The Event Issue 2 by Film & Event Media

ISSUE 02 | 2015

Host a Super-Event at the Continent's Greatest Stadia

CONTENTS | 01

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02. Tech Talk – 2015 Should be a Year of Responsive Design

04. BestCities Welcomes First South American Partner

05. All You Need to Know About EPG 2015

08. Ultra SA: A Chat with Shaun Duvet

10. Meetings Africa 2015 – Celebrating 10 Years of Growth and Success

16. Top 15 Mega-Event Venues in Africa

20. An A-Z Guide to Planning Your Event in Africa

MEETINGS AFRICA 2015

VENUES FOR MEGA EVENTS

This is it! The business event of the year is here! Read our analysis and interviews on pages 10 to 15.

We look at the top 15 stadia for hosting mega sporting, expo, festival and concert events.

28. Deposits and Other Demons 29. NH The Lords Charles to Receive Makeover

30. Top Hotels for Romance in Month of Love

33. IT&CM Events, CTW Events Release Custom Event App

34. Event Greening Forum: Considering Green Logistics

35. Preview: ibtm arabia 36. Eastern Cape – Beautiful and Untamed

PLANNING AN EVENT IN AFRICA?

HOTELS FOR THE MONTH OF LOVE

Pages 20 to 27 hold all the secrets you’ll need to know in a handy A-Z format.

Feeling romantic and stuck for a place to stay? Turn to page 30 for a list of the venues that will start your engines.

38. Kenya – Where Heritage Meets Modernity

40. Events 42. Associations 44. Directory

02 | TECH TALK WITH KIM

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A es © ag im ll deathtothestockp ho to. co

Let's Make 2015 a Year of

RESPONSIVE DESIGN in African Eventing

of the top digital ticketing trends in 2015. “Customers want to be able to interact and view websites on whatever device they have the pleasure and preference to use, whether it be laptops, phones, TVs, tablets, etc.,” he explains. Ticketing tech is just one portion of the web pie, though. Responsive design can work in any website setting, from any device. But giving users a great experience is not always as easy as it looks. Paul Boag of Boagworld, an online company that helps clients plan, implement and evolve their websites and digital offerings, says that requests for responsive design are now so common that they now build websites like this by default. “Unfortunately, making a website responsive is not black and white,” he says, “People’s interpretation of what a responsive website is may be different. It is much like buying a car. Not all cars are alike, even though they have some common characteristics.” At its most basic level, a responsive website reacts to the screen size of any given device to improve readability, but there are many other details to consider, such as optimising images for different devices and connection speeds – the latter being a point that really needs to be overcome in general African circles. Other details include restyling links and buttons to be more touch friendly, ensuring elements such as videos or data tables are resized properly and not simply hidden on mobile devices, and dynamically resizing fonts to work better at different

screen resolutions. Needless to say, the list continues. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the technicalities of what responsive web design means, but for a business, it can mean the difference between an excited new customer and an awful user experience. My advice for anyone considering web design in 2015 would be the following: budget for quality, know exactly what you want, and speak to the experts – that is, after all, what they’re there for.

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20% of higher income millennials in urban areas are worth a total annual disposable income of $907-billion worldwide. And this includes Africa’s burgeoning middle class, a chunk of whom are mobile manic millennials.

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ake a moment to think about what you do on a daily basis. Chances are, at some point you’re online checking your mail, browsing websites or updating your social media pages. And if you’re not an avid web surfer, your children probably are. I fall into this category as one of the older millennials who grew up in the age of digital technology, but wasn’t necessarily ‘born into it’. According to international research conducted by Visa in 2012, 20% of higher income millennials in urban areas are worth a total annual disposable income of $907-billion worldwide (roughly R10.5-trillion). And this includes Africa’s burgeoning middle class, a chunk of whom are mobile manic millennials. Praekett’s 2012 study on the continent revealed that the average African woman touches her hair 37 times a day, but checks her phone 82 times a day. With this in mind, I believe it’s time to start taking both the internet and Africa’s youth seriously. Practically speaking, this usually means creating a Facebook page or Twitter handle for your company – not to mention a fully functional website. Enter responsive design. The term has been around for a while, but isn’t particularly well known. Essentially, it means creating web pages that respond to each user for an optimal experience – but there is so much more to it than that. According to Adam Parry of Event Industry News, responsive design is set to be one

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SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE | 03

Sandton Celebrates 10 Years of

HOSTING MEETINGS AFRICA A

s Meetings Africa celebrates its 10th anniversary, Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) proudly celebrates a decade of hosting this prestigious MICE industry event. Now one of the SCC’s signature events, Meetings Africa is attended by business tourism buyers from around the globe and the convention centre has proudly shared in the growth of the event over the last 10 years. Says Dr Mati Nyazema, Executive Director of the SCC, “This milestone marks a decade of growth, innovation and the positive economic impact that Meetings Africa has driven for the African continent.” In his welcome on the Meetings Africa website, CEO of SA Tourism Thulani Nzima emphasises the importance of this event at a global level: “In the past 10 years, Meetings Africa has emerged from humble beginnings into the continent’s premier and best represented business events exhibition, a show that is globally recognised as the best place to do business with Africa.” Last year Meetings Africa hosted 11 African destinations and aims to grow the number of African associations and Pan-African exhibitors as they bring a great deal of business for the whole of Africa. Meetings Africa is, without doubt, an important platform for these exhibitors as the continent is underrepresented at other international business events exhibitions. The first day will focus on workshops and seminars to drive industry growth in the region, with an expected 186 international hosted buyers, 50 African associations and 500 corporate travel buyers. The African continent is one of the fastestgrowing economies in the world and tourismdriven countries now feature on some of the world’s most prestigious top-destinations lists, including The New York Times and Forbes topdestinations list for 2015. The meetings industry reflects this growth, as more African countries invest in business-tourism generating initiatives such as Meetings Africa. “Through continuous investment, South Africa is now ranked the 34th most popular destination globally on the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA)

global rankings, having hosted 118 international recognised association conferences during 2013. This is in sharp contrast to the 12 global events held in 1994. The growth of the industry has simultaneously resulted in the development of a variety of purpose-built venues for small and large business events as well as stimulating the development and transition of the economy, having bought in an estimated R663-million and attracted 52 587 delegates during 2012,” says Nyazema. South Africa – and without doubt the Sandton Convention Centre, with its location at the epicentre of Africa’s business hub, Johannesburg – is the ideal destination for a show that encourages growth of the international business-tourism industry. This locale boasts easy access through the continent’s busiest airport, OR Tambo, with over 18 million passengers coming through the gates during 2013. This is complemented by Gautrain’s rapid transport system which links the airport to major entertainment and business destinations throughout Gauteng’s metropolitan areas and is a mere five-minute walk from the SCC. Sandton Convention Centre’s purpose-built 12-storey structure is designed to hold an array of events concurrently, accommodating up to 10 000 guests at any one time while still being capable of hosting intimate meetings and events, making it the perfect venue for Meetings Africa. This year’s event requires an exhibition space, small meeting rooms, a gala venue and smaller cocktail venues, along with internal catering from SCC’s renowned executive chefs and their team. Guests have access to over 5 000 hotel rooms which are accessible via the skywalk or within easy walking distance and range from budget to luxury accommodation, with guests afforded preferential rates to select hotels in the area through SCC’s parent company Tsogo Sun. SCC’s location allows business travellers to experience world-class amenities in their own ‘back yard’, including access to all major entertainment destinations, hotels, shopping and dining, as the convention centre is linked by skywalk to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, two of the most prestigious and

sophisticated shopping complexes in Africa. The SCC has a strong team of highly skilled, committed individuals who are passionate about superior and professional service, so while the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) team drives the core plan for Meetings Africa, the SCC, as the host venue, ensures that these plans translate into a successful reality. The combined team who are responsible for ensuring the success of this vast event has the benefit of years of experience in the industry as well as having worked together continuously on the event, helping to formulate a strong communication strategy with positive outcomes for the show and the industry as a whole. “We are privileged to be celebrating this auspicious anniversary with South African Tourism and the SANCB as a partner to Meetings Africa and pay tribute to the dedicated and dynamic team who drive the marketing, logistics and operations of this important event, to the benefit of the entire industry,” says Nyazema. “Having hosted such a prestigious event for the past decade, along with a myriad of signature annual shows and numerous world-class events, proves that the SCC is a strong contender in the international arena. Our world-class service and location make us an ideal destination for business events as well as positioning us as the perfect venue for lifestyle events, a new and growing segment for the SCC, having recently hosted Day of the Dinosaurs and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz,” she concludes. For more information on Sandton Convention Centre, log on to www.saconvention.co.za, join the Facebook page on www.facebook.com/ SandtonConventionCentre or follow on Twitter at @SandtonEvents.

04 | NEWS

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BestCities welcomes first South American partner- Bogotá

estCities Global Alliance continues its expansion into new and emerging markets with the announcement that Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, will become their first South American partner. Although a young bureau, the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau (GBCB) already shows many of the qualities that BestCities look for in a partner, and as a meetings destination the city rates very highly against all alliance criteria including attractiveness, accessibility, front line service, pre and post touring options, infrastructure quality, future investment and value. “In order to apply for membership into the Alliance, a city must already be recognized as a Destination Marketing Organization with bureau functionalities, or be one that is officially recognized as a future bureau,” said Ms Karen Bolinger, BestCities Board Chair. “Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau impressed us greatly with their enthusiasm and readiness to take on Preliminary Membership so soon after their expression of interest. They have also demonstrated a strong commitment and a willingness to embrace the BestCities Quality Management System in order to further improve their internal processes,” said Ms Bolinger. GBCB enjoys the full support of their city, regional and federal governments to pursue more business for the city as well as a strong leadership in different sectors keen to work

with them in attracting more association meetings. Internally, the bureau is staffed by a young, motivated and bilingual team, passionate about their city and focused on delivering a high level of customer service and creating memorable experiences for their clients. Bogotá’s confirmation as BestCities’ newest partner follows Tokyo’s admission last year as the alliance’s Regional Affiliate Member and first from North East Asia. “The inclusion of a South American partner is important not only for our geographical growth but equally for our strategic expansion. This important foothold into another emerging market will enable us to tap into new clients and provide our alliance partners with important business and learning opportunities,” said Ms Bolinger. Bogotá’s road to BestCities partnership began six years ago when the former GBCB had the foresight to identify the international association market as a target and started focusing its strategy towards biding international association events. When the announcement came three years ago that the city would move forward with a major convention centre expansion, they immediately expanded their efforts towards attracting more worldwide events. Their hard work has paid off and last year they started winning major business with seven international meetings booked and six

