser, a venue and a stand builder to get their take on the current state of the industry, what is working well and what could be done better. >>>

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MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

FOCUS ON

EXPERT OPINION

Your guide to successful exhibitions

THE ORGANISER

THE VENUE

THE STAND BUILDER

DEE REUVERS

LENIESE VAN DER MERWE

GEORGE-MARC KAIRUZ

Chief executive officer, SA Confex Services

Marketing manager, Gallagher Convention Centre

Director, Whaam

A CHALLENGE

INNOVATION & DIFFERENTIATION

A STAND BUILDER’S CHALLENGES

The biggest challenge organisers face is how to balance the costs (staff, venue rental, marketing, construction, security and safety) so they are affordable, while also ensuring the longevity of an exhibition and return on investment (ROI).

It is a very exciting time for exhibitions, with a lot of focus being placed on innovation and sustainability. It is also worth noting the growth of the industry, due to businesses realising the importance and positive impact of exhibiting.

REPUTATION

SMALL SPACES, BIG IDEAS

Accessibility is often restricted for suppliers, especially during build-ups and break–downs, when we need the most access. When a supplier has ease of access, it contributes to meeting build goals, which will contribute to venues meeting their time management and schedule goals – everyone connects.

Poor service from a venue, service provider or organiser creates a poor reflection on the exhibition as a whole. It is in the interests of the entire industry to work towards creating an irresistible reputation.

It is just amazing to see the creativity and innovation that can fit into 18 m2. It is very impressive how exhibitors keep reinventing their space every year. Custom-built stands are a definite trend, with exhibitors focusing on making their stands unique.

TRENDS SPOTTED With the exception of a few established exhibitions for big industries, there is a trend towards smaller stands, perhaps as a result of smaller budgets. In addition, many exhibitors are purchasing stands that can be reused. Although this can be a cost-saving, it is also in line with a greater responsibility towards sustainability.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

CHANGING TIMES

IT’S IN THE DETAIL

The quality of exhibitions has improved as a result of regular industry dialogue, required compliance from relevant associations and training of exhibitors on the art of successful participation. Exhibitions are also an economic barometer of what is happening in an industry or country at any particular time. Although many exhibitions have decreased in size and attendance, there does seem to be an increase in the number of confexes (conference-driven exhibitions) being staged.

It is the small, often overlooked details that can ruin the experience for an exhibitor. For this reason, it is very important for a venue or organiser to have well-managed porter services and freight handling in place.

PICK THE RIGHT ORGANISER Choose an organiser with accreditation, experience in a relevant industry, work references, and who is a member of AAXO (the Association of African Exhibition Organisers).

12 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

As a venue, our clients’ success is very important to us. For this reason, we are equally concerned about the exhibitors getting their desired numbers. This being something completely out of our control, we find it very challenging.

WHAT VENUES SHOULD OFFER Exhibitors must look for a venue that is flexible and has an experienced team with the expertise to assist in making the exhibition a success. Another important thing to consider is what services the venue can offer the exhibition organiser from an existing preferred supplier base. When organisers only have to deal with a single contact person from the venue, it certainly relieves the pressure.

THE TRIFECTA Venues, organisers and suppliers need to work together. Right now, the three entities operate too separately, seeing each other as having different goals, which is not true. We are all striving towards a successful event, and the overall growth of the industry as a whole. We must all be on the same team.

THE NEXT BIG THING IS COMING About two years ago, a design trend emerged that incorporated lots of natural woods and rustic styles. Since then, trends have reached a plateau. I’ve not seen many new ideas or boundary pushing, but that just means we’re due for a new burst of creativity.

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS There are ideas of moving the shows out of the restrictive venues and taking them directly to the streets. Cape Town, specifically, is extremely beautiful, so why not utilise the city and have the exhibition right in our backyard, so to speak. It would make it easier for us all to engage and connect and bring real authenticity to the event.

FIND A GOOD FIT Working with someone whose values align with yours can save you headaches down the road. If you speak the same language, working together will be super smooth.

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FOCUS ON

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU GET PAID From well-known, overseas organisers who don’t settle accounts to fly-by-nighters who sell exhibitors a dream and disappear, there’s no denying that service providers take a risk when providing products and services up front. While these aren’t the norm, reputable venues/suppliers need to make sure they don’t get duped. Here's how:

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Check out the organiser’s social media, website and reviews online. Ask questions. Are they paying members of a reputable association such as AAXO and can you confirm their membership? If not, stay away. Ask industry colleagues for references before you go ahead and sign on the dotted line. 2. REQUEST PARTIAL PAYMENT UP FRONT Justin Hawes, MD of Scan Display, gives some good advice, “We request an upfront deposit for every job and make sure we follow up for the balance timeously. Our philosophy is that if someone cannot pay the deposit, they will not be able to pay the final invoice.” 3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PROPER CONTRACT IN PLACE It goes without saying, but make sure there is actually a dotted line to sign. It makes it so much easier if there is a

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need for recourse and provides the perfect opportunity to agree to the extent of your services and products, any upfront payments or fees for late payment. 4. KNOW WHERE TO GO IF THINGS GO WRONG AAXO offers a mediation service to its members (associates and organisers) to deal with disputes and will not accept organisers who are known for not settling accounts. If you don’t have an association to avail yourself of and your appeals to the organiser fall on deaf ears, you might have to consider legal action. AAXO was founded with a mandate to become the custodian of credibility and professionalism in the exhibition industry in South Africa. That is why our associate membership was such a significant step towards uniting the industry and creating a common ground for discussing the issues that arise within it.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

AAXO

ROAR

EXHIBITION OF EXHIBITIONS

AWARDS

RESPECT OPPORTUNITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNITION

WWW. AAXO.CO.ZA

FOCUS ON

50 YEARS OF SUCCESS With its reputation for consistently delivering shows of excellence, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery celebrates turning 50 this year.

FTER FIVE DECADES of serving the exhibitions industry, it is clear that the accumulated experience, knowledge and expertise have become part of the company’s DNA. Marketers value the excellent opportunity that trade shows provide for on-site sales, valuable sales leads and increased brand awareness. They also know the importance of selecting the right show and the right show organiser. As the leading trade shows organiser in South Africa, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery offers a wide portfolio of world-class shows across a broad spectrum of industries, which deliver a good return on investment (ROI) for exhibitors. “We have built a proud heritage over the past 50 years,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. “Our experience and strong reputation bring confidence to our exhibitors and visitors; our brand is synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism. We are a company that aspires to the highest possible service standards, with a focus on customer care. “Adding to our pedigree, we are wholly owned by the prestigious Montgomery Group, one of the most widely respected exhibition companies in the world, with trade shows, consumer shows and specialist projects currently spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia,” explains Gary. “Montgomery is a family business that dates back over 100 years. It runs over 50 events in over 15 countries, owns a specialist consultancy firm, has a total of 15 wholly owned or joint-venture companies based all over the world, and also co-owns the Expo Centre in Johannesburg – the largest exhibition venue in Africa.”

next year will mark its 50th birthday. Other key industries were identified, which saw the portfolio of exhibitions expanding to reach many more business sectors of the South African economy.

ACQUISITION CREATES A MAJOR FORCE The acquisition of Exhibitions for Africa (EFA) in late 2007 by Specialised Exhibitions (Pty) Ltd created a major shift in the business-tobusiness trade exhibition market in Southern Africa, positioning Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery as a formidable player in the market. Both companies had built extremely strong company brands with equally strong partner brand identification within their exhibition portfolios. The acquisition was effected professionally to the benefit of all parties, and today the show brands still continue to grow and generate a good ROI. “The acquisition expanded our exhibition offering and we operate across many varied industries including mining, industrial,

Crowds gather at CBM-TEC 2016 at the Kitwe showgrounds in Zambia

construction and building services, occupational health, safety and security, packaging, plastics, print, food and hospitality, marketing, advertising, design, and promotions,” says Gary. “Some of our largest brand names include Electra Mining Africa, Interbuild Africa, Propak Africa, Securex South Africa, A-OSH Expo South Africa, Machine Tools Africa, KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition, Hostex, Food and Hospitality Africa, Markex, and Madex.” “We continue to grow our brands regionally across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western and Eastern Cape, while also increasing our African footprint into Botswana and Zambia,” explains Gary. He ascribes this strong growth to always being open to new business opportunities and the continued renewal of the shows through incorporating the latest market trends. “Wherever we can, we use brand experiences, celebrity profiles and competitions to draw additional visitors. We are also increasing our focus on colocated conferences, free-to-attend seminars and multiple combined exhibitions.”

THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE Gary emphasises the importance of adaptability and investing in effective research that can be used in assessing the viability of a new show, measuring attitudes towards existing shows and supporting decisions around exhibition growth. “The

EARLY BEGINNINGS Established in 1967, Specialised Exhibitions (Pty) Ltd held its first exhibition in South Africa in 1968. As an industry showcase for the building and construction sectors, it was heralded a success by exhibitors and visitors. Interbuild Africa is still going strong today and

14 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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#EXHIBITIONS

WHY DO PEOPLE ATTEND EXHIBITIONS? THE CENTRE FOR EXHIBITION INDUSTRY RESEARCH (CEIR) provides a wealth of research studies to show the effectiveness and efficiency of exhibitions as a marketing tool. A report from 2015 confirmed:

only constant is change. New trends are constantly emerging and markets change. Research plays a key role in enabling organisers to keep future fit and able to adapt to changing times,” he explains. “Our show brands are regularly evaluated and updated relevant to market needs, and feedback from our exhibitors and visitors is also taken into our strategic discussions. Every show is seen as a new show,” continues Gary. “For us as organisers, this research helps to focus our minds on the visitor experience and what they have come to achieve,” says Corin. “Additional knowledge around the top international trends that will influence visitor satisfaction is also highly beneficial. Innovative ways to leverage content and visitor experiences on the stand, balancing high tech with high touch, and to be mindful of the generational changes are some of the current international trends.”

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY Social media and digital channels are having an enormous impact on the exhibition world globally. Growing and strengthening the event reach through the use of social media is of increasing importance to marketers and exhibitors, with many trying out the various platforms available. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are among the most popular to motivate visitor attendance and to actively engage with visitors while on-site during events. “Although technology has taken us into a new world of marketing with many advantages, when it comes to concluding business in the businessto-business environment, face-to-face sales are still preferred – and that’s what exhibitions offer,” says Leatitia van Straten, Marketing Director for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery.

