The Event Issue 06 by Film & Event Media

Issue 06 | 2018

+EVENT + EVENT GREENING UPDATE Trends in an Ever-Changing Industry

+STAND + STAND DESIGN EXCELLENCE Maximum Creativity on Limited Budgets

+GOVERNMENT + GOVERNMENT EVENTS All Protocol Observed

‘It Takes A Village’ SAACI Congress 2018 welcomes business events industry members to join the village by attending the flagship event of the business events calendar. Raise your game at SAACI 2018 - through learning, networking and communication. This congress brings together professionals from a variety of conference industry sectors including conference and event organisers, events management companies, service providers and industry stakeholders representing government, venues, destinations and more. SAACI is focused on raising the bar in the business events industry across all member interactions and in so creating true, tangible value to our members and the greater industry in Southern Africa. Don’t miss out on this two-day congress packed with inspirational keynotes, expert panel discussions, innovative networking opportunities, fun social programmes and a lot of new, fresh ideas.

When: Where: Host:

29 - 31 July 2018 Misty Hills Conference Centre, Johannesburg Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)

For More Details, Visit: www.saacicongress.org Or Contact Ripcord Promotions: Tel: 011 4822 835 | Email: info@saacicongress.org or saaci2018@ripcord.za.com Or SAACI Head Office Tel: 011 880 5883 | Email: info@saaci.org

CONTENTS

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02.

Getting Ticketing Right

04.

All-Female Design Team

Shines at Indaba

05.

ALL-FEMALE DESIGN TEAM SHINES The South African Tourism stand at Africa’s Travel Indaba was conceptualised and built by the very best designers in the field.

Indaba Stand Award Winners

06. British Airways Launches New Durban Flight

07.

ICCA Rankings Bode Well for Africa

08. Crossing Borders: Organising on Foreign Soil

THE MEANING OF GREENING No longer just a buzzword, greening is now an integral element of most business-events in South Africa.

10. All Protocol Observed: Government Events

12. Greening: The End of a Buzzword

14. Excellence in Stand Design 16. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018 – Highlights

NEXT-LEVEL STAND DESIGN Natasha Skoryk chats to the experts, and uncovers the secrets to creativity and innovation on a budget.

26. WTM Africa in Review 28. Tshwane: Business Events Made Easy

30. Namibia: Country Spotlight 32. Events to Diarise

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018 Highlights and overviews from the best-ever edition of the legendary travel show.

34. Associations News 36. Directory of Advertisers

SPOTLIGHT

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WHY TICKET SALES FOR BIG EVENTS IS RISKY BUSINESS

Choosing a ticketing partner for your event is as important as your headline act; that is, life or death. There’s a host of variables to consider, and major differentiators between ticketing companies, especially since ticket sales for big events is usually considerably more complicated than you think. Here’s why…

magine a circus juggler. He starts with three balls in the air. Then, it’s four, five, six. Then, he hops onto stilts. Then, he adds his hat. And then, he sets his hat alight. This should give you some idea of what it’s like to sell tickets online for large events. Multiple balls in the air. An often unsteady surface. Unforeseen elements. And fires to put out left, right and centre. In this article, we’ll look at how and why online ticket sales for big events is more complicated than making a page look good by clicking a few buttons and adding a logo. Let’s start with the ticketing system, which has about 20 other integrations: external servers, payment gateways, different banks, and diverse payment options. If any of these collapses, chaos ensues. You need a system that can piece everything together, and handle the traffic. Take it from someone who’s been in the trenches, made the mistakes, crashed the systems, fought the fraud,

dealt with thousands of angry fans, and pacified unhappy customers…

The strategy First off, a ticketing strategy is required, to work out how many tickets are needed to cover the costs of the show. The rule of thumb is that ticketing revenue should cover all expenses, and sponsorship and bar revenue should make up your profit. So, here’s a warning: Make sure that you have sufficient financial backing, and don’t attempt to put on a show if you’re not comfortable with the fact that ticket sales won’t actually cover the costs.

The phases Tickets for big festivals are generally sold in phases, because phases help to create hype throughout the year. Reward those that buy early, and remember to evenly distribute the number of tickets available across the different phases. This is just fair practice.

Registration Registration is there partly to create hype and partly to be able to communicate all of the exciting things about your event. But also – critically – registration enables you to collect data and make the buying process simpler when tickets actually do go on sale. Pre-reg gives you a good indication of what traffic to expect on Day One, so you can be prepared.

Communication Make sure that you clearly and regularly communicate with your fans about the buying process – including what payment methods you accept and how they work. There’s nothing worse then being presented with something completely new, because this can be confusing for fans and may result in their buying the wrong item or missing out on their desired tickets.

Asking for ID Most festivals have a strict ‘No under 18s’

SPOTLIGHT

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policy, so requesting ID upfront scares off the youngsters trying their luck and gives the people who scan the tickets something to validate against. On that note, always ensure that if an ID is being collected, it is being validated – otherwise you’re just wasting people’s time. The other major reason to ask for ID is to create another layer of online security and to help protect against ticket fraud.

Ticket limits Imposing ticket limits is a science. If a festival is in high demand, my advice is to have strict limits in place, like a maximum of two per person. This mitigates the risk of 500 people grabbing all the tickets in one go, which creates unhappy fans and an instant black market. You must also decide whether each person attending the event must individually register his/her ticket. For high-profile events, we’ve found that this minimises online fraud and the secondhand market – but it must be properly enforced or it’s a complete waste of time.

The booking process The booking process can make or break an event launch. This sounds obvious, but (clearly, if we look at the ticketing industry lately) it isn’t. Make sure that your process has been clearly thought out and rigorously

tested. If you’re releasing new features to the mass market, you never know how they’ll behave across 10 different devices and browsers. At the same time, don’t be tempted to ‘fix’ elements that aren’t broken.

The queuing system Once you’ve designed your strategy, planned your phases, decided on registration, kept up the communication, imposed limits, generated hype, and got your fans ready to go… make sure that your system can deal with expected load. This is the beauty of registration data: you know what to expect. Beyond your own system, though, ensure that your website and payment gateways/banks are able to deal with the load, by using a queuing system. The queuing system can kick in before fans hit the website or between the ticketing site and the payment gateway, because banks in SA simply cannot deal with an instant rush of payments. Think of the queue as the traffic manager; without it, there’s a good chance the site will crash. Or, worse, engaged fans could be kicked out of the site, experience failed payments, or even have money disappear off their cards with no tickets in return.

Tips from a veteran •

Crisis management – Anything can go wrong; what makes the difference is how

you manage the crisis; how you turn negative experiences into positive ones. Start by having enough people to deal with complaints and queries, across social media, PR, and customer support. Get your entire team aligned so you’re all communicating the same messages. • Honesty first – Never embellish your numbers. Your fans will see through it, and so will your sponsors and traders. Without these three audiences you have nothing. • Jumping the gun – Never ever say it’s sold out until you’re 300% sure that it is. Give it at least 60-90 minutes before announcing, because it’s possible that not all the sales have gone through and you may want to open up again. There’s nothing worse having to put tickets back on sale, and re-adjust phases and pricing, once you’ve popped the champagne. • Emotional intelligence – The relationship between the ticketing company and client is like a complex love affair. It can run hot and cold, but the most important things are respect and loyalty as together you learn about the event, what works, and what doesn’t. Don’t jump ship every now and then, for a ‘change’; the grass is seldom greener on the other side. - Courtesy of Howler - an event technology platform

NEWS

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Minister Derek Hanekom, in front of the South African Tourism Stand © South African Tourism

ALL-FEMALE DESIGN TEAM SHINES ON SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM STAND

he South African Tourism stand caught the eye of delegates at Africa’s Travel Indaba with its unique and engaging design. The brains trust behind the design was an all-female team from Designersink, a 100% female-owned company. The brief to Samantha Gabriel, Gill Gibbs, Sanele Mbense and Ruhi Kader, was to create a space that captures every kind of experience that can be enjoyed in South Africa. They succeeded in designing a contemporary, interactive stand that at every turn offered something new to see or experience, reflecting South Africa. The stand is practical with interesting attractions that made it stand out, such as the coffee bar, where business and networking meetings took place.

Another interactive feature on the stand was the virtual reality screen that allowed delegates to use virtual reality goggles to experience the many attractions that the country has to offer. The centrepiece of the stand this year was a tribute to the Nelson Mandela Centenary. An installation of 100, one-of-a kind post cards displaying 100 ways to find the Nelson Mandela in you were on display. The postcards were also available for delegates to take home when visiting the stand. “We are very proud of our country and its diversity and are honoured to have partnered with South African Tourism to create this state-of-theart exhibition stand. We were briefed to create a design that displays an expression of a country in full colour,

with no experience left out,” explained Designers Ink MD, Samantha Gabriel. “We used our feminine touch to ensure that we pay attention to detail and add distinctive touches to the stand. We take pride in being a 100% female-owned design company in an industry that is male dominated” We view this opportunity as an excellent profiling platform and are proud of this partnership and endorsement by South African Tourism. Furthermore, we hope to make even more connections worldwide to expand and grow our business that has now been operating for 17 years. We believe that such opportunities contribute to the empowerment of woman and inclusive growth in the business sector,” concluded Gabriel.

