The Event Issue 7

Issue 07 | 2017

CH IATE MED I C A

AFR

+THE + THE MEANING OF GREENING The SigniďŹ cant Roles Venues and Planners Play in Sustainable Conferencing

+EVENT + EVENT DESIGN

Guiding Principles From Expert Organisers

+THE + THE SEYCHELLES

Idyllic Business Events Destination

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To discover the massive positive impact our bigger and better convention centre can have on your brand or business, contact the CTICC today on +27 21 410 5000 or email sales@cticc.co.za

CONTENTS

www.theevent.co.za

02.

01

bluCube Announces New Branch in Cape Town

04.

The Iceberg: Success Cannot Be Bought

07.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF EVENT DESIGN PCOs share how they design a show, and what techniques work best.

Indaba Misses Buying Cycle for Top Overseas Market

08.

AAXO Launches Into New Era with Associate Membership

10.

Dirk Elzinga: Opportunities for ‘Second Tier’ Destinations

12.

Guiding Principles of Event Design

THE MEANING OF GREENING Event greening is now a necessity, not a luxury or fad, says Susan Reynard.

14.

The Meaning of Greening

18.

Business Events in the Wild

20.

Darryl Erasmus on Tourism Grading

22.

SAACI Congress Celebrates Innovation at Work

BUSINESS EVENTS IN THE WILD Take a refreshing walk on the wild side of conference and event organising.

24.

SAACI Congress 2017 Highlights

26.

Tshwane: A Leader in Knowledge Sharing

30.

The Seychelles: Soft, Sunny Beaches and Idyllic Resort Venues

THE SEYCHELLES ISLANDS Powdery tropical beaches and idyllic resort venues for business events.

32.

Events to Diarise

34.

Associations News

36.

Directory of Advertisers

02

NEWS

www.theevent.co.za

BLUCUBE ANNOUNCES NEW BRANCH IN CAPE TOWN

bluCube Design and Brand Activations is excited to announce the opening of a new branch in Montague Gardens, Cape Town.

T

he offices and factory are only 15 kilometres away from the renowned Cape Town International Convention Centre and five kilometres from Century City Conference Centre.

“The opening of the new bluCube branch in Cape Town is an exciting addition for us as it allows us to bridge the gap between Gauteng and the Western Cape.

The location also positions us to better service our existing clientele while giving us a stepping stone to access prospective clients in the area who exhibit at the major conference centres, have brand activations

or hold conferences and events within the Western Cape area. Located at 16B Dawn Road, the new branch will be a one stop shop, providing the required quality services of special projects, eventing, exhibition activations, design, graphic design and printing as well as project management as part of our commitment to ensuring that more of our loyal clients experience the bluCube promise to evoke inspiration and create impact,” says Thapelo Kobue.

Says Gill Gibbs, CEO, “The opening of our branch offices in Cape Town is a successful growth strategy which will completely change the nature of our

business and increase the value that we bring to our client base. It provides us with the ability to develop on exactly what our clients expect and how to satisfy their expectations over many projects. It allows our whole organisation to feel more closely aligned with our clients and allows both our organisation and that of our clients to move toward achieving multiple long-term goals. Project issues become easier to negotiate because everyone realises that they are going to be collaborating on many projects. There is much room for expansion in the Western Cape and we have identified the strategic benefits of the same’’.

CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE AND HOTEL APPOINTS

WAYNE JOHNSON

Wayne Johnson has been appointed as Sales Ambassador for the Gauteng region.

C

entury City Conference Centre and Hotel (CCCC & H) are proud to announce the recent appointment of Wayne Johnson as Sales Ambassador, servicing the Gauteng region with a primary focus on corporate and business events. Wayne comes with almost two decades of hospitality and sales experience, representing some of South Africa’s most prestigious

Wayne Johnson

properties such as RH Hotels & Resorts, Fancourt and the Three Cities Hospitality Group. He currently serves as the National Chairperson for SAACI (Southern African Association for the Conference Industry) and has been a member of the association for 10 years.

He joins the accomplished sales team to further cement Century City Conference Centre’s position as Cape Town’s leading conference venue.

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04

SPOTLIGHT

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SUCCESS

CANNOT BE BOUGHT

By Katie Reynolds-Da Silva, in partnership with the Iceberg.

We’ve got some great innovations and great developments in science and medical fields; we want to build on this and become thought leaders in that space.

A

frica can no longer throw platitudes and money at the global business-events sector if it expects to see long-term benefits to the economy. Former Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom announced at Meetings Africa 2017 that National Treasury had approved a bid fund that had allocated R20-million for 2017/18 and R90million for the following three years. “This ground-breaking fund will enable us to bid aggressively for international association conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions,” Minister Hanekom said. Africa is fertile ground for associations to develop regionally and internationally. Therefore, bid funding must be tactically employed, with the aim of building connections and association infrastructure, and must be matched by measurable legacy in trade and professional development. Associations must commit to support research and ongoing education, which in turn must be measurable and create jobs. Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism, says, “We as South Africans are starting to look at how we can pursue new revenue streams. We’ve got some great innovations and great developments in science and

medical fields; we want to build on this and become thought leaders in that space.”

Subvention With Purpose Aimless subvention funding is a futile exercise unless it is backed by a plan to support growth in key sectors. With manufacturing jobs on the decrease due to the automation of industries, we must invest in association growth in burgeoning sectors such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and other sectors that align with the National Development Plan. Nationally regarded business events drive growth in financial, societal and creative economies.

Therefore, the mission of the association must match the bid. Tactical investment in ambassador programmes is also vital.

Gary Grimmer, CEO of Gaining Edge, says that the growth of creative and knowledge economies is possible through association business, and that the national and provincial convention bureaus need to leverage off their combined strengths to boost the sector.

While government misunderstands business events as drivers for tourism; business events are, in actuality, essential gateways for Africa’s transition to a truly global business hub.

Gregg Talley, CEO of the Talley Management Group, believes that government must provide a bridge for societies, and help to connect associations with opportunities for growth. While Meetings Africa is a critical meeting point, and provides an integral shop window into the products and services that Africa offers association buyers, much still needs to be done in order to make the continent a leading business-events destination.

The African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE) is striving to contribute to the development and success of their organisation’s missions and are recognised for positively impacting national and continental development. Associations should therefore engage with AfSAE, and make use of its resources (as well as the resources of international associations such as IAPCO, ASAE and PCMA). AfSAE’s strength is in leveraging from its partners globally as well as giving support and structure to local associations and academia to encourage opportunities to bid to host further association conferences on the continent.

For more on this story, and to watch the supporting videos, please visit www.theevent.co.za

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NEWS

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07

INDABA MISSES BUYING

CYCLE FOR GERMAN MARKET

By Tessa Reed, Tourism Update

I

ndustry experts have warned that continuing to host the Indaba show in May misses the brochure cycle for the German market - South Africa’s third largest overseas source market.

Industry stakeholders also emphasise that the timing does not support the strategy to bring new players into the sector. This year’s show was not attended by some of Germany’s dominant wholesalers. Next year’s show, rebranded Africa’s Tourism Indaba, takes place from May 8-10.

Margie Whitehouse, Chief Marketing Officer at SA Tourism, points out that Africa’s Travel Indaba has historically been in the 19th week of the year. “We would like to accommodate all markets,

but the international events and exhibitions calendar is full. Germany is a core market for us and our marketing investment and work there is in full force... to promote South African throughout the year, beyond trade show platforms.”

However, both Brigitte Henze, Product Manager Southern Africa at Detour and Andre Thomas, Product Manager at FTI, say the timing does not work for the German market, particularly because brochures are printed in May, so new product discovered at the show cannot be included.

“For me as a contracting person, the perfect timing would be November or December,” says Henze.

Both SATSA CEO David Frost and Tourvest

Destination Management CEO Martin Wiest argue that fitting the show within the brochure cycle is critical to the success of Indaba. Significant overseas markets including Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Italy have similar brochure cycles. For this reason most of their wholesale trade need to complete contracting in mid-April. He adds that contracting and brochuring has been brought forward over the years, but Indaba dates haven’t changed to accommodate this.

Frost points out that SA Tourism has been hosting de-briefs on Indaba since he started heading up SATSA nearly four years ago. He says the trade has consistently called for the show to take place earlier in the year to align it with the brochure cycle.

08

NEWS

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STELLENBOSCH INDABA A SUCCESS

Following the recent ranking by ICCA of Stellenbosch as a global destination for business tourism, the first Stellenbosch Business Tourism Indaba took place on 13 June 2017.