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Minister Jeff Radebe speaking at Machine Tools Africa 2017

INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM Combining the success of the past with a vision for the future will continue to drive the success of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery – a company that aspires to the highest possible service standards, with a focus on customer care. The brand is synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism, and known as a provider of world-class exhibition events that deliver a good ROI for all stakeholders. Further to this, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is a member of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and has developed exceptional relationships with leading industry associations and media partners. Leatitia sits on the board of directors for AAXO. Visitor numbers are audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa (ABC). The ABC logo is a valued seal of trust, which provides confidence in the market. When it comes to exhibitions, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is indeed the marketer’s first choice.

LEADING THE WAY

69%

66%

of visitors go to exhibitions to buy

58%

are interested in live demos and interaction with products

go to learn

46%

want to talk to new potential suppliers

Visitors further want to:

• See new technology and new products • C ompare brands • Find solutions to meet their business needs • Have the opportunity to talk to experts.

+27 (0)11 835 1565 | specialised.com

GARY CORIN HAS BEEN WITH SPECIALISED EXHIBITIONS MONTGOMERY for over 21 years, holding the positions of Marketing Director and COO prior to his becoming Managing Director. He has gained experience in all facets of exhibition organising, including sales, marketing and services. Marketing has been his forte with a direct responsibility for the delivery of visitor audiences being the focus of his role for the early part of his career with the company. More recently, he moved into a general management role within the business.Besides leading a multidisciplinary team, Gary has remained a keen academic. He attained his BTech in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg, became a Chartered Marketer through the Services SETA, and completed his MBA through the University of Hull in the UK.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

SUN INTERNATIONAL WHERE DREAMS COME ALIVE Sun International prides itself on being Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium tourism, leisure and gaming group. For over 30 years, our wide range of resorts, luxury hotels and casinos have set a benchmark across South Africa and beyond, with each property offering guests a world of exhilarating experiences. Creating lasting memories for guests is the core part of our brand. From soaking up some sun to gripping game-plays and convenient conferencing, Sun International has the best services and facilities to turn each guests desires into a memorable reality.

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GRANDWEST - CAPE TOWN Located close to Cape Town’s city centre, GrandWest is a wonderland of around-theclock entertainment encompassing restaurants, bars, theatre, cinema, ice rink and night club all under one roof. With well-appointed 4-star conferencing facilities, accommodating the smallest of meetings and intimate dinners, to the grandest of gala dinners andawe-inspiring shows. From sizzling entertainment, a world-class casino and restaurants to cater for all tastes, to amazing children entertainment, you’ll find it at GrandWest. Meeting Spaces: 10 Max Pax: 6866 Accommodation: 39 Rooms GOLDEN VALLEY - WORCESTER The picturesque Breede River Valley in Worcester is home to the Golden Valley Casino. It’s an intimate venue that’s both warm and inviting, offering exceptional personal service and a friendly experience for all. You can expect a home-away-from-home feeling in an intimate environment, surrounded by captivating mountains and natural fynbos. Meeting Spaces: 5 Max Pax : 120 Accommodation: 97 Rooms WINDMILL - BLOEMFONTEIN More than just a casino and Bloemfontein’s favourite entertainment destination, the Windmill Casino also houses some of the very best conference venues in Bloemfontein. Perfect for small events to grand affairs, there’s a conference venue, meeting room or reception venue that’s perfect for your event. Reap the benefits of hosting your event at the Windmill Casino. Meeting Spaces: 4 Max Pax: 250 Accommodation: 80 Rooms CARNIVAL CITY - BRAKPAN Enter a magical world of glittering entertainment and endless fun, and be greeted by a wide selection of delectable restaurants. Carnival City was designed with amusement in mind, offering an eye-pleasing spectacle with large circus tents, roller-coaster models, clown murals and jesters in costume, all of which creates a playful ambience. No matter what you are looking for, you will find it at Carnival City with a variety of entertainment choices.

Meeting Spaces: 11

Max Pax: 5000

Accommodation: 105 Rooms

MEROPA - POLOKWANE Situated in the heart of the Limpopo province, Meropa is a one-stop entertainment destination where you’ll discover a Moroccan-style fiesta of Fun. Whether you are looking for great place to eat or for exciting ways to spend a family day out, Meropa has what you are looking for. Meropa is a comprehensive conferencing facility for world-class business and leisure events. Boasting a state-of art conference centre along with a wide range of fully equipped venues perfectly suited for any occasion. Meeting Spaces: 10 Max Pax: 4000 Accommodation: 60 Rooms

BIG INTERVIEW

THE CENTRE THAT CAN The Johannesburg Expo Centre has what it takes to host large conferences.

M “The JEC is the ideal venue to host any type of event. Extensive and dynamic facilities, five-star security, coupled with flexibility and first-class service ensure that the JEC sustains its position as the venue of choice in Africa year on year” Craig Newman CEO, JEC

ULTIPURPOSE EXHIBITION HALLS encompassing over 50 000 m², more than 100 000 m² of versatile outdoor space and modern conference facilities with more than 4 000 m² of space – with the sheer size of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC), its accessibility and the variety of spaces it offers, Craig Newman believes it is the perfect host for your next large-scale conference.

LARGE-SCALE CAPABILITIES From 30 June to 5 July 2017, the JEC was the proud host of the 5th ANC National Policy Conference. Due to the size of the structure, the diversity of halls available and the venue layout, the conference was a major success. “The JEC had all the suitable conferencing facilities to accommodate our needs,” says David Senoko, conference facility coordinator, ANC. “The ANC National Policy Conference is a perfect example of the JEC’s ability to accommodate thousands of delegates, VIPs and media, as

18 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

well as their parking – all under the supervision of highly professional management and staff.” During the course of the conference, more than 26 000 visitors entered the gates of the Expo Centre. “The auditorium, clubhouse, conference rooms and halls were used as commission venues, which were fully operational at the same time as the main plenary rooms,” explains Craig Newman, CEO at the JEC. “Hosting facilities were set up for all VIP and VVIP attendees and there were at least 11 break-away rooms for conference delegates. It was probably one of our biggest and busiest events yet.” “In addition to the main conference, we required space and facilities to set up exhibitions, a gala dinner and daily press briefings,” explains Sibongile Nhlapho, event coordinator, ANC. “Each event ran smoothly with the help and guidance of the JEC team.” The JEC has five-star catering facilities located in-house, which allows it to prepare meals of the highest standard. “We used two of our halls to feed 5 000 delegates per

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As event planners know, the success of any event relies heavily on the choice of venue. Due to the size of the structure, the diversity of halls available and the layout, the JEC was the ideal venue for the 5th ANC National Policy Conference

day,” says Craig. “This means we provided 10 000 meals per day for lunch and dinner, which is an impressive feat in itself. To meet the requirements of each of our clients, we have a long list of trusted events service providers on-site. This includes ZF Cleaners, Expo Guys, Main Event Catering and Sound Headquarters, to mention a few. Their commitment contributes to the success of all events that take place at the JEC,” he adds.

SECURE VENUE Given the nature of the event, security measures were a top priority. “Fortunately, the layout of the venue made it easier for SAPS to secure the area and the design enables optimal security standards to be put in place, which was obviously necessary for an event of this size and nature,” says King Seitheisho, head of security, ANC.

QUALITY CONFERENCES Time and time again, the JEC has proven that it has what it takes to host large-scale events and conferences. “We’ve kept pace with the remarkable growth of the local exhibitions, conferences and events industry to

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become a world-class facility that offers exhibitors, visitors and delegates a first-rate experience,” says Craig. “The JEC is the ideal venue to host conferences with the workshops, seminars and industry-relevant exhibitions that accompany them.” Extensive and dynamic facilities, five-star security, coupled with flexibility and first-class service ensure that the JEC sustains its position as the venue of choice in Africa year on year. “Yes, we have the capacity and facilities to cater for large-scale events; but more importantly, we wish to be associated with high-quality exhibitions, conferences and events that add value,” he concludes.

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

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

WOMEN IN MICE

THE BEST IN BUSINESS EVENTS

On 17 August, the Rand Club hosted the Top 40 Women in MICE event, with women from across all walks of life applauded and celebrated at a glamorous luncheon.

HESE DESERVING WOMEN ARE

visionaries and mentors, and continue to inspire all those in the industry. Now in its fourth year, 165 women have been recognised for their hard work, passion and dedication to the industry. The importance of acknowledging the abilities and success of these women cannot be understated, as there are still various barriers that prevent women from fully participating at the highest levels of business and government, and which need to be overcome. According to Janine Hicks from the Commission for Gender Equality, women in South Africa represent just 29% of executive managers, 22% of directors of companies, 9% of chairs of boards and a mere 2.4% of chief executives. And research by Grant Thornton shows that 39% of businesses in South Africa have no women in leadership positions. It was a difficult task selecting the 40 finalists – 20 in the Event Planners category and 20 in the Services category – from among the nominees. In order to make this list, we consider everything from their ability to motivate those they work with and the influence they have over clients and peers, to the amount of money they generate or simply the passion they have for the industry, Considering how hardworking a person must be to earn this title, the day was all about pampering and thanking these brilliant finalists. A three-course meal was served while the wine flowed and speeches were given in honour of the guests and their accomplishments. Saxophonist and singer duet Andy Klee performed, generous prizes were raffled, and a beaded purse was auctioned off for R2 700. The proceeds raised will go to the Jes Foord Foundation, a charity that supports rape

20 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

survivors. Everyone also received a swag bag with some gorgeous goodies.

OUR SPONORS A special thank you to all the sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible: Rand Club, EPH Group, South African National Convention Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism, Event Wizards (decor), Taste Explosion (catering), Barmotion, Khoja Group (trophies), RSVP Agency, Tour in SA, Spier, Zevenwacht, Oyster King and Andy Klee.

RISING STAR: EVENT PLANNER

RISING STAR: SERVICES

Natasha Heiberg

Nobesuthu Msimanga

Marketing manager at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery

Natasha started her career in the exhibition industry at EXSA (the Exhibition Association of South Africa) as the marketing and communications manager in 2014. At EXSA, she became acquainted with exhibitions and particularly with the Markex show. She was then headhunted by Gary Corin of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery for a marketing position. She started soon thereafter, and hasn’t looked back since. Natasha started as a marketing executive and was promoted to marketing manager in 2017. She has helped grow the shows that she has worked on in terms of new features, new relationships and partners. She is extremely passionate, hardworking and has a keen eye for strategic detail when developing and rolling out marketing plans across her events. This is evidenced by her continued ability to deliver good visitor audiences across her events, in spite of challenging economic conditions in the country.

