The Event issue 8

Issue 8 | 2013

+ Botswana Gem of Africa

+ Event Technology Latest & Greatest

+ Meetings Africa and INDABA Set Sights on 2014

12 www.theevent.co.za Publisher: Lance Gibbons lance@filmeventmedia.co.za Executive Editor: Maya Kulycky maya@filmeventmedia.co.za Business Manager: Taryn Fowler taryn@filmeventmedia.co.za Key Account Manager (SA): Nina Zani Nina@theevent.co.za Sales Manager (Outside SA): Shaun Ross shaun@filmeventmedia.co.za Head of Design: Jess Novotná jess@filmeventmedia.co.za Editorial and Design Co-ordinator: Danielle Illman danielle@filmeventmedia.co.za 57 2nd Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont 7708, Cape Town, South Africa Telephone: +27 21 674 0646 www.filmeventmedia.co.za

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in The Event do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of the editor or the publisher, while inclusion of adverts/advertising features does not imply endorsement of any business, product or service. Copyright of this material is reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, The Event and/ or its employees may not be held liable or responsible for any act or ommission committed by any person, including a juristic person, referred to in this publication.

It and they furthermore accept(s) no responsibility for any liability arising out of any reliance that a reader of this publication places on the contents of this publication.

Join us

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Contents Meetings Africa and INDABA Set Sights on 2014

02

Meetings and Events Industry Buyers Target Africa for Business 03 African Union Considers Creation of Tourism Body

04

UFI Report

05

Tourism Industry in Egypt Struggles

06

Kenya Deepens Tourism Ties with Nigeria

08

First IFES Conference in Africa a Success

10

The Latest and Greatest in Event Technology

12

What’s the Secret to Creating a World-Class Creative Event

18

Events

20

Botswana: Bustling and Beautiful

22

Free State: South Africa’s Breadbasket

28

Noelene Kotschan: Making a Difference

30

Joining the Event Greening Forum

31

Industry Moves

32

Associations

34

Industry Celebrates Mandela Day

37

Opportunities

38

Directory

40 www.t heevent .co.za T HE EV ENT

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NEWS

Meetings Africa 2013 © Reg Caldecott

Meetings Africa and INDABA Set Sights on 2014

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outh African Tourism, organisers of Africa’s biggest business events trade show, Meetings Africa, and Africa’s only global travel trade show, INDABA, say they are “more committed than ever” to ensuring that these trade shows provide the best platforms possible to respond to the rapidly growing interest in the African tourism marketplace.

“Africa was the second fastest growing tourism region in the world last year, after Asia, and these two regions are expected to lead global tourism growth again this year. This has naturally made tourism in Africa appealing to the tourism industry across the value chain, especially as developed markets become saturated. We are responding to this by ensuring that INDABA 2014 and Meetings Africa 2014 are our best ever trade shows, and plans are already well underway,” says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Thulani Nzima.

Meetings Africa 2014 2 884 delegates attended Meetings Africa 2013, which included over 350 buyers, 70 percent more than the number of buyers who attended last year’s show. These new international buyers represented 23 markets outside of South Africa.

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“The industry can expect an additional 61 410 business event delegates to come to South Africa in the next 12 months as a result of buyers’ attendance at Meetings Africa 2013. There was also a very strong contingent of African exhibitors at Meetings Africa, representing 12 destinations in total, all of whom reported a very productive and busy Meetings Africa, writing new business as well as establishing exciting potential for business to come. It was very encouraging that 78 percent of the buyers this year were attending Meetings Africa for the first time, which shows that interest in our region is growing considerably,” adds Nzima.

Buyers at Meetings Africa were carefully vetted this year to ensure that only buyers who met the criteria and were serious about doing business were invited. South African Tourism remains committed to continually increasing the quality and the number of qualified hosted buyers at next year’s Meetings Africa.

Meetings Africa 2014 takes place from 2426 February in Gauteng.

INDABA 2014 At this year’s INDABA an announcement was made by South African Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk of plans to modernise and expand the exhibition and to

make it a truly Pan African platform.

Minister van Schalkwyk also highlighted that government is committed to investing heavily to make INDABA the Pan African show it is meant to be with full participation from the rest of the African continent including the African Indian Ocean Islands.