more in progress. Bogotá is currently ranked #34 in the ICCA world rankings and when the new Bogota International Convention Center “Agora Bogotá” opens in 2016 with the capacity to hold 3,700 delegates they will be on their way to achieving their goal of being one of the top cities in Latin America. The city also has 17,000 three, four and five star hotel rooms with a plan to put more hotels closer to the convention centre. Bogotá is responsible for 52% of the tourism that arrives in Colombia; home to 1,423 multinational companies; public institutions and the National Government. “The world is looking towards Latin America. In the last 20 years, the region has experienced a growth rate in the meetings industry that exceeds the international average, becoming very attractive and with many expansion opportunities,” says Ms Sandra Garcia Giraldo, Executive Director of Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau. “Economic growth in Latin America has been constant during the last five to seven years, however the only two countries projected to grow above GINI’s* coefficient, are Chile and Colombia: where Bogotá is responsible for 25% of the GNP. Reducing poverty means a growth of a stronger middle class which translates into a new purchasing power with needs of formation and accessing knowledge, networking and technology, all of which are offered by this industry.” “As a non-profit private-public organization, we are very concerned in positively contributing to the nation’s development. We have that built in to our mission and work regularly with the city to promote that through the meetings we choose to pursue. “We are delighted to have been accepted as a BestCities partner and we look forward to continuing to develop and grow our expertise and our industry. With the support of BestCities, we know we have the potential to rise to be one of Latin America’s top meetings destinations,” concludes Ms Garcia Giraldo. *Gini index is the measure of the differences in income and inequality

NEWS | 05

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All You Need to Know about the

Event Planner’s Guide to Africa 2015 An interview with the editor, Katie Reynolds. business events sector than EPG, and its up-to-date stats and directory make it a must-have resource for local and global industry stakeholders. And casual readers can dip into it anytime for fun tourism facts and to find ideas for incentive travel tips. Did you know that there are 5 779 star graded accommodation establishments in South Africa and 109 946 star graded rooms? Now you do!

If you were to describe this year’s issue of the Event Planner’s Guide to Africa (EPG) in three words, what would they be? Comprehensive, informative and beautiful. What can readers look forward to in this year’s EPG? The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa 2015 is a special book. It strikes the perfect balance between resource and coffee-table book. There is no better guide to the African

What does EPG 2015 have to offer the meeting’s industry globally? We know that there’s no better place to hold a major conference, meeting or expo than Africa. Now we want the world to know it too. I think EPG is the kind of resource that has the clout to persuade even the most jaded person. Africa’s heart shines through this book, and it’s impossible not to be taken in by Africa’s charm and business savvy. But most importantly, EPG lists the details of every person and company an international event planner might need to organise a successful and memorable event. In short, this book has the winning combination of beauty and brains.

What’s new in EPG 2015? The 2015 edition has a clearly delineated focus. You won’t find a lot of flowery, purple prose. EPG deals with the facts and up-tothe-minute statistics. The design has been revamped and is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Also, EPG 2015 has a fantastic new directory resource; member companies of associations such as EXSA and SAACI has its details listed. The events calendar is a CV of Africa’s biggest upcoming shows, and the content really showcases the worldclass infrastructure and skills housed in our major cities. For too long there has been the misconception that Africa is beautiful, but remote and un-urbanised. EPG 2015 plans to change that. Where do I get a copy? The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa 2015 has wide international distribution, so you can pick up a copy at most international business events, such as EIBTM, Meetings Africa, IMEX, IT&CM (China, India and Bangkok), Indaba, etc. Alternatively, you can read the e-book version, which is freely available on our website www.theevent.com.

08 | NEWS

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Chris Howard: Activation and Sponsorship manager, Rowan Wallace: Graphic Designer, Ashley Foot: Social Media Manager, Shaun Duvet: Co-Founder of Ultra South Africa, Adrian Atherton: Social Media Content Developer, Kelly Atherton: PR Account Manager.

ULTRA SA: The Event: How did the first Ultra SA exceed your expectations? Shaun Duvet: It was unbelievable. I think it came at a time where the market was absolutely ready for a festival of this nature. Prior to Ultra, we toured all the biggest artists in the world individually. We did Dead Mou5 as a solo tour, Swedish House Mafia as a solo tour, Avicii, Skrillex, Steve Aoki, everybody. And what we found was that the market wanted something with everyone in a conglomerated, international music festival. I was in talks with the Ultra guys, my partners, for a while and the relationship worked, and the next thing we produced the show and the response was incredible. We were very, very happy. For the 2015 show, the demand for tickets was higher and we saw an increase in tickets sales. The Event: Which of the acts were easy to book? Which of the acts did you need to persuade a bit more? Duvet: None of them were easy. It’s all based

A Chat with Shaun Duvet

on relationships. There’s a lot that needs to be taken into account when booking talent. Obviously these guys have got incredibly busy rosters and schedules themselves, and to kind of pin-point them well in advance is always a challenge. And then once you pin-point them, it’s a matter of who else they’re performing with, who becomes the headliner, who’s the bigger act, who closes the stage. But we have excellent relationships with everybody. I wouldn’t say anybody was easy, but I can say we had Martin Garrix for last year’s festival, so to bring him back for this year was relatively easier than the others because he was so amazing and everybody loved him. The Event: Logistically, what are the biggest challenges? Duvet: Logistically, there’s so much to do. We’re building a city essentially, at both the Ostrich Farm in Cape Town and Expo Center in Joburg. We’re building everything from scratch, everything from the toilets to the

bars to the running water to building the stages to building the VIP decks. There’s a lot of planning to take into account. We work closely with the city, because there’s a lot of regulations that we need to work to: that the fire regulations are fine, that the entrance and exits are all safe. At the end of the day, it comes down to people’s safety; which is the most important thing for us. And there’s a lot to take into account where people’s safety is concerned. The Event: Do you have a relationship with certain brands? Duvet:: Brandhouse, our sponsors from the liquor side are Heineken and Smirnoff Double Black and Guarana, which fall under the Brandhouse stable. Brandhouse is a partner because they’ve got such a wide range or portfolio of brands. They have everything from whiskey to tequila, to the beers, so everything is covered in terms of what they have to offer. We offer a full range of service.

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Executive Suites Group Following the latest trend in Accommodation, Executive Suites Group offers guests a Luxury Lifestyle experience in the heart of Sandton’s CBD. With two 4-star Self-Catering Apartment Hotels on offer, Westpoint Executive Suites and Times Square Executive Suites, guests have a wide selection to choose from. From one bedroom studios and apartments, to two Bedroom-ensuite-bathroom Suites, Executive Suites Group caters to your specific requirements every time. Providing the best of both worlds; the conveniences of a hotel and the comforts of home, guests are guaranteed an experience that exceeds every expectation. t: +27(0)11 783 1150 www.executivesuitesgroup.co.za

Resource Design We offer exclusive ecoXpo solutions designed and manufactured - at source. Constructed from the only substrate certified by eco-Standards SA. Conference booths, branding, registration, signage, custom design and construction... any conference requirement. Contact us to discuss how your event could be more financially sustainable, green and visually revitalized. t: +27 21 510 7776 e: karen@resourcedesign.co.za www.resourcedesign.co.za

Speakers Inc. We are South Africa’s biggest Professional Speaker Bureau. Our Chief Cook and Bottlewasher, Bronwyn, started Speakers Inc back in 1999 (yes, she’s OLD now!) with the philosophy of “Doing Things Differently.” 16 years later, we are still the most “noncorporate”, corporate booking agency around. We still much prefer having friends than clients, we still use Purple for everything and we still challenge the establishment wherever we can, even though we’ve become a bit of an establishment ourselves.

t: 0861 Motiv8 (0861 668 488) www.speakersinc.co.za

COMPANY PROFILES | SPECIALIST SERVICES | 09

10 | MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 PREVIEW

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MEETINGS AFRICA 2015: Celebrating 10 Years of Growth and Success

s avid participants, supporters and partners with Meetings Africa, we as The Event staff are truly thrilled to see how this exhibition has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the African business calendar. Since its modest beginnings in 2005, Meetings Africa has developed into a globally recognised show that will be celebrating its tenth anniversary from 23-25 February. But there are some things that never change – and never need to. The

exhibition still showcases the African continent’s incredibly diverse offerings and services, and it still remains an event where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can come together to transform the continent for the better. To illustrate the extent of its growth, one need only look at the 2013 show report versus that of last year. In 2014, a total of 3,295 delegates were in attendance – 15% more than the

previous year – while 238 local corporate buyer delegates attended, a 140% rise on 2013. SA Tourism’s CEO, Thulani Nzima, is humble about these achievements. “Who do we have to thank [for] Meetings Africa’s incredible success? Without a doubt, you, the people that work in South Africa’s business events industry. It is your commitment and passion to work together to enhance South Africa’s global reputation that has seen Meetings Africa grow,” he wrote in a recent welcome letter.

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MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 PREVIEW | 11 All images © JPG.co.za and Meetings Africa 2014

conjunction with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The Unique Speaker Bureau (USB) has made Meetings Africa even more connected with their online diary system, which is engineered for business optimisation and went live on 12 January. “The beauty of the online diary is that it enables buyers and exhibiting delegates to plan ahead, to target ideal people for meetings and to set those meetings up well ahead of the Meetings Africa trade show,” says Marilyn Woolfrey of USB. The USB Corporate Buyers Showcase will take place on the last day of the show, bringing over 40 professional speakers together, both local and international.

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Meetings Africa still remains an event where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can come together to transform the continent for the better.

