The Event February 2012

R22.80 February 2012 www.theevent.co.za

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MEETINGS AFRICA AIMING FOR GLOBAL STATUS EVENTS NOMASONTO Ndlovu, global manager: business tourism, says her aim is to secure Meetings Africa on the global Trade Fair calendar alongside AIME, EIBTM and IMEX

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F you think about it, Meetings Africa is a lot like Inception. It’s a series of scheduled meetings about the meetings industry within a meeting. But it’s so much more than that, isn’t it?

Meetings Africa is the only event of its kind in South Africa with a specific focus on showcasing products, destinations and support services that fulfil the needs of corporate meeting planners and agents, professional conference organisers, destination management companies, association management companies, government and NGOs. Last year, South Africa’s premier business lekgotla attracted 2 398 members of the travel trade, 212 exhibitors and 123 hosted buyers. This year sees a 21% increase with 196 hosted buyers already confirmed.

“The world is taking time to look at emerging economies and drive further growth,” says Nomasonto, “The meetings industry needs to discuss how to drive this growth and get the best from our BRIC membership. People want to access these new markets.”

One of this year’s highlights is the Lifestyle Golf and Safari weekend hosted by Legend Golf and Safari, to illustrate the importance of golf tourism to South Africa.

Another exciting highlight is the corporate speed dating breakfast

Meetings Africa

on 1 March 2012 that will pair 60 corporate buyers with 60 exhibitors.

This is in response to some exhibitors voicing their concern that corporates can sometimes be a lot more valuable than hosted buyers.

Recruitment for the hosted buyer programme kicked off in May 2011 at IMEX. By October, over 300 applications had been received. The applications were then reviewed by a selection committee featuring members of associations and the conventions bureaux.

On 1 March 2012 there will also

be a BRIC panel discussion featuring speakers from Brazil, India and Russia. CNBC Africa will be on site to broadcast the panel.

South African Tourism will also bring out 14 hosted buyers from China, one of South Africa’s major trade partners.

Nomasonto says this year’s Meetings Africa will be bigger and better with a big emphasis on the association and incentive market, and will include the extended two-day association workshop from 28-29 February 2012 and the SAACI edu-

cational seminars.

“It is important for us to educate local companies on growing their association business,” says Nomasonto.

The Student Day has been reorganised as a more structured student leadership programme in conjunction with a lecturer’s association and will feature only top students.

No need for exhibitors to hide the complimentary pens this year.

Scan on Show will be taking the reins for the second consecutive year. Managing director Amanda

Margison says a big focus for her was to enhance the business matchmaking system, with a dedicated team behind the scenes to manage the process.

This year’s matchmaking system will feature better filters, a rating system and matching reports which will enable users to search for the best possible matches. The system will also be able to integrate with Outlook.

Out Smart Marketing will be on site for pre show and on site assistance.

Like last year, Meetings Africa will have a strong greening focus. “Our aim is to showcase South Africa as a leader. As a long haul destination we need to show that we are walking the talk,” says Event Greening Forum’s Justin Hawes.

In 2011, Meetings Africa took giant strides in reducing the carbon footprint of the event by offering green stand options, issuing of renewable energy certificates, recycling and green training.

Following on from last year’s successes, new green initiatives will include a drink tap water campaign, LED lighting, a ban on bottled water, buyer’s survey, eco-friendly soundproof walling, more emphasis on the reuse of waste materials and social legacy projects.

“We know that 2012 is the end of the world so we’re trying to ensure that we deliver the best show ever,” jokes Nomasonto.

Meetings Africa takes place from 28 February – 1 March 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Sally Fink

PAGE 2 PIN-UP - JOHANNESBURG EXPO CENTRE

Johannesburg International Motor Show

PROFILE JOHANNESBURG Expo Centre (JEC) is one of Southern Africa’s largest purpose built exhibitions, conferences and events venue, as well as one of Johannesburg’s best known landmarks.

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EC was opened in1984, strictly for what was then called the Rand Easter Show. Many years later and with the increase in exhibitions and events activity on the property, the centre upgraded the premises into an aesthetically pleasing, modern, and functional venue.

In 2009, JEC underwent a major upgrade and refurbishment programme costing more than R30 million. The refurbishment included landscaping in and around the centre, new entrances to all halls, new res-

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One of many celebrations and functions held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre

taurants, and new upgraded function facilities.

Along with the Expo Centre’s refurbishment, the City of Johannesburg spent over R15 million on upgrading the Nasrec precinct, to turn it into a world-class sports, tourism and exhibition hub. The aim was to give clients and visitors an all-round world class experience when they visit JEC. Although Expo Centre is probably best known for one of Johannesburg’s much loved consumer exhibitions, the annual Rand Show, it is also home to several other well-known exhibitions including: • Africa Health Congress and Expo • AfriWater • Aircon- Vent Africa • Baba Indaba • Electra Mining • Elenex Africa • Glass Expo Africa • Johannesburg Int Motor Show

• Process Show • Soweto Festival • Interbuild Africa • WoodPro Africa “This year is set to be a busy one at JEC,” says marketing executive Karabo Moikangoe. “We kick our exhibition season off with the annual Rand Show (6-15 April 2012) which aims to continue growing in visitor numbers and urges all, young and old, to take some time off and enjoy a great day out. Some exciting entertainment to look forward to at the Rand Show is the SANDF display, the circus, the many halls dedicated to different retail merchandise such as furniture, gaming and clothing and the ever adrenaline pumping fun fair rides, amongst other surprises.”

Africa Health Exhibition and Congress returns to JEC on 9-11 May 2012, after its successful debut last year. “It provides a unique platform

for the world’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors in the medical industry, to meet with the medical community within the subSaharan Africa region and beyond.”

African Utilities Week will be on 21-24 May 2012. It is the only African exhibition that covers the entire spectrum of the power, water and waste management utilities industry.

“The Star Interbuild Africa promises to take all the ingredients that made the previous show successful, and deliver outstanding value and quality from 15-18 August 2012,” says Karabo. “The 2010 shows attracted 8 886 visitors, an increase of 12.7% from the previous show, from all over Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. The show’s focus will be on the latest innovations, products and developments across the building and construction services.”

Electra Mining is one of South

Africa’s largest trade exhibitions running from 10-14 September 2012.

It is ranked as the second largest mining show in the world and with global recognition for its broad reach across mining, construction, industrial and power generation industry sectors, Electra Mining Africa once again proves its status as a worldclass event attracting high numbers of quality exhibitors and visitors, both benefiting from the platform created to showcase the latest in products, services, technologies and trends.

Soweto Festival made its successful debut at the JEC in 2011. Visitor numbers rose from 18 000 in 2010 to 30 000 in 2011. “This year, the Soweto Festival is set to dazzle crowds with even more cultural attractions and live shows running from 21-24 September 2012.”

Expo Centre offers: • Multipurpose exhibition halls providing more than 50 000 m² of space under roof.

• Over 100 000m² of outdoor exhibition space.

• Conference rooms encompassing 4 000m².

• A multi-purpose arena that can accommodate up to 20 000 people.

• More than 15 000 parking bays.

• Five star catering facilities.

• 24 hour security.

• Convenient location with ease of access to all of Johannesburg’s major arterial highways and within 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.

•Within 15 Minutes to a variety of choice hotels ranging from 3 star to 5 star.

•World class facilities, validated by the receipt of the coveted PMR Africa Diamond Award in 2011, voted the Best Exhibitions and Events Venue in South Africa.

Sally Fink

LETTER FROM OUR PUBLISHER

Lance Gibbons

LETTER MANY looked to 2011 as twentyheaven. Unfortunately, twenty-heaven wasn’t as heavenly as it could have been – but there were some notable highlights.

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ESPITE a few distinct market turn downs in the last few years, last year heralded some great high points for the events sector.

These successes included Durban hosting its biggest conference to date - 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) - which attracted 20 000 delegates to the city; Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) announced its R4.5 billion expansion; Cape Town won the bid for World Design Capital in 2014, while Table Mountain was named as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature; South Africa won 40 World Travel Awards and three Crystal Awards at the Society of Incentive Travel Executives Conference; and the Southern African Association for

the Conference Industry (SAACI) became a member of the Convention Industry Council (CIC).

Going forward it is essential for us as an industry to continue the momentum of the World Cup, to celebrate our successes, and to continually showcase South Africa as a premium long haul destination. We are already seeing some exciting developments. Thebe Exhibitions & Projects Group are introducing three new shows this year, including the return of the Cape Town Book Fair; and the Durban Convention Bureau has secured 25 events for the province with an estimated return of R500 million.

We also welcome Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo as executive head of the national Convention Bureau and Thulani Nzima as CEO of South African Tourism; two truly passionate individuals who I am confident will take our country to greater heights.

I am also excited about Meetings Africa, Africa’s largest business tourism exhibition. Film Event Media are proud to be producing the Meetings Africa daily news for the second year.

Last year we changed our brand to reflect our widening range of products and services. Film and Event Media has replaced Film and Event Publishing. This reflects our broader mandate as a company and offers our clients much more than a publishing solution, such as dailies and exhibition guides, networking functions and social media campaigns. More importantly, we managed to increase our product offering, maintain our market share and actually grow.

We networked on a global scale, with my attendance at ICCA Africa Chapter meeting in Kenya as well as IT & CM Asia Specific in Thailand.

I came away with a greater understanding of the global industry, and

realised there is huge potential in the eastern markets.

We built an incredibly successful social media presence including a successful competition in partnership with the Blue Train and UniTravel which enhanced our presence online and gave great exposure to our sponsors. Congratulations to Annelie Fouche, who won a once in a lifetime trip on the luxurious Blue Train.

Our big news for the year is the launch of our new glossy magazine, The Event Planner’s Guide to South Africa, which we will be marketing at Meetings Africa.

The Event Planner’s Guide to South Africa is based on our flagship publication, The Filmmaker’s Guide to South Africa, which has marketed South African film internationally and locally for ten years and has become the benchmark of the quality of that sector worldwide. The Event Planner’s Guide to South Africa will be an indispensable master tool for marketing the South African events industry internationally.

Our editor Sally Fink has taken the publication to a whole new level with her insight, her acute understanding and research into our industry. (if you haven’t already, email her at sally@ filmeventmedia.co.za). This year, with our bigger product offering, we are excited to welcome Taryn Fowler back into the team as senior manager.

I am confident that 2012 is going to be the year that industry bounces back; that more exhibitions will sprout up in our regions; more meetings will grace our shores and South Africa takes its rightful place on the world stage.

Lance Gibbons Publisher

2012 - A GOOD YEAR FOR BUSINESS

Dirk Elzinga

OPINION INDUSTRY stalwart Dirk Elzinga offers his thoughts on the year ahead.

How are you feeling beyond 2011?

MY feelings are more optimistic. I think there will be new events, new initiatives and an increase in interest from the international scene. Already we see renewed interested in Africa from German exhibitions.

Why is South Africa an attractive destination?

THERE are limited areas in the world seeing economic growth. South Africa is one of the few.

This offers opportunities that people are not thinking of, such as the serious interest of China – an important trade partner. New and existing airlinks between Johannesburg and Beijing will stimulate business between the two countries and result in an increase in Chinese visitors. No existing exhibitions bank on that relationship.

Is 2012 going to be a year of growth?

FIRSTLY, we have the long overdue

CTICC expansion that has finally been given the go ahead that will ensure the future growth of Cape Town as a conference destination.

More meetings and conferences will choose Africa. Association meetings have a long lead time so planning for future events will start now.

The appointment of Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo demonstrates that South African Tourism (SAT) is ready to start rock ‘n rolling. Business tourism has always been overshadowed by leisure tourism, so 2012 is the year that the business tourism sector gets the status it deserves.