F Zelda Coetzee-Burger, Business Tourism Consultant for Stellenbosch 360

ollowing the recent ranking by ICCA of Stellenbosch as the 7th best destination in Africa, the region’s official tourism organisation, Stellenbosch 360, launched the inaugural Stellenbosch Business Tourism Indaba.

The aim of the Indaba is to involve, inform and educate all local role players who can participate and benefit from conferencing and business tourism.

The event took place on Tuesday, 13 June 2017 at Hofmeyr Hall in partnership with Wesgro and the South Africa National Convention Bureau, with a number of industry stakeholders sharing their insight,

including Sisa Ntshona, CEO of SA Tourism; Tim Harris, CEO of WESGRO; Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Bureau Officer of SANCB; and Zelda Coetzee-Burger, Business Tourism Consultant for Stellenbosch 360.

Topics included effective destination branding, building a strong culture of hospitality, and how business tourism can transform local communities.

For the next two years (2017/18), Stellenbosch already has eight association events and conferences confirmed – equating to 47 days with ± 2 000 delegates visiting and generating R40-million in income for the region.

AAXO LAUNCHES ASSOCIATE

MEMBERSHIP TIER

On June 2017, AAXO announced their new Associate Membership tier as part of their GED17 programme.

T

he Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) have released their new Associate Membership tier. Announced at an industry launch on 8 June 2017 as part of their “Serving the Industry” theme for GED17, AAXO offered associate members unprecedented benefits leveraging off the expertise and successes already achieved by AAXO and its members in growing the sector.

Member benefits include discounts on training and entry fees for the Exhibition of Exhibitions, display of the exclusive “AAXO-Approved Venue” and “AAXO-

Approved Supplier” badges on all their marketing collateral and stands, access to and inclusion in invaluable market research, mediation, networking and matchmaking opportunities, and inclusion in the prestigious ROAR Awards.

With the objective of being more inclusive and serving the needs of a greater representation of the exhibition industry, AAXO decided to open its membership for selected reputable exhibition suppliers and venues who comply with AAXO’s strict code of conduct.

Carol Weaving, Chairperson of AAXO

said, “Expanding our membership offering has always been part of the roadmap of the way forward to become more representative of the exhibition industry as a whole. We wanted to ensure that no one gets left behind. Our relentless efforts to promote credibility and professionalism will provide measurable benefits for our new associate members in an industry where credibility is key.”

All membership inquiries, including a full list of membership benefits and information on how to join, can be directed to members@aaxo.co.za.

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Conferences that run over two or more days, allow delegates to enjoy our selection of three and four star accommodation.

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10

SPOTLIGHT

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DIRK ELZINGA:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ‘SECOND TIER’ DESTINATIONS Dirk Elzinga, Managing Director at Convention Industry Consultants (CIC), unpacks unique opportunities for South Africa and Africa’s conferencing sector.

T

he ICCA 2016 statistics have just been published. Good news again for our industry! Records were again broken in the overall number of international meetings and the number of ICCA-registered international associations (according to ICCA definitions), as has been the case for so many years in a row. The total number of meetings has doubled every decade for the past 50 years, and so again between 2006 and 2016.

Who is benefiting from the healthy growth in this clearly resilient industry? Of course, the main meeting metropoles who are all fighting every year for their #1 position on the list. Paris was the big winner in 2016 with Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin and London thereafter. But maybe what is happening at the bottom of the list is more interesting: more and more ‘new’ congress destinations can be found under the heading ‘other’.

Two or perhaps even three significant recent developments have opened up new marketing perspectives for the smaller, new, so-called ‘second-tier’ destinations.

First of all, there is the general fatigue amongst international associations to ‘do-the-same-thing-again’. International meeting planners have become more demanding in their efforts to develop creative meeting concepts. The choice of a new, fresh destination certainly satisfies this urge for creativity.

The large conferences in the ICCA database can’t do much differently than move between the major meeting destinations. They need the big conference and exhibition centres, they need the airlift and they need the number of hotel rooms.

But the story is different for the smaller associations, frequently also the more cost-

sensitive ones. They look eagerly at what these so-called second tier destinations have on offer. Pre-requisite, of course, is availability of a (smaller perhaps, but still top-quality) flexible meeting facility, decent accessibility, and at least a couple of hundred three star-and-up hotel rooms.

Secondly – and this unfortunately has become a serious issue in the past two or three years – is that many meeting planners are not overly keen to take their meetings to the big destinations in the world because of recent security issues in several of these cities. Local and national authorities worldwide are doing their utmost to convince the decision makers in the meeting industry that it is businessas-usual, and it is probably true that this is indeed the new ‘usual’. But still, there is nothing wrong with investigating if there are other, fresher, smaller, interesting new destinations around, isn’t it?

Thirdly, and this is particularly interesting for Africa: the international African association meeting business really seems to be gaining momentum. The African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE), officially founded just over a year ago during Meetings Africa, is growing rapidly, doubling its membership number in a single year. African professionals are appreciating the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences in their field of science, or their sector of the economy, on an African platform. More than 700 African associations have now been officially identified according to the South Africa National Convention Bureau, and you know what, most of those organisations do not really need a large convention centre for their meetings. With an average of between 100 and 300 delegates, they are very happy with the meeting facilities offered by the smaller venues. Also important is that many of these new African associations are extremely cost sensitive. In other words, affordable meeting facilities and hotel rooms are excellent tools for a successful marketing drive by second tier meeting destinations!

To summarize: there are very interesting opportunities on the horizon for the likes of Kimberley, East London, Pietermaritzburg, Stellenbosch, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane, just to name a few possible ‘new’ congress destinations in South Africa. And just across our border: think about Walvisbay or Swakopmund, Bulawayo, Livingstone, Gaborone, Vic Falls and several others. Using their full marketing potential will unquestionably contribute to a further growth in the meeting industry on our continent!

- Written by Dirk Elzinga

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12

FEATURE

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West Coast launch of their new route on the exhibition floor © WTM Africa

10 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF EVENT DESIGN

PCOs and exhibition planners share how they design a show, what planning techniques work best, and what pitfalls to avoid. Kim Crowie reports.

D

esigning an event has innumerable detailed elements to keep tabs on, and a mountain of expectation to manage, from visitors and clients to exhibitors and suppliers. It is the job of a professional conference organiser or an exhibition or event planner to hold all of this together and ensure the client’s vision for their event is realised in all its glory.

1. Choose people you trust One of the most important principles of event design, says Conference and Event Specialist Zelda Coetzee-Burger, is trust.

“Choose your event or design team carefully.

They should be people you fully trust.” She

uses the recent Stellenbosch Business Tourism Indaba as an example, explaining how, once she had signed off on the event’s look and feel, she felt confident in her event designers’ ability to understand and capture the vision. “Then, if the client decides they want to swap something last minute, it’s not a train smash because I know that overall I trust they will know the look and feel. You have to work with a team you feel completely comfortable with,” she adds.

can help gauge delegates’ overall experiences, which in turn assists in conceptualising the event and making informed decisions. “How do you know what makes your customers happy?

Ask them! Whether you are considering a new show or concept or whether it has been running for years, customer surveys and market research will help you drill down into your customer needs and help you deliver on their objectives.”

2. Data is king

3. Event design before budget

“Data intelligence is key. Always start here,” says Carol Weaving, Chairperson of AAXO and MD of Reed Exhibitions Africa. Surveys

According to Zelda, it’s important to understand the event design and concept properly before putting a price

FEATURE 13

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tag on it. She suggests mind mapping with the client, then going into creative concept, followed by look and feel, then budget, then process design. This becomes difficult when a client has a fixed budget to work with, but doesn’t understand the cost or logistics involved in their vision. “Do not go to budget before you know what your event design looks like,” she stresses, “Your budget can be totally different based on a certain design. Don’t just work alone and see what you can come up with. Your client can also direct you in whether it’s low budget, medium budget or over the top.”

4. Fluidity is key “You have to be totally fluid,” says Zelda, “and I think the difficult thing is when you are not flexible in nature. You have to know that this industry is fluid, and you need to make the client understand this.”

She explains that although this flexibility is imperative until the event is signed off by the client and production starts, one still needs to be available to deal with any issues that arise throughout the process.

