The Event August 2012

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Page 23- SETE RECOGNISES

African Meetings Industry Business

IMPORTANCE OF SPORT Page 8 - A BIGGER, BETTER

August 2012

www.theevent.co.za

LOERIES -

Chris Godenir - Page 13

Stephanie Moss - Page 29

Thulani Nzima - Page 6

SETE CELEBRATES SA OLYMPIANS

CONTENTSCONTENTS Page 4 -

SAACI says no to corruption-

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SAT talks business at saaci ICCA launches office in sa -

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a bigger, better Loeries The Event goes to India -

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integrating exhibitions into the eventing mix -

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incredible India day turning responsible profit -

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new SAACI gm appointed-

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the importance of budgethosting a small, intimate event arts festival keeps growing sete recognises importance of sport -

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sete exhibitors make most of the platform the value of sportsports tourism on the rise exhibitor briefing brings valueprotea hotels gain through sustainability -

Ryan Brennan, Tiffany Kruger & Nathan Earnest

The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) Gala Dinner on 12 September has been chosen by South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to celebrate the SA Olympic Team. Front cover: Lifesaver Ryan Brennan, paddler Tiffany Kruger & Volleyball player Nathan Earnest

Grahamstown National Arts Festival

THE brave souls that tackled the 38th National Arts Festival in Grahamstown braced themselves for the bitter cold typical of this Eastern Cape village in the middle of winter.

However, they were pleasantly surprised by unusually warm weather, and an enormous variety of shows.

Page 29innovative eventing Page 30-31- news highlights Page 32 the future of marketingPage 34 ignore sasrea at your perilPage 35 opportunities Page 39 directory listings -

Join us • PUBLISHER: Film & Event Media • ADDRESS: 57 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont, Cape Town • PHONE: +27 21 674 0646 • FAX: +27 21 674 6691 • PUBLISHER: Lance Gibbons (lance@filmeventpublishing.co.za) • HEAD OF DESIGN: Zaid Hendricks (zaid@filmeventmedia.co.za) • SALES: Rhoda Webb (rhoda@theevent.co.za) • SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT: Robyn-Lee Malan (robynlee@filmeventnedia.co.za) • HEAD OF PRODUCTION: Nadia Samsodien (nadia@filmeventnedia.co.za) DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in The Event do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of the editor or the publisher, while inclusion of adverts/advertising features does not imply endorsement of any business, product or service. Copyright of this material is reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, The Event and/or its employees may not be held liable or responsible for any act or ommission committed by any person, including a juristic person, referred to in this publication. It and they furthermore accept(s) no responsibility for any liability arising out of any reliance that a reader of this publication places on the contents of this publication.

Lorin Bowen

LORIN Bowen has been appointed as general manager of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), with effect from 1 September 2012.

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BUSINESS EVENTS

SAACI SAYS NO TO CORRUPTION Nina Freysen-Pretorius

IN her opening address of the SAACI National Congress, national chairperson Nina Freysen-Pretorius challenged members of the association to take a stand against corruption.

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ER reason for concern was the changing landscape of business still feeling the pinch of re-

cession. The theme of the conference, Changing Paradigms, was apt in light of the current climate.

“We need to collectively take a stand to not ‘buy’ business with a bribe that ultimately undermines and erodes the good work that we do and the services that we offer,” she told delegates.

“At the end of the day

it is not ‘those people’ who are corrupt but rather we who are the people that allow atrocities to happen to us and within our environment.”

“It is felt that when international clients, local corporate and association clients and government departments are looking for suppliers to assist them with a conference or event, they should only use a SAACI member that complies with the code of conduct and is in good standing with the association. That member should also be accredited within his or her forum and, therefore, qualified to deliver the service that is expected.

This way we will slowly start excluding people from being able to pretend to have certain skills and abilities.

“For this we need the support and buy in from all

our members, the national department of tourism and all other government departments,” she concluded.

“We still seem to face the challenge of getting business and government departments, other than Tourism, to understand and appreciate the tremendous value that business tourism can contribute towards the national GDP and job creation. So often when preparing a bid to host an international conference or lobbying for support for a national association conference, getting the attention of the related government departments is near to impossible. This often leads to great embarrassment and frustration. It is most definitely hampering our growth and potentia,” she concluded.

SAT CALLS FOR INDUSTRY TO WIN AS ONE

Taryn Fowler

THE events industry has been asked to commit to signing the business events ‘Win as One’ pledge and become part of Team South Africa.

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HE call to sign the ‘Win as One’ pledge was made

by Thulani Nzima, South African Tourism CEO. He was speaking at the 2012 Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) congress, where

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the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) unveiled its business events strategy.

The ‘Win as One’ pledge calls on all stakeholders in the business events industry to work together in the spirit of partnership to position South Africa as the world’s preferred business events destination. The SAT CEO said the SANCB had committed to growing the number of delegates attending international conventions in South Africa from an estimated 54 000 delegates in 2012 to 81 500 delegates by 2020. It is also targeting 130 association meetings by 2020, which represents an annual growth rate of 5.3%.

The SANCB will also endeavour to increase the total number of delegates attending business events from an estimated 145 600 delegates in 2012 to 210 000 by 2017.

The bureau aims to increase

the size of South Africa’s business events industry by 57%. It plans to double the contribution of business events to tourism yield and enhance the role of the business events industry as a major driver of job creation, skills development and transformation.

‘These are big goals,’ said Thulani, ‘that can only be achieved through commitment and partnership.’

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said government was on board with its support and that it recognised business events tourism as an area with significant growth potential.

According to departure surveys, 392 000 business travellers visited the country in 2011. Of these 140 000 were pure meetings, incentives, conference and events (MICE) delegates. Of the 10 070 association meetings rotated worldwide in 2011, 6 500

were regional meetings, and 3 500 were international association meetings. Africa hosted 304 international meetings. South Africa hosted 86 of these, ranking the country 37th in the world as a host of international association meetings.

“We remain in the top 15 long-haul business events destinations globally and are the top destination in Africa and the Middle East. It is our ambition, however, to compete with the biggest and best destinations in the world.

To achieve this, we all have a part to play.”

He added that part of the SANCB strategy is to achieve coordination and cooperation among city and provincial convention bureaus to combine resources for the marketing of South Africa as a premier business events destination.

BUSINESS EVENTS

PROTEA HOTELS GAIN THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY

Protea Hotel Victoria Junction

PROTEA Hotels have saved R4.5 million per year after energy-saving retrofits.

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N the start of a concerted portfolio energy sustainability drive, 20 hotels in the Protea Hospitality Group have in the past year been fitted with lighting or water heating energy saving devices that substantially reduce those properties’ overall electricity consumption.

The retrofits of lighting and water heating systems makes sense not only from a sustainability perspective, says Protea Hospitality Group Operations Director William Ford, but also from a savings perspective for hoteliers who face ever-increasing input costs that reduce already narrow profit margins.

“It makes sense for hoteliers to look at installing energy-efficient lighting and water heating systems.

If you plan intelligently the capital expenditure

doesn’t have to be vast and it’s also good to have a discussion with Eskom, which for certain conversions is offering rebates,” William said.

He used the example of one Cape Town hotel that had retrofitted new technology LED systems in all its public spaces earlier this year. By retrofitting corridors; reception; lounge, bar and pool areas; smoking room, rest rooms; the restaurant and kitchen; as well as all conference rooms and board rooms in the business centre, the gym and parking garage, the hotel was saving nearly R20 000 a month on electricity bills.

“These energy-saving retrofits in Protea Hospitality Group properties across South Africa aren’t part of a new approach; they’re simply a component of our ongoing policy towards common sustainability that includes the environment and society,” he said. “Sustainable planning simply

has to be part of every responsible corporate entity’s strategic objectives.”

William said the Protea Hospitality Group was actively motivating for the owners of hotels within the Protea Hotels and African

“Industrial and commercial businesses in South Africa are all grappling with steep increases in municipal service costs and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Protea Hotels believes driving an

“Sustainable planning simply has to be part of every responsible corporate entity’s strategic objectives” Pride Hotels portfolios to do retrofits. “A number of areas of South Africa are experiencing regular power outages again and hotels are big consumers of power. Reducing consumption not only makes you a good citizen of the earth, but also a good neighbour.”

Perhaps more importantly in a severely strained global economy and tough local trading conditions, Ford said, was the long-term operating costs reduction that could clearly be observed from the first month.

energy-efficiency initiative such as this is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for the long-term sustainability of the hospitality industry.”

The hotel group has in the past year also begun a roll-out to remove environmentally damaging plastic water bottles from its conference venues and switched over recyclable glass bottles that contain purified water bottled on site, which further reduces the carbon footprint.

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BUSINESS EVENTS

SAT TALKS BUSINESS AT SAACI Thulani Nzima

THULANI Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism (SAT), spoke about the Business Events landscape at the SAACI National Conference in July.

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HULANI explains that the Global Business Events Industry is still recovering from the slump caused by the recession.

“Companies are cautious about spending on Business Events and are demanding more personalised and value-formoney offerings,” he says.

The Middle East and South America have witnessed strong growth in the number of international conventions, despite the contraction in the number of conventions globally. Thulani says here, business events industry is recovering, although businesses are still focusing on ROI while selecting a destination.

He explains that with the economic recovery, demand for business events is recovering; however, companies are increasingly focusing on the duration of business events and the number of participants/attendees have declined. A similar trend is expected in the short-term across all segments of the business events industry which is resulting in new opportunities and potential for the business events industry in emerging economies like South Africa.

He says international

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associations are targeting emerging countries for holding their meetings, as they expand their membership base in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

“Multinational companies looking to increase their consumer base in emerging economies, are also focusing on establishing their business networks in these economies through exhibitions and meetings.”

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental impact are becoming important criteria for choosing destination, providing ample opportunities to African countries, including South Africa.

Despite the slow economic growth, the business events industry is expected to witness encouraging growth led by North America and Western Europe (developed economies), along with BRIC and Asia-Pacific economies (emerging destinations).

The incentives segment, impacted the most by the recession, is expected to witness strong growth led by new offerings, value-formoney packages, increase in corporate budgets, and an overall improvement in business and consumer confidence.

The conventions segment, dominated by Europe and North America as preferred destinations, witnessed growth at a global

scale during 2001–08 and is witnessing a shift toward emerging nations, primarily driven by investment in new facilities and technology, and upgrade of tourism infrastructure.

During his explanation of the market landscape. Thulani says that although South Africa is among the top conventions destination in the Middle East and Africa region, it witnessed only singledigit growth in the number of conventions during 2005–10.

While South Africa only saw an increase in 8%, Kenya saw an increase in 42%.

“Kenya has good air connectivity and it established

“Despite the economic recovery, companies are still uncertain about the global economic outlook (particularly in Europe) and are cautious about significant spending on business events.”