The appointment of Thulani Nzima at SAT is also important as he understands the importance of the business tourism industry. We are all going to benefit.

Why is business tourism important?

WE are a growing economy – we see an approximate 3-4% annual increase, and business tourism contributes to this. Last year we saw and increase of 14% of international travellers and 4% domestic travellers.

Conference organisers are in a better position to negotiate supply and demand. This means there is more money to spend which affects the economy. This results in thousands of people moving from the informal economy to the formal economy. This affects business on a national scale.

What are the challenges?

THE ongoing economic instability in Europe – another important trade partner. 50% of trade conferences take place in Europe. You can’t afford to think that it won’t affect you.

The Event | 03

TRADING FUTURES OPINION FUTURIST Clem Sunter offers his list of events, trends and issues that could make headlines in 2012.

Red Flags Rising IN terms of the global economy, we have upped the probability on the “Forked Lightning” scenario of a double dip, where the second crash is even bigger than the one of 2008, to 20% (from 10).

The hike in interest payments will overshadow the cuts in government expenditure to improve solvency.

The deficit will thereby worsen creating a vicious circle of even higher interest rates. Greece has already entered this downward spiral.

In South Africa, we have raised the probability on the “Failed State” scenario from 10 to 15% following the passing of the Secrecy Bill. This could cause a massive leap in corruption as there will no longer be the counterbalancing fear of exposure.

Dances with Wolves THE climate change conference in Durban has only revealed the deep divisions that still exist between nations on how to handle the issues. The upshot was to kick the can into another convocation in two years time.

Accordingly we attach a 90% probability to our scenario “Dances with Wolves” in which the super-emitters like China and America carry on their dirty dancing act regardless. Alas, “Strictly Ballroom” – a tight agreement forcing nations to waltz together towards clearly set reductions in carbon emissions – is given a wild card probability of 10%.

Fragile China LAST year we showcased “Ultra-

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violet”, a scenario where advanced economies were caught in a Ushaped trap of lacklustre growth while emerging economies were enjoying a V-shaped recovery, as our favourite to win the race over the next five years.

We have now switched back to “Hard Times” for everybody, the flag being China’s future GDP growth rate. If China dips below 5% economic growth, all the countries which supply resources to China will feel the heat too. We are now 60:40 on China having a soft/ hard landing versus a continuing boom.

The Age of Intelligence WE have moved through the Age of Industrialisation and more recently through the Age of Knowledge, and currently stand at the dawn of the Age of Intelligence.

With all the tools and machinery of the first era and all the information at our fingertips from the second era, we now face challenges of much higher complexity demanding a huge leap in the quality of education, skills, creativity, and all-round intelligence. Nations that understand this will do better than nations which remain blissfully ignorant.

American Civil War (Part 2) RELATIONS between Democrats and Republicans have fallen to an all-time low, just when co-operation between the two parties is essential to get America’s finances back in order. The focus has been on Europe; but it could easily switch to America if inflation picks up unexpectedly and interest rates rise.

It remains to be seen whether the presidential election will degenerate into an all-out war between the candidates. It is unlikely during an election year that any meaningful solution will be found to the escalating cost of government health and welfare programmes.

The Dutch Disease LAST year we talked about more smacks from Mother Nature. Sure enough, she duly delivered those smacks in Japan, New Zealand and several other countries.

This year the risk is that a deadly strain of bird flu – a genetic mutation of H5N1 – could escape from the laboratory that created it in Rotterdam. H5N1 kills 60% of the people it has infected.

The knowledge of how to manufacture the new strain could also be leaked to terrorist groups. With seven billion inhabitants on this planet, with the concentration of a large portion in megacities and increased mobility offered by travel by air, sea, rail or road, the danger of a global epidemic always lurks in the background.

Syrian Showdown / Russian Spring / Iranian Blockade 2011 will be remembered as the year of the Arab Spring which toppled regimes in some countries and continues to be a revolutionary influence in others.

The situation in Syria with its ties to Iran and its proximity to Israel could have far more complex and explosive repercussions.

The Year of the Bull OUR mainframe scenarios for South Africa are “Premier League” to which we assign a 50% probability and “Second Division” which we give a 35% probability.

Reproduced with permission.

NCB READY FOR BUSINESS INTERVIEW AMANDA Kotze-Nhlapo’s appointment as executive manager of the National Convention Bureau was greeted with a flurry of excitement.

What’s your first order of business?

IN this first year we will be putting procedures and structures in place and develop policies specifically around a bid fund and subventure policies.

What are subventure policies?

SUBVENTURE can be likened to underwriting an event. It’s when you put money down to secure an event.

Subventure is a well known process in our industry. What we plan to do is refine our strategy to put procedures in place.

What is the aim of the National Conventions Bureau?

THE aim of the National Convention Bureau is to become a one stop business tourism facility. We will be building on the hard work South African Tourism has put in over the last seven years. We also aim to be unbiased and fair. The only way to achieve this is through stakeholder engagement. To this end we will be organising stakeholder panels to ensure we obtain valuable feedback from all parties.

Will the NCB be replacing regional bureaux?

WE will not be taking over bidding, but will rather focus our activities in support of our regions. The National Conventions Bureau will add value to the regions. Leads can come from anywhere. We will be going out to

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo

secure business for South Africa and putting a lot of value in Brand South Africa. People don’t often realise that events are not only hosted by cities but by countries as well. We have matured past the attitude of bidding against each other. We will create a process to manage bids which will be worked out through stakeholder engagement so that everybody gets a fair chance.

We want to build an understanding with the associations so that all parties can save money rather than spend money. We want to make the bidding process as cost effective as possible. So instead of focusing our activities on just marketing versus sales, we will be engaging in marketing that converts into sales.

What is the role of the National Convention Bureau?

OUR most important role will be to build capacity by working together with regional convention bureaux.

Only by working together can we play on a different level as Team SA.

Sally Fink

The Event | 05

TWO AGENCIES UNITE TO PULL OFF ANC CENTENARY

ANC Centenary build up

EVENTS IN 2010 it was the Soccer World Cup, while last year it was COP17. Every year, one major occasion always seems to generate a frenzy of activity as the eventing industry competes furiously for a slice of the action.

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HIS year it was the ANC’s centenary celebrations that provided great opportunities for event organisers, entertainment specialists, and the hospitality, catering, publicity and transport sectors.

Pitches for the job had to be completed by March 2011. The ANC’s Centenary Organising Committee hired two agencies to handle the festivities, VWV and Blue Moon.

“From an events perspective, any company engaged in eventing wanted a piece of this high-profile

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ANC Centenary build up

pie,” said Blue Moon’s creative director DJ Grant. “There’s pretty much always something every year which is a platform for a lot of business and this was good for eventing companies and the hospitality business.”

“We were advised that we had won it as a joint contract in April,” says Jameson Hlongwane, executive producer, VWV Group.

While mini-celebrations will take place on an ongoing monthly basis, the big bang came in January with a three-day party (6 -8 January 2012) at Mangaung, near Bloemfontein, where guests included more than a dozen African presidents.

The weekend included a golf day spread over two different courses, a gala dinner, church services, and the highlight: a two-hour stage spectacular tracing the history of the ANC. VWV and Blue Moon were both needed to work on the

event because it was such an enormous job. “They are competitors in the real world but they worked together very nicely and with good camaraderie on this job,” says Alan Roberts of Vaxo, who was hired to research and create the audiovisual clips that ran on the display screens.

With a live audience of 40,000 in the stadium, video feeds to overflow venues and a TV audience of millions, the show had to be compelling enough to keep the momentum going, despite the political nature of the story.

Blue Moon was awarded the creative component of the show, and had to devise something that would both tell the story and be a celebration. “Conveying the story of 100 years is quite a challenge, particularly given the circumstances of it being to a live audience of 40,000 and a TV audience. We realised it

had to be something different. We wanted this to be a story that was authentic, entertaining and moving, not propaganda,” said DJ. “The young audience today doesn’t really appreciate the significance of those 100 years of struggle, so it had to combine powerful components of theatrical storytelling, but at the same time meet the needs for a celebration that keeps the audience engaged. So we included well known recording artists both from the bygone era and contemporary, with Dorothy Masuka and Zahara.”

The script was written over several months – May, June and July - by the script team of Makhaola Ndebele, DJ Grant and James Ngcobo – and continuously tweaked thereafter in their work with the ANC Advisory Creative Committee. The creative team started their process of speaking to, and selecting their key actors (the Storytellers / witness-

es) in August and the Choreography team started plotting their moves in September and October. Large rehearsals with all the cast – dancers, singers, backing vocalists – happened throughout December at the Albertina Sisulu hall in Orlando.

The script featured an elderly woman telling the story to her great grandson, using theatre, dance, music, video and photographs to capture the atmosphere and events of each decade.

“We wanted to use archived material from pivotal moments in history so we designed a set that enabled that,” said DJ. “Behind the actors were screens showing loops of archived material, and we had four huge LED screens around the stadium. It had to be quite a bold show, so people could watch the screens but we could still pull their focus to the storytelling moments. It was a challenge, and it worked.”

ANC Centenary build up

ANC Centenary celebrations

The concept was accommodated through the construction of a 600m2, six-tiered stage, designed

by James MacNamara Designs, and took the expertise of a 150-crew technical team headed by VWV. The team worked tirelessly to rig the massive set and run the technical requirements for 12 screens and 200 moving lights, on and around the set and stadium; as well as the installation and programming of an enormous stadium audio system.

Jameson explains that the biggest challenge of putting such a large event together was the timing. “We were running rehearsals throughout December which was tricky because suppliers were closing for the holidays. Another challenge was that we had to run two types of rehearsals – one in Johannesburg and one in Bloemfontein.

Accommodation for the cast and team was also an issue with no

bookings left due to the large numbers descending on Bloemfontein.”

VWV employed largely the same experienced production team that produced the World Cup Opening and Closing ceremonies to execute this event seamlessly. In total, VWV provided an overall site contingency of 600 personnel. The logistics team was tasked with sourcing accommodation for 418 people in an already overflowing Bloemfontein, to feeding, transporting, managing and keeping the large cast happy.

A substantial cast management team, and on the ground production team of 100, built an ‘artists village’ at the stadium to keep all crew members fed and watered.

Blue Moon worked closely with VWV for set building, sound and lighting, while VWV handled many other aspects, including the presentation of President Jacob Zuma’s speech.

Staging and AV was provided by

Gearhouse while temporary structures were handled by Intwo Structures, Sail and Stand 66.

The event necessitated several road closures but Jameson says permissions did not take a long time to obtain. “Thankfully the stadium was used during the FIFA world Cup which meant the planning was done with the same team. Because it was on a Sunday there was normal flow of traffic and it was not affected,” he says.

DJ said there had been much scepticism and controversy about the celebrations, chiefly around the cost. Figures ranging from R100 million right up to R400 million have been cited in the press, which includes sums spent renovating some historic venues.

“People don’t realise the ANC is talking about a whole year of centenary celebrations, so only a portion of the budget was apportioned to

this particular show,” says DJ. In retrospect, he believes the stage show was a triumph. “Twitter was going crazy with people raving about it and the SABC has rescreened it, so that’s a measure of its success.”

Alan Roberts of Vaxo was hired to research and create the audiovisual clips that ran on the display screens, putting together visuals for each decade and for important events like the 1976 riots and the Treason Trials. As part of that he worked with Emelia Potenza of the Apartheid Museum, “who has an entire history book in her head,” he said. “They have some amazing stuff. When you trawl though all the pictures by photographer Alf Kumalo you suddenly get a whole new respect for these guys. And the clip of Miriam Makeba addressing the United Nations in the 1960s is absolutely amazing. The show

was a spectacular production and incredibly poignant for South Africans,” he says.

