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meetings • incentives • conferences • exhibitions
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Danie Greyling, MD of IML Interactive on using interactive technology to harness audience insight P6 R35.00 (VAT incl)
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ISSUE 44 July/August 2012
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CONFERENCING, HOSPITALITY, ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
C O N T E N T S
in this issue Cover Story Expovent Evolutions South Africa Leading the way in furniture hire
4 06
IN THE HOT SEAT
Danie Greyling, MD of IML Interactive, on latest industry technology
20
Joburg Expo Centre
The Foremost Magazine of Professional MICE Management in Africa
Endorsed by the CMP Network SA
In the Hot Seat IML Interactive The power of harnessing audience insight
6
Industry Insight EXSA column Are exhibition costs becoming exorbitant
8
AIPC column Quality standards suppor t consistency
10
CMP Network SA column Build your por tfolio for professional career development
12
Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act Public liability insurance investigated
14
Compex column Different strokes for different folks
16
Meeting Places Johannesburg Expo Centre Attitude, aptitude and action
20
Mabula Game Lodge Africa’s finest bush conference venue
24
Get motivated, get conferencing Western Cape focus
26
Wine, dine and conference Cape Winelands venue focus
34
Event Management Dazzling dĂŠcor Creative styling that works
38
Pushing the boundaries World-class infrastructure for world-class events
44
MEETINGS SA | JUL/AUG 2012
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C O N T E N T S
in this issue 22
Cybele Guest Lodge
Reward & Develop Incentive travel and the economic crisis Hector van der Walt explores the cutting of corporate incentives
52
USB Speakers Corner Shelley Walters looks at innovation from within
54
Product News Hot topics in business tourism revealed MSA presents new developments in MICE products and service offerings
26
Conferencing in the Western Cape
Regulars Editor’s comment Subscribe Join the SA Conference community online Coming Up Looking Back Who’s who? People on the Move Events diary Index to advertisers
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Dazzling décor
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52
Incentive travel
3 15 17 58 58 59 60 60
E D I T O R ' S
meetings • incentives • conferences • exhibitions
SA
Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Associate Publisher Ferdie Pieterse Editor Abby Vorster
N O T E
A changing landscape
julia@3smedia.co.za • +27 (0)11 233 2608 Head of design Frédérick Danton Senior sub-editor Claire Nozaic Sub-editor Patience Gumbo Production manager Antois-Leigh Botma Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Marketing and online manager Martin Hiller Advertising sales Caroline Martin +27 (0)11 454 6051/2 • +27 (0)72 235 5725 caroline@pinpoint.co.za
MEETINGS SA Jul/Aug 2012 © Copyright. All rights reserved 2009
No. 4, 5th 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 Annual subscription: R270.00 (incl. VAT) subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1684-9264 NOTICE OF RIGHTS Meetings SA is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vests in 3S Media, January 2008. 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. 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.
Succeeding in the MICE industry requires constant reinvention to meet changing expectations.
