The Event Issue 3

Issue 03 | 2016

+MEETINGS + MEETINGS AFRICA 2016 REVIEW Africa’s Biggest Business Event Didn’t Disappoint

+FOCUS + FOCUS ON THE OVERBERG We Explore this Western Cape Gem

+GLOBAL + GLOBAL TRENDS ROUNDUP Spotlight on Marketing, Activations and Technology

B I G IDEAS NEED A BIG CANVAS When you need to express yourself, you don’t want constraints.

Expo Centre Johannesburg has all the space you’ll ever need.

With over 50 000m² under cover and another 100 000m² outdoors, we can create any size exhibition, event, conference or function.

Call us and let’s put down some ideas.

@jhbexpocentre1

Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec

Johannesburg Expo Centre

Johannesburg Expo Centre

Johannesburg Expo Centre

www.expocentre.co.za

MEETING your Demands.

EXCEEDING your Expectations.

Cnr Rand Show and Nasrec roads, JHB - T: +27(11) 494 1920 - F: +27(11) 494 1005 - E: info@expocentre.co.za

CONTENTS

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MEETINGS AFRICA VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS The Event ’s video capsules are highly anticipated by the industry. Take a

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look at the highlights on page 2.

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GLOBAL TRENDS ROUNDUP

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Kim Muller takes a closer look at some of the most topical business-event trends in South Africa.

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SHOWCASING THE OVERBERG This region is sometimes overlooked by the business community.

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We make a case for a visit to the Overberg.

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MEETINGS AFRICA GALA DINNER Bring out your fancy pants and dancing shoes. It’s the Meetings Africa gala dinner!

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Meetings Africa Video Capsule Highlights 10 minutes with... Alan Campbell of Premier Hotels & Resorts New EXSA Chairman Announced Is it a job? Is it a career? A thought-leadership piece

by ConCept G Meetings Africa 2016: An Excellent 11th Edition Global Trends Roundup David Sand: Lifetime Memories Drive Profits and Productivity Sustainable Accommodation in South Africa Dubai: The Future of Business Events Showcasing the Overberg Meetings Africa Gala Dinner Highlights The Impact of Corporate Gifting in Business A Chat with Billy Domingo, Cape Town International Jazz Festival Director Cape Town: The Premier Destination for Business Events Morocco: Where Old-World Beauty Meets Business Convenience Events to Diarise Associations News Directory of Advertisers

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FEATURE

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM MEETINGS AFRICA 2016 Winston Meyer: Our product offering is competitive and unique to the market.

On the leisure side, we can offer holidaymakers a competitive price, entertainment for the whole family, and a wide selection of accommodation options in a secure environment. For our business guests, we offer everything they’d expect from a conference venue, including the aforementioned entertainment and facilities that you won’t find at a hotel or conference venue to ensure your next conference is engaging and energises delegates.

So when you visit us, don’t pack light!

Winston Meyer of ATKV Resorts and Katie Reynolds-Da Silva

Please tell us about ATKV’s growth since we spoke at last year’s Meetings Africa.

Winston Meyer, ATKV Resorts: We embarked on a market research campaign with a very reputable company – Markinor – to find out if our product offering was still relevant to market needs. In conjunction with this, we started to upgrade our chalets at two of our 3 to 4 star resorts – Buffelspoort and Goudini Spa. We experienced growth in our occupancy figures for accommodation and camping over the period. Our conference market remained steady in relation to the previous year.

Have you added new products/ venues to your offering?

Winston Meyer: Yes, we expanded the business product of the ATKV outside the ambit of the holiday industry with the implementation of the Negester lifestyle estates for people older than 55 years in Bela Bela, Limpopo and Onrusrivier in Hermanus.

We’re also currently busy with a

R125-million development of the Hartenbos Sea Front in Mosselbay, which will include a new amusement park and recreation facilities, such as a state-of-the-art ice rink and indoor sport facilities. This will ensure a huge contribution to the holiday, leisure and conference markets within Hartenbos and the Mosselbay basin for 2017 and beyond.

Which sector of the market does ATKV attract? Predominantly business or leisure?

Winston Meyer: As of 1 March 2016, the ATKV split into two companies of which one is the ATKV Business Company. The ATKV Business Company will therefore fulfil both business and leisure needs in the market. The current Hartenbos Seafront development is evident hereof and an example of business initiatives that we follow for the enhancement of holiday and conference accommodation, recreation facilities and retail.

What can ATKV offer your target market that similar companies cannot?

Why should the Johannesburg Expo Centre be top of mind for event planners?

Craig Newman, Expo Centre: It’s simply the ultimate venue; with great, versatile spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It can cater for any function or event. We have a great team of very professional staff that do all they can to make the client’s event the ultimate and best event. We have full support on-site, such as AV, cleaning, security, etc, for a one-stop-service.

Was Meetings Africa a successful show for Expo Centre? And congratulations on an exciting and interactive stand.

Craig Newman: We’re happy to be back at Meetings Africa after four years. One of the exciting factors for me is to be amongst all the convention bureaus. The position of our stand was right amongst them, with the Gauteng Convention Bureau, the SANCB and the Tshwane Convention Bureau being excellent partners to work with. Seeing the many international buyer is always great, and Meetings Africa is always very exciting.

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Tell us about the brand-new Gauteng Meeting Planner’s Guide.

Nonnie Kubeka, Head: Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau: If you are an association or a meeting planner you can go through the guide and get information to see what space is available, as well as the restaurants, attractions and things nearby that particular venue. It’s a pure guide showing you what you can do in your meetings and around your meetings.

This is also the first of its kind to have each region featured, normally the focus is on Johannesburg. What we thought as a provincial bureau is that even though there are three cities and one district, you find that Tshwane and Johannesburg have their own convention bureaux. But we’ve seen their meeting planner guides and said, let’s improve on them. Let’s give the meeting planner information so that they can plan in advance and come to the bureau and say, ‘we have this information, enhance it’.

We want the planner to come to us and say, ‘I’ve seen your meeting planner’s guide and I’m interested in the following venues. Can you expand on them; is there any other offering I can get’ – so that we are involved from an advanced stage whereby we are able to do site inspections and other sales missions that will help the planner decide. This, for me, is what we call a decision-making tool.

What is GCEB focused on in the new year?

Nonnie Kubeka: For 2016/17 we really want to do focused sales. We’re doing IMEX, which is IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt, we’re doing ibtm world, and then in the middle we’ll be doing many

We’ve got a Bidding and Hosting Fund so as Gauteng we’ll be looking much more at bidding for new events that are mega in terms of their magnitude.

more sales missions. We’ll be going to the UK market, and the Benelux market. That’s where we want to concentrate on this year.

What is your ultimate goal in 2016?

Nonnie Kubeka: We’ve researched world class events – I’m not talking about the world conferences that we have with 5 000 or 2 000 delegates, but I’m talking about world expos.

There are two that we are eyeing and to prepare for them takes nine months to a year. I would like to make sure we do at least one of them thoroughly and even if we don’t win the bid, at least we should be shortlisted. We’ve got a Bidding and Hosting Fund so as Gauteng we’ll be looking much more at bidding for new events that are mega in terms of their magnitude. They will not reach the World Cup proportions, but they will be something everyone talks about.

Tell us about your design process. Where do you draw inspiration?

Conrad Kullman, 3D Group: We draw a lot of design inspiration from Pinterest, funnily enough. Many international stand builders post a lot of information on Pinterest, and it’s a prerequisite for our designers to use Pinterest and to share it with their whole group. Also going to international shows, seeing what the trends are overseas – and to be honest with you, we’re not very far behind the international trends at all. If anything, we’re actually right up there with them. Obviously their budgets are bigger than ours so they have a lot more to play with, but when it comes to design and elements in design and technology, we’re right up there with the best of them. As a company design is a very important factor for us. We need to be trend setters in our industry, we can’t sit behind and wait for it to go past us. Our very young designers who come through from technical college have fantastic ideas that they bring with them and we take a lot of direction from them as well.

That’s how we keep ourselves ahead of the pack – we let them drive us.

How was the official opening of Century City Conference Centre?

Gary Koetser, Joint CEO, Century City Conference Centre: Our opening date was always set as the first of February, however we did host our first conference on the 18th of January with a full buyout of the centre. One of the big national corporate pharmaceutical companies took the centre and it worked really well. They used all the main halls downstairs and breakaway rooms upstairs. Our launch was a combination of some smaller events, right up to bigger events like Valentine’s Under the Stars, where we officially unveiled the conference centre, greatly supported by the South Africa National Convention Bureau and Wesgro. We also had SAACI and FEDHASA in attendance – so all the big industry role players were there and have been very supportive along the way. Minister Alan Winde unveiled the conference centre on the night of the 14th, with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra performing two nights in the Square – it was really something quite amazing.

Tell us about the new additions to your team and the hiring process.

Glyn Taylor, Joint CEO, Century City Conference Centre: Several months ago we embarked on a social media campaign on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter whereby we put out some unique, sculptured advertisements, trying to capture the humanity of our industry. We had 1 900 applicants over a four month period and we’ve really cherry-picked each individual for their relationships, for who they are, and what they stand for. Since our opening the main feedback we have received is about our staff. That has been our brand promise. When Gary and I have gone out to various trade shows, we’ve been selling our venue with a personality, and an identity.

For us to stand at our second Meetings Africa and see key sales people on the stand truly selling that brand and putting a persona into what we’ve tried to create; I think we’ve struck it lucky.

We really have got a great team.

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10 MINUTES WITH...

10 MINUTES WITH…

The Event caught up with Alan Campbell, Group Brand Manager of Premier Hotels & Resorts, to find out why his brand stands out, and who would play him in the movie of his life.

Alan Campbell, Group Brand Manager of Premier Hotels & Resorts

What makes Premier Hotels & Resorts stand out from the competition?

The two things that stand out for me when we talk about our hotels is that whilst it is a group of hotels, each of them have a very unique personality, and while some things are similar in standards and service and try to be maintained across the group, a lot of them have a great history.

Our GMs are so passionate about their guests, and they put so much into every single guest experience, despite the kinds of volumes of people that they deal with. They look at everything, from how guests arrive, how they’re checked in, how they experience

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ALAN CAMPBELL the room for the first time, what is in the room, what services or amenities they require, to what their meal experiences are going to be.

We are a big hotel group, 16 hotels and resorts, which makes us the largest privately-owned hotel group in the country, and at the same time it is a lot smaller than Protea Hotels and Tsogo Sun, who are probably better known. I think that allows us to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Our GMs have a lot more freedom and therefore they apply themselves a lot more with our guests, and that is part of the magic. Even as a staff member, I get the same excellent treatment. It’s awesome when you get to your room and there is a welcome card from the GM, hand-written. There are 264 other rooms in the hotel and you have a hand-written note from the GM, you think “where did they find the time to write it?”

Tell me about your favourite hotel you have ever stayed in?