Thulani says the attendance of overseas delegates/participants/visitors in business events has witnessed a declining trend, post the economic recession, and the trend is expected to continue in the shortterm.

“Hikes in hotel prices, air fares and suppliers’ costs are expected to have a dampening effect on the growth of the business events indus-

“Multinational companies looking to increase their consumer base in emerging economies” a MICE committee in 2010, which intends to establish a convention bureau andensures funding for the business events industry,” he says.

He says a recovering global economy, along with the rising supply and demand from emerging economies, is driving growth for the global business events industry.

There is also an increasing demand from Emerging Economies, particularly China, and Middle Eastern countries, are increasing their spend on business events.

“There is a need for Business Networking and an increase in focus on establishing business networks, particularly in emerging countries,” he says.

Another driver is increasing budgets. “A majority of companies globally increased their meeting budgets in 2011, over 2010, and are expected to increase it further in 2012.”

“New industries such as alternative energy, industrial miniaturisation, and ecotourism are driving demand for conventions.”

try,” he says.

Another barrier is increasing competition among Associations to attract delegates to their Conventions.

“With increasing number of conventions organised on similar topics, associations are struggling to meet the target number of delegates.”

But despite the barriers, Thulani believes the future is bright. “The 2010 FIFA World Cup has provided international exposure to South Africa, and has strengthened the country’s capabilities to host large-scale international events. Also, the infrastructure added during the World Cup has expanded its portfolio of offerings for the business events.”

The country’s business events industry currently has a small share in the global business events industry.

However, it is expected to benefit from the economic recovery in the US and Europe and increasing focus of international associations on African countries, particularly South Africa.

BUSINESS EVENTS

ICCA LAUNCHES OFFICE IN SA

Chris Prieto

THE International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has announced the opening of two new regional offices on 1 September 2012.

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AACI stalwart and former board member Chris Prieto will become the South

African based regional director covering the African region, and Gamal Sadek from the Al Ketbi Consultancy will become regional director for the Middle East, based out of Dubai. Both bring a wealth of experience in frontline sales and marketing, and in-depth knowledge of the meetings industry in their regions of the world.

Announcing the appointments during a keynote address at the SAACI congress, ICCA President Arnaldo Nardone said: “This isn’t simply a move to deliver better services to our existing members in these two regions, but a recognition that the international association meetings market is continuing to evolve, and it is in the growth of regional meetings that we anticipate some of the most dra-

matic future developments.

“This trend is already well established in Asia and Latin America, and it is certain that Africa and Middle East are starting to move down the same road, as we have seen from recent moves to create an African society for association executives. What this implies is that there is going to be more business for our existing members in these regions, more new events to identify and add to the ICCA association database, more new infrastructure developments, more understanding of the strategic importance of association events by city and national governments, and more interest in ICCA by potential new members. It is strategically important for ICCA to build a long-term presence in these markets.”

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BUSINESS EVENTS

A BIGGER, BETTER LOERIES

THE 34th Annual Loerie Awards take place in Cape Town from 15-23 September 2012. According to CEO Andrew Human, this year’s event promises to be better than ever.

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HIS year, the Loeries Judging migrates to Cape Town’s iconic City Hall and becomes part of Creative Week CT from 15-23 September 2012.

The week includes a seminar on Friday 21 September 2012, featuring insights from a selection of top global brand leaders – including the Loeries four international jury chairmen.

Speakers include Tony Granger, Global Chief Creative Officer of Young & Rubicam, Direct, PR & Live Events Chairman: Alex Schill, Global Chief Creative Officer of Serviceplan Gruppe, Print Communication Chairman: David Nobay, Creative Director of Droga5 Australia, Design Chairman: Chris Lee, Creative Director of Asylum Singapore.

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We asked Andrew what makes this year’s show different. “This year we have moved judging to Cape Town for the first time, becoming part of Creative Week. With this, the International Seminar of Creativity also becomes part of the week. The seminar has a fantastic lineup of speakers, including the jury chairmen, John Hunt, a google USA representative as well as an international panel via google hangout. And for the first time, we have the trade expo at the City Hall.

Also, the Saturday afternoon activities are moving from Camps Bay to the V&A Waterfront, including the first Mayor’s Media Brunch.”

Film & Event Media, the media house that publishes The Event Newspaper and the soon to be launched Event Planner’s Guide to South Africa, is proud to be organising The Loerie awards and Creative Week Expo.

Launched for the first time this year, The Loerie awards and Creative Week Expo will

take place from 20-22 September 2012 at the historic City Hall in Cape Town.

The Loerie Awards encompass all areas of brand communication and is considered by many to be the Creative Mecca of the South African advertitising community.

The Expo will take place alongside the awards weekend and also serve as the culmination of Creative Week, now in its third year, that runs in the week leading up to the Loeries.

A limited number of twenty exhibitors will not only be exposed to South Africa’s creative community, thousands of advertising agency movers and shakers, but also the international delegates attending the Loeries Seminar as well as 3000 award ceremony guests who will be registering at City Hall.

The Loerie Awards were first held in 1978, as a mechanism to support and grow television advertising. Since then the awards have expanded to encompass

of the most important dates on the creative calendar.

Launched for the first time in 2012, The Loerie Awards and Creative Week Expo will complete the Loeries experience. Creative Week Cape Town was started in partnership with the Loeries two years ago and is growing annually, to become a key week in Cape Town’s annual calendar. By 2014, Creative Week CT will be an integral part of the city’s creative and design platform.

But why is the Loeries important to a city like Cape Town? “South Africa has a wealth of creative talent and we need to nurture and grow that talent to develop a creative economy that competes globally. The main role of the Loeries is to promote creativity as a vital business tool – ideas and innovation are key elements for building brands and the value of the creative services sector to Cape Town’s economy is great. The city is ideally positioned to lead South Africa as a creative hub and

“The Loerie Awards encompass all areas of brand communication & is considered by many to be the Creative Mecca of the South African advertitising community.” every area of brand communication including radio and print, design, architecture, direct marketing, nonbroadcast video, live events, and digital media. Creative Week Cape Town started in 2010 as a legacy event for Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014 bid to coincide with The Loeries. It is a celebration of Cape Town Cape Town’s creative life and includes lectures, presentations, demonstrations and networking.

Together, Creative Week Cape Town and The Loerie Awards have become one

the Loeries is helping to cement Cape Town’s position as the creative capital,” says Andrew.

Andrew teases that this year’s ceremony is going to be inspired by the best in brand communication from the region.

“We have 1600 seats in the main auditorium per night plus 600 seats for the live relay on Saturday and 800 tickets for the Live Relay from the Official Party on Sunday. So that’s a total of 4,600 seats over the two nights.”

BUSINESS EVENTS

THE EVENT GOES TO INDIA INCENTIVE Travel & Conventions, Meetings India (IT&CM India) took place from 2123 August 2012 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi NCR, India . The Event’s publishing editor, Lance Gibbons attended the show.

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T&CM India is an international MICE business, education and networking event that advances opportunities of “Promoting India to the World and the World to India”. It is the first in the IT&CM series of events that also offers international and leading India exhibitors and buyers in the industry a dedicated avenue to showcase and procure luxury travel. In addition to the proven IT&CM programme formula comprising of struc-

Martin says, “Being successful in the future means you have to throw away the rule book. This is the changing nature of conferences.”

He says differentiators in a flat world include alliances, technology, creativity and competitiveness.

The keynote address was followed by the Joint Official Press Conference by IT&CM India and Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chairman of the India Convention Promotion Bureau.

“The Ministry of Tourism is aware of the opportunity in MICE tourism and has taken a number of initiatives to make India a preferred MICE destination,” said Chander.

Addressing the issue of the Indian visa application process, he added: Martin Sirk

“IT&CM India - Promoting India to the World and the World to India” tured business appointments, exhibition showcase, seminar sessions, official networking functions and tours, delegates to the three day event received access to India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB)’s Conventions India Conclave (CIC) and other partnering events that promised to enhance their investment at IT&CM India Over 300 delegates attended the 7th Conventions India Conclave (CIC), a prelude to complement IT&CM India’s three-day programme.

This added merit to the ongoing collaboration between TTG Events and India Convention Promotion Bureau.

The event’s keynote address on “Understanding the True Value of International Association Meetings” was delivered

by International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)’s CEO, Martin Sirk.

“The government has taken many proactive steps to make it easier for many countries to obtain visas on arrival. These changes will be put into effect soon.”

Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media and the organiser of the show, shared in his address that IT&CM India 2012 has attracted delegates from 57 countries. “The event is small this year, with a focus on quality,” Darren said.

“Our exhibitors are in the position of being able to make up to a hundred appointments over the two business days.”

Pre-show city tours international buyers and media included a sightseeing expedition of New Delhi’s best such Qutab Minar, Hamayun Tomb, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House.

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BUSINESS EVENTS

INTEGRATING EXHIBITIONS INTO THE EVENTING MIX

John Paul Waites

AS the lines in the traditional marketing mix have become blurred, exhibitions have increasingly been integrated into the overall solution, so says John Paul Waites, director of Eventworx.

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OHN explains that he often finds himself working on behalf of a corporate brand to exploit a sponsorship around an event that has multiple touch points - from destination management, guest hospitality, content creation and brand activation - that includes the need for an innovative exhibition solution as part of the package.

Partner for Perfection THE secret lies in our partnership model: to build the best possible solution

we will work with stand designers and builders, sophisticated technical solution providers and content creators to bring the material to life. It is crucial that what we do on the exhibition stand is integrated into (and is relevant) to the other touch points for the campaign. As a result, the exhibition stand is an important part of our tool kit as Event Architects.

For example, we recently came up with a solution for the Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking Division’s sponsorship of the IMN Conference hosted in Cape Town in late 2011. To meet the client’s multi-layered objectives, the exhibition solution combined the stand design and building skills of Scan Display, a multi-screen digital wall supplied and managed by Gearhouse, and a

custom developed blend of content from the client’s advertising agencies. Collectively, the solution allowed for the stand to be very dynamic, (changing themes) and focused to suit the agenda. It was also suited to Standard Bank’s achievements as they related to the content of the conference. By combining the exhibition solution with social media tools driven from customised iPads, the stand became an interactive and highly engaging space for visitors - allowing them to ‘grab’ select images and content.

Digital Integration TABLETS, Internet access, social media tools, touch screen technology and sophisticated multi-screen digital walls are now a major element of exhibition solutions. If used and combined correctly, digital platforms enable a presentation to be far more dynamic from a content delivery perspective, and much more interactive allowing visitors to control the content they wish to view and ‘pull’ it down for their own use. As a result, exhibitions are increasingly focused on the visitors’ needs rather than the host’s desire to aggressively push certain content onto them.

