Third Edition August 2011 Africa Energy Forum Hôtel d’ Evreux - Paris, France World Economic Forum The Pepper Club - Cape Town, South Africa Mandela Day 67 minutes at Stellenbosch Animal Welfare Aleit Academy Update
THE OPENING... They say time flies! I agree – it honestly does! It is a commodity that seems to slip through my fingers. We underestimate its value, in fact I wonder if we will ever be able to trade in time...but I digress. What have I learnt since the last Aleit Event Projects Newsletter? I have been made more aware of the fact that Africa is now a key player in the global events industry. If we follow trends set by the leading financial institutions, vast investment is being made into Africa and that translates into the necessity for effective communication. Communication relies on savvy marketing...which in turn translates into an event whichever way you look at it! The AEP team have travelled into Africa seven times this past year alone. This was quite an eye opener and spells out part of our future focus. Africa remains an exciting continent – not only for work, but for life in general! I am proud to share the latest news and achievements of Aleit Event Projects - a small cog in the wheel of this great machine. Happy reading!
ALEIT SWANEPOEL - Managing Director
HANS ROOSENSCHOON - Operational Director
THABO MATLHAKO - Executive Member
AFRICA ENERGY FORUM
AFRICA ENERGY FORUM Since 1999, the Africa Energy Forum has invited proficient authorities to examine the shifting trends in Africa’s power sector. This is a significant occasion attended by many global experts in the field. Aleit Event Projects is proud to say that we were instrumental in selecting the prestigious location that was set to host the 2011 expo. We set off on a venue finding mission earlier in the year and while we were certainly spoilt for choice, it was not hard to settle on the locale or the area. The reasons are too many to list but it will be fairly evident when viewing the images. Le Palais des Congres is situated in Paris’ 17e arrondissement – pretty much dead centre of the city. As one of the world’s major hubs, Paris is an ideal destination for Africa Energy Forum’s international delegates, not to mention its attraction as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.
A lavish dinner was hosted for 60 delegates at the breathtaking Hotel d’ Evreux. The event was inspired by all that signifies the 18th century and the end result was certainly very pleasing. Sophia Coppola’s movie, Marie Antoinette, inspired a frenzy in all things neoclassical, romantic and French. (Tip: If you are looking for a decorating style that is soft and romantic, this movie is filled with inspired ideas.) As always we strive to exceed expectations and, judging by the comments of those in attendance, we certainly did. On arrival guests were entertained by a solo cellist and a champagne beverage of choice. The food was not only spectacular (and we mean seriously spectacular)... but it also offered a hint of entertainment. Imagine a dessert called “A Smoking Idea of an Ice Bomb”. We’ll leave the rest to your imagination!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR! VIVA PARIS!
THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. This year, Cape Town played host to the activities planned for the group of delegates. This group of inspired individuals worked hard, finding solutions to global crises and were deservedly treated to a tranquil evening at one of Cape Town’s premier venues, namely The Pepper Club in Cape Town.
Guests were treated to an explosion of the senses the minute they stepped out of the elevator doors. The Moroccan theme was chosen to create a feeling of total relaxation – well deserved after a gruelling few days. Delegates had their hands washed in rosewater before receiving a glass of bubbly on arrival. The elegant, yet ‘homely’ décor added to the soothing ambience with yoga and tai chi demonstrations encouraging guests to unwind. It was impossible to overlook the beautiful views on offer, with 270° of Cape Town’s city lights spectacularly displayed, like a canvas created by a master artist.
The Aleit Group Does Mandela Day. In June of 2008 the world witnessed Nelson Mandela celebrating his 90th birthday in London’s Hyde Park. This event was a phenomenal success and South Africans decided to work hard to ensure that his legacy lives on forever...and this is the simple story of how The Mandela Day campaign was born. The tactic is straightforward - Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity - Mandela Day is a call to action, not only for South Africans, but for everyone around the world to take responsibility, to offer 67 minutes of their time by committing to a cause that will make the world a better place for all...one small step at a time, just as Mandela has done.
credit: www.mandeladay.com
With this in mind, The Aleit Group took to the streets to help our furry friends. As most of the world springs into action for humanitarian causes, we decided to spend time with the Animal Welfare Society in Stellenbosch. Animals have no voice and we decided to be theirs. Nothing is quite that simple though – not when it comes to The Aleit Group! After extensive research on the Animal Welfare website we compiled a list of what was needed and the shopping spree began. The staff was surprisingly generous with their donations and we hit our local supermarket with force.