W
hile on the surface the situation in South Africa seems to have remained a lot more stable than that of our European counterparts, one can’t help wondering if this really is so, considering the major gaps on show floors at a number of recent trade shows. Markex 2012 had noticeably less exhibitors than previous years, and this year’s Tourism Indaba left the industry demanding that organisers reinvent the wheel. Is it merely an issue of tightened budgets or is digital marketing taking over? Are our Facebook pages and Twitter feeds now more essential than ever before? Somehow, advanced as I am in the digital space, I can’t help believing that face-to-face contact will always be necessary. As with social media (choosing to "like" your page, subscribe to your feeds or follow you on Twitter), visitors to exhibitions and events choose to attend in order to interact with what's being advertised. People choose to give of their time, which we all know is highly valuable, to interact with a brand, be it online or face-to-face on the trade show floor. And while social media and events/expos both provide the perfect place for you to keep a close eye on the competition (literally), face-to-face marketing used in its entirety will always have one up on the online space as it engages all five senses. Social media, in my opinion, will never be able to do that. Interaction remains a core focus of Meetings SA, which promises to bring you, the reader, compelling content to assist you in doing business better. The brand, along with its endorsing body, the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Network of SA, will be launching a dynamic series of education sessions that will aid meeting
professionals – in-house corporates and independent ones – in developing themselves professionally. Keep your eye on your favourite MICE magazine for more information. Regarding what we have in store for you in this issue, business tourism developments abound in the Western Cape with new venues popping up as well as the extension of the CTICC. Turn to page 26 for the full article. In the event management section, we’ve got the latest in décor and event infrastructure trends, from furniture rentals to marquees and compliance with safety requirements. With this being my final issue as the editor SA, I bid a fond farewell to the of Meetings SA readers and our clients. Thank you to all of you for the immense support over the past three years. On that note I'd like to welcome the new editor Julia Mafcher and wish her the best of luck. She comes with a wealth of experience from the Mother City where she started her career at The Cape Argus. She then moved onto The Property Magazine in Gauteng, and later held the position of assistant features editor and travel editor at woman&home. Happy reading! Until we meet again…
Editor
On the cover: Expovent Evolutions South Africa In the Hot Seat: IML Interactive Centre: Incentive travel in Kenya Far right: African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Conference Centre
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Expovent Evolutions South Africa
Leading the way in furniture hire No event is complete without furniture, not even a road race. Expovent Evolutions South Africa looks back at how the industry has changed and how the group now dominates.
F
or seven years, Expovent Evolutions has been a market leader in the furniture rental sector. According to the managing director, Adrian McKnight, in previous years, every next person was hiring round tables, trestle tables and plastic chairs out of their double garage. Yet with the launch of the then-Regal Rentals, Expovent revolutionised the industry by becoming the first up-market supplier of bulk furniture options for exhibitions and events. “We broke away from the standard black couches and trestle tables and introduced a fresh approach with our nouveau and contemporary pieces,” he explains. In the early 2000s, a classic chair or modern glass coffee table on an exhibition stand was unheard of. It was the same standardised black plastic chairs, wooden-top tables and black puffy Gomma Gomma-style couches, repeated over and again. McKnight adds: “Our fresh approach took the hosting of exhibitions and eventing by storm; suddenly events had a whole new look and feel with variety and diversity thanks to our gas-lift bar stools, leather couches and other modern furniture offerings. We followed international trends closely and brought what we had seen in Europe to South Africa.” The need for this fresh approach was more than apparent as the then-Regal Rentals saw phenomenal growth in its first two years of business. In addition, a large number of new furniture rent rental companies were soon launched ev and existing eventing, exhibitions and decor quick added furniture hire to their suppliers quickly ser portfolio of services.
Competitive edge Even with the influx of new suppliers to the industry, Expovent has managed to remain competitive with its pricing, quality and unique offerings. “Due to the immense demand, the business has been sustainable, yet it is becoming incr increasingly competitive,” McKnight “S says. “Some suppliers are starting to