According to Nick Sarnadas, Event Director at Specialised Exhibitions, “Be meticulous in your planning but flexible enough to know when to be a rock and when to be the river… and be aspirational in your approach. You will never know everything there is to know; your attitude will reflect your reality.”

5. Honesty and integrity According the Keke Matlou of In Any Event, it’s important to be open and honest with your client at all times. “Be honest about what your capabilities are,” she says, “Don’t take on something you absolutely know nothing about. It never ends well and the stress just isn’t worth it!” She adds that her company creates a working document

An HTC event © In Any Event

with everything in it, from checklists and contact details, to itineraries and responsibilities. “All parties working on the event have a copy of the document so that we all speak the same language.”

6. Know your client’s vision Both Zelda and Keke agree that it’s of utmost importance to clearly understand the client’s vision for their event. “When you sit with the client for the first time and you find they don’t know what they want, you go straight to mind maps. If they know what they want, we make sure everyone’s on the same page, because if someone says to me, ‘I want my event to have a classical look and feel,’ what is classical for one person is not classical for another,” Zelda says.

“One can’t begin to execute any event for a client until the necessary research has been done on past events, their policies, and the direction they want to take,” adds Keke. “Don’t deviate from what’s been asked because you may have other ideas you believe might be

8. Never work on assumptions “The biggest tip I could give young people is if your client asks for autumn colours, don’t assume you know what that is,” laughs Zelda. “People often work on assumptions and that’s where you go wrong. Compare your visuals to the client’s to ensure it’s exactly what the client wants.”

9. Have a contingency plan

better, but are completely left field.”

All the best PCOs and exhibition planners have stellar contingency plans in place.

According to Zelda, it’s something she includes in her initial budget with the client in the event that last-minute plans need to be made. “Ultimately, it’s money that makes the world go round and if it’s not being covered by the client, you as the planner will have to carry the cost.”

Nick Sarnadas agrees. “Have a laid out path that guides the overall strategy and touchpoints. Remember that you will never be able to plan for every single eventuality; you need to flexible enough to roll with the punches and be able to strategise.”

7. Know your market

10. Add value

“Visitor experience, I’d say is the most important principle followed by patron’s experience,” says Nick. Carol agrees, adding that competition is tough when there are hundreds of exhibitions that take place annually. “Ask yourself: ‘What will set this show apart?’ If you can’t answer that, go back to the drawing board. Keep growing your knowledge and understanding of the industry you are organising an exhibition in.”

Nick adds: “I still learn something new every day, you need to be open to listening and learning. The day you stop learning, is the day you stop growing. Learn from everyone around you as often as you can. The only easy day was yesterday.”

Adding value to an event is an important part of the conceptual design, especially in terms of attendee engagement. Carol believes there is a trickle-down effect for this: “If you satisfy the needs of the visitor (whether public or trade) they will attend, which in turn satisfies the needs of the exhibitor which means they will exhibit, which in turns make it a success for the organiser.”

Keke adds that showing the client extra love doesn’t hurt either. “Always include a value-add for the client, show them they aren’t just a cheque; that you are looking at establishing a long-term relationship that is mutually beneficial.”

View from the exhibition floor © WTM Africa 2017

14

FEATURE |

Greening

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Resource Design stand for Hotel Verde, which won the Greenest Stand Award at WTM Africa 2017.

THE MEANING OF

GREENING

The greening of events is now a necessity, not a luxury or fad. And it’s easier than you think.

Susan Reynard reports.

G

reening an event is such a widespread concept today that it may include everything from LED lighting and conservation of resources (water, energy, waste) to recyclable stands and digital take-home information rather than paper catalogues, all aiming for a carbon-neutral footprint.

“Everyone has a role in greening,” stresses Justin Hawes, Chairman of the marketing committee of the Event Greening Forum. “However, the event organiser has overall control of the event and is in the best position to drive this process.

They can encourage the client to make their event greener, select a green venue,

source suppliers who are willing to fulfil their green requests, and can make it easier for delegates to do their part, such as using the recycling bins. Venues also have a significant role in ensuring greening success. If a venue puts systems in place it becomes a lot easier for the organiser and event to take advantage of them.”

As MD of Scan Display, a leading stand building company, Hawes says they are doing a lot to be more sustainable, both internally in how they operate, as well as through client offerings.

The team at Spier have put together a sustainable conferencing toolkit that addresses the needs of local and

international business and leisure travellers looking for sustainability when making hotel, venue, event and tour decisions. Spier is a pioneer of sustainability: it recycles 100% of wastewater and more than 98% of solid waste; is a WWF Conservation Champion; is recognised by Fair Trade in Tourism and by the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association; and its cellar carries FSSC 22000 certification and Fairtrade accreditation.

At Spier, conference organisers can measure the carbon footprint of each delegate. Greening includes stationery made from recycled materials; leftover stationery donated to local schoolchildren; supporting local suppliers and farmers;

Greening |

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uplifting local communities; healthy, seasonal and ethically sourced meals, beverages and snacks served during breaks (such as SASSI-approved fish, and eggs from free-roaming chickens on the estate); inspiring excursions for delegates to showcase sustainability projects; and suggestions of delegate gifts that carry the message home, such as solar lamps or indigenous plants.

A green exhibition should ultimately start with the infrastructure, says Karen Healy, Director of Resource Design. She and fellow Director Gary van der Watt work closely with Xanita based in Somerset West. Xanita board or X-board is made from raw materials (post-consumer repulped paper waste) from a renewable resource. Its virgin fibre supply is Forest Stewardship Council accredited. One tonne of recycled board saves more than two cubic metres of landfill and 17 trees, states their corporate literature. Fossil fuels are not used in the origin of X-board raw materials and the finished product is reusable and recyclable. They are free from volatile organic compounds, elemental chlorine in bleaching, carbon dioxide by-product and their adhesives are organic. The product is made in the Cape and the board can be sold back to Nampak for recycling when it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Healy says after more than two decades in the exhibition industry, she knows only too well how wasteful it is. Five years ago, she and van der Watt decided to find a new solution with engineered fibre board that was reusable and recyclable.

The real cost saving comes in the logistics, time saved and lower labour costs. Boards are produced offsite, making for a quick, clean installation that doesn’t require tools. It is light so lower tonnage trucks are needed for transport.

X-board works particularly well for 3x2, 3x3 and 3x4 business stands, as seen on location at Wines of South Africa (WOSA) wine tasting counters. The company also has international clients and depots in Australia, the UK, Dubai and South and North America. The product has a far wider versatility than exhibitions: they also make retail point of sale materials, signage, bulkheads, furniture and even coffins.

FEATURE 15

Xanita board is ideal for wine tasting stands like these at the Wines of South Africa expo.

Six of the best

Ladies from Future Link demonstrate food waste management at Meetings Africa 2016.

At Spier, leftover pads and pens are collected and donated to schoolchildren from surrounding communities. © Retha Ferguson

Spier offers filtered bottled water served in reusable glass bottles at events.

Simple, effective, successful greening strategies and habits you can adopt now: 1. Implement waste recycling using a separation-at-source system, and educate delegates and suppliers.

2. Measure the output for each waste stream – reusable waste, paper, plastic, tin, glass, organic waste and landfill waste – and improve measures year-on-year.

3. Recycle using infrastructure already in place such as recycling services, SMEs who reuse event waste (such as branding or carpets), and organic waste solutions for kitchens with Bokashi.

4. Create reusable branding that can be reused for several events to save costs. The number of times branding is reused gives a measure of square metres of branding you have saved.

5. Discourage the use of bottled water and instead make South Africa’s clean tap water freely available throughout the event.

6. Measure the quantity of water consumed and number of times refillable water stations have been refilled to work out number of glass or plastic bottles that the event avoided as an output.

Source: Justin Hawes, Chairman of the marketing committee of the Event Greening Forum

16

FEATURE |

Greening

Carol Weaving, Chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), adds, “I don’t believe the responsibility for event greening lies with only organisers, venues or suppliers, but it requires buy-in from the entire exhibition supply chain. We currently have worldclass examples of sustainability measures being put into place in the exhibition industry in South Africa, but taking a step back, it starts with associations like ourselves setting the standard.”

Weaving says that as the custodians of exhibition standards in South Africa, it was crucial for AAXO to form a partnership with the Event Greening Forum (EGF) in 2016. “This organisation is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting training opportunities around event greening. Its ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ policy gives EGF the lead when it comes to hosting events that show respect for the environment,” she explains.