Sales executive for Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Marriott Melrose Arch In 2009, Nobesuthu joined the Protea Hotels internship programme, where she was exposed to all aspects of the hospitality and business events industries. She graduated cum laude in 2012 and started work at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch. It was here that Nobesuthu’s natural talent for engaging with people truly shone and she joined the formidable sales team at Protea as a regional sales coordinator in 2013. Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed and she received a special merit award for her achievements. In 2015, she became national sales coordinator and also won the Employee of the Year. Five years after starting at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch, she has returned as the hotel’s sales executive. Not one to rest on her laurels, this confident go-getter plans on leaving her mark on the South African events industry.

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NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR Carol Weaving

Managing director of Reed Exhibitions and chairperson of AAXO Carol’s natural ability to develop, manage and lead not only her team, but large and prosperous projects, is displayed through the phenomenal success of Reed Exhibitions. Thanks to Carol’s continued passion, hard work, dedication and management, Reed Exhibitions is one of the largest and most successful exhibition and venue management companies in Southern Africa and is now in a position to grow its footprint across the African continent, with many new ventures in the pipeline. With the interests of exhibitors and visitors at heart, Carol founded the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) to provide a collective platform of address and representation for professional exhibition organisers throughout Africa. This year, AAXO launched its new Associate Membership tier. AAXO members and its board showed their support for Carol by re-electing her as the association’s chairperson.

FIONA HACK INSPIRATIONAL AWARD* Jeanne Visagie

HALL OF FAME

Julie-May Ellingson

Nina FreysenPretorius

CEO of Cape Town International Convention Centre

Julie-May Ellingson has been at the helm of the CTICC since September 2014. She has 20 years’ experience in the built-environment sector and previously served as the head of Durban Municipality’s Strategic Projects Unit, where she worked on several high-profile projects including the construction of the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the upgrade of the Durban beachfront. Julie-May successfully spearheaded the CTICC's expansion project, which is close to completion. Going forward, she will be at the forefront of the centre’s vision to become one of the world’s top 10 leading long-haul international convention centres by 2020. Julie-May has a proven track record when it comes to the organising and hosting of major international events. She currently serves on the boards of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and Cape Town Tourism.

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Owner of The Conference Company and current ICCA chairperson

Since founding The Conference Company as a one-woman operation in 1997, Nina has become an integral member and driving force of the Southern African conferencing industry. The thriving business provides association secretariat management and conference management services to both the South African and international events market. Nina has also taken on significant roles in top industry bodies and has been integral to facilitating growth and development. She currently serves as ICCA’s president. Nina’s engaging personality and strategic input have made her a sought-after service provider and colleague throughout the industry. This year, Nina has been included in the US-based Successful Meetings magazine's annual list of 25 outstanding professionals who have had a significant impact on the meetings industry.

A committed and passionate individual, Jeanne’s attention to detail is phenomenal. Doing the very best on what she promises her clients and ensuring perfect executions consistently are what Jeanne delivers without fail. Her event execution is always impeccable and exceeding her clients’ expectations is a must. Jeanne’s first love remains events; however, she is just as passionate about skills development and being able to give back. A project a long time in the making came to fruition last year thanks to a pivotal role Jeanne played. The Peermont Hotel School opened its doors on 3 May 2016. Based at Emperors Palace, the school’s objective is to upskill 1 080 learners over a three-year period. The initiative is part of the ongoing responsibility of the Peermont Community Benefit Trust to uplift and upskill the youth of Ekurhuleni. CELO has been appointed to establish, set up and deliver on this objective and manages the school. Despite her daily demands at CELO and serving as tournament executive for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Jeanne is currently the acting principal of the hotel school where she spends time mentoring students. *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 2017 •

PHOTOS: Alison Tu talamia@gmail.com

Director of CELO | Events | Training | Consulting

WOMEN IN MICE

LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD Chris Prieto

To date, 165 women have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the MICE industry. Pictured above is founder Martin Hiller (near back left) as well as previous Top 40 Women in MICE recipients and special award winners

22 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Chris is well known in the industry as an exceptional, reliable and loyal person who does what she promises to do. Her understanding and passion for the business events industry are an inspiration to many. This is evident by the support and recognition Chris has received throughout her career. She has demonstrated a commitment to competence development, especially within the young and new to the industry, and has several established event professionals that call her their mentor. She always treats clients and service providers with the same respect and professionalism, and this is highlighted by what the following people have to say: • “I first met Chris in 1996. Over the last 21 years, I have been proud to host many of my conferences in the facilities she has been involved with – from Sun City to Sandton Convention Centre and then Emperors Palace. Chris is now retired and does event management consultancy on a freelance basis. Knowing her work ethic and commitment to her clients, I didn’t hesitate to use her for one of my bigger events. Chris, your passion, energy, dedication and vision for this industry have not gone unnoticed and I am so happy that you have been recognised for this award.” Pieter Swart, owner of Conference Consultancy SA • “Chris has vast experience in the events industry and is always willing to mentor and grow her fellow colleagues. She never leaves things to chance. The start of my career had a great foundation thanks to Chris’s guidance and support.” Janine Meyer-Hoffmann, conference and event specialist • “The first word that comes to mind when talking about Chris Prieto is legend. I first met Chris when she was still at Emperors Palace and in charge of groups and conventions. I had just started Unlimited Decor and was trying to source work for the company. What I really appreciated about Chris was that she gave me an opportunity to pitch for work. Most people won't even let you through the door, but Chris gave us a chance. Once you get to know Chris, you get a friend for life. She will always ask you how you and your family are and then tell you all about her beautiful dogs. Man, she loves her animals and they absolutely love her. What's not to love? Thank you, Chris Prieto, for what you have done for this wonderful events industry. We all salute you.” Alastair Laing, CEO of Unlimited Events Group

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PHOTOS: Alison Tu talamia@gmail.com

Owner of Chris Prieto Event Management & Consultancy

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SOUND BITE

INSPIRING DISHES With over eight years in the hospitality industry, chef Jarred Ison has the experience and talent for ingredients, recipes, produce and creativity.

ARE THERE ANY FOODS YOU JUST DON’T LIKE? Coriander. DID YOU EAT YOUR VEGGIES AS A CHILD? Yes, I loved them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY? Baking and cooking with my grandmother during school holidays.

HOW HAS THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY CHANGED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? A lot of different diet

WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT YOU CANNOT COOK WITHOUT? Garlic, for me, is one of the must-have ingredients in any kitchen.

fads are gaining popularity, which has necessitated more creativity in cooking. Overall, I’d say people have become very health conscious.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CURRENT TRENDS IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY? Pickling and smoking foods seem to be new trends, as well as pairing food with craft beers.

WHAT WOULD YOU IDENTIFY AS THE PRIMARY MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN CATERING FOR CONFERENCING? Under-catering is definitely one of the biggest problems and having the variety to cater for everyone’s needs can also be challenge.

HOW CAN ONE PRESENT “PLAIN” FOOD IN A WAY THAT APPEALS TO DELEGATES? A well-thought-out plate is needed, so take into consideration the colours and the height. Never plate with even numbers – always use odd numbers, as the eye won’t be able to split it down the middle. Finish off the plate with functional garnish.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH TO MAKE? I don’t really have a favourite dish to make. I kind of let the ingredients inspire me.

24 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

WHAT IS THE PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER AS A CHEF? Earning our

ABOUT CHEF JARRED

Jarred Ison has been the head chef at Cedarwoods of Sandton for over three years. Having grown up in Gauteng, his love for all things culinary started at a young age, during cooking and baking sessions with his grandmother. Through the years, Jarred has mastered the culinary arts, specifically catering for conferencing functions, birthdays, corporate functions and even government officials.

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE CATERING TIP? Variety is key, and always be ready for anything. There is never a dull moment in a professional kitchen.

fourth star for Cedarwoods of Sandton Convention Centre.

WHO IN THE FOOD WORLD DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I look up to my boss, Randy Moniez, because he is always willing to share and teach his skills not only in the kitchen but in business as well.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS TO COOK WITH? Definitely risotto, as it’s so versatile and the dishes one can make are endless – from vegan to gluten-free. It appeals to most people and allows the creative juices to flow; it can be served as a standalone dish or a side or even a starter.

machine – nothing beats a hot, fresh doughnut.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST CHALLENGING INGREDIENT TO WORK WITH? Seafood. It is difficult to master.

WHAT DISH ARE YOU ASKED TO MAKE MOST OFTEN? Definitely our butter chicken

WHAT’S YOUR “DEATH ROW” MEAL, AS ANTHONY BOURDAIN PUTS IT? Definitely

and doughnuts.

my arancini da rosso – exotic mushroom risotto stuffed with mozzarella, rolled in panko breadcrumbs, fried and served with a roasted red pepper puree, parmesan shavings and basil glass.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE KITCHEN EQUIPMENT OR GADGET? Our doughnut

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? A juicy, homemade burger is definitely one of my favourites.

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20 QUESTIONS

ON POINTE John Arvanitakis is a proudly South African entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and business events industry. What do you enjoy most about your job? Working with and meeting all sorts of different people. I love it when I see a smile on their face when they finally see the result of all their hard work.

What three virtues are essential to your job? Patience, passion, tenacity.

and are demanding a lot more value for their money. The entire value chain in the industry has to reimagine its workspace, become more innovative and adapt to the new challenging landscape of a recessionary economy.

What is your top tip for event planning? Always have a plan B.

Why should someone use On Pointe? We are a new venue still being discovered, so the chances of your guests having been here before are slim, but the expression on their faces when they walk into our venue and see the amazing views of northern Johannesburg is priceless. On Pointe is a roof-top venue with folding doors on both sides leading on to a wraparound balcony. The architecture and use of abundant natural light allow us to run an environmentally conscious operation. We provide the perfect contemporary blank canvas for crafted experiences, where inspiration, innovation and collaboration have the opportunity to truly come to life.

What has been one of your favourite events that you have organised? Producing and directing the opening ceremony of the 2009 and 2010 Tourism Indaba in Durban. My dream passion for creative direction, and in particular stage performance choreography, was finally realised.

Where do you see the events industry in five years’ time? It is an evolving landscape; budgets are being cut, clients are becoming more conservative with their spend

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What is the biggest topic that needs addressing in the industry? Educating clients to understand that we are not banks.

What is the worst idea you have ever had for an event? I have had a challenge, never a bad idea. We once hosted a fire-and-icethemed gala banquet for 500 guests and had to get the timing right on releasing the dry ice to create a smoke effect as the guests entered the venue. It was a challenge but it worked; the “wow” expression on the guests’ faces as they entered the room was rewarding enough to make it all worthwhile.