Green Solutions HAVING designed and installed an exhibition solution at COP17 event hosted in Durban late last year, Eventworx had the chance to see developments in ‘greening’ the industry. Constructing a stand almost exclusively with ‘green’ materials did pose some challenges, but it is definitely possible. Electricity credits can be acquired from ‘off-grid’ suppliers, structures can be crafted from sustainable materials, paints and adhesives with minimal chemical content are available, and lighting can be supplied via energy efficient LED products. In addition, newer screens have low power settings to significantly reduce their energy consumption, not to mention using products like glass allows for re-cycling after the event.

So for those in the industry who are committed to a greener, cleaner future, the materials are becoming increasingly accessible, affordable and technologically advanced.

By taking a collaborative, partner-driven approach to designing exhibitions, and integrating highly interactive digital platforms into every solution, exhibitions can become a major attraction and central feature of every event.

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BUSINESS EVENTS

INCREDIBLE INDIA DAY A one-day show to celebrate India’s Independence Day featured 30 dancers and musicians who were flown out from India to participate. Incredible India Day takes place annually at Brightwater Commons in Randburg, Johannesburg.

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AUFAL Khan and his company Ganesha Communications were brought on board in 2010 by the event’s owner, the India Club of SA. “Because we specialise in promoting the Indian lifestyle market we are able to advertise it to the right corporates in terms of investment and we know who to target for the audience, so we have been quite central in reorganising the way it’s positioned,” says Naufal. “At one stage it was a small event attracting about 1,000 people and since we took over the PR, consulting

dence Day is truly multicultural so our attendance of black, white and Indian people is very balanced.”

The India Club is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of India, and every year it strives to improve the show. Last year it flew in a tribal dance group that had never been seen in South Africa before.

This year it has commissioned martial arts experts performing a type of martial art never previously performed here.

Another group will perform a dance form that was almost destroyed by the British colonisers, but was kept alive secretly and is now regaining popularity.

“The Indian government has taken a very keen interest in the event because it’s been around for about nine years and is an established brand,” says Naufal. “It’s also about community involvement and members of the

“The Indian government has taken a very keen interest in the event” and event management we have been able to give it the proper presentation it requires. We make sure there is business participation from South African and Indian companies.”

Brightwater Commons went through a slump a few years ago and has never fully recovered. It hosts several events each year in a bid to bring back the crowds, and Naufal says the venue has improved steadily in recent years. Brightwater doesn’t charge for hosting the event because it brings people in, so admittance to the event is free.

Randburg has a sizeable Indian community but people travel from across the province to attend Incredible India Day. “India Indepen-

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India Club are financially invested in making sure the organisation promotes it properly and provides this event the honour and respect it deserves. We lay out a budget and specify what we are looking for and everyone digs deep to assist.”

Indian TV channels Star TV and Vijay TV are among the sponsors, along with several Indian banks that are supporting the event in cash and kind. “They know the value of the festival so they don’t really ask for much in return,” Naufal says, but the sponsors get mentioned on stage and their logos appear on advertising material and banners.

Shopping will be a major part of the festival, with stalls selling clothing, home decor, music and ayurvedic treat-

ment products. The Incredible India Tourism bureau will have a stand to hand out brochures and information about holidays in India.

Complaints levied against the recent Best of India Show in Cape Town’s CTICC were that many vendors came from Durban, not India, and some were selling cheap knock-off products made in China. Naufal says local Indian tradesmen will be welcome to sell alongside international retailers at Incredible India Day, but their goods will be monitored for authenticity.

Ganesha Communications was not involved in the Cape Town event, but it would like

to take Incredible India Day to Cape Town soon. A more immediate aim is to take it to Durban, which boasts a large Indian population.

“It will probably go national next year. We have a very sound plan in place and we have a national database of exhibitors who could participate. There is a demand from Durban and we are also in discussions with Cape Town, and if the city Councils say ‘bring the festival here’ we will. We obviously require an invitation because we want involvement from the community and the councils themselves.”

Lesley Stones

BUSINESS EVENTS

TURNING RESPONSIBLE PROFIT THE Peninsula All-Suite Hotel General Manager Chris Godenir was invited to speak at the Joint Association Members Meeting Session (JAMMS) at The Rotunda, Camps Bay on 18 July 2012. Having embarked on the two-year long Responsible Tourism (RT) Pilot Project in partnership with the City of Cape Town, Chris is well versed on the topic of suitable tourism.

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HRIS’ talk looked at whether it’s possible to make a profit whilst being environmentally and socially responsible.

Chris explains that being responsible entails being environmentally friendly, graded, BEE compliant, and have people management and CSI plans in place. “Being Responsible

does not make a company profitable, but it helps,” he says.

Being environmentally friendly not only contributes towards the sustainability of the planet, saves on expenses and creates jobs.

Chris says the first step is to become hospitality graded, so venues can better understand the market and also set their pricing. Being BEE compliant also develops a culture of pride, culture and transformation. he believes a people management strategy ensures a motivated team, productivity and staff retention. A corporate Social Responsibility plan also build’s team motivation.

Chris uses the Peninsula as an example of responsibility success. In the last five years the hotel hasn’t spent

a cent on recruitment and has cut electricity usage by 10%. The hotel is also a pilot Member on Cape Town Responsible Tourism Project.

The Peninsula has recently been the first to submit the required monitoring, profile and policy statement for the RT Pilot Project. Another recent achievement includes being awarded a Gold Heritage Environmental Certificate.

The Peninsula invested R300 000.00 in 2012 to install energy efficient lighting throughout the hotel’s premises as well as energy saving heat-pumps in the 10 outdoor Jacuzzis in the executive suites, the Peninsula will be able to reduce their carbon emissions by some 50,000 kilograms per month.

JAMMS is a joint quar-

Chris Godenir

terly meeting between CTT, Fedhasa, SATSA and SAACI and works towards a prosperous tourism future for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

ICCA POINTS TO AFRICA

Arnaldo Nardone

ICCA president Arnaldo Nardone was in Johannesburg to address delegates at the SAACI National Conference and the ICCA African Chapter Educational

Workshop.

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RNALDO’S presentation identified trends in the conference

landscape, specially with regard to the African continent.

Arnaldo says he has seen a growth in regional meetings, particularly in Asia-Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. “It is strategically important for ICCA to build a long-term presence in these markets,” he told delegates.

He believes the conference industry should look for opportunities in these emerging markets and that Africa shouldn’t be seen as an expensive, long haul destination any longer, but rather identified it as a region of growth, where companies can leave a lasting legacy.

He said economic development is a natural result of international meetings. “We spend far too much energy on calculating the direct expenditure of meetings and not enough thinking about why

meetings take place. It is vital to understand what is happening within those meetings – what knowledge is being transferred and created, which connections are being made with the rest of the world, which investments are being made and which business opportunities are being discovered.”

“The delegate expenditure at a breakfast meeting during a conference may be 50 US$, but the outcome of these conversations can be a new 5m US$ investment in a technology centre, he said.”

“Think of the knowledge exchanged and the quality of life that is improved for patients when African nurses attend a global meeting in South Africa, listening to the finest experts talking about the latest ways to prevent or cure diseases.”

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BUSINESS EVENTS

NEW SAACI GM APPOINTED

Lorin Bowen

LORIN Bowen has been appointed as general manager of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), with effect from 1 September 2012.

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L

ORIN’S appointment follows the resignation of industry stalwart Adene Pringle, who is re-

tiring to the Western Cape town of Kleinmond, after serving as general manager of the association for ten years.

SAACI National Chairperson Nina Freysen-Pretorius says Lorin’s appointment follows a thorough process to find a suitable candidate for the position.

“We received 27 applications and short-listed six people, who each did an extensive interview with a panel of SAACI board members,” she says.

“We are very pleased to have someone with intimate knowledge of the association, its roles and its strategic objectives.”

Lorin is a past chairperson of SAACI’s Northern Territories branch and currently serves as national vice chairperson of the association. She will vacate

this position as soon as she joins SAACI’s national office on a full-time basis.

Lorin holds a certificate in hotel management from the former Technikon Witwatersrand and a diploma in public relations from the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa.

Currently employed as public relations and marketing manager at the Indaba Hotel, she has extensive hospitality and conference industry experience.

“Being the General Manager of an industry association is really a very challenging and tricky position to hold. We welcome Lorin to the SAACI head office and trust she will find the environment stimulating and rewarding,” says Nina.

T h e E v e nt | 15

BUSINESS EVENTS

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUDGET

Leah McCrae

LEAH McCrae, MD of Strike Productions, talks us through the importance of budget in event planning.

I

N the event industry, the task of budgeting is perhaps the most important feature in ensuring the success of the event and the business as a whole.

Without it, there is no way to manage all the expenses and avoid the hidden costs which invariably creep in.

Allocating sufficient funds for each aspect of the event will ensure that the client’s expectations are met.

A budget is a forecast of expenditures, so it is particularly essential to plan carefully and prioritise what

service providers attending the first meeting.

“The creative team usually come up with a fantastic concept which is sold to the client because of the “wow” factor, but the technical team has the task to make the dream come true.

The technical equipment and the expertise behind it are the core and foundation of any event. Many clients understand the importance of the technical aspect, but nevertheless would rather take money from the technical budget to add to other event elements, such as décor. Technical budgets have to be taken seriously and cannot be overlooked. The budget needs to be discussed

“A significant portion of the expense will be spent on venue, so it is important to establish what the rental fee includes” needs to be accomplished.

Leah McCrae, Director of technical event support company Strike Productions, is adamant about all

16 | The Event

extensively, because if it is tight, then alternative solutions can be suggested to suit the expenditure. A cost constraint should be estab-

lished before a project is carried out. This will avoid disappointment on the part of the client.”

Sticking to a strict budget also encourages the event planner to consider possible problems before they arise, so that there is a viable solution, should they occur. A thorough consultation with the technical team is vital, so that the client has an understanding of the costs that will be incurred in order to achieve the desired concept.

“Technical excellence cannot be questioned after an event if the budget is cut back halfway through a project” adds Leah. “An event can only run smoothly once the funds have been allocated properly and the goals are being met. Most technical companies give the clients great discounts and add in many extras, but clients need to be fair and realistic as to how far a technical budget can stretch”.

The budget should also include catering costs, decor, entertainment and art-

ists’ fees, printing charges, gifts, activities expenses and possibly transportation charges.

The first decision to be made is finding the right venue for the concept proposed, which ultimately contributes to the success of any event. A significant portion of the expense will be spent on venue, so it is important to establish what the rental fee includes and whether there are any unseen costs. Most venues do provide basic facilities such as parking or security, but it is imperative to check on the technical aspects, depending on the needs required for a particular event. Overspending on the venue is a common problem and usually leads to budget cuts elsewhere, which might compromise the end result. Finding the correct balance should be the primary goal.