“Millennials especially are seen as more environmentally astute and a 2015 global online survey by Nielsen showed that 66% of 30 000-plus respondents said they would be willing to pay extra for sustainable goods. Though we do not advocate going ‘green’ for business purposes only, it certainly does make business sense. What some hailed as a fad a couple of years ago could now be the deciding factor for the choice of venue, supplier or organiser for an exhibition.”

RESOURCE DESIGN

Resource Design prides itself on offering sustainable, cost effective and truly green exhibition stands. We are the only exhibition company in South Africa that designs and builds expo booths in X-board – a locally manufactured board made from recycled pulp, using products that are not harmful to the environment. The booths are typically 9 to 40m2, are pre-manufactured, and the boards are printed direct. This means the build is done in a few hours with very little or no mess. Resource Design also offers designs in up-cycled products in line with current trend of re-usability. t. +27 21 510 7776 e. karen@resourcedesign.co.za w. www.resourcedesign.co.za

www.theevent.co.za

• •

• •

The CTICC has installed two grey water storage tanks fed from basins in its ablution facilities to water its indoor and outdoor gardens.

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) remains focused on sustainability and is rolling out initiatives to educate staff and visitors on water-saving actions in the Western Cape. These include: • Reduced toilet cistern water-holding capacity by 20% in all ablution facilities.

• Replaced butterfly shutdown valves to reduce the water supply to cooling towers by 20%.

• Water leaks treated as emergencies and once detected are immediately dealt with by the CTICC’s in-house maintenance team

Replaced corroded main water supply.

Installed two water storage tanks to harvest grey water from several of its ablution facilities to be used for landscaping Reduced flow rate of tap water to basins in ablution facilities.

Awareness campaign to educate staff and visitors on water saving actions they can implement at home and work

The new water storage tanks, installed in the CTICC’s parking area, captures grey water from the hand wash basins within the ablution facilities in the building. The two tanks have a storage capacity of 5 000 litres each. Meters will be connected to the tanks to measure the amount of water captured, and sub-metering will further track water usage and enhance their ability to detect leaks throughout the building.

“The current state of the Western Cape water crisis was a definite motivator to install the tanks. The volume of water we harvest will be determined by the size and number of events taking place,” says CTICC CEO Julie-May Ellingson.

“Saving water is a particular concern to us. As a result of water saving initiatives, the CTICC, over the last financial year, reduced the centre’s water consumption by 5% and now uses 10 million litres less water per year than it had five years ago,” adds Craig Barrington GM: Facilities and Operations.

18

FEATURE |

Conferencing in the Wild

www.theevent.co.za

BUSINESS IN THE WILD Plan your next conference in some of South Africa’s wild places where getting closer to nature enhances the learning and teambuilding experience. Susan Reynard reports.

P

Country venues offer more in the way of exciting outdoor team-building activities like quad biking. the client has the undivided attention of staff and management. “However, sometimes the larger venues also come with more facilities and activities (such as Sun City) so it all depends on the client’s requirements and objectives for their event,” Carrie notes.

Other costs of out-of-town events include travel and accommodation for preferred service providers such as technical and décor suppliers, guest speakers and entertainment providers, and outside teambuilding companies.

Site visits are a must, and the Delaneys

would never suggest a venue they had not conducted a proper site visit beforehand.

Venues understand the need for this and usually offer PCOs accommodation to give them a better perspective of the offering.

“Venues we have booked previously which have been hugely successful and memorable for our clients, we can suggest with confidence. Sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel or book anywhere else if clients have raved about the venue, and their needs (and budgets) are similar,” Carrie says.

Popular Ezemvelo Properties •

•

•

Didima Resort Conference Centre | Cathedral Peak Valley | Conference centre and auditorium | 140 plenary Midmar Conference Centre | Spacious conference room | 150 plenary Hilltop Conference Centre | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, premier SA Big 5 Reserve | Intimate

•

•

conference centre | 40 plenary Ntshondwe Conference Centre | Ithala Game Reserve, historical battlefields region | Conference, 18-pax boardroom and 30-pax breakaway rooms | 120 plenary Giant’s Castle Conference Centre | Rock Lodge in the Drakensberg | Intimate functions, 60 cinema-style | 120 plenary

Illustrations designed by www.freepik.com.

rofessional conference and event organisers increasingly look to South Africa’s vast countryside for inspiration for their next function.

Clients are quick to request “out of town” venues for team goal setting, brainstorming or planning sessions; to boost team morale; or as a celebration and reward for achieving a particular milestone in their business, explain Carrie and Craigh Delaney, Founders and Owners of Encore Events.

“A conference in a natural environment, away from the distractions of an urban environment, encourages delegates to focus on matters at hand. During breaks from the proceedings, delegates benefit from the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings. The innovative thinking that comes from such a blend will enhance your corporate performance,” says Erick Radebe, Marketing Assistant for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Small details matter, says Carrie, from stocking your guests’ preferred beverages, to access to medical treatment close to establishments that offer high-risk teambuilding events.

Organisers also need to ensure that delegates sign indemnity forms and confirm they are physically capable of carrying out any organised activities.

Travel logistics require planning so that delegates arrive at the same time. This means careful coordinating of flights, shuttles and hired coaches.

Locations an hour or two outside of major cities are often preferred because of their easier accessibility in terms of cost and travel time. For Johannesburgbased clients, for example, this means Magaliesburg, Bela Bela, Pilanesburg, Vaal River and Muldersdrift are popular.

Smaller, more intimate venues that are booked out entirely are also in demand, as

A CONVERGENCE OF BUSINESS AND ADVENTURE

Didima Conference Centre & Wedding Venue: (036) 488 8000 Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Ntshondwe Conference Centre & Wedding Venue: (034) 983 2540 Ithala Game Reserve

Let Ideas Expand Beyond the Office We have the freshest of air, an abundance of wildlife, the best adventure tracks and trails, breathtaking sights and scenery, but most importantly, we have conference centres in these magnificent tranquil surroundings.

Didima Conference centre accommodates delegates from 120 classroom style, 60 U-shape style to 120 seated cinema style configuration. Ntshondwe Conference centre offers a cinema style seating arrangement for up to 140, a lecture style for 90 or a single U-shaped for 45 delegates. Ntshondwe’s two breakaway rooms offers a cinema style seating arrangement for 30, lecture style for 18 and single U-shape for 16 delegates. Both Conference facilities offer various accommodation options, are fully serviced and can comfortably be adapted from one-day events to multi-day workshops.

Make your big day perfect with unlimited privacy, breathtaking scenery, birdlife, wildlife, scenic trails, comfortable accommodation, delicious food and personalised service excellence.

w w w.kznwildlife.com

Central Reservations: 033 845 1000

20

PROSPECTIVE

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DARRYL ERASMUS ON TOURISM GRADING

Darryl Erasmus, the Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the Tourism Grading Council South Africa, shares the body’s goals for 2017 and beyond, and updates us on the grading process and new initiatives in the pipeline.

D

arryl Erasmus has been the Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the Tourism Grading Council South Africa since 2015, and prior to that worked across travel, tourism, and ICT industries across the country. He shares why tourism grading is beneficial for establishments, and what we can expect in the next year.

What’s new at the TGCSA in 2017?

What trends in the tourism industry are you using to implement and innovate within the organisation?

The TGCSA has a number of projects underway. The largest and most comprehensive is the triennial review of our Grading Criteria which is currently in its final stages. We are also in the final stages of a detailed research piece into the perceptions of Grading and the TGCSA. The TGCSA in collaboration with the National Department of Tourism have also streamlined the Grading Support Programme, which allow for up to a 90% discount on grading fees.

Take us through the details of the proposed Premium 5 Star Grading.

The proposal of the introduction of a Premium 5 Star grading is part of the proposed Criteria changes to the grading system that is currently with the Ministry for approval. As soon as approval is received, we will be in a position to share much more information about this development.

Why is it important for tourism and hospitality venues to be graded by the council? What are the benefits of having a star grading?

Star Grading in South Africa is voluntary, therefore the 5 300-odd establishments that

have met our stringent minimum standards and quality criteria, are commended. They are the pinnacles of the hospitality industry as they contribute toward positioning South Africa as a quality-assured destination of choice for both business events and leisure tourists. Star grading is a market positioning tool used by establishments to communicate the quality and service offering travellers can expect at their establishment.

How often are hospitality venues inspected, and how do inspections of such a variety of establishments work?

Star grading is an annual process.

Establishments must renew their star grading membership by paying their renewal invoices which will then enable the accredited grading assessor to conduct the renewal assessment.