ABOUT

In taking over On Pointe, John is returning to his passion and roots. He grew up having lived in the family-owned hotel, which, in its time, was a pioneer in the conferencing and meetings industry in Johannesburg. From a young age, John learned the ins and outs of the hospitality and service industry and the importance of delivering service excellence. He understands that it is a calling and not a career. John is also the founder and director of Surge Brand Studio Networx, a business events, activations and specialist below-the-line branding agency.

Favourite bite to eat at a restaurant? Meze platter.

Worst item of clothing you own? Luminous green slops.

Most prized possession? Not a possession but my dogs, who are my furry kids.

Most embarrassing CD you own? Modern Talking.

What is the one thing you do better than anyone else? Talk loudly – it’s my Greek

Dream job? Cocktail barman on a beach on a Greek island. I want to meet people from all over the world.

heritage. Everyone always thinks I am shouting at them, but I am just passionate and talk louder than anyone else in my company.

Where is the best place for a nightcap and what would it be? It used to be Bararaza in

Biggest weakness? Assuming everyone is on the same page as me… it drives people mad that I automatically assume they should know what I want.

Camps Bay when it was still around, nothing since has come close in terms of cocktails.

What’s your karaoke song of choice? I would never torture anyone – not even my worst enemy – with my singing voice.

Proudest moment in the industry? Marketing South Africa together with my client South Africa Tourism for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Strangest request you have had in the industry? I once had guy asking me to arrange a late-night visit for him in his room by a lady of the night after an out-of-town event.

Which three guests (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party and why? My late mother, just so that I could have one more night with her; Patrizio Buanne, my mother’s favourite musician, so that we would have entertainment for the night; and Marco Pierre White, because I am a foodie and a huge fan, and we will be assured of the best meal ever.

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FEATURED VENUE

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION CSIR ICC believes that, through education, you can empower the future leaders within the events industry.

ONTINUING WITH ITS ethos of contributing to capacity development, the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) has appointed six in-service trainees in various departments for six months each, to gain knowledge in their respective fields in order to obtain their qualifications. The 2017 intakes are Pabalelo Serepo, Skhumbuzo Zwane, Nontokozo Mdhluli, Jennifer Modise, Bathembu Mbombela and Lungile Mkhwanazi. These young men and women are expected to experience, explore, share and analyse while they apply their theoretical work into practical scenarios. The

learning experience challenges the students to move beyond their established classroom routines into a professional working zone. The training programme further enables the students to get a thorough understanding of the theoretical knowledge acquired through their fields of study, in a more practical environment. The environment also encourages them to explore their creativity as well as learn new relevant skills and knowledge related to their qualifications. “The in-service training programme is aimed at addressing skills shortages and is tailored to

FROM LEFT: Skhumbuzo Zwane, Pabalelo Serepo, Nontokozo Mdhluli, Jennifer Modise, Bathembu Mbombela and Lungile Mkhwanazi enhance the students' knowledge and offer them the necessary skills for employment in the hospitality industry,” explains Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, general manager, CSIR ICC. Over and above its regular inservice trainee programme, the ICC also accommodates relevant schools

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visits. Students get an exhilarating experience of the daily activities of the industry they aspire to be a part of. They also get a tour of the ICC's bustling building and the privilege to interact with the chefs and other department heads as part of the programme.

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CSIR

International

Convention Centre

naturally hospitable • globally accessible

Pretoria/Tshwane | www.csiricc.co.za

BEST PRACTICE

TECH TRENDS FOR EVENTS Karmen Vladar shares five conference tech must-haves you can use to drive attendee engagement, interaction and satisfaction.

1 2 3 4 5

EVENT APP

CHARGING STATIONS

VIRTUAL REALITY

BEACONS

LIVE STREAMING

Although an “oldie”, an event app still adds to the attendee experience quite significantly, especially if utilised efficiently. Event apps are imperative for delivering a seamless and cohesive attendee experience. Attendees can use an event app to network with likeminded people attending the event, win prizes with gamification, post on social media, view and save content, plan their event schedule, navigate the venue and much more. Consider your event app the conference or event encyclopaedia. Since attendees are constantly on the go, they rely on the event app to keep them informed at every stage.

There is no bigger buzzkill than having a dead phone at a conference, so setting up a charging station will definitely add to the attendee experience. If other people are as reliant on their smartphones as I am, they likely carry a spare charger. But for everyone who doesn’t, it’s important to offer a secure charging station where attendees can leave their phones to charge.

Virtual reality is gaining more traction in the conference and events industry, both with event coordinators and attendees. Use VR to give your attendees a virtual tour of your venue, for example, or use it for other demo purposes at your expo stand. While still relatively new, VR is increasing in popularity and has the potential to become a staple at your next conference or event.

Bring the power of proximity to your conference with beacons. Beacons can sense the proximity of nearby mobile devices and send/ receive notifications using Bluetooth. This is a great tool for pushing information (for example, your product brochures) to attendees based on their location. For example, registration codes when attendees are near the registration table, exhibitor information when an attendee is near a booth and much more. Beacons are also great networking tools, notifying attendees when they are near people they might be interested in connecting with.

Extend the “borders” of your conference with people who can’t physically attend by live streaming the event. Live streaming allows you to broadcast your conference to a larger audience. Consider giving them access to your event app as well so that they are truly part of the experience.

TOP TIP Charging stations are also an awesome place for attendees to meet up or network with each other. You can also consider giving power banks to your attendees as gifts – brand it, if budget allows.

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

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Event Apps that transform the attendee experience www.theplanner.guru

lumiglobal.com +27 21 554 4964 +27 87 806 4284

BEST PRACTICE

PoPI IS COMING ARE WE READY?

The hospitality and business events industry is a particularly high-yielding target for cybercriminals. Simeon Tassev investigates what is being done to prevent this.

ITH THE HOSPITALITY AND business events industry dealing mainly in credit card transactions, many cybercriminals target hotels and restaurants in order to obtain credit card information to commit fraud. However, the threat also extends to personal information, which is used in identity theft. As such, not only is the hospitality industry vulnerable to cybercrime but so too are its customers. Fortunately, the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPI) is designed to protect a consumer’s personal information. The question to ask is: has the hospitality and business events industry geared itself for the implementation of PoPI and is it collecting, processing, storing, sharing and protecting its customer information responsibly? Theft of personal and payment information is something cybercriminals do over breakfast and, while some operate solo, most attackers are part of organised global crime syndicates. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, for the global economy, cybercrime is one of the greatest threats in our lifetime. Yet, it would be surprising for many to learn that almost all credit card data breaches that have made headlines over the past few years were completely avoidable. Hotels, restaurants and venues handle large volumes of credit cards; however, this is not the only data that would appeal to cybercriminals. The hospitality and business events industry also deals heavily in personal information, which can easily be used to steal a guest’s identity. It is this handling of personal information that puts the hospitality industry squarely in the impact zone for when PoPI lands later next year. So, what is the industry doing to protect its guests’ personal information? Currently, not enough. Existing standing operational procedures in many

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hospitality establishments are outdated and will need to be reconsidered and matched to business requirements – preferably before PoPI comes into effect. Let’s take a look at what the industry is up against and how it should be working harder to protect its guests’ sensitive data.

THE RISK IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK Technology has made it easier for businesses to manage information on guests, vendors and employees. Due the fact that businesses use computer systems, they are all, to some extent, susceptible to security breaches. However, hotels are even more vulnerable because they collect masses of private data from customers in their daily operations through credit card transactions, online reservation engines and rewards programmes. While technology helps businesses to operate more effectively, it also increases their risk for data privacy and security breaches, as well as their liability to affected guests. Unfortunately, many hospitality operators have not upgraded their risk management plans to address the intrinsic possibilities for exposure that come with today’s sophisticated data management technology. In the South African hospitality and business events industry, standing operational procedures for dealing with guests’ personal and payment

When PoPI is finally promulgated, businesses will be compelled to change the way they collect, store and use personal and payment information in order to be compliant with the Act’s requirements

information are often outdated (for example: photocopies of ID documents and credit cards) as most hotel operators think that non-payment and not honouring one’s booking is their biggest risk. This has always been the justification for retaining credit card and personal information, deeming it essential to guarantee payment. When PoPI is finally promulgated, hospitality businesses will be compelled to change the way they collect, store and use personal and payment information in order to be compliant with the Act’s requirements.

NO NEED TO REINVENT THE WHEEL Fortunately, the industry will not have to start from scratch when it comes to addressing issues of data security. While the task of PoPI compliance might seem daunting, we already know what works for protecting data and what doesn’t. Protecting personal (and payment) information requires strong security protection principles

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that encompass people, processes and technology to be in place to ensure that they all work together in an environment that prioritises data security. Achieving this isn’t as difficult as it might seem; then again, each hotel or hospitality is unique and will have its own quirks and challenges that need to be addressed. An excellent starting point for data security for the industry is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). A proprietary information security standard for organisations that handle credit cards, it specifies 12 requirements for compliance, all of which aim to control and protect data, people and processes to ensure card security within the environment. These principles can be applied to personal information, as a departure point for PoPI compliance, as this standard is clear in its instructions and requirements. In so doing, the hospitality provider will need to question their current processes, thus considering

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their business requirements. They will need to identify and classify exactly what personal/ payment information they need to operate, and safely discard everything else. Next, hospitality operators will need to formulate a clear understanding of acceptable risks to update their operational procedures and align them to both business performance and data security objectives. Bearing in mind that PoPI is meant to promote accountability and transparency, hospitality organisations will need to have secure, yet auditable, technologies and procedures in place to protect sensitive data.

COMPLIANCE DOESN'T MEAN SECURITY In closing, it’s important to remember that while meeting legal and industry requirements is essential, compliance does not necessarily achieve real cyber security. Here, it is advisable to engage with a professional that can assist with the customisation of a security strategy,

based on the exact organisational requirements, in order to achieve the goals set out in both PoPI and the PCI DSS. It is this expertise at laying the secure foundation, combined with a culture of accountability at every level across each organisation, that will help the hospitality and business events industry transform itself from being the most likely target for data theft to becoming the model for data security. SIMEON TASSEV is the MD and quality security assessor at Galix Networking. The company aids organisations by partnering with their management on all levels, helping them manage and improve their corporate IT infrastructure.

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BEST PRACTICE

ACCELERATE YOUR

PRODUCTIVITY For Michael Licenblat, productivity is determined by your ability to stay active and efficient – without burning yourself out.

HEN YOU ARE STRIVING to coordinate an event and manage multiple resources, you will need to consistently work hard to deliver results and create high-quality customer experiences. This may mean having more client demands to meet, integrating with new systems, liaising with more staff, and a general increase in workload. Your personal productivity will strongly influence how successfully you are able to rise to the challenges and get things done well. There are three factors that will determine your productivity rate: demand, capacity and endurance.