NEWS

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STAND AWARD WINNERS AT AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA Category

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Provincial Authorities

Cape Town and Western Cape

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal

Limpopo Tourism Agency

Southern African Development Community & Africa

Taleni Africa

Namibia Tourism Board

Rwanda Development Board

Outdoor

Canvas and Tent

Northern Cape Tourism Authority

Rovos Rail

Tour Operator

Tourvest Destination Management

Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris

Cullinan Transport

Accommodation

Sun International

Moondance

Dream Hotels & Resorts

Tourism Marketing Organisation

Dreams 4 Africa

African Travel & Tourism Association

South African National Parks

Transport

Emirates Airline

South African Airways

Airlink

Cape Town and Western Cape Platinum Stand Award Winner at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018

NEWS

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BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES A DIRECT FLIGHT BETWEEN

LONDON AND DURBAN

decision by British Airways to introduce a direct, nonstop flight between London’s Heathrow Airport and Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is a game changer for KwaZulu-Natal as it will be instrumental in contributing to an increase in international arrivals from the United Kingdom and North America. Following closely on the heels of airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Mauritius and Turkish Airlines, who offer direct flights to Doha, Dubai, Mauritius, and Istanbul, British Airways will begin flying three times weekly schedule direct from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 to Durban’s, King Shaka International Airport, starting on 29th of October 2018. MEC Zikalala said BA’s decision will allow KwaZulu-Natal to showcase itself as a tourism and business destination to a global audience, “The sheer diversity in travel and business opportunities that visitors can access through this gateway into the province of KwaZuluNatal will unlock enormous potential.” Of the rich history Great Britain and KwaZulu-Natal share he said, “We are excited to be able to rekindle that relationship with the launch of this new route. The investment and trade opportunities presented by this direct flight between Durban and London will undoubtedly add value to our economy.” Zikalala added that international cargo through Dube Cargo Terminal had experienced continuous year-onyear growth, which amounted to a 138% increase in volumes since 2010. “The introduction of new passenger flights to Durban saw a growth of a 25% in cargo volumes, as well as an increased frequency of chartered

aircraft. In the 2017/18 financial year cargo growth reached 12%,” he said. The announcement was also warmly welcomed by eThekwini mayor, Cllr Zandile Gumede, who said it underpinned the council’s strategy to attract visitors and investors from the UK and European market to Durban. “This flight will create an enabling environment for our city to do business with our European partners with ease,” Gumede said. About 90 000 passengers currently fly indirectly between Durban and London via Johannesburg or other hubs like Dubai. Phindile Makwakwa, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Tourism KwaZuluNatal, said the UK was already KwaZuluNatal’s top international market and the direct flights would be a boost to arrivals in the Province, both for leisure tourists and business travellers. “Moving people fosters the movement of capital which means that the economy is active and thriving. When people make travel decisions, ease of connectivity is high up on their list of considerations. This direct link between the two cities will most certainly make our destination easier to package and sell.” King Shaka International Airport is located in a precinct which is experiencing rapid growth due to the business opportunities created through Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone. While business will flourish, direct flights also offer locals more choice and the opportunity to connect to cities and countries around the world, Makwakwa added. Dube TradePort is the only facility in Africa combining an international airport, dedicated cargo terminal, warehousing,

offices, retail, hotels and agriculture. Hamish Erskine, CEO for Dube TradePort, said the Durban – London air service was in line with the global trend where airlines were increasingly flying directly into major secondary cities from global economic hubs. “This presents an enormous opportunity for both destinations to grow business, trade, investment, cultural and tourism links. Currently, there are some 90 000 passengers flying between London and Durban every year, King Shaka International also saw passenger volumes reach 5.6 million for the first time in the last financial year.” Erskine said. South African exports to the UK make up 4.5% of the country’s total exports. The US and the United Kingdom are the thirds and fourth largest air cargo trade routes in and out of KZN. “We foresee a healthy demand on the UK route, as it stands airfreight volumes between Durban and London are in excess 1 500 tonnes per annum, this is expected to increase substantially with additional volumes into the US markets connecting via British Airways London hub,” Erskine said. Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said Durban’s warm water, hot summers and laid-back beachy vibe make this coastal city the perfect holiday destination for the Brits. “It is a gateway to many nature reserves, parks and historic sites, and has a thriving food, drink and art scene; defining the city as a must-visit for culture and adventure,” Cruz said. From an economic standpoint, this route also augurs well for improved trade relations as the United Kingdom is currently South Africa’s secondlargest export trade partner in Europe.

NEWS

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Dramatic skies over Hout Bay © City of Cape Town

ICCA REVEALS TOP MEETINGS

DESTINATION IN AFRICA

ape Town has once again claimed top spot as the number one city in Africa for hosting international association meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Hosting a total of 53 meetings, this is the 10th consecutive year Cape Town has achieved this important accolade. The Mother City was followed in the rankings by Johannesburg with 23 meetings, and Kigali with 21 meetings. We are very pleased to note that Stellenbosch has also ranked, after hosting 8 international meetings last year. This places them in 12th position. These conferences add a significant boost to the economy of the city and province. Indeed, of the meetings held in Cape Town, 13 meetings had a delegate attendance of over 1 000 attendees or more - with 24 of the meetings held in a Conference/Exhibition venue, and 16 in meeting facilities within hotels. Subject matter of the meetings hosted varied from Medical Sciences (13 meetings), Sciences (9 meetings), Technology (5 meetings) and Economics (4 meetings). Just on 50% of the meetings were

hosted during the traditional low-season period between May and September, which helps address the seasonality challenge of attracting visitors to the Cape during this time. The average length of days per conference was four days. Congratulating the team, Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, commented: “We are extremely proud of the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, and other partners, including the South Africa National Convention Bureau, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Century City Conference Centre, and other venues and hotels, who have helped maintain Cape Town as the number one spot in Africa." "We salute the tenacity, consistency and dedication of the team in promoting the Cape, helping boost business tourism in our region" added Harris. Minister Winde said: “We are delighted that Cape Town has once again proved itself to be the best conference destination on the continent which helps to cement our brand as a premier business-events destination. Over 34 000 international delegates got to experience Cape Town in 2017, helping to grow our economy and create jobs in

the areas of conferencing, tourism and hospitality. Wesgro’s team has also been hard at work securing some of the world’s biggest conferences which will take place in the Cape over the next few years, reflecting real confidence in the Western Cape’s abilities to host events on a large scale.” “We are delighted that Cape Town has claimed the top spot again this year which is a firm demonstration of our actions to position Cape Town as a globally, competitive business destination. We are working hard on all fronts through our investment teams and specific streams such as the Convention Bureau to attract major events and to make Cape Town the place where the world meets. The Cape Town International Convention Centre has played an integral part in Cape Town claiming this spot and the recent R900-million expansion of the CTICC 2 will strengthen Cape Town’s reputation as a global business-events destination. With greater capacity and flexibility our CTICC will be able to attract even more events and diversify the events calendar even more to bring more key gatherings and meetings to Cape Town,” stated the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille.

SPOTLIGHT

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CROSSING BORDERS WITH EVENTS

Organising events in other countries is exciting yet poses challenges in innumerable forms and can develop into situations which often require diplomacy and tact. Recently creating an event in Mozambique for Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the team unpack (pun intended) the experience and share some of their learnings. By Glenn van Eck. or replacement. Marking items per venue also helps to speed up the event set up.

Scenario planning

Crossing borders Make friends on all sides. The control of goods leaving South Africa is one of the core functions of Customs, and it’s complex. Make sure you partner with a trusted import/export advisor and transport company on both sides of the border. And find a knowledgable person at the event destination to handle any hiccups that might occur when receiving your equipment on the other side. It might not be necessary, but just incase it helps to have someone in the know you can call on, just in case.

Do a recce Visit the destination, and potential venues before you commit to a client to run an international event. The reason being from your understanding of an event’s objectives and audience, you can visit venues with an objective eye, identify potential technical and aesthetic challenges and be able to propose to the client the right solution, way ahead of the actual event. This definitely alleviates stress for all parties. Use your recce trip to identify reliable locals who will be able to assist you during the project. Ask for recommendations while you’re there, and do some research. Think

Think through the “what if’s”. You can plan as much as you like, but things can and will go wrong. In your planning meetings, talk through different scenario’s around crew, equipment and power supply/ compatibility. And then decide on how these will be overcome, you will generally call on your recently identified local contacts and suppliers who can act on short notice. of the assistance you might need, and find the right people for your event, but you will need: translators, drivers, freight forwarding contacts and technical equipment suppliers.