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“South Africa is focused on growing this industry not only because it sustains jobs and contributes to the country’s GDP, but also because it also creates business opportunities,” he continued, “These opportunities would possibly not have taken place if these events had not been brought to South Africa, exposing our varied knowledge economy credentials to global audiences. This year, we can expect many exciting things on Meetings Africa’s programme. Of course, a number of these will be back for another year, like the much-awaited BOND Day (Business Opportunities Networking Day), and Association Day, in

12 | MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 PREVIEW

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A CHAT WITH AMANDA KOTZE-NHLAPO Chief Convention Bureau Officer of SANCB

ppointed in 2011 to head up the newly-established National Convention Bureau as Executive Manager, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo is now Chief Convention Bureau Officer and, with a wealth of experience under her belt, drives the organisation to new heights. The Event spoke to her to find out what we can expect at Meetings Africa in 2015. The Event: As we approach Meetings Africa’s 10th anniversary, what can we look forward to and what has changed since previous years? Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo: We are very excited about this year’s Meetings Africa show and are very confident that it will exceed expectations in terms of visitor experience, attendance numbers and the number and quality of exhibitors and hosted buyers. The show, as you rightfully point out, celebrates its tenth year anniversary this year and we really want it to be celebratory in nature without compromising on the its key

strategic objectives: that of bringing premier African exhibitors to do business with quality hosted buyers under one roof. This year we continue with our theme of Advancing Africa Together. This in recognition of the fact that we still see Africa’s business events potential as one all countries on the continent can benefit and should work together to promote and grow. We have an exciting and informative event programme lined up that we are certain will cater to all in attendance. An exciting new feature includes the first ever AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres) Africa Summit which is taking place on BOND day, Monday, 23 February. This will be addressed by global and local industry experts who will speak on a range of enlightening topics pertaining to business events trends and Africa’s potential in relation to the global market. BOND day will again feature the third edition of the very successful IMEX MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum,

African Association Day to be held in conjunction with ICCA, and the first edition of CEP(Continuing Education Programme) Africa and as well as the very popular Event Greening Forum. The second day of Meetings Africa marks the official opening the exhibition programme. A key highlight on this day is welcoming Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, who will officiate over his first ever Meetings Africa since his appointment last year. There is a fantastic programme lined up for this day consisting of the Global Media Face-Off that will see industry experts and stakeholders as well as an economist with speciality in African affairs to discuss the state of the industry on the continent and how business events is a key sector to Africa’s growth. This is a discussion not to be missed! There will also be an array of other events during this day which will culminate in the Gala Dinner that evening, tickets for which are available for purchase. In line with one of the key strategic

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MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 PREVIEW | 13 All images © JPG.co.za and Meetings Africa 2014

objectives of Meetings Africa, to create a platform to do business, the partnership with The Unique Speaker Bureau corporate hosted buyers programme has made a new exciting turn: The inaugural VIP Local corporate “B2B” speed marketing event. This is a platform that will assist our exhibitors to do more business, 50 exhibitors have the opportunity to meet 50 of our top regional corporate companies. This event will take place over the two days of Meetings Africa, 24-25 February 2015. The Event: As one of the figureheads and drivers behind the trade show, where do you see Meetings Africa headed in the next 10 years? Kotze-Nhlapo: I see Meetings Africa continuing to grow and year on year and bring more of the continent together as interest in Africa continues to grow. The show will remain Africa’s best business event trade show and furthermore, occupy its rightful place as one of the most

successful regional business event trade shows in the world. It will continue to be the place to meet the best African trade product owners and in time, will be acknowledged for its contribution towards growth and development in many countries across the continent. The Event: What would you like your legacy to be and what are your goals for Meetings Africa in 2015 and coming years? Kotze-Nhlapo: Under the SANCB we want to grow the show, but numbers alone are not important. We want to use Meetings Africa as Africa’s platform to show the world that doing business in Africa is easy, that Africa’s product offerings are world class and that we are capable and do deliver. We also want the show to be regarded as ‘must attend’ for hosted buyers, should they want to meet African business event products and service providers. Ultimately, we want Meetings Africa to get recognition as a trade show that delivers quality leads

and business to the exhibitors The Event: Has the Advancing Africa Together theme grown Meetings Africa’s profile? How can African conference goers get the best from the show? Kotze-Nhlapo: Our theme ‘Advancing Africa Together’– has definitely heightened South Africa and Africa’s business events profile. The continuing growth of participation of African destinations is evident to this. Advancing Africa Together, in particular, has done a tremendous amount of work in unifying the industry on the continent and raising awareness about the need to work together as players in this field. According to the 2013 ICCA rankings, Africa hosted just over 300 of the 12,000 global association meetings. We are confident about the potential for future growth of this sector on the continent and will use Meetings Africa to show off what we have to offer and encourage the rest of the world to rise with us.

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From the

EXHIBITION FLOOR All images © JPG.co.za and Meetings Africa 2014

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At the show, we ensure that our stand is inviting and captivating, and always briefly converse with visitors so as to introduce our product gradually and show genuine interest in the buyer or visitor.

Gill Gibbs, CEO of Concept G, standbuilding contractors for Meetings Africa, says that the company has been working with the show since its inception in 2010 to ensure all standards are met. “Meetings Africa is a Green Exhibition and one of the few events that actually conduct a Green Audit,” she explains. “We work to the allocated budget for each project, using the required recycled, re-used and environmentally friendly materials. As a full in-house manufacturing concern, we are able to firmly and stringently control all costs related to the project. We own, maintain and develop our own furniture range to ensure longevity and quality. We also have long established relationships with our supply chain with respect to materials, such as

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eetings Africa 2015 will have its official opening ceremony on day two (24 February) and will open the exhibition floor then, too. That evening, a glamorous gala event is planned for attendees. Exhibitors and stand builders alike are excited about this year’s show, which has attracted a number of new faces to the floor. Pamela Niemand, CEO of Westpoint Executive Suites, says this will be her first year exhibiting, but they’re looking forward to using the digital diary which “makes for easy planning and targeted marketing”. When asked how she will ensure that the show is profitable for the company, she explains her method: “As we do with other shows, we ensure that we follow up on every card collected with individual emails, so that important contacts are not forgotten. At the show, we ensure that our stand is inviting and captivating, and always briefly converse with visitors so as to introduce our product gradually and show genuine interest in the buyer or visitor. Lastly, personality is key. A dull face is a sure way to repel visitors.”

aluminium, electrical components, timber, paint, fabrics and flooring and we have negotiated the best value prices to ensure that we can offer a turnkey quality solution to our clients, in budget and on time.” Pamela says she expects to see an increasing number of continental visitors, as well as a huge UK market and more of the Asian market, too. Gill says that standbuilding trends will definitely be different to last year because “we firmly believe that you cannot do things the same way as the previous year and expect a different result! We are constantly evolving to meet the industry demands and pace. Business is being conducted differently today and we must be current, relevant, attentive and open to these trends – evolve or die.”

MEETINGS AFRICA 2015 PREVIEW | 15

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A Chat with SCC's CEO

MATI NYAZEMA T

he Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) has hosted Meetings Africa since its inception 10 years ago. And there isn’t a more fitting home for this prestigious event. The SCC is one of Southern Africa’s leading multi-purpose centre, with over 22,000m2 of exhibition space. Each year, the SCC has upped its game with Meetings Africa, bringing some extraordinary features, culinary delights and fabulous entertainment to all in attendance. The Event spoke to Mati Nyazema, the Executive Director at Sandton Convention Centre to find out what’s new in 2015. The Event: How do you feel about hosting Meetings Africa on its tenth anniversary? Mati Nyazema: It’s an honour to have been part of an exhibition that has grown phenomenally in the last 10 years. The greatest accolade was when the show was bought over by South African Tourism and became a firm calendar event for all global business tourism buyers. The SANCB continues to grow the quality, content and marketing of the show through their global channels. Being a committed partner, it is always gratifying for SCC to watch this show continue to be a huge success. The Event: How do you manage to run such a high-pressure show whilst still maintaining

and array of entertainment as well.

SCC’s world-class reputation? What are your secrets for success? Nyazema: My secret for success is an excellent and strong team that puts their heart and soul into the SCC. We are well known for our superior service offering and continue to offer when being compared to other venues. The SCC also draws immense support from being a part of the Tsogo Sun group. We are able to package conference and accommodation specials, and we also benefit from the corporate resource base in terms of sales, marketing and administration, which other venues may not have. Tsogo Sun provides the competitive advantage edge for the SCC.

The Event: What are some of the challenges you face when planning and executing Meetings Africa and how do you overcome them? Nyazema: The SANCB team drives the core plan for Meetings Africa and SCC as the host venue ensures that we translate the client’s plans into reality. Meetings Africa consists of several stakeholders but SCC views this as an opportunity to deliver a world-class event. A strong communications strategy ensures that everything to the last detail is executed according to plan. There is a large investment from the meetings industry in SA into Meetings Africa and the challenge is to continue to offer value and ROI. In order to address this, every year the Meetings Africa team conducts a research study of the previous year in order to enhance the event for the Industry. Every opportunity is investigated to offer more value each year for the industry.

The Event: Meetings Africa is a launch pad for bringing the African continent together in business. How does SCC help it reach that goal as well as attract new events from across the continent? Nyazema: The SCC is well situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s business, hotel and entertainment district. Sandton Convention Centre offers easy access to over 5,000 hotel rooms, and is adjacent to the country’s top shopping and entertainment complexes. Because of our location, we are able to attract the African market as we are well-poised to offer not just a business destination but shopping

The Event: What trends and types of buyers and exhibitors do you expect to see at Meetings Africa 2015? Nyazema: I expect to see an increase in international buyers and Pan African representation at Meetings Africa. In terms of trends: how to effectively use technology in the meetings space and social media impact in the meeting space. For buyers, I expect to see international, government, corporate, associations and PCO’s, while exhibitors will be present from the whole industry, from convention centres and hotels to car rental and incentive companies.

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Durban International Convention Centre

Top 15 Mega-Event

VENUES IN AFRICA by Kim Muller

lthough there are arguments both for and against mega events and their apparent return on investment, no one can refute the revenue they bring in when they are pulled off correctly. And with so many pop stars, sporting events and festivals constantly looking to expand their fandoms, it’s no wonder that the entertainment sector generally does well. In Africa alone there are 789 stadiums according to WorldStadiums.com, with a number of convention centres across the continent doubling as concert halls and festival hosts. So without further ado, we pay homage to mega event venues across the continent with this hearty countdown in no particular order.

1. Coca-Cola Dome Since 1997 the Coca-Cola Dome has been capturing the significant cultural diversity of South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, the venue has been used for entertainers, banquets, concerts, exhibitions and other special events. The Coca-Cola Dome is home to some of SA’s

top consumer exhibitions and can suit the demands of a 3,000m2 to a massive, 15,000m2 expo, while its arena can host a fully seated capacity of 13,000 people to a combination of seated and standing capacity of 19,000 people. This truly is one of the most flexible entertainment spaces in Africa.

2. The Super Bowl at Sun City, North West One of the finest venues for concerts, the Super Bowl at Sun City Resort is renowned for its star-studded evenings. The likes of Queen, Bryan Adams, Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart have performed at this 6,000 seat arena, which also doubles as a venue for beauty pageants, sporting and theatre productions with spectacular sets and glittering costumes.