“A big focus of INDABA 2014 is on including more exhibitors from the rest of the continent. We are extending an invitation to product owners from across Africa to be part of Africa’s only global travel trade show, INDABA, as we strive to work with our African counterparts to shape our continent’s future,” says Nzima.

To grow INDABA 2014 South African Tourism aims to make the show more business and private sector focused than ever before with all related events geared to facilitate networking between buyers and exhibitors.

INDABA 2013 attracted 2 341 international and local buyers. South African Tourism expects this number to grow significantly next year given the increased number and spread of exhibitors expected. The hosted buyer programme also remains an important part of the INDABA trade show and is purposely being improved for next year to include even more value.

INDABA 2014 takes place in Durban from 10-13 May.

NEWS

Meetings and Events Industry Buyers Target Africa for Business

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has stimulated the growth in the meetings industry on the continent, attracting global buyers attending EIBTM who are looking for new and exciting destinations to place business,” Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Senior Event Director, told The Event. “In addition to this, the fast improving economic situation across the continent is also an attractive prospect for global organisations looking to place meetings and conferences. Ghana, for example, is currently experiencing GDP growth of 13.5%, the highest percentage GDP growth in the world.”

EIBTM 2012 welcomed 161 exhibiting companies from Africa at the show.

Suppliers included hotels and venues, national convention bureaux, destination management companies, destinations, and professional conference organisers.

Meanwhile, CIBTM’s introduction of a dedicated African pavilion is meant to meet growing demand from Chinese buyers to place business in Africa. The top four regions of particular interest are:

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eed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry, says that African suppliers are in-demand among global buyers at EIBTM (the global meetings and incentive exhibition to be held in Barcelona, Spain from 19-21 November) and at CIBTM (China’s leading meetings, incentives and business travel exhibition).

Research conducted by RTE following the last edition of EIBTM showed that more than 1 320 Hosted Buyers who attended the event, and were responsible for organising meetings, specified a direct interest in placing business in Africa. At CIBTM the launch of a dedicated Africa Pavilion at the 2013 edition of the event (to be held 2-4 September in Beijing) was announced.

Economic growth on the continent is behind the interest in Africa. The Africa Economic Outlook has released figures demonstrating that Africa’s economy is projected to grow by 4.8% in 2013, and increase a further 5.3% in 2014, highlighting Africa as an increasingly attractive region for the meetings and events industry.

“We believe that it is Africa’s business potential, and the large in increase in the number of corporate and business travellers going to African countries, that

We believe that it is Africa’s business potential, and the large in increase in the number of corporate and business travellers going to African countries, that has stimulated the growth in the meetings industry on the continent.

Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania and Angola.

RTE says the volume of Chinese travellers entering Africa in 2012 increased by 40% in comparison to 2011. 70% of Chinese groups travelling to Africa were doing so for business purposes.

The Africa Pavilion will provide an area on the show floor for suppliers to showcase their products to over 4 500 meetings industry professionals and 450 high level hosted buyers who are expected to attend the event.

RTE has placed Africa in the spotlight with its recent announcement of the launch of the new Africa Travel Week. Africa Travel Week is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 28 April – 3 May, 2014 and will include the World Travel Market Africa, IBTM Africa, and International Luxury Travel Market Africa.

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NEWS

African Union

© SA Tourism

Considers Creation of Tourism Body

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r. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Chairperson of African Union Commission and former South African Minister of Home Affairs, says that the African Union (AU) is prepared to consider a proposal for a tourism body within the Commission.

Such a tourism body could also push for an African Heritage Site label for the African cultural sites which are bidding for recognition by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Dr. Dlamini-Zuma was responding to an appeal by the Seychelles on Africa working with Africa in recognising Africa’s heritage sites. Minister Alain St.Ange of the

Seychelles says, “Tourism remains the one industry that can unite Africa because most African countries are developing their very own tourism industry, or are interested by this industry. Tourism is the industry that can have a positive effect on the economy of all our countries, and in so doing benefit the people from our respective countries.”

Dr. Dlamini-Zuma recently highlighted the importance of tourism for the African continent in May at the Opening Ceremony of the 5th Meeting of the African Union Ministers of Women’s Affairs and Gender.