DEMAND As the expectations of the client increase, so do the demands placed on you. Demands can come

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from your personal standards of work, your values, your goals, and your expectations on what you believe you are capable of achieving for the client.

CAPACITY Your ability to meet your demands (both internal and external) will be determined by your capacity. That is, your ability to ascertain how you are going to complete the required output to an acceptable quality and time frame. Your capacity is made up from your energy availability, organisational skills,

There are three factors that will determine your productivity rate: demand, capacity and endurance

communication and delegation abilities, motivation and drive, and problem-solving strategies.

ENDURANCE While short-term bursts of high-intensity work are possible, the sustainability of that pace and quality of work may become questionable. Hence, it is your endurance that will determine if you can maintain that level of output and quality of work over a period of time. The relationship between the demand, capacity, and endurance determines your workflow. For example, the bigger the demand, the more pressure on your capacity and endurance to sustain good productivity. Naturally, the more influence you have over demand, capacity and endurance, the more choices you have on how to deal with them. Depending on the situation, you may have more influence over each factor than you realise. When the demand is dictated by the client or the event, then you have little influence

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NEED RELIABLE VENUES?

over its magnitude. If, however, demand can be gradual (introduced in stages), logical (built on previous expectations) and inspirational (feeling exciting to achieve), then it is more likely to have a positive impact on productivity. When your capacity to perform is not supported by your organisation, you will be limited in how well you complete the tasks to a high standard. If, however, your capacity is supported through updated systems, resources, and training or mentoring, then you stand a better chance to perform at your best. If your endurance to sustain your output is outdated, then you are likely to find yourself overworked, stressed out and run-down. If, however, you are proactive with managing your well-being, building a collegial workplace culture, and integrating your work and personal life requirements, then you will be better able to keep your passion and energy strong for your work. MICHAEL LICENBLAT is a resilience expert who teaches leaders how to build resilient teams that perform under pressure. Over 20 years ago, Michael became one of the pioneers in building a successful natural therapies business through overcoming market rejection, refusals and knockbacks. Michael is the author of the book Pressure Proof â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how to thrive in times of disruption, change and pressure, his articles are regularly published in several journals, and he has delivered presentations to major organisations.

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

EVENT SHOWCASE

THE DETAILS CLIENT UD Trucks South Africa FUNCTION Croner Launch 2017 VENUE Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre DELEGATES 1 250 over five days DATE 6 to 10 June 2017

THE BRIEF

Event Wizards was tasked to deliver an event for the South African launch of UD’s new heavy commercial vehicle, the Croner. The launch was a five-day event consisting of four grand reveals, five information rotation stations, four gala dinners, and a family day. Event Wizards was given two months to make this happen.

Professional, reliable and creative are a few words that Event Wizards’ clients use to describe the company. It has the ability to turn any event into something significant and memorable. Managing director George Sutherland explains how. HOW DID YOU GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO “WOW” THE CLIENT? We made this event happen with very little planning time – we exceeded international standards and gave the South African guests an experience of a life time.

stage. The second stage was done on two levels, bridging over the Croner truck, and designed to give an entertainment experience of note during dinner. Wellchoreographed performances by top South African performers and dancers complemented both reveals.

LET’S TALK ABOUT…

WHAT IS EVENT WIZARDS’ SPECIALTY? We believe

•E VENT DECOR We decided to keep it clean to reflect the Japanese heritage of the company within an industrial concept. • CATERING We managed to find the perfect balance between South African and Japanese cuisine and gave the guest a culinary experience that challenged and pleased their taste buds. There were 48 Japaneseinspired dishes and we had burger day. •T ECHNICAL PRODUCTION We designed and planned two different grand reveals per day. The first included a curved 3 m x 14 m LED screen that lifted into the ceiling revealing the Croner truck on a giant turntable

our portfolio speaks for itself. Regardless of the scale of the event, the scope of the requirements, or the budget parameters, you can count on Event Wizards to

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SAACI IN THE CITY EVENT WIZARDS WAS TASKED to create a memorable gala dinner for the 31st Saaci Congress. Inspired by Sex in the City, the theme for the gala dinner was ‘Saaci and the City’. “ This theme opened so many creative doors for us. We wanted to create a gala dinner that was sexy, urban, industrial and new,” says event wizard Herkie du Preez. The 012central precinct in Pretoria’s CBD was the perfect location. The dinner was held in 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, which was used for arrival drinks and canapés.

THE INSPIRATION “We were inspired by the venue and the inner city. The venue is pure industrial chic – a big decor trend at the moment..

We decided to complement the building aesthetics with another trend — paper art. The handmade triangles look great as table decor and created quite a buzz among attendees. “We also used classic chandeliers with an upside-down steampunk centrepiece to create that wow factor,” says Herkie.

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL Event Wizards provide various event services. For this gala dinner, they were also responsible for the catering. Staying with what is on trend at the moment, the wizards provided an interactive kitchen and decided that dessert needed to form part of the entertainment. À la carte dessert trolleys were brought into the venue and dry ice was used to create a dense fog. This no-fuss special effect delighted everyone. Event Wizards truly do create out-of-thisworld events.

deliver right on spec, event after event. It is perhaps for this reason that we have clients who have been with us for as long as we have been in existence. Our specialities include: •concept ideation •event production •decor design •audiovisual and tech services •catering •equipment hire •entertainment.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE HIRE EVENT WIZARDS? The quality that really sets us apart is that which is embodied in the very essence of our name – efficiency that almost verges on wizardry. As such, we have become renowned for pulling magic out of a hat to deliver on requests that others may very well deem impossible or too demanding. www.theplanner.guru

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www.eventwizards.co.za

012-460-5335

EVENT SHOWCASE

AN ENCHANTING VOYAGE It doesn’t matter who you are – an escape into the delightful world of the Two Oceans Aquarium is bound to be an unforgettable experience.

THE BRIEF The venue needed to accommodate a whopping 800 people for a tourism and hospitality industry party event where guests would be transported to an enchanting new world.

HIS JULY, THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM, working with The Diamond Works and NAC Helicopters Cape Town, hosted Cape Town’s thriving tourism industry. What followed was an absolutely captivating evening with a number of tourism industry operators, hoteliers and travel professionals in attendance and, of course, all were presided over by the spectacular Table Mountain. The venue captivated and lived up to expectations when it took guests on an enchanting path to a ‘New World’, in

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acknowledgement of industry partners. Upon entering the Aquarium, guests were greeted by a friendly team of ‘air hostesses’. With baggage checked, partygoers headed for the departure lounge where intricately crafted cocktails, alluring mermen, spot prizes and incredible quests kicked the evening off. With tickets and passports in hand, guests were taken on a journey into the ‘New World’, and introduced to a new level of elegance in the form of the venue’s Skretting Diversity Gallery.

WHY THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM? This world-class facility is the ideal place to thrill and capture the imagination of guests and colleagues attending unique functions and conferences. Renowned for events that are as visually striking and diverse as your

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imagination, and enthusiastic staff that bring your wildest and most ambitious ideas to life, the Two Oceans Aquarium is the ultimate venue. With various venue area options all within one space, the Aquarium lends itself to the enchanted and mystical theme of a magical ‘New World’ party event. Whether you want to impress 20 or 2 000 guests, the team has decades of experience, with the highest standards of decor and catering available to clients. The Two Oceans Aquarium offers full catering and bar service for large groups. Full staffing is provided and managed internally by the venue, and the venue is centrally located within the V&A Waterfront with sufficient parking available in close proximity. •M EETING & EVENT SPACES What made this event especially unique is that the entire Aquarium was used so guests had free range through different spaces throughout the evening. According to the event organiser, Aimee Lentz, guests were guided to magical destinations within the different venue spaces. “Entertainment and activities were spread across the venue to create points of interest to be discovered as guests journeyed through the venue space, which was decorated in different themes. Guests received a passport stamp as they moved along and discovered the oceanic, enchanted and mystical venue,” she explains. If you are interested in a smaller, intimate gathering, the Aquarium offers smaller venues, each boasting their own unique and spectacular views of one of the Aquarium’s many displays. Or, as in the case of this particular event, one can also hire out the entire Two Oceans Aquarium, giving guests the opportunity to take in the scenery and explore. • CATERING & ENTERTAINMENT The enchanted ‘New World’ event had a uniquely tailored menu to align with

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the glamorous theme of the evening. The event organiser notes the venue as being particularly accommodating and able to make adjustments and compromises on menu options in order to fit the party requirements and budget. As guests ventured into the venue, there were a number of unique entertainment options to be discovered, including mermaids to enchant guests further, in-exhibit interactive divers, dancers, fantasy face painters, a photobooth and, lastly, what’s a beautiful event without a DJ?

PERSONAL TOUCH The Two Oceans Aquarium provides an on-site event manager to assist the planner with all internal preparation ahead of your world-class event. In this case, Aimee says, “The on-site event manager was familiar with the venue and experienced in optimising venue space and event flow to ensure the best guest experience and ultimate event success. “Assisting me with coordinating suppliers and catering requirements, the on-site event manager acted as a buffer, significantly reducing my event stress and ensuring smooth project management; planning, controlling, organising and leading the service team,” says Aimee.

MEMORABLE EVENTS Catering for 800 people is a considerable task, with the consideration of the guests wandering through split areas at various times, but the Two Oceans Aquarium was able to pull this off seamlessly, assisting with a full bar service, catering and staffing to ensure the best service standards were maintained throughout the event.

THE ORGANISER

AIMEE LENTZ Brand manager and team

leader, The Diamond Works Institute Aimee has worked within the tourism and hospitality industry for 12 years. For the last seven years, she has been responsible for conceptualising, coordinating and overseeing numerous annual tourism and hospitality events representing The Diamond Works brand. "The Two Oceans Aquarium sets a magical backdrop with incomparable oceanic scenes. The beauty of the underwater world leaves you longing to return. This is not the only reason to make use of the venue again – the experience, energy and creativity of the Aquarium’s events team make them an absolute pleasure to work with."

+27 (0)21 418 3823 functions@aquarium.co.za www.aquarium.co.za

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EVENT SHOWCASE

CREATIVE CONFERENCING THE DETAILS CLIENT AnheuserBusch InBev FUNCTION Hack the World – Johannesburg DELEGATES 100 pax DATES 29 to 30 July

THE BRIEF Hack the World events are inspiring, challenging, creative, rewarding and, most importantly, fun. Participants spend an intense two days with their peers who are exceptional thought leaders and creators, inventing a completely new solution to an exciting business problem. The venue needed to accommodate 100 people and have areas for work stations, lectures, breakaway rooms and chill zones. The venue also needed to have fast, reliable internet connectivity and provide catering for all participants.