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undercut wherever possible, especially given team boasts a production quality that the prevailing recession. However Expovent surpasses all others, from frame building to remains ethical in all of its business practices, the final upholstery touches.” promising quality and customer satisfaction, In addition, Majestic services the and always delivering on that.” maintenance requirements in terms of With time, McKnight has taken on new Expovent’s existing furniture stock, while business ventures in the exhibitions and having a furniture manufacturer on site events arena, knowing that one sure way presents endless benefits to the company dge and its clients, client reducing the to gain competitive edge incu would be to diversify his costs incurred where repairs offerings. The launch of to rentals damaged at n ar concerned and Majestic Expressions in events are ’s Furniture is Expovent’s servicing Expovent’s need to bent it stock and product answer to the incumbent update its ng and need for reupholstering offerings constantly. ner Enhanc manufacturing designer Enhancing its service delivery, on furniture for exhibition Expovent has numerous other divisi stands and corporate divisions which have seen th events. In addition, the event production Majestic offers group becoming one clients the option to of South Africa’s own exact designer leading provider of furniture pieces, turnkey solutions made to order, to fit for exhibitions and their lifestyle, event, events. These include, area of business yet are not limited to, and decorating Expovent Freightage, taste. From which provides conceptualisation logistics solutions for and inspiration, to the exhibition and producing the final events industry with “We remain product, the division years of experience ethical in all of our has successfully created in handling, loading business practices, furniture for a number of and transporting promising quality leading hotels including fragile goods and the One&Only Cape Town soft furnishings; and customer and The Pretoria Hotel, Just Events , which satisfaction” ts various restaurants is a top-class decor e. and for private use. service that magically Whether clients transforms any space require an inviting to a breathtaking que lounge suite, a unique environment; and couch or ottoman DammFine Cuisine, n for a film shoot, an which provides only the m opulent boardroom finest in catering services table or branded bar for buffet, plated, silver counters, Majestic serviced or platter-served understands thesee events, and manages needs. McKnight a number of ed explains: “Our skilled corporate catering and experienced contracts. carpenters have te the ability to create Contact Adrian McKnight Conta ms to custom-made items t +27 (0)11 553 5200 specification, whilee also f +27 (0)76 279 7270 stery providing reupholstery adeymac@expovent.co.za adeym and restoration www.expovent.co.za www cated services. The dedicated
S T O R Y
Expovent celebrates operational excellence at Indaba AS THE PREFERRED supplier of furniture to this year’s tourism Indaba, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre from 12 to 15 May, Expovent Evolutions South Africa observed 100% excellence from operational perspective. In addition to this, the group was commissioned to supply lounge furniture to the KWV Loyalty Lounge at the Indaba. Creating a slow lounge effect with loungers, ottomans and coffee tables, the group produced the perfect environment for Indaba’s VIPs to relax and do business.
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The power of harnessing
Danie Greyling, MD of IML Interactive, uncovers the unbelievable value of conference, meeting or event content that is generated by the participants. By Abby Vorster
A
successful event is all about the content. Previously, the focus was predominantly on the technology available at the event, yet for IML the landscape has changed dramatically (for the better) over the past six months. The technology is now a means to achieving the goal of the event for this leading global supplier of audience response systems.
MSA What has become the major focal point for IML? DG IML engages over half a million people globally every year at over 2 500 meetings. This depth of experience has allowed us to create a proven three-stage approach designed to maximise the value at each event. The focus now is on harnessing audience insight through a consultative process of discovery, solution and insight. As with most things in life, the more thought that can be applied early in the planning process of your event, the more rewarding the outcome is going to be. IML works in partnership with its clients to understand the purpose of the event and what a successful outcome is. In the past, most conferences took on the form of one way dialogue between the speaker(s) and the delegates. The needs of the delegates or meeting attendees were hardly ever taken in to account – if ever. IML assists clients in asking their delegates or audience
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Using technology to enhance an event
members: “What do you want to gain from the meeting or event?� From here an IML insight specialist will collaborate on the agenda; establishing how this can be used to facilitate opportunities, gain this insight and define what is appropriate for particular sessions.
Why is it so important to ask the audience for desired outcomes? People want to contribute and know that their voices have been heard. Most of all, they want to experience value when attending meetings or conferences. This approach provides the meeting planner with programme content that is rich and that will go a long way to ensuring event goals are met, both for the organiser(s) and more importantly, the delegates. The planner will see how dramatically the agenda changes into one that is packed with compelling relevant sessions that will captivate the conference delegation (and delegate
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audience insight numbers are guaranteed to increase year on year). With regard to association meetings, addressing members’ concerns by gathering delegate input may change the entire dynamic of the conference. Where corporate meetings and events are concerned, the sense of collaborative decision making derived from gathering attendee input is invaluable to achieving the desired outcomes.