She stated, “In the next few years, India and China will be sending to the world more than 300 million tourists. What

proportion of that will be coming to Africa?

If we do not have infrastructure, they will not come, despite the endowments we have in tourist products.” In June at the 102nd International Labour Conference, she said, “Tourism is another sector with a great potential for job creation. The revenue generated by tourism is usually passed on to many segments of society, from the big hospitality industry to small sellers of souvenirs and cultural artifacts.”

Dr. Dlamini Zuma has reportedly stated that the African Union Commission will be taking the lead in bringing together interested Ministers of Tourism from Africa with the aim of setting up the tourism body.

Telephone + 27 11 779 0000 | Facsimile + 27 11 779 0001 | Email scc.info@tsogosun.com

NEWS

UFI Report on Exhibition Industry Reveals Growth in Africa

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We note an increase of 33% in exhibition space and 15% more trade fairs in the entire African continent.

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new report from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, shows that despite a difficult business climate, the exhibition industry in Africa and the Middle East is growing and there is a “clear sense that the future of the exhibition industry in the region is promising.”

Ibrahim Alkhaldi, UFI MEA Regional Manager, told The Event, “Compared to the first edition of this UFI research completed in 2006, we note an increase of 33% in exhibition space and 15% more trade fairs in the entire African continent. The available data sources, however, did not provide sufficient information to assess the business growth inside each individual country.”

The report states that the exhibition market leaders in the region remain the UAE, South Africa, and Iran. Together they provide

approximately 40% of the documented indoor exhibition space in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Kuwait and Qatar are noted as, “important emerging markets with significant potential for growth in the future.”

The report notes that the exhibition industry is strongly present in the southern, northern, and (to a lesser extent) eastern tips of Africa but is still not existent or minimal in the Sahara, western, and equatorial parts of the continent.

South Africa is the regional “industry giant” with 15 venues representing 29% of indoor exhibition space and organizing 112 trade fairs.

Johannesburg is the only city in the MEA region to offer seven purpose-built exhibition venues.

NEWS

Tsogo Sun South African Airways Most On-Time Airline in the World FlightStats, Inc., the leading provider of global flight and airport information services, named South African Airways (SAA) the most on-time airline in the world for the month of June.

Only six major international carriers delivered over 90% of their flights on time. SAA topped the list with 93.33%, outperforming several reputable carriers from across the world. According to the report, major international airlines on average delivered 75.85% of their flights to the arrival gate within 15 minutes of schedule

in June, down from May’s 80.70%.

“It is very gratifying to note that for the last five (5) months, SAA has managed to achieve over 90% on-time performance; and remarkably topping the list of the most on-time airlines in the world on three occasions during the same period. This speaks volumes about the commitment and determination that our staff put into their duties in order to consistently provide a professional and reliable service to our valued customers,” said Ms. Zuks Ramasia, SAA’s General Manager for Operations.

Offers All Guests HighSpeed Wi-Fi In an effort to meet the needs of travellers, Tsogo Sun Hotels has installed high speed quality connectivity Wi-Fi in all its hotels that is free up to a varying data limit per room per day, depending on which grade of hotel the guest is staying in. The free high speed, quality connectivity Wi-Fi service was launched in Tsogo Sun hotels at the start of June, 2013.

Tsogo sun says this sets a new Wi-Fi standard in the hospitality industry in South Africa.

“We were determined to get our Wi-Fi offering right in terms of what our guests need – whether they’re business or leisure travellers,” explains Graham Wood, Tsogo Sun hotels Managing Director.

Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport Everything Your Event Needs

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ocated just a few minutes away from the airport, Garden Court O. R. Tambo International Airport is the ideal venue for conferences and events. Capable of accommodating up to 250 delegates, the hotel offers nine venue options and caters to a variety of event types.

Guests and delegates can enjoy ultimate convenience and comfort as the event team ensures that every detail is taken care of.

For delegates wanting to spend the night, the hotel has 253 rooms, all with free WiFi, as keeping in touch is an essential part of travelling, and staying connected is a business imperative. Hotel guests will be able to download emails, upload presentations, surf

the web and stay connected, all for free with a cap of 350MB per room per day.