3. Independence Stadium, Windhoek Independence Stadium, located in Windhoek, Namibia, is the country’s largest, multipurpose venue. It holds up to 25,000 people

and although it is used mainly for sporting events, it can cater to other avenues of entertainment. The stadium has recently been refurbished with new floodlights, and there are a number of graded hotels near the venue for easy accommodation options.

4. Cape Town International Convention Centre Home to the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival and a host for the Loerie Awards for many years, the Cape Town International Convention Centre is a multipurpose venue that suits both intimate settings and large-scale trade shows. It has 38 meeting rooms of varying sizes and can hold between 45,000 and 60,000 people in its exhibition halls, making it an ideal megaevent location.

5. Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi Completed in 1983 with a vision to bid for the 4th All-Africa Games in 1987, the Nyayo

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FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Nasrec

National Stadium in Nairobi, was what gave Kenya its international status in sporting events. After securing the bid, it essentially birthed the subsequent Moi International Sports Centre. Nyayo has a Main Stadium that holds up to 30,000 people, an Aquatic Centre with spectator terraces for 2,000 people, an indoor gymnasium with 2,500 capacity, and handball and volleyball training courts with a 1,500 capacity. The stadium has been used multiple times for social events, large gatherings, concerts, national holiday celebrations and more.

6. Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Based in Kasarani, Kenya, the Moi International Sports Centre – now the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani – is the largest multi-purpose sports centre in Kenya. The venue consists of the 60,000-seat Kasarani Stadium, the Kasarani Indoor Arena, The Kasarani Aquatic Stadium and an onsite hotel, The Stadion, together with assorted restaurants and ample parking.

7. Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Although most of South Africa’s stadiums have received criticism for lack of return on investment post-2010, the Moses Mabhida Stadium has, since 2011, been on a mission to revive itself as a sought-after attraction. Not only does it have a SkyCar and Viewing platform with stunning, 360-degree views of Durban and beyond, but it also has an 80m free-fall swing into the stadium bowl, Segway gliding tours, an adventure walk to the top of the 106m arch and a number of other activities. Of course, its mega events schedule is regularly filled, with the Pet Shop Boys, Michael Bublé and the Top Gear Festival visiting the stadium in late 2014 and early 2015.

8. Abuja National Stadium Situated in the rapidly developing Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, the Abuja National Stadium was constructed in mid-2000 to host the 8th All-Africa Games. The 60,491-seater is an ultra-modern, multi-purpose sports complex

“

This iconic, 94,000-seater situated in Nasrec is known across the world for its positioning during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It regularly hosts international and local football and rugby matches, as well as some of the biggest global music super stars such as U2, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

and has been tagged as one of the greatest architectural landmarks in the city. It is a centre for various sport matches, as well as social, cultural and religious events.

9. Durban International Convention Centre Also known as the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex, Durban International Convention Centre is a powerhouse of eventing – particular in the MICE realm. But it is also stretching into the entertainment sector, hosting numerous annual award ceremonies, boy band The Script in February 2015, and comedian Russell Peters’ Almost Famous World Tour in January. Durban ICC is world renowned, with an array of awards and accolades under its belt. These include winning Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 13 times (World Travel Awards), placing in the Top 15 Congress Centres in the World (AIPC), the Business Excellence Award (World Confederation of Businesses), and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Blazon awarded to their Executive Chef

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Coca-Cola Dome

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Fans at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi

10. Ponta Malongane Holiday Resort, Mozambique Although this isn’t really a mega event venue, it’s certainly hosted its fair share of large-scale festivals. Ponta Malongane (also known as Ponta do Ouro) is just a few kilometres across the border from South Africa and offers holiday makers and festival goers some of the best scuba diving experiences coupled with rustic camps and beach chalets just metres from the warm, inviting Indian Ocean. Most recently it’s hosted Forr Music Festival and offers a mixture of self service and luxury options in accommodation.

11. Gallagher Convention Centre Although the Gallagher Convention Centre is known for its conferencing and exhibition

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani

qualities, it is also an ideal place for suave, large-scale functions. Not only does it have a host of meetings rooms and venues of varying sizes to choose from, but it also has over 27,000m2 in exhibition space to boot, complemented by two fully equipped restaurants. Its parking facilities are also worth a mention, with efficient access at street level and parking for over 10,000 vehicles at any given time.

12. FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Nasrec This iconic, 94,000-seater situated in Nasrec is known across the world for its positioning during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It regularly hosts international and local football and rugby matches, as well as some of the biggest global music super stars such as U2, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

John Moatshe for outstanding culinary achievements.

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban © SASA Trends Kenya

Shawu the Elephant at Sun City

The Palace at Sun City

Abuja National Stadium

and historical contribution to the world, but not many realise that it is still an avid contributor to our arts and culture scene today. The Cairo Opera House Theatres, which consist of seven theatres of varying sizes and styles – including an open-air and a Roman amphitheatre – are equipped with the most advanced facilities not only in the Middle East, but across the African continent as well. Its main hall seats up to 1,200 spectators over four levels, while the exquisite Gomhouria Theatre holds medium-sized performances. Also of note is the National Arab Music Institute, which dates back to 1914. In 2001, it underwent comprehensive renovation and modern technologies were introduced, as well as a number of halls commemorating significant Egyptian musicians and visual artists.

13. Cairo Opera House Theatres

14. Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam

Much can be said about Egypt’s cultural

Home of the Tanzanian football team, the

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Spartacus Ballet at the Cairo Opera House Theatres

Cairo Opera House Theatres © Global Voices

Ponta Malongane Holiday Resort, Mozambique

Durban International Convention Centre

Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam

Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam is no stranger to mega events in the region. It can hold up to 60,000 people seated and opened not too long ago in 2007. This beautiful facility saw over 50,000 excited fans in attendance at the Night of Hope concert in August last year.

15. Expo Centre, Johannesburg Johannesburg’s Expo Centre is a well-known option for both consumer exhibitions and trade shows, among other things. It is one of South Africa’s largest multi-purpose facilities, with over 50,000m2 of indoor space and over 100,000m2 of outdoor space. Its arena can accommodate up to 20,000 people and is a convenient 30 minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport. The Expo Centre has won the PMR Africa Award 4 times, validating its quality, while a number of trade shows and festivals including the much anticipated electronic music festival, Ultra, will be taking place here in 2015.

Independence Stadium, Windhoek

Expo Centre, Johannesburg

STADIUM

CAPACITY

CITY

COUNTRY

FNB Stadium (Soccer City)

94,736

Johannesburg

South Africa

Borg El Arab Stadium

86,000

Alexandria

Egypt

Stade des Martyrs

80,000

Kinshasa

DR Congo

Cairo International Stadium

75,000

Cairo

Egypt

Stade Mohamed V

67,000

Casablanca

Morocco

June 11 Stadium

65,000

Tripoli

Libya

Stade 5 Juillet 1962

64,000

Algiers

Algeria

Ellis Park Stadium

62,567

Johannesburg

South Africa

Abuja Stadium

60,491

Abuja

Nigeria

Stade Olympique de Radès

60,000

Radès

Tunisia

Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium

60,000

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania

Stade Leopold Senghor

60,000

Dakar

Senegal

Moi International Sports Centre

60,000

Nairobi

Kenya

National Sports Stadium

60,000

Harare

Zimbabwe

Odi Stadium

60,000

Mabopane

South Africa

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PLANNING YOUR EVENT IN AFRICA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AN A-Z GUIDE by Kim Muller

From venue selection and logistics, to budget, marketing and more, event planning can be a harrowing ordeal if not done correctly. Most

companies or associations tend to hire a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) or at the very least, a company with some experience in event management. But

whether or not youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re speaking to the experts, there are a few basic things that everyone needs to know before planning their event on the African continent.

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This is one of the first things anyone will need to consider when planning an event in Africa. Although there are usually private taxis, airport shuttles and other modes of public

transportation between the central business district of any major city in Africa and its respective international airport, it is prudent to always double check a convention’s

accessibility. Easy access to accommodation options is also important, especially since most delegates will want to know where they can stay well ahead of the event.

Another important part of the planning process, nothing can be done without an initial budget plan. If you’re unsure

of what to allocate where, it always helps consulting an industry expert, or even fellow event organisers to

see how they have budgeted – just to get an idea of where you should be headed.

In this fast-paced, digital era, communication is always key. Says Xavier Gallery, an event planner who also works in web development: “The transfer of accurate information is vital in the presentation of the final product. This

includes communication between the planner and the facility coordinator, as well as the planner and the attendees. A breakdown in either one of these channels can create unnecessary problems.” He goes on to say that some of the most

common shortcomings in this area are failures to provide the likes of driving directions, venue signage or vital contact information. “The most efficient planners assume ignorance with these issues and plan accordingly,” he says.

The number of delegates you expect in attendance will have a direct impact on all of the above – from choosing a venue with maximum accessibility to the overall budget and marketing strategies. Any organiser wants as many delegates at their event as possible,

and there are a number of ways to boost this such as choosing a location that appeals to your demographic, getting the support of a national or local bureau or looking to related industries. Chelsea May, Marketing and Communication Manager at MCI Australia

says that sometimes it’s as simple as asking. “Tap into different markets within the industry and spread the word about the event by simply asking other relevant associations and organisations to promote the event through their communication channels,” she says.

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Although this is seldom considered important, it’s imperative that an event planner has an idea of what a visually-

pleasing event would look like and how to execute it. “[You] should know how to set up a creative, classy and attractive

scene which will please clients and their guests,” Lisa Mooney of Demand Media says.

One of the top qualities any event planner should have is flexibility. “Be creative and flexible,” says James Minella, an Event Operations Director. “I think these two go together because

in the event business things are always changing, which requires you be flexible to develop a solution – and solution comes about as a result of your creativity.” Susan Patrick, a

seasoned Meeting & Event Planner agrees, “There are always going to be ‘fires to put out’, things that change, and people who don’t do what they say they are going to do.”

With so many options to choose from, it can be daunting to plan an official opening ceremony, a gala or an award ceremony that runs in conjunction with your event. “When we think about awards ceremonies, the Academy Awards come to mind,” the Community Tool Box writes in an article on holding

award ceremonies. “Not all awards ceremonies have thousands of guests gathered in a gala atmosphere, but all award ceremonies surely have their stars and memorable moments. Usually, there’s more to an awards presentation or activity than meets the eye.” Elements to consider when planning this section

of an event include money, location – especially if the event is not taking place at the conference venue – and the types of awards to fit the occasion. Number of guests, food, waiters and support staff, tables and chair arrangements, key speakers and the order of presentation should also be considered.