PROSPECTIVE

www.theevent.co.za

An establishment is assessed on the following: • The exterior of the building and grounds • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Public Areas • General Facilities The minimum requirements in each category differ; i.e. requirements for a bed and breakfast will differ from those of a self-catering shared-use establishment (resort). It is a requirement to have a store that is used by the patrons at a resort but the same is not required at a guest house. A bed and breakfast is defined as a more informal accommodation with limited service that is provided in a family (private) home with the owner or manager living in the house or on the property.

What tips would you give someone entering the tourism industry wanting to have their establishment graded by the TGCSA? •

Get in contact with us at www.tourismgrading.co.za

Getting a Star Grading with the TGCSA Applying for star grading membership is an easy, four-step process that entails the following: 1. Log on to www.tourismgrading. co.za, read all about what star grading is about and the plethora of benefits available to graded members. a. Click on the APPLY NOW tab b. Populate your establishment’s details 2. An invoice based on the information you have provided will be issued for you to settle. a. You may choose to apply for the Tourism Incentive Programme for a discount on your membership fees. The following documents will be required in order to qualify for this discount: i. A copy of a current and valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate; ii. A copy of relevant business

•

•

so that we can share information and the benefits of being graded.

When graded, use our star grading system and the Star Insignia to position yourself in the market to ensure a competitive edge against other competitors.

Join an Association such as NAA-SA and FEDHASA to ensure you participate in their training, development, networking and support programmes.

What are the TGCSA’s goals and plans for the rest of 2017 and into 2018?

TGCSA will continue to invest in growing our number of graded establishments in order to position South Africa as a quality assured destination. We will support all South African Tourism’s leisure and business events marketing efforts. The team will communicate and educate both trade partners and consumers on the grading system and its benefits. We will continuously revise and revisit our value offering to ensure that establishment owners see the benefit of the star grading and utilise their access to South African Tourism’s marketing platforms.

registration documents i.e. company registration document (for CCs and Private Companies)/ Partnership Agreement (for Partnerships)/ Trust Deeds (for Trusts)/ Identification Document (for Sole Proprietors); iii. A certified copy of B-BBBEE certificate or an affidavit (in the case of Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) with more than 51% black shareholding); and iv. A copy of public liability insurance documents.

3. Once your account is settled, an Accredited Grading Assessor will make an appointment to conduct the physical assessment of your establishment. a. The assessor will discuss the assessment findings with you. b. Submit the recommended grading status to the TGCSA for review (an

21

Quickfire Round 1. Best place to go on holiday?

Clarens, Free State 2. Favourite food or local restaurant?

Thai 3. Any wise words for life?

“Fortune favours the brave.”

4. 5 things you can’t live without?

5 C’s: Cellphone, Car, Coffee, Chocolate and Cash!

5. Favourite African country (besides SA)?

Namibia

How healthy would you say SA’s hospitality industry is, and what opportunities have you seen emerge for establishments?

The hospitality industry is in a very good space, in my opinion. Whilst we must continue to support our SMME’s and champion transformation of the sector, it’s very exciting to see a number of new hotel developments by both local and international brands currently underway across the country.

4.

a.

b.

c.

d.

assessment is not a guarantee that a star grading status will be achieved. The TGCSA will review the assessor’s recommendation in line with the minimum requirements and grading criteria).

Once all the requirements and criteria have been met, the TGCSA approves the star grading applied for by the establishment.

The establishment receives an automated letter informing them of the outcome.

The establishment receives an electronic certificate to print and display to the travelling public denoting their star grading status.

The establishment is listed on the TGCSA and South African Tourism websites.

The establishment is provided access to the Basket of Benefits, an exclusive benefit available to graded establishments.

22

SPOTLIGHT

www.theevent.co.za

SAACI CONGRESS 2017

CELEBRATES INNOVATION AT WORK The definitive annual event for the South African business-events industry.

All images Š Julio M Photography

T

he 31st annual SAACI Congress and 30th anniversary took

place in Tshwane, South Africa from 2-4 June 2017. This forward-thinking congress welcomed professionals from a variety of industry sectors including conference and event organisers, event management

companies and service providers, as well as industry stakeholders representing government, venues, and destinations.

The SAACI 2017 Congress featured speakers from across various themes and trends. Sessions presented a snapshot of the most transformative ideas shaping our industry.

Keynotes

SAACI 2017 brought a host of exciting keynotes to Tshwane this year. The Congress lineup of speakers were Siphiwe Moyo, Maarten Vanneste, Lebo Gunguluza and Michelle Crowley.

THE VOICE OF CREDIBILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM FOR EXHIBITION ORGANISERS R74,4 billlion

THE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY

R24,4 billlion

DIRECT SPEND PORTION

R3,3

billlion

ESTIMATED CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL TAXES

R23

billlion

TOURISM IMPACT 47 000 SUSTAINED JOBS AND 1 MILLION VISITORS

80% 100%

AXXO MEMBERS ACCOUNT FOR OVER OF THE ORGANISING

MEMBER SHOWS AUDITED

BY ABC TO VERIFY VISITOR NUMBERS

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY: “AAXO furnished us with a unique opportunity for open engagement and knowledge sharing between professional exhibition organisers and provided us with interesting and valuable industry updates.’’

“One engagement in AAXO has been tremendous.

We have an industry body that understands our successes and chalenges. We can work together in unity to develop the exhibition industry in South Africa. We are committed to the journey that AAXO has embarked on and will support it and other member companies when and how we can.”

- Hypenica (Pty) Ltd

- Spintellegent (Pty) Ltd

“AXXO has enabled us to offer our exhibitors valuable exhibition training which has made all the difference to their stand build, pre-expo preparation, marketing and on the floor customer engagement.”

- Exposure Marketing & Communications

TAKING AAXO TO AFRICA & BRINGING AFRICA TO AAXO To inspire growth and change in the exhibition industry. Providing cutting edge solutions to industry challenges, providing training on trends and technology for exhibitors and organisers. Upholding world class industry standards.

aaxo

For more information or to become a member, please contact Pat Lofstedt on +27 (11) 549 8300 or pat@aaxo.co.za. www.aaxo.co.za

24

SPOTLIGHT

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SAACI CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS

The 31st annual SAACI Congress and 30th anniversary took place in Tshwane with an exciting programme including some new highlights.

All images © Julio M Photography

T

he SAACI 2017 programme was designed in the three main industry focus areas: venues, conferences, and event organisers and services.

Participants could choose to stick to their specific stream or to join another. The programme also provided the opportunity for lively discussions with joint sessions.

Introducing the Learning Lounge This year, an open space was created with casual seating to encourage movement and dialogue. Five experts in their fields showcased the latest insights, from best practices to problem solving. Each presenter had three 20-minute sessions, which gave delegates the opportunity to move onto the next presentation, enabling attendance at a total of three talks in the hour.

The SAACI 2017 programme was designed in the three main industry focus areas: venues, conferences, and event organisers and services.

BROADCAST - TV & RADIO

PRO AUDIO - LIGHTING - STAGING

FILM & VIDEO PRODUCTION

AUDIO VISUAL INTEGRATION

DIGITAL MEDIA

STUDIO - RECORDING - DJ

TICKETPRO DOME

19-21 JULY 2017 www.mediatech.co.za

REGISTER NOW TECHNOLOGY TRADE SHOW SHAPING THE WAY CREATIVITY PLAYS. CREATES. LIVES.

SUN CIRCLE e x h i b i t i o n s

26

BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

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TSHWANE A leader in knowledge sharing and innovation, Tshwane is a veritable business-events destination with a host of world-class venues and service providers.

CSIR International Conventiotn Centre

K

nown as the Jacaranda City, Tshwane becomes a purple wonderland every October thanks to over 50 000 Jacarandas in bloom. It is the administrative capital of South Africa and offers a range of things to do and see. It is home to the first House of Parliament, and the Voortrekker Monument. Freedom Park, a huge outdoor space, pays tribute to South African leaders, while the botanical gardens and open spaces are amongst the best in the world. As a business and learning hub, Tshwane offers much in the way of high-class restaurants, malls, museums, galleries, and social hotspots.

More than just a business and leisure hub with infrastructure to match, Tshwane is also a centre for knowledge sharing.

There are a number of universities and research facilities within the city, and it attracts many high-profile international business events. These include the

33rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition, UN Habitat III Thematic Meeting, and the 9th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management.