Baleka Mbete, National chairperson of the African National Congress was effusive in her praise for the agencies, “’Tshihumbudzo: Our Story, Our Future’ depicts the long struggle of our people for freedom, led by the ANC through drama, dance, music and archival material.

Since the initial broadcast on SABC 1 on 8 January 2012, we have been inundated with requests for ‘Tshihumbudzo’ by educational institutions and parents who want to share the story with their children. We are pleased by the overwhelmingly positive response.”

Lesley Stones and Sally Fink Don’t miss the Cape Town leg of Homemakers taking place from 23-28 August 2012 at CTICC

The Event | 07

EXSA CONFERENCE DRIVES DELIVERY WITH VALUE Chris Naude

ASSOCIATIONS THE Exhibition and Event Association of South Africa (EXSA) held its annual conference from 6-7 February 2012 at the Fairway Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg. These were some of the highlights.

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AY one kicked off with a presentation from Hans Bruder, MD of Octanorm, who spoke about the current European trends in stands design.

“Exhibitions only last a few days; therefore the exhibitor has to display products in the best possible way.

The design of the exhibit is of utmost importance. The exhibition environment is a tough marketplace – the exhibitor is located close to his com-

petitors and customers can compare products immediately,” explains Hans.

He explains that trade fair architecture has become more transparent and lighter. The use of fabric has created new options such as fabric banners replacing solid structures.

Exhibits are also beginning to have more stage and event character.

Another big trend is greening.

35% of waste is produced during build up and 40% during break down.

The biggest culprits are chipboard panels and single use carpets.

Now that sustainability has become an issue for the exhibitions industry a greater percentage of suppliers are offering green options.

Aluminium systems are a good bet as they can be re-used in differ-

ent configurations and also reduces the amount of waste during break down. Aluminum frames offer have a shorter build up and break down time, are lightweight, and can also be used for shell scheme applications and larger exhibits.

Two story exhibits were very popular in Europe last year but have seen a slight decline because of smaller budgets.

Double floors are also popular in Europe as they are fast to install, easy to adjust, and hide wires.

“More and more exhibitors are investing in lighting as a design element,” says Hans. “Lights can attract attention. It influences mood and enhances the products on display.”

The latest trends in lighting are LED and clamp on LED spotlights. Colour lights can also be used to create atmosphere.

Hans says that 70% of exhibitors still use carpets in their exhibits. Octanorm offer a variety of out-the-box carpeting solutions in various funky colours such as needlepunch, PVC, artificial grass, wood, laminate, and rubber.

Self laying PVC tiles can be reused and are therefore a popular green option. Another is yarn and corn-based ecological carpets.

Stone granulate flooring was used to great affect at the Kia IAA Frankfurt car show in 2011.

Hans believes the look of exhibits has become more professional. “Exhibitors are focusing on the wow effect. 70% of customers look at display product and visuals and only 30% look at text,” he says Hans’ talk was followed by a panel discussion on the UFI Confer-

CTICC 1. Deadmau5 2. MCQP Maid in China 3. Intervitis Interfructa 4. Kinky Afro 5. Propak Cape 6. Decorex Cape 7. 14th Design Indaba Expo 8. Cape Town Intl Boat Show 9. The Baby Expo MamaMagic Cape Town 10. Cape Town International Jazz Festival

ence 9. SA Medical Association Conference 10. International Conference on Groundwater

ence held in Valencia in November last year featuring Natalie Naude, Craig Newman, Joey Pather and John Kaplan.

EXSA became a member of UFI last year.

“Africa is not that far removed from the rest of the world,” says Natalie. “There is a lot of interest in the growth of Africa.”

Craig couldn’t agree more. “Understand where South Africa is in the greater scheme of things. We’ve done well outside of Europe, so yes, Africa is seen as a growth opportunity. There is however still a battle to see the credibility in dealing with South Africa as a market as we can see in the stats. South Africa is rarely recognised in terms of exhibition growth.

The reluctancy to do business with us tells you we have not delivered the right message.”

Joey says the attractiveness of Africa can best be described by the growing interest from China. “Growth levels show us as the braintrust of Africa,” he says. “The USA has stopped producing, which is why interest is turning elsewhere such as India and China. Growth is a reason to come.”

Craig says that South Africa has a lot over China and India. “South Africa has the advantage of good infrastructure and venues, but its not enough. We need to bring the buyers from Africa. Sub Saharan Africa is waiting for trade. We need to offer our expertise. BRICS provides a huge opportunity for growth. A lot of organisers coming out of that membership are looking for partnership. They all want to come into South Africa.”

One of the most insightful talks was by Adriaan Woudstra, who delivered a case study on Huntex and starting an expo from scratch.

As a result of the gun control bill, the national gun association went

TOP EVENTS OF 2011 CSIR

GENERAL INDUSTRY The Event Newspaper asked some of the country’s venues for their top ten best attended events of 2011. The results may surprise you.

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Sandton Convention Centre 1. Markex 2. Sign Africa 3. SA Shopping Council 4. SA Nurses Conference 5. National Nursing Summit 6. Proudly South African 7. Neuroradiology Congress 8. ABIC (Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference) 9. Laboratory Medicine Congress 10. International Labor Organization Gallagher Convention Centre 1. Sexpo 2. Decorex 3. Huntex 4. The Beeld Holiday Show 5. World of Dogs and Cats (WODAC) 6. Professional Beauty 7. SARCDA 8. Hobby X 9. Africa’s Big 7/SAITEX 10. China Sourcing Fairs

CSIR 1. SA Bus Operators Conference 2.AIFA Provincial Conference 3. SA Road Federation 4.Young Water Professionals 5. 30th Annual South African Transport Conference 6. MICSSA 2011 Symposium 7. SIOPSA Annual Conference 8. Skills and Development Confer-

Coca-Cola dome 1. Cirque du Soleil 2. The Baby Expo (2 shows annually) 3. Gauteng Homemakers Expo 4. Hobby-X 5. Good Food & Wine Show 6. National Boat Show 7. Grand Designs Live 8. Wedding Expo (2 shows annually) 9. rAge 10. Getaway Show Johannesburg Expo Centre 1. Rand Show 2. Automechanika 3. Africa Health Exhibition and Congress 4. Armin Van Buuren – A State of

Trance 5. Railways and Harbour Expo and Conference 6. Baba Indaba 7. Johannesburg International Motor Show 8. Afriwater 9. Wesbank 2Billion Rand Celebration 10. SASOL Leadership Forum Tshwane Events Centre 1. The Spring Show 2. Bundu Expo 3. Aim Wild Expo 4. Expo 4 Brides 5. FM Church conference 6. IEC Municipal Elections 7. Promoting and empowering Black Farmers conference and exhibition 8. Castle Milk Stout Product Launch 9. Le Sjiek Beauty Expo 10. Trans Oranje school for the deaf Annual Christmas market

from 10 000 to 38 000 members overnight. They needed more money to serve those members. Adriaan approached them with an expo model and Huntex was born.

“I spent a long time looking at this market. There are 220 000 hunters in South Africa who spend between R50 000 and R100 000 a year on hunting activities.”

Adriaan chose Johannesburg to host the expo as the majority of hunters live in and around the city.

He also discovered that 70% are Afrikaans.

To attract the market he invested in a series of billboards, starting with one on the R21 featuring a hunting rifle. When no one complained the billboards went up all over province.

The first time show attracted 19016 visitors.

The biggest lesson to come out of Lizelle Chrisitson’s talk on social media was that the consumer show customer and the business to business customer are very different. Twitter and Facebook will work fantastically to generate hype for the Good Food and Wine Show while LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to research customers for a trade show.

Ann Dalton spoke about the Cape Yearling Sale.

Her company Agri Expo was tasked by Cape Thoroughbred Sales to run the Cape Yearling Sale. It was the first time that the show would be held in a city centre.

“We had to build 350 stables in the exhibition halls, accommodation for 206 grooms, provide seating for 600 buyers, install special drainage systems, extra lighting and tape up 2500 metres of plastic with duct tape – all in 48 hours,” says Ann. Kris Willand, MD of ESG Australia, opened day two with a keynote talk on sustainable brand architecture.

“Sustainability is a necessity for the future of mankind. It’s also become a requirement for businesses,” says Kris. “The reality is that 89% of exhibitors would go green if there was no additional cost. 100% would go green if it was cheaper.”

For this reason Kris says his company’s philosophy is that “If it’s not going to increase our profits we won’t do it. If it doesn’t sustain us economically then it can’t sustain us environmentally.”

Sustainable solutions include system development where the architecture is integrated with other materials. Stands need to be reusable using fabrics rather than panels. Another green solution is rental.

“You can also look at the standardising materials and design where there is less overheads, less room for error, and shorter install,” says Kris.

“We need to get out of the build way of thinking,” says Kris. “A three tier stand with a escalator might be the pinnacle of exhibition design, but it causes loads of waste, and needs to be rebuilt every time. One of BMW’s most successful stand and ESG’s most profitable stand, was to simply wrap the car in voile, making it a reveal without the reveal. We need to start looking at more innovative concepts for the future.”

The final talk of the day debunked the myths of the Safety and Security Act. Rick Coertze from Lodge Security explained that events are divided into three categories – low grade, medium grade, and high grade. It’s up to police to categorise risk grade.

Surprisingly, the grading of an event has little to do with numbers or profile of guests, but rather the capacity of the venue.

“Grading is determined by whether the event is employing prop-

EXSA 2012 Board: Megan Arendse, Ann Dalton, Elaine Crewe, David Frandsen, Andrew Gibbs, Brad Hook, Natalie Naude, Joy Donovan, Elizabeth Morley and Nigel Walker.

er use of the venue. If you exceed capacity of a venue or change the use of the venue, then it can become a high risk event. Numbers don’t come into it,” says Rick. “Look at the rooftop party, which is the trend nowadays.

You have to ask yourself whether that roof was designed to accommodate people? What is the capacity?”

Three City Events’ Chris Naude has first hand knowledge of the logistics behind safety planning. “Book a presentation date to present plan to city. They are there to help you,” he

advises.

Mike Weeks from Micor Events Logistics believes exhibitors leaving everything to the last minute can be a huge safety risk.

“Breakdown is the nightmare of all nightmares. People don’t want to wait, they want to go home. Exhibition organisers do a break down all through the night and that puts huge stress on porters. Service providers are forced to work long hours far beyond the call of duty and that is the safety risk. A tired forklift operator in

the loading bay will make mistakes.

This trend to do build up and break down quicker puts the service providers in a tight corner and at the end of the day we’re stuck with 60 porters that need to get home at 2 am when no public transport is available.”

2012 EXSA board member Andrew Gibbs took the opportunity to introduce the new EXSA Tip-Off Line which aims to decrease crime and dishonesty in the exhibitions industry.

Sally Fink

The Event | 09

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW - EVENT PERMITS Bo-Kaap

GENERAL INDUSTRY THE list of the City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) regulations to obtain permission to host an event of any kind can be a bit daunting. We are talking about twenty-six pages of daunting. A few quick pointers in the right direction may make your job a little easier.

I

F you want to host an event; from a small community gathering to let’s say a U2 concert at Green Point stadium; it is firstly important to know what the deadlines are for submitting your details to the CoCT’s Events office. The application deadlines are calculated according to the amount of people attending the event. A few exceptions apply.

A basic breakdown looks like this: To host a small event (1-2000 people), you will need to submit your application three weeks before its commencement. A medium-sized event (2001-5000 people), will require four

weeks notice. You will need to give five weeks notice before hosting a large event consisting of 5001 to 10 00 people. Finally, a very large event of 10 001 and above will need three months notice - although the city recommends giving it six months’ notice.