According to Siyabona Africa, it’s important to appoint an “A Team” to begin preparation on your event as early as possible, and no less than six months in advance. “Create a conference plan and appoint a team of conference organisers. Allocate each person specific portfolios with deadlines,” they write. Speakers and entertainers or MCs also need to

be squeaky clean and politically correct, therefore it’s suggested that you as for CVs and contact references – even personally interviewing and auditioning when possible. Some of the key staff needed for a business conference or expo include the following: • Event Manager • Planning Team

• • • • • • • •

Africa is a continent with incredibly high linguistic diversity and despite the fact that most people speak English, French or Portuguese, there are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 African languages. And, although

French and Portuguese interpretations are common at conferences, the continent has been branching out and looking for other mother tongue options like Zulu, Xhosa and Swahili. As such, it is imperative that any

conference researches the major languages spoken in its host country and plans accordingly to accommodate these delegates. According to Philip Zeitman, managing Director at Folio, a translation and

Presentation Team Publication / Website Production Team PR Team Onsite Management Team Finance / Sponsorship Committee Registration Management Team Exhibit / Tradeshow Liaison Technical Support Staff for AV, support, trouble shooting, etc.

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interpretation company that has been working in the industry since 1989, these arrangements should be made well in advance. He says that event planners need to understand the difference between translators and interpreters – often mistook for being the same thing. Translators generally work in the written form of the language, poring over dictionaries and thesauruses to find the best descriptive word, while interpreters tend to summarize the meaning verbally so that people can understand what speakers are saying from a general viewpoint. Interpreters also tend to work in pairs, a fact that is often overlooked by conference organisers. “Translators and interpreters are all

tertiary educated and it’s important to have mother tongue speakers,” Zeitman explains. “You [as a South African] can’t go up to Kenya and learn Swahili and speak it professionally. Above the mother tongue language, you must be tertiary educated in the other language. Your mother tongue will always be your best language, the one in which you can make jokes, use idioms, and even write like a child – like a doctor who specialises in ear, nose and throat. So you will have a speciality language, and even within that you would specialise in certain fields, for example, a legal, medical or commercial translator.” When it comes to interpreting, however, different rules come into play. “With interpretation we have no control over

what the conference will be,” Zeitman says. One also needs to have a strong, vibrant personality to be a successful interpreter, especially since the time you have to figure out correct words is limited. “The interpreter in our experience makes a rather bad translator. They tend to sum up and get to the point – which is exactly what a translator should not do. He doesn’t look at the deeper meaning of that word because there’s no time to do it. So they are two different species.” Folio currently has a core set of project managers and thousands of freelancers across the world, meaning they can offer one of the most comprehensive translation and interpretation services to any business event.

“An event planner is often more like a juggler than anything else,” says Sandra Green, a Toronto-based event planning

provider. “It’s common for multiple projects to be on the agenda on any given day at any given time.” Focusing

on one element of an event is a big no-no, otherwise the event will never be completely planned.

Any event, whether an African event or international one, will require the organiser to have a well of mental and physical energy

to draw from in order to deal with all sorts of things – from basic problem solving to running about the exhibition floor. Passion

for the job is one way of ensuring you stay sprightly and engaged, while looking after your physical health always helps, too.

When the conference is over and the meetings have all been attended, delegates often like to kick back and enjoy the myriad of sights and sounds around them. Enter leisure activities. Planning an afro-centric

leisure experience might come in the form of a post- or pre-event trip to a renowned national park to see South Africa’s Big 5, or it might be a glitzy evening out in the city, complete with gourmet restaurants

and historical, art, or cultural tours. Leisure activities will naturally vary according to the event’s location, but ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience is all down to great planning.

Event organisers often work with a host of different people, from service professionals to clients. A good planner will be able to keep themselves motivated, as well as

those working with them. “For an individual to be able to work effectively within a group, the group should be composed of individuals with proper attitude towards

work. A positive working environment is one factor of having a productive team of event organizers,” says Arwin Adriano of the Event Checklist.

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We use negotiation all the time, but this is never more important than in the African events industry. Most of sub-Saharan Africa – and North Africa, too – is very familiar with the concept; negotiating prices is a regular, day-to-day occurrence in most local market places outside South Africa. Event planners are expected to negotiate with venues, suppliers and the likes in order to pull off an extraordinary event, often with an ordinary budget. Practically Perfect PA gives planners an idea of what to do if this isn’t your strongest suite:

1. Make a list of all your priorities, including must-haves to added extras. 2. Don’t let the supplier rush you into making any decision – this can be detrimental to your event, especially if you’re not sure of the items, or not 100% happy with the offer. 3. If your event is taking place in a hotel venue, remember that they can profit from the rooms you book for delegates – use this as leverage when considering conference rooms or catering. 4. Catering and Audio Visuals can come with a few hidden extra costs. Make sure you

negotiate for exactly what you need. 5. Venues often have additional facilities available at additional costs and because some of these may be underused, you might be able to get them discounted for your delegates. 6. It’s always worth mentioning that you’re looking at other suppliers – and you should! Healthy and fair competition make for competitive rates…although sticking with a regular supplier is just as good, especially if you’re considered a valued customer.

It goes without saying that any event planner needs to be everywhere, all the time. This can become difficult for the best of planners, which is why organisational skills are so important in this line of work. “One of the main challenges everyone who organises events has is taking control and

demonstrating that there is a process behind organising events,” says William Thomson of Gallus Events. He suggests a simple structure to adhere to help avoid typical planning traps: 1. Set measurable objectives 2. Draft budget or costs 3. Research the market

4. Secure key factors first 5. Initially market an event or do detailed research to tailor the offering 6. Secure the remaining parts of the event 7. Get involved in the details 8. Run the event 9. Tie up the event

The phrase ‘running on African time’ is known all too well, but that’s no excuse for having extensive delays. Not only does this lower the quality of an event in the eyes of the attendees, but it is also a

signifier of bad management. Sticking to the programme gives delegates a sense of where they are, while scheduling apps are a huge help for both attendees and event organisers in staying on top of

things. “You should also be organized so you don’t waste time looking for things and reinventing forms and files,” says James Minella, an Event Operations Director.

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We all know that a quality event goes a long way – both for the brand and for the country or city in which it is held, particularly with large-scale conferences and trade shows. As Functions for Africa says, “A great event planning company will have secured many big names through the years, and will often keep these clients

as regulars for many years through their expertise, knowledge and ability to produce top quality service and events every time.” Lauren H Vogel, of Demand Generation, reiterates this with a simple piece of advice: “Visit the venue the day before your event. Envision how you want attendees to experience the event. What signs need to be

in place to avoid confusion? Where should you station staff? Basically, you want to understand what your guests will see from the time they walk into the venue to the registration table to the actual event. Feel matters. And the only way to anticipate how your event will feel is to walk a mile in your guests’ shoes.”

The internet age has changed ticketing technology significantly in recent years, but there are still only two ways in which to do conference registration: manually and digitally. Most event

planning gurus suggest having both options, and this is particularly pertinent on the African continent as there are still many regions where internet connectivity is sub-par. To avoid the rather unlikely

possibility that your potential delegates cannot book online, ensure that a manual registration option is available, both on event days, and online or via fax or post.

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Choosing the right speakers for an event on the continent largely depends on how well you know your audience. Most large conferences have a mixture of international and regional speakers from various African countries, although this is also determined by your budget and conference subject. According to Paul

McConnon from Unique Speaker Bureau, a company that books conference speakers, the introduction and use of a “detailed brief of the conference objectives, and cultural fit of the speaker” and other issues are raised so that all expectations are met. “Many speakers have positioned themselves for direct bookings,

however, for an objective point of view and for proper speaker management, a good bureau is still the way to go,” Mc Connon explains, “Experienced event planners have found value in building a trusted relationship with a good bureau that in essence has created a niche service for the event and conferencing industry.”

“We are increasingly seeing the use of technology to communicate with visitors,” Gary Corin, of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery told The Event last year. “This is from both an exhibitor and organiser perspective. Research feedback from our exhibitors shows that more electronic invites

were sent out than ever before.” Suffices to say that we all need to keep in touch with the times, whether an old hand or new. Not only is Africa a mobile-centric continent, but it also has millions of people on social media. But using the latest tech doesn’t only mean keeping delegates updated online – it

should also permeate your entire event. Audio visuals play a huge part in creating a dazzling conference or expo, while video conferencing or ‘hybrid’ events, scheduling apps, and a host of other interactive options are also available for those who want to push the boundaries of eventing.

Because the continent of Africa has thousands of ethnic groups, some with their own languages and cultures, being unambiguous and clear about everything is

terribly important in a conference setting. There is much that can be lost in translation between cultures, and when one caters to so many nationalities all under one roof, a

simple and easy response or solution goes a long way to ensuring all runs smoothly. All directions and signage must be translated into all main languages at any event.

Better known as catering, victuals play a huge part in ensuring an event is a success. Food can often make or break the memorable quality of a function more than some of the

other elements – especially if your event is a banquet! According to Event Focus, it is of “utmost importance that you hire a professional caterer for your function”.

Choosing the style you want your food served in and catering to allergies or food preferences is also important, so communication is key in ensuring everyone is satisfied.

It may seem trivial, but free or discounted WiFi has fast-become one of the pillars of a successful conference or expo. Not only are delegates – often from abroad – able to communicate with each other at minimal cost, but media are able to stay in touch with the outside world, and

events benefit significantly from social media hype by all attendees. According to Corbin Ball Associates, planners are pressing venues for free event WiFi and are making this a key criterion for venue selection. Ian Bull, Head of Sales Business Development for the Wireless Technology

Group for Cisco, says there is “significant growth potential for Wi-Fi using micro cells and Wi-Fi Hotspot 2.0 technology. Even very large venues with thousands of simultaneous users can be managed in a way that good quality wireless internet signal can be provided.”

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This pretty little word essentially means ‘of or concerning hospitality towards guests’. And there’s no continent that’s better at hospitality than Africa. Generally a very warm and relational place, quality hospitality is a given – but there’s always room to go

the extra mile. “Customer satisfaction is more than just a smile when you greet a customer,” says Flavio Martins of Business 2 Community. “Knowing the customer base is at the heart of it. A customer booking a stay at a beachside resort has different

expectations than a customer staying in a convention hotel. When you learn to master the needs of the customer and to deliver consistently and effectively on those needs you begin to create overwhelming customer loyalty.”