Logistics People: The travel costs for your team can skyrocket; to prevent this from happening take a focussed team of multi-skilled members. As an example we had a core team of eight head off to Mozambique – they were supported in Maputo by an additional eight local casuals. They were identified through contacts and played a critical role as they understand and know the local market. They can run errands for the team, operate as a driver, translate when required, and have good local connections; in our experience, the casual team were our first port of call when we needed help. Equipment: Create an equipment schedule so you can plan multiple uses for each item you take. For example our screens were used at the supplier fair and then taken down and transported for use at the evening gala dinner. But also appoint a local supplier just incase something breaks and you need a repair

The innumerable cultural differences Luckily Mozambique’s culture isn’t too different to South Africa, but familiarise yourself with the traditions, customs and cultural traits of the country where you are planning an event. Even when you think you know something, you might discover it’s only a stereotype. Culture also determines the etiquette of gifts, tipping and the role of casuals and temporary team members. So again, do your research or you could land up offending without realising.

Doing business Organising an event involves a multitude of smaller business transactions, and understanding how business is done in a host country can go a long way towards creating a successful event. As the team at Magnetic Storm have recently discovered, organising events across borders and in different cultures is highly rewarding, despite some challenges.. So next time you do business across borders; be respectful, learn about the host country and give it your best.

SPOTLIGHT

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Boulders Beach, Cape Town © SA Tourism

TOURVEST DESTINATION

MANAGEMENT: INVESTING IN TOURISM’S FUTURE TALENT The tourism industry plays a critical role in the South African economy, and its contribution in terms of spending, employment and impact on the gross domestic product (GDP) cannot be underestimated. However, passionate travel ambassadors for the country are sadly in short supply.

lthough available careers for both local and international students have been considerably impacted by a rapidly changing world influenced by the advent of the digital age, the role of qualified people within the tourism industry is as important as it has always been (and is unlikely to change any time soon).

Investing in certified tour guides Martin Wiest, CEO of Tourvest Destination Management, says: “There has been a definite year on year decrease in the amount of qualified tour guides in the field. Existing guides are getting older and retiring, and there are insufficient people from younger generations to take up the baton.” In an effort to bridge this gap, and having partnered with South Africa’s top training providers, the Tourvest Destination Management Guide Academy offers students the chance to qualify

as a National Culture Tour Guide. The professional training facility combines prescribed theory with a practical component that is directly linked to realworld operations. Students also have the unique opportunity to travel with expert Tourvest Destination Management guides, accessing on-the-job training and mentoring while completing the curriculum. Wiest further advocates the Tourvest Destination Management Guide Academy for future travel consultants; “The skills guides learn during their training are skills that are often lacking in consultants. Because guides get hands-on training, and thus have first-hand experience of our country, they are more adept at building special itineraries for guests.”

Investing in the youth of South Africa The Tourvest Destination Management Learnership Programme sees learners from disadvantaged backgrounds receive

their NQF level-5 certificates from Tourvest Destination Management, following the completion of a course in general travel and tourism through Tourvest Destination Management’s learnership programme. A high percentage of the programme graduates go on to fulltime employment within the Tourvest Integrated Tourism Services fold. Wiest says: “The learnership programme is a sound contributor to broad-based empowerment in that we are able to transfer skills and provide career opportunities to members of impoverished communities. The programme gives the Tourvest Group a hot-house in which to develop and retain its own talent in an industry where quality consultants are scarce. We see the value of investing in these programmes and are motivated to continue presenting them. This programme creates change and gives everybody in South Africa a fair chance of becoming a part of the tourism industry.”

FEATURE

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ALL PROTOCOL OBSERVED What are the challenges facing organisers of government events? Natasha Skoryk finds out.

ieter Swart, of Conference Consultancy South Africa, believes that government events are key to the success of the business-event industry as a whole. “If well considered and designed, business events (meetings, conferences, congresses) will contribute meaningful outcomes [to the economy and the sector as a whole],” says Swart. However, there are a lot of challenges facing planners, venues and suppliers when approaching government. “Some challenges experienced by Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) are the decreasing deadlines for the planning and management of government events,” he says. Unfortunately, despite the massive scale of many government events, organisers are not given sufficient time to plan their events. “This has a direct impact on quality of service and the product (the event) and subsequently on the outcomes. Far too often considerable time is spent on the internal event approval processes without due consideration for the time it takes to organise the event,” Swart explains. The massive bureaucracy that

faces government event organisers – from the bidding and tender processes to the various additional approval stages, like hiring staff, assigning responsibilities and so forth – can result in events that are not as well-executed as they could have been under a looser management structure. “Omissions or inaccurate tender specifications frequently cause delays due to insufficient budgets or other complication,” adds Swart. He further suggests: “Although this challenge is not unique to government events, it is highly recommended that a mechanism be found to support government with qualified knowledge in this regard.” According to Swart, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) can assist planners and government alike to create a smoother process for all. In the end, government’s rigid and complex bureaucratic system can be seen to be undermining the unique skills and knowledge business-event organisers bring to the table. The South African Government Communicators’ Handbook, produced in 2015 by the Department

of Communication, offers a rigorous set of guidelines for event organisers and planners to follow. It also poses rudimentary questions such as “What must the event include and what must it not include?” and “Where will the event be held? What are the positives and negatives of this area/venue?” While this sort of micromanagement and bureaucratic ‘efficiency’ could be seen as helpful for those in early stages of their career, they serve to detract from the vast knowledge business-event organisers in South Africa already have. It seems ironic that a leading international destination for business events, like South Africa, would feel the need to produce such a basic document. On the other hand, organisers often lack sufficient knowledge regarding protocol that needs to be observed at government events. This, perhaps, is the most pivotal difference between government events and standard commercial ones. “The importance of protocol knowledge when planning events that are attended by people whose positions are listed in The Official Table of Precedence is sometimes

FEATURE

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Pieter Swart (left), all images courtesy © Conference Consultancy South Africa

grossly underestimated,” says Swart. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) defines protocol as simply “the correct behaviour of a State/organisation/ institution.” It is then divided into two levels: the State Level, which refers to intra-national matters, and the Diplomatic Level, which regulates the diplomatic and consular corps. Often, though, this “correctness” is not researched fully by event organisers. This can pose major problems. “Explained by a dear friend of mine, generally considered to be the Doyenne of Protocol Training in South Africa, Helena Burger, if an etiquette mistake is made, the consequences will always reflect on oneself but when making a protocol mistake, the consequences always reflect on your guest and that is serious, especially in diplomatic circles. Wars have started this way,” Swart warns. No matter how stressful a project, event planners and managers who are working in commercial circles don’t have to worry about starting wars – but those servicing government cannot be as certain! “Event organisers need a thorough knowledge of protocol and how it applies to official events. Protocol training is available from several qualified protocol practitioners,” says Swart. Helena Burger – mentioned by Swart as a leading expert in this field – is but one such trainer.

Other prominent figures include Courtenay Carey, Kane Pretorius and Fraser Carey. If one’s event features anyone on the Official Table of Precedence (or even if an event is simply reflecting government) then having a thorough grasp of protocol is crucial. What are some of the aspects of an event determined by protocol? “Draping the flag over every- and anything is not permitted,” says Swart. The flag must be displayed in ways that are outlined in the Government Gazette. This means that the flag must never touch the ground or be used as a drape or tablecloth. It can never be used to cover a plaque, statue or corner stone at unveiling ceremonies. It may never have designs, slogans or words of any kind on it. These sorts of details are incredibly important for government event organisers to bear in mind. “Knowing the seniority of office bearers will determine seating plans, arrival sequences, invitations to the guest of honour and understanding the implication thereof,” he explains further. A failure to handle these correctly can result in “serious embarrassment and on the opposite end of that scale, a diplomatic disaster.” While DIRCO outlines protocol rules in South Africa, these are in line with international standards. International standards for protocol were determined by the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations and on Diplomatic Relations, both held in 1961. Prior to these conventions,

The international rules for protocol allow for a measure of consistency in government events across all parts of the world; they form a so-called “rulebook” for event organisers to play by, and are especially crucial at the Diplomatic Level.

international relations were determined through bilateral agreements, entered into by specific countries. Naturally, such a system would be chaotic in the interdependent and inter-connected world of the 21st Century. The international rules for protocol allow for a measure of consistency in government events across all parts of the world; they form a so-called “rulebook” for event organisers to play by, and are especially crucial at the Diplomatic Level. The government event sector is a lucrative one, and there is plenty for expert organisers and suppliers to do – as long as all protocol is observed.

FEATURE |

Greening

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MORE THAN

A BUZZWORD

Natasha Skoryk explores what the industry is doing to make business events “greener”, more responsible and more sustainable.