The city may issue special application directives that may influence the deadlines of the above. These are mostly specific to the time of year; such as festive seasons, or according to particular type of events.

Deadline restrictions sorted, you then submit an Event Plan which must include the basic information of your event such as type of event, date, duration, locality, venue, program, layout of event, number of spectators etc. Also important is your transport management plan which includes road closures, parking areas, route plans etc. And your emergency plan, health requirements, liquor licenses, waste management, and indemnity forms.

You will have to fill out a noise exemption application in which you

have to state your noise source such as a live band or a DJ. The tricky part here is that if your event is in a residential area, and will affect others, you have to contact all residents within 100 meters of the event location and get them to sign a form indicating whether they agree or disagree with the issuance of a noise permit for the specified event. You will also need a letter of consent from the body corporate or owner.

Very important is your event’s risk categorisation which stems from the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act that was passed in 2010.

Again, you have to fill in quite a detailed description. You then estimate your event’s risk categorisation as high, medium or low, submit the form, and then the CoCT will confirm the categorisation.

Erecting a tent or exhibition stall, temporary seating stand, banners, balloons, or any form of signage, will also require several pages of paperwork. However, it is pretty clear on the forms provided by the CoCT, and is more time consuming than complicated.

The application for a certificate of acceptability for food premises applies to your event should you be selling or serving food of any kind.

This is a detailed and complex form which will require some time and patience to fill out. You will have to list all the foods involved, the handling of the food items, such as preparation, packing and processing, the cleaning and storage facilities etc.

Once you have filled out all the relevant forms you may submit it to the CoCT Events Office who will in return inform all possible role-players within three working days of the submission of the application.

An Events Committee was set up a few years ago to regulate events

taking place and to coordinate the process between event organisers and the various departments and stakeholders in the City.

Theresa Brown, the Communications manager and events organiser for the annual Tour d’Afrique Bicycle Tour and Expedition, which has its annual finish line and function in Cape Town every year, has been dealing with the CoCT’s events department since 2005. “In the first few years of submitting forms to the city, their staff assisted in a number of ways,” Theresa explains. “Once they received the event proposal, they then set up a meeting that involved all the departments and stakeholders, such as fire, disaster management, traffic management, waste management, security etc. At that meeting, the event organiser outlined the event and details, and the stakeholders asked questions, raised any issues and advised steps to be taken to resolve any issues. Once the event organiser, working through the coordinators at the Events Committee, had met the requirements to the stakeholders’ satisfaction, an event permit was issued.”

Theresa goes on to say that the process has changed somewhat over the last year. “While one still has to submit all the forms to the Event Committee Office, the process of acquiring an event permit has to be driven by the event organiser. This now means that the event organiser needs to arrange for the meeting, be au fait with the workings of each department, know exactly who to speak to in each department, and drive the process of getting the various approvals and form sign-offs.”

Theresa says she had a call from a man who, having once worked for the City, saw how things were changing and started offering his services

to event organisers to help them achieve all the approvals and signsoffs so that they could get the permit. Depending on the scope of the event and how many departments he needed to liaise with, she says his fee was somewhere between R3000 and R6000 for co-ordinating all the paperwork and acquiring the permit.

“So the process,” Theresa concludes, “Which is becoming more and more intricate, requires in-depth knowledge of ‘how’ and ‘who’ by the event organiser, as well as a significant amount of time.”

If you feel it is time to ‘green’ your event, the city has put together a nifty Smart Events Handbook to encourage event greening. This book is a clear and easy guide on how to organise events, big or small, in an environmentally responsible way. According to the handbook, some of the benefits of greening your event, apart from the obvious environmental advantages, include cost savings by conserving energy, reducing waste, purchasing local products, and simply consuming less can save money. Your company and event will get a positive reputation: A green event is a very visible demonstration of your organisation’s commitment to sustainability. It really is a smart and easy to use handbook which also contains a checklist to guide you through your planning. I also like that their motto is, ‘rather start small than do nothing’.

The best piece of advice is to check in timeously with the CoCT’s Events, certainly well within the timeframes of their given deadlines. Applications are to be submitted to the CoCT Events Office.

only the second South African to have the accolade bestowed on her, and also only the second destination marketing executive to be so honoured.

Others who have been named Internationalists include former marketing Council of South Africa CEO, Yvonne Johnston and executives from global companies and brands such as MasterCard, the Boeing Company, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble and Century Fox International.

Amanda Kotzé-Nhlapo, who is the executive manager of South Africa’s National Convention Bureau.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism industry, dealing specifically with business tourists, Cheryl brings with her a wealth of knowledge. She has served on the board of the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and in March 2004, she was recognised for her contribution to tourism with the prestigious Women in Tourism award.

“We have confidence in Cheryl’s abilities and support her fully as she and her team raise the profile of Cape Town – the top convention city in Africa and the Middle East,” says Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

New EXSA Board announced THE 2012 Exhibition and Event Association of South Africa (EXSA) board, as announced at the EXSA national Conference, are: •Nigel Walker:Chairperson •Andrew Gibbs: Vice Chair / Treasurer •Natalie Naude: Immediate Past Chair •Elaine Crewe: Venue Forum Chair •Karin White: Venue Forum Vice Chair •Elizabeth Morley: Organiser’s Forum Chair •Brad Hook: Organiser’s Forum Vice Chair •Ann Dalton: Organiser’s Forum •Angela Blake: Organiser’s Forum •Brian Kennedy: Suppliers Forum •David Frandsen: KZN Chair •Megan Arendse: Western Cape Chair

Astrid Stark

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Roshene Singh

GENERAL INDUSTRY 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.

1 0 | The Even t

Roshene Singh named an Internationalist SOUTH African Tourism’s (SAT) chief marketing officer, Roshene Singh, has been named an Internationalist for her leadership in global destination marketing work that shows ‘outstanding thinking in brand communications’.

The honour was bestowed by The Internationalist, a global publication based in New York that explores the best of global branding and marketing, creating a resource for marketing and communication professionals; celebrating pockets of excellence; and stimulating fresh thinking and application in a world that is truly a global village.

Roshene finds herself in the company of an elite number of global marketers of excellence who have been awarded the honour. She is

Cheryl Mulder-Verbruggen to helm Cape Town Convention Bureau CHERYL Mulder-Verbruggen has been named as the new head of the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau and Events.

She has taken over the reins from

THE STORY OF HOMEMAKERS EXPO

Homemakers Expo

EXHIBITIONS HOMEMAKERS has been serving the home improvement industry with free-distribution direct response magazines since 1983.

T

HE company was started

by Henk Louw (chairman) primarily as a knock-n-drop distribution company. Ray Abrahamse, ex-newspaper man and current MD, joined the company to publish Homemakers Fair

magazine, a mass distributed publication aimed at the home improvement market. Subsequently a small permanent exhibition was opened in Turffontein.

In time, the magazine proved to be financially more viable and a better lead generator for the industry. The exhibition centre was closed and converted to offices. Homemakers Fair magazine was so successful that a second publication, Home Talk, (today Homemakers Talk) was launched.

Branches were then opened in

Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, serving the home improvement industry on a regional basis. Today, Homemakers publishes ten publications per month in seven regions across the country.

In 1993 the company decided to establish a home improvement exhibition in Johannesburg with the objective to offer existing advertisers an additional marketing opportunity in the form of a four day consumer exhibition. An events and exhibition company was appointed to handle the logistical and organisational functions.

The exhibition company, however, did not fulfil their side of the venture and Homemakers was “left with the baby” three months before the expo. The end result was that Ray and the Homemakers staff organised the first Homemakers Expo in February 1994 at Kyalami with no exhibition experience whatsoever. The exhibition was a roaring success and most exhibitors booked for 1995 on the spot and a new division was formed within the company with a few changes in job descriptions.

The next region to host a Homemakers Expo was Cape Town with the first exhibition in August 1996 in the railway sheds of the Culemborg Exhibition Centre. With the Johannesburg expos as reference and blueprint, John Leyden, Business Development Director (then Cape MD), and staff organised the first Cape Homemakers Expo.

After the success of Cape Town, Homemakers Expos were launched in Pretoria and Durban in subsequent years. The formula has proved successful where each region, apart from publishing their magazines, also organise their own expo with marketing,

NEWS

management and general support from head office in Johannesburg. In later years Homemakers expanded to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and the Vaal Triangle.

While the brand and general concept of the exhibition remain the same, exhibitor and visitor profiles differ from region to region.

The sizes and attendance of the different exhibitions are very much in line with the GDP of the country, with Gauteng having the most exhibitors and visitors followed by Cape Town and the other regions.

“Suitable venues remain one of our biggest challenges in the smaller regions”, says John.

“Apart from the three major centres, purpose-designed exhibition venues do not exist in other cities and is one of the main reasons why we have cancelled or postponed some of our exhibitions in the past. Bloemfontein and George are two good examples,” he adds.

According to Ray Abrahamse, managing director, the economic downturn of the last few years has affected consumer exhibitions negatively both here and abroad.

“Looking back at our 2011 expos, however, exhibitors saw a notable increase in consumer spend in terms of orders. A very good sign that bodes well for our entire industry”, he said. Similarly, it was also noted that consumers have become more discerning regarding product quality and value.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Homemakers Expo and the year after the 30th year of the publication Homemakers fair – a wonderful testament to brands that have remained topical and fresh within a niched market.

Verity Reynolds

GENERAL INDUSTRY 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.

Three new exhibitions for Thebe THE Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group (TEPG) has secured three new exhibition management contracts for 2012. These are for the Cape Town Book Fair, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 15- 17 June 2012, the International Small Business Congress Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15-18 September 2012, and Cape Wine & Vindaba from 2527 September 2012 at the CTICC. TEPG managing director Carol Weaving says, “We have been truly focused in our approach to business.

In addition to this, we also staged two new exhibitions in 2011, namely the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange and the Retirement Expo.”

The International Small Business Congress, to be held in Africa for the first time, is aimed at improving small business practice globally. It will coincide with the annual Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo, which is owned and managed by the TEPG and is dedicated to developing entrepreneurship in South Africa.

Misty Hills welcomes new GM RECREATION Africa welcomes Peter van Raaij as general manager at Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa. Peter has 25 years experience within the hospitality industry, both locally and internationally.