Tapping into Africa’s youth is becoming a fundamental part of business events these days. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that over 65% of the continent’s entire population is below the age of 35 – making the so-called ‘millenials’ a valuable commodity in the 21st century. Tapping

into this market is difficult but doable, and realising that the youth will essentially be us in the future is the first step towards including them. “Young travellers today are the family and corporate travellers of tomorrow so it’s really important for us to work in this space,” says Tim Lowther,

Manager Leisure Market & Special Segments in Emirates Global Sales. The World Youth and Student Travel Conference reiterate his words saying last November, “The youth sector provides a significant contribution to total tourism receipts and will play an important role in the future…”

Zeal or passion for the job is one of the main things that any event planner needs – whether working in Africa or internationally.

As Chris Catoggio, an independent events service professional says, “A successful event manager needs to be enthusiastic and

passionate about what they do. Enthusiasm and passion brings about creativity and generates excitement.”

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Oppikoppi © 3DE Studios.com

DEPOSITS

and Other Demons

by Albert Kruger – Contemporary Events

“

eople are destructive. Never more so than with items that are not their own property. It is for this reason that one cannot blame the owners of the property that is rented or leased to others for adding refundable deposits to their customers’ invoices. These deposits are then restored only upon the rented property being returned to the lessor in its original condition. There is multitude of legal papers and laws written regarding this subject, and it is well worth educating yourself on this subject before signing any agreements that require you to make any deposits. Besides all of these, one must always remember that when you make a deposit payment to the owner of stock or space you wish to rent, once you relinquish your money, you are pretty much at the mercy of this company or person. We have always found the following saying to be true in regards to paying deposits: “There is only one golden rule. He who has the gold, makes the rules”. The other major subject in this regard is the amount that a deposit should be. Formulas to determine the size of a deposit vary widely. It seems that deposits are in most cases calculated very subjectively, in that they are directly related to the number of times the

One cannot blame the owners of property that is rented or leased to others for adding refundable deposits to their customers’ invoices.

owner of the property has suffered a loss at the hands of customers. We have found that the only fair way of determining a deposit is to base the amount on the determinable replacement value of each specific item. In this ideal, this value is then also printed next to each hired item on the invoice for easy agreement by the hirer. Matters that may also further complicate the hiring of space is the procedures related to any force majeur circumstances. These circumstances are normally beyond the control of either of the parties, such as weather, labour or government. Normally, the clauses pertaining to this places the customer who rents the property at a distinct disadvantage, and these should be well perused! As a rule we require our suppliers to have business loss insurance for these incidents, as the hirer is ordinarily unable to be insured for these situations. It is strongly advised that the clause

clearly state that under these circumstances, the customer will be refunded the deposits that they have made, and upon the property owner refunding the deposits, both parties’ liabilities created in the agreement will terminate. When the hiring of stock is contemplated in a force majeur environment, one must be very vigilant about the transport of such stock. The agreement must pertinently state that the hirer’s liability only exists from the time of delivery of the stock to the ultimate collection of the items. A clause should also be included to detail procedures to be followed should the stock not arrive or is late. In closing the first and most important thing to remember for both customer and supplier when paying deposits is that the procedures related to its payment and refund should always be detailed in a written agreement.

SPOTLIGHT | 29

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NH THE LORD CHARLES Hotel to Receive Significant Makeover

H Hotel Group South Africa has announced a major revamp of its landmark property, NH The Lord Charles.

NH 5-year plan The extensive refurbishment of NH The Lord Charles Hotel is in line with the five-year strategic plan announced by the international NH Hotel Group in 2014. NH Hotel Group is the third-ranked business hotel chain in Europe, operating close to 400 hotels in 27 countries across Europe, the Americas and Africa. According to Jaco du Plooy, a key aspect of the NH five-year plan is the investment of €200-million to restructure its hotel portfolio into four distinct brands. The refurbishment of

NH The Lord Charles forms part of this brand repositioning programme.

Comprehensive remodelling The refurbishment project, which will unfold in phases, will focus largely on the lobby area and conference centre of the hotel, but will also include upgrades to a 100 guest rooms. These include new, super comfortable beds and the installation of state-of-the-art 42-inch smart televisions in all rooms, to name but a few. To complement the new look rooms, the en suite bathrooms will also receive a makeover. The hotel’s fully equipped conference centre will also undergo a number of improvements. The conference centre comprises 12 meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups as

well as larger groups of up to 600 delegates. The conference centre has a spacious pre–assembly area, as well as a courtyard for tea breaks, lunches and cocktails. The Grand Ballroom makes the ideal venue for tailor-made formal dinners and glamorous weddings. “We are greatly looking forward to the end result of all this work. We have planned the renovations in such a way, as to ensure that the impact on our valued guests will be kept to an absolute minimum during the renovation period. We are confident that these upgrades will greatly enhance their stay at our hotel,” said Serge Foulon, Managing Director of NH South Africa. The full refurbishment is scheduled for completion by the end of August 2015.

30 | SPOTLIGHT

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TOP HOTELS FOR F ROMANCE Courtesy of One&Only

Aquila Private Game Reserve The Editor has the unmistakable pleasure of staying in the ultra-luxurious Lodge 10 at Aquila Private Game Reserve recently. The 35-metre pool is the perfect place to quaff champagne with your significant other, and the unforgettable sight of free roaming wildlife is all the catalyst you need to bring out the wild side in you. The lodge has a king-size bed, but the real highlight is the open-air shower at the rear of the building, which provides a very sensual au-natural experience. Situated just 90 minutes from Cape Town, Aquila is perfect for a romantic breakaway from the city.

“

Table Mountain Suite bathroom at the One&Only

The One & Only is famous for its celebrity clientele; no doubt lured by the opulence and sophistication on offer. Did we mention that its state-of-theart spa is situated on its own island? The One & Only provides a haven of luxury amid the frenetic pace of Cape Town’s foreshore.

“

in the Month of Love

ebruary is Valentines month, and if the sight of teddies holding hearts is starting to make you nauseous, why not whisk your loved one away for a few nights of decadence and romance? The Event’s editorial team has been hard at work researching the most romantic hotels in South Africa, and we’ve compiled a list of five of the most romantic, most sensual, and most utterly captivating hotels in South Africa. In no particular order, here are South Africa’s leaders in loved-up charm.

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Experience an eco-friendly oasis of love at Serenity Forest Eco Reserve.

The Oyster Box Beloved by local high-flyers and jet-setting celebrities, the Oyster Box in Umhlanga, Durban, is undisputed royalty among 5-star boutique hotels. It is also a highly sought-after conferencing and meeting venue, and offers a guest experience that is hard to match. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco famously honeymooned at the Oyster Box, and the hotel is renowned for its exclusivity and undeniable romantic ambience. Discerning travellers can sup on the finest cuisine the continent has to offer, and indulge in the aphrodisiac qualities of South Africa’s world famous oysters. The venue gets booked up months in advance, so it’s wise to pre-plan your amorous adventures.

The Residence Boutique Hotel Fancy sipping on a champagne cocktail

For the wild at heart; Aquila is perfect for a romantic breakaway from the city.

while a pianist tickles the ivory? Then The Residence Boutique Hotel might be the place for you. The penthouse suite has a private deck, skylight, Jacuzzi, outdoor shower and rooftop garden. Not enough for you? Then try the Madiba suite, with its bespoke wine cellar and specially commissioned portraits of the former president. Mosey on down to the Boat Lounge with your beloved, and take in the charming sight of antique model boats from all over the globe.

Serenity Forest Eco Reserve This piece of paradise is situated just 19kms from the Kruger National Mark in Mpumalanga. The venue is situated in a bio diverse ecosystem, and has some trees on the property dating back millennia. The accommodation is exclusive, offering three lake-view suites with private decks,

and four forest-view suites situated in a canopy of lush vegetation. Grab a picnic and snuggle with your loved one in one of the hammocks, or wet your whistle with a skinny dip in a cascading waterfall. Lovedup visitors can have sundowners while gazing over the magnificent views, before retiring to their sumptuous lodges.

The One & Only The undisputed heavyweight of Cape Town uber-deluxe venues, The One & Only is famous for its celebrity clientele; no doubt lured by the opulence and sophistication on offer. Did we mention that its state-ofthe-art spa is situated on its own island? The One & Only provides a haven of luxury amid the frenetic pace of Cape Town’s foreshore, and serves as a gateway to the city’s myriad activities. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more resplendent setting for a romantic getaway.

IT&CM CHINA | 33

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IT&CM EVENTS CTW Events Release Custom Event App Users can build personalised schedules and engage peers with in-app features

T&CM Events and CTW Events have released their custom event app on iTunes and Google Play stores. Developed in partnership with USbased Guidebook, the native app branded under TTG Events will house event guides to the group’s 4 MICE and Corporate Travel trade shows: IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific, IT&CM China, CTW China and IT&CM India. “The mobile app is an excellent way for the industry to stay in touch with our latest event developments. Registered delegates and interested participants will have one-stop access to crucial dynamic event information that helps them make the most of their time pre-event and on-site,” explained Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of TTG Events. “The app will also contain private guides for confirmed delegates that contain exclusive content including buyer profiles, exhibitor directory and the exhibition floor plan.” Through the app, delegates can better navigate at any of the IT&CM and/or CTW events by having all the information they need at their fingertips. They can also learn about all the sessions happening during the event, curate their own personal schedule, and find their way with

interactive maps. The app also provides instant access to details such as speaker bios, presentations, exhibitor profiles, sponsor listings, social media feeds, and local area information. Finally, Guidebook also facilitates feedback collection via in-app surveys and attendee-to-attendee networking via virtual contact card sharing. On the partnership, Alex Goldberg, Marketing Associate of Guidebook shared, “The IT&CM Event series offers Guidebook invaluable exposure to top meeting and event planners in the Asia Pacific region. As mobile apps become the norm at events of all sizes and competition heats up among mobile providers, it’s critical to establish a foothold in all major markets globally. Guidebook is a well-recognized name in North America and has also gained significant traction among Europe event professionals, but we’re also looking to simultaneously expand into Asia and grow our team based in Seoul. The IT&CM series is a really reputable name in the Asian MICE Market, one that top planners rely on for industry education and networking opportunities, so we hope our partnership will give us access to this valuable audience and lend our brand credibility in the Asian MICE industry.”

How To Download The App & Event Guides 1. 2.