Hotel Verde has built itself as the greenest hotel in Africa – and it’s created a brand around thrivability.

he business-events sector has been far more focused on sustainability in recent years than in preceding decades. “A number of SA companies are adopting sustainable event practices,” says Justin Hawes, Marketing Chair of the Event Greening Forum. This reflects trends across the industry. “Conscious consumerism is on the rise,” says Jane Edge of Fair Trade Tourism. Customers and businesses alike are increasingly focused on providing long-term, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria, for instance, has launched Sustainable Green Meetings packages. Their marketing material states: “[We have] introduced Sustainable Meetings with the intention of reducing our carbon footprint. This simple and effective way of conducting meetings will reduce your impact on the environment by means of reduction in paper wastage, power conservation and even by selecting a menu prepared with local produce only.” These efforts have been a success. While some of

the steps are invisible to clients (for example, energy-saving bulbs), the Sheraton has found that many consumers are becoming more aware of the environment. The hotel’s marketing consultant, Abigail Barack, explains: “Many guests will book without knowing about all the efforts we make to be more environmentally friendly, once they are aware most will opt for sustainable measures. They especially appreciate the paper-saving efforts we encourage.” While the Sheraton has on-boarded many greening initiatives, other brands are built almost entirely around sustainability. Edge says, “[A big trend is] creating really cool brands, Hotel Verde, one of our clients, has built itself as the greenest hotel in Africa – and it’s created a brand around thrivability. They’ve created this concept called thrivability. And they have a whole report around thrivability and all their guests are encouraged to become part of this thrivable community. It’s very cool, it’s very trendy. You can power your bike in the gym and then earn virtual coins that you

can go and spend… So they created a really cool brand around being responsible.” Spier, in the Western Cape, has also positioned sustainability as key to its brand. From farm-to-table restaurants to protecting resident wildlife, the estate has made longterm sustainability a priority. This has been especially vital in the throes of the current water crisis. “Spier has a Water From Air™ machine,” Hawes explains with regards to the mechanisms which have allowed the estate to continue operating in a responsible way, despite the challenges facing the province. “It draws in air, condenses it into water and purifies it so it is drinkable. This one machine can generate as much as 45 000 litres of water a month. They also have an eco-friendly wastewater treatment that recycles 100% of the farm’s grey and black waste water,” he says. Major business events have placed a major focus on sustainability. Hawes says: “Africa’s Travel Indaba hired an independent sustainability consultant to conduct a baseline audit of the recent 2018 show.

Greening |

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This audit will measure the carbon footprint of the event and provide data-driven recommendations on how to improve its results – which will be used to guide the planning and practices for next year’s show.” These sorts of trends within the eventing industry are becoming more and more visible and pertinent – especially as suppliers, clients and attendees alike all care more about the impact they’re having on the world. Barack says: “Increasingly, guests are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and it is up to brands to remain in line with what customers’ needs may be. To remain relevant and ensure customer satisfaction we have to have these options available to them. Aside from this, it is also important for each person and company to make efforts to ensure we remain as environmentally conscious as possible and make efforts to lessen the impact we have on it.” The trend towards a greener, more responsible world is very much international. So is South Africa in line with international expectations regarding sustainability? “I think we are – and in many regards we

are leading the way,” says Hawes. “For example, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) introduced the Sustainable Development Awards in 2012. These awards attract a number of entries from around the world. And yet, for every year since its inception except for 2014, at least one South African company has received an award or a best practice mention.” Specifically, Hawes points out the Cape Town International Convention Centre as a consistent presence on this awards list. This shows that our venues are very much coming on board, and ensuring that they are meeting (and exceeding) global standards for sustainability. That said, Hawes believes eventing professionals can still improve upon their sustainability practices: “Events are creative and dynamic, which means there is nearly always a more sustainable solution available to you, and one which does not have to cost a lot of money.” Unfortunately, many businesses and professional fail to do this. “Younger events tend to be more focused on the bottom line and therefore sustainability is less of

South African International Renewable Energy Conference 2015

Greening – Meetings Africa

FEATURE 13

a priority,” says Hawes. But the interest is there. He adds: “The Event Greening Forum offered free event greening training at the start of this year, sponsored by the South Africa National Convention Bureau. All three cities where we hosted the training – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban – had a great turn-out of hugely curious and engaged participants.” The lack of action from smaller shows and business can often be the result of a lack of attention to planning or foresight, and a prioritisation of the many other aspects of the event over sustainability. “You need time to come up with this solution, and you need to make sure you communicate it effectively with the whole team so they are on board with your vision and understand it. In this way, you can pull off really amazing sustainable feats,” says Hawes. Given the amount of attention the topic is getting, the greater demand from consumers and clients, and the increasing support for “greening” practices (through organisations like the Event Greening Forum and Fair Trade), these sorts of “feats” are likely to get ever more commonplace.

Spier Hotel Boardroom

Spier Sustainable recycling waste

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Scan Display designed the infrastructure at Meetings Africa 2018

TRENDS IN EXHIBITION

STAND DESIGN

Natasha Skoryk finds exhibition stand suppliers are increasingly focused on providing sustainable, “green” solutions for their clients – while simultaneously looking to improve experiences for attendees.

he biggest change in recent years within the exhibition stand design industry has been a laser-like focus on providing sustainable solutions. “’Green’ has become a buzzword for sustainable, safe, energy efficient and/ or economic’ […] Essentially sustainability just means a better planning,” says Gary Van der Watt of Resource Design. Justin Hawes, of Scan Display, has also noticed a shift in client and supplier expectations: “The use of fabric on stands is a trend that continues to grow, both internationally and in South Africa. This is because it has a number of benefits,

such as: lower long-term costs due to its suitability for re-use and lower transport costs […] Another big trend we are seeing around the world and at home is the raw (untreated) wood look, which taps into a broader trend of using natural materials and being more sustainable.” The move towards growing sustainability has been on show at the Exhibition Stand Awards for most of the recently hosted major events in South Africa; including Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba and World Travel Market Africa. Resource Design, a company explicitly focused on creating sustainable

stands and minimising environmental impact, emerged victorious at all three. According Van der Watt, Resource Design’s director, this fits in neatly with a broader international movement. “[The] international trend is to look beyond green ‘’icing’’ and address bulk use of materials, logistics, labour, source of materials, repurposing, reuse and recycling,” he says. Hawes gives a particular example of his company’s focus on reusing long-term, sustainable solutions. “[At Meetings Africa we] built [the moveable infrastructure] with raw wood frames, fitted with beautiful shweshwe and Venda fabric (rather than

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printing branding or graphics that would date). What I loved about this approach is that we have been able to incorporate a lot of this same stock at Africa’s Travel Indaba – creating a truly sustainable solution, because of its ongoing reusability,” says Hawes. This was a creative solution to what easily could have been a difficult task – the layout at Meetings Africa required seven major shifts in the three days of the event. It featured a hosted buyers’ area, a sustainability village, a conference venue, and spaces for cocktails and smaller events. While the growing ‘greening’ movement described above definitely falls in line with global trends and expectations, focusing too much on international movements may be misplaced. “We mistakenly look to international influence to guide local sustainability. Local is more than ‘’lekka’’ – it’s critical to sustainability: as South Africans we have a misplaced concept that some mystical ‘’foreign’’ invention will magically free us from our wasteful practices. We forget that most sustainable solutions have originated in the countries that they work best in,” cautions Van der Watt. It is therefore vital for local designers and suppliers to think more deeply and carefully about ways they can reduce their environmental impact. Van der Watt cites one particular example where South Africa is, in fact, leading the eventing industry in matters of sustainability. “Xanita (a local product)

is recognised as a world benchmark for sustainability. Although successfully used in 26 countries internationally it can never be as successful as what it is in SA – as this is where it is born, it has short logistics lines, local labour is well suited to use it, there is an easily available recycling avenue,” he says. It remains imperative for more examples like this to be found – and for South African solutions to be presented in answer to South African challenges. But while ‘greening’ events is a major focus amongst event organisers, clients and exhibition stand designers, it is not the only shift that’s taken place in the industry. “In our experience, international trends in our industry are fully customer focused on how attendees experience innovation and process improvement, enabled by technology. Customer centric experience (CCX) is transforming businesses globally and technology is therefore, required to be integrated, user-oriented and highly effective,” says Gill Gibbs of ConCept G Exhibitions and Events. In response to expectations around customer experiences, exhibition stand suppliers are increasingly integrating technology into their designs. “Where budget permits, extended reality (XR) is sought after,” she adds. XR includes Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Virtuality (AV). Gibbs Explains: “This is an entire spectrum from “the complete real” to “the complete virtual”, an extension of human experiences

Meetings Africa © 3v Communications

especially relating to the senses of existence (represented by VR) and the acquisition of cognition (represented by AR). Taking all technologies into account, the most important element of a project is to understand the attendee and how they want to interact with technology.” No matter what shifts take place in the industry or what trends are in vogue, South Africa’s top exhibition stand designers are ready to tackle them. “Project excellence is achieved not only through thorough planning and co-ordination, it is about the wealth of experience that encompasses the design, planning, implementation and realisation teams,” says Gibbs. This sort of expertise and attention to detail has allowed Gibbs and her team to succeed on massively challenging projects such as the Robertson’s Reinvention Kitchen – a pop-up restaurant that changed theme daily over five days, and required ConCept G Exhibitions and Events to changeover themes every night of the event. Rising to the challenge paid off; at the EIA Awards Evening in January 2018, they won the category prize for Memorable Events. Of course, it’s not just about individual companies or one-off successes. Looking to the future, Hawes says: “We are currently involved in a number of projects in Rwanda, Mauritius and Kenya. They are exciting as I feel that we are introducing lots of new ideas to the rest of Africa. It is wonderful to see “Africa rising”!”