Some of the upcoming business events in Tshwane are the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists Conference, and the 2nd International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – both taking place in July – the 45th Conference of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa in August, and the IEEE Africon 2017 in September.

Key Venues CSIR International Convention Centre The CSIR ICC is an integral part of the business events and knowledge-sharing landscape of Tshwane and hosts up to 700 events annually. It provides superb facilities with conference, function and exhibition venues that can accommodate events of between 10 and 500 delegates, with groups as large as 1 000 at times. The venue now also offers live web streaming to reach broader audiences. www.csiricc.co.za

CSIR International Convention Centre Venue

Plenary

Diamond Auditorium

150 – 450 theatre-style with full-length desks

Crystal/Garnet/Onyx

50 – 160 level seating with balcony view

Amber Banquet Room

150 – 450 level seating

Exhibition Hall

10 – 1000 includes roof hanging points, electrical and data services, loading for heavy vehicles

BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

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Tshwane Events Centre From business meetings and conferences to themed events and exhibitions, the Tshwane Events Centre offers a range of flexible conferencing and exhibition facilities

at competitive rates. Its conference rooms can host up to 500, while the largest exhibition hall covers 11 600m2 of floor space. For more information, visit www.tshwane-events.co.za.

Tshwane Events Centre Largest Venue Spaces

Function

Plenary/Size

Acacia (Acacia/Karoo/Swazica/Senegal)

Conferencing

10-300 delegates

Baobab

Conferencing

500 cinema-style

Hall A (Skilpad Saal)

Exhibitions

4 600m2

Hall J

Exhibitions

11 600m2

Hall L

Exhibitions

4 010m2

Incentive Travel Products A city with a rich history and heritage, Tshwane offers much in the way of incentive travel. Its close proximity to Johannesburg makes it part of South Africa’s ‘bleisure’ playground, with galleries, museums, heritage sites, natural sanctuaries, five-star resorts, and plenty of nightlife to enjoy. In Tshwane is Dinokeng, a region that includes the historic mining town of Cullinan, the Roodeplaat Dam – a birding paradise – and the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng’s

Climate Located in Gauteng with one of the world’s best climates, Tshwane is wind-free with warm, rainy summers, and crisp, clear winters.

Temperatures in Pretoria and Johannesburg vary by about 2% with Pretoria being warmer.

Access

only free-roaming Big Five reserve.

As the administrative capital, Tshwane is also home to the leafy city centre of Pretoria.

Arcadia is situated here and includes the Union Buildings, the president’s residence, and other places of historical significance.

Those in search of an authentic township experience can head over to Mamelodi where domestic and international visitors can explore one of Gauteng’s oldest neighborhoods through chauffeured tours, extreme cycling activities, teambuilding exercises, and tours of Tshwane nightspots.

Tshwane is in close proximity to OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport.

Airlines to the region include: • • • • • • • • • • •

A city with a rich history and heritage, Tshwane offers much in the way of incentive travel.

Currency South African Rand (ZAR)

US Dollar (USD)

50

3.93

27

• Euro (EUR)

3.48

Chinese Yuan (CNY) 26.70

• •

Air China Air France Air Mauritius Brasil British Airways Cathay Pacific Delta EgyptAir EL AL Israel Airlines Emirates Ethiopian Airlines Etihad Airways Iberia Kenya Airways

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

KLM LATAM Airlines Lufthansa Qantas Qatar Airways RwandAir Saudia Singapore Airlines South African Airways SWISS TAAG Angola Airlines Turkish Airlines United Virgin Atlantic

Contacts Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau Email: info@gauteng.net Tel: +27 (0)11 085 2500 Web: www.gauteng.net Tshwane Tourism Association Email: secretary@tshwanetourism.com Tel: +27 (0)12 841 4212 Web: www.tshwanetourism.com Pretoria City Hall © Janek Szymanowski

BOARDWALK INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

DO IT IN THE

ADVENTURE PROVINCE

EAST LONDON INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

WILD COAST SUN

HOTEL SAVOY

You’re growing your business, investing in your people, showcasing your product or celebrating life. You need a place that will motivate performance, inspire creative thinking or provide the perfect platform - set against a backdrop of adventure.

THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO DO IT THAN IN THE ADVENTURE PROVINCE- EASTERN CAPE. From the two international convention centres designed to top international specifications with 5-star accommodation to the many hotels, lodges in the country, educational institutions and theatres offering a wealth of conference, exhibition and special occasion facilities - the Adventure Province has a place for every event.

Wherever you choose to take your business or celebrate your occasion in the Eastern Cape, you’ll find facilities to suite your every need and the inspiration you’re seeking in the expanses of untouched beach and bush, its rich, vibrant cultural history, enticing attractions and adventure opportunities.

/adventureprovinceeasterncape AdventureProvince

@visit_EC

adventure_province

UMTALI COUNTRY INN

LUCHABA NATURE RESERVE

VENUES FOR

EVENTS & conferences CONFERINCES

EAST LONDON INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE Award-winning centre on the beachfront esplanade - a sought after venue of international conferencing stature with high-tech meeting venues catering for 2 150 people.

043-709 5200, info@premier hotels.co.za

BOARDWALK INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE - Port Elizabeth Offers excellent function and meeting facilities for up to 1700 people as well as a five-star hotel and spa. Adjoining Boardwalk complex with its casino, great restaurants, bars and shopping.

041- 507 7777, conventions.boardwalk@suninternational.com

ASSEGAAIBOSCH COUNTRY LODGE 75 minutes from Port Elizabeth on the scenic R62. The lodge is located near to the southern gateway of the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. State-of-the-art conferencing venue for up to 150 people. Smaller conference rooms and outdoor conference facilities.

042 - 288 0700, www.assegaaibosch.co.za

BORDER CRICKET STADIUM - East London 5 minutes from East London city centre. Offers fully equipped, multi functional facilities designed to meet all needs. Audiovisual equipment and air-conditioning - for small business meetings, product launches, cocktail parties, wedding receptions or conferences with the capacity to entertain 25 people comfortably.

043 - 743 7757, bevw@bordercricket.co.za

BLUE LAGOON HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE - East London Stylish garden facing hotel rooms or modern luxury two bedroom lagoon facing suites (self catering available), with easy access to the river and beaches. Restaurant, pub and cocktail bar all overlooking the Nahoon River. 4 well equipped conference venues that can accommodate up to 130 people. Swimming pool and braai area.

043 - 748 4821, www.bluelagoonhotel.co.za

CHAMPAGNE EVENTS AND FUNCTION VENUE - Port Elizabeth A premium, new function venue boasting world-class service, quality and style and can accommodate up to 120 people. Customised conference and event packages for all commercial functions, and private events in both informal and formal celebration areas.

086 128 2259, www.champagne.co.za

VULINDLELA ACCOMMODATION & CONFERENCE CENTRE Coega Development Corporation, Port Elizabeth A versatile facility offering 450-bed accommodation ranging from bed and breakfast to self-catering three-star accommodation; conferencing facilities accommodating up to 1 000 people, in addition to four breakaway rooms; on-site catering; safe and ample parking; 24hr access controlled security.

041 - 404 7300, www.coegavulindlela.co.za

DAN’S COUNTRY LODGE - Mthatha 22km outside Mthatha. Offers a number of elegant rooms, each with en-suite bathroom, DStv, and air-conditioning.

Air-conditioned venues for between 50 and 1 000 people; tailor-made hospitality and customised conference packages; secure off-street parking.

047 - 532 7920, info@danscountrylodge.co.za

FISH RIVER SUN HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB RESORT 3-star resort near Port Alfred with breath-taking views set between two rivers and unspoiled beaches. Indoor and outdoor venues to meet all space and set-up needs. Large banqueting rooms for up to 300 people, smaller conference rooms for up to 50 people and breakaway meeting rooms.

18-hole Gary Player-designed Fish River Golf Course.

040 - 676 1101, fishriversun@suninternational.com

GARDEN COURT - Mthatha Relaxed low-rise hotel 3 km from Mthatha Country Club and 26 km from Nelson Mandela Museum. Warmly decorated rooms with free limited Wi-Fi, satellite TV, desk, safe and tea & coffee-making facility; pool area; business centre with meeting spaces for up to 120 people; complimentary breakfast; and secure parking.

082 878 4187, gcmthatha.reservations@tsogosun.com

HEMINGWAYS HOTEL - East London The hotel offers 108 en-suite rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, in-room tea and coffee facilities, DStv, adaptable well-equipped conferencing venues and a fitness centre.