It would be one of ours. I would have to say Premier Hotel Knysna - The Moorings.

It is just plain special. The layout of it is great, but the thing that stands out for me is its beautiful double-storey waterfront villas – they are on a little private inlet from the lagoon and you have to experience the sunset and the Knysna Heads. Knysna is a magical place and that is a magical hotel.

What is the biggest challenge facing the hotel industry in South Africa?

I think it is the diverse nature of the customers. From your business execs to your travelling leisure families. The hotel needs to be able to speak to both business and leisure travellers. In hospitality, we have all the legislative and economic factors

to consider. There is going to be some pressure on disposable income for individual travellers and there is going to be greater pressure on corporates and government to cut spend where they can – and again that places an interesting burden on hotels who need to attract leisure buyers at an affordable price whilst remaining competitive within the corporate sector.

Now for the fun stuff. You wash up on the shore of a desert island after your yacht sinks. What three things do you need to have a comfortable life on your island.

Number one: I am the biggest Survivor fan ever, so I would be in my element. Three things I will need – probably my phone. I spend my life on my phone, from shopping to social media to stupid, insanely dumb games for downtime. I need orange Paddle Pops; a lifetime’s supply of Paddle Pops. And books because I read an insane amount. I am re-reading Game of Thrones – A song of Ice and Fire. Before that I was reading the Wheel of time by Robert Jordan.

Then I slip in one of the factual ones like Steve Jobs. I have a great love for Terry Pratchett’s stuff as well. There is no cooler way to unwind than Terry Pratchett.

A long time ago I had the opportunity to meet him. He had a few requisites for the book signing I was attending, and they were yoghurt cookies and still water, and nobody could walk behind him!

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

My wife and I have a joke about Ryan Reynolds being my stunt double. * Editor’s note: We approve of this casting choice.

NEWS

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NEW EXSA CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCED

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andton Convention Centre sales and marketing manager, Neil Nagooroo was appointed the new chairman of the Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), at the recent EXSA AGM held on 2 February during the EXSA conference in the Western Cape.

EXSA, now in its 36th year, has stated its strategy to actively grow and develop the exhibition and events industry within southern Africa through four forums – Venues, Organisers, Suppliers and Young Professionals.

Nagooroo, an MBA graduate, has been with Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) just over three years, with experience in the industry spanning the past 11 years. With a sound understanding of the South African business tourism and hospitality industries, Neil has the skills to ensure that business and revenue targets are met and that customer service excellence is a core focus.

Nagooroo says, “I am humbled and delighted by the vote of confidence that the EXSA board has placed in me and I’m honoured to lead the association

in the year ahead. I’d like to thank the outgoing members of the EXSA board for their commitment to the industry in their respective portfolios.”

SCC Executive Director Mati Nyazema congratulated Neil Nagooroo on his appointment as chairman of EXSA. “EXSA has recognised the importance of building deeper relationships within members of the exhibition and events industry. We are confident that Neil will provide leadership essential to grow and profile the exhibition industry both locally and internationally.”

GAUTENG TOURISM APPOINTS NEW CEO Gauteng Tourism has a new Chief Executive Officer following the redeployment of the former CEO to Constitution Hill late last year.

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r Siphiwe Sipho Ngwenya, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Growth & Development Agency (GGDA), was confirmed by Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Lebogang Maile, as the new GTA Chief Executive with effect from 1 December 2015.

Mr Ngwenya formerly presided over the province’s Trade and Investment Promotions Agency for three years.

He has also a past Deputy Director General for Business Regulation and Governance at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

In accepting his new challenge, the

much-travelled 49-year-old Ngwenya promised to put into practice the dictates of the Tourism White Paper which states that tourism is private sector led, government supported and community based. He listed as his promotional priorities township tourism, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, business tourism opportunities and the bidding and hosting of mega events.

Mr Ngwenya takes over from Ms Dawn Robertson who is now CEO of Constitution Hill.

Tourism in Gauteng continues to contribute around 4% to the total provincial workforce. Its estimated 4% contribution to the Gross Domestic Product by region, and 9% nationally, highlights the sector’s

importance to the economy of Gauteng.

In hard numbers this entails in excess of 200 000 people, contributing in the region of R30-billion per annum to the provincial economy.

Mr Siphiwe Sipho Ngwenya © Gauteng Tourism

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FEATURE

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IS IT A JOB? IS IT A CAREER? ConCept G explores this idea in context of the exhibition and events industry.

What is it?

When exploring the definitions: A career is ‘’the pursuit of a lifelong ambition or the general course of progression towards lifelong goals, requiring special learning that includes individualised components that develop abilities beyond that of which training is capable. A career may not mean stability of work as it encourages one to take risks. The risks are often internal and therefore planned.”

A career is long term and can best be described as follows: • An occupation or profession, especially one that requires special training, followed as an individual’s lifework.

• An individual’s progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking.

A job is ‘’an activity through which an individual can earn money. It is a regular activity in exchange of payment of which education or special training may or may not be required; it is “safe”, as stability of work and income is there. However shifting priorities, especially in resource jobs, can abruptly change the demand and require relocation which is an unstable factor.

Risks may be completely external.’’

A job is short term and can be best described as follows: • A piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of an individual’s occupation or for an agreed price.

• A post of employment, a fulltime or part-time position.

• Anything a person is expected or obliged to do, a duty, or responsibility.

It usually is considered to pertain to remunerative work and sometimes also to formal education.

When reflecting on the above, the inclination is that a job is there only to support an individual’s basic daily needs. A career however, allows for specialised skills, experience, imagination and innovation to unfold - in the right environment of course.

Back in the day, many of our parents took up a single lifelong position, a place or role in the workforce, and the concept of an evolving career had little or no meaning for many. So our folks stayed at ‘’the firm’’ for 30 plus years. It is rarely heard of nowadays. Previously, you were judged adversely if your CV showed ‘’job hopping’’. It now goes without saying that the CV is deemed viable if it reflects a ‘’colourful pattern’’.

In an increasingly technologically

There are so many facets to the industry – it is completely distinguishable from other sectors - and the result is that an individual has to develop (or in some unique and highly sought-after cases), utilise inherent skills that are technical, problem-solving, aesthetic, emotional and information-processing in their nature.

developing world with access to the internet, the mindset has changed.

By the late 20th century, there were choices comprising different streams of education that allowed an individual to plan a career from a very early stage in life. In a contemporary context, growing trends in employment are indicative of individuals that hold multiple careers, where individuals may manage two or more careers at the same time or individuals switch careers by changing positions or engaging in different projects. This includes contracting, temping or temporary project work.

What does this mean in the context of the exhibition and events industry?

Further to the above, an individual may take up a job to fulfill the daily needs but this may not be the course of action that they want for life.

The question that must be posed is: Can an individual adopt the approach of ‘’it’s just a job’’ and still remain in our industry?

There are so many facets to the industry - it is completely distinguishable from other sectors - and the result is that an individual has to develop (or in some unique and highly sought-after cases), utilise inherent skills that are technical, problem-solving, aesthetic, emotional and information-processing in their nature. The very structure of the industry is fascinating and challenging with a range of dynamics at play. The industry is certainly not for ‘’sissies’’.

There are contextual and operational characteristics that impact directly on individuals working in this sector.

• There is TIME - it is bound, hectic and deadline driven. And there is never enough of it.

• There is LOCATION - some exhibitions and events overlap or are

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•

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nationwide and even international, presenting logistical ramifications.

There are varying EXPECTATIONS that are determined by the nature of the exhibition or event.

At times, there is protocol.

There is MANAGEMENT - at times, the nature and scope of work will entail the use of ‘’foot soldiers’’ that have to be managed - they have a highly compressed exposure to the unique skills that are required for the industry to function at optimum. Some fail, others shine and once truly bitten by the industry bug, never leave…Why do some fail and others excel? Why does an individual stay? It is often about the individual’s psyche. Their core values are also a major consideration.

The industry is constantly changing, developing and never routine.

Certain individuals thrive on the high that is experienced upon successful project realisation and excellence. It is a dynamic environment and it is challenging. The successful candidates work hard, play hard, have fun (whilst doing it) - they are driven beyond comprehension, likeminded, organised and result oriented.

Boredom has no place in this industry.

We call these individuals ‘’old school’’ for valid reasons - they were taught never to give up. Stayers and stalwarts.

Their upbringing involved the instilling of self-respect and pride - and by ‘pride’, not the negative connotation.

There is the sense of ‘’pride of place’’, recognition for the individual’s contribution in ‘’the service of others’’. These are the hunters. Completing the task, as hard and as gruelling as it may be at the time. Sitting back and enjoying the fruits of the labour, whilst every bone aches and screams for rest. The mind is still strong and active, the flesh is weak.

Adrenaline block ticked √.

Rare gems of our industry, indeed.

The Yiddish term of reference is a ‘mensch’: a person of integrity and honour, holding a sense of what is right and what is wrong, a noble character and someone to admire and emulate.

There are valid reasons why individuals enter the industry and these reasons are why they remain. Adrenaline junkies for

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There is the sense of ‘’pride of place’’, recognition for the individual’s contribution in ‘’the service of others’’. These are the hunters. Completing the task, as hard and as gruelling as it may be at the time.

Sitting back and enjoying the fruits of the labour, whilst every bone aches and screams for rest.

Andrew and Gill Gibbs of ConCept G the fast pace, the constant ‘’on edge’’ excitement, an evolving and unfolding sequence of an individual’s work experiences over time, where the individual takes control of their career path, selfdirected, reflecting their developing portfolio of skills and personal employability.

In today’s terms, there is a psychological shift in the contract between the employing organisation and that of the employee - performance in exchange for skills transference, learning and marketability - career enrichment and instilling of core competencies with performance rewarded by responsibility and accountability.

We call it ‘’quid pro quo’’ - a wealth of experience and skills with career advancement and in some unique instances, ownership or equity, in exchange for confidentiality, loyalty, performance, quality of service and professionalism.

Is there any other way to sustain a successful symbiosis between organisation and employee than to offer them vested interest?

The truth is that the rare gems will be ‘butterflying’ across the industry sectors until they find their place to prepare for their final metamorphosis that will complete them. They will continue to taste the nectar until such a time that they feel at home, able to continue into the next realm of their evolvement. They are not ‘job’ seekers, they are in fact, the prestige.

And the prestige is the very quality that distinguishes a brand from any other.

Fait accompli.

Source: Diffen and People and Work in Events.

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Meetings Africa Opening Ceremony © Reg Caldecott

MEETINGS AFRICA 2016 BRINGS AN AIR OF EXCELLENCE TO ITS 11TH EDITION South Africa’s premier business event for the continent, Meetings Africa raised the bar for quality across the board – from the hosted buyers and conference programme to its official opening ceremony, gala dinner and stand awards.

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feast for the senses and an engaging edition overall, Meetings Africa took place with much fanfare from 22 to 24 February 2016.