For more information or to book your next

Contributed by Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport

conference please contact Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport on +27 11 392 1062 or gcortambo.banqueting@tsogosun.com

Tourism Industry in Egypt Struggles

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olitical turmoil has “all but killed” tourism in Egypt, formerly one of the African continent’s most popular tourist destinations, reports the BBC. In July, the UK government advised against “all travel to parts of the country” and the U.S. government urged U.S. citizens travelling to Egypt to “remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and lead to clashes with security forces or even rival groups.”

The U.S. government further cited that following the revolution in January, 2011, the number of criminal incidents has grown throughout Egypt, including crime

against foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry has faced a crisis of leadership as the Egypt Minister of Tourism under deposed President Mohammed Morsi, Hisham Zaazou, resigned his post in early July. Zaazou resigned while Morsi was still in office - in protest over the appointment of a senior member of the ex-militant group Gamaa Islamiya to the position of Governor in Luxor.

Zaazou is still listed as the Minister on Egypt’s official government website.

According to Reuters, more than 12.8 million tourists visited Egypt in 2008, providing revenues of nearly $11 billion.

The sector employed about 12% of Egypt’s workforce. However, since 2011, tourism has declined by 37%. The BBC reports that in the year President Morsi held power tourism “went into freefall.”

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NEWS

Kenya Deepens Tourism Ties with Nigeria

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he Kenyan government has announced that Kenya Airways will soon commence direct flights to Abuja, Nigeria to encourage frequent exchanges in the tourism and trade sectors, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

The President cited the recent review of Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries as an important milestone that allowed Kenya airways to fly directly to Abuja.

During a meeting with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja, President Kenyatta said that tourism was an area of untapped potential for the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He also noted that the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism under consideration by the two countries will also offer other avenues for exchanges in the sector. “Nigeria has a large middle class population, which would enjoy the numerous tourist attractions in Kenya.

We want to see Nigerians stopping in Kenya

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for business and tourism not just transiting through Nairobi,” said President Kenyatta. He also encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Kenya to conduct businesses and called for closer interaction between business communities from both countries through the respective chambers of commerce and relevant trade and investment institutions to facilitate and expedite trade and investments.

During the visit, the two Presidents agreed on implementation of strategies directed at promoting intra-Africa trade and investment in their respective countries including in the areas of agriculture, tourism, minerals exploitation, financial services, education and energy.

This enhanced partnership with Nigeria comes on the heels of Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism putting strategies in place they hope will lead to significant growth in the tourism industry. Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Commerce and East Africa Affairs, Mrs. Phyllis Kandie, recently outlined a ten

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President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Goodluck Johnathan

During the visit, the two Presidents agreed on implementation of strategies directed at promoting intraAfrica trade and investment in their respective countries including in the areas of agriculture, tourism, minerals exploitation, financial services, education and energy.

point plan for the sector which she said will be prioritized to ensure growth in tourism.

She said the plan will ensure that the sector delivers three million tourist arrivals by 2017. President Kenyatta, who was sworn in on 9 April, is a former Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board. The government is reportedly increasing Kenyan Tourism Board’s marketing budget from 89 million rand to over 350 million rand.

Meanwhile, plans for a second runway project at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), are reportedly scheduled to move forward this year. The plans had been delayed under the last government. The new Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Kamau, reportedly moved the project forward by removing an oversight committee and giving the Kenya Airport Authority board and management the authority to complete the runway by the financial year 2016/17.

Building the new runway will take at least three and a half years.

NEWS

UNWTO Heads to Zambia and Zimbabwe

© garybembridge

T

he 20th session of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly is set to commence from 24-29 August.

The General Assembly will hold its session in Livingstone and Victoria Falls in the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe at the Elephant Hills Resort Hotel in Victoria Falls, and at the Sun International Resort Hotel in Livingstone. The opening ceremony and welcome reception will be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and has been scheduled for Sunday, 25 August, at 6:00 p.m. It will be followed by a welcome dinner at the Victoria Falls Hotel. The closing ceremony will be held at the Sun International Resort Hotel, in Livingstone, Zambia. It has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, 28 August, at 7:00p.m.

This is the second time this global event will be hosted in Africa. The first time was in Senegal in 2007.