Sally Fink

Peter van Raaij

The Event | 11

EVENT LISTINGS ABSA Cape Epic

Conversations on Architecture 22 March, ICC Durban WoodEx for Africa 22-24 March, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand Jewellery & Accessories Expo 23-24 March, Balmoral Hotel, Durban Calcutta Chamber of Commerce & Industry Trade Show 23-27 March, ICC Durban Sting: back to Bass 24-25 March, Coca-Cola dome, JHB The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts: Hugh Masekela 25 March, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

March The Phantom of the Opera 28 February - 4 March, The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg Nik Rabonowitz: Stand and Deliver 29 February - 3 March, Montecasino Theatre & Studio, Johannesburg CORMITEX 1-3 March, Gaborone International Showgrounds, Botswana Hobby-X 1-4 March, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Nataniel: Black White Man Woman 1-4 March Emperors Palace, Johannesburg

Undercover Farming Expo 6-8 March, The Saint George Hotel, Pretoria Tyreexpo Africa 6-8 March, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Usher in Concert 8 March, ICC Arena, Durban International Fashion Sale 8-11 March, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Discovery Life Launch 9 March, ICC Durban The Gugulethu Tenors Live in Concert 9 March, Fugard Theatre, Cape Town

NWJ Bridal fair 2-4 March, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre Experience: Vusi Mahlasela 10 March, Paul Cluver Wine Estate, Elgin

Design Indaba Expo 2-4 March, CTICC, Cape Town

Hansa Festival of Legends 10 March, Orlando Stadium, JHB

Woordfees 2-11 March, Neethlingshof, Stellenbosch

The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts: Goldfish 11 March, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts: The Blues Broers featuring Albert Frost 4 March, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

1 2 | The Event

LARASA Conference 11-14 March, Durban ICC

Fleur du Cap Summer Sunset Concerts: Banned in Evolution 12 March, Helderberg Nature Reserve Engen Roadshow 12-14 March, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban National Electronics Week 13-14 March, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Oil & Gas Africa 13-15 March, CTICC, Cape Town Aeromed Africa Conference & Exhibition 13-16 March, CTICC, CPT Sign & Digital Graphics Roadshow 14-15 March, ICC Durban Alexander Forbes Hot Topic Seminars 15 March, CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria UFI Open Seminar & Expo Summit in Africa 15-17 March, CTICC, Cape Town The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts: Freshlyground 18 March, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Decorex 2012 21-25 March, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

MTN Radio Awards 14-15 April, Sandton Convention Centre Trucker’s Forum 14-15 April, Sandton Convention Centre International Committee on NonDestructive Testing 16-20 April, ICC Durban IT & CM China 17-19 April, Shanghai World Expo Pavilion Theme, China The Congress of World Association for Infant Mental Health 17-21 April, CTICC, Cape Town Huntex 20 April, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

GIBTM 26–28 March, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE. GIBTM

Mpumalanga Wine Show 20-21 April, Ingwenyama Sports Resort, Mpumalanga

Sting: Back to Bass 27-28 March, Grand Arena, CPT

Conversations on Architecture 26 April, CTICC, Cape Town

My Business Conference & Expo 29 March, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Decorex 26-29 April, CTICC, Cape Town

Cape Town International Jazz Festival 30-31 March, CTICC, CPT Big Boys Toys Expo 30 March - 1 April, ICC Durban Basic Education Conference 30 March - 4 April, ICC Durban Wedding Expo 31 March - 1 April, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

April The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts: Hot Water and Wrestlerish 1 April, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town World Toilet Summit 2 April, ICC Durban ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race 2 April, Oak Valley, Western Cape Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo 4-6 April, Good Hope Centre, CPT Shoppex 2012 5-9 April, ICC Durban, Kwazulu Natal Atomic Junkies 6-9 April, Coca-Cola dome, JHB International Multi – Faith Conference 10-14 April, CTICC, Cape Town

Expo 18 Golf Expo 27-29 April, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

May QS APPLE Conference 3-4 May, UKZN The Joburg Wine Show 4-6 May, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Franschhoek Literary Festival Book Week for Young Readers 7-10 May, Franschhoek, Western Cape West African International Telecommunications Exhibition & Conference & NISE: Nigerian ICT Business Solutions Expo 8-10 May, EKO Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria Franschhoek Literary Festival 11-15 May, Franschhoek, Western Cape Indaba 12-15 May, ICC Durban Security Summit 15-16 May, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB The Baby Expo Mammamagic 17-20 May, Coca-Cola dome, JHB SATCOM 22-23 May, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB IMEX 22-24 May, Frankfurt, Germany

DIARISE Fine Brandy Fusion 23-25 May, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

MARCH

Grand Designs Live 25-27 May, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Royal Show 25 May-3 June, Royal Show Grounds, Pietermaritzburg

Prisa CPD Workshop Fundraising - This is how...

6 March, PRISA Procomm House, Ferndale, Randburg, JHB

Facilities Management Show 28-30May, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

Prisa CPD Workshop Crisis communication management 8 March, PRISA Procomm House, Ferndale, Randburg, JHB

WAMPE 30 May–1 June, International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana

Prisa CPD Workshop Change management for PR professionals 14 March, PRISA Procomm House, Ferndale, Randburg, JHB

SA Property Owners Association Conference 31 May- 2 June, ICC Durban

Prisa CPD Workshop Social Media 26-27 March, PRISA Procomm House, Ferndale, Randburg, JHB

Comrades 31 May - 2 June, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

GIBTM 26–28 March, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE. GIBTM

June

APRIL

Roxette 3 June, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

IT & CMA China 17-19 April, Shanghai World Expo Pavilion Theme, China

NUMSA National Congress 4-8 June, ICC Durban Roxette 5 June, ICC Arena, Durban PRISA annual conference 11-12 June, Johannesburg SA TB Conference 12-15 June, ICC Durban Cape Town Book Fair 15-17 June, CTICC, Cape Town Exchange World Africa 19-22 June, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB International Congress of Psychology 22-27 June, CTICC, Cape Town International Cost Engineering Council World Congress 25-27 June, ICC Durban Africa Ports & Harbours Congress 25-29 June, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Africa Rail 26-29 June, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Disney on Ice 27 June - 1 July, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

July Eid Shopping Festival 12-15 July, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

Phantom of the Opera

AFM Women’s Conference 13-15 July, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

Decorex 8-12 August, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

National Boat Show 7-9 September, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) 15-17 July, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Andre Rieu 17 August, Coca-Cola dome, JHB

Eastern Bridal Fair 7-9 September, ICC Exhibition Centre, Durban

Africa Mining Congress 16-19 July, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB Future Ed 19-21 July, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Intl Federation of Teachers of French Conference 23-27 July, ICC Durban Limpopo Wine Show 27-28 July, Meropa Casino, Polokwane SAACI National Conference 29-31 July, Indaba Hotel, Fourways Banking Outlook Africa 30 July- 3 August, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

August Conversations on Architecture 8 August, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

IT&CMA India 21-23 August, India Expo Centre, Delhi Sign Africa Expo 22-24 August, Sandton Convention Centre Africa Print Expo 22-24 August, Sandton Convention Centre Wedding Expo 25-26 August, Coca-Cola dome, JHB The Getaway Show 31 August - 2 September, CocaCola dome, JHB

September SA Orthopaedic Association Congress 3-7 September, ICC Durban Intermodal Africa 5-7 September, ICC Durban BT Africa Expo 6-7 September, Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

International Aquarium Congress (IAC) 9-14 September, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town Sports & Events Tourism Exchange 12-14 September, ICC Durban Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo 13-16 September, Coca-Cola dome, JHB Medunsa Refresher Course 14-16 September, CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria ISBC 15-18 September, Santon Convention Centre, JHB Creative Week Cape Town 15-23 September, Cape Town Planning Africa 16-19 September, ICC Durban SA Council of Shopping Centres Congress 19-20 September, ICC Durban

MAY IMEX 22-24 May, Frankfurt, Germany

JUNE AIBTM 19-21 June, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

JULY SAACI National Conference 29-31 July, Indaba Hotel, Fourways

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

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

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

The Event | 13

WHAT LURKS BEHIND THE MASK? THEATRE WHEN Phantom of the Opera opened at Johannesburg’s Montecasino in late January, the logistics were just as impressive as the show.

A

NDREW Lloyd Webber’s lavish musical now ranks as the most successful piece of entertainment of all time. Each performance features 22 scene changes, 230 costumes and 130 cast, crew and orchestra.

The replica of the Paris Opera House chandelier is made up of 6,000 beads and weighs one ton, and the show needs 27 articulated lorries to go on tour.

Yet the entire production hinges on a prop that measures just a few centimetres square - the fabled mask that hides the disfigured face of the Phantom.

Creating the Phantom’s mask and make-up is so convoluted that it’s a story in itself, and actors have the mask custom-made so it fits perfectly.

For the South African production, which played at Cape Town’s Artscape before Joburg, principal actor Andre Schwartz sat through the long and tedious process several weeks before the opening.

First Andre had a bald cap glued over his head. The back of his head was covered with dental alginate powder mixed with water to form a thick paste. Alginate is what dentists use to make an impression of your teeth.

After that set for four minutes, it was backed with plaster bandages to hold the jelly-like alginate in place. The procedure was repeated on the front of the face, keeping the nostrils and mouth free so Andre

could breathe.

“This procedure can be very claustrophobic and it is important that the actor knows exactly what is going to take place and never feels he is being left alone, even for a few minutes,” said international makeup designer Bob McCarron.

The cast was then removed and filled with plaster to make a copy of Andre’s head. “We then make a silicone copy of this plaster head so we can make multiple copies for wigs, hats, make-up and masks,” said Bob. The mask itself is sculptured in clay applied to the head mould to get exactly the correct look and fit.

“When I am happy with the design I take a mould of the mask and make a fibreglass copy,” said Bob. The fibreglass copy is sent to a vacuum forming company that presses under heat and a vacuum to get the finished mask.

“We then attach a thin wire that goes over the actor’s head to hold the mask in place. This looks invisible on stage and because of the shape, allows Christine to pull it off easily.”

After a fitting to see whether any changes are needed, Bob takes the mask back to the workshop and repeats the process, making up to five different versions before he is happy with the look and feel.

When the final mask is chosen it is coloured with floral paints to get a porcelain effect.

Even now the process is not over.

As a final touch, a lining of fine kid leather is glued inside the fibreglass mask. That makes it more comfortable for the actor to wear all night, and also absorbs sweat.

“We normally make six finished masks, but the Phantoms rarely use more than one for the run of the show, as they become very attached to it,” Bob said.

Behind the Scenes at Phantom of the Opera

The mask is only part of the special effects needed for the Phantom’s face. Beneath the mask he wears a custom-made foam latex face to create the disfigurements that are hidden until the final scenes.

Each latex face is only used once, so hundreds are made for the full run of a show. First, clay is applied to the plaster head and pitted with craters and scars. The pock-marked clay is covered with more plaster, which is baked to make a mould. The mould is filled with foam latex rubber and

We’re distributing 4 000 copies a month free via bulk distribution at event industry organisations and associations; key industry meeting points like convention centres, hotels and rental houses; and at key industry events. This means we’ll remain the most read events industry trade publication.

After seven years of carrying the cost of mailing another 4 000 copies direct to everyone else, we’re asking for subscriptions to help us cover our rising distribution costs.

Subscribe now for just R22.80 pm to keep receiving your copy, delivered to your door every month.

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1 4 | The Even t

baked again.

A new ‘face’ is glued onto the Phantom every night then make-up is applied. He also wears two wigs, the main sleek vampire-like wig, and a fine grey wig that is only seen when his face is revealed. The whole procedure takes around 90 minutes, and another 40 minutes to clean up after the show.

“Basically from day one of meeting the actor, it takes us around six to eight weeks of work on his head to have him ready,” Bob said.

The tremendous effort has clearly paid off. The musical has been seen by more than 130 million people in 27 countries and has won more than 50 major awards. It is now celebrating its 25th year.

Lesley Stones (Editor’s note: At the time of going to print Jonathan Roxmouth had replaced André Schwartz in the role of Phantom.)

A DESIGN EXPO INSIDE AND OUT EVENTS TRADITIONALLY, Design Indaba Expo showcases the most innovative products and designs to come from South Africa, but behind the scenes, the floor plan and shell scheme layout are just as creative.

This year, Design Indaba expo promises to be a sight to behold.

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OR the expo, the floor plan and shell scheme fell into the capable hands of Scan Display (who have been contracted by Interactive Africa for the past seven years).

Creative director Paul Hugo explains that the team has learned a lot in that time.

“The development of the concept of Design Indaba into the layout has been paramount,” says Paul. “Maximising exhibitor exposure was a key element. We wanted to ensure that every visitor gets to spend time at every stand.”

This is harder than it sounds.

Scan Display account executive Jane Steel says the design of the floor plan started eight months prior to the event. “The human/architecture/space allocation was designed to maximise the visitor experience. That is the innovation of the floor plan; that it’s socially prepared,” says Jane.

“We wanted to use the shell booth layout practically in order to maximise floor space,” says Paul.

“The key factor was our collaboration with Interactive Africa in the percentage of sellable space to our space.”