“At Strike Productions we accompany our clients to the venue to ensure that the choice suits the concept realistically and within the budget. This will give the planner a better understanding of the venue rather than looking at a brochure” comments Leah.

Depending on the size of the event, it is ideal to have a contingency fund as part of the budget, as despite careful planning, there could be costs that exceed the initial projected plans. Budgeting for hidden costs is wise, because if any emergencies arise, they will have been catered for. “If the client has huge expectations but hasn’t got the budget to match them, then the best thing to do is to re-visit the goals and suggest alternatives that ensure a feasible expense in addition to producing a successful, rewarding and stress-free project”.

BUSINESS EVENTS

HOSTING A SMALL, INTIMATE EVENT INTIMATE events can often present a different set of challenges to organisers, especially when it comes to venues, rsvps and entertainment options. Frequently, issues that occur within all event environments are more demanding when it comes to functions on a smaller scale.

M

WEB Business recently needed to host private dinners around the country to thank their top performing business partners in their three main trade regions.

Eventworx were tasked with organising these dinners, so without delay, The Event Architects were hard at work sourcing suitable venues, choosing different entertainment options and planning timelines to make sure the necessary repre-

sentatives from MWEB Business were available and that the awards were not spread out too far apart.

Audience numbers WHEN audiences are small, the slightest hint of a drop in attendance is glaringly obvious, so it’s crucial to ensure that the guests of honour and award winners are able to attend, especially for evenings like MWEB’s Business Partner Awards. By the same token, small intimate functions are a great high-level networking opportunity, so it’s essential that the right people from the host business are on hand to greet clientele and to make them feel welcome and worthwhile.

Venue INTIMATE events lend them-

selves to smaller, extremely organised venues like Boutique hotels, unique restaurants with private dining rooms, or even some of the service-orientated bigger hotels who can manage these sorts of events well. It is far better to avoid venues with huge capacities; nobody wants to be the small function next door to the huge gala dinner.

Getting entertainment right SMALL groups open a whole new range of opportunities for entertainers who are suited to a more intimate audience: from street magicians, young, up and coming comedians, acoustic musicians to unique speakers with great stories. This also keeps the event cost effective, as traditional entertainers are often a bit pricey. While it

provides the artists with a platform to showcase their talents, it’s similarly an opportunity for guests to experience something out the ordinary.

Our MWEB Business Partner Events presented all these challenges to us and while we met them and exceeded expectations, it’s always a good thing to take stock and gain a new perspective on the creative structure and process of an event.

The Event | 17

BUSINESS EVENTS

ARTS FESTIVAL KEEPS GROWING

Grahamstown National Arts Festival

THE brave souls that tackled the 38th National Arts Festival in Grahamstown braced themselves for the bitter cold typical of this Eastern Cape village in the middle of winter.

However, they were pleasantly surprised by unusually warm weather, and an enormous variety of drama, dance and music productions, art exhibits and comedy shows.

F

ROM 27 June - 7 July 2012 there is hardly a church, hall, coffee shop or hotel that does not come alive with artistic offerings. Live installations, puppetry, craft markets and foodstalls bring the streets to life.

This arts festival is a good example of how organisers can utilise every possible venue in the town to create an integrated festival. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, school halls, university residences, family homes and campgrounds are all up for rent. They even have a Festival Hopper which runs frequently throughout the day and scoots you within, at the worst, a five minute walk from your next venue.

And believe me you need this because if you are a serious festival goer, and you would

18 | The Event

like to cram in as many of the 500 productions as you can, time and meticulous planning is of the essence.

Planning for the shows you want to see is made easy with the organisers’ 150-page A4 Festival book. But you will need at least one full day just to get through the book. The website is also constantly updated and easy to navigate.

Despite the world’s continued economic woes, the arts festival keeps on growing in the number and variety of productions as well as their

paying off. The rand value of our ticket sales increased by 18% even though the average ticket price increased by just 6% (from R43.90 in 2011 to R46.46 in 2012). Audiences seem to have more disposable income than in previous years, and are responding well to the strong programme on offer,”Tony said.

Putting on such an enormous festival that has more than 47 performance venues takes some serious coordination and equipment. This year’s festival used 140km

“This year’s fest had the biggest Fringe offering in its 38 year history according to the organisers.” ticket sales.

“Our attendance was 218 236 across the Main, Fringe and our various free events,” Festival CEO Tony Lankester said. “This is up on the 200 771 reported last year, and continues the trend of steady upward growth.” The organizers say the reason for this is that South Africans are turning their attention to local destinations as international trips become more expensive.

“Our efforts to keep our ticket prices relatively low are

of cable, 1200 theatre lights, 376 speakers, 56 tons of scaffolding, 414 meters of lighting bars and 320 liters of black paint. More than 12 tons of sound and lighting equipment and 5,7 tons of stage weights were used during the festival. They also managed to go through 1460 rolls of toilet paper (single ply).

Main productions which enjoyed sold-out performances include An Evening with Pieter Dirk Eish; Sibongile Khumalo’s Reflect. Cele-

brate.Live; two productions from the French Non Nova Company, Vortex and Afternoon of a Foehn; and Race starring Michael Richard and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube. Traditional Festival staples The Gala Concert and Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Giselle sold out.

The lineup of the Standard Bank Jazz Festival demonstrated the broad appeal of this event-within-an- event with Ernie Smith, The Bala Brothers, Mango Groove and Andy Narell all playing to sellout audiences.

This year’s fest had the biggest Fringe offering in its 38 year history according to the organizers. The Fringe artists also enjoyed success with stand-up comedians David Newton, Siv Ngesi and Rob van Vuuren doing well. They boasted many sold-out productions and a generally good turn out in audience members.

The festival also played host to a range of international producers and festival directors. The first global gathering of World Fringe Alliance members took place in Grahamstown, attended by the directors of the New York, Brighton, Prague, Amsterdam, Perth, and Adelaide Fringe Festivals.

“As a direct result of the Alliance meeting, several South African productions have been invited to tour to other Festivals,” Tony, who was also re-elected Chair of the Alliance, said.

“This is a major nod to South Africa’s artists, and represents a big opportunity for them to take their rightful place on the world stage,” he explains. “Now that the invitations have been extended, the National Arts Festival will work closely with the productions and with the National Department of Arts and Culture and other funders to make it possible for those productions to travel.”

Astrid Stark

BUSINESS EVENTS

EVENT LISTINGS DIARISE

World Down Syndrome Congress 14-17 August, CTICC, Cape Town

Decorex

AUGUST

Nando’s Comedy Festival 14-19 August, Playhouse Theatre, Durban

ICCA Africa Workshop 1-2 August, Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng

IP Expo 15-16 August, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

Southern Africa Marketing Reasearch Association (SAMRA) 16-17 August, Rosebank Crowne Plaza, JHB

South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress 15-17 August, ICC Durban

IT & CM India 21-23 August, India Expo Centre & Mart, India

Interbuild Africa 15-18 August, Johannesburg Expo Centre

EXSA Western Cape Chapter Meeing 23 August, CTICC, CPT

SAMRAConference 16-17 August, Rosebank Crowne Plaza, JHB

SAACI KZN Committee Meeting 29 August, TBC

SEPTEMBER Sports & Events Tourism Exchange 12-14 September, ICC Durban Site International Conference 14-17 September, Beijing, China SAACI KZN Committee Meeting 26 September, TBC

OCTOBER ICCA Congress 20-24 October, San Juan, Puerto Rico

NOVEMBER UFI Congress 2012 6-9 November, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates SAACI KZN Year End Function 22 November, TBC EIBTM 27-29 November,Barceona, Spain For more or to add your own: www.theevent.co.za/diarise

August ICCA Africa Workshop 1-2 August, Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng Tourism Business Conference 2 August, Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town Intervitis Interfructa Southern Africa Exhibition 2-4 August, CTICC, Cape Town The Luxury Travel Fair 3-4 August, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Baba indaba 3-5 August, CTICC, CPT Keivits Kroon Arts Exhibition 5-26 August, Kievits Kroon, Pretoria Conversations on Architecture 8 August, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand Switchfoot live in South

Africa 8 August, The Big Top Arena, Carnival City, JHB Women’s Arts Week 8-11 August, Artscape Theatre Centre, CPT Decorex 8-12 August, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand OppiKoppi festival - Sweet Thing 9-11 August, Northam, Limpopo Klein Karoo Klassique 9-12 August, Oudtshoorn Robertson Slow 10-12 August, Robertson Switchfoot live in South Africa 11 August, Grand Arena, Grand West, CPT Africa International Hair Extravaganza 11-12 August, Coca-Cola dome

Investment Solutions Intermediary Focus 17 August, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Andre Rieu 17 August, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Gravity Adventure Festival 17-19 August, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Kleinmond 5th International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering - ICACTE 18-19 August, CTICC, CPT Nando’s Comedy Festival 20-26 August, Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg IT&CMA India 21-23 August, India Expo Centre, Delhi Durban Business Fair 21-23 September, ICC Durban Logistics Indaba 21-24 August, North West Transport Museum, Klerksdorp The Event | 19

20 | The Event

T h e E v e nt | 21

BUSINESS EVENTS

EVENT LISTINGS 31 August - 2 September, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

7-9 September, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

South African Society for the Surgery of the hand annual congress 31 August - 2 September, Elangeni Hotel, Durban

La Motte Classical Music Concert 8 September, La Motte, Western Cape

September adidas Originals Live Performances: Little Dragon 1 September, MOAD, Johannesburg Imibala - Carnival of Colour Benefit 1 September, Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town

Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience 8 September, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch International Aquarium Congress (IAC) 9-14 September, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town

Franschhoek Uncorked 1-2 September, Franschhoek

South African Genetics and Bioinformatics Society Conference 10-12 September, Stellenbosch University

SA Orthopaedic Association Congress 3-7 September, ICC Durban

Social Media World Africa 10-13 September, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

Shoprite Checkers Conference 3-7 September, ICC Durban

The Internet Show 10-13 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Nando’s Comedy Festival 3-9 September, Artscape Theatre Cape town Intermodal Africa 5-7 September, ICC Durban BT Africa Expo 6-7 September, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Baba indaba 7-9 September, Bloemfontein Showgrounds National Boat Show 7-9 September, Coca-Cola dome, JHB South African Tattoo 7-9 September, Montecasino, Johannesburg FNB JHB Art Fair 7-9 September, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Eastern Bridal Fair

22 | The Event

Electra Mining 10-14 September, Johannesburg Expo Centre

Season of Savignon Takes place from 6-7 October, 2012

Convention Centre, JHB Creative Week Cape Town 15-23 September, Cape Town Planning Africa 16-19 September, ICC Durban Business Indaba 17-18 September, CTICC, CPT SA Council of Shopping Centres Congress 19-20 September, ICC Durban

Cape Town Marathon 23 September, Ciy Central, CPT Cape Town Wine Show & Vindaba 25-27 September, CTICC, Cape Town South African National Horse Championships 26-29 September, Tulbagh Show Grounds, Tulbagh

Pendoring Awards 21 September, Cape Town

Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of SA (ABASA) Conference 27-28 September, ICC Durban

E-Tourism Africa Summit 13-14 September, CTICC, CPT

Durban Business Fair 21-23 September, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

SEXPO 27-30 September, Johannesburg Expo Centre

Spar Back to School Trade Show 13-14 September, ICC Durban

Soweto Festival 21-24 September, Johannesburg Expo Centre

Sports & Events Tourism Exchange 12-14 September, ICC Durban

Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo 13-16 September, CocaCola dome, JHB

Good Food and Wine Show 21-24 September, CocaCola dome, JHB

Medunsa Refresher Course 14-16 September, CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria

Sunday Tribune Garden Show 21-24 September, Royal Show Grounds Pietermaritzburg

ISBC 15-18 September, Santon

Loerie Awards 22-23 September, CTICC, CPT

Nederburg Auction 28-29 September, Nederberg, Paarl Go Glamour 28-29 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg The Green Expo 28-29 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Hermanus Whale Festival 28 September - 1 October, Hermanus, Western Cape Heineken Symphonic Rocks

BUSINESS EVENTS

SETE RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF SPORT SPORTS and Events Tourism Exchange takes place from 12 - 14 September 2012 at ICC Durban.