How does IML technology enhance a meeting or conference? Once the goals and programme of the meeting have been determined, some interaction with the attendees or delegation will, in most instances, be crucial to achieving these goals. People want to contribute, yet mostly on the basis of anonymity. Since anonymity equals honesty, IML incorporates these contributions in all of its audience response systems. We advise our clients on the technology available that is best suited to achieving delegate interaction, whether it is voice, messaging, voting, opinion gathering, responses to presentations/questions, the ability to manage the audience, or demographical input that is required. IML ensures that the right tools are used for the right application and that ppropriately they are leveraged appropriately cerned. for the audience concerned. We take into accountt the ach cultural aspects of each erything event and ensure everything nd an IML runs like clockwork, and interactive producer is on site for facilitation for thee duration of the event. IML will n never compromise on reliability. The role is then to take the generated content and to analyse it to create insightful information that d success supports the required criteria. This can be done directly by the client or by IML’s analysis team.
What technology does IML offer? Apart from our hand-held interactive devices
changing the dynamics of how meetings or events are hosted? IML guarantees maximum
People want to contribute and know that their voices have been heard or keypads, IML also offers a customisable tablet solution with eight modules, including voting on demand and a managed social media portal. Our IML Connector keypad allows for the capturing of significant levels of information and content, and ensures a high level of engagement. The IML Communicator provides similar texting and voting value while the most basic option, but still very useful, is the IML Click that provides a voting mechanism. The highly advanced IML Connector is our newest offering and is so much more than a voting tool. It provides a complete all-inone solution, creating a simpler and more comprehensive way to ensure an event runs smoothly from sstart to finish. The device presents a completely new level of interac interactive engagement with an aud audience, providing endless po possibilities for originality an innovation in line with and th desired outcomes. the
How is IML’s interactive technology inter
effectiveness and a return on investment for the conference or event at which our technology and initial collaboration are incorporated. It is essential to create an environment that actively promotes audience interaction by taking advantage of strategic yet simple-to-use solutions that help capture and make sense of all of the rich content that is created. This is where IML is leading the way with harnessing audience insight. The most effective and efficient meeting or conference will see delegates contributing content through the IML Connector keypad with the IML Tablet solution available for group contributions internally at the conference and externally through the social media portal. By using our technology, the format of the conference takes on a new shape – the agenda covers relevant issues, the calibre of conference speakers is taken to a more advanced level and the audience is engaged throughout, for example. A two-way flow of communication is established, which is now the trend globally and what audiences in South Africa should expect and demand. Delegates are demanding value; they want to be heard, they want to partake in the discussions and they no longer want to sit and view endless PowerPoint presentations. The end result is real value, for the delegates, the organiser and, where corporate meetings are concerned, for the organisation too. For more information about how you can harness audience insight for your next conference or corporate meeting, call +27 (0)12 345 5161, e-mail info@iml.co.za or visit www.iml.co.za
A fresh ap approach to meetings with award-winning technology ACCORDING TO T IML, the real value for the key stakeholders of any meeting or event is the discussion, content is con and actions that are generated by the participants. Through collaboration, the intellectual int capital in the room has the ability to drive change, create insight and facilitate more informed business decisions. To achieve this and to maximise the effectiveness and ROI RO of these events, it is essential to create an environment that actively promotes audience interaction by taking advantage of strategic yet simple to use solutions that help capture and make sense of all of the rich content that is created. That is how IML is helping its clients and how it is changing the way conference and meeting organisers approach these events. They call it ‘harnessing audience insight’. IML Worldwide was awarded the Audio Product of the Year award at the 2011 AV Awards in the UK for its IML Connector.
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EXSA COLUMN
Are exhibition costs becoming exorbitant? What is good for the industry is likely good for its players ‒ a philosophy which should be adopted by all participants.