Paul says that over the past seven years the team got to a point where it became apparent that the ideal was no more than four con-

Design Indaba Expo

nected shell stands. “Every stand is a corner stand in the form of a four stand pavilion. This maximises exhibitor exposure to visitors and gives a visual link to the layers of stands. The visitor can see what’s happening on the other side of the hall. There is a line of sight, which also dictates the flow of people,” he says.

Flow is designed around entering at one point, moving anticlockwise around a focal point, and forces the visitor to be exposed to every part of the floor. There is a balance of shell and custom booths within these parameters.

Every custom stand has four sides which are approachable. This allows exhibitors to interact and network with likeminded individuals.

The carpeting is also cutting edge. “Traditionally exhibitors use carpet tiles which are re-used too

many times,” says Jane. “Four years ago we sourced a roll carpet from Italy. This type of carpeting comes in exciting colours not available in carpet tiles and can be used spatially as well as visually.”

This year the team opted for black which emphasises the importance of the display rather than the booth. In this way product takes precedence over the infrastructure.

“We will be using colour blocks to form a solid line in the aisles to define the direction of flow and positioning and to define different areas in the hall ,” says Paul.

These colour lines that cut through the black will look like the London Tube map from above.

At the end of the expo, the carpet will be donated to Island of Hope Children’s Home.

Another innovation sees the

ceiling being lowered by limiting the use of ceiling lighting, and maximising stand lighting to create a city of light.

“A 3D dressing of the space will create a focal point. This is achieved by lowering the trussing down to a six metre height to lower ceiling,” explains Paul.

Desin Indaba will be the first shell show in South Africa that is completely LED lit. LED uses roughly less than ten percent of the average energy consumption of traditional lighting. Another benefit of this type of lighting is that it provides better quality brightness and colour to enhance the products exhibited, not to mention a huge reduction in heat generation which in turn reduces the air-con requirements.

But the innovations don’t stop there. Scan Display is offering cloth

printing to exhibitors as an alternative to the traditional printed vinyl panel. These fabric prints can be reused year after year.

Last, but certainly not least, the registration desk is a MO5, which was voted the most innovative product in Europe last year. “It’s a mobile presentation product made in South Africa, that’s a baby product of Germany’s Modulebox,” says Jane.

The MO5 units have a lifespan of ten years.

The Design Indaba Expo takes place from 2-4 March 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Sally Fink

The Event | 15

MARK STRYDOM - OASYS COO Mark Strydom

INTERVIEW MARK Strydom was recently appointed COO of Oasys Innovations. The Event Newspaper caught up with him.

What can we expect from Oasys Innovations in 2012?

WE will continue to raise the bar in everything that we do. This extends from client service to inventory management and people excellence.

We are very much aware that, to remain a leader in a sector, calls for diligence and strategic orientation.

Where do you expect the most business to come from?

WE manage our five Business Units (BU) as profit centres. Each have been given carte blanche to fetch business anywhere in commerce and industry.

We will continue to service our customers with undivided attention and add additional value with innovative solutions. However, we will stay focused on what we know best – exhibitions, events and conferences.

The South African landscape

1 6 | The Event

has its limitations and we will therefore also focus on marketing our credentials in international markets.

What destinations are travelling and who is pulling back?

RECENTLY entrepreneurs from Africa have become much more mobile and have begun to look at what is on offer locally. This is less so for countries that are experiencing economic, social and political stress.

If a company’s resources are under stress, including the financials, it is less likely that management will approve applications for travel, let alone the additional costs such as conference fees, accommodation and other variable costs.

The same argument holds true for companies in other countries or markets that have had to set aside money for precautionary measures due to recessionary trends.

Considering the international conferences announced for South Africa we are doing well, although the number of attendees may be less than what we are used to.

I believe from media reports that an increase in numbers are coming from Asia, which may flow into the conference, exhibition and event sectors.

What are the emerging markets industry should take note of?

THIS is subject to factors that motivate a stable and progressive country. There is much transformation happening in some African countries. Travelling to and from those destinations supports the argument that they are in search of solutions that will help them to accelerate change and economic activity. This search for knowledge could lead to increased attendance at exhibi-

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

tions and conferences.

Major events such as the 2014 World Cup to be hosted in Brazil may be a catalyst for economic activity throughout South America.

This could have global cascading effects of value in the long run, also for the South African market.

What trends do you see emerging?

TRENDS are influenced and formed by money. Compared to other currencies, we offer a lot of value and as a destination we are relatively inexpensive – for now.

We also offer stability in many other areas. For globe-trotting entrepreneurs this is a great region in which to conduct business and this is likely to increase. The Chinese have demonstrated this with the 2011 China Sourcing Fair at which 820 exhibitors participated, an increase of 23% over 2010.

And they are returning with many potential decision makers, as the power of word-of-mouth advertising and online media has reached many circles in the Asian business communities, including India.

I also see that the conference business will grow in leaps and bounds as was also confirmed by the CTICC in recent media statements. I need to give an accolade to our tourism authorities for their relentless efforts to position South Africa as a business and conference destination. They need the support of the industry by allocating space in their marketing collateral, promoting South Africa as a business destination.

Sally Fink

Protea Hotel Fire and Ice!

GENERAL INDUSTRY 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.

Protea group in Africa’s top 20 trendiest hotels THE Protea Hospitality Group clinched six spots in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town was awarded second place in the Trendiest Hotels in Africa category as well as eleventh in the Trendiest Hotel in the World category.

Other PHG hotels to feature in the Trendiest Hotels in Africa list are: •African Pride Tribe – The Village Market Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya (fifth).

•Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (seventh).

•Protea Hotel OR Tambo, Johannesburg (ninth).

•African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Johannesburg (sixteenth).

•African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, Cape Town (seventeenth).

Pendorings join Creative Week AS a new addition to Creative Week this year, the Pendorings will host their

awards on 21 September 2012 to coincide with the Loerie awards.

The Pendoring Awards celebrate and encourage the use of Afrikaans advertising as well as truly South African communication.

“As change invariably brings innovation, the Pendoring board and management are very excited about this positive move,” Pendoring GM Franette Klerck says.

“The invitation to become part of Creative Week Cape Town is a feather in Pendoring’s cap as a large number of creatives from all disciplines, as well as marketers and media representatives, are expected to once again flock to the Mother City in September, thus ensuring excellent exposure for Afrikaans and truly South African creative work,” she adds.

Soweto Open cancelled THE Soweto Open, which was due to be staged in April, has been called off due to lack of sponsorship.

SA Tennis Association (SATA) CEO Ian Smith says SATA would continue its search for a sponsor in the hope of staging the Soweto Open towards the end of 2012.

“We have a deadline of late May or early June to find a sponsor and get ATP sanction for a Challenger tournament,” he said.

Dan Nicholl announced as Expo18 Director EXPO18, South Africa’s largest golf expo set to take place 27-29 April 2012, announced respected media personality Dan Nicholl as its director.

An outspoken personality on South Africa’s sports scene, Dan is a well-known MC, broadcaster and writer, with extensive radio and television experience.

Sally Fink

LITHA WINS TENDER FOR HOUSING CONFERENCE CASE STUDY

IHHWC

IHHWC

LITHA Communications was selected as the PCO to manage the 12th International Housing & Home Warranty Conference (IHHWC2011), after a rigorous open tender process.

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HE IHHWC brings together warranty organisations, home builders and housing professionals from across the world, providing an opportunity to discuss challenges in the international market for the provision of new homes and share best practice on addressing them.

It was the first time in the thirty year history of the IHHWC that this prestigious conference was hosted on African soil on behalf of the International Housing and Home Warranty Association (IHHWA), the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and Department of Human Settlements.

The formal three day conference and exhibition programme was managed parallel to five social events, a Golf Day at the Pearl Valley Golf Estate, a Welcome Reception at Mount Nelson; a Public Event, the Legacy Project with the minister of Human Settlements to handover eight sustainable, alternative technology homes to beneficiaries in Blue Downs, Western Cape; a Winelands Experience at Ernie Els Estate, and a Spirit of Africa closing Gala Dinner.

“We were appointed in November 2010, two years after the awarding of the conference to South Africa,” says logistics director Beaulah du Toit.

IHHWA had awarded the conference to South Africa previously and withdrew due to organisational challenges. “Unbeknown to us, by 2010 the IHHWA had already threat-

ened to withdraw the conference from South Africa, again,” she says.

“The conference was launched on various international platforms in the period preceding our appointment and great expectations had been created and various promises made to the international body.”

The concern from the international delegates was whether South Africa had the level of expertise to manage the business aspect of the conference according to a stringent set of standards while maintaining established norms for the social programme.

“We were assured that all venue needs had been booked and paid by the client at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC),” says Beulah.

Despite stringent planning, there were a few challenges. “It turned out that the CTICC was booked for only one main plenary venue for 200 pax, while in reality we required a plenary venue for 400 pax and two

concurrent parallel sessions for 200 pax each,” explains Beulah.

Furthermore, no provision had been made for breakaways, lunches, exhibitions and three social events, which were pivotal to the success of the event. “The date could not be changed, the venue could not be replaced; CTICC was fully booked, as September is peak meeting season in Cape Town,” she says.

In addition, the Legacy Project was not part of the original terms of reference of the IHHWC. It was only added during the contracting phase. “Even at this stage, the NHBRC only wanted to be assured that we could raise sufficient funds for it to build five houses estimated at R110 000 per house, an ‘RDP” house. In the intervening period, the Legacy Project evolved from a typical house builds project along the lines of the Habitat Builds to a full blown alternative housing development project with a total value of R3.5 Million,” says Beulah.

GEARHOUSE PROVIDES MICRO TILES FOR MARKETS SUMMIT Capital Markets Summit

TECHNOLOGY A CHRISTIE MicroTiles display and Christie Spyder image processing provided a design highlight at the IMN-hosted South African Capital Markets Summit at the Westin Cape Town Hotel’s Conference Centre.

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AKING place for the ninth year, the two-day event set out to examine the recovery and growth of the South African Securitisation and Debt Capital Markets communities — and featured a number of keynote speakers.

Christie partners, Gearhouse South Africa, serviced the event’s design/ production company, Eventworx, with an imaginative

MicroTiles solution, designed to wow the 500 invitees, from various financial institutions.

Gearhouse were early adopters of MicroTiles, and with 100 modules in their inventory were comfortably able to design an 11 x 8 landscape display, set in the foyer of the Conference Centre, to allow content to be screened in 16:9 format. The client had no hesitation in backing the MicroTiles solution after Gearhouse had made them aware of the advantages of adopting this next generation technology.

Gearhouse project manager, Mike Tempest, confirmed that the company also provided the support structure for the wall which was built into a custom hard faced set. The MicroTiles display itself was used a backdrop to a Smoothie

Bar (with guests served drinks during the tea breaks).

The content screened consisted of customised presentations and advertising provided by Tequila, the advertising agency for lead sponsor, Standard Bank.

Financial trading information was also displayed as a ticker, together with CNBC Africa, and the service company used the WiFi and Satellite TV channel available from the venue itself.

The Spyder X20 took feeds from an AV Stumpfl Wings Platinum media server — for playback of the video content — a digital decoder and Mac Mini (which provided the ticker tape source) outputting to the wall in 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Via the Spyder, two separate PIPs (picture-in-picture) were overlaid on top of the media server layer.

According to Mike Tempest the event was an outstanding success and EventWorx executive director, John Paul Waites, concurs. “At Eventworx we are always looking to create dynamic and original solutions for our clients and working with the team at Gearhouse we were able to deliver an exhibition and networking space with multiple client messages, huge brand presence, a unique presentation solution and a major talking point amongst the delegates.