Opening with BONDay, the conferencing programme was packed with fascinating speakers, riveting topics, and a sense that attendees were there to do business.

Association Day was held in conjunction with ICCA African Chapter, while the IMEXMPI-MCI Future Leader Forum Africa pitted the top tourism students against each other in a bid to win the International University Challenge. Dananai Chiguvare

from the Namibia University of Science and Technology was the top student who will get the chance to visit Germany with IMEX. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Zasa, said in her Future Leaders Forum address that youth empowerment and development is close to her heart. “I am therefore particularly glad that Meetings Africa has partnered with IMEX-MPI-MCI, in encouraging you, the best performing students in travel and tourism, an opportunity to make a career in business events,” she explained. “The South African government’s strategy to entrench South Africa’s position as premier destination for

business events and meetings, through the South Africa National Convention Bureau, has borne excellent fruits and we are intent on growing this industry to reach its full potential future. South Africa has hosted a significant number of high-profile events that have seen more than 100 000 delegates experience our first-rate meeting venues and explore the amazing attractions our country has to offer.”

For the first time, Meetings Africa hosted the European Cities Marketing Academy, a business-events training workshop put together by Course Director Pier Paolo Mariotti, ECM President Ignasi de Delàs,

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ECM Vice President Bettina Bunge, and Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the SANCB. The programme covered an overview of the meetings industry, marketing and promotion of a city or region, corporate social responsibility, the relevance of large meetings and events, bidding processes and legacies of large events, how the press can help or hinder, RFP and the decision making process, intermediaries and suppliers, and of course, finding potential clients.

Also on Association Day was the Event Greening Forum AGM, as well as the IAPCO Bespoke Seminar, and the Business Events Associations Joint Conference. The latter’s theme, ‘inspiring an industry’, included speakers Arnaldo Nardone, immediate past President of ICCA from Uruguay, Daniel Palomo (ICCA) from the USA, Anne Wallin Rodven (ICCA) from Norway, Ulricke von Arnold (ICCA) from Austria and Barbara Jamison and Robert Ellwood (ECM) from the United Kingdom. Local speakers include Greg McManus (EGF), who presented the new event minimum standards, and Jarrod Eckstein from the Creative Council. Topics included the role an association can play, a number of case studies, how to use branding correctly, and the relevance of large events for the development of micro destinations.

The exhibition floor opened on Tuesday, 23 February, with a live SABC Morning Live broadcast, followed by the official opening ceremony with MECs, CEOs and other governmental persons in attendance.

Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom gave

a rousing speech about South Africa’s potiential in the business-events industry.

“Over the years, we have worked well together to advance the African agenda with one goal in sight: to build a globally competitive business events industry. But there are additional layers to this agenda. A competitive events industry will improve the performance of tourism. And a successful and growing tourism industry will provide the means for social and economic development on a vast scale. People throughout Africa will benefit significantly from growing the tourism footprint through, more jobs, and more opportunities to become part of the tourism value chain. We should take on this challenge with vigour and pride, because, as we progress on every step of this journey, we will be creating a better future for generations of Africans that will follow us,” he said. He went on to say that he is ‘extremely optimistic’ about the country’s tourism prospects, calling for African nations to partner with SA to further the continent’s position in business events.

In another speech at the exquisitely organised Gala Dinner that evening, Minister Hanekom again addressed Meetings Africa delegates and dinner guests. “I also encountered something quite special permeating through this event,” he began, “you could feel the energy in the air, the energy of people trying out new things, venturing out confidently into areas where others have feared to go.

People are approaching their businesses differently, not only to make them more globally competitive, but to make them

Meetings Africa Opening Ceremony © Reg Caldecott

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The people of Africa are rising. Africa is attracting investment which is opening doors for tourism. And tourism can convert Africa’s beauty and cultural heritage into sustainable economic and social progress for all our people.

distinctly African. This aspiration express the hopes, the strength, and the triumphant spirit of all of us in Africa. The people of Africa are rising. Africa is attracting investment which is opening doors for tourism. And tourism can convert Africa’s beauty and cultural heritage into sustainable economic and social progress for all our people.”

“We are at the beginning of a new era of development for our continent,” Hanekom continued, “This applies not only to the business events industry, and the entire tourism sector, but to every industry and sector that is linked to tourism, and to the producers and suppliers of all the goods and services that are needed for successful tourism…We face many challenges, in our country and on our continent. We share

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the burdens of diminishing agricultural outputs, decreasing commodity prices, and economic performances that do not yield the level of growth we need to advance our people. But, we have immense hope for the future. The potential of tourism to change lives on a continental scale gives us hope. We are determined to work together to achieve this goal. Africa is increasingly demonstrating its ability to innovate, and to develop home-grown solutions to developmental challenges.”

The Media Face-Off, which also took place on the 23rd, brought a panel comprising Jeremy Maggs, Greg Talley, Ben Asoro, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo and Christian Mutschlechner together. The debate centred around issues slowing MICE growth. Although thoughts differed on various topics, the panel agreed that while African countries are seen as emerging destinations to host business events, they need to prove their experience is superior to that of a competitor in any other part of the world.

Christian Mutschlechner, Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau (VCB), said that

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the motivator for destination selection is in the content it can provide. “The design of how knowledge is transferred has become increasingly important. Creating new environments for meetings and using new communication tools is imperative.” The final outcome was that while the industry in Africa has heaps of potential, there is a need for education on a governmental level on the importance of rallying to host events. The transfer of knowledge, job creation and awareness of the positive stories of Africa can only benefit us. Asoro concluded: “As Africans, we need to tell our own story, there is so much happening here that can be used to combat any negative perceptions about our continent.”

Green Stand Award Winners This was the third year that Meetings Africa hosted the green stand awards, giving recognition to the exhibitors who went the extra ‘green’ mile. The awards have also given recognition to hotels accommodating hottest buyers for the second year running. The criteria for

these awards are based on the EXSA Green Stand criteria and include design, materials, operations and transport aspects – as well as social elements and innovation. This year a number of written motivations from exhibitors were received, outlining what they had done to make their stands more eco-friendly, showing the effort that went into making the show more sustainable. These were the winners who took home this coveted prize: • Small stand runner up: Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions Management, whose stand was made from recycled wooden pallets, with air plants that needed no water, LED lights, bought trees and REDs. • Small stand special mention: EXSA, for their effective use of Xanita board.

• Small stand winner: Ripcord Promotions, a first-time stand with signage outlining their greening initiatives. They reused last year’s banners for cushions and carpet, as well as furniture from reused wooden pallets. Their aluminium frame with a striking design will be used again in future, while LED lights and bought trees and REDs completed the design.

Meetings Africa Green Stand Awards © Reg Caldecott

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Medium stand runner up: Johannesburg Expo Centre focused on the reuse of aluminium and other standard objects, with LED lights and accessories including flooring and furniture all previously used or set for repurposing in future. All the printing was done on recyclable and biodegradable paper using Roland Eco Solvent Inks.

Medium stand special mention: Legends for their reuse of their stand.

Medium stand winner: The Forum Company, with most elements from their stand reused from last year or previous years. The organisation also proactively reduced paper usage by providing memory sticks, with wall décor that will be used later at their venue. LED lights and screens were also used, while a REDs and trees offset their carbon emissions.

Large stand winner: Tshwane Convention

and Events Bureau used an SMME company to design and build their stand, with fabric creating an effective lightweight effect and memory sticks reducing the amount of printed collateral.

Energy efficient lights were used, and the furniture was hired locally.

Special Mention for Continued Sustainability Efforts: Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau’s entire structure was built using recycled and refurbished materials. Design elements from previous year have been repurposed with minor amendments, while under-andover beams were made from recycled, unvarnished and unpainted plywood. Their plants were provided by Treemendous and will be repurposed, while water based PVA paints were used on structural elements.

Green Hotel Award: Maslow Hotel, who made a marked improvement on last year have now managed to change all their downlights to LEDs and installed lowflow showers throughout their hotel. The venue also has a water bottling station on-site providing still and sparking water in reusable glass bottles, while their large gardens have indigenous plants irrigated early in the morning. A comprehensive recycling system has been put into place, and they decant and donate all unused amenities to local charities. A herb garden is used by their chef on a daily basis, while a recently established worm farm will reduce organic food to landfill by creating compost for their gardens.

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Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom proudly admiring The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa 2016 © Reg Caldecott

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South Africa recently announced progress made in easing visa requirements for visitors to our country. Accredited travel companies in China can now submit visa applications on behalf of travellers. The country plans on implementing similar processes for India and key African markets.

Early indications show SA can expect a bumper crop in overseas tourist arrivals this year thanks to the exchange rate and visa changes.

Durban is a member of the Future Convention Cities Initiative, a group of cities that collaborates to shape and develop their business events industries, along with Abu Dhabi, London, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney and Toronto.

Cape Town is a member of the Best Cities Global Alliance, whose members include Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore and Vancouver.

Students from universities in Zimbabwe and Namibia took part in the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum for the first time this year, with Namibian student Dananai Chiguvare winning the chance to attend IMEX to

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represent Africa and compete against the other continental winners of the global competition.

South Africa hosted 124 meetings which were attended by about 70 000 Association Professionals last year.

South Africa has already secured 163 bids for the next five years, including this year.

These events will take place over an estimated 757 days, and will be attended by over 150 000 delegates. The estimated economic impact of these events is more than R3-billion.

Meetings Africa 2015 attracted 270 exhibitors and 2 000 visitors and corporate travel buyers, 178 hosted buyers and 34 African associations.

In 2016, the show attracted exhibitors from 15 countries and 8 tourism boards from Africa.

The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that by 2025, tourism will contribute R560billion to the GDP and will support over 2 million jobs.

Tourism numbers increased from 3.9 million in 1994 to 8.9 million in 2015, with tourism contributing R357-billion to the GDP in 2014 and supporting a total of 9% employment.

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FEATURE

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GLOBAL TRENDS ROUNDUP From marketing and activations to tech innovations, Kim Muller assesses the global trends that impact local business events and tourism today, and in the future.

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uch has been happening in the trendscape, both locally and internationally. From brands changing their marketing strategy to appeal to new and younger audiences with different attention spans, to the ever-changing face of technology; we bring you the latest in these and other areas.

Marketing Movements A number of trends have been taking place in the business travel and tourism realms, the most recent being a rise in cruise-ship tourism and ‘Millennial Cruises’.

Meetings Africa 2016 saw the Minister of Tourism mention this in his opening speech, and it will no doubt be a great opportunity for marketing South Africa as a destination in a brand new way.

Social-good hospitality, voluntourism and CSR initiatives are a very strong trend, particularly in South Africa’s business-events and travel industries, with new waves of hotels, venues and events incorporating community outreach and social upliftment into their business identity and image. A wonderful example of this is the CTICC’s fully integrated sustainability plan that not only ends up helping the city’s underprivileged, but manages to stay green, too.