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

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AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

HIGHLIGHTS FROM

All images © South African Tourism

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AFRICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

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100 WAYS TO FIND

THE MADIBA IN YOU

outh African Tourism and the Nelson Mandela Foundation have partnered in a unique initiative that will allow for all South Africans and visitors from outside the country to experience some of Madiba’s favourite travel spots and the places he enjoyed visiting. As part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations, South African Tourism has identified 100 experiences, attractions and destinations around South Africa that have strong historical and social ties to his life. Madiba, a global icon who was adored all around the world as intensely as he was at home, spent much time travelling to, and living in various parts of our beautiful country, creating memories and inspiring hope for those around him. As a result, the chosen 100 experiences, attractions and destinations depict the story of his journey, which has become familiar to the global community. This showcase of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s memory can be found on the Madiba’s Journey App, which allows users to view the attractions on a map, build their itineraries and share their

own journeys on social media. Visitors can also experience the emotion and relevance of each location through audio, text and image galleries. The app also offers real-time weather information, distances and details of nearby attractions. “The significance of launching this initiative at Africa’s Travel Indaba is to commemorate the lifetime of service Nelson Mandela gave to South Africa and the world”, says SA Tourism COO Sthembiso Dlamini. “His commitment to and vision for South Africa is aptly tied to our journey as one of the key players in South Africa’s economic discourse: bringing socio-economic value to communities, and continuously forging partnerships with various organisations that provide SMMEs in the tourism sector with intensive training, mentoring and upskilling.” To this end, Tourism Month celebrations in September will take place in the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela’s province of birth. In a bid to encourage travellers to explore some of the attractions dearest to Madiba’s memory, Nelson Mandela Centenary content and deals packages will be made available on South

Nelson Mandela, Capture Site near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal © SA Tourism

African Tourism’s owned platforms. Delegates at the trade show, which was aptly themed “Africa’s Stories, Your Success”, were immersed in a number of experiences that pay homage to Madiba’s layered and nuanced life. They journeyed through some of the most notable places associated with his life such as the Eastern Cape where he was born, Vilakazi Street where he lived as a young lawyer, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site where he was found and detained, and finally, Robben Island where he spent almost two decades as a political prisoner. Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation described this initiative as one that will “take Madiba’s legacy to another level both in South Africa and globally in terms of recognising his values of transformation and unity”, adding that it is “important to build a value-based society because that was in line with Madiba’s vision for our continent”. “I also want to thank SA Tourism for their role in ensuring that we portray the legacy of Nelson Mandela during this special centenary year,” concluded Hatang.

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

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THE ART OF STORYTELLING MARKETING:

Four of South Africa’s storytelling experts shared their thoughts on how to tell our stories in more compelling ways, and how the tourism industry can – and will – benefit through the art of telling stories.

To that effect, the panel’s purpose was framed as being about more than just dealing with platforms and mediums. It was, at the end of the day, all about people. Storyteller and Poet, Gcina Mhlophe © South African Tourism

ith moderator Kojo Baffoe at the helm, the three panellists for this session were Nokugcina Mhlophe, Professor Anton Harber and Fred Felton. Mhlophe is a freedom fighter, activist, poet, actor, director and one of the few female storytellers working in South Africa. Harber is a journalism stalwart, having helmed the Mail & Guardian and eNCA, before moving into academia. Felton is a social media expert, and a proud Durbanite. Baffoe opened the panel with a brief comment on how stories aren’t about platforms. He called the focus on platforms – that is Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and so forth: “the greatest lie the geeks ever told us.” To that effect, the panel’s purpose was framed as being about more than just dealing with platforms and mediums. It was, at the end of the day, all about people. Storytelling was highlighted as a key way of attracting tourists. Baffoe said: “the only reason I’m going to visit a particular place is because of the stories in this place”

Journalist, Dr Anton Harber © South African Tourism

and that locals remain the “custodians of those stories.” Mhlophe then reflected on her personal reasons for travelling, which has been part of her life for the last 33 years, and said that when she comes back from a trip, she “want[s] to share stories of those spaces and those places.” It is those stories – and their custodians – that draw in new visitors. Harber expanded on this idea, by bringing up the recent political turmoil in the United States. “We don’t stop visiting,” he said. “We know it’s a country that can produce not just Donald Trump, but also Barack Obama!” That was because as a global audience we acknowledged the complexity of U.S stories, and we get beyond particular stereotypes. He reiterated: “We have to take our international audience beyond the stereotype.” There were plenty of specific ideas suggested that would help those in the tourism industry do just that. Felton explained that a key way of

disseminating stories on social media required acknowledging that everyone is different and that for every ‘hater’, there would be someone who loves the content produced. “Post compelling stories,” he said, citing the recent SAA air hostess whose photo went viral after she strapped a passenger’s baby onto her back and rocked it to sleep. He went on to suggest connecting with other bloggers and paid influencers. He encouraged those in the travel industry to choose platforms specifically geared towards the field – like Tripadvisor – in order to hit the “people who actually want your business.” But Mhlophe insisted that it’s not possible to take everything digital: “You still need person-to-person interaction, people need to tell stories to one another.” That sentiment – with its acknowledgement of the growing rise of digital content alongside the need to still recognise one another’s humanity and individuality – perfectly summed up this dynamic and exciting panel discussion.

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

Mmatšatši Ramawela, Chief Tourism and Marketing Officer of TOMSA © SA Tourism

Lindi Mthethwa, Regional sales manager at African Sun Hotel © SA Tourism

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Mrs Tesa Chikaponya, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority © SA Tourism

DOMESTIC TOURISM TRENDS This informative presentation and panel discussion gave audience members plenty to think about regarding the different ways businesses can increase domestic tourism.

“

harity begins at home,” moderator Mmatšatši Ramawela announced at the start of this event. She went on to list the many advantages domestic tourism brings – beyond the more obvious economic ones. These included increased pride in the country and a greater respect for international tourists. “We need to get our own people to travel our own country,” she said. Unfortunately, according to fellow panellist Annareth Bolton, domestic tourism in South Africa has actually been on the decline since 2015. This is most likely because, as Tesa Chikaponya of the Zimbabwe National Convention Bureau pointed out, the main driver of domestic tourism is disposable income and the recent recession in South Africa has decreased this budget amongst local residents. “32% of South Africans can’t afford to travel,” said the last panellist, Lindiwe Mthethwa. Overall, though, the discussion focused on Africa as a whole, rather than getting locked into the nitty-gritty of the South African economy. “We need to cultivate the culture of

saving,” Chikaponya said. She and Mthethwa both raised the possibility of packaging travel deals on credit, in a “fly now, pay later” arrangement. After all, the culture of purchasing on credit already exists around Africa. Mthethwa suggested it might be easier to have people pay off a holiday associated with great memories than it is for them to save towards one – especially given what she perceives as the lack of a ‘travel culture’ around the continent. Additionally, the need for more low-cost airlines was brought up. Bolton gave specific examples of things businesses could do to attract more domestic tourists. These included telling unique and compelling stories about destinations (she recounted the dramatic rise in visitors – from 100 to 3 000 – Vergenoegd Wine Estate saw when their branding and ‘story’ began to centre on the estate’s duck population), focusing intensively on food and wine (in the Western Cape, this sector has grown by 16% in the last year), and creating more culturally immersive experiences for visitors. She also suggested

setting up events to draw in new visitors. Chikaponya reiterated the latter point and cited the Victoria Falls Carnival as a successful example of the eventing trend in domestic tourism. Since its inception, the New Year music festival has attracted a vast number of Zimbabweans, as well as a growing number of international visitors. Eventing allows for a “good geographical spread” of domestic tourism, Chikaponya explained. All of the panellists agreed that marketing – and perhaps even the packages themselves – have to be tailored towards domestic tourists. At the end of the day, Mthethwa wanted to know: “What do we do for the locals?” And this question had no easy answer. But whether it’s translating content marketing material into local languages, setting up more inclusive visual marketing campaigns, or offering special pricing deals for domestic tourists, the audience and panel shared plenty of ideas on how to build a more well-travelled and integrated Africa.

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

VICTIMS

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TO VICTORS

Dealing with crises within the African travel industry.