Search “TTG Events” in iTunes or Google Play stores Open the app on your phone and download any of the 4 available public event guides: - IT&CM China - CTW China - IT&CM India - IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific To access the private event guides (for confirmed delegates only), please ask the organisers for the redeem code. To make the most of the app, do this optional step: Create your account and your virtual business card. Also choose to check yourself in (for private event guides only) so that other delegates can find you and connect with you.

34 | EVENT GREENING FORUM

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Considering

GREEN LOGISTICS U

nderstanding the environmental impact of transport before, during and after an exhibition can often be swept aside in the flurry of preparation ahead of an event and often adds a dimension that can be overwhelming. Luckily, it’s the simple steps that will aid in the reduction of the total carbon emissions associated with your run-up to pulling off a ‘greener’ event.

The issue Building and setting up stands usually requires the transport of many different components as well as the transportation of staff to and from venues. While a quick trip can appear to produce a negligible quantity of carbon emissions, these quickly add up to what can be a large total amount. “International events can be particularly harmful for the environment once air travel and the logistics of moving cargo between countries are factored in,” says Justin Hawes, chairperson of the Event Greening Forum. “Transport will often account for the bulk of carbon emissions related to an exhibition and it’s for this reason that we need to look at smart ways to reduce environmental damage, without compromising the service levels offered by the company.”

Simple solutions Hawes says that, while it can seem like an insurmountable task to prevent excessive carbon emissions when moving stand elements, there are simple practices that will enable you to reduce your carbon footprint. From a logistics perspective, it’s important to plan all of your transport needs in advance. Using a checklist to ensure that everything that is required for a stand-build is included in as few deliveries as possible is a way of reducing transport emissions. By using elements that can be easily disassembled and transported in a flat-packed style, you may ensure that the components of a stand be transported in a single load.

Hawes adds that the transportation of staff is another important consideration for the reduction of emissions. Encouraging staff members to car pool or use public transport between your company’s offices and the designated venue is an ideal way to prevent carbon emissions. Carbon ‘credits’ can also be bought to offset your carbon footprint. “Food and Trees for Africa is one example of an organisation that has done amazing work in our industry,” states Hawes. “It has several projects that companies can get involved in. You can offset your carbon emissions by buying a tree from them for planting in one of their community projects.”

The benefits Hawes says that the perpetuated belief that ‘greening’ your transport is a difficult, costly task is inaccurate. In fact, he has proved within his team that taking a few simple steps to reduce carbon emissions through transport can save money, time and boost productivity. “Forward planning for events in terms of logistics and staff transport has shown

us that we spend less on petrol, less time moving items back and forth and increase productivity on site.”

Helpful tips: •

• •

Encourage staff to use public transport, such as the Gautrain, and car pool. This can alleviate parking congestion and save money. Plan deliveries in advance, packing as much as is possible into single loads. Make the most of your time at events. Plan as many meetings at the show as you can, reducing the necessity to drive to meetings soon after.

SPOTLIGHT | 35

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PREVIEW:IBTM ARABIA

The Event: What successes of last year’s ibtm would you like to meet and better this year? Lois Wilcox: ibtm arabia is a whole new concept and will be the first event of its kind with the one-to-one mutually matched appointments. The revised model is a result of the commentary fed back to us from key industry stakeholders including those from the private and public sectors, as well as other professional MICE organisations. Exhibitors have told us they value the quality of hosted buyer appointments as paramount. We also consulted with the industry internationally and regionally to assess their opinion on the new format. We have adapted the event format accordingly and have transformed it into a more intimate, dynamic and exclusive event. We are confident that the show will now give the Middle East meetings industry its own niche event that is focused on the business of meetings, no distractions, and enabling both buyers and exhibitors to be part of a community in one place for three days. The Event: ibtm arabia 2015 is just around the corner, what does that mean to you as the organiser? What has the response been thus far? Lois Wilcox: We have designed ibtm arabia to be an essential business opportunity as well as an event created on a more personal level for networking, combining opportunities to do everything together from the outset and we

Image courtesy of ibtm arabia

bu Dhabi will host ibtm’s annual, exclusive meeting for the Middle East at the St. Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort from 10 - 12th February. This exclusive event is where global industry players from the meetings, events, and incentives industry come together for global business adventure. This year is a the closed event, with carefully selected hosted buyers and exhibitors in equal amounts, and will not include trade visitors. The one-to-one mutual matching format will allow hosted buyers and exhibitors to solely focus on business appointments, and ease the buyer-exhibitor selection process. Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager, chats to us about the ibtm arabia 2015.

ibtm arabia Meeting Pod

are very much looking forward to welcome our Hosted Buyers and exhibitors and hear their feedback about the new dynamic format. ibtm arabia is the only event in the region to have hosted buyers from the Middle East, Europe, North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Africa. The buyers who will be attending the show will represent a cross-section of the top meeting planners in the industry including categories such as Insurance conference planners, oil and gas, healthcare, finance, IT, high level government buyers, Fortune 500 company planners, major association planners, and large incentive buyers, all of whom combined command millions of dollars in purchasing power and are the true decision-makers. The Event: What is ibtm hoping to achieve from this event? What can attendees look forward to this year? Lois Wilcox: For sure the objective of ibtm arabia is to deliver business for our exhibitors and Hosted Buyers, but it is also about creating a community with the single focus on a full diary of mutually matched appointments, networking and everyone together for the duration of the event. ibtm arabia is not a traditional trade show, but an intimate environment dedicated to creating a community of meeting professionals from both sides of the industry brought together to meet, learn and connect.

The innovative one-to-one business event will include ‘Discovery Day’ for both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers so they get a chance to attend experiential activities at Yas Island as well as a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and lunch on a luxury cruise liner, the ibtm arabia Knowledge Forum, as well as the one-to-one mutually matched business meetings over 2 days and of course the essential fun element of nine networking opportunities to create the important social down time which can also be more business but in a more relaxed environment. This year we have two contrasting but equally exciting speakers who are sure to inspire the participants and their business: Phil Bedford, who is the Middle East Master Franchise owner of The Referral Institute, an international referral training and consulting company with branches across the world, will open the door to the secrets of advanced networking in his session; “Connections Mean Everything” and Adrian Hayes who is the British record-breaking polar explorer & adventurer, keynote speaker, business coach, author and campaigner, will share his insights, challenges and motivations from his journeys to the ends of the Earth and the journeys of the mind. In essence the St Regis Saadiyat Island will become a community of international and regional MICE professionals for three days in February presenting a unique opportunity for everyone involved.

36 | REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

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EASTERN CAPE: Beautiful and Untamed

ordered on one side by the Indian Ocean, the Eastern Cape boasts wildlife and pristine natural beauty. Dotted with first-rate cities and charming small towns, the Eastern Cape hosts a wealth of attractions. Bhisho, the capital city, is home to the Provincial Legislature and many other government departments, while Port Elizabeth – known as the Friendly City – and East London are the province’s largest and most populous cities. The region flaunts a mountainous terrain punctuated by deep gorges, rolling

by Carryn Gabriels

hills, intermittent forest, and unspoilt beaches. Enjoy sights of the spectacular birdlife and an abundance of beauty in the Tsitsikamma Mountains, unwind on the isolated beaches of the wild coast, and witness a wealth of wildlife and wilderness in Baviaanskloof, including the leopard, bushbuck, Eland, and a profusion of plant and birdlife.

What’s happening now? On 19- 21 February, Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape will host the Discovery Wild

Coast Ultra, an adventure trail run. Trails are not designated and runners will have to find their way and make trail decisions as they navigate the rugged coastline and mountains. This is one for adventure trail runners who are looking to push their limits. The province looks forward to hosting Scifest Africa 2015. This, South Africa’s sole science festival, will showcase innovative projects, and aim to bridge the gap between white-coated scientists and the public. The event will take place next month in the educational hub of Grahamstown.

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“

Key Venues

Enjoy sights of the spectacular birdlife and an abundance of beauty in the Tsitsikama Mountains, unwind on the isolated beaches of the wild coast, and witness a wealth of wildlife and wilderness in Baviaanskloof.

East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) Boasting style, comfort, and a tranquil coastal location, the East London International Convention Centre is a landmark in one of the province’s largest cities. The state-of-the-art auditorium accommodates up to 600 delegates in cinema style, while 11 versatile halls accommodate from 30- 450 delegates, who can enjoy views of the cobalt Indian Ocean. ELICC also offers well-equipped staff that are committed to service excellence to complement its sophisticated conference facilities. Boardwalk Hotel & Casino Capturing the grace and detail of Victorian architecture, while exuding modernity, the Boardwalk Hotel & Casino is the most exciting leisure attraction in Port Elizabeth. The venue, in the province’s biggest city, boasts views overlooking manicured gardens and the ocean from the elegant rooms and conference areas. Accommodating up to 1,700 guests in the Boardwalk International Convention Centre, it comprises six multifunctional fully equipped meeting halls, while the hotel is geared to provide sophisticated and functional conference conveniences in the country’s friendly city.

Climate This lush province experiences various climates. The western region of the province experiences a semi-arid Karoo climate, with frosty winters and hot summers. Humidity and rainfall increase toward the eastern region, while the south experiences a temperate rainforest climate.

You need to know The Easter Cape is the birthplace of Xhosa traditions. Many of the Xhosa-speaking people today have adopted western culture, however those still living within the rural areas are bound by the traditions and lifestyle set out by their ancestors. The Xhosa people are known for their magnificent beadwork and their recognition of the presence and power of ancestral spirits as a supreme authority.

Population 6,62 Million (Stats SA, 2013)

38 | COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

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KENYA: Where Heritage Meets Modernity by Carryn Gabriels

P © James H

artly bordered by the Indian Ocean and seated on the equator, resides the sweeping landscape of Kenya. The vibrant country, situated on the horn of Africa, is home to cosmopolitan metropolises: bustling Nairobi, diverse Mombasa Island, and serene Kisumu, constituting Kenya’s economy being largest by GDP in South East and Central Africa. The diverse country’s countless natural attractions, including snow-capped Kilimanjaro and expansive deserts and savannahs teeming with wildlife, serve as a perfect backdrop to its kinetic corporate industry. Kenya, the recent winner of the bid to host Association of Travel Associations (ATA) Congress, looks forward to hosting World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) as well as the SKÅL International Congress later this year.

What’s Happening Now This month, from the 5th to the 6th of February, Kenya hosts Sanklap Africa Summit 2015, in the capital Nairobi. This conference is the second edition of Sankalp Africa Summit, with the new theme “Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship Towards an Inclusive Africa”. The summit will encourage dialogue among African entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate and government representatives.