W

ITH the past tourism focus having been on the Leisure and Business sectors, the introduction of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) Exhibition and Conference has played an integral part in promoting the new “sports” trend within the industry.

The programme includes a talk by KZN MEC for Arts Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ntombikayise SibhidlaSaphetha on Kwazulu-Natal as an events destination, followed by Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula who will introduce South Africa as a Sports Tourism Destination. SASCOC will also speak about its role in positioning South Africa as a sports tourism destination.

Other topics to be covered include skills development, Global Communication Strategies for Major Events, sponsorship and bidding.

A highlight is Chris Foy, Head of 2012 Games unit Visit Britain Tourism, who will be taking delegates through Visit Britain’s Global Strategy for London 2012.

This year’s exhibition and conference has already been bolstered with the news that twenty high profile international buyers have signed on for the events International Hosted Buyers (IHB) programme. Tasked with promoting the country as a popular sports and events destination, international interest in the 2nd annual SETE event has peaked following the announcement that South Africa was presented with the prestigious “World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination” award at the 2012 World Travel Awards held in Doha towards the end of last year.

James Seymour, CEO of

Durban Kwa-Zulu Natal Convention Bureau, said that “attracting international buyers to SETE 2012 is the key component to achieving our goal of promoting South Africa as a destination for international mega events, as well as further entrenching the country as the preferred location for sports and tourism activities for both local and international travellers. As a country we are able to offer top class facilities and services, making South Africa a prime location for all top-level international sports events and concerts”.

a move that will bolster both the scope and efficacy of Sports and Events Tourism Exchange’s online marketing campaign in the lead up to their event at the ICC Durban later this year.

SETE Conference Director Sugen Pillay said that “maximising our online presence is a big part of our marketing and PR strategy. Identifying the appropriate social media platform and choosing from one of the many channels available to ensure that our messages are targeting the right audience is crucial, and

SETE Conference Director Sugen Pillay said that “maximising our online presence is a big part of our marketing and PR strategy.

Organisers Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group has partnered with iSportconnect, the world’s largest sports business community,

in this way the specialised nature of the iSportconnect community is an ideal match.

The ability to communicate with a captive audience is

crucial, and the user-friendly way in which iSportconnect amalgamates all relevant and useful information renders it a powerful tool in the sports business industry”. iSportconnect offers an exclusive online platform that brings together thousands of sports business professionals worldwide.

CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports Sector Education and Training Authority) have partnered with SETE as naming sponsors. As one of 21 SETA’s (sector education and training authority) in South Africa, the partnership of CATHSSETA with SETE is sure to bolster what is already shaping up to be an influential event, featuring the National Sports Tourism Steering committee’s presentation of the national sports tourism strategy, as well as presentations, debates and discussions with a number of high profile international and local speakers.

T h e E v e nt | 23

BUSINESS EVENTS

SETE EXHIBITORS MAKE MOST OF THE PLATFORM

Rovos Rail will be launchng their Golf Safari at SETE

EXHIBITORS are gearing up for the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange.

O

ASYS’s Bryan Kennedy believes sports tourism is a multi-billion rand industry. “Each of the sport bodies or associations should be able to report on events hosted and a collective value by all would be a more accurate measurement. The public, private sectors and South Africans in general are well aware that

it mobilises positive engagement by all communities.

The enthusiastic welcome at OR Tambo Airport which our athletes received after their return from London – immaterial if they won gold, silver, bronze or no medal – stands testimony to this.”

Bryan believes the interschool tournament industry is also growing in leaps and bounds.

“Companies like Steinhoff and FNB are actively supporting inter-school rugby festivals. Of course, there

“The public, private sectors and South Africans in general are well aware that sport unites people.” sport unites people. It serves as a change agent and we have all witnessed how people bond one-on-one or in groups when ‘Team South Africa’ is victorious. No value can be attached to this as

24 | The Event

are other sponsors in different types of sport categories, but the main beneficiaries are the learners who also have an opportunity to get into the public eye through televised events.

Companies with an organised CSI strategy are well informed that sport creates a healthy community and create components that would attract and develop the leaders of tomorrow. Sport development amongst the youth should however take a priority with the Department of Sport and we should compare our own programmes with those that are created by the public sector in other countries.

While there are some initiatives in place, there is always room for improvement. The gymnasts from Russia and Romania are children but they are products of those countries, with large investments from the respective public sectors.”

Edward Mitchell, from Rovos Rail, will be promoting the company’s Golf Safari and African Golf Collage, both nine-day fully inclusive classic journeys around South Africa. This panoramic

nine-day sojourn commences in Pretoria and winds its way to journey’s end in Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. The first leg traverses the majestic Drakensberg escarpment en route to the lowveld of Mpumalanga.

Springbok Atlas will be celebrating its brand new look at SETE. With sixty-six years of transporting millions of people in its fleet of luxury and semi-luxury vehicles, Springbok Atlas Charter is one of the largest, longestlived complete transport management companies in South Africa and Namibia.

In celebration of its exceptional heritage, the company’s trusted brand Springbok Atlas Luxury Charter has been given a fresh brandmakeover that reflects their stature and relevance in the transport industry today.

BUSINESS EVENTS

THE VALUE OF SPORT THE Event spoke to Carol Weaving of Thebe Exhibitions and Conference Group, who are the organisers of Sports and Events Tourism Exchange, about why sport is important.

2008/09 where research has shown that most Europeans do not travel for leisure purposes but for specific reasons – sport being a key driver for European travel.

How is South Africa ideally suited for sporting events, specifically mega events?

WITH the success of hosting the FIFA World Cup and other major events like the IPL, British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour, Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup and other major events – we have the capacity and infrastructure to host more international events. SA

Is there government support (in the form of incentive or otherwise) in bringing sporting events in to the country?

CURRENTLY SA does not have a proactive bidding strategy. Sports Federations have to submit proposals to the Sports Minister via SASCOC for government to issue guarantees to bring events into SA. At this year’s SETE conference

Carol Weaving

“SETE is aimed at encouraging collaboration between the sports and tourism industries.” was also voted last year by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Best Sports Tourism Destination which reaffirms our position as a mega events destination.

What is the value of the sporting events industry?

IT 2011 it was estimated that the sports industry contributes about USD 182 billion to the global tourism economy which translates to an 18% contribution to tourism. The FIFA World Cup contributed about R3.6 billion to the SA economy based on visitors’ direct expenditure during the world cup.

Is this an industry that is growing?

THE 2011 estimate of sport contributing 18% to the tourism economy globally is 8% up from 2006, which means that the industry is definitely growing. Also the travel trends in Europe have changed since the world economic crisis of

a plan developed by THEBE which outlines the key sports events SA should be bidding for over the next 17 years will be discussed.

One of the key recommendations of the plan is the establishment of an Events Fund to support bids for events.

What infrastructure would a venue have to have in place to attract a sporting event?

IT depends on the event.

An Olympic event will require world class infrastructure to accommodate all 26 Olympic codes of sport in one city. An event like the Athletics World Championships will require stadium capacity of 20,000 – so its really event specific.

The plan which we developed addresses this issue for each sports code What are the challenges involved?

FOR most sports federations the lack of funding is a key issue. The lack of

adequate world class facilities for most sporting codes is also a major issue. This is mainly the reason why many federations cannot bid for international events. The plan developed by THEBE and SASCOC which will be discussed at the conference will hopefully address these challenges.

How big is the inter-school tournament industry?

ITS dependent on each sporting code. SRSA has a school sports program and I’m not sure how successful this is. Rugby, cricket and athletics have been successful in this area but other sporting codes and looking at this as a future growth opportunity What are the limitations of sponsorship?

DUE to the recent economic crisis most major corporates in SA have withdrawn or reduced their sponsorships from sports – Standard Bank, Sasol, etc. The

market for sponsorships is limited and most sponsors are looking for opportunities that will translate into increased sales with less investment. At this year’s SETE conference we have Adidas speaking about the sponsorship trends in sport and what are the implications.

How can a small event management company get involved?

THE SETE platform is aimed at encouraging collaboration between the sports and tourism industries. This is an ideal platform for event management companies to promote themselves to the international buyers, government and sports stakeholders. The conference also presents a great opportunity for event companies to understand the opportunities available within the sports tourism industry and government’s strategy to grow this industry.

T h e E v e nt | 25

BUSINESS EVENTS

SPORTS TOURISM ON THE RISE Mark Strydom

WITH the future of South African tourism not looking as bleak as in 2011, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange event will be hosted at the right time, says Mark Strydom, Chief Operations Officer, Oasys Innovations.

A

CCORDING to Nikki Forster, Price Waterhouse Coopers Director of Hospitality and quoting from Beeld newspaper 12 August 2012, there will be growth for the tourism sector and a demand for accom-

26 | Th e Event

modation. Growth is expected to be 4.6% by 2016. She says that although this is not extraordinary growth, it still represents a healthy growth.

Contrary to less interest from the European markets, there was strong growth from Asian and African markets and the Chinese market shows accelerated growth.

Mark Strydom, Chief Operations Officer at Oasys Innovations says: “We have noted a definite improvement in interest from international markets and having been contracted to supply the infrastructure for the China Sourcing Fair in December for the third successive year is certainly a boost for our own earnings as well as for tourism as several hundred people from Asia will be here to man their exhibition booths and to utilise various forms of accommodation for

the duration of the show and potentially staying behind for leisure and sightseeing purposes. A further accolade is our partnership with Sun International sharing their custombuilt stand at the Tourism and Sport Exchange from where we will be selling tickets for the 2012 Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC). We have also been contracted by Sun International to supply and manage the infrastructure for the NGC in December for the thirteenth time.”