Both Zimbabwe and Zambia say extensive planning has gone into preparing for the event. The Zambian government has been

upgrading road infrastructure, airport facilities, accommodation, and re-enforcing security for arriving delegates.

Zimbabwe established an Inter-Ministerial Committee with nine sub-committees which are responsible for planning and ensuring all logistical processes are accomplished.

Each country has put in place a gratis visa for the delegates and those accompanying them, which is valid for 30 days from date of entry. This will allow for unrestricted free movement between the two countries.

A number of pre and post event and social activities have been planned for the delegates, including tours to visit Victoria Falls, game viewing, and traditional performances. In addition to hosting a successful event, Zambia and Zimbabwe hope to put the African continent’s tourism attractions in the spotlight.

Uganda Tourism VAT Increase Faces Industry Opposition

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n 18% VAT increase on tourism accommodation in the new Uganda budget for 2013/2014 is facing opposition from the

industry.

The VAT, which went into immediate effect upon its announcement, applies to accommodation in Uganda. A letter signed by highly-regarded property owners says, “The new 18% tax on accommodation is going to make our operations extremely expensive for our guests. The tax increase of 18% will bring our average taxation up to an exorbitant amount.” The letter further states that the tax will hinder “Uganda’s fastest growing sector and the major income earner” by having numerous negative effects including bankrupting many lodge owners, reducing employment, and reducing employment among

suppliers and service providers to lodges.

Since the tax takes effect immediately, owners are also concerned about being liable for false advertising “as rates offered and contracted have to be retracted and increased by 18%” Corne Schalkwyk, GM of Premier Safaris, says a storm is brewing over the tax. “As you may have heard, the Ugandan Government unexpectedly slapped an 18% VAT on tourism charges to lodges and properties outside of Kampala and Entebbe effective, July 01, 2013,” says Corne. “Premier Safaris along with Marasa Africa, and other lodging companies and organizations are lobbying the government to drop these charges. Or suspend them due to the short notice. For the month of July, 2013, Premier Safaris will absorb this 18% VAT for any trips currently booked for

July and paid for in full. For bookings after July, we must charge for these new taxes.”

In Uganda, tour and safari operators are required to maintain quoted rates for 18 months ahead, so owners are faced with the prospect of absorbing the additional cost. Industry leaders say the potential impact on the tourism sector may not have been considered before the VAT decision was made. Leading industry representatives have met with the government to voice their concerns and request a repeal of the tax but are concerned about potential inaction.

A similar situation in Tanzania recently reportedly led to a government announcement that they would not be enforcing a proposed 18% tourism tax after consultation with the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania.

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NEWS

First IFES Conference in Africa a Success

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I believe we effectively showed the IFES delegates what great capacity South Africa has for hosting world-class events.

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he International Federation of Exhibition and Event Suppliers (IFES) hosted the IFES World Summit 2013, the Association’s annual conference and AGM, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in June. This was the first IFES conference to be held in Africa, and feedback from the 148 delegates representing over 30 countries was unanimous that it was a successful event.

Justin Hawes, MD of local exhibition supplier, Scan Display, IFES Treasurer and the 2013 Summit Chairperson, explained that the decision to bring the event to South Africa was based on the fact that the continent is currently demonstrating annual growth of 7-8%.

“There is a great deal of international interest in doing business here,” says Hawes. “I believe we effectively showed the IFES delegates what great capacity South

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Africa has for hosting world-class events.”

Hawes believes that the event also demonstrated what IFES is all about connecting members of the exhibition and events industry from around the globe in an environment that is conducive to building partnerships.

This year’s theme “Creating Value in the Global Exhibition Industry to Ensure Growth and Sustainability” was evident throughout the conference.

Attendees learned about how technology, environmental sustainability, and economic cut-backs can both threaten and create opportunities for the exhibition and event services industries.

Feedback from the IFES delegates was very positive. Bruno Meissner, the President of IFES, enthused: “This was the best IFES event I have attended! We will all keep great memories from Cape Town in our hearts.”

Delegates praised the event’s excellent organisation, its strong content (which featured five international and one local speaker), the venue and the host city.