T
he chain leading to the final exhibition consists of exhibition organisers, venue and then suppliers to the industry – the stand designers and builders, the AV industry, the security companies, the cleaner, and so on. South Africa has a thriving and growing exhibition industry, and EXSA (the Exhibition Association of Southern Africa) has more organisers and international members joining the association than ever before. The economy is currently recovering from the deep slump that affected all industries in South Africa, which seemed to hit us much later than Europe. Yet it has been noted that some companies are taking advantage of this upswing in the economy, which is filtering through to the exhibition industry. Increased costs are finding their way to the exhibitor, having migrated down the exhibition chain to industry partners that cannot do anything about it. Increased costs are not naturally absorbed by any single party in the supply chain. In the industry, the person at the end of the chain is the exhibitor. And the exhibitor is king. If advantage is taken of the exhibitor, it will divert business and
8
ultimately make it impossible for smaller of the economy, but a new aspect has been companies to exhibit. However, it is because brought into the mix to cover the digital of regulations and rules, which have to be marketing and, more importantly, social satisfied, that extra costs are filtering down to media aspects. Companies are outsourcing the exhibitors. And so suppliers that offer the social media and digital marketing to specialist services to ensure compliance, place surplus agencies, so there are now less funds in costs on the already inflated costs to exhibit. marketing budgets than before. This increases The responsibility of EXSA and its members the need to educate companies on the to help encourage small businesses to see the effectiveness that exhibitions offer, which is power of face-to-face a prime objective marketing is being pushed of EXSA. Effective organising aside. Potential exhibitors Effective means that all exhibitors are being faced with red organising means should be kept happy tape and extras from all that all exhibitors angles, making a seamless should be kept procedure, tedious and overwhelming. happy. The process should be a seamless one, As members of the exhibition industry, the and should encourage a long-term relationship, focus should be on looking at the long-term which in turn will bring a long-term exhibitor objectives that exhibitions bring. The different back to that particular expo again and again. sectors of the industry need to work together However, if costs are unreasonably high in the to provide the best service possible to the end exhibiting game, the longevity will surely end. user or client – the exhibitor. Suppliers should The association and its members have a be selling long-term benefits to exhibitors and collective responsibility to the industry and its educating people on the power of exhibitions future, as well as to the exhibitor, and should in the marketing mix. Marketing budgets may be careful not to milk the cash cow at every have grown provisionally with the recovery opportunity, or it will dry up.
MEETINGS SA | JUL/AUG 2012
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I N D U S T R Y
I N S I G H T
Quality standards support consistency The global meetings industry With global competition between convention centres and destinations more intense than ever, centres need to be able to differentiate themselves. The AIPC s Geoff Donaghy reveals why. Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Darwin Convention Centre
O
ne way for centres to distinguish themselves is by demonstrating adherence to the highest and most relevant management standards. This not only creates an advantage among increasingly discerning clients, but also provides owners with the confidence they need that the centre is being managed efficiently and cost effectively. It’s for these reasons that we have adopted the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) Quality Standards programme for the AEG Ogden portfolio of international convention centres. Four of our managed facilities in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin and Kuala Lumpur achieved Gold level certification over the past two years. Following suit are the Qatar National Convention Centre, which recently opened, and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, which is about to commence construction. The Quality Standards designation is only achieved through an exhaustive audit of all major factors in convention centre management, which is carried out by an independent business process auditor – a rigorous but rewarding process that challenges our managers to achieve the very best in their respective operations. Having identified the importance of the designation itself, we’ve discovered that the process also offers many other benefits that
The AIPC Quality Standards address 10 key areas: • customer service • quality of facilities and operations • employee relations • health and safety • security • emergency response • financial integrity • community relations • environmental responsibility • industry relations and supplier relations. During the audit process, congress centres assemble and submit documentation as to how they are addressing each area and what measures they have in place to gauge success.