Another way in which hotels are making a name for themselves is through digital key programmes, allowing guests to use an app on their phone or Apple Watch to select their room in advance and unlock their room doors. Both Starwood and Hilton have adopted this method, and closer to home, Century City Hotel uses it, too.

Eco-tourism technology is also taking off as a destination marketing tools, especially for nature-centric locations such as the Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal. Google Street View has begun offering enhanced, navigable images of Yosemite National

© Startup Nations South Africa Park in the US through a backpack mounted camera, while aerial photography apps such as HerdTracker help tourists find African wildebeest mid-migration. This is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg, with many marketing options – even that of virtual reality – for future tourism and business travel use.

Neuromarketing has also been taking off with researchers now able to predict accurately the large-scale outcomes of an anti-smoking campaign by measuring brain responses through an MRI machine (Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, September 2015 ). Many boutique neuromarketing firms have emerged in recent years, and based on the results this science has been receiving in the branding and advertising realm, it won’t be long before this becomes a societal norm.

Branded content – that is, content of value with a message that any particular brand creates and attaches itself to – will

also become a norm very soon. In 2015 the format really took off in South Africa’s documentary realm, with some great branded video content being made by seasoned marketers. No doubt this will seep into other areas as consumers become more and more interested in how a company views the world than simply buying their product.

Unique Trends and Activations Pop-up events, shops and other store activations of this sort are becoming more and more popular with the younger generation. A number of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow have given their online empires physical form, bringing their personal brands along with them.

Food is also being seen as a full-on cultural experience, with Sam Bompas of Bompas & Parr saying, “Food is becoming more important in people’s lives and

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their sense of identity.” Adding to the ‘food experience’ is Netflix’s extreme dining series Chef’s Table and a popup restaurant called Raw:Almond,which was built over a frozen river in Winnipeg, Canada. Maldives’ Per Aquum Niyama revealed Nest, a multi-level treehouse restaurant, while hyper-personalised dining experiences spread word of their extravagance though elaborate personal details creating unforgettable memories.

More interestingly, however, is how startups have dominated the economics race in Africa. If activations are anything to go by, it’s easy to see how start-ups are leading innovation and knowledge both in South Africa and on the wider continent. A major reason for this is the rise in self-employment, with consumers of all ages moving into self-improvement and entrepreneurialism.

CNN has a dedicated section to African start-up news, while Venturburn’s top five tech start-ups for SA in 2015 were HealthQ: revolutionising the way we understand our bodies, WhereIsMyTransport: changing the way we go from A to B, Domestly: creating a marketplace for jobseekers, Giraffe: giving people access to jobs, and SweepSouth: getting stuff clean on demand.

Africans solving Africa’s problems is a hot topic of discussion these days, and for a second year running, the City of Johannesburg put up R5-million for community-changing start-ups. Vumela and Edge Growth, two of SA’s big brands in entrepreneurship and venturing, in February launched a new accelerator called 10X-e aimed at growing established, high potential entrepreneurs. Up in Nigeria, a start-up retail app called Verge POS has just been announced as a finalist at The Mobile Premiere Awards (MPAs).

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Tshwane has rolled out the first stage of its free Wi-Fi project, which will offer Wi-Fi in various public spaces as well as government educational institutions including 213 schools and three tertiary institutions.

Tech Innovations Technology is an ever-changing facet of the 21st century, but perhaps the biggest global trend in this sector is the migration of technology from the business and personal arenas to public infrastructure. According to The Future 100, a 2016 trends report, the Hyperloop Transportation Technologies project inspired by Elon Musk’s vision in 2013, is a high-speed vacuum-tube transit system currently under construction for a full-scale passenger version in 2016.

Closer to home, Durban is upgrading it local transport systems to ensure easier accessibility for business-events and tourism opportunities, while Tshwane has rolled out the first stage of its free Wi-Fi project, which will offer Wi-Fi in various public spaces as well as government educational institutions including 213 schools and three tertiary institutions. It has capacity for 1 million users so far and went as far as to double its fee data limit for residents in November, according to HTXT. Wearable tech and innovative mobile apps have continued to grow in demand, and now the latest concept is a band that keeps track of carbon emissions. Worldbeing is an app and wearable wristband made of recycled electrical components that helps you stick to daily carbon footprint targets.

“In the same way that fitness bands are an inward look at how you’re doing, a band

The high-speed vacuum-tube transit inspired by Elon Musk’s vision in 2013 © Hyperloop Transportation Technologies

is an outward look at how you’re doing,” designer Benjamin Hubert, whose studio Layer is behind the concept, told the New Statesman. Although it’s unlikely this will become popular, it is an indicator of how we will measure a number of things in the near future – including behaviours.

Email is also slowly beginning to fall along the wayside and more and more people use informal mediums, even for business communications. Apps have created an incredible opportunity to not only bypass email, but also search and web, going directly to hailing a taxi or getting a restaurant recommendation through the relevant mobile application. Services like SupportKit allow businesses to integrate messaging directly into their own apps, while group message platforms like Slack are helping teams cut their email by 48.6%.

Automation is also set to slowly change our landscape – although it will probably be a while before this form of technology takes a firm root in South Africa. The growth of artificial intelligence has raised questions about the future of the global labour force, and as artificial intelligence, big data and cognitive technology advance, this could also profoundly change consumer behaviour and society at large. The internet of things is also set to chance the way we approach the world around us – such as connected luggage like Bluesmart that can be tracked by its owner.

Bluesmart, the world’s first smart luggage © Bluesmart

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SPOTLIGHT

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LIFETIME MEMORIES THAT DRIVE PROFIT MARGINS AND PRODUCTIVITY Every business manager would like to see increased profits and increased productivity, and specialist research is unequivocal about the fact that travel incentives act to motivate employees to go above and beyond - by David Sand - Uwin Iwin

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o, you may ask, what’s so special about travel? The answer is diverse, but the essential feature is that it has both a “trophy value” and is a highly sought-after reward. Whereas I will discuss some of the key ingredients that go to create a successful programme, it should be noted from the very beginning that a good travel incentive is all about the extraordinary; it’s that fine dining experience in a private Tuscan Villa, it’s enjoying a day racing Ferraris in Monaco, it’s about taking people to off-the-beaten-path destinations and giving them a lifetime of memories.

The research is in The Incentive Research Foundation defines travel incentives as a “motivational tool to enhance productivity or achieve other business objectives. Participants qualify for the travel award based on achieving the level of performance required by the programme” (2006).

The influence of increased employee motivation can only be ignored at your own peril: A recent Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) Foundation study found that travel incentive programmes can better output performance by up to 22%, and that four out of five employees prefer travel rewards to cash incentives (this is primarily because cash lacks that all important trophy value).

Moreover, SITE research found that if you manage to motivate 60% of your

workforce to increase productivity by only 5%, the overall increase will amount to 70%.

These figures are not to be overlooked!

A ‘How to’ guide OK, travel incentives irrefutably work, but how does one design, implement and execute a well-run and desirable programme? As with any incentive programme, the first step is to identify areas of your business that are either ripe for improvement or areas that you, as a manager, would like to see improve.

Step number two is to design the programme well, ensuring that objectives are measurable and realistic. Number three is running the programme efficiently and communicating objectives and progress to your employees in a clear and regular manner.

Step four is perhaps the most exciting: planning, creatively, a trip of a lifetime!

Huw Tuckett, a veteran with over 15 years’ experience and COO of Uwin Iwin International, points out that there are five essential elements that are always to be borne in mind when planning a travel incentive: • The destination should be exciting

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and original: this is to say that novel experiences are of vital importance, and that reward recipients should be whisked away to a destination that they would normally not visit on their own.

The best for the best! Accommodation, meals and experiences should be of a high standard, conveying to the award recipients that their input is highly valued, and that their hard work is paying off.

Personalisation is key: the travel reward is a personal thank-you for excellent work, so personal recognition is a must.

As travel experiences can continue to motivate beyond the reward, the trip should be unforgettable and highly enjoyable. The post-trip word of mouth advertising will also go a long way to motivating other employees to enter into the fray.

The bottom line must validate the travel reward: simply put, the reward must make sense as a business decision, but, at the same time, its budget should not be too constrained otherwise the trip, as an incentive, will lose its efficacy.

As with any incentive programme, the first step is to identify areas of your business that are either ripe for improvement or areas that you, as a manager, would like to see improve.

6-8 April 2016 Shanghai • China

Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing

Buyer Hosting Programme Open!

China In t n e v E E IC M l a Internatim oacnross China and around the World g in d a e L e h T t a Come Sovoenutorcsheowcase the widest range of destinations fro Pr

Largest Collection of Chinese and International CVBs and other MICE suppliers

Learn and Get Inspired at Campfire Knowledge Sessions, Destination Presentations and other educational forums!

Association Days @ IT&CM China A dedicated programme for Association professionals

Networking Beyond The Show Floor that range from hosted luncheons, coffee breaks, cocktails to dinners and tours.

400 hosting places with flight and accommodation privileges.

Close to 50 buyers confirmed procurement on-site.

Over USD 160 million in procurement value expected within 1 year of the show. “ In addition to gaining valuable tools at the forums, I also met vendors I may use.”

Association Buyer Kimberly LaBounty President of Apex Management Special Events Inc, USA

“ This is a great platform as it gathers almost all mature MICE destination service providers from all over the world. It is a rare opportunity.”

Buyer Shi Liqin General Manager of Hohhot Xingyue Travel Service, China

“ The exhibitors have very good profiles.

They understand the China market and know our buyers’ needs.”

Buyer Joyson Chen General Manager of Hunan Toureasy International Travel Service, China

Ideal for Associations | PCOs | PEOs | AMCs | Agencies | Meeting Planners | Incentive Houses

Register at www.itcmchina.com/hostme/theevent Supported By 支持单位:

Official Media 官方媒体:

Event Website: www.itcmchina.com Email: itcmchina@ttgasia.com Tel: (65) 6395 7575

Onsite Technology Partner 展会科技伙伴单位:

IT&CM China 2016 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week.

2016中国(上海)国际会奖旅游博览会很荣幸的能作为上海商务活动周的一部分举行。

Where The MICE Industry Comes Together in Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events. 会奖旅游行业精英齐聚上海，共同参与为期一周的商务、教育与交流的盛会。

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FEATURE

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SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION IN SA Green Inside and Out.

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reen buzzwords are bandied about for altruistic ideological and ecological purposes. We put the spotlight on sustainability in the accommodation sector with specific emphasis on exceptional hotels and lodges who have successfully married style, luxury and sustainability.

The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as: “forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Sustainable and responsible tourism is practiced to save costs, enhance reputation promote customer loyalty and of course, protect the enviroment. Proactive implementation is also recommended in an industry that is growing in regulation and is pivotal for mitigating future risk.

Increasingly governance decisions must incorporate ecological consideration.

Environmental risks in the hotel industry include regulation of waste, water use, green house emissions and energy use.