After “clearing out” their pet section, we headed back to the Studio where everyone was dressed and ready for action. The standard outfit comprised of jeans, old trainers and sweaters, however, the dress code of certain key members of the Group cannot go without mention. Hans in a fine-looking tailored suit jacket, Aleit in a collared black shirt with sequins detail, Jeanne-Loïs in gorgeous high heels and Gustaaf in a pair of very swanky Italian shoes...! What can I say other than “It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks....” - excuse the pun!
Human-animal relations have a long history. Unfortunately it has not always been a happy one as many of these poor creatures will testify! However, despite their somewhat tragic past, a vast number of supremely loving cats and dogs welcomed us to their shelter unconditionally. We promptly started walking our furry friends, cleaning out their kennels, cuddling the small puppies and playing with the cats. Aleit took this all a step further and decided to adopt a magnificent feline specimen. We offer a hearty welcome to Big Ben who is now a member of The Aleit Group!
We left the Animal Welfare looking a little worse for wear but feeling rather warm and fuzzy inside. What no one mentions is that this endeavour is actually not all about giving, we took away a great sense of accomplishment. A big thank you to Aleit and Hans for the personal donations they made. What a great day!
THE ALEIT ACADEMY UPDATE The Aleit Academy has been exceptionally busy over the last few months! We now have two beautiful lecture rooms - the Blue Room and the Green Room – equipped with the latest AV and sound equipment, funky kitchenettes and sassy decor. Not many students will be able to pass up an opportunity to hone their skills in such a sophisticated environment. And boy have we been active! Our 24 brand new 1st year students were taken “under wing” and then put to the test as they were chosen to assist Aleit Event Projects with a rather significant event run in two parts; the launch of the new Bentley Continental GT – first in Lanseria and then in Cape Town. The students were exceptional and exceeded our expectations with their poise and slick service. Needless to say, the AEP coordinators are now all jostling to have the 1st years support them with their current assignments.
It was therefore no surprise to hear that our Operational Director, Hans Roosenschoon, had secured the best coordinators in the business, the Aleit Academy 1st Years, to manage the arrangements for his thirtieth birthday celebrations! This was their biggest project to date and the pressure was on! Not only were they put in charge of the evening, but they faced this rather daunting fact; the 2nd and 3rd year students would be present....as well as the entire Aleit Group, all ready to pass their critique. I am really happy to say that they were phenomenal and the event was incredible! We are really excited to see what they come up with for the annual Aleit Academy Year End which is scheduled for September. The 2nd year students have successfully completed their exams and are about to set out to do their placement internships. These stints include various well known companies such as OKASIE, Presentation Staging, Media24 and Express Show – to name but a few. The excitement is palatable the minute you walk into the academy which makes us really happy!! The students will rotate over three placement positions – two months a piece – and will only be back at the academy next year. We miss them already! Our beloved 3rd year students have been in lectures for the past six weeks and will begin their exams shortly. We are confident they’ll pass with flying colours. They then begin a series of second specialisation placements in various areas of the industry. With the finish line in sight, they are chomping at the bit – ever eager to get out into the big wide world and put the skills they have developed into practice. As you may well remember, our Charity Project last quarter was Smart Sarmies – feeding the children of the community. We have now broadened our charitable horizons and are offering a helping hand at the Stellenbosch Animal Welfare on a weekly basis. So watch this space!!
IN CLOSING... I was intrigued to learn that South African clients are poised to benefit from alliances that local banks have forged with other lenders in Africa. This will provide a seamless service for all, allowing transactions and the financing of business deals to take place wherever they are on the continent. I quote: “We continue to pursue initiatives that build the alliance and add value to our clients as they grow and do business within Africa. Growth in these sectors is expected to grow the size of Africa’s economy by nearly 40% over the next five years. This wealth’s allure has not only caught the eye of Nedbank, but also Absa Group, which has formed an alliance rather than build an African footprint. Absa, the country’s largest lender, has forged a partnership with Barclays Africa, which is owned by British lender Barclays Bank. Africa is an important growth opportunity for Barclays and Absa.” Here’s to a bright future and one that is proudly African! Afrika lilizwe lethu lamathuba, a Xhosa translation of Africa our land of opportunities
AFRICA ENERGY FORUM Venue Food Staff Photographer Decor and Hiring Stationery
Hôtel d’ Evreux Hôtel d’ Evreux Hôtel d’ Evreux ZaraZoo Hôtel d’ Evreux Elsje Designs
THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM Flowers Venue Décor Rugs Tent Cabanas Yoga Tai Chi DJ AV, Sound and Lighting Name Badges Stationery Photographer
Floral Affairs Pepper Club Moroccon Warehouse BOKHARA Nomadik Shake and Serve Yoga Cape Town Wu Tai Chi Piet de Beer Presentation Staging Lara’s Designs A Design Cari Photography