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complement those we’ve see through our pursuit of other relevant accreditations such as ISO and various environmental standards. This has been seen in a variety of ways by our centre managers: In Darwin, it has taken the form of increased credibility in the community and enhanced pride among staff. Our general manager, Malu Cairns Convention Centre Barrios, noted that the Quality Standards Lumpur Convention Centre, according to audit’s gold certification “not only validated with operations in different parts of the the centre’s general manager, Datuk Peter our venue’s capability to provide world-class world, there is yet another benefit, namely Brokenshire. In his words: “The certification standards, but has also inspired staff to keep that the standards enable centres to achieve recognises the way doing well and consistently high management quality while our team performs still recognising the reality and the importance be proud of and operates their association of highly variable operating environments. “The certification recognises within every with the Darwin We know that in order to meet the diverse the way our team performs and aspect of the Convention Centre interests of both clients and delegates, operates within every aspect of business and will and AEG Ogden. centres these days need to make a unique the business and will now be now be a source of This has resulted statement that reflects their destination, a source of pride” pride.” in increasing culture and distinguishing features, but also The Brisbane loyalty and the maintains the kind of consistency and quality Convention & centre being that address international expectations. We Exhibition Centre saw achieving AIPC Gold recognised as a preferred employer.” have found that the AIPC Quality Standards designation as a key element in its highAt the Cairns Convention Centre, general programme offers that flexibility, and level strategic plan. The general manager, manager Ross Steele sees Quality Standards that is why it has become a key element in Bob O’Keefe, says that the centre’s overall accreditation as a logical complement to the our strategy. commitment has been to provide a sustainable centre having been awarded the AIPC Apex For more information, please email future for staff, clients and the community, Award for World’s Best Convention Centre and marianne.de.raay@aipc.org or and that achieving this certification is a logical as something that validates the recognition visit www.aipc.org. progression in that regard. He said: “This award in a visible, ongoing form. As Steele said: “As adds stimulus and a prior winner of AIPC’s highest award, it was further credence logical that Cairns Convention Centre applied About the author to our strategic for AIPC Quality Standards certification. To direction and is have achieved Gold status is acknowledgement Geoff Donaghy is the group director of convention an imperative of just how well the team at the centre meets centres at AEG Ogden and is the vice-president of the needs and expectations of both our clients in today’s very the AIPC board of directors. The AIPC is the precompetitive global and our owners.” eminent international association of convention marketplace.” Being the first centre in Malaysia to receive centres, with the mission of encouraging, Finally, from our such a certification and thus becoming a supporting and recognising excellence in perspective as member of an exclusive global ‘club’ were convention centre management. an organisation among the biggest benefits to the Kuala
MEETINGS SA | JUL/AUG 2012
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Introducing Tourism Services Manager by TSG Is managing the accommodation and tourism services for your event or conference overwhelming? Tourism Services Manager (TSM) is a combination web and call centre solution to help congress and event organizers offer and manage accommodation and tours during and after the event. Visit us at our stand at the SAACI 2012 Conference. Contact 0861 123 874 today.
www.tsg.travel | Email: tsm@tsg.travel to request a free demonstration
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Are you serious about professional career development?
Build your portfolio
CMP Network SA s outstanding diary of CPD offerings, based on an established foundation of credibility on which to accumulate clock hour credits, is unparalleled in the South African meetings and events management industry. By Helen Brewer CMP
M
eeting and event managers, especially those employed by corporations and associations, attend (not organise) many internal and external seminars, courses, workshops and conferences in any given year. These hours away from the office are mostly related to a variety of topics, which may improve the organising assignments required by the employer. Yet how many buyers or end-users – better known as event mangers, meeting planners or coordinators – ensure documented proof of even having spent time gleaning information in order to do business better? In the past, CMP Network SA’s experience has proven there are few event managers that have even considered accumulating back-up claims of attendance at various professional development sessions. Even more concerning are the many who appear shackled to the grindstone and do not venture out to glean the latest in events management techniques.
Questionable outcomes Seriously problematic are the internal training sessions that have limited outcomes and few authentic specific course certifications can be gained through the employer’s HR or training division. A computer-generated list of internal courses (possibly) attended by the employee is just not good enough. It is an unfortunate indictment on the average experienced South African that in most specialised industries there is limited proof of claims in the enhancement of their professional development and on-the-job
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experience over the years. In the MICE industry, believing the last successfully organised project or assignment is sufficient proof of competency is a fallacy. Memories fade rapidly and one unexpected ‘glitch’ in another project can undo all the good work done in the past.
manager or coordinator needs to grow, learn and continuously update their knowledge base in order to stay in touch with current methods of doing tasks with better results.