The conferencing venues can cater for groups of between 10 and 780 people.

043 - 707 8000, hemingwayshotel.reservations@tsogosun.com

HOTEL SAVOY - Mthatha Luxury accommodation in 101 rooms and suites; conference facilities ranging from an executive boardroom to four large world-class, air-conditioned fully equipped conference rooms accommodating up to 500 people; tailored catering; secure parking and 24-hour security.

047 - 531 0791, hotelsavoy@jhgroup.co.za

LUCHABA NATURE RESERVE - Mthatha Dam A 460 ha nature reserve lying adjacent to the Mthatha Dam - home to a variety of wildlife and a wide selection of birds.

Conference centre of two halls accommodating 150 people; restaurant; and a marquee available for up to 600 people.

063 - 332 1439

LIMAKATSO LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTRE Limakatso is a vibey, up-market, four-star graded facility in Maletswai, to the west of Aliwal North, offering quality service and abundant amusement. Venues and facilities to suite all needs - from a conference room accommodating 200 people to three boardrooms accommodating 12 people each.

051-633 2126 / 083 880 7368, info@limakatso.co.za

MORGAN BAY HOTEL - Morgan Bay 45-minute drive from East London along the Wild Coast. Comfortable, relaxing dinner bed & breakfast accommodation. Wedding and conference venue catering for less formal conferences of up to 120 people. Beauty spa, beach boutique, an a-la- carte restaurant and pub.

043 - 841 1062, info@morganbayhotel.co.za

NELSON MANDELA STADIUM Offers a range of unique venue hire options. Business meeting, conferences, product launches or private functions - venues can be scaled and set up to suite your needs, accommodating up to 550 people.

041 - 408 8900, www.nelsonmandelabaystadium.co.za

THE WILLOWS RESORT Just 15 km from the Port Elizabeth beachfront, the resort offers three-star graded self-catering accommodation units, a large caravan park, private camping sites, as well as conference, function and wedding venues for groups ranging from 10 to 250 people.

041 - 396 2000, willows@madibabay.co.za

UKUPHUPHA WEDDING & CONFERENCING VENUE - Port Elizabeth 15 minutes drive from the airport, city centre and local attractions. Located on a smallholding - offers a country setting for various functions, including tailor-made weddings for up to 300 people.

072 409 3368, bookings@ukuphupha.co.za

UMTALI COUNTRY INN - Aliwal North Conveniently situated only 3 km from Aliwal North’s CBD - 33 luxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms, underfloor heating, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, MNet and satellite television (DStv). Conference venues can accommodate up to 80 people.

051 - 633 2400, www.umtalicountryinn.co.za

WILD COAST SUN Set on 750 hectares of natural bush between two rivers with premium accommodation overlooking the Indian Ocean, a casino, restaurants, bars and a water park. Offers many activities and a wide variety of venues for functions and conferences for up to 40 to 500 guests.

039 - 305 9111, wildcoastmvg@suninternational.com

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BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

Mahe, Seychelles © Evan Williams

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© Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resport and Spa

Mahe, Seychelles © Lonely Planet

THE SEYCHELLES Powdery soft beaches, almost twelve hours of tropical sun daily, and idyllic resort venues for small to mid-sized events are just some of the pleasures the Seychelles has to offer.

L

and of the sublime, the Seychelles is a paradise of topaz waters, lush hills, and exquisite, pearlescent sandy beaches scattered across 115 islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Talcum powder beaches are naturally their biggest attraction, completed with secluded coves, coral-coloured sunsets and slick luxury resorts.

Although the Seychelles is better known as a glamorous honeymoon and holiday getaway, it offers much for business and incentive travellers alike. David Germain, Seychelles Tourist Office’s Director for Africa and the Americas, says it is “a place so very far from the madding crowd that still enjoys wide communications access, excellent transportation and communication facilities, and modern infrastructure.”

“Seychelles welcomes business, group and conference trips as more and more hotels and exclusive hideaways cater specifically for high-end incentive travel arrangements,” he explains, “with a range of dedicated amenities and professional staff on hand to handle the required details, and ensure conferences

and incentive trips are memorable ones.”

Seychelles celebrates many cultural and national holidays throughout the year such as China Day in January, the Jazz Festival in April, Africa Day in May, the Feast of Consumption in August, Festival Kreol in October and Seychelles Ocean Festival in December. It also has a number of high-quality venues that are ideal for small to medium-sized conferences and meetings. International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) holds up to 500 delegtes, while the Natural Cultural Centre is another popular meeting venue.

Kempinski Seychelles Resort seats up to

200, while other iconic resort venues include the Constance Ephelia, the Four Seasons Seychelles, Eden Bleu Hotel, and Banyan Tree Seychelles – which holds up to 60 guests.

Key Venues Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa Savoy Resort and Spa offers luxurious event and meeting spaces, with both indoor and outdoor venues. Catering to a maximum of 300 participants, every occasion is custom designed, with a professional team ready to carefully orchestrate the event.

Catering packages can be personalised to suit each function. www.savoy.sc

Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa Meeting Room

Area (m2)

Theatre

Classroom

Banquet

Cocktail

Amirantes

355

300

130

250

360

Marie Louise

104.5

90

40

75

110

Desroches

100

85

30

65

90

Alphonse

150

125

60

100

150

Boardroom I

63

25

15

15

20

Boardroom II

63

25

15

15

20

BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY

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Climate The Seychelles is always warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24°C or rising above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie outside the cyclone belt. © Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resport and Spa

Currency

© Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa Avani Seychelles Barbarons Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa offers three meeting rooms and 500 square metres of event space.

The venue has a dedicated meeting and events team with expertise and excellent

service, while the beach is just a stone’s throw away. It is ideal for corporate events, exhibitions, receptions and banquets with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean. www.minorhotels.com/ en/avani/seychelles-barbarons

Meeting Room

Area (Metres)

Theatre

Classroom

Banquet

Cocktail

Boardroom

Takamaka

11m x 17.7m x 4.8m

180

110

120

180

60

Flamboyant

6.6m x 5.9m x 2.8m

30

18

10

15

8

Cannelle

4.2m x 5.9m x 2.8m

20

12

10

15

8

Foyer

-

-

-

-

300

-

Allamanda

-

-

-

-

100

-

Takamaka + Foyer + Allamanda

-

-

-

-

420

-

The travel trend to the Seychelles continues to be leisure driven and will continue to dominate, says David Germain. “MICE is a newly introduced segment in the process of being promoted more widely across all our markets. This is due to the fact that professional facilities for MICE were only recently made available on the islands.

The Ground Services Providers (DMCs) in Seychelles have packages available – work and play packages as they are often called – offering the organisers various options such as conferences and postconference activities, and excursions to

South African Rand (ZAR)

US Dollar (USD)

Euro (EUR)

Chinese Yuan

50

47.21

3.67

3.26

24.99

Access

Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa

Incentive Travel Products

Seychellois Rupee (SCR)

our various islands nearby. The most popular trips are the ones which include post-conferences tours and excursions.”

There are still many luxury incentive opportunities like wellness and spa retreats.

Seychelles is also ideal for water lovers and offers the likes of snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and wind surfing. Adventure seekers are also welcome, with activities like zip lining through forest canopies, or hiking through UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai in Praslin National Park. Visitors can enjoy an evening of traditional dancing and gastronomic delicacies at one of the few remaining authentic ‘Grann Kaz’ or Plantation Houses.