Mark says that the industry needs to stay proactive in demonstrating to international markets our local capabilities and that the ‘Exchange’ provides a perfect platform for mobilising interest. “We may not rest on our laurels and believe that new business will simply drop into our laps. As a company we have learnt a lot from our

global partner, GL events, which was responsible for all the infrastructure and overlays for the London Olympic Games. Their success can be attributed to the fact that they create confidence in their offering and are supported by relevant authorities in the countries where they are contracted for major events. Following the performance of our Olympic athletes and announcements made by the Sports Ministry of on-going investments in our athletes to help them to excel in their future performance bodes well for the sports tourism industry. Sport tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of the global travel and tourism industry and our excellent facilities for training and presentation of major events serve as enablers to draw international interest.”

BUSINESS EVENTS

EXHIBITOR BRIEFING BRINGS VALUE EXHIBITOR briefings prior to an exhibition seem to have all but disappeared from management companies’ diaries with electronic communication overtaking an event where the logistics forms and deadline dates are laboriously gone through.

“

NOT so with The Wedding Expo,” says Amanda Cunningham, managing director of The Wedding Expo. “We continue to find that they are a valuable time to meet new exhibitors and catch up with those companies who are with us show after show.”

Amanda continues that the exhibitor briefing also provides a time when The Wedding Expo can give back to the industry by providing a platform for valuable speakers to impart expert knowledge. For the briefing for the

August expo, The Wedding Expo® invited business coach and co-author of 7 Steps to Expo Excellence, Graham Mitchell to address the audience.

Graham a business coach with ActionCoach Business Coaching, opened his presentation by explaining that the principles presented in the book where developed from on the ground research as ‘mystery shoppers’ at a range of exhibitions both consumer and trade in order to determine what exhibitors where doing right and what they were doing wrong.

It was found that a large percentage of companies on display showed that they had not implemented simple principles which would ensure success in generating leads in an expo setting and that it appeared that very little preplanning had been done.

“Planning your presence at the expo is important,” says Graham. “Because an expo places you in a highly competitive environment you need to know what your goals are so that you are able to target your market correctly.”

He says that because the market you need to target is far more defined than for example the bride-to-be, it is those who specifically fit your product.

In planning you must also determine what your unique selling proposition will be and present that on your stand; you need to showcase something that no one else can lay claim to and that is meaningful to prospects.

“Then, leverage the management companies promotional plans so that you can gain maximum exposure for your presence at the show.

In addition, they would be a great source of advice about what may and may not work in that expo environment.

In the case of The Wedding Expo for example, they have over eleven years of expertise in the market,” comments Graham.

Mitchell ended by reaffirming the importance of your sales process.

The Event | 27

28 | Th e Event

BUSINESS EVENTS

INNOVATIVE EVENTING STEPHANIE Moss, director of Stephanie Moss Solutions, offers shares her predictions on hot event industry trends which will keep you at the head of the pack.

“

THE eventing landscape has changed radically in the last few years and this is the most fast paced and interesting, changed time I’ve experienced in my 20 year involvement with the industry,” says Stephanie.

“Clients know what they want, it’s the most competitive time ever, value for money/’bang for your buck’ is demanded and we are expected to do more for less and loyalties are certainly different to what they traditionally were.”

“We are all being pushed to the limit to stay ahead of the game, but it’s an interesting time as there’s no hard and fast rules with regards what’s right or wrong in eventing any longer. The scope is there to invent new approaches and do things differently and this is the requirement needed to stay on top of the game currently.”

Stephanie’s top ten event’s industry trends are as follows: The I.T / Technology Factor CALL it what you will but this is cutting edge stuff that’s being integrated in all spheres of events. Mobile phone apps available for attendees and exhibitors are multiplying exponentially almost.

Delegates are expecting to be able to multi-task and do normal daily business at the same time as attending a conference.

Touch screen information booths are becoming more the norm.

Creative thinking.

WITH the creativity required these days to differentiate from other events comes

different /unconventional formats and new and novel approaches to the meetings arena are being conceptualized to engage with delegates and give audiences that experiential feeling.

Live Action /Reality formats THESE are becoming increasingly more widely used as a means of getting messages across as opposed to delegates just being lectured to. Interaction and experiential is the order of the day in other words.

Conferences will become more specific DELEGATES want to hone in on topics that relate specifically to them and not waste time on generic type information sessions. This could see smaller conferences joining in with larger conferences and running parallel SIG’s/Special Interest Groups.

Event organiSers will become more important to corporates COMPANIE will start seeing the benefit of using the expertise of an outsourced service as opposed to the expense of the internal headcount.

The experience will need to be real AS mentioned earlier on, being strong administratively won’t be enough. It’s going to become more and more about the experience and the creativity an organizer is able to bring to the party.

The job market potential WHILST I think it’s pretty flat here currently and not at its most innovative, I believe very shortly it’s all going to be happening in the Middle East and Asian markets. This is where eventing industry experts from all over are going to start looking for highly-paid positions where there are new and fresher markets than the

Stephanie Moss

traditional ones and interesting budgets to match.

Exhibitions GIVEN the huge costs involved with exhibiting at shows and congresses, I see this gradually changing and companies starting to look for other means to get through to their target audiences and be able to interact with people they have zoned in on as opposed to the shot gun approach at so many shows.

Food Glorious Food HEALTHIER eating options are the order of the day.

Less is more. Full meals in small picky, portable bowls have replaced chafing dishes at a large percentage of our events.

More and more we are suggesting to clients organi-

cally grown, localiSed, seasonal food options. Encouraging delegates to drink fresh water in glass jugs instead of bottled water is also something worth encouraging.

Décor and Lighting.

LIGHTNING needs to be used to its fullest. There are amazing LED’s out there that create the entire ambience of an event. Blue lighting is being used extensively and green lighting coming into its own to give a fresh and eco feel to an event.

Casual seating in formal conference rooms. We are offering this more and more.

Who says you can’t have the choice of sitting on a lounge couch or a bean bag or bar stool for a conference session?

T h e E v e nt | 29

BUSINESS EVENTS

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

IF you have any news highlights to share please visit our web portal www.theevent. co.za and load your own stories for consideration in next month’s edition.

SKAL Club opens in China THE first SKAL Club to be established in mainland China has been officially approved by the Chinese government authorities.

SKAL International Beijing has been officially formed with both Chinese and non-Chinese nationals as individual members.

It is the first, tourism, non-government organisation with individual members to be officially sanctioned by the government of the People’s Republic of China. Enrique Quesada, President of SKAL International, said he looked forward to the formal inauguration of the new SKAL Club.

“The Executive Committee of SKAL International was delighted to approve the first SKAL Club in mainland China and looks forward to welcoming many new SKAL members from China into the SKAL organisation,” Enrique said.

SKAL International was

30 | Th e Event

established in 1934 and is a professional organisation of tourism leaders worldwide, promoting global tourism and friendship.

SKAL International has approximately 18,000 members in 450 Clubs throughout 87 nations. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members, the industry’s managers and executives, meet at local, national, regional, and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest.

The story of how SKAL International Beijing came to be established is a remarkable one. Bernhard Clever, Past President of SKAL International Los Angeles, was attending a PATA conference in Beijing last year and inadvertently left his camera in a taxi on his way to the conference.

The taxi driver noticed the camera sometime after he had dropped Bernhard at the conference hotel and after dropping a passenger at the airport, went back to the hotel and arranged for the hotel staff to identify Mr. Clever on the hotel’s recorded vid-

eo security system. By this time, Bernhard had returned to his own hotel but undeterred, the taxi driver established the hotel where he was staying and drove across town to personally return the camera.

Touched by the taxi driver’s kindness, Bernhard approached Lu Yong, the Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, who was speaking at the conference and told him about the honesty and outstanding service of the Beijing taxi driver. This story was widely published in Beijing. Bernhard and Chairman Lu Yong developed a rapport that enabled a discussion to take place about the formation of SKAL International in Beijing.

Tony Boyle, Immediate Past President of SKAL International, from Towns-

China will open enormous opportunities for the travel industry to do business in China, both inbound and outbound, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds. I have no doubt there will be significant membership growth of SKAL International in China.”

The inaugural meeting of SKAL International Beijing will be held at the Beijing Asia Hotel in Beijing on Wednesday, August15, 2012 at 4:00 pm.

2011 Euro Fair Statistics THE 2011 European Fair Statistics provides audited figures for 21 countries. The 2011 edition of the Euro Fair Statistics report, published today, contains the audited statistics of 2,250 exhibitions from 21 European countries. Compiled by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry,

“SKAL International was established in 1934 and is a professional organization of tourism leaders worldwide” ville, Australia, met with Chairman Lu Yong shortly after this event, and a series of meetings and discussions transpired resulting in the formal approval by the Chinese authorities to form a SKAL chapter in Beijing.

Tony said he was touched by the warmth of the people of Beijing during his visits to China during the past year and was excited about the establishment of the branch.

“It’s really a great feeling to have finalised this complex negotiation, and I think it will have farreaching consequences,” he said, “China is the world’s largest burgeoning tourism destination, and the establishment of a SKAL Club in mainland

these statistics were collected by eleven auditing bodies and include exhibitions covering over 22 million square metres of registered rented space.

In 2011, the events covered in this report, managed by 564 organisers, had 602 681 exhibitors and registered a total attendance of 62.6 million visitors. 36% of the exhibitions were targeted at trade visitors, 31% at public visitors and 33% at both target groups. UFI estimates that the audited trade fairs included in this report represents around 45% of the European exhibition market in terms of net rented space.

BUSINESS EVENTS

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS IF you have any news highlights to share please visit our web portal www.theevent. co.za and load your own stories for consideration in next month’s edition.

Pacific World appoints Gill Dewar PACIFIC World, a leading MICE business in Asia and Europe has appointed Gill Dewar as sales representative for South Africa. The new appointment supports Pacific World’s drive to strengthen their sales force and expand its current Events Management and PCO centres across the globe.

Gill will be focusing on bringing Pacific World DMC, Event Management and PCO expertise to South African market. Commenting on her new appointment, she said, “I am excited about reestablishing the excellent existing reputation that Pacific World has in the South African MICE market and to introducing clients to the recently expanded Pacific World portfolio. There is a need for DMC diversity and variety in the industry and the new portfolio will definitely ensure this.”

Paragon secures World Soybean Conference PCO Paragon Conventions Africa has secured the hosting of the ninth World Soy-

Johannesburg © zaid hendricks

bean Research Conference, taking place at Durban International Convention Centre from 17- 22 February 2013.