The IFES World Summit 2013 side events were structured to ensure delegates could experience as much of South Africa and its culture as possible. As well as offering a variety of post- and pre-show tours around Southern Africa, the programme included a trip to Robben Island and the Cape Winelands, a Golf Day hosted at the Milnerton golf course with its backdrop of ocean and Table Mountain, and a networking dinner at Moyo at the V&A Waterfront. The evening’s food and entertainment provided a rich African experience.

For more information about IFES and the conference, please contact Justin Hawes on +27 11 447 4777 or justin@scandisplay.co.za. Alternatively, visit www.ifesnet.com.

The Latest and Greatest in Event Technology

by Lesley Stones

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Mediatech 2013

FEATURE

FEATURE

Mediatech 2013

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echnology used in the events industry tends to improve by continuous incremental steps rather than in massive whizzbang breakthroughs.

Yet visitors to the Mediatech trade fair in Johannesburg in July saw a range of hitech equipment that had vastly improved since the previous show two years ago.

Mediatech is not held every year precisely because the improvements are far more visible two years down the line, when the industry is ready for a technology refresh, says show director Simon Robinson. That means visitor numbers are high, trade is brisk and the new products and features worth putting on a show for.

“Doing it every two years has proved

incredibly successful because technology doesn’t improve that much in a year, but there are big changes over two years. For the event industry it’s important to come and see the advances,” Simon says.

The three-day show attracted more than 100 exhibitors and 6,300 pre-booked visitors, including 450 from other African countries. “There’s a huge amount of business happening in Africa,” Simon says.

Many international manufacturers unveil their latest offerings at Mediatech, which covers all the technological aspects of staging an event. That includes sound, lighting, visual effects and software like video mapping, where an image is projected onto an object like a pillar or a whole building, and the image fits perfectly.

“That’s not new, but the advances in the software are phenomenal,” Simon says. “They are able to do it with much smaller projectors that take less power and are becoming far more affordable. Big advances have been made around what mapping software is able to do and how easy it is to do it.”

Sound systems have also seen noticeable improvements with Line Array systems designed to create a constant sound level at varying distances from the source. “If you have a stage set up with linear speakers firing out, the volume is going to sound the same whether you are 10m or 40m from the stage. That’s been around for a long time but they are constantly improving it,” Simon says.

Some of the greatest advances in eventing technology have been in the lighting department, driving a major move by lighting manufacturers to LED. In the past, LED couldn’t match traditional incandescent lights as the colours weren’t as rich. “There has been a reluctance with some die-hard lighting designers to use LED, but we have seen a huge improvement over the last two years and they are getting the warm, rich colours that designers want to light up the stage or the studio for TV productions,” says Simon. The biggest attraction, however, is the power saving from using LED. Mediatech is also popular for its seminars by equipment manufacturers including Prosound and Segma. “Because it’s boys and their toys one of the most popular features is the live outdoor sound demo, with eight concert stages to demonstrate 10 different systems where each manufacturer has 15 minutes to show their capabilities,” Simon says.

FEATURE

Mediatech 2013

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Sound systems have also seen noticeable improvements with Line Array systems designed to create a constant sound level at varying distances from the source.

A more unusual feature was the Africa Loudness Summit, to help local broadcasters draw on global experience to solve fluctuating volume levels and conform to loudness regulations. Florian Camerer, billed as the world’s leading authority on loudness, spoke about the upcoming R128 regulations and the cost and criteria of compliance.

Wildly fluctuating audio levels between programmes, adverts and channels are a problem for the broadcast industry, and frustrating for viewers, artists and producers. Regulated standards are on their way to Africa, and Florian was the perfect speaker because he co-authored the R128 loudness recommendations being adopted.

This year Sony became a platinum sponsor of Mediatech, which was staging its seventh exhibition. “The number of people in the industry is continually growing,” says Jess Goedhals, General Manager of Sony South Africa’s Broadcast Division, “and Mediatech gives them the opportunity to interact with the actual products and discuss their requirements with the suppliers.” Sony showcased its new PMW-F55 and F5 cameras and the

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Sony RAW recording capability. It also launched the Optical Disc Archive system that uses optical disc technology and a new generation of OLED Grading and Broadcast Monitors.

Questek Advanced Technologies was demonstrating VidiGo Visual Radio, which creates TV content from radio shows without extra staff. The system automates the entire production by analysing audio levels on the studio microphones and automatically controlling camera switching, dynamic digital video effects and graphic overlays, using graphics from any data source.