Ten Steps for Troubleshooting in Tough Times: Phase One: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare • Assess your risks or vulnerabilities • Assemble and train a great team • Keep the chain of approval short • Identify your mobilisation and listening tools • Practise, practise, practise

Mmatšatši Ramawela, Chief Tourism and Marketing Officer of Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) © South African Tourism

ravel and tourism at both an international and domestic levels is taking place in an increasingly complex and disruptive global environment. The disruptions range from innovative technology to violence and terrorism, disease and natural disasters. This panel discussion unpacked the issue of addressing disruptions and resilience in the African context. The session was moderated by Mmatšatši Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), who asked the panellists about the current crisis management landscape in South Africa, and if we are prepared enough for the myriad crises that face us. The panel addressed the lessons we can draw from other regions and what key considerations exist for improving resilience and dealing with crisis to strengthen tourist confidence in destination Africa. Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism says, “It is important not to be reactive. This can only be ensured by becoming resilient, which means preparation. Destinations need to see themselves as businesses. When crises hit, we immediately look to government. The response to the crisis must come from public/private collaboration and intervention.” Enver illustrated the recent

crisis response efforts in Cape Town, which stemmed from water scarcity. The Day Zero message loomed large over Capetonians and visitors alike, and while it scared off some potential tourists and investors, it did effect a change in lifestyle for locals, who have adapted to the new normal. Wendy Masters, founder of The Phoenix Partnership, says that, “As perception affects the economies of entire regions, advance planning and collaboration agreements must be in place long before the crisis hits. The initial response to a crisis will shape its fate, with the first three days a critical determinant of where you will end up.” Naledi Khabo elaborated on the complex issue of crisis media management, as crises on the continent have negative impacts for almost all other African countries, citing the Ebola pandemic. “There is a reliance on traditional media outlets to disseminate information to the world, and when a crisis story airs, there is almost never a follow up or resolution. I think the entire continent has been in a long-term media imperception cycle. But the responsibility is ours to tell our stories.” Naledi went on to say that the level of ignorance around the African narrative is distressing, and the perception crisis needs to be addressed aggressively as the continent offers far more than wildlife experiences.

Phase Two: When a Crisis Hits – STOP, Assess, then Act • Brief your crisis communications team • Disseminate crafted response within the hour • Monitor reaction across all media platforms Phase 3: Recovering After the Storm • Follow words with actions • Look at what you learnt, what was done right, and what could be better next time • Then return to the beginning of the list!

Jerry Mabena, Chief Executive Officer of Thebe Services Division at Thebe Investment Corporation, responding to Mmatšatši’s question about inaction, said that where we have failed is in unifying stakeholders and not defining a clear vision. “Crisis can lead to a change in behaviour. We tend to be complacent, but it is during times of crisis that we must galvanise all parties. He also touched on Afrophobia, and the fact that people are afraid of what they don’t know, saying, “The media is dominated by those that don’t like the African narrative. He suggested a change in the way tourism is structured, suggesting that “tourism must be taken to the grassroots level, and let the people own it.”

AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2018

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THE ROBOTS

ARE COMING

An all-star panel of tech gurus discussed tourism in the 4th industrial revolution, as part of Africa's Travel Indaba’s Business Conversations series.

anel moderator Aki Anastasiou opened the discussion with the following sentiment: “Technology is coming for this industry.” His panellists were Paul de Waal, an engineer who created Wetu (a content platform for the tourism industry), and digital marketing expert Jarred Cinman. The three engaged in a lively discussion, at one point even quipping: “the robots are coming!” If they are, let’s hope they don’t replace panellists! De Waal’s project came about because, when he was trying to book holidays, he found the travel industry to be “completely antiquated.” He proposed a solution – a one-stop data bank where clients could get all of the content about their proposed travels. Brochures and itineraries were thus digitised. “We didn’t want to

reinvent the industry,” De Waal said, “we just wanted to do it better.” Anastasiou assented: “There’s always ways of doing things better.” All three panellists see technology as allowing us to do things better – and that’s why they find it exciting. Cinman believes that a major shift in the world, over the course of the last 20 years, has been from a top-down structure to a more participatory society. In part, this has resulted in the rise of the sharing economy, where it’s possible to start a side business through technology. Cinman cited Airbnb and the rise in local audio guidebooks as examples of this. The other aspect of a participatory society has been that people now do far more research on the experiences they plan to purchase. “One of the biggest behavioural changes

Virtual Reality offers exciting possibilities for the tourism sector © South African Tourism

that we’ve seen is that people spend more time researching,” Cinman said. That is why it is crucial for destinations and operators to provide compelling content. It should be visual and immersive and really convey a sense of the destination. Internationally, there has been a massive push towards visual storytelling, and De Waal’s platform acknowledges this. Anastasiou was very optimistic about the future of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in this regard. His panellists were more sceptical of it, though they were also interested in some of the related technologies that have been on the rise. An example cited was Google Walkthrough, which can be used in the tourism industry to allow hotels to showcase their rooms, suites and facilities, so as to encourage prospective visitors. Unfortunately, as De Waal pointed out: “Africa gets a very small percentage of leisure travel.” As such, African operators and destinations have to work harder to produce smarter, better and more engaging content because of international biases and suspicions regarding the continent. When it comes to technology, Cinman believes that in Africa, “Everyone’s getting it wrong.” He urged locals to think bigger and to be more imaginative. That is the only way to compete with the big U.S. tech companies, who are coming in and decimating local industries. Anastasiou mentioned another specific failing in local technology use: despite the fact that most research is done on mobile devices, South African tourism websites are rarely optimised for mobile platforms. This is an easy thing to fix! De Waal, though, was more optimistic. “It’s Africa’s turn,” he said. Despite his earlier concerns, Cinman agreed with that sentiment. “We’ve got the most amazing continent,” he said, to which the audience heartily agreed.

IMEX FRANKFURT

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IMEX TAKES THE

INDUSTRY FORWARD Creativity and experiences in the meetings and events sector took a great step forward at IMEX in Frankfurt.

rom new events at EduMonday to the spectacular and sensational Learning Labs and Live Zone there were major new initiatives and experiences throughout the show, extending the borders of the industry into new areas. In addition, new activities around legacy focussed minds on the impact of the industry on the future. The result was what IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom described as “the most creative and spectacular IMEX yet, generating vitality and energy throughout the show.” “The imagination and vibrancy of the stand designs are highly impressive, so too the thought and effort that has gone into them. They represent substantial investment that gives a strong indication of the industry’s confidence and resilience.” This confidence was also evident in the engagement between exhibitors and buyers at the show. Almost 9 000 hosted buyers and visitors attended IMEX 2018 and made 68 000 appointments. 74% of all buyer/ exhibitor appointments had mini RFPs attached. Altogether the show created many thousands of opportunities to do business. With technology a growing feature of the market and the show, IMEX has provided new opportunities for buyers to ask for independent guidance,‘testdrive’ technology products and see what companies have to offer by bringing this

all together around the new Tech Café.

Eye-catching and sensational innovations The eye-catching and sensational innovations in Hall 9 including the C2 SkyLab - the chance to experience a meeting in midair and In the Dark Lab made a tremendous impact on buyers and exhibitors alike. The Labs were brought to the show by the IMEX Group’s new partner, the market leading business events specialists C2 International. The Live Zone which showcased live entertainment acts and activities, and the new Co-working Campus by Zeus Event Tech are also the results of new partnerships with Best of Events, memo-media and Zeus. Ray Bloom added: “We’re delighted to be working with our new partners and would like to thank them – and all our long-standing partners – for their valuable help and collaboration in truly enhancing the IMEX experience this week.” Ray Bloom added that it had been an honour to have Gloria Guevara Manzo as keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony and that her eloquent, passionate, challenging speech had made a great impression on the audience. The new Legacy Wall, a focus for this Talking Point, sparked many reflective thoughts about the role of the industry.

Exhibitors contributed more than 50 interesting case studies before the show with buyers adding their stories during the week. Legacy was also explored for the first time in several of the 250 plus education sessions delivered by 168 speakers which took place in the Inspiration Hub. 84% of the sessions were assigned with CEs for CMP certification. The new initiatives started on EduMonday with three successful new events - Rising Talent for young professionals, She Means Business and the Agency Directors Forum. Along with the PCMA Business School, Exclusively Corporate and Association Day, these events provided more tailored content for more specific groups than ever. Ray Bloom summed up saying; “The creative and experiential element of the show has gone so much further than we would have imagined a year ago. “The new ideas, creativity, new experiences and events combined with all the business that has been done have made this a remarkable week for IMEX and this industry.” IMEX in Frankfurt took place 15 – 17 May. IMEX America will take place 16 – 18 October in Las Vegas.

6 - 7 JUNE 2018 Sandton Convention Centre, JHB

WTM AFRICA

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WTM AFRICA 2018

RECORDS 18% INCREASE IN ATTENDEES After a successful three days in the Host City of Cape Town, WTM Africa is pleased to report that its pre-audited statistics show an 18% increase in visitor numbers in comparison to 2017, with over 600 companies exhibiting at this prestigious travel trade exhibition.

All images courtesy of WTM Africa

WTM AFRICA

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WTM Africa 2018 represented a crosssection of over 50 different countries from across the world, with an increase in buyers from Africa in particular who are looking to grow tourism on the continent.

“

e have had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from exhibitors, buyers and attendees of this year’s WTM Africa,” explains Chardonnay Marchesi, South Africa Portfolio Director for Reed Exhibitions’ Travel, Tourism & Sports Portfolio. “We saw an increase in exhibitors, visitor numbers, media and countries represented and are eagerly awaiting the release of the audited numbers for WTM Africa 2018!” Hosted buyers for WTM Africa 2018 represented a cross-section of over 50 different countries from across the world, with an increase in buyers from Africa in particular who are looking to grow tourism on the continent.