Seeing the light
It is encouraging that events department personnel have started to view themselves Start your portfolio today as not just undertaking a job, but building a Building an career – working ongoing portfolio for promotion is a proactive and within meetings Meetings management is not just positive activity, management a job; it is a career path for which should or career financial advancement and be updated on advancement in promotion opportunities a regular basis. communications, Time is a valuable PR and asset in the professional development business various allied marketing practices. Either and if used effectively, could ensure a career through the employer/organisation or development that is not based on hearsay or an externally, the awareness and career outdated reference from a well-meaning senior determination has commenced. manager, but is based on hard and fast facts. Only a CMP professional profile can ensure Continuing professional development, better an authentic series of clock hour credits. known as CPD, is the name of the game – in Together with the network’s advisory board, the past and present, and certainly well into Meetings SA and SA Conference, the the future. opportunity to accumulate clock hour credits Every meeting towards CPD with short, sharp breakfast About the author or event sessions will be available. Aligned to the CMP International Standard, Helen Brewer CMP these breakfast sessions will allow meetings is a member of the and events management individuals to build CMP Network SA their professional profile. Included will be a advisory board. She co-branded ring binder with plastic sleeves for is also the director inserting proof of claims. The CMP Network of the MICE Club and ring binder will pin-point useful hints and tips co-owns Conpromark in the pursuit of proving ‘you are as good as Consultants. you say you are’.
ALL THE
BEST
)8785( &03V Various CMPs send their best wishes to those candidates being seated for their CMP exam* in July 2012. 7KH WK &03 H[DP DQG ÀUVW &03 FRPSXWHU EDVHG H[DP LQ 6RXWK $IULFD
I do not wish you luck as you do not need it. You need VHOI FRQÀGHQFH EHOLHI LQ \RXU own ability, a cool and calm approach to the exam and success will be yours, and I ZLOO EH RQH RI WKH ÀUVW WR congratulate you.
Dream, believe and achieve. Good luck – it is worth the effort! Elaine Willmott CMP Contract Management FIFA World CupTM Brazil $FFRPPRGDWLRQ 2IÀFH operated by MATCHTM
Derek L King CMP MD: Conpromark Group
Attaining CMP is not a TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQ LW LV D ZHOO GHVHUYHG recognition of your experience within the industry. There are only a few mechanisms by which your knowledge can be recognised and ‘measured’ internationally; CMP is one of those few. Draw upon your experience, relax and believe in yourself. Good luck.
The rewards and advantages of attaining your CMP status makes the journey well worthwhile. Just relax and all ZLOO EH ÀQH :DUPHVW SHUVRQDO good wishes for a successful CMP test of your meetings management knowledge and abilities. Helen Brewer CMP
2QFH \RX KDYH TXDOLĂ€HG (achieved CMP status) you will notice the success that will follow and you will realise that all your hard work throughout your career and during your studies was worth it. I will be thinking of you during your sitting and I look forward to welcoming the intake of new successful CMPs and working together with you. Best of luck for your upcoming exam.
Congratulations on deciding to enrol for your CMP TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQ :KLOH WKH VWXG\ load may seem intimidating to some, it proved to be a valuable resource for me in my preparation for the exam. +DYLQJ WKH &03 TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQ means you are on par with the majority of conference organisers worldwide and is truly a designation to be proud of. Best of luck.
“Doing your CMP is an excellent professional choice DQG ZLOO EHQHĂ€W \RXU FDUHHU DQG overall knowledge in many areas.â€?
Amanda Rogaly CMP Managing Director: Kadoro Events and Communications
Wesley Middleton CMP Technical Services Manager: CSIR ICC
Samantha Nel CMP Resort Manager: Willow Park Conference Centre
For all our industry colleagues preparing to sit the CMP exam, sincere good wishes and good luck from all of us at Gallagher Convention Centre.
I wish all CMP candidates a successful exam and a fruitful future as a CMP. May WKLV SUHVWLJLRXV FHUWLĂ€FDWLRQ strengthen and enrich your career.
Mandy Barrell CMP GM Sales and Coordination: Gallagher Convention Centre
Chris Prieto CMP Special Events and VIP Manager: Emperors Palace
Nigel Walker CMP Director: Complete Exhibitions
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