Additionally, when adhering to these

principles, organisations are in a better position to secure investment. This feeds into the Triple Bottom Line Reporting, extending beyond the traditional financial reporting framework incorporating environmental and social performance.

South Africa is in the midst of an economic downturn and the government has committed to the promotion of the tourism industry as a key driver for economic injection into the economy. South Africa is also facing the worst drought since 1915, foregrounding our cognisance of the effects of global warming and our reliance on and appreciation of our environment. It is imperative to promote sustainability, grow our economy and still show showcase the spectacular glory of our country. We are privileged to have commendable trailblazers forging a path.

Green buildings efficiently use energy, water and raw materials. Its design will therefore minimise the impact of construction on the environment during each step of the process to completion.

Original implementation begins by building with recycled, renewable and non-toxic

materials. The following award-winning establishments have successfully implemented green building principles.

The Oyster Box Situated on Umhlanga’s beachfront with Indian Ocean views and in close proximity to the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box is committed to ‘green best practice’. It belongs to the Green Leaf Environmental Standards Foundation (GLESF). Eco-efforts include effective waste management and recycling.

Grey water is treated in a treatment plant on-site and the clean water is mixed with the collected rain/storm water and re-used.

Energy is conserved through air-conditioning and heat pumps. It is a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection in South Africa.

The Twelve Apostles The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is situated above the Atlantic Ocean. The 5-star boutique hotel is skirted by Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site. A member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection since it was founded in 1997; it effectively manages and measures energy needs and waste. It also proactively conserves natural resources, as well as the fauna and flora. They use products, responsible suppliers and materials that support and encourage sustainable practices.

Phantom Forest Eco Lodge

Spa © The Twelve Apostles

Much lauded, this establishment is a must-mention in any green discourse.

This getaway proffers tree-top suites that were built using the most eco-friendly practices. World Travel’s Awards has awarded it as Africa’s leading green hotel three times from 2010 to 2012. In 2015, it nominated for the award again, in addition to a nomination for their World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort.

It is a pioneer of design and

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conservation and community support.

For this Gauteng-based venture, recycling is a priority. A Bokashi wet-waste facility and recycling bins for waste means minimal waste leaves the hotel for landfills.

An on-site probiotic waste facility enables the processing and recycling of food waste into garden fertiliser for the hotel. It also has an onsite water bottling facility and non-biodegradable waste-recycling facility.

Valverde Valverde literally means ‘green valley’ in Spanish and Italian and this Krugersdorp establishment fully embracing the

Phantom Forest Moroccan Tree Suite Bathroom © Phantom Forest

green scene is a member of Heritage Environmental Management Company.

They have implemented a grey water recycling plant and have installed solar

implementation of sustainable practice. Alien vegetation removed during construction

geysers and use kitchen waste to make compost. Water is saved through

was utilised for floors, furniture, roofs and boardwalks. Small plants were removed from beneath the decks for replanting.

Water is recycled through their own sewage plant; pumped back to reed beds and finally filtered naturally back into the ground as clean re-usable water. Only bio-degradable products are used.

Current initiatives, as confirmed by Warren Lubbe, its Operational Manager, include daily waste/garbage sorting, plus scrap food collection from the kitchen for pig food. It is slowly, unit, by unit changing geysers and other heating elements to heat-exchange units. Solar power remains a challenge as they are mostly shaded in the forest, but conversely for this reason, no air-conditioning is used.

as well as garnering the World Responsible Tourism Award 2014 by World Travel Market.

Thaba Eco Hotel Thaba Ya Batswana is surrounded by the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. It was voted as the best 4-star hotel in Gauteng 2013 at the Lilizela Tourism Awards, and is a registered Fair Trade Tourism certified business. The environment was foundation in the design with the exterior buildings’ colours resembling stone and tree bark reducing visual impact. 50% of their Bushveld suites floor plan touches the ground. This was done to safeguard the fauna and flora.

Advice was sought prior to construction and resultant assessments enabled the

low-flow showerheads and toilet flush diverters. They use energy-efficient lighting installed on all outside areas.

Spier Hotel One of the oldest hotels in South Africa, this 4-star Cape Winelands hotel has distinguished itself as a contributor to responsible tourism. It boasts a Fair Trade Tourism SA (2004) and other sustainability awards. Nearly 300 hectares are farmed at Spier. Its organic vegetable garden supplies Eight Restaurant. Unique recycling features are incorporated into décor at the restaurant using ten thousand

owners to plan so as to make the lowest

individually-crafted flowers made from recycled plastic milk bottles. These then line the ceiling on Eight’s terrace.

Hotel Verde

impact on the ecological and archaeological elements throughout the property. During this phase they also allowed typography to dictate where buildings were to be built.

Literally a stone’s throw from Cape Town International Airport, is Africa’s greenest hotel.

It was awarded a 6-star rating based on its Existing Building Performance Tool, effectively making them the first Green Star SA-rated

Initiatives include rainwater harvesting, double-combustion fireplaces and solar powered geysers. They even employ an Environmental Manager and have extensive processes to promote recycling.

Wild Coast Sun, a casino resort on the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal border, made a decision to produce its own compost, using food waste from its restaurants instead of conveying it to the landfill. This

hotel in South Africa offering carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing. Some

Other note-worthy enterprises making

sustainability project then paved the way for them to start a vegetable and herb

of their green practices include locally produced, non-harmful sanitary products whilst mineral water is filtered and bottled

significant strides with the sustainability efforts include the following:

The Wild Coast Sun

garden in 2014, spanning 60m x 57m from the money saved using their own compost.

The endeavour has been so successful

on site. Their conferencing hallmark is an emphasis on natural light, minimum paper use and maximising digital equipment-use amongst others. They were the winners of the Imvelo Award 2014 by Lilizela for Best

The Peech This Fair Trade Tourism certified hotel (2010) seeks to have low environmental impact, whilst ploughing into the community. They have responsible tourism

that the garden not only produces enough for the kitchens on the site, it is also adequate to feed three schools in the poorest part of South Africa. Economic benefits include substantial savings

Overall Environmental Management System

policy incorporating recycling, energy

on transportation and disposal fees.

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FEATURE

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DUBAI – THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EVENTS The Event’s editor Katie Reynolds-Da Silva recently travelled to Dubai on a study mission, as a guest of Dubai Business Events - the official convention bureau of the emirate. She was accommodated in style at the Fairmont Dubai, and spent four memorable days experiencing the very best that the city offers the international business-event community. The Event would like to thank Dubai Business Events and the numerous hotels and service providers that worked to ensure Katie’s experience was world-class and unforgettable.

View from the Burj Khalifa © Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

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ubai is a cosmopolitan city characterised by diversity and contrasts. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai proudly calls itself the ‘Centre of the World’. In a few mere decades, the city has transformed itself into a frenetic international business and leisure hub.

Its strategic location between East and West means that one-third of the world’s population is within a four-hour flight, and two-thirds are within an eight-hour flight.

150 airlines operate at Dubai’s two airlines, connecting to over 280 destinations across the globe. Dubai’s new airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, will have the capacity to handle 240 million passengers when it’s fully operational.

10 reasons Dubai is the location of choice for business events:

3. State-of-the-art venues Dubai has a plethora of flexible businessevent facilities, from a meeting room for 10 people to a convention for thousands. Dubai International Convention and Exhibition

1. Easily accessible Dubai’s central location makes it one of the busiest travel hubs in the world.

2. World-class infrastructure Well-maintained roads, excellent public transport and connectivity, including the state-of-the-art Dubai Metro, are just some of the services you can expect.

Viewing the Burj Al Arab Centre (DICEC) has 100 000+ square metres of exhibition and meeting space.

In addition, an array of hotels in Dubai offer high-quality and sizeable meeting space.

4. Abundance of business opportunities Dubai’s government is pro-business, with the most transparent business regulations in the region. Dubai provides tax-free zones, first-rate physical infrastructure and access to an experienced and skilled

Did you know?

Dubai is the premier businessevents destination in the Middle East million visitors a year by 2020.

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9. Experienced industry support The business-events community in Dubai is one of the most experienced, dedicated and service minded in the world. In Dubai, the strong teamwork between industry and government partners will ensure your success.

Visitors to Dubai should experience a desert safari.

Wafi Mall © Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Did you know?

Dubai aims to welcome 20 million visitors a year by 2020.

labour force. With the newly established Dubai Association Centre, the emirate now has a platform that allows international associations to easily set up an office or representation in Dubai to tap into the vast growth opportunities for associations in the region.

5. A growing knowledge hub Dubai has established prospering communities to share knowledge and exchange ideas, including Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Healthcare City.

6. Safe and secure for all Dubai is a politically stable environment and a safe city for citizens, residents

and visitors alike. According to Aon Hewitt, Dubai is one of the top 20 safest cities in the world in terms of crime and health.

7. Rich in adventure and experiences Adrenaline-pumping desert safaris, luxurious spa breaks, sumptuous meals, relaxing dhow cruises, high-octane skydives and exhilarating water-park rides are just some of the unique experiences Dubai offers its guests. Dubai’s city and people are a melting-pot of cultures. The contrast of old and new provides a cultural experience deeply rooted in Arabic culture, set in a ultra-modern environment.

8. Restaurants and entertainment to suit any taste From Arabic to Asian, French to Mexican and everything in between, Dubai offers food lovers a tantalising array of mouth-watering options. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, where you can relax at blissful beach clubs or watch the world’s most exciting horse race.

10. Hotels for all budgets and needs Dubai has a diverse range of premium, standard and budget hotels offering services that cater to all needs and budgets. There are more than 670 hotels with around 100 000 rooms.

It is a common misconception that Dubai only caters to the superwealthy, when in fact it boasts dozens of three-star hotels and serviced apartments with very affordable rates.

These include: • Dubai Palm Hotel • Astoria Hotel • Admiral Plaza Hotel • Orchid Hotel • Regal Plaza Hotel • Skylight Hotel • London Crown Hotel • Premier Inn Dubai International Airport • Marriot Executive Apartment • Marina View Hotel Apartment • Desert Rose Hotel Apartment

Dubai Business Events The official convention bureau for Dubai can provide a plethora of business-event services, including: • Availability check at hotels and venues • Obtaining quotes and proposals • Facilitation of site inspections • Assistance with appointing PCOs and DMCs • Introductions to government and industry contacts • Development of pre and post-tour programmes • Access to promotional collateral about Dubai

Did you know?

Dubai was named the ‘most cosmopolitan city in the world’ in the latest World Migration Report, with 83% of the population foreign-born.

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Whale-watching in Hermanus © Mazzali

SHOWCASING THE OVERBERG

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ow many towns make up the Overberg? Fancy a guess? If you said Arniston, Barrydale, Betty’s Bay, Botrivier, Bredasdorp, Caledon, Elim, Gansbaai, Genadendal, Grabouw, Elgin, Greyton, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Cape L’Agulhas, Malgas, Napier, Onrus, Pringle Bay, Riviersonderend, Stanford, Struisbaai, Suurbrak, Swellendam, Witsand and Infanta, then you’d be very well-informed (and probably an Overberg local!)