VENT PLANNERS WHO VALUE personal service will find that the World of Beer is the ideal venue. Here, delegates will experience world-class facilities, delectable cuisine and an educational and entertaining tribute to all things beer-related. The World of Beer opened in 1995, an iconic year in South Africa’s history. It was the country’s first full year as a democracy, the year we came together to lift the Rugby World Cup trophy, and the year SAB celebrated a century of brewering mastery. To mark this milestone, the company opened what was then known as the Centenary Centre, a museum designed to showcase the history of South African beer. Today, the World of Beer includes a tour that has been developed and perfected to give visitors insight into the history and culture of beer. It is also a unique venue for conferences and events, boasting a number of first-rate facilities designed to suit your every need – as Zachda Prinsloo, associate director: Innovation Community at AB InBev Africa and organiser of the hackathon, discovered.

to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and ensure that it is enjoyed responsibly. World of Beer was a perfect match. The World of Beer’s conferencing venue can accommodate any manner of function, from product launches and press conferences to unique team-building activities, private exclusive breakaways, sophisticated blacktie events and informal festive occasions. Secure parking is available at no additional cost. • MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Due to the nature of the hackathon, a lot of space was needed. The Gallery and Nonesuch was used as the event’s main hub, while the Auditorium was used for lectures and Mash Tun 1 & 2 provided room for the judges as well as meeting space

WHY WORLD OF BEER? We all like to relax and in some instances, this involves socialising and enjoying a beer with friends and loved ones. During these times of enjoyment, it is important to ensure that not only ourselves, but also those around us, are safe and do not come to harm so that every experience with beer is a positive one. Hack the World Johannesburg focused on finding solutions that use data and technology

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PHOTOS: Mike Turner Photography

The World of Beer’s first-class conference venues can accommodate any manner of functions, from corporate meetings and breakaways to private and sophisticated black-tie events.

for the participants who needed to practice their pitches. Dinner and lunch were provided in the Tap Room. • CATERING In-house caterers serve tasty meals for any occasion, with menus ranging from traditional African fare to exotic treats. For the hackathon, participants were provided with breakfast, lunch and supper. Since this event took place over 36 hours, participants were also provided with energy-filled snacks and beverages. • ACCOMMODATION A range of accommodation is available in and around the Newtown area. The World of Beer team will be able to advise you, ensuring that your needs are met precisely. Participants were able to stay over at the venue and could sleep if they had the time.

The organisers provided beanbags and encouraged participants to bring a sleeping bag and pillow to make themselves more comfortable.

THE ORGANISER

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Events at the World of Beer are always of a high-standard and all departments collaborate seamlessly as a team to ensure that every event is executed to perfection. Zachda was provided with invaluable assistance and the World of Beer team went the extra mile to ensure that the event’s vision was met. “It was an honour to host this group of young, innovative minds for the first-ever Hack the World on our continent. The ideas they came up with were absolutely brilliant and the best part is that their apps provide people with practical tools for responsible alcohol use – something that lies close to our hearts,” says former SAB World of Beer general manager Tony Rubin.

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ZACHDA PRINSLOO

Associate director: Innovation Community at AB InBev Africa

+27 (0)11 836 4900 events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com worldofbeer.co.za

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SPEAKER’S CORNER

THE ART OF STORYTELLING Picking the right speaker for your event is no easy feat. Finding the right match to keep your guests engaged and entertained is a huge part of any successful event. USB specialises in not only finding the right match for you but also providing you with well-established and experienced speakers.

THE DETAILS

THE ORGANISER Moriti Motimele, programme manager: Custom Programmes, University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science

THE EVENT GIBS hosted an MMI programme focusing on management development catered to middle managers. This event was to celebrate the end of the programme, attended by participants and corporates.

THE SPEAKER Justin Cohen boasts a combination of cutting-edge research, humour, entertaining stories and practical take-home tools, which he uses to inspire delegates to realise their full potential. He will meet you for a pre-event briefing so he can get to know you and your team and customise his acclaimed content to meet your objectives. He takes the audience on an inspirational journey, showing how stories have driven the explosive speed of human progress and how we can use them to drive our own.

WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A SPEAKER FOR THIS EVENT? We work with a number of different organisations and whenever we look for a speaker, we are adamant that we find an organisational fit. We were specifically looking for someone who speaks the language and resonates with the corporate culture. It was important that the speaker be able to translate the corporate language to make it easier for attendees to consume without taking away from the learning and development aspect of the event. That being said, it was important that the audience walk away with a key message. We wanted attendees to learn from the speaker, connect emotionally to the speaker and the topic, experience an “AHA!” moment, and finally, walk away having experienced a mind shift of some sort. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE JUSTIN COHEN? There are so many great things I can say about Justin. He is able to connect with different types of groups effortlessly. He is a consummate professional and any intervention with him is always a carefully crafted combination of light humour, searing wit and poignant life lessons delivered with a little pomp but not too much ceremony. He crosses over across different demographics and that’s what really makes him unique. He is a fantastic storyteller, which makes him so relatable across various cultures. His brief involved talking about the return on investment participants can expect after the programme, not just personally but also the kind of impact the programme will have on the economy and their personal lives. Justin was a great MC and was able to put attendees at ease while still maintaining the gravitas of the occasion; he resonates extremely well with this particular audience. This latest session was no less extraordinary in that this

38 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Justin Cohen - unleashing personal and organisational potential was an audience that had been exposed to Justin before, but as testament to the real learnings he is able to impart and the fresh way in which he is able to engage and reengage, they were equally as taken with him this time around. A real class act! WHY DO YOU USE USB? I particularly use USB for my speaker needs because it almost always works in the same way we at GIBS work. The organisation takes time to understand objectives, is highly organised in its approach and has a fine eye for detail. I’m almost always offered speaker options based on my specific needs at the time and I am given the opportunity to sit with the speaker beforehand and provide a better understanding of the brief. The integrity of the speakers is also worth mentioning because, in some cases, if a speaker feels he/she isn’t the right fit, they let that be known and assist me with finding a better fit. You don’t see that very often. I love how big on preparation and planning USB is as an organisation — the professionalism is one for the books! www.theplanner.guru

PUT THE 2018 EVENT IN YOUR DIARY, TODAY! USB is on a mission to empower their clients to Build Better Conferences and increase the value, delegate experience and return on investment. Diarise 15 January 2018 USB Annual Speaker Showcase in Johannesburg Contact Paul at USB: +27 (0)11 465 4410 or paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com to discuss your speaker requirements.

USB SPEAKER SHOWCASE • 15 JANUARY 2018 • MONTECASINO

D E S T I N AT I O N • Ts h w a n e

The statue of former South African president Nelson Mandela watches over the City of Tshwane from the Union Buildings

A HOST CITY OF EXCELLENCE There are few better places in sub-Saharan Africa for hosting conferences, meetings and events than the City of Tshwane.

SHWANE’S TRACK RECORD speaks for itself – it has played host to numerous international, regional and national delegations on trade missions, as well as major international sporting events, conferences and business meetings. The city regularly hosts inbound foreign business missions, sports and medical conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as government-related strategy sessions.

markets, and in the massive upmarket malls of Brooklyn, Centurion, Irene, Menlyn Park and other suburbs. And then there are the attractions. The iconic Union Buildings are home to the presidency and where all presidents since the advent of democracy have been inaugurated. Just below them stands a 9 m tall statue of Nelson Mandela, his arms spread wide in benediction or embrace.

ON YOUR MARKS

RICH HISTORY

With one of the nicest climates in the world, Tshwane is a great destination throughout the year, with mostly warm, sunny days. This makes it the ideal venue for sports-related events. Tshwane has successfully hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup and All Africa Games matches and events at venues such as Supersport Park Cricket Stadium, Pilditch Athletics Stadium and, of course, Loftus Versfeld – home of the Blue Bulls rugby franchise as well as a Premier Soccer League football venue.

On the ridge opposite the Union Buildings is Freedom Park, which offers a unique perspective on South Africa's history as well as a place to remember the heroes and heroines of the past who struggled for humanity and freedom from oppression. Just behind Freedom Park sits the Voortrekker Monument, commemorating the Great Trek, when thousands of pioneers of French, Dutch and German descent left the Cape in search of independence and freedom from British colonial rule. But it's not just the past that matters to Tshwane. The city has a long-standing relationship with jazz music. Locals and visitors can listen to live jazz performances while enjoying a traditional African meal at many shebeens in the city's townships. Tshwane is a city with a welcome as warm as its climate – and is the perfect place for your event.

ATTRACTIONS There are also first-class restaurants and bars aplenty, ranging from family-friendly spaces to trendy pubs and dazzling nightclubs. Shopaholics are also spoilt for choice, both in the myriad open and street-side

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IN NUMBERS In the City of Tshwane, you will find:

7 000

bedrooms suiting all types of budgets

400

conference facilities catering for groups of less than 50 to as many as 5 500 delegates

130+

foreign embassies and missions – the largest concentration in the world outside of Washington, DC

90 000 ha

of untamed wilds at Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. Tshwane is the only city in the world with a big-five game reserve within its boundaries

50+

jazz clubs are found in Atteridgeville. Known as Soul City, this Tshwane township has the reputation of being the jazz capital of South Africa

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

THE FUTURE ROLE OF CONVENTION CENTRES Newly elected AIPC president Aloysius Arlando shares his views on convention centres, AIPC’s role and what the industry can expect in the future. in a destination’s brand positioning and deliver economic and social value to the destination.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO CENTRES RIGHT NOW? Centres are

In addition to his role as AIPC president, Aloysius Arlando is the chief executive officer of SingEx Holdings, which comprises several entities focusing on the MICE industry, including the management of the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING CONVENTION CENTRES TODAY? Convention centres today are no longer about the hardware or even the software. It’s about user experience and how a convention centre’s venues play a role through the various touch points it owns to create a customer journey – a delightful experience. A happy customer is always good for business. It’s no longer about differentiating yourself from the competition but about putting yourself in a novel and different playing field, so that we are not just different but unique.

WHERE WILL THE INDUSTRY BE FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? Convention centres will move beyond being venue providers or even partners and solution providers, to become community builders. They will be integral players

40 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

striving earnestly to adopt appropriate digital transformation initiatives that can help engage customers and grow the business. Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies. It is also about getting the right digital talents to support and be integrated into the organisation, while our existing talents must all be prepared to embrace the new direction moving forward through edification processes, as well as partnering with digital accelerators to ensure speed to market. Centres should capitalise or deepen their partnerships with their local governments, bureau and industry players, and forge a strong alignment to securing the (international) meetings business. This is the one and only advantage within their grasp to strengthen their collective ability to stand out from the competition.