2018 also saw buyers from a range of new markets present, including Mexico, Greece, Romania, Spain, Argentina, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Rwanda, Algeria and Ivory Coast. There was a total of 37 African countries represented at WTM Africa across a variety of exhibitors and tourism boards, says Marchesi. “We continue to strengthen our presence as the pre-eminent African travel trade exhibition, and the trust of these exhibitors is testament to that.” Marchesi also reported that media attendance was up by 8% at WTM Africa 2018 when compared to the previous year, indicating a high interest for the exhibition from local and international media.

Looking to book your stand for #WTMA19? Remember that if you book before the end of July, you’ll qualify for the Early Bird discount! Visit www.africa.wtm.com or call +2711 549 8300 for more detail.

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TSHWANE The administrative capital of South Africa has plenty to offer to organisers of business events.

he bustling metropolis – with its alleys of Jacaranda trees and it’s many apartheid and postapartheid monuments – may not be widely celebrated as a tourism destination. But there are many reasons for that to change. There is more to do here on an incentive trip than immediately obvious! Moreover, it has impeccable infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and is incredibly close to South Africa’s main commercial hub in Johannesburg – making this a premier destination for conferencing or other business events.

Key Venues CSIR International Convention Centre Located in the East of Pretoria, the stateof-the-art CSIR Convention Centre can accommodate up to 1000 delegates at a cocktail-style event or exhibition, and up to 700 delegates in breakaway parallel sessions. They can handle all aspects of the event planning, including food and beverages. Furthermore, the centre offers live streaming of events, the live incorporation of Twitter threads within the venue, video conferencing and all business services. www.csiricc.co.za Sheraton Pretoria Hotel The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel has 9 meeting venues, and can accommodate up to 300 delegates in a range of configurations. The hotel is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through greener events, and so offers Sustainable Green Meeting packages. www.sheratonpretoria.com Lynnwood Conference Centre A luxurious, exclusive and modern conference venue located in Pretoria’s leafy suburbs, Lynwood Conference Centre can accommodate up to 70 delegates and is ideal for intimate conferences, training sessions, strat plans, and functions. www.lynnwoodcc.co.za

Pretoria City Hall © Janek Szymanowski Premier Hotel Pretoria Located directly opposite the Union Buildings, the Premier Hotel Pretoria can accommodate up to 300 delegates. It has 6 venues, and offers full event co-ordination and planning – including the provision of AudioVisual equipment. www.premierhotels. co.za/hotels/gauteng/pretoria

Incentive Travel Products If you enjoy exploring history, then Tshwane has a lot to offer, from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, which houses he world-famous Mrs Ples, to iconic architectural landmarks like the Union Buildings, and finally to Freedom Park – a museum and monument

Sheraton Pretoria Hotel Venue

Cinema

Classroom

Banquet

Cocktail

U-shape

Ballroom

300

200

210

Jacaranda 1

210

200

120

300

Jacaranda 2

140

600

100

Jacaranda 3

Union Terrace

180

250

Pool Deck

100

Lynnwood Conference Centre Venue

Cinema

Classroom

Boardroom

U-shape

Wild Peach

Karee

Acacia

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CSIR International Convention Centre

Premier Hotel Pretoria Venue

Cinema

Classroom

Banquet

U-shape

Robben Island 1

Area m2 39

Robben Island 2

Robben Island 3

Madiba 1, 2, 3

100

Madiba 1-3

300

200

210

302

Pool Room

Climate Tshwane is located in a summer rainfall area with hot days regularly followed by short and intense thunderstorms in the afternoon. Thunderstorms are often accompanied by lightning and occasionally result in hail. Summer temperatures range between 16°C at night to 30°C during the day. Winters are mild and dry with temperatures averaging between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 20°C.

Currency and Exchange Rate South African Rand (ZAR)

US Dollar (USD)

Euro (EUR)

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

4.06

3.34

25.69

Disclaimer: These figures relate to April 2018, but are subject to change.

Tshwane has a lot to offer, from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, which houses he world-famous Mrs Ples, to iconic architectural landmarks.

Access Wonderboom Airport is located in Pretoria, only fifteen minutes from the city’s CBD. The airport is small and doesn’t do international flights, but does connect Pretoria to Cape Town and can also be used for charter flights. Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg is about 40 minutes away from Pretoria, and O.R. Thambo International Airport – which services all major international destinations – is a mere 52km away.

to the anti-apartheid struggle. Another interesting spot to visit is the National Heritage Monument – also known as the ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ – in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve. The park is also home to a number of species of game, like zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, ostrich and impala. If you’re after wildlife, you can also game spot in the Reitvlei Nature Reserve, which is owned and managed by the local municipality. And there’s a reason Pretoria is known as ‘Jacaranda City’ – between September and November, when the iconic purple trees are in bloom, simply wandering the city is a treat for the senses. In short, Tshwane has both cultural and natural activities to keep visitors engaged and entertained for the duration of their stay. It is also within easy driving distance of the Cradle of Humankind and Pilanesberg National Park.

Contacts South Africa National Convention Bureau Headquarters: Bojanala House, 90 Protea Road, Chislehurston, Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 895 3000 Email: travel@southafrica.net Website: www.southafrica.net/gl/en/ business Gauteng Tourism Authority Headquarters: 124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 11 085 2500 Email: info@gauteng.net Website: www.gauteng.net Tshwane Tourism Association Tel: +27 12 841 4212 Email: secretary@tshwanetourism.com Website: www.tshwanetourism.com

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Safari Court Hotel © Safari Hotels

NAMIBIA There are many reasons why Namibia is a popular destination for conferences and incentive trips – here are several.

irstly, Namibia is a land of natural beauty and sharp contrasts. The iconic landscapes include dunes, deserts, oceans, mountains, rivers and wetlands – to name several! Such variety has led some to call it ‘Africa for Beginners’. The country’s infrastructure is excellent. Access is easy, with several top hotels offering extensive conferencing and expo facilities. Events held in Namibia include the 5th Continental African Conference of Solidarity with Cuba, which was held in June 2017 and

attended by delegates from 26 African states; the International Climate Change Conference (October 2017); the 2017 annual conference of the Southern African Association for Institutional Research; and the 2018 Pathways Africa Conference, which attracted over 200 scientists. Upcoming events include the 9th International Congress of Dipterology.

Key Venues Safari Court Hotel and Conference Centre With 16 meeting rooms, the Safari Court Conference Centre in Windhoek is

The Dome, Swakopmund - Indoor Sport Centre © Rohan Louw

Namibia’s largest conferencing venue. These can accommodate between 10 and 2 400 delegates. The venues form part of the luxurious, four-star Safari Court Hotel, which delegates are sure to enjoy. www.safarihotelsnamibia.com Windhoek Country Club The Windhoek Country Club is one of Namibia’s premier luxury conferencing venues. It can accommodate 800 delegates, and has seven state-ofthe-art meeting rooms that can be

Dead Vlei, Namibia © Panoramas (via Flickr.com)

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configured in various ways. Based on an international golf course, the resort has an on-site casino where delegates can try their luck between sessions. www. legacyhotels.co.za/en/hotels/windhoek The Dome Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Dome Centre in Swakopmund can house 2 000 delegates cinema-style. The centre offers amenities such as event design and marketing, catering, an events coordinator and accommodation at the four-star Bon Hotel. A separate business hub can host 600 delegates with 10 breakaway suites, meeting rooms and lounges for gatherings of up to 30 delegates. www.swakopindoorsport.com

Windhoek Country Club Venue

U-Shape

School Room

Theatre

Banquet

Oryx 1

100

200

400

270

Area m2 371.29

Oryx 1, 2 & 3

200

450

800

540

742.58

Oryx 2

100

200

185.84

Oryx 2 & 3

100

200

400

270

371.28

Oryx 3

100

200

186.64

Oryx 4

42.82

Oryx 5

85.65

Oryx 6

42.82

Oryx 6 & 7

85.65

Oryx 7

42.82

The Dome Cinema

Venue

Area m2

Indoor Sports Centre

6 175m2

4 500 – 5 000

Indoor Sports Conference Centre

2 000

Locker Room Sports Bar & Whiskey Lounge

669m2

100

Bon Hotel Conference Centre

600

10 Breakaway Suites

>30

Safari Court Hotel and Conference Centre

Lüderitz Nest Hotel Based in the seaside town of Luderitz, the Nest Hotel has its own beach and can host up to 200 conference delegates. It is perfect for more intimate conferences, team building events and company retreats. www.nesthotel.com

Incentive Travel Products Nambia is a phenomenal destination for safari inventives! Not only does it house Africa’s largest game park – the Namib-Naukluft Park – and the beloved Etosha National Park, there are also many private game reserves. Visitors can see big cats, elephants, rhinos, lions and many Cape fur seals. With the world’s largest population of free-range rhinos, visitors can also go rhino-tracking. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy quad-biking, sand-boarding, skydiving, kayaking – and much more! The history of colonialism makes for a deeply moving foray in Nambian culture in the cities, which include museums, food tours and walkabouts.