Situated within easy driving distance from Cape Town, the Overberg region presents a myriad of options for the business or leisure traveller. Each of these charming small towns offers something unique and enticing for travellers. Watch whales perform aerial gymnastics in Hermanus, explore a magical fairy garden in Swellendam, eat the world’s most delicious pie in Riviersonderend, swim with great-white sharks in Gansbaai, sip wine while watching the ocean in Arniston, or simply load up

your car and experience the magic of all of these towns on an unforgettable roadtrip.

Situated in the Western Cape, with Cape Town to the east and the Garden Route to the west and comprising only about 4% of the province’s total population the Overberg bids one to explore its scenic gems in the guise of quaint towns. Overberg literally means going “over the mountain” and is reached with a trip via the scenic mountain passes of Sir Lowry’s and Franschhoek.

It is also referred to as the Whale Coast, derived from the fact it has the best landbased whale-watching sites in the world (Hermanus and Gansbaai). It also has the UNESCO inscribed site, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, accessed from Betty’s Bay. The meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean is disputed with Cape Point, but Cape Agulhas has a very compelling argument. For those seeking to combine business with pleasure, the Overberg offers a plethora of corporate meeting venues and world-class amenities.

Key Venues for Business Events: Arabella Hotel & Spa This 5-star establishment is just 30 minutes from whale-watching mecca, Hermanus, and few kilometres outside of Kleinmond. With views over the beautiful Palmiet Mountain Range and Botrivier Lagoon and a promise of indulgence; this luxe golf estate is famed for its best-ranked Western Cape course, the Championship Arabella Golf Course.

It has ten conference venues and notable capacities.

The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa Celebrated for its spa facilities, this Tsogo Sun Overberg venue is also a casino and can host up to 120 delegates for a meeting or conference. The 4-star hotel is perfect to unwind before enjoying unique activities in the resort like treetop zip-lining and paintball.

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Bloomestate

Black Oystercatcher

Bloomestate in the magical town of Swellendam features conference facilities for up to 14 people. It has a spacious modern boardroom with big terrace.

All conference facilities (overhead projector, stationary, white board, flip charts) and wireless internet LAN are available.

All meals, coffee and tea facilities are supplied, with a separate bar linked with the terrace and boardroom. Tailor made arrangements can be made on request.

Black Oystercatcher is a boutique family run wine farm that forms part of the Elim Wine Ward found on the Agulhas Plain of South Africa. It is also home to the Black Oystercatcher cottages, restaurant, and function venue. The venue offers the versatility to host any function; the charm of the unique wine farm setting for weddings, the fun and vibrancy for private functions and parties, and the practical facilities for corporate functions and conferences.

Tri Active Conference Centre

The Arniston Spa Hotel

The Tri Active Conference Centre in Elgin offers a great alternative from the standard city venues and gives your group the opportunity to escape the city and venture into the magnificent valley of fruit, fynbos, flowers and vineyards. It offers conferencing facilities for up to 100 people for day conferences (theatre style) and smaller numbers depending on seating plan required.

Private Dining © Arabella Hotel

Golf Course © Arabella Hotel

The Arniston Spa Hotel offers full conference facilities with state-of-the-art equipment for up to 100 delegates. It is a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town and is set in one of the Cape’s most exquisite locations, next to a 120 year old fishing village, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves.

The exclusive wine cellar is a cosy

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venue that can host up to 34 people for a memorable dining experience.

Staff provide attentive service with a wide selection of excellent food and wine.

Flying into and moving around the region

Cape Town International Airport is closest and services the region.

For local travel between the towns, car rental is easily done through reputable car rental agencies.

The exclusive wine cellar is a cosy venue that can host up to 34 people for a memorable dining experience.

© Tri Active Conference Centre

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MEETINGS AFRICA GALA DINNER From February 22 to 24, regional and international delegates converged on Sandton Convention Centre to take part in the eleventh edition of the continent’s premier business event, Meetings Africa.

© All images courtesy of Reg Caldecott

A

fter a successful BONDay filled with fascinating conference topics, the exhibition leg of Meetings Africa 2016 opened with all the expected fanfare – from a live, early morning TV broadcast from the trade floor, to Minister Hanekom’s encouraging opening address and his subsequent walk about the expo area.

The first day saw the pertinent Media

Face-Off panel discussion take place, culminating in the colourful and wildly entertaining Gala Dinner. On day two, the annual Green Stand Award winners were announced before Meetings Africa came to an end.

Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom, had this to say on the evening of the Gala Dinner: “I…encountered something quite special

permeating through this event: you could feel the energy in the air, the energy of people trying out new things, venturing out confidently into areas where others have feared to go. People are approaching their businesses differently, not only to make them more globally competitive, but to make them distinctly African. This aspiration expresses the hopes, the strength, and the triumphant spirit of all of us in Africa.

The people of Africa are rising. Africa is attracting investment which is opening doors for tourism. And tourism can convert Africa’s beauty and cultural heritage into sustainable economic and social progress for all our people. South Africa hosted 124 meetings which were attended by about 70 000 Association Professionals last year.

We have already secured 163 bids for the next five years, including this year. These events will take place over an estimated 757 days, and will be attended by over 150 000 delegates. The estimated economic impact of these events is more than R3-billion. The potential of the businessevents industry, and the great capacity of tourism to support this segment, puts the continent and our country on the cusp of great things for the future.”

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THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GIFTING IN BUSINESS There is no doubt that gift giving is another way to strengthen bonds with family and friends, but it can also help establish and enhance critical business relationships- both external and internal – making it a cost-effective means of recognising activities that benefit the business.

“

F

rom major clients and potential customers to employees, the basic reason for corporate gifting is to affirm relationships and enhance the personal connection between the giver and recipient, even in a professional environment,” explains Joshua Low, event director for the Markex show at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery.

Research conducted by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) revealed that businesses in the habit of giving away gifts were twice as likely to increase their chances of being contacted by the recipients as compared to those that did not have a gift programme.

Events like Markex 2016 are certainly

Events like Markex 2016 are certainly beneficial to businesses that want to keep up with the latest trends in promotional gifting and give their brands good exposure. 80% of consumers own between one and ten promotional products.

beneficial to businesses that want to keep up with the latest trends in promotional gifting and give their brands good exposure.

Especially, considering that 80% of consumers own between one and ten promotional products and that 60% of these people will keep a promotional product for up to two years – this according to the Markex blogsite.

A survey undertaken by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) last year stated that the corporate gifting trend amongst US companies was towards fewer gifts but of a higher value, something that is expected to continue in 2016, as well as the following: • Unique creations and ideas - creating something distinctive will make brands more memorable and top of mind for gift receivers • Quality – it is easy to compromise quality in these tough economic times, but gift recipients do care about the quality as these items will last longer and be associated to the brand and allows for more brand exposure • Relevance – gifts should be representative of something the brand is known for like the slogan, the products and services, or messaging • Increased presence of the logo – probably the most timeless of them all. Logos are very important, as they are the ultimate reminder of the brand to the gift holder.

According to Engagement Strategies Media (ESM), there are thousands of corporate gift possibilities and the following will remain

on the “most wanted” list for 2016: • Food items are very popular as corporate gifts as they tie in well to holidays and can be taken home and enjoyed with friends and family • Liquor and wine are old favourites depending on the client’s preferred wine or whiskey collection • Office-related items, such as pen sets and notebooks, are safe bets that reflect practicality and good taste • Tickets to sporting events and live entertainment often make great gifts.

Scarce seats for popular shows and events provide a thrill and can make you a hero in the eyes of a client • Gift cards have much appeal if you want to take much of the guesswork out of giving.

To stay abreast of more interesting new promotional trends for 2016 be sure to visit Markex 2016 for all your corporate and promotional gift needs – from bags, tablet holders, umbrellas and golfing products, to branded pens and pencils, gift sets, lanyards, drinkware and USB drives – or branded clothing and caps.

Taking place from 6 to 7 July at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Markex 2016 will be a targeted promotional product event aimed specifically at resellers of promotional products and their corporate buyers.

For more information, please visit www.markex.co.za

SPOTLIGHT

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A CHAT WITH BILLY DOMINGO The Event caught up with Billy Domingo, Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, to find out what we can expect from 26 March to 3 April.

Which artists are you most excited about this year?

Ringo Madlingozi on the Kippies Stage © Kimberleigh Aleksandra

Tell us about the local flavour at this year’s festival. What is the ratio between local and international acts?

It’s always been a 50-50 split, 50% local, 50% international, but this year it’s a 60-40 split.

I went to Morocco and there I met some great artists on the African continent. It’s always been about Africa and the diaspora and not just South Africa in isolation, so this year I wanted that African feeling to come in a lot more.

We started the Legends last year with the Mahotella Queens and that was amazing for me. This year we’ve gone one step further and we’ve got legends both nights – Dorothy Masuka and Abigail Kubeka ft.

Lenny ‘Special’ Mabaso, and then we’ve got Tete Mbambisa. So both nights we are going to be showcasing legends and I think that’s quite important. From Africa I’m very happy to bring this year Miriam & Amadou from Mali, they are incredible; a blind duo who play jazz, and we’ve also got Casandra Wilson playing a tribute to Billy Holliday so we really have got a spectrum of artists – like Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels.

How do you maintain your position as Africa’s Grandest Gathering?

By maintaining the standards that we set sixteen years ago – and upping it every year.

We were told many times to increase the price of our tickets. I will never do that to the public just for profits. It has to be about the quality. It costs R15 to see an artist – there are 42 artists and if you divide the ticket price up, that’s what each costs. You won’t see that anywhere else.

How does Jazz Fest impact the city’s tourism?

Concerts that are international tend to draw local people. This festival for us draws people from around the globe because it’s uniquely different. As far as tourism is concerned, people used to come in for the two days of the Jazz Fest, but they’re now coming for a week – in fact, they’re staying two weeks…Now that the Rand-Dollar exchange is so good, they’re going online, seeing what else South Africa has to offer and are booking two week or even three week stays.

What is the significance of the free concerts?

We made a policy that we never want to stand and watch people looking through a fence to see a show because they couldn’t afford to pay. That’s why we created the Wednesday concerts so people from anywhere and everywhere could come and see international, national and African artists. We’ve had around 14 000 people – it’s packed – and the show includes the YoungLegends winner, the school’s programme – everything is showcased.

It’s our way of saying thank you to Cape Town for allowing us to be here.

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CAPE TOWN The Premier Destination for Business Events

Millions of travellers arrive each year to see the Cape’s natural beauty © Cape Town Tourism

© Century City Conference Centre, Courtesy of Rabie Property Group

T

he oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town, is awe-inspiring and possessing a transcendental natural beauty. Steeped in culture and history, its vibrancy is a fitting complement. The legislative capital situated at the tip of Africa and the southwesternmost part of South Africa is nestled between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Having the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop, there are matchless vistas to behold from Devils Peak, Lions Head and Signal Hill. Its world-famous beaches Camps

© Cape Town International Conference Centre

Bay, Clifton and Sea Point on the Atlantic Seaboard are impressive, more so when bathed in a sunset palette. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, is offshore and one of the city’s premier lures.