Key Venues Kenyatta International Conference Centre The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) comfortably accommodates 770 delegates in a three tier auditorium, 2 500 guests in a banqueting style, and 3 500

COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT | 39

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guests in theatre style. The 28-storey edifice is the tallest peak in the Nairobi skyline. The KICC amphitheatre design resembles that of a traditional African hut, and is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies. Ideally located in the heart of the country’s business district, and the only building in the region with a helipad, the KICC flaunts history, functionality, and modernity as some its appeals as a landmark in Nairobi. Enashipai Resort and Spa Kenya’s leading spa resort, Enashipai Resort and Spa, boasts six versatile, lavish conference rooms accommodating over 500 guests in U-shape, theatre, ballroom or banqueting style. The resort is located close to a number of the country’s top attractions, including Hell Gates, Mount Longonot, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita. Leading-edge technology, a prime location, and dedicated conference staff, constitutes quintessential conference venue that is Enashipai Resort and Spa.

Getting to Kenya by Air

Coastal regions experience tropical climates, while inland regions enjoy a more arid climate. Being seated on the equator, Kenya generally experiences rain during March, April, October and November, yet plenty of sunshine is enjoyed all year round.

Population 45,010,056 - CIA World Factbook, June 2014

Did you know? Kenya’s greatest biggest income generator is coffee. It is considered an export product and is not consumed locally, as Kenyans prefer tea and beer. Second to coffee is tourism as an income generator.

Climate

Kenya’s flagship airline, Kenya Airlines, offers highly accessible regional and international flights to major airports across the country and world. In addition to 34 local airports providing flights to outlying areas, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi serves as a base between Central and Southern Africa.

40 | EVENTS

FEBRUARY SUNDOWNER JAZZ SESSION: GLORIA BOSMAN 1 February Durban, South Africa NOG - NIGERIA OIL & GAS 2 – 5 February Abuja International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria ECOMMERCE AFRICA CONFEX 3 – 4 Feb Cape Town International Convention Centre Cape Town, South Africa RETAIL INDABA 2015 4 – 5 February Johannesburg, South Africa LEADERSHIP INDABA 6 February Johannesburg, South Africa INVESTING IN MINING AFRICAN INDABA 2015 9 – 12 February Cape Town International Convention Centre Cape Town, South Africa ULTRA SA 13 February Ostrich Farm, Cape Town, South Africa ULTRA SA 14 February Expo Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa MEETINGS AFRICA 24 - 25 February Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa JOHANNESBURG HOMEMAKERS EXPO 26 February - 1 March Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa

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DESIGN INDABA EXPO 27 Feb – 1 March Cape Town International Convention Centre Cape Town, South Africa ABTA BUYERS ONLY BREAKFAST Johannesburg, South Africa ABTA HALF DAY TRAVEL MANAGEMENT FORUM Accra, Ghana

www.theevent.co.za www.filmmakerafrica.co.za

EVENTS | 41

MARCH

WORKING WORLD EXHIBITION 4 – 6 March Port Elizabeth, South Africa NJW BRIDAL SHOW 7 – 8 March Durban Exhibition Centre Durban, South Africa RETAIL WORLD AFRICA 2015 10 – 11 March Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa THE ECOMMERCE SHOW AFRICA 2015 10 – 11 March Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa CONMACH NIGERIA 11 – 13 March The Landmark Events Centre, Lagos, Nigeria THE WEDDING EXPO 14 – 15 March Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa HOSTEX JHB 15 – 18 March Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg, South Africa DECOREX DURBAN 19 – 22 March Durban ICC Durban, South Africa CONNECTED AFRICA 2015 25 – 26 March Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa SATCOM AFRICA 2015 26 – 27 March Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

SME/UNIVERSITY TRAVEL 101 WORKSHOP Johannesburg, South Africa

42 | ASSOCIATIONS

Annual Crystal Awards Recognition Programmes honourees were announced by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), at their Global Conference in Rotterdam, in November last year. The awards, given under five different categories, serve as a benchmark in Incentive Travel Programmes. “The SITE Crystal Awards are among the most prestigious recognition in the incentive travel industry,” said SITE President Paul Miller. The award, regarded as the highest honour in motivational event and incentive travel industry, recognised nine companies for outstanding incentive programmes. The winners were: • Aimia – “Toyota Dealer Incentive Elegant Escapes” Best Business Solutions – Most Effective Incentive Marketing/Promotional Campaign • Dubai Business Events – The Official Convention and Bureau Distinctive Destination: Best Destination-Based Experiential Incentive Travel Program • Crystal Events & Incentives – “Victoria Falls, Livingstone Zambia” Exceptional Motivational Travel

Program – Best in Class by Global Region –Africa/Middle East • China Star Ltd. – “An Event Motivating Two Nations” Exceptional Motivational Travel Program – Best in Class by Global Region – Asia/Pacific • PR Incentives DMC in Italy – “YPO Intercontinental Chapter, Sicily 2013” Exceptional Motivational Travel Program – Best in Class by Global Region – Europe • Fourth Wall Events – “Starry Night” Exceptional Motivational Travel Program – Best in Class by Global Region – North America • AV Business & Communication – “Pasaporte BIC” Exceptional Motivational Travel Program – Best in Class by Global Region –South America • Mfactor Meetings – “Platinum Club 2013” Inspiring/Rewarding Experiences – Most Outstanding Single Motivational Event within an Incentive Program • Dragonfly Africa – “Genband President’s Circle South Africa” Responsible Experiences – Most Impactful Effort Toward Corporate Social Responsibility as Part of an Incentive Program

EXSA: the go-to people for the exhibition industry EXSA, the Exhibition and Events Association, strives to increase the significance of exhibitions and events as part of the marketing mix – face-toface is simply better. Our core strategy is to actively grow and develop the exhibition and events industry within Southern Africa. This is achieved through promoting the unique benefits offered by exhibitions and events and raising the profile of our members which comprises venues, organisers and suppliers/services. EXSA enables connections through the networking and communication of our three Forums and via our website (www.exsa.co.za), Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile and Pinterest boards. Besides providing EXSA’s directory of members, an exhibitions calendar and news feed, the EXSA website also offers a wealth of knowledge and industry guidelines available to its members. EXSA is also particularly excited about the Young Professionals Forum - which is already engaging with the three established Forums: Venues; Organisers; and Suppliers/ Services. Our Young Professionals Forum aims to provide a social and professional support network for all young professionals – to help them understand the industry, gain knowledge in the industry and mentoring them wherever possible. In essence we strive to be the “go – to” people for any issues affecting your events, exhibitions and conferences.

SITE Announces 2014 Crystal Award Winners

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ASSOCIATIONS | 43

44 | DIRECTORY LISTINGS

www.theevent.co.za

ADVERTISERS COMPANY

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

3D Design

+27 11 608 1588

conrad@3ddesign.co.za

www.3ddesign.co.za

Event Greening Forum

+27 74 369 6369

lynn@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

Executive Suites

+27 11 783 1150

westpoint@executivesuites.co.za

www.executivesuites.co.za

Expo Centre Johannesburg

+27 11 494 1920

info@expocentre.co.za

www.expocentre.co.za

EXSA

+27 11 805 7272

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Hilton Sandton

+27 11 322 1888

reservations.sandton@hilton.com

www.hiltonworldwide.com

IT&CM China

+27 21 330 4999

itcmchina@citsmice.com.cn

www.itcma.com

Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

+27 21 887 1132

banqueting@lanzerac.co.za

www.lanzerac.co.za

Markex

+27 10 003 3060

leighm@specialised.com

www.markex.co.za

Multi-Media

+27 11 315 3585

info@multi-media.co.za

www.multi-media.co.za

NH The Lord Charles Hotel

+27 21 855 1040

info@nh-hotels.co.za

www.nh-hotels.co.za

Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton

+27 11 245 8000

reservations.sandton@radissonblu.com

www.radissonblu.com

Resource Design

+27 21 510 7776

karen@resourcedesign.co.za

www.resourcedesign.co.za

Sandton Convention Centre (South Africa)

+27 11 779 0000

scc.info@tsogosun.com

www.saconvention.co.za

Scan Display Solutions

+27 11 447 4777

justin@scandisplay.co.za

www.scandisplay.co.za

Speakers Inc.

+27 86 166 8488

info@speakersinc.co.za

www.speakersinc.co.za

The Maslow Hotel Sandton

+27 10 226 4600

maslow.reservations@suninternational.com

www.suninternational.com

UM South Africa

+27 11 235 4699

jane.vanvuuren@umww.com

www.umww.com

Valley Lodge and Spa

+27 14 577 1301

reservations@valleylodge.co.za

www.valleylodge.co.za

Cover Image: Sandton Convention Centre Interior Courtesy of Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa Publisher: Lance Gibbons lance@filmeventmedia.co.za Executive Editor: Katie Reynolds katie@filmeventmedia.co.za Head of Design: Sheree Steenkamp sheree@filmeventmedia.co.za Writer: Kim Muller kim@filmeventmedia.co.za Editorial Assistant: Carryn Gabriels carryn@filmeventmedia.co.za Production Co-ordinator: Tammi Klein tammi@filmeventmedia.co.za

Account Executive: Sue-Anne Maree sue-anne@filmeventmedia.co.za Account Executive: Shannon Atkinson shannon@filmeventmedia.co.za Group Sales Manager: Lloyd Kirsten lloyd@filmeventmedia.co.za Sales Co-ordinator: Tracey-Anne Arendse tracey-anne@filmeventmedia.co.za Manager, Special Projects: Taryn Fowler taryn@filmeventmedia.co.za 57 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont 7708, Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27 21 674 0646

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IT’S TIME GOOD BUSINESS MEANT GOOD LIVING A stay at Sun International’s Sandton business hotel, The Maslow, not only provides you with what you should expect from accommodation for professionals, it promises a look into the future of the corporate world. Creating an environment in which ideas can be both conceptualised and realised, while enjoying: 281 beautifully appointed rooms, an alluring bar, an urban bistro, relaxing lounges, a soothing spa, an auditorium, conference centre and 12 unparalleled meeting rooms. Complimentary shuttle every 15 minutes to Sandton City and Sandton Gautrain, free Wi-Fi and complimentary business lounge. It’s just one more way you can experience getting all you need, as well as what you want when visiting this state-of-the-art business destination. Discover The Maslow Hotel. Because the mind’s preoccupation relies on the body’s location.

Corner Grayston Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2146, South Africa Central Reservations: +27 11 780 7770 Telephone: +27 10 226 4600 maslow@suninternational.com www.suninternational.com/maslow TheMaslowHotel

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