Venue

Cinema

Classroom

Banquet

Cocktail

Boardroom

Grand Ballroom

2 400

1 700

1 200

3 000

Kuiseb Room

1 200

800

600

1 000

Omatako Room

1 200

800

600

1 000

The Ugab

The Brandberg

The Gamsberg

Climate

Access Getting to Namibia is easy. Flights connect daily from all major airports in South Africa, as well as from London and Frankfurt on a regular basis. The biggest international airport in Namibia is Chief Hosea Kutako International Airport – about 40km outside Windhoek. Eros Airport (Windhoek) is available for charter flights. There are also airports in Walvis Bay and Luderitz. The following airlines service Namibia: • Air Namibia • British Airways • South African Airways • KLM • Ethiopian Airlines • Eurowings • Condor Flugdienst • Qatar Airways • TAAG Angola Airlines A large network of charter air-carriers exist in Namibia, offering assistance where commercial airlines aren’t able to.

With 300 sunny days per year, Namibia is one of the world’s sunniest countries. The best time to visit is the ‘dry season’ between May and October, when the weather is milder and affords great game viewing.

Currency and Exchange Rate Namibian Dollar (NAD)

South African Rand (ZAR)

US Dollar (USD)

Euro (EUR)

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

4.06

3.34

25.69

Disclaimer: These figures relate to April 2018, but are subject to change.

Contacts Namibia Tourism Board Namibian Office: C/O Haddy & Sam Nujoma Drive, Windhoek, Namibia Telephone: +264 61 290 6000 Email: info@namibiatourism.com.na Website: www.namibiatourism.com.na

EVENTS TO DIARISE

JUNE MARKEX 6–7 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA MADEX 6–7 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA COMRADES MARATHON EXPO 7–9 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA THE TOPS WINE SHOW 7–9 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA THE FIRE AND FEAST MEAT FESTIVAL 8 – 10 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA THE WEDDING EXPO CAPE TOWN 9 – 10 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA SAPICS 2018 10 – 13 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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AFRICA RAIL 12 – 13 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

RETAIL SOLUTIONS AFRICA 21 – 23 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

WATER AFRICA 13 – 15 ACCRA, GHANA

INTERNATIONAL FAIR OF LISBON 23 JUNE – 1 JULY LISBON, PORTUGAL

CHINA TRADE WEEK KENYA 13, 15, 18 NAIROBI, KENYA

SAITEX AFRICA 24 – 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

IFSEC INTERNATIONAL 19 – 21 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

AFRICA HOSPITALITY WEEK 24 – 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SAPOA CONVENTION 19 – 21 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICA’S BIG 7 24 – 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

FIREX INTERNATIONAL 19 – 21 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

THE HOTEL SHOW AFRICA 24 – 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EVENTS TO DIARISE

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AUGUST

AIPC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 1–4 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

SMART FACTORIES WEST AFRICA 2–4 ACCRA, GHANA

SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRANSPORT CONFERENCE 9 – 12 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE WEST AFRICA 2–4 ACCRA, GHANA

GLOBAL TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 12 – 14 HOLLYWOOD, USA

100% DESIGN SOUTH AFRICA 8 – 12 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EDU WEEK 15 – 16 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

DECOREX JOBURG 8 – 12 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

POWER-GEN AFRICA 17 – 19 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

OPEN DESIGN FESTIVAL CAPE TOWN 10 – 19 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

MINE ENTRA 18 – 20 BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE THE WEDDING EXPO DURBAN 28 – 29 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA SAACI CONGRESS 29 – 31 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

MAMAMAGIC DURBAN 24 – 26 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA THE WEDDING EXPO JOHANNESBURG 25 – 26 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA MERCURY WINE WEEK 29 – 31 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA CHINA HOMELIFE SOUTH AFRICA 32 AUGUST – 2 SEPTEMBER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA HOMEMAKERS EXPO 30 – 2 SEPTEMBER CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

JULY

ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

Carol Weaving Chairperson of AAXO

A VISUAL FEAST: GO BEYOND STATIC TO AMAZING Taking part in exhibitions is an investment that requires careful attention to detail to deliver a good return. Getting the most out of your event participation means considering the environment your customers live and work in; and what today’s consumers expect. In a nutshell, modern consumers expect to be engaged, entertained and amazed. Static and traditional is no longer good enough in any sphere – whether it’s media, entertainment, retail or exhibitions. The AAXO ROAR awards, staged annually recognises talented and dedicated industry professionals, and highlighting innovations that are possible with a little creative thinking and additional investment. These annual awards showcase excellence in stand and visual design as a major category. The trends we’re seeing among ROAR stars and global industry leaders is for exhibition space to become an interactive, immersive world-unto-itself within the broader show floor. Using digital panels, suspended 3D displays, interactive kiosks and virtual reality, canny marketers are creating environments that appeal to all the senses, if possible. Show visitors can now smell, touch, taste, hear and actually experience the products in as many ways as the exhibitor can manage.

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At the same time, exhibitors should avoid the temptation to over-clutter their stands. With only seconds to stand out from the crowd and make an impression, the stand needs to immediately speak to the products and services on show, making use of the full height above the space; and offering an open and inviting frontage; with easy access and traffic flow for visitors. Subtle touches like the lighting, colours and textiles used in the space speak volumes about the company and its products. Is it a luxury brand or an industrial trendsetter? Is it a comfort product or an edgy innovation? Every detail, from the signage and flooring, through to the brochures, must reflect this. Today’s consumers want the ‘wow’ factor, so to stand out from the crowd, your stand has to amaze and captivate, from the first impression until they walk away with your business card in hand. For more information on AAXO, visit www.aaxo.co.za or contact Llewellyn du Plessis on 011 549 8300 or at llewellyn@aaxo.co.za. All membership inquiries, including a full list of membership benefits and information on how to join, can be directed to aaxo@aaxo.co.za.

GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY CELEBRATIONS (GED) TO TAKE PLACE ON 6 JUNE 2018 GED is a celebration of the exhibition industry as a whole and everyone who works in it. This year’s celebrations are scheduled for 6 June. GED is actively supported by 41 associations as of today, and coordinated by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. GED aims to raise awareness on a global scale of the exhibition industry, how it benefits the economy, and the variety of career opportunities it has to offer. As with previous GED events, industry professionals and students around the world have been very active in the GED online campaign and many organisations are also preparing local events for GED18. Corrado Peraboni, UFI’s President, says: “The GED initiative started in 2016 and the number of participants has grown rapidly over time. Exhibitions are a unique marketing tool for companies and provide a high return on investment for participants as well as the territories where they are held. The exhibition industry deserves stronger recognition and GED is the perfect opportunity to do this!” The following four messages are at the heart of the event: • Exhibitions are a large global industry • Exhibitions are an effective and sustainable way of doing business • Exhibitions can contribute to a sustainable world • The exhibition industry offers a variety of job opportunities For more info visit www.ufi.org or www.globalexhibitionsday.org

ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

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Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has joined a coalition of event industry leaders to stop sexual harassment in the meetings and events industry. The coalition was formed to gather everyone behind a common goal: eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace. In the wake of movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo, every industry must take action to create positive change and end sexual harassment, once and for all. The coalition recognizes that when it comes to these ethical concerns and human rights, we are #StrongerTogether. The coalition will identify tools and developing new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment. Rhonda Brewer, SITE Past President 2015 is representing SITE on the coalition task force. “SITE is deeply committed to providing a supportive professional community where all members are treated with dignity, decency and respect. Upon joining SITE, members agree to abide by a Code of Ethics and Conduct built on mutual trust and a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity and value of all persons. Harassment or intimidation of any kind, included but not limited to sexual harassment, is violation of our professional ethics and should be regarded and treated as such by our members,” she commented. For more info visit www.siteglobal.com

Rudi Van Der Vyver Chief Executive Officer at SAACI

ANOTHER GREAT STRIDE TOWARDS INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALISATION As a founding association of the Council of Events Professionals Africa (CEPA) SAACI is very proud to be associated in the further professionalisation of the business events industry. The launch of CEPA sees internationally recognized professional certifications and designations being placed within the reach of industry professionals and SAACI members alike. CEPA as a professional industry body will assist in the strengthening of the business-events industry through a formal process for industry service providers to obtain certifications and designations on various levels. This will create a formal career path within the industry as well as increase industry service standards and operational excellence. These certifications and designations will be issued based on experience (through submission of a body of evidence)

in the industry and also taking into account prior learning and the need for continued professional development (through a formal CPD program). This is a great stride for the industry toward true professionalisation and the creation of a stable and more secure business environment for both clients and service providers. The designations and certifications will be issued with industry specialties in mind (e.g. conference organisers, exhibition organisers, etc.) SAACI fully supports and endorses this drive to industry professionalisation and we will continue to educate and train the business-events industry in line with these objectives. For further information or details on CEPA and these certifications please contact the SAACI head office or visit the CEPA website on www.cepafrica.org

SITE JOINS COALITION OF EVENT INDUSTRY LEADERS TO STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

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