“The versatility and quality of image delivered by the MicroTiles and Mike’s ability to manipulate them, allowed us to present a richly customised visual solution to our client creating an outstanding solution that simply ‘owned’ the show.”

Robyn D’Alessandro

“We were also required to manage stakeholder relations between National Government, Provincial and Local Government to construct and handover eight homes to deserving families at a back-breaking speed of three months from inception to occupation.”

Faced with this task, Litha Communications had to find speedy, workable solutions that would ensure international best practise, the upkeep of the various roleplayers’ expectations, adhering to industry standards. Litha worked closely with the CTICC to find a solution.

“The Westin Ballroom, Old Harbour Lobby and surrounding meeting rooms were booked for the plenary and exhibitions,” says Beulah. “The Westin Restaurant was used as the dedicated lunch venue for the duration of the conference. The CTICC foyer was booked together with two breakaway venues on level one. Exhibitions were split between the foyer and the Old Harbour Lobby.”

Beaulah was tasked with creating free flow between the disjointed venues and to create a seamless experience for the delegates. She achieved this by making the CTICC foyer the nerve centre of the IHHWC 2011. The nucleus of the nerve centre was the 15 square meter LED Wall with real time info of the programs and social activities taking place in various venues. A WI-FI enabled business centre, networking lounge, featuring a homebrewed, artisans’ coffee shop proved to be a popular meeting place.

An added curve ball was the announcement that the Minister of Housing in Mali would speak the second day of conference – in French.

Overnight translation booths and arrangements had to be hastily made.

“Part of managing any successful conference is the ability to be flexible, anticipate the unexpected and make changes and to find and implement workable solutions,” says Beulah.

DECOREX CAPE TOWN CONSUMER SHOW DECOREX takes place from 26-29 April 2012 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) Cape Town.

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ETTING the standard for an abundance of trends and décor adventures, Decorex Cape Town returns to the Mother City with a vibrant interior design exhibition reflecting the creative spirit of its host town.

Expect energetic splashes of tangerine, trends from across the globe and a new wave of ‘hectic eclectic’ interiors, theatre workshops, fabric and wallpaper installations, dream rooms and designer kitchens. This year’s show brings a unique combination of originality, adventurous ideas, product launches, big brands rubbing shoulders with artisanal collectables and unique lifestyle spaces to the CTICC. “Co-lab is the big buzz,” says Sian Steyn, marketing manager, Decorex SA. “2012 will see us continue on the path of creative collaborations. From fashion to art to music and especially the design world, sharing ideas and pooling the creative juices add out-thebox thinking and unexpected solutions to our world.”

According to Laurence Brick from Laurence Brick Creative Direction and trend consultant to Decorex SA, this exchange of ideas also influence a more global outlook and international mindset.

“We see the development of a Global Living style, blending cultures and aesthetics from exotic destinations with our own way of life in a modern, freely expressive way.” Laurence says that international events such as the Arab Spring further stimulated an interest in Middle Eastern styles, with special emphasis on North Africa.

Highlights include: •The future of colour: Four of the country’s top design personalities interpret the Plascon Colour Forecast 2012.

•M-net Cares Café: Visitors are invited to bring second-hand books along to prop up in the cleverly designed bespoke bookshelves.

These books will be donated to M-net’s Naledi Children’s Literacy Project.

•BOS Bar: The BOS Bar sparks with imagination and design vision, making it the go-to gathering place to refuel on design gossip and refresh trend-trodden feet.

•Inspire Theatre: A gourmet kitchen for master classes, food for thought and on-trend entertaining.

•Graham Beck Wine Bar: Sip, nose and taste a passion for winemaking and impeccable style.

•District Delicious: A collection of artisan food and farm-raised ingredients.

•Decorex Designer Collection: Featuring top designers and artists.

The Event | 17

Innovative Exhibitions Sponsored by Complete Exhibitions MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS RESULT IN GROWTH AND SUCCESS Palace of the Lost City

COMPLETE Exhibitions believes in the maxim of concentrating on what you do best, and recently demonstrated this by partnering

with Buzz Communications for the allFresh Conference and Exhibition at Sun City in the last quarter of 2011.

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AVING worked previously on the allFresh Conference and Exhibition as one of the suppli-

NEW LUXURY TRAVEL SHOW LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA INDUSTRY can look forward to a new exhibition taking place in August - the Luxury Travel Show.

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HE 2012, Luxury Travel Show will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 3-5 August 2012 and will showcase the very best in travel and accommodation options available in South Africa, Africa and the world.

Dedicated to creating an environment that reflects the quality of the products showcased, this unique show is far more than an exhibition space, it is about creating a visitor experience through interactive show programmes, competitions and a ‘chill arena’ ideal for travel planning discussions.

Products to be showcased include luxury trains, boats and planes, private game reserves, lodges and safaris, not to mention exclusive hotels, resorts, elite golf resorts and concierge and chauffeur services. Spas, special-

1 8 | The Event

ist, cultural and experiential options, cruise companies and Tourist Boards and Destination Marketing Companies await.

It is not only about luxury either as it incorporates experiential and adventure travel as well. From the art of customised travel to the very best in wining, dining and shopping destinations or even whale watching in Antartica, the Luxury Travel Show covers it all.

Show director Mike Armstrong, says, “The Luxury Travel Show is the first of it’s kind in South Africa and planned to be an annual event on the travel calendar. It is a unique and vital interactive marketing platform for discerning, affluent and frequent travellers who are least affected by the current economic downturn. The products on offer will entice them to include a closerto-home option in addition to their continued international travel.”

For more information visit www. luxurytravelshow.co.za Sally Fink

Sandton Convention Centre

ers, Complete Exhibitions was in the unique position to leverage professional experience to grow the exhibition component of last year’s show.

The allFresh National Summit is a premier event for suppliers and producers of fresh produce in Sub-Saharan Africa to come together and discuss factors influencing the sector whilst utilising the valuable opportunity to network with their colleagues.

As such, it is critical to ensure that all components of the event are represented in a well managed environment.

Complete Exhibitions not only supplied the infrastructure and management for the exhibition, but worked tirelessly on the backend communicating and selling the stands for the show and managing exhibitors.

The exhibition representation was focused and larger in numbers by 25% at the 2011 show than in previous years.

Robert Walker, Business Development manager for Complete Exhibitions explains, “The allFresh National Summit provided the perfect platform to collaborate with the PCO. The opportunity existed to grow the exhibition and that was our focus.”

“The partnership allowed the

PCO to concentrate on the core fundamentals of the conference, while having confidence that the exhibition component being efficiently managed and organised.

The result was an event of exemplary focus and exposure for all involved.”

Complete Exhibitions has extended the agreement for 2012, and with being on board from the preliminary stages, are now more involved with fundamental event decisions, such as the venue selection and dates for 2012.

Robert concludes, “We have full confidence that the exhibition and conference will continue to expand. The success of last year’s event demonstrates that partnerships of this nature present a fundamental opportunity for growth.”

Complete Exhibitions specifically focuses on the exhibition component of any event, congress or conference and undertake the project management and integration of the exhibition into the overall event.

For more information visit www.compex.co.za.

Claire Grundy

The Event | 19

Stand Innovations Sponsored by 3D Group A BRIGHT YEAR AHEAD FOR 3D

E-TOL, Telkom and MTN are just three of the companies making 3D Design’s sales director, Conrad Kullmann, smile as he looks ahead at 2012.

“

TELKOM has awarded us its exhibitions business for another three years,” he said.

“This includes the design, build up, equip and break down of all its stands at exhibitions, seminars and conferences locally and abroad.

“We’ve been a supplier of choice for Telkom for some years now, and it feels good – especially during these tough times – when a client re-commits to us. Not only is it money in the bank, but it demonstrates that we’ve delivered above par consistently during the preceding contract.

“Lately, we’ve also been exceptionally busy for E-Tol and MTN, and will be just as busy going forward. For E-Tol, we conceptualised, designed and shop-fitted 16 shops around Gauteng in just nine months, and will be busy completing the remaining 8 of 12 satellite stores in the coming quarter.

“This job was challenging but inspiring for the team assigned to it.

Not only did the guys have to ‘build’, they handled all negotiations with the relevant authorities to meet safety requirements and comply with building regulations, that’s fire, electrical, councils and so on.

“For MTN, our design company, 3D Design, landed the prestigious MTN IQ Game Show build. This, an event held in 13 different venues targeting the MTN sales teams country-

wide, allows them to win a car or big cash prizes. Round 1 is complete with round 2 kicking off shortly and the final round scheduled for June.

“That’s more than 26 builds and break-downs to go ‘til this job is complete; a good one to get our teeth into as it ably demonstrates the group’s versatility,” said Conrad.

The group, which links several strategic business units, has the capacity to design and construct bespoke stands for up to 400 events and exhibitions exhibits a year, as well as provide specialist services such as furniture and lighting hire, and develop marketing collateral.

Late last year, it brought its ‘offthe-shelf’ range of portable exhibition stands up to 90, making it the largest range in the country.

“This ‘ready-to-wear’ option

makes good business sense for the smaller company that needs to exhibit regularly but cannot afford to enlist the help of a mainstream stand builder,” said Conrad.

“Very useful and practical stands can be rented at around R40 000 a go, but any one of these portable stands can be bought for R50 000. Even if the SMME exhibits only twice a year, the purchase route is the way to go.

“Flexible, light-weight and modern, these stands provide an elegant and cost-effective solution if you need a professional presence and not an elaborate or complex exhibition space to showcase your product or service. It really would be worthwhile for any small businessman to visit the showroom (details on www.3ddesign.co.za) and witness

CREATING A GREENER STAND FOR A CLEANER FUTURE FOR the Climate Change and Response Expo (CCR Expo) the Event Greening Forum designed a stand that spoke to the expo’s responsible exhibitor charter.

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HE Climate Change and Response Expo (CCR Expo) was a South African showcase which ran alongside the UN COP17 conference.

The expo aimed to raise awareness around climate change and, in response to this issue, promote ways to minimise carbon footprint through making more sustainable choices.

The Event Greening Forum stand was made entirely from recyclable OSB board, and was designed specifically to be re-used

20 | The Event

at Meetings Africa, some three months later. LED lighting was installed, which uses less energy than traditional light sources and reduces the need for air conditioning.

“The stand exemplified event greening practices,” says Scan Display’s Pippa Walker. “We embraced the principles of waste minimisation, water conservation and energy efficiency.”

The carpeting for the stand was environmentally friendly and totally biodegradable, and made from natural fibres.

The Kenafloor carpet was produced by Italian company Alma, and imported to South Africa by Scan. The carpet was made entirely from natural plant fibres, which are compressed and inter-

locked using needles (a process called needlepunch).

Scan Display’s Justin Hawes, who is a member of the Event Greening Forum says, “Procuring products and services that do not harm, or do minimal harm to the environment is a vital aspect of greening. Using carpeting that has the ability to biodegrade, so that it will not simply end up as permanent waste, is invaluable in an industry where a great deal of carpet is used and then simply thrown away.”

The Event Greening Forum will be exhibiting their green stand at Meetings Africa.

Sally Fink

Event Greening Forum Stand

exactly how versatile these stands are,” he said.

Also, for those small companies that purchase a stand yet don’t want the trouble of storing it and building it up and breaking it down, 3D Portable has partnered with a BEE company to do just that. For a nominal fee, this firm will handle all the logistics involved in setting up the stand so that those employees who are manning it will only need to bring their marketing collateral and the flower display at the start of each show.

“Storage can become quite costly, but 3D saw an opportunity to bring down the costs for SMMEs and set up a trusted and long-serving employee in his own business.

We’re certain this initiative will be a great success.”