Kevin Glover of Sound Stylist says there is often an exciting atmosphere at trade shows because developers keep their advancements under wraps until such events. But he agrees that the changes are more of an evolution than a revolution.

“I went to Frankfurt this year for the Musikmesse, which is the biggest trade show in the world, and there was nothing that really jumped out and said ‘you have to have this’. A couple of lighting desks have come out which are quite exciting, and we’re using a German system called Coda which is absolutely stunning.”

In the lighting department the biggest benefit of LED technology is the lamp hours, Kevin says. “Normal lights give you about 700 hours before you replace them and LED will give you five to six years, so that’s been one of the biggest areas of development.” He’s also impressed by the merging of lighting and AV, with lighting desks triggering AV functions like LED screens and projections.

Not much new has happened with sound systems, he says, although the need for smaller, more discreet, yet more powerful speakers is on the rise. “Digital decks are just getting quicker while not much has really changed with PA systems.

We’re just getting louder and bigger Line Array systems with computer controls so they sound better and can throw further, but there is no real light bulb moment in that area.”

Computer technology that combines videos from multiple media players and blends them to create a 360deg picture has been a very welcome development. “You have computers that can play back huge files and for a designer the creative element in that is as long as the day,” Kevin says.

“As an industry we have become more reliant on technology. A lot of good things are coming out that are software-based, like controlling software for mixing and lighting desks, and this is interesting because it’s stuff that can make our lives a lot easier.”

Kevin says there is never any shortage of new kit to add another trick to the armoury of effects, but the individual pieces are often self-indulgent more than anything else. “The trick is to get something the client can actually benefit from and which makes financial sense.

That’s more difficult to answer but a more relevant question,” he says.

Bryce Button, the international marketing manager for AJA Video Systems, says some of the equipment it has developed for professional video and film makers has improved dramatically.

“The stuff we’ve had coming out in the last year has largely been about 4K and ultra-HD which is pretty revolutionary,” he says. “It’s not a small jump like SD to HD, it’s literally four times the size, with the minimum amount of storage increase or bandwidth. We’ve designed a system where we can move huge hi-res images and play it

FEATURE

Mediatech 2013

Mediatech 2013

back without the same demands normally required with that type of resolution.”

The Ki Pro Quad is a 4K recording solution that works with Canon RAW data or any 4K baseband video signal and records ready-to-edit 4K Apple ProRes files directly to removable Pak SSD modules.

The files use a fraction of the storage space compared to uncompressed material while maintaining pristine image quality.

People have been using 4K for some time by taking four HD signals and joining them together to create a single big image, Bryce says. “We can do that with a single recorder and player.”

AJA’s Region of Interest scaling technology is particularly popular with sports broadcasters, he says, as it allows any portion of the computer screen to be selected and scaled to fit within the output frame, which is brilliant for replaying sporting highlights.

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FEATURE

One reason Bryce attended Mediatech was to assess how South Africa’s film and broadcasting industries are faring. “Trade shows in South Africa tend to attract markets from across the continent so it’s an opportunity to see what the local market is up to as well as throughout Africa,” he says.

“There’s a huge amount of production of commercials and some feature films done in South Africa but the post-production gets done in Europe or back in Hollywood.”

He believes AJA can sell more highresolution equipment here to help the local industry retain more post-production work. “We have a wide range of products like converters and digital recorders which are very pertinent to South Africa to increase the capacities.”

This year AJA launched Hi5-4K and ROI Mini-Converters for streamlining broadcast and post-production workflows.

The ROI Mini-Converter allows high quality conversion and real-time scaling of computer DVI-D and HDMI outputs to baseband video over SDI to incorporate computer signals into video production.

That’s useful for broadcasters who pull material from sources such as YouTube, as they can go to YouTube on their browser and convert a clip for use in a news broadcast or documentary. “That’s been selling really well because in the past you had to spend at least $5,000 and this is a product we managed to create for $995,” Bryce says.

One company in the Gearhouse group is Gearhouse ICS, which supplies IT solutions to the conference, exhibition and event market. “Any conference is about creating knowledge through sharing information.

