from the CEO
Registration for the 2020 SAPOA Convention and Property Networking is Now Open I am very excited about this annual property event of the year, which brings with it some many eagerly awaited enhancements. The most notable is the inclusion of Nicole Baumgarten as the new committee chair. Bringing with her a wealth of marketing experience, fresh ideas and new perspective, she has already been a huge asset to the committee.
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SAPOA CEO, Neil Gopal
fter a hiatus of seven years, the property event of the year returns to the internationally acclaimed Sun City in the North-West Province. The recently renovated Resort is unlike anything in the world, offering mountain views, a key national park and an iconic golf course all under one roof. In addition to this, the property conference will now commence on Wednesday afternoon, and will conclude on Friday midday. The committee has negotiated special accommodation rates allowing you the option of taking a little extra time with your family over the weekend to enjoy the spectacular views and unique beauty and activities that the Resort has to offer. You will note that the name has been revised from a property exhibition to a property networking. We are proud to announce the introduction of networking lounges, a more cost-effective way to connect, chat with friends, colleagues and new connects and to network and have meetings to maximise business opportunities. The theme of the 2020 Convention is #Tomorrow. Over the last decade, our economy has barely grown, investment has dwindled, and the rate of unemployment has increased. The past year has been
equally challenging. Today, we are still feeling the effects of several years of corruption, the erosion of important public institutions and the resultant policy malaise. The property sector has felt the effects at an alarming rate in the form of a weakening economy, decreasing investor confidence, rising municipal costs, water and electricity crises, high tenant vacancies and the like. But, even in the face of such great challenges, hope continues to spring eternal in the hearts of South Africans who are determined that they will not yield to despair, to undertake the detailed work required to turn our tomorrow around. The industry looks to the leaders for answers on what is in store for the property sector, exploring the opportunities, disruptors and technology heading our way. The Convention’s programme addresses these and other issues to ensure that the sector continues to inspire further development and productivity through achieving specific outcomes. Highlights of the event include keynote addresses by various local and international speakers, golf at the 18-hole desert-style Lost City Golf Course, the Pilanesberg National Park Game Drive, a themed Convention dinner on Thursday evening, ending off with a Women’s Luncheon on Friday afternoon.
SOUTH AFRICAN PROPERTY REVIEW – FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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