The Event | 21

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS she has made enormous strides to really put Joburg Tourism on the map during her tenure,” says acting CEO Phelisa Mangcu, who also heads up the Joburg Tourism Company’s Visitor Services Bureau. “However, she leaves behind a closely knit team and a culture of fearless dynamism, for which we are enormously grateful. She will be sorely missed on the Joburg scene, but has JTC’s every good wish for success in her new role.

Lindiwe Kwele

GENERAL INDUSTRY 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.

JTC CEO resigns LINDIWE Kwele has resigned as CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) after three years at the helm.

Lindiwe will be taking up a position as one of three Deputy City Managers in the City of Tshwane from January 2012. The strategy and implementation portfolio for which she will be taking responsibility is sizeable and includes managing the city’s special framework, planning and economic development.

“We are all enormously saddened by Lindiwe’s departure, as

SAACI Congress dates announced THE 2012 national congress and exhibition of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) will be held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg from 29-31 July 2012.

Themed ‘Shifting Paradigms’, the congress will focus on how to adapt to the changing environment so that businesses can prosper and grow.

“With the worldwide economic slump far from over and new demands in terms of technology use and fresh creative thinking, we simply have to change our approach to business. This congress will help delegates do exactly that,” says congress chairman Wayne Johnson of SAACI’s Northern Territories Branch.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in the conference industry – including venue owners and managers, Professional Conference Organisers, corporate marketing and event professionals, event planners, public relations practitioners and suppliers of products and services.

1time to commence Mombasa route 1TIME will launch its Mombasa route in March, with two direct flights a week from OR Tambo International Airport to Mombasa International Airport. This new route complements

1time’s other intra-Africa destinations, with two weekly flights to Zanzibar, Tanzania, as well as five weekly flights to Livingstone, Zambia.

Rodney James, CEO of 1time Airline, says that 1time expects between 200 and 300 passengers to frequent Mombasa every week.

“Mombasa is known as an inexpensive international holiday destination but also generates substantial business traffic. By offering this route, we plan to offer business travellers and leisure passengers a comfortable, affordable and convenient alternative to international carriers.”

Rwanda launches Convention Bureau THE head of Tourism and Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board, Rica Rwigamba, has announced Rwanda will launch its own convention bureau this year.

In an interview with local news agency, East African Business Week, she said the country’s convention bureau would aim to market the African country as a top destination for meetings and conferences and target international business travellers.

World Plumbing Congress for SA THE Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) has won a bid to host the World Plumbing Conference 2016 in Cape Town.

South Africa was pitted against Melbourne, Australia, which hosted the event in 1985.

More than 650 delegates are expected to attend the conference.

Sally Fink

IT&CM CHINA GOES INTERNATIONAL Shanghai

GLOBAL NEWS PARTICIPATION at China’s leading MICE event, IT&CM China, has further expanded its global footprint this year and is set to welcome delegates from a host of new countries.

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NTERNATIONAL Buyer registrations have crossed the 400 mark, with representation from firsttime participating countries, Czech Republic, Denmark and Morocco.

International Exhibitors are eagerly looking to tap into the opportunities at IT&CM China 2012, evident from booth bookings flooding in from returning exhibitors as well as new ones such as Taipei World Trade Center, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Esplanade Hotel Freemantle Australia, Geneva Convention Bureau and Switzerland Tourism. This will be Switzerland’s first foray into IT&CM China. Other first time participants

are Turkey, with Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Dubai with Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Darren Ng, managing director, TTG Asia Media, says, “IT&CM China 2012 marks a lot of firsts for us. It is the first year of our strategic alliance with CITS, a partnership we are very excited about. We look forward to working together with them and long-time partners MP International to make this event truly world class. This is also the first year that the event will be held at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

We are confident that these new elements will go a long way to elevate the event for all participants and stakeholders.”

IT&CM China 2012 takes place from 17- 19 April 2012 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

Marie Lee

OPPORTUNITIES GENERAL INDUSTRY 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.

Early bird registration for SAACI Conference open THE Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) will be held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg from 29- 31 July 2012.

The deadline for early bird registration closes on 4 May 2012.

Members can also register online on www.saaciconf2012.co.za.

Loeries Call for Entries ENTRIES for the Loerie Awards open on 15 March 2012. All category infor-

mation, preparation guidelines, entry deadlines and fees will be available from this date on the Loeries website www.theloerieawards.co.za.

SSETA moderator training THE Services SETA are looking at 12-15 candidates, preferably people at the higher end in terms of qualifications/ experience for moderator training.

The Services SETA (SSETA) will be launching its partnership with the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council on 22 February 2012.

The team from the CTHRC will be training assessors/moderators from 21-22 February 2012.

The Services SETA has been in discussions with the CTHRC to create a system for awarding South African Event Management Practitioners with internationally recognised Professional Certificates and develop a model for Global Professional Rec-

ognition, with a view of supporting the establishment of a Global Professional Body.

The model builds on existing programmes and recognises learner’s prior experience and formal qualifications.

Loerie Awards

Online visitor registration for GIBTM open VISITORS can now register for GIBTM, the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition and reap benefits leading up to and during the show on March 26-28 2012.

For more information and to register, please visit www.gibtm.com/ registration.

Sally Fink

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twitter.com/TheEventSA

March booking deadline 16 February 2012 February material deadline 18 February 2012

• COPY EDITOR: Kate Hodges (kate@thecallsheet.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.

22 | The Even t

DIRECTORY LISTINGS CATEGORY: CONFERENCE FACILITIES AFRICAN PRIDE HOTELS

BIRCHWOOD HOTEL -OR TAMBO CONFERENCE CENTRE

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Gauteng T: +27 11 897 0000 E: reservations@ birchwoodhotel.co.za www.birchwoodhotel.co.za

Western Cape T: +27 21 410 5000 E: info@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za

CSIR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

EMERALD RESORT & CASINO

Gauteng T: +27 12 841 3947 E: kmalherbe@csir.co.za www.csiricc.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal T: +27 31 360 1000 E: mktg@icc.co.za www.icc.co.za

FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE

GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE

National T: +27 21 430 5000 E: info@africanpridehotels. com www.africanpridehotels.com

KwaZulu-Natal T: +27 32 538 1205 E: sales@fairmontzimbali.com www.fairmontzimbali.co.za

LAGOON BEACH HOTEL & SPA

Gauteng T: +27 11 266 3000 E: gallagher@gallagher.co.za www.gallagher.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 16 982 8000 E: info@emeraldcasino.co.za www.emeraldcasino.co.za

INDABA HOTEL Gauteng T: +27 11 840 6600 E: indaba@indabahotel.co.za www.indabahotel.co.za

MAROPENG CONFERENCE CENTRE

MMABATHO CONVENTION CENTRE

Gauteng T: +27 14 577 9000 E: website@maropeng.co.za www.maropeng.co.za

North West Province T: +27 18 384 3240 E: mmcc@tusk-resorts.co.za www.tusk-resorts.co.za

PREMIER HOTELS & RESORTS

PROTEA HOTEL GROUP

Nationwide T: +27 43 705 5000 E: info@premierhotels.co.za www.premierhotels.co.za

Nationwide T: +27 21 430 5000 www.proteahotels.com

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

SUN INTERNATIONAL

TAU GAME LODGE & CONVENTION CENTRE

Western Cape T: +27 21 528 2000 E: reservations@ lagoonbeachhotel.co.za www.lagoonbeachhotel. co.za

National T: +27 11 780 7000 E: natsales@ za.suninternational.com www.suninternational.com

Gauteng T: +27 11 314 4350 E: taugame@mweb.co.za www.taugamelodge.co.za

CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT

COCA-COLA DOME

KwaZulu-Natal T: +27 36 468 8000 E: conferences@ champagnesportsresort.com www.champagnesportsresort .com

Gauteng T: + 27 11 794-5800 E: info@coca-coladome. co.za www.coca-coladome.co.za

EAST LONDON CONVENTION CENTRE

EXPO CENTRE

Eastern Cape T: +27 43 709 5202 www.icceastlondon.co.za

KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE Kenya T: +254 20 2247247 E: info@kicc.co.ke www.kicc.co.ke

NH HOTELES National T: +27 21 855 1040 E: info@nh-hotels.co.za www.nh-hotels.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 11 494 1920 E: Karabo@expocentre.co.za www.expocentre.co.za

KIEVITS KROON Western Cape T: +27 12 808 0150 E: reservations@kievitskroon. co.za www.kievitskroon.co.za

PAVILION CONFERENCE CENTRE Western Cape T: +27 21 419 7661 E: info@thepavilion.co.za www.thepavilion.co.za

SOUTHERN SUN GROUP

SPIER CONFERENCE CENTRE

T: + 27 11 510 7549 E: groupandconference@ southernsun.com www.southernsun.com

Western Cape T: +27 21 809 1100 ext 2 E: conference@spier.co.za www.spier.co.za

THREE CITIES GROUP

TSHWANE EVENTS CENTRE

WESTIN GRAND

National T: 0861 000 333 E: ceres@threecities.co.za www.threecities.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 12 327 1487 E: ricky@tshwabac.co.za www.tshwane-events.co.za

Western Cape T: +27 21 412 9999 E: groupreservations@westin. com www.starwoodhotels.com

Gauteng T: +27 11 779 0000 E: info@saconvention.co.za www.saconvention.co.za

DIRECTORY LISTINGS - ADVERTISERS 3D DESIGN

ARCADIA HOTEL

Nationwide T: +27 (011) 608-1588 E: 3d@3ddesign.co.za www.3ddesign.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 12 326 9311 E: conference@arcadiahotel. co.za www.arcadiahotel.co.za

CRADLE OF MANKIND

CSIR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Gauteng T: +27 (0) 14 577 9100 E: website@maropeng.co.za www.maropeng.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 12 841 3947 E: kmalherbe@csir.co.za www.csiricc.co.za

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

CARTOON CANDY

CONGRESS RENTAL

Gauteng T: +27 (11) 345-6000 E: info@cartooncandy.co.za www.cartooncandy.co.za

Nationwide T: +27 (011) 216 9640 E: info@congressrental.co.za www.congressrental.co.za

DINOKENG

EXPO CENTRE

EXPOVENT

Gauteng T: 084 828 4858 E: info@meetdinokeng.co.za www.dinokeng.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 011 494 1920 E: Karabo@expocentre.co.za www.expocentre.co.za

Gauteng T: 011 553 5200 E: expovent@expovent.co.za www.uniquelyspectacular. co.za

Western Cape T: +27 21 410 5000 E: info@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za

FOLIO TRANSLATIONS

GIFT BUCKS

IKAPA

INTERCAPE

IT & CM INDIA

Western Cape T: +27 (021) 426 2727 E: admin@folio-online.co.za www.folio-online.co.za

Nationwide T: 0860 392 737 E: geoff@giftbucks.co.za www.ewards.co.za

Western Cape T: +27 21 510 8666 E: info@ikapa.co.za www.ikapa.co.za

Nationwide T: 0861 287 287 E: info@intercape.co.za www.intercape.co.za

India T: +65 6395 7575 E: contact@itcmindia.com www.itcmindia.com

LITHA

OASYS

PREMIER

TSHWANE EVENTS CENTRE

WEBTICKETS

Gauteng T: +27 (011) 480 4922 E: teresa@ lithacommunications.co.za www.litha-communications. co.za

Nationwide T: +27 83 413 1908 E: info@oasys.co.za www.oasys.co.za

Nationwide T: +27 (0)43 705 5000 E: info@premierhotels.co.za www.premierhotels.co.za

Gauteng T: +27 12 327 1487 E: ricky@tshwabac.co.za www.tshwane-events.co.za

Western Cape T: 0861 2255 98 E: info@webtickets.co.za www.webtickets.co.za

The Event | 23