The conference provides a global forum for the world’s soybean researchers to exchange information and research findings across all segments of the soybean industry. The theme of the conference is ‘From China to Africa – Can research close the gap between soy production and increasing global demand’.

Gerhard Scholtemeijer, chairman of the organising committee, says: “Although soybean research is still a fairly new field in South Africa, this will be a great opportunity for local stakeholders to learn from the global leaders in the field. We are also paying specific attention to the science of soybean agronomy, which will be of particular interest to the local agricultural community.”

Joburg to host three global summits in 2013 THE City of Johannesburg will be hosting three global summits in 2013. The Executive Mayor, Clr Mpho Parks Tau, says Johannesburg was selected as the host city for these summits because of its excellent record of success in organising major international events.

These summits include:

The C40 Summit on Climate change taking place in June 2013; the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Metropolis organisation; and the One Young World Summit, a global forum of young leaders which is expected to attract some 1 000 delegates from every continent.

Strike Productions to remain independent STRIKE Productions has announced that after a period of working closely with AV Alliance to explore a possible merger, the company has decided to remain independent. This was a business decision taken by management team and both companies will go back to operating independently of each other with immediate effect.

Leah McCrae, MD of Strike Productions says: “We remain focused on providing a full range of both creative and technical support services – from sound, lighting, audio visual services, structures, technical and creative input, and in-house designers and set-builders. We will continue to deliver the highest level of services and offerings to our clients.”

Credit Congress for Joburg THE international community of credit and collections professionals will meet for the 4th World Credit Congress and Exhibition (WCCE) in South Africa from 14-6 May, 2013, at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg.

The WCCE is a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, research and a forum for interaction between national and international credit professionals, risk management professionals and colleagues involved in the area of collections.

Local host Eugene Joubert and his team from Corporate Rebels have put together a three-day Congress and exhibition that brings 10

international and 10 local credit industry gurus together in a unique opportunity for local and African delegates to hear the latest trends for credit and collections.

“The WCCE brings the top International Credit and Collections resources to South Africa and combines that with our local talent - the result is that a global picture is formed and the delegates to the congress will have a better understanding of the new trends and “happenings” in the bigger Credit and Collections arena,” says Eugene.

Green hotel wins gold CAPE Town’s Peninsula AllSuite Hotel has been awarded a Gold Heritage Environmental Certificate in acknowledgment of the hotel’s ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility.

The Heritage Certificate Programme is an effective environmental management system designed to reduce the impact that tourismbased businesses have on their environment and surrounding communities.

“We are proud of our Heritage status as the growth of tourism ultimately is dependent on sustainability. How we manage our environmental footprint, both as a city and in the hotel industry, will determine the future of Cape Town as a desirable destination,” says Peninsula Hotel General Manager Chris Godenir.

The Peninsula’s in-house Green Team is committed to including the local Atlantic Seaboard community in hotel initiatives to encourage a collective environmental responsibility. Regular beach cleanups of Sea Point beaches will be just one of the initiatives that the hotel staff participates in, all of which will positively influences the experiences of local residents and visiting tourists.

The Event | 31

BUSINESS EVENTS

THE FUTURE OF MARKETING talk on boosting attendance; and Greg Smith’s branding bootcamp.

FNB Conference & Learning Centre

JANNA Gers from Hedgehog Events talks to The Event about-The Future of Marketing Events conference taking place from 4-5 October 2012 at the FNB Conference and Learning Centre in Sandton.

What inspired you to create this event?

I am constantly looking to the future and researching what’s next in the marketing and events industry. This masterclass was developed after a year of listening to the questions our clients have asked.

Social media is changing the marketing landscape and I wanted to explore how this would affect the events industry and the way we marketing and interfaced with our customers and clients.

Nothing of this kind has been run in Africa and I thought it was about time we got the experts to share their view with us.

What learnings will event

32 | The Event

managers be able to take away from this masterclass?

DELEGATES will be shown how to apply the tools. There is a combination of expert speakers using case studies, show and tells and a practical boot camp session on day 2 which will show delegates how to apply what they have learnt step by step.

We want that delegates not only understand the information but can apply it when they go back to the office.

Delegates will also have access to the experts within the marketing and events industry and will hear about ground breaking trends from overseas.

What are the highlights ?

ALL of the speakers have been picked based on their outstanding reputation within the industry.

Highlights on the programme include Richard van der Schyff’s talk on Experiential marketing; Gillian Meier’s

Why focus on social media and sustainability?

THE masterclass is about The Future of Marketing including the events industry. In order to relevant in this industry you need to understand how event greening and sustainability will effect events; how social media will impact your marketing; and how to measure things like return on marketing and return on objectives. All of these aspects are important not only to marketing but also to the events industry.

What is the future of marketing?

IN the year 2012 and beyond – companies will have to ensure their survival. In order to do that they will have to understand the new generation of consumer, develop green sustainability practices, understand social media and how it can be utilised as a marketing tool, and create memorable and unique event experiences that connect consumers to your brand.

In a world where people are selective about how much time, money and effort they will invest in attending conferences, meetings, events and exhibitions - companies need to think carefully about how they will market

their companies not only to existing consumers but also to the new generation of consumer. We will be encouraged to look to the future and to explore how meetings can have greater meaning and produce more significant impact.

How do you see the events industry growing?

THE economy has affected the events industry and corporate companies are now running most of their events inhouse. They still outsource some of their events but I would say that only 20% of these are outsourced. We have seen companies that outsourced 100% of their events are now not allowed to outsource any of their events.

In my opinion event management companies and corporates will have to be able to justify their spend. They will have to be able to work out the Return and measure objectives and sustainability. If they can do this successfully companies might see the on going need for events. At the master class we will be exploring this as well.

What trends are emerging?

THERE is a trend towards event greening and sustainability. Companies are starting to learn what is involved although I think we are still a few years away from implementing green practices throughout our events.

T h e E v e nt | 33

BUSINESS EVENTS

IGNORE SASREA AT YOUR PERIL

FAILURE to Comply with ‘Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act’ Could Bring the Curtains Down

T

HE Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act 2 of 2010 (the “SASREA” ) places onerous obligations on controlling bodies, event organisers, sponsors and venue owners to ensure safety and security at events. Failure to comply can result in an event not taking place or the stakeholders being held liable to criminal sanction. In this

regard, the SASREA makes it obligatory for these stakeholders to have public liability insurance, yet compliance with these requirements is not near the levels it should be.

This is according to Deon Francis, director at Eversheds.

“One might think that the Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act 2 of 2010 came into effect due to impetus from the FIFA World Cup, but it was as a result of a recommendation of a Commission of Enquiry into the Ellis Park disaster of 2001.

This Act sets about to ensure the safety and physical wellbeing of all persons attending sports, recreation and similar events,” he says.

Much like the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) where manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer are each responsible to the consumer, now those

involved in an event can be found jointly aliable for failure to comply with the Act. In response to the public liability cover required for events, Aon South Africa has an Event Liability Scheme designed specifically for events.

Dani Ettridge of Aon’s Sport, Recreation & Entertainment Division adds: “It is important that your insurer is aware of the nature of the event and companies should not rely on their usual business liability to protect them against event risks. The SASREA does not stipulate the amount of public liability insurance but it is strongly advised that the organiser, venue owner, sponsor and anyone else who has a material interest in the event arrange their own cover to protect their respective interests. Companies have up until now relied on the event organiser to put

a policy in place, but as each entity in the chain can now be joined in a lawsuit, they need their own protection,” she warns.

The implications of the Act mean that companies cannot lend their name to an event and have no further interest in the organisation of that event. “Obviously not all events are equal. Applications are made to the National Commissioner and each event is assessed and categorised as a low, medium or high risk event. There are different safety measures to be implemented dependent on the risk categorisation. Eversheds has produced A Practical Guide to SASREA and the draft regulations thereto and we would advise all parties involved in an event to consult the guide, their insurance broker and legal advisor,” adds Deon Francis, Eversheds.

SSQ BUILDS ON SET SQUARED LEGACY WHEN one of South Africa’s leading custom exhibition stand and event builders, Set Squared, was forced to restructure its operations earlier this year it seemed that the industry would be strained to fill a massive gap left by one of its most venerable players.

I

N its wake, a new streamlined entity, SSQ Exhibitions, has emerged, and looks set to pick up where Set Squared left off, having assumed the majority of its predecessor’s creative and intellectual resources.

Following in the footsteps of an established institution like Set Squared is no mean feat, but SSQ Exhibitions’ new Managing Director, Cara Nortman, is confident that this new venture will surpass the standards set by its forerunner.

“We’re extremely excited to launch SSQ Exhibitions, which will not only build onSet Squared’s legacy, but

34 | Th e Event

will also enable us to refine our systems and processes so as to ultimately provide Clients with an even better level of service delivery,” explains Nortman. “It’s a best of both worlds scenario, as we are able to make use of the experience afforded by over 30 years in the industry, whilst at the same time bring in new and dynamic ideas to drive our business to the next level.”

SSQ Exhibitions has been structured so as to allow various teams to focus on core offerings, with the Sales, Design and Client Service arm, and the Manufacturing facility now operating as separate entities with a shared finance and administration department.

“By establishing the two distinct entities, within our company structure, we’re able to simplify operations, and allow for easier day-to-day management of both Client accounts and production,”

explains Cara. “Our aim in doing so is not only to expedite turnaround times, but also to create a structured and focused business model capable of meeting our Clients’ many diverse requirements.”

Paul Mains-Sheard, one of Set Squared’s founding members and its CEO, was quick to throw his support behind this venture.

“Whilst it’s sad about Set

Squared on the one hand, it’s incredibly exciting to see the torch being carried by such an able and dynamic team,” says Paul. “I have every faith that SSQ Exhibitions will pick up seamlessly whereSet Squared left off, and believe that our legacy is in very capable hands.”

SSQ Exhibitions officially opened its doors for business on 01 April 2012.

BUSINESS EVENTS

OPPORTUNITIES IF you have any opportunities to share please visit our web portal www.theevent.co.za and load your own stories for consideration in next month’s edition.

awards are free to enter.

EIBTM takes place from 27-29 November 2012 in Barcelona.

For more information visit www.eibtm.com/techwatch.

Imvelo Awards call for entries THE Imvelo Awards, which recognise responsible tourism in South Africa, is open for entries. The deadline for entries is 31 August 2012. Entries can be sent to info@junxionpr.co.za.

Diwali call for proposals IN November, Indianspice will resurrect the annual Diwali celebration, entitled ‘Diwali in Jozi’. They are seeking input, proposals and cultural organisation support for the festival.

Members of the public can submit their proposals and enquiries to Lakshya Malhotra at lakshya@indianspice.co.za.

chair John Sanei.