WE’RE LIVING IN A VERY COMPETITIVE WORLD. HOW SHOULD CENTRES COMPETE FOR BUSINESS TODAY? By being adaptable, listening to your customers, being brave, focusing on the end game and being visionary. Don't look backwards (at your legacy, etc.) – don't even look around at the competition; look beyond it. The only way to revolutionise is to trail blaze, to walk into the uncharted with the belief that every potential failure is a stepping stone to success.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT ABOUT AN ORGANISATION LIKE AIPC IN HELPING CENTRES DEAL WITH INDUSTRY ISSUES LIKE THESE? AIPC prides itself on being an authoritative source for convention centres all over the world in deepening their understanding of the changing needs of the market today. It offers wide access to over 900 industry professionals who can provide rich insights on markets and

operational excellence matters, as well as the strong ability for members to work hand in hand to confront these changes together and emerge as stronger players in their respective local destinations.

HOW DO YOU THINK MEMBERS CAN BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS OFFER? Being true to what we always believe in – that the most significant and meaningful business interaction that occurs during face-to-face meetings and informal networking platforms. Industry organisations that use professionally based social media like LinkedIn and through which subject-based or other specific communities are established, provide a good complement to face-to-face platforms, for knowledge exchange and growing networks.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM AS PRESIDENT? WHAT WILL BE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY? For members: that every member derives value through their participation in AIPC and tapping into the collective wisdom of the association. I plan to better understand from members in the different regions what the issues, challenges and opportunities they face are so that we update or devise programmes that meet their collective needs. For AIPC: to position AIPC as a progressive thought leader in the global MICE industry.

DID YOU KNOW?

AIPC represents a global network of over 185 leading centres in 59 countries, with the active involvement of more than 900 managementlevel professionals worldwide. It is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention centre management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international representation, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programmes to achieve this. For more information about AIPC, visit aipc.org

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

Carbon offsetting debunked

GREENING VIEWS

Keeping green with the Event Greening Forum

Is carbon offsetting really an authentic way to pursue sustainability? Greg McManus investigates.

GREG MCMANUS is the chairperson of the EGF. To learn more about sustainable event practices, please visit eventgreening.co.za, which has a number of free resources available – including its Sustainable Event Standards.

INDUSTRY VIEWS

HE EVENT GREENING FORUM (EGF) Master Class held on 26 July at Valverde Eco Hotel set to unpack the EGF’s Sustainable Event Standards by debunking carbon offsetting. Carbon offsetting must be seen as a final step in the journey of any sustainable event, and not the ‘fix-all’ that it seems to be regarded as. Every effort must be made by organisers, in the planning and operational phases, to minimise and avoid generating emissions and creating a footprint before organisers resort to offsetting. Anything less is greenwashing, which has dire consequences for our industry and South Africa itself as a responsible destination. However, if carbon offsetting is reserved as the final sustainable measure taken, it can be a useful greening tool. Some emissions simply cannot be avoided. By offsetting them, funds are made available for programmes to either sequestrate carbon (e.g. planting trees) or prevent carbon emissions (e.g. by producing clean energy). Nedbank was Africa’s first carbon-neutral financial institution and Dr Marco Lotz, Nedbank Group’s sustainability carbon specialist, was at the EGF Master Class. He explained that there are a number of important steps to becoming carbon neutral. For example, one needs to define the reporting boundary and decide what will be included in or excluded from the carbon footprint. Then one must effectively measure and calculate the carbon footprint, and consider a third-party audit for accuracy and credibility.

South African Travel Womens Club, Johannesburg

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This is not to say that tree planting cannot be an effective offset approach, but rather that each project needs to be judged holistically to ensure genuine sustainable practices are being adhered to. If a company fails to do this, it will be guilty of greenwashing. Other factors to consider when choosing a project, said Lotz, include what standard to support (for example, Certified Emission Reduction or Voluntary Carbon Standard offsets); the budget (as there can be significant price variations, with niche projects costing more); whether it’s a once-off or an ongoing relationship; what geographical area to support (local projects are typically favoured); and if there is a preference for the type of project (perhaps tying in with the brand or company’s values). Brokers such as Nedbank are able to guide companies to make the best decision on which offset project to partner with, based on these considerations. They will also have a number of reputable projects on their books to choose from. “Make sure your broker is credible and has a proven track record for buying and selling carbon offsets,” added Lotz.

Recently, Travelbags exhibited at World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. Michelle Hinrichsen explains why.

TRAVELBAGS

GUILTY OF GREENWASHING

Why exhibitions work

Travelbags how travel impacts the industry

MICHELLE HINRICHSEN is the current president of Travelbags.

Only after this is done can one identify a suitable offset project – which is also not simple. Said Dr Lotz, “For example, one question to think about when planting trees and embarking on bamboo projects is the water requirements: how water-hungry are these plants and where will the water come from? Another point to consider is whether the trees will still be there in 5 or 10 years’ time. How will this affect the carbon-offsetting status?”

ANY PEOPLE ASKED WHY, as a non-profit organisation, we decided to exhibit at this trade show. Well, there was a method to our madness. Exhibitions, in our opinion, are important as they provide a platform to offer awareness about you and your product to potential clients or members, in our case. At WTM Africa, Travelbags was able to create brand awareness and educate the market about who we are and what we do.

goals at this exhibition, these being: brand awareness for our club, a membership drive to employ new members from all parts of the world who travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town frequently, and to raise funds for charity. We raised R7 000 for Oscars Arc, one of the many charities Travelbags holds close to our hearts and this was just by selling Oscars Arc merchandise at our stand.

AN EFFECTIVE PLATFORM BRAND AWARENESS We also cemented the Travelbags brand as an entity in the travel trade that should be taken seriously. We want to make a difference in this industry by talking to our audience and understanding how we can do that. We achieved our main

Exhibitions offer you the platform you need to achieve the goals you set out. This is why they have become an important part of the Travelbags marketing plan going forward. Businesses should not ignore the power of exhibitions to deliver genuine results.

MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

MISS MEET

EVERYTHING

HAPPENS FOR A REASON W

MY BIG BREAK

HEN I STARTED WORKING many years ago, I never knew that I would find myself in the world of events. I absolutely love how the universe prepares us for where we actually end up without us realising it until we are actually there. After completing my diploma in public relations, I started working at an association as the secretary to the marketing manager – at the time, the most suitable job to match my qualifications. Within a few years, I had moved through the ranks from PA to events and promotions officer, to events coordinator and then, finally, events manager.

TIME FOR A CHANGE After a few years in this position, I decided to start my own events company. As the saying goes, change is as good as a holiday. What they don’t say is that this is not a dream holiday. It was a real struggle in the beginning. I thought that my reputation alone would pull me through but, unfortunately, lack of selfpromotion and marketing did me no favours. Little did I know that being “not so busy” was part of the plan. Just before things got too tough, I got a call from a sports marketing agency (who had been given my name by a previous colleague). They were in a predicament – one of their key staff had a left on short notice and they urgently needed someone to manage an event for them. I was keen, but hesitant – it was a sporting event and I had no experience in this field. I had only ever coordinated association events. But my years of experience paid off and I managed the event without any hiccups.

Miss Meet shares how her events path was laid out for her. I went on to organise many more events for them, as a contractor, in the sporting arena. Within the space of 11 years, my world had grown from coordinating small-scale, lowbudget association events to managing large, big-budget sports events. I was on a high. But that all came crashing down. The company made the decision to no longer employ my services. Once again, my world (and financial stability) was pulled out from under me. I am a firm believer in maintaining relationships and, because of my reputation, I managed to get work here and there, but not enough to get me by financially and definitely not enough to stimulate me.

Then, one day, I received a phone call from the association I had previously worked for informing me that the position of head of the Events Division had become available. Without any previous intention of returning to the corporate world, I decided to apply and I got the job. As head of the department, I no longer get operationally involved in the management of the events. There is a team of eight extremely competent staff who run the events and report to me. If you had asked me at any time during the past few years if I saw myself in this position, I would definitely have said no, because I never imagined my world not involving the actual coordination of events and not being on-site. However, this new position has allowed me to fulfil one of my other passions (which I never really had an outlet for), and that is training and mentoring. I get to spend a lot of time with the staff in the division, guiding and mentoring them and putting in place and maintaining systems and processes that ensure the streamlining of all our activities. I now get to guide the next generation of event planners. My events career has come full circle. American entertainer Marla Gibbs once said, “I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we're all teachers – if we're willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.” Wise words indeed.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS AAXO 13 CSIR ICC 26 CTICC IFC Event Wizards 32&33 Fine-line Illustrations 1 Forum Homini 47 Indaba Hotel 23 JEC 18&19

42 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Khoja Group 3 KZN Wildlife 2 Lumi 27 Monte De Dios OBC Oyster King IBC Peermont Global 5 Reed Exhibitions 10 SAB World of Beer 36&37

Sandton Convention Centre Scan Display

8&9 OFC,6&7

Seychelles 46 Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery

14&15

Sun International

16&17

Two Oceans Aquarium

34&35

USB 38&39 www.theplanner.guru

PACK YOUR BAGS

DISCOVER OUR FAVOURITE INCENTIVE DESTINATIONS

SENSATIONAL SEYCHELLES: THE LAND OF PERPETUAL SUMMER CRADLE OF HUMANKIND: TIME TO GET BACK TO YOUR ROOTS

D E S T I N A T I O N • Seychelles

THE LAND OF PERPETUAL SUMMER Despite the fact that work is definitely not the first thing to come to mind when thinking of the powdery white beaches and sparkling crystal waters of the Seychelles, the destination has plenty to offer the incentive traveller looking for stimulating, customised and fun-filled itineraries.

HE SEYCHELLES IS an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa, and is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. The group of islands recently won the Travel + Leisure Best Island in Africa and Middle East award for the second year in a row. The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has recorded an increased interest in the MICE market over the last year, which is at the core of the decision to aggressively pursue this growing segment in the area. With about 25 islands open to tourism, Seychelles boasts some amazing properties that not only offer accommodation for larger groups travelling together, but also specialise in offering some unique meeting spaces for medium-sized groups. David Germain, director: Africa and America, STB, explains that what really makes the island nation a MICE hub in the making is the strong, sustainable tourism programme the area has had in place for the past 40 years and the ongoing local conservation efforts protecting the natural attributes, both on land and at sea.