Seychelles International Airport, or Aéroport de la Pointe Larue, is the main access point to the archipelago, located on the island of Mahé near the capital city of Victoria. 15 other airports provide further connections. Carriers to the Seychelles include: • Air France • Air Seychelles • British Airways • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Jet Airways • Kenya Airways • Qantas • Qatar Airways • South African Airways • SriLankan Airlines • Turkish Airlines

Contacts Seychelles Tourism Board Headquarters: Espace Building, PO Box 1262, Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 467 1300 Email: info@seychelles.travel Website: www.seychelles.travel

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EVENTS TO DIARISE

JULY WORLD CONFEDERATION FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY CONGRESS 2–4 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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POWER-GEN AFRICA 18 – 20 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA MINE ENTRA 19 – 21 BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

AIPC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2–5 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

MEDIATECH AFRICA 19 – 21 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EDU WEEK 4–5 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

KZN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION 26 – 28 DURBAN, SOUTH FARCE

AFRICAN MARINE WASTE CONFERENCE 9 – 13 PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

THE MONEY EXPO 28 – 29 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

GLOBAL TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 9 – 11 HOLLYWOOD, USA

GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW 28 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRANSPORT CONFERENCE 10 – 13 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICA WORLD EXPO 30 – 1 JULY JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

OIL & GAS AFRICA 11 – 13 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

AUGUST NOCCI BUSINESS EXPO 3–5 KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA EMPIRE MONEY EXPO 4–6 SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA WEDDING EXPO DURBAN 5–6 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA 100% DESIGN SOUTH AFRICA 9 – 13 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA DECOREX JOBURG 9 – 13 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA LOERIES CREATIVE WEEK 14 – 20 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA CAPE CONSTRUCTION TRADE EXPO 15 – 16 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA CAPE INDUSTRIAL SHOWCASE 15 – 17 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OPEN DESIGN FESTIVAL CAPE TOWN 16 – 26 CAPE TOWN INFRASTRUCTURE AFRICA 21 – 22 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA THE COMMERCIAL UAV SHOW AFRICA 23 – 24 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EVENTS TO DIARISE

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MY BUSINESS EXPO CAPE TOWN 24 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA SARDCA INTERNATIONAL 24 – 27 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA MAMAMAGIC DURBAN 25 – 27 DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA THE WEDDING EXPO JOHANNESBURG 26 – 27 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA MERCURY WINE WEEK 30 – 1 SEPT DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA CHINA HOMELIFE FAIR SOUTH AFRICA 30 – 1 SEPT JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA BUY A BUSINESS EXPO 31 – 2 SEPT JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA SMALL BUSINESS EXPO 31 – 2 SEPT JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CAPE HOMEMAKERS EXPO 31 – 3 SEPT CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

SEPTEMBER CAPE INDUSTRIES SHOWCASE 6–8 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA IBTM LATIN AMERICA 6–7 MEXICO CITY, MEXICO SIGN AFRICA 13 – 15 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA FESPA AFRICA 13 – 15 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA CAPE WINE 15 – 17 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA MICE ASIA 21 – 22 SINGAPORE IT&CM ASIA 26 – 28 BANGKOK, THAILAND

CTW ASIA PACIFIC 26 – 28 BANGKOK, THAILAND AUTOMECHANIKA 27 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA REIFEN 27 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA FUTURE ROAD EXPO 27 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA SCALEX 27 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA STANDARD BANK JOY OF JAZZ 28 – 30 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Unsplash © Lukasz Szmigiel

IBTM CHINA 23 – 24 BEIJING, CHINA

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ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

Phumulani Hlatshwayo EXSA General Manager

EXSA TALKS LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION At EXSA, we know that exhibitions and events are a serious engine to drive job creation and economic impact, and as an industry body, we are determined to continue our focus on sustainability and relevance. With this in mind, our trajectory this year has been one of strategic partnerships, research and thought leadership positioning.

I believe that in order for our industry to grow and remain relevant, there is a need to dig deep and curate content that goes beyond actual shows and events. There is a strong call for more visibility of management and decision makers in our industry.

In addition buzzwords such as ‘experience’ and ‘disruption’ continue to dominate trends conversations; however, I feel a focused effort on practical application has not yet been fully developed.

In really unpacking and seeking deeper knowledge definition, we

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can segment and decide where innovation and experience is necessary and where it isn’t.

Part of this deeper understating and moving towards country and industry goals - such as transformation and sustainability - is that as an association, we are also looking at the opportunity for diversification of our industry. By this we mean, proactively targeting and tapping into the industry value chain.

Are there others services that play a role within exhibitions and events that can add value to our member base? Are we as an association being open minded in our approach and acknowledging new industries? Are we fully embracing new (and existing) elements to eventing such as partnering with speaker bureaus, chef associations, non-traditional accommodation platforms and fleet management?

Most importantly, are we recognising economies within the underserved areas such as townships and rural areas? In our role as a responsible association, going off the beaten track and opening new markets is part of our growth strategy.

SITE CALLS FOR SPEAKERS AT GLOBAL FORUM 2018 The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence has called for industry professionals to apply for a speaking position at the SITE + MPI Global Forum from 12-14 January 2018 in Rome, Italy.

The organisation is looking for presenters who can bring a mix of expertise and real-world experiences to an audience that craves new creative ideas.

To find out more about the criteria, or to submit your proposal, contact education@siteglobal.com or visit www.siteglobal.com.

ASSOCIATIONS NEWS

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This was another decade of great success for the association meetings sector. ICCA captured 12 212 rotating international association meetings taking place worldwide in 2016, which is clearly an all-time record for ICCA’s annual snapshot of immediate past year’s meetings data.

The market share of the Middle East region has grown even quicker: from 100 to 255 in a decade. This growth of over 250% is the largest for any region in the world. The estimated total number of participants in the Middle East has grown from just over 100 000 in 2007 to an average of almost 200 000 in the last 5 years.

“This trends helps illustrate why ICCA took the strategic decision to open up a full-time Regional Office in Dubai at the start of 2016,” says Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO. “The association sector is taking off in the Middle East, driven by growth in an educated, professional middle class, a desire for professional education, standards and accreditations, and an understanding by international associations that this is a market of great long-term potential, both for growth in membership and for building business for their members based outside the region.”

ACTE: AIRLINES MUST COVER MORE The Association of Corporate Travel Executives explained at the ACTE Education Forum, how as the job market continues to strengthen, employees and travel executives will demand more from airlines and airports than at any time in the past.

81 participants, with 21 travel buyers representing local and global companies based in Europe, gathered in Zurich for the ACTE Educational Forum, in conjunction with the Swiss Travel Management Association, to discuss how airlines can better meet their needs. All want simplified discounts and best-price guarantees against market fluctuations; they also are looking to buy in-flight WiFi in bulk for greater savings.

“We’ve seen that travel policies and how companies treat their travellers is an important factor in retention and motivation of current employees.

Recruits also want to know a company’s travel policy before they sign on so that they understand how they will be treated when on the road,” said Greeley Koch, ACTE Executive Director.

Rudi Van Der Vyver Chief Executive Officer at SAACI

SAACI 31ST CONGRESS – AN INDUSTRY TO TAKE NOTE OF! After months and months of planning and a couple of sleepless nights it was time for the 31st Annual SAACI Congress to kick off at the CSIR in Tshwane. The caliber of speakers and the level of delegates attending the congress was a clear indication that the business events industry in South Africa and even Southern Africa is fast moving to world class levels. Engagement by delegates in the sessions was incredible, and our industry is definitely one that we can start to bank on in terms of sustainable future economic growth and contribution to our GDP. One of the highlights was the presentation by the South Africa National Convention Bureau, showcasing the massive impact the business events industry has had on tourism in South Africa, not only from a direct business tourism perspective, but the residual impact as a funnel for leisure tourism as well. The old heated discussion regarding commissions was also addressed and for the first time it got to a much stronger point of rational thought and discussions which can now be taken further as we uplift and better our industry.

SAACI would like to thank all the delegates who attended and we will strive to continue creating strong, valuable platforms for industry engagement on relevant issues and to further our educational focus. .

Unsplash © Ren Ran

MIDDLE EAST FASTEST GROWING REGION FOR ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

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Integrity | Intelligence | Innovation | Sustainability

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) was established in 1987 and today represents more than 1600 members from a variety of sectors in the conference industry.

Join

the professional conference association at the forefront of uplifting business events in Southern Africa.

• SAACI is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of efficiency and professionalism in the conference and events industry in Southern Africa.

• SAACI membership is divided into 7 forums – Conferences and Events, Venues, Services,

Technical, Transport, Destination Marketing and Exhibitions – and has 5 branches in South Africa’s different geographical regions with 4 more launching soon and a permanent Head Office in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Who should join?

Anyone who operates in the conference industry – organisers, venue managers, service providers and many more

THE WORK WE DO IS GUIDED BY FOUR KEY PRINCIPLE PILLARS:

THE PILLARS THAT GUIDE US 1) SAACI Community 2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa

FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM: 5) Branding & Communication 6) Stakeholder Engagement 7) Sustainability 8) Future Focus

Association Hub 158 Jan Smuts Avenue 4 th Floor, East Wing Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

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@SAACIOfficial

SAACI Head Office P.O. Box 381 Parklands, 2121

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SAACI Official

in

Tel: Email: Web:

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