Key venues For the business traveller, there is a diverse, yet impeccable range of venues to host any outstanding corporate event. Larger venues are represented by the appealing mainstay, Cape Town International Convention Centre. It has a view of Table

Mountain and situated in close proximity to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

A brand new venue, Century City Conference Centre, just opened its doors in February 2016 and is intended to tap into the mid-range conference market and is able to host 400 – 1900 delegates. Located in the heart of the Century City precinct, it has eleven meeting rooms with a view to gain local and international interest.

For smaller events, the River Club in Observatory is a fitting choice. With décor inspired by the surrounding river and

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sky, it is able to host banquets, training, motivational seminars and so much more. A more unique offering is a former prison, now a hotel with views across the bay. The Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge is closely linked with University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business; it proffers first-rate conference and function facilitates with 18 meeting venues.

Getting around the city Cars are available for rental at renowned rental agencies. Meter taxis and Uber are also a viable means of transport. The City Sightseeing Bus tours the expanses of the Southern Peninsula and the City Bowl. The MyCiti bus system, an integrated rapid transit system, services some major routes, including Cape Town International Airport.

Pre and post tour opportunities The city is a magnet for sporting fans, business travellers, scholars as well as leisure seekers. Water lovers have options to tan, swim, surf, scuba and/or kite-surf at magnificence beaches. Visit Cape Town’s premier beachside venue, Shimmy Beach Club.

© Shimmy Beach Club

It is an excellent opportunity to mingle with the city’s elite in a luxe venue to dine and party. For a great coffee-shop experience, try Truth Coffee Roasting, a steampunkinspired establishment in the city-centre, just voted best coffee shop in the world by the Telegraph in the United Kingdom.

Cape Point is a must-do experience for nature lovers, while hikes and trails are ubiquitous throughout the city and all proffer breath-taking views. The region is known

Cape Point is a mustdo experience for nature lovers, while hikes and trails are ubiquitous throughout the city and all proffer breath-taking views.

CAPE TOWN’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE VENUE

R E S TA U R A N T • C L U B • P R I VAT E B E A C H

Perfect for romantic meals and beach dining with ocean views, tailor made events, glamorous functions and Ibiza-style pool parties. With meeting rooms, two pools, a private beach and pool-side stage, it is the ideal venue for any occasion.

Open Mondays to Sundays 11am to 4am.Kitchen closes at 11pm.

Email functions@shimmybeachclub.co.za to book • www.shimmybeachclub.com SOUTH ARM ROAD, V&A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN • 021 200 7778 Download the Shimmy app today

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FEATURE

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© Shimmy Beach Club

© SA Tourism

© Cape Town International Conference Centre

as a biodiversity haven for indigenous plants like fynbos. A visit to the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch is not only a tranquil and informative floral excursion, in summer you can also experience its summer concerts and picnics. A visit to the False Bay coast brings one into proximity of the southern right whale and the apex predator, the Great White shark.

For more unique cultural experiences, take a free tour to the Bo-Kaap and dine on the delectable cuisine or have a Mzoli’s meat experience while on a township tour.

A mere hour’s drive from Cape

Town is one of the most splendid wine valleys in the world, Franschhoek.

Amid the grandeur of this food and wine capital is a true jewel in the crown, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa. Luxurious, with dynamic design inspiring tranquillity and the spa proffering sensory indulgence, it is the perfect setting to relax or use as a base to explore the striking environs.

Airlines Cape Town International Airport is one of the best in Africa. Major international

airlines operating at the airport include: • South African Airways, Emirates, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air, Ethiopian Airlines and TAAG Angola Airlines.

Climate It has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters (June – August), with hot summer (December – February.

Sometimes windy, its south-easterly wind or Cape Doctor creates a stir during spring and early summer

Population

A visit to the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch is not only a tranquil and informative floral excursion, in summer you can also experience its summer concerts and picnics.

3 3 740 025 people (census 2011)

Contact Cape Town Tourism Phone: +27 (0)86 132 2223 Email: info@capetown.travel Website: www.capetown.travel

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PROTEA HOTEL BREAKWATER LODGE WATERFRONT

Experience a rich piece of history balancing modern-day comfort when you stay at the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge right next to Cape Town’s fabulous V&A Waterfront. The hotel offers first-class conference and function facilities.

The function venues are technologically advanced and equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment.

Venues can cater up to 220 delegates, with complimentary uncapped Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the building and secure parking t. +27 21 406 1911 e. events@bwl.co.za w. proteahotels.com/breakwaterlodge

THE RIVER CLUB

The River Club is a landmark conference centre and golfing hub. Under new and energetic owners, the River Club has enjoyed an extensive makeover and is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors for work and play.

• 7 beautifully appointed rooms offering flexible layouts, some with outdoor views and dedicated entertainment spaces • 90 Bay Driving Range, Mashie Course and VIP Golf Lounge • Slug & Lettuce Restaurant • Broadband Wi-Fi and plenty free parking t. +27 21 448 6117 e. info@riverclub.co.za w. www.riverclub.co.za

LE FRANSCHHOEK SPA & HOTEL

Situated just under an hour’s drive from the Cape Town International Airport, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, and boasting a full set of world-class conference facilities, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa is the ideal venue for your next conference, business meeting, or corporate function. Le Franschhoek features five state-of-the-art function rooms, seating between 20 and 120 delegates. For the convenience of conference guests, this luxury Franschhoek hotel has 63 en-suite, lavishly appointed rooms and suites, and two stunning villas. What’s more, the hotel features three on-site restaurants. t. +27 21 876 8900 e. reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za w. www.lefranschhoek.co.za

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BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

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Sidi Abderrahman in Casablanca, Morocco © Amina Tagemouati

MOROCCO A Fusion of Old and New makes Morocco an enticing business locale.

M

orocco, situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa is a fusion of Arabic, European and African heritage; it is separated from mainland Europe at the Strait of Gibraltar and has a distinctive Arabic history. It is bordered by Western Sahara and Algeria.

One of only three countries to have Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, it is a little larger than Zimbabwe. Its capital is Rabat, but the commercial centre and largest city is Casablanca. The hallmark of Morocco is its distinctive architecture, with mosques peppered over the country; the most impressive for all visitors is Hassan II Mosque.

Erg Chebbi, Morocco © Flávio Eiró

Key venues The Palmeraie International Conference Centre Twenty minutes outside the Marrakech city centre and connected to The Palmeraie Golf Palace, is the Palmeraie International Conference Centre.

Definitive of Marrakesh architecture, the facility has a meeting space of 4 000m2 with 30 meeting and conference rooms. The maximum configurations are as follows: 900 delegates in school room formation, 1 500 theatre style and 1 200 in a banquet setting.

Rabat Convention Centre Mohammed VI Situated between two airports – Rabat and Casablanca, it offers 4 000m2 of meeting space. It has fifteen modular meeting

rooms with its auditorium able to seat 528 delegates. It can also accommodate up to 1 000 in a cocktail setting. It proffers flexibility based on its variety of meeting facilities with modular infrastructure.

Getting around the city Petit taxis are mostly metered and used in bigger towns and cities with a distinctive colour. Morocco’s railway network is good and best utilised for intercity travel. Cars are easily rented from reputed car-rental agencies.

Trams, some relatively new, are also an option in cities like Casablanca and Rabat.

Pre-and post-tours Morocco evokes images of desert dunes and camels; to experience this,

Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes, Morocco © Cait (via flickr.com)

BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

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Morocco Tram © Andrew Nash

visit Merzouga, near the arresting Erg Chebbi sand dunes for a camel trek.

Ancient Roman ruins can be observed near Moulay Idriss at Volubilis. The beaches are also incredibly popular, especially on the Atlantic side, notably Essaouira and Sidi Ifni. Trekking fanatics head for the Rif Mountains, High Atlas Mountains and Middle Atlas Mountains.

To savour their famed cuisine, a trip to the souq is a must. People gather at the cafes to sip the sweet mint tea and watch the world whirl around. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has inscribed the Fez medina, described as “the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city”, as well as the Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh.

Ouarzazate is known for its beautiful earthen clay fortified buildings called Kasbahs and well worth a stopover.

Contact Morocco Ministry of Tourism Tel: 212 37 67 40 13 Email: contact@onmt.org.ma Website: www.visitmorocco.com

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Marrakesh-Storks at Badia Palace, Morocco © Güldem Üstün

Airlines and major airports: Major Airports: • Marrakech-Menara International Airport • Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca • Agadir–Al Massira Airport • Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier and • Air Arabia Maroc are the two airlines based in Morocco Other major airlines servicing the country are: • British Airways • EasyJet • Iberia Airlines • Lufthansa Airlines • Qatar Airways • Emirates • Etihad Airways

Peaceful farmlands in the region of Asilah, Morocco © Fr Maxim Massalitin

Climate Morocco has a varying landscape so climates differ across the country.

The northern Moroccan coast and central area is considered more Mediterranean. It has dry summers and mild winters. Inland temperatures fluctuate between extremes.

Currency The currency is the Moroccan dirham and the exchange rate against major currencies on 23 February 2016 is as follows: Major Currencies 1 ZAR (Rand) 1 US dollar 1 GBP 1 Euro

Moroccan dirham 0.65 9.83 13.40 10.82

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EVENTS TO DIARISE

MARCH CARDS AND PAYMENTS AFRICA 1-2 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA RETAIL WORLD AFRICA 1-2 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA 3RD ANNUAL REGIONAL SMART PROCUREMENT WORLD 1-3 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO 8 - 10 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SECUREX 2016 24 - 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

ITB BERLIN 9 - 13 BERLIN, GERMANY

A-OSH EXPO 24 - 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

KENYA TRADE SHOW 15 - 17 NAIROBI, KENYA

AUTOMECHANIKA 31 - 3 JUNE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

CAREER INDABA 16 - 17 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

JUNE

THE BOOKMARKS 2016 3 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

IMEX FRANKFURT 19 - 21 FRANKFURT, GERMANY

CABSAT 8 - 10 DUBAI, UAE

6TH EDITION HOTELIER SUMMIT AFRICA 21 - 22 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

IMC DURBAN 2016 14 - 15 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA MALL INDABA 14 - 15 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ACE OF M.I.C.E. 16 - 18 ISTANBUL, TURKEY

APRIL INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA 4-6 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 6-8 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA IT&CM CHINA + CTW CHINA 6-8 SHANGHAI, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA SIGN AFRICA POLOKWANE 7 POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA PRINT 7 POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA

A’SAMBENI AFRICA 26 - 30 BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

SAACI CONGRESS 5-7 MANGAUNG, SOUTH AFRICA ATF INTERNATIONAL APPAREL, TEXTILE AND FOOTWARE TRADE EVENT 7-9 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA AUTOEXPO AFRICA 2016 10 - 12 NAIROBI, KENYA

ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 26 - 30 BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

OIL & GAS AFRICA – EAST AFRICA 10 - 12 NAIROBI, KENYA

MAY

NIGERIA OIL & GAS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 13 - 16 ABUJA, NIGERIA

INDABA 7-9 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA SIGN AFRICA CAPE TOWN 11 - 12 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA PRINT 11 - 12 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA AFRICAN UTILITY WEEK AND CLEAN POWER AFRICA 17 - 19 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA CHINA TRADE WEEK 18 - 20 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

IBTM AMERICA 15 - 17 NASHVILLE, USA KENYA INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXHIBITION 16 - 18 NAIROBI, KENYA AFRICA’S BIG SEVEN 2016 19 - 21 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA RETAIL SOLUTIONS AFRICA 2016 19 - 21 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA RAIL 28 - 29 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EVENTS TO DIARISE

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SIGN AFRICA NELSPRUIT 29 NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA PRINT - NELSPRUIT 29 NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA

JULY AIPC ANNUAL CONGRESS 3-6 NANTES, FRANCE

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

EYE FOCUS AFRICA 6-8 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

THE DIGITAL EDUCATION SHOW AFRICA 4-5 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

IBTM CHINA 7-8 BEIJING, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IBTM LATIN AMERICA 7-8 CIUDAD DE MEXICO, MEXICO

IMEX AMERICA 18 - 20 LAS VEGAS, USA

SIGN AFRICA & FESPA AFRICA 7-9 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICA OIL WEEK/ AFRICA UPSTREAM CONFERENCE 31 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

MARKEX 2016 6 - 7 JULY JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FRANCHISE EXPO 8 - 11 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

THE MONEY EXPO 2016 8-9 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA 12 - 16 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

POWER-GEN AFRICA 19 - 21 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

FOOD & DRINK TECHNOLOGY AFRICA 2016 14 - 15 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

OIL & GAS AFRICA 13 - 15 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

AUGUST FUN & BIZ AFRICA 5-7 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA 100% DESIGN SOUTH AFRICA 5-9 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA INTERBUILD AFRICA 2016 17 - 20 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA THE COMMERCIAL UAV SHOW AFRICA 2016 23 - 24 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICA AIR EXPO 12 - 14 ACCRA, GHANA

MICE ASIA 23 - 24 SINGAPORE CITY, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

NOVEMBER WATER AFRICA AND WEST AFRICA BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION NIGERIA 2016 8 - 10 ABUJA, NIGERIA UFI CONGRESS 9 - 12 SHANGAI, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 55TH ICCA CONGRESS 13 - 16 KUCHING, MALAYSIA 12TH TANZANIA TRADE SHOW 2016 24 - 27 DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA IBTM WORLD 29 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER BARCELONA, SPAIN

Mpumalanga © Shutterstock

SABC EDUCATION AFRICAN EDUWEEK 2016 29 - 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

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ASSOCIATIONS

EXSA ANNOUNCED NEW CHAIRMAN AND BOARD EXSA announced that Neil Nagooroo of Sandton Convention Centre is its new chairman subsequent to their recent EXSA Annual General Meeting.

Now in its 36th year, it incorporates four Forums within the Association – Venues, Organisers, Services / Suppliers and Young Professionals.

Neil Nagooroo is an MBA graduate heading up sales and marketing at the Sandton Convention Centre. He has credible experience in the industry.

During his tenure as Executive Project Manager at SA Tourism, he was responsible for the organising and delivery of all SA Tourism’s exhibitions.

There are eight new members to the Board as follows: Chairman: Sandton Convention Centre, Neil Nagooroo Immediate Past Chair: Octanorm, Brad Alder Treasurer: Concept G, Andrew Binning Services Forum Expo Guys, Patrick Cronning DK Design, Doug Rix Venue Forum Sandton Convention Centre, Neil Nagooroo CTICC - Lindy Cambouris Organiser Forum Inkanyezi Exhibitions and Events, Andrew Binning Synergy Business Events, Lorin Bowen Conker Exhibitions, Clive Shedlock Pure Grit, Zaida Enver Young Professionals Forum: Compex, Katherine Gunningham Western Cape Forum: Resource Design, Karen Healey KZN Forum: I-cube Alternate Advertising, Denver Manickum

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CONVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) Sandton Convention Centre was chosen to host the CITES CoP17 from 24 September to 2 October 2016; the first for Johannesburg.

Though it had been held in Africa four times previously, the last one on the continent was held in 2000.

COP17 anticipates the arrival of 2000 delegates from 180 countries with non-government organisations and civil societies in addition to engage in debate on conservation related issues.

CITES regulates international trade in over 35 000 species of plants and animals. This is inclusive of products and derivatives. CITES CoP17’s organisation will be coordinated by the Department of Environmental Affairs in collaboration with other government departments and a local organising committee.

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS (AAXO) AAXO officially launched on 10 February 2016.

AAXO was launched on 10 February 2016 to an enthusiastic crowd. It gave attendees from the exhibition industry an overview of how AAXO is facilitating transformation in the exhibition space in South Africa and across Africa. AAXO’s future plans as well as recently commissioned market research was announced concurrently.

AAXO’s mandate is to provide professional and credible representation for exhibition organisers, in order to contribute to a profitable industry.

ASSOCIATIONS

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Most companies report that the ZIKA virus has had little effect on travel According to an ACTE survey, major companies are monitoring developments with the ZIKA virus.

55% report very little impact on travel in the infected countries. 79% of the 113 respondents reported that their travellers were not reluctant to travel in these areas but 21% had some misgivings. 4% were quite concerned and 2 of the 113 companies instituted travel restrictions.

This comes on the back of lessons learnt from the Ebola virus epidemic of 2014. They said that 79% of respondents relied on the Centres for Disease Control advisories for information on the current situation.

Third party risk/security advisors provide data to an additional 62%.

Industry media coverage corroborated Zika virus data for 38% with another 20% including mainstream media coverage. 34% were resourced through local health agencies.

The survey was international in scope to meet ACTE’s membership.

SAACI SAACI is the umbrella body of the business-events industry in Southern Africa, dedicated to efficiency and professionalism in the industry since 1987.

The work we do is guided by four key principles: 1. SAACI Community – where we interact with our members and stakeholders.

2. SAACI Intelligence – where we gather and publish information that helps our members to grow their business.

3. SAACI Academy – where we professionalise the industry through certification, education and training.

4. SAACI Into Africa – where we expand our network into all South African provinces and all Southern African Countries.

Four key tributary pillars support them: 5. Branding and Communication – where we communicate innovatively and grow the SAACI brand.

6. Stakeholder Engagement - where we keep everyone with a stake in the industry informed and involved.

7. Sustainability – where we provide guidance for ‘sustainable best practice’, both in terms of business and the enviroment in which we operate.

8. Future Focus – where we encourage and support industry members younger then 35.

With nearly 30 years of being your partner in the business events industry, we have a great track record of 1500 individual, corporate and patron members representing all sectors.

Cape Town, South Africa © Denis Mironov, Shutterstock

ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE TRAVEL EXECUTIVES (ACTE) NEWS

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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

ADVERTISERS ConCept G

Protea Breakwater Lodge Waterfront

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+27 861 222 678

+27 21 406 1911

E. info@conceptg.co.za

E. emke@bwl.co.za

W. www.conceptg.co.za

W. www.proteahotels.com/breakwaterlodge

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CONTACTS Cover Image: Courtesy of Arabella Hotel & Spa, Photographer: Anton De Beer Tel: +27 82 415 4769 Email: antdeb@mweb.co.za Publisher: Lance Gibbons lance@filmeventmedia.co.za Executive Editor: Katie Reynolds-Da Silva katie@filmeventmedia.co.za Head of Design: Sheree Steenkamp sheree@filmeventmedia.co.za

Expo Centre

SAACI

INSIDE FRONT COVER

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+27 11 494 1920

+27 11 880 5883

E. info@expocentre.co.za

E. info@saaci.org

W. www.expocentre.co.za

W. www.saaci.org

Writer: Kim Muller kim@filmeventmedia.co.za Assistant Designer / Illustrator: Lauren Smith lauren@filmeventmedia.co.za Editorial Assistant: Imogen Campbell info@filmeventmedia.co.za Sales Manager: Coleen Tapson coleen@filmeventmedia.co.za

EXSA

Shimmy Beach Club

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+27 11 805 7272

+27 21 200 7778

E. exsa@exsa.co.za

E. lisac@shimmybeachclub.com

W. www.exsa.co.za

W. www.shimmybeachclub.com

IT&CM China

The River Club

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+27 21 330 4999

Brand Manager: Juan-Mari Heydenrych juan-mari@filmeventmedia.co.za Production and Traffic Manager: Nazeera Hartley Roach nazeera@filmeventmedia.co.za Production and Traffic Co-ordinator: Basheera Hartley bash@filmeventmedia.co.za 57 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont 7708, Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27 21 674 0646

+27 21 448 6117

E. itcmchina@citsmice.com.cn

E. yael@riverclub.co.za

W. www.itcma.com

W. www.riverclub.co.za

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa

Tshwane Events Centre

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+27 21 876 8900

Brand Manager: Rhoda Farrant rhoda@filmeventmedia.co.za

+27 12 327 1487

E. reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za

E. ricky@tshwabac.co.za

W. www.lefranschhoek.co.za

W. www.tshwane-events.co.za

JOIN US www.filmeventmedia.co.za www.theevent.co.za DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in The Event do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of the editor or the publisher, while inclusion of adverts/ advertising features does not imply endorsement of any business, product or service. Copyright of this material is reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, The Event and/or its employees may not be held liable or responsible for any act or ommission committed by any person, including a juristic person, referred to in this publication. It and they furthermore accept(s) no responsibility for any liability arising out of any reliance that a reader of this publication places on the contents of this publication.

2017

THE PREMIER MARKETING TOOL

FOR AFRICA’S BUSINESS-EVENTS INDUSTRY.

2016

Now in its 4th year, The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa has reached over 15 000 clients through its print publication and 410 000 through the e-books. Distributed in collaboration with the SANCB to Event Organisers, PCOs, Exhibition Organisers, Incentive Travel Houses, Corporate Clients and Government Offices; and to 600 International African Associations and through the following Media Partnerships: Meetings Africa (2016 Launch) | International Meetings Review | ibtm world | EXSA Conference and AGM | ibtm arabia | IMEX America | IMEX Frankfurt | IT&CM Asia Pacific | IT&CM India | IT&CMA China | Loeries Creative Week | Markex – World of Events | SAACI Congress | SETE - Sports and Tourism Exchange | SITE - Swahili International Tourism Expo | Tourism Expo Botswana | WTM Africa | Zambia International Travel Expo

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