WHY SEYCHELLES? “There are a number of reasons why we are positioning Seychelles as a MICE destination, specifically for the South

44 • MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

African buyers,” says David. “We are not far from South Africa – we are four and a half hours away and have very good air connectivity (five times a week), with a time difference of only two hours. You can basically get off the plane and carry on with your work day.” Furthermore, there are no VISA requirements for South Africans entering Seychelles. The country boasts a low rate of crime and is rather safe compared to other similar destinations around the world. The cyclone-free, beautiful, temperate weather complements the idyllic landscapes to make it a land of perpetual summer. “Given this unique combination of perks, we feel Seychelles is a very appropriate location for the MICE segment,” adds David.

PAX? The area is ideal for medium-sized groups because of the limited size of the island. David explains, “We have limitations in terms of capacity, so to professionally and properly service MICE clients, I think groups up to 200 pax are at the top end of what we can carry. As part of our sustainable tourism programme, Seychelles is a very niche destination, rather than a mass-market one, which it will never be. So, there are things we can do and things we can’t, and we would rather not compromise on quality by overreaching.” The Seychelles government began to really embrace the tourism industry as the main industry for the islands over 40 years ago, and Germain says this was accompanied by some sacrifices by the Seychellois populace. David elaborates:

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THINGS TO DO IN THE SEYCHELLES

• LA DIGUE’S COCONUT PLANTATION Visitors to L’Union estate, one part of the Seychelles where coconut production is sustainable and managed, will not only see one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Anse Source D’Argent, but will also experience an ox-powered oil extraction machine and the cemetery of the original settlers. • VISIT COUSIN ISLAND The conservation success story of Cousin Island is where NGOs Nature Seychelles and BirdLife International have collaborated to see it is kept as a place for terns, reptiles and endangered magpie robins to thrive. Visitors are only allowed to explore with a guide so as not to disturb the wildlife. • TOUCH A BABY GIANT TORTOISE ON CURIEUSE AND SNORKEL AT ST PIERRE On Curieuse Island, visit the baby giant tortoise pens, take a boardwalk through a preserved mango forest and read about projects to protect lemon sharks. Excellent snorkelling is to be had off St Pierre islet, although you are unlikely to have it to yourself. • HIKING ON AN ISLAND Enjoy the Copolia Trail and the the Morne Blanc walking trail, which starts above the tea plantation that covers part of north-central Mahé (itself worth a 10-minute diversion for a look at the traditional tea drying, processing and packaging methods) and take in the spectacular scenery. • AND, OF COURSE, HIT THE BEACH… Seychelles boasts arguably some of the best beaches in the world. Enjoy the splendid stretches of glorious, golden sands and the equally terrific sunsets – the makings of the perfect incentive for any group. “They realised that a huge sacrifice would need to be made, particularly culturally. For example, we used to eat turtles. Then government decided that these turtles needed to be protected as a part of the tourism drive, and the public was no longer allowed to consume them, taking away from our culture as a people.”

WORK AND PLAY The islands are ideal for a little work and a little play, with the perfect combination of facilities and activities. Conference delegates often bring their families along who, during the conference, can enjoy a host of tourist attractions. Conferencing facilities are mainly found on the two main islands – Mahé (the principal island) and Praslin, with some five conference facilities. The other islands are purely for recreation, and include some spectacular golfing facilities for the avid golfer.

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MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

trips or doing as several of the world’s leading Companies are doing….providing the ultimate morale-boosting br talked about for a long time to come. Powder soft beaches, waving palms, clear azure water and nearly twelve hours of tropical sun every access, excellent transportation and communication facilities and a modern infrastructure – everything In fact, to ensure that your particular combination of business and pleasure meets your expectations. Seychelles welcomes business, group and conference trips and more and more hotels and exclusive details and ensure your conference or incentive trip is a memorable one indeed. Facebook - /SeeSeychellesSA Twitter - /SeeSeychellesSA Instagram - /seychellestourismsa

Seychelles Tourist Office, 402 Bree Castle House • 68 Bree Street, Cape Town, South Africa

www.seychelles.travel

D E S T I N A T I O N • Cradle of Humankind

The Tumulus building at Maropeng

BACK TO YOUR ROOTS Palaeoanthropologists theorise that the West Rand is the place where it all began – the origin of human life. No municipality in the world can make a similar claim, which provides the district with a unique opportunity to develop tourism potential and grow its economy.

RE YOU IN SEARCH of answers to where and how humans came to be? Then Maropeng (Setswana for “returning to the place of origin”) is a good place to start. As the official visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng offers imaginative, interactive, easy-tograsp information about the science of human life. Entering the Tumulus – an egg-shaped, grass-walled building resembling an Anglo-Saxon burial mound – you are catapulted 14 billion years back in time to the beginning of the universe, 5 billion years back to the dawn of mother earth and another 4 billion to when biological life first emerged. From here, you begin the magical ride through time, meeting plant, animal and hominid fossil friends along your journey, ending with a forward-looking view of our planet and sustainability. Even the building changes its façade from clay in the rear to a futuristic steel to symbolise the evolution of our species.

ROOMS THAT IGNITE CONVERSATION Emerging from the ancient dust in the Cradle of Humankind is Forum Homini Boutique Hotel. Set within a private game estate this 5 star hotel offers deluxe cave style accommodation for discerning travellers, fine dining at award-winning roots restaurant, an intimate wedding venue and excellent facilities for those with business in mind.The fascinating history of mankind is weaved into the walls, the artwork, the layout and the décor.

DISCOVERING HISTORY Philosophical phrases such as “All of humanity shares an African heritage”, and “We are one, diverse species across the globe, with our roots in Africa”, mark the entryway to the fabulous exhibition. Fifteen major fossil sites traverse the Cradle of Humankind in the West Rand.

MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 •

Forum Homini is an evolutionary concept! reservations@forumhomini.com | +27 0(11) 668 7000

www.forumhomini.com

D E S T I N A T I O N • Cradle of Humankind

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Discover the orgins of man at Maropeng

The Sterkfontein Caves are the most prominent, and home to the famous fossils Mrs Ples and Little Foot. The Sterkfontein facilities include a restaurant, access into the caves, walkways past the excavation site and, of course, a face-to-face with Mrs Ples herself. The scientific exhibition centre gives a reconstruction of a mined versus a pristine cave and information on rock formations, early life forms, mammals, homo-fossils, and details of fossilisation, palaeobotany and landscapes. Another must-stop in the area is the Lesedi Cultural Village. This tourist village near Hartbeespoort Dam celebrates the cultural traditions of several peoples of Southern Africa. It offers visitors a glimpse of Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Setswana and Ndebele culture, with visits to their dwellings and insight into the customs and social organisation that weave together the diverse cultural fabric of our Rainbow Nation.

Visitors can enjoy African dance and storytelling, and feast on a traditional buffet at the Nyama Choma restaurant.

Lanseria Airport, and 60 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport. It offers bored urbanites a quick country escape with a wide choice of world-class restaurants.

ENDLESS OPPORUNTIES The area also offers a variety of other activities, including game drives, hiking trails, horse riding, art galleries and restaurants. For sky enthusiasts, activities like microlight flights or hot air balloon rides may be of interest. The Forum Homini boutique hotel is home to Roots, a contemporary restaurant offering modern cuisine with a South African twist. The produce used in Roots is locally sourced and the artwork and decor finely integrated with the region’s beautiful, natural surrounds. Accessibility is one of the municipality’s greatest strengths. Mogale City and its tourist wonders are an easy 30-minute drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, 20 minutes from

MORE ABOUT PLES

• The sex of the specimen is not completely certain and so Mrs Ples may well be Mr Ples. Also, X-ray analysis of the specimen’s teeth suggests that it was an adolescent, meaning that, of course, it is questionable whether Mrs was not perhaps Miss. • Because of the discoverer’s use of dynamite and pickaxe while excavating, Mrs Ples’s skull was blown into two pieces and some fragments are missing. Nonetheless, it is one of the most perfect prehuman skulls ever found. • Ples’s nickname comes from the scientific designation

Lesedi Cultural Village

Plesianthropus transvaalensis (near-man from the Transvaal) christened by Robert Broom, Ples’s ‘founder’. It was later subsumed into the species Australopithecus africanus. • The genus Australopithecus, of which there are several species, is considered the

likely precursor of the genus Homo, to which all humanity belongs. Though its cranium is comparable to a chimpanzee's, Australopithecus walked upright, as humans do. Adapted from Wikipedia

48 • MEETINGS l THE INCENTIVE PLANNER l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

GET SOME FRESH AIR Near Roodepoort, the Kloofendal Nature Reserve offers 110 ha of highveld vegetation and fauna – a green escape situated between the malls of West Gate and Clearwater. The reserve lies on the site of the very first gold mine of 1884, opened before the reef was discovered. The old shafts have been restored and are now national monuments. The picturesque park has a bird hide and is ideal for weekend hikes, either with a qualified field guide or as self-guided walks. The reserve also offers field guide and environmentalist courses – more information can be obtained from Friends of Kloofendal. Kloofendal’s larger cousin, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, is a 300 ha landscape of natural veld, and a go-to picnic spot for Joburgers. The JCI Geological Trail within the gardens comprises bushveld and water streams set between rock formations typical to the Witwatersrand region. With the help of the Geological Society of South Africa and financial assistance from mining company JCI Limited, the trail was established in 1997. Township life around the WRDM is also bustling. In Kagiso, visitors can enjoy local music and dance, and stop for a traditional meal. Munsieville is the childhood home of Archbishop Emeritus and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu. Azaadville, a largely Indian suburb, is historically significant because Gandhi once worked in the area to help prevent forced removals. Without a doubt, tourism is an important component of ensuring the WRDM’s vision of being an integrated, world-class district municipality.

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OYSTER KING

The Venue without Equal We have the complete choice, exibility and experience to meet all of your corporate event needs. With a variety of versatile outdoor & indoor venues to choose from you and comprehensive event services that include technical, decor & team building, Monte De Dios provides a professional & stress-free event solution. THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR NEXT : EXHIBITION, CONFERENCE, GALA DINNER, PRODUCT LAUNCH, YEAR-END FUNCTION, TEAM BUILDING ADVENTURE OR CORPORATE FAMILY DAY

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

For all your LED Screen requirements to the Rental & Live Event Market We also supply Sound - Lighting - Audio-Visual - LED Screens - Stage - Structure - Generators - Crew - Creativity ...

012 345 5303 • 082 924 9046 • info@ephproductions.co.za • www.ephproductions.co.za