For more information about FEDHASA Cape, please visit www.fedhasacape.co.za

FEDHASA seeks Restaurant Chair The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) Cape division has called for nominations for chairperson of its Restaurant Segment following the resignation of newly-appointed

CIBTM Hosted Buyer and Visitor Registration Open HOSTED Buyer and visitor registration has opened for this year’s CIBTM (China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition) CIBTM takes place from 12-14 September 2012 at

EIBTM Technology Watch open for Submissions THE EIBTM Technology Watch Award is open for submissions.

The award winner will receive an exhibition stand within the Technology Village at EIBTM (value €3000) to showcase their product to over 15,200 industry professionals expected to attend this year’s event. The

EIBTM

Beijing’s China National Convention Centre.

It is considered to be the leading international event for the business travel, meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry in China and the wider Asia region, last year’s record breaking event attracted over 4,400 industry professionals.

For full event details and to apply for free Hosted Buyer or visitor status logon to www. cibtm.com

The Event | 35

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The Event is more strategically focused on business than ever before by focusing on market trends and keeping you up to date with industry statistics and figures, providing a clear picture of the business events industry landscape.

The Event is currently offering 3 different annual subscription options.

- There is a 12 month e-book subscription at R145 incl VAT - There is a 12 month print copy subscription at R250 incl VAT - Or a combination of both the e-book and the print copy for 12 months at R350 incl. of Vat As part of your annual subscribtion you can optin for a daily info sheet, a monthly E-newsletter and website updates as they occur.

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36 | The Event

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Stand Innovations

Nouvelle Vague © Warren Talmarkes

Sponsored by 3D Group

3D GROUP AT OSPI RUSSIA 2012 CONFERENCE

THE 3D Group, a group of strategic business units specialising in the supply of a comprehensive range of products and services for exhibitors and exhibition and event organisers alike, recently attended the 16th Annual Octanorm Service Partners International meeting.

O

CTANORM is an internationally recognised modular aluminium construction system for exhibition, interior design and shop fitting, presentation and display, and clean room industries.

Octanorm Service Partners International – or OSPI – is a global network of certified installers who collaborate to ensure a cost-ef-

fective, seamless exhibition experience for their clients.

“For over 40 years Octanorm has been on the forefront of modular aluminium construction systems. It is the most widely used exhibition system in the world; available in over 70 countries,” said 3D Design Group sales director, Conrad Kullmann.

“Octanorm’s ‘World of Systems’ provides ultimate build-ability.

Architects, designers and contractors are continually amazed by the sheer range of benefits and the outstanding quality of Octanorm systems.

“They are equally impressed by the freedom to create original and individual solutions with these innovative products. Octanorm is the systematic approach to function and

form. It is a world of quality and almost infinite possibilities.

“Furthermore, its OSPI network which adheres to the philosophy ’Designed here, built there’ really benefits clients. Not only do they save time and money when it comes to transporting their stands, it significantly reduces the environmental impact of exhibiting in centres around the globe.”

More than 250 OSPI delegates from 55 countries participated in the recent conference held over three days in Moscow, Russia.

Topics on the agenda included the Indian Exhibition Market, the Russian Exhibition Market, Alternative uses for the Octanorm system, Successful OSPI Co-operations, In Search of Sustainable Growth, and the Consequences of the Global Economic Crisis.

Break-away sessions were also held to discuss issues such as Techniques for Generating New Business and How to Keep Our Industry Affordable.

“While 3D only uses the modular and recyclable Octanorm system to build its stands, it has on average, between 10 and 15 incoming OSPI projects a

year, and three outgoing.

“Attending this conference gave us the opportunity to visit some of Russia’s bigger exhibition centres, such as the Crocus, and network with some of the top exhibition stand building companies in the world.

“From this, we gained a huge amount of knowledge on different designs products and operational issues, which we’ll obviously be sharing with our clients.

“But, it was not all work in Russia. Our leisure time saw us visit the Red Square, the Kremlin, and Lenin’s Mausoleum.

“We also attended the Russian Circus where we saw a lion tamer work with 10 lions, two of which were white lions. Much as we enjoyed the show, we did agree that all 10 should never have been taken from Africa and the bush in the first place.

“En route back to South Africa, we flew in to St Petersburg and travelled to see the Winter Palace, the Summer Palace and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ with its amazing 7200m2 of mosaics. We certainly returned to work nourished intellectually and spiritually.”

T h e E v e nt | 37

BUSINESS EVENTS

VENUES & PRODUCT SHOWCASES Roodebloem Studios Cape Town

Looking for a unique location for your next company function?

Roodebloem Studios is an ideal mediumsized venue, suitable for product launches, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, parties, team building exercises, weddings and many other kinds of events.Based in Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, the studios are a convenient five minutes from the CBD and are easily located just off Nelson Mandela Boulevard. These versatile premises consist of four large studios (all between 160 and 200 sq meters each) and many smaller spaces suitable for meeting rooms, separate catering areas, interview rooms, wardrobe / make-up rooms and cocktail lounges. There is also a rooftop terrace with uninterrupted views of the city, mountain and harbour.One of these beautiful photographic rental studios was once an old church. It was modified into a breath-taking creative space suitable for a wide variety of purposes including still and film shoots.

The old Church is naturally a first choice for many bridal couples in which to hold their ceremony. The beautiful high ceilings, tall windows and varnished wooden floors make this an impressive venue and suitable for up to 200 guests. A grand piano is provided in the location. Thick stone walls keep this space beautifully cool in summer.Across the road is the stunning Drive-In Studio, perfect for product launches and cocktail parties.

Its modern style is sleek and contemporary.

Like the name suggests you can drive a vehicle in through the door and it also has air-conditioning. Upstairs is the beautiful Jett Studio which also has air-conditioning. If you need an exhibition and showcase space then the Hall is ideal, while the courtyard is suited to outdoor catering and entertainment or being transformed into a cocktail lounge.Our studios are column free spaces, have large power supplies and are fitted with fire extinguishers. All have great sound systems as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. Most of the spaces are at ground-level and are ramped for easy access. Ask for our floor plans to see door widths and other access dimensions.Our friendly studio team are experienced in handling large productions and are ready to help make your memorable function run smoothly. Also feel free to speak to us about catering and, of course, any photography requirements.

27 & 43 Roodebloem Road Woodstock 7925 Cape Town South Africa E: info@roodebloemstudios.co.za Tel: 021 447 6326

Film & Event Media is an award-winning trade and custom publishing hub for the film and events industries through our various print publications and online digital products.

The Callsheet and The Event are South Africa’s most widely read monthly trade publications for the film and the events industries respectively. www.thecallsheet.co.za www.theevent.co.za

The Filmmakers Guide to SA and Event Planners Guide to SA are beautiful annuals which market the film and the events industries respectively. www.filmmakersguide.co.za www.eventplannersguide.co.za

Do you need someone to help you stay focused and strategic; and to take the circular dynamics out of your business?

Or perhaps to organize, systemize and motivate your sales team or define a marketing strategy?

• Find a strategic and task oriented way forward in every aspect of your business.

• Individual and group consulting to get your organisation running smoothly.

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Film and Event Media markets the industry through our monthly networking functions for the South African film industry. Our online platforms, include: active social media accounts across all our brands, websites which are an upto-date resource with content from industry and regular newsletters to an enviable database of subscribers.

t | 021 674 0646 f | 021 674 6691 e | info@filmeventmedia.co.za www.filmeventmedia.co.za

38 | The Event

focused.

Take the guess work out of your day to day operation and free yourself up to do what you do best.

Kathy English Brower Consulting 30 years of business experience.10 years of consulting.

Kathy 0824536055

DIRECTORY LISTINGS SECURITY, INSURANCE & MEDICAL SERVICES COMPANY

REGION

TELEPHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

Africa Executive Protection Network

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+27 21 785 7093

info@aepn.co.za

www.aepn.co.za

Clause Protection Services

Johannesburg

+27 11 704 6342

info@cpservices.co.za

www.cpservices.co.za

Core Security

Cape Town

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info@coresecurity.co.za

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Enforce Security Services

Durban

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Expo Screens

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Eyethu Events

Cape Town

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Goodwill Protection Services

Johannesburg

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gps.security@vodamail.co.za

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Green Exhibition Services

Johannesburg

+27 11 312 0642

derek@greenexhibtions.co.za

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iMvula

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Lodge Security Events

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Pro Events

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Johannesburg

+27 86 155 5550

info@medicalevents.co.za

www.medicalevents.co.za

sales@hemisphere-epc.co.za

www.hemisphere-epc.co.za

ER24

Hemisphere Emergency Preparation Consulting

Nationwide

Johannesburg

+27 86 108 4124

+27 11 440 5873

info@er24.co.za

www.er24.co.za

Paramedic SA

Northern Cape

+27 53 723 1638

admin@paramedicsa.co.za

www.paramedicsa.co.za

Nationwide

+27 11 608 1588

conrad@3ddesign.co.za

www.3ddesign.co.za ww.aon.co.za

ADVERTISERS 3D Design Aon

Nationwide

+27 11 944 7290

dani.ettridge@aon.co.za

Cape Royale

Cape Town

+27 21 430 0500

neilen.tolmay@caperoyale.co.za www.caperoyale.co.za

Coca-Cola Dome

Johannesburg

+27 11 794 5800

info@coca-coladome.co.za

www.coca-coladome.co.za

Concept G Exhibitions & Events

Johannesburg

+27 11 708 7991

info@conceptg.co.za

www.conceptg.co.za www.cticc.co.za

CTICC

Cape Town

+27 21 410 5000

info@cticc.co.za

Expovent Evolutions

Nationwide

+27 11 553 5200

expovent@expovent.co.za

www.uniquelyspectacular.co.za

Intercape

Nationwide

+27 861 287 287

info@intercape.co.za

www.intercape.co.za

Litha Communications

Gauteng

+27 11 480 4922

teresa@lithacommunications.co.za

www.litha-communications.co.za

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Durban

+27 31 582 8240

zamak@mmsdurban.co.za

www.mmstadium.com

Oasys Innovations

Nationwide

+27 11 210 2500

info@oasys.co.za

www.oasys.co.za

Premier Hotels

Nationwide

+27 43 705 5044

info@premierhotels.co.za

www.premierhotels.co.za

Roodebloem Studios

Cape Town

+27 21 447 6326

info@roodebloemstudios.co.za

www.roodebloemstudios.

co.za Sandton Convention Centre

Gauteng

+27 11 779 0000

vino@saconvention.co.za

www.saconvention.co.za

Scan Display Solutions

Nationwide

+27 11 447 4777

justin@scandisplay.co.za

www.scandisplay.co.za

Tshwane Events Centre

Gauteng

+27 12 327 1487

ricky@tshwabac.co.za

www.tshwane-events.co.za