Managing this information across the board, from initiation to completion, is key to a successful event,” says Thabiet Waggie, Managing Director of Gearhouse ICS.

Mediatech 2013

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Some of the greatest advances in eventing technology have been in the lighting department, driving a major move by lighting manufacturers to LED.

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FEATURE

Mediatech 2013

Its developers have come up with a range of applications for conference organisers including EventsCentral, an online and onsite delegate management and registration system and MediaVue, a presentation and content management system.

New modules have been added to EventsCentral to seamlessly share information and allow organisers to manage information for better planning and smoother execution.

Abstract Manager facilitates the submission of abstracts, the evaluation process and the identification of presentations and posters to be used as content.

Programme Builder ‘auto-builds’ an

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International participation in conferences is also becoming more popular, using technology that allows individuals in other countries to be streamed in, give their opinions, or even make a presentation without being physically there. agenda and enables the coordinator to put together a digital conference programme that is stored centrally. The application is available to multiple users and can manage high volumes of speaker presentations.

Extron Electronics, which manufactures professional AV system integration products, recently opened an office in Johannesburg. One product it displayed at Mediatech was the IN1606, a six input, HDCP-compliant video scaler that includes four HDMI inputs, two universal analogue video inputs and two simultaneous HDMI outputs, with support for up to 1920x1200 and 2K output resolutions.

Raquel De Sousa, marketing manager of Congress Rental, says the major changes in the past few years have been the move from analogue to digital, and the development of software-driven equipment. “The basic systems come with stand-alone software but the more you want to do with the equipment the more software you have to purchase,” she says.

“Congress Rental is constantly buying the latest software and training our employees so we never fall behind the latest trend.”

Wireless options are becoming more popular because of their mobility, she adds.

“The Bosch Wireless conference microphones have definitely been a huge success for us. We can effectively take your meeting anywhere you like, as long as there is one electrical source for the Central Control Unit.”

International participation in conferences is also becoming more popular, using technology that allows individuals in other countries to be streamed in, give their opinions, or even make a presentation without being physically there.

Congress Rental specialises in interpretation equipment and services, and Raquel says one must-have piece of equipment there is PC control of the microphones. On the projection side the must-haves are HD projectors.

“Consumers now expect HD all the time. Technology needs to function in a way that it forms part of the delegates’ natural movements. Technology has to fit seamlessly into the delegates life or else it will not be accepted,” she says.

In the coming years she believes the mobile phone will become increasingly important to conferences, with fully integrated apps being developed along those lines.

Mediatech 2013 www.t heevent .co.za T HE EV EN T

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“PRO”SPECTIVE

What’s the Secret to Creating a World-Class Creative Event?

By Chris Gotz

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he most magnificent table settings in the known universe aren’t going to make you famous.

No one’s going to fill their precious water cooler minutes with talk of how startlingly upright your pull-up banners were.

The road to event purgatory is paved with PowerPoint, finger food and not-quite-famous not-emcees. What you really, desperately need, before you have called the caterer or the guy who walks the high wire over the stage or the Parlotones, is an idea.

The beginning of the best events we have ever been involved in came with a few people in a room having a flash of brilliance that drives everything from then on. Not a “theme”. Event companies often confuse “themes” with ideas. A good, clear great idea will give an event resonance and scope and scale and, most of all, a point.

So how do you get there? Well, pretty much the way we always get there.

We do our homework. We research our audience. We understand what the client wants to do and wants to say. We drive/eat/wear/ play/shave with their product (if there is one).

We ask stupid questions, see what’s out there, see what everyone else is doing, see what your client’s done before. What events are people producing with multi-million budgets? What have people managed to pull off with ten bucks and a swizzle stick? What are the people who really know what they are talking about (and there are always specialists, in every field, who probably know more than we do) saying you can or shouldn’t do? Their expertise is truly, truly invaluable.

Next, forget everything everybody ever told you about events. Go back to the beginning.

Be a child. Start right at the beginning. What’s done is done. And more of the same is just more of the same, because you will not have an idea for a world class event by studying other events or looking at what’s been done before.

Beating at the heart of a world-class event is an original, brilliant, one-of-a-kind idea.

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It’s The Carling Cup with 92,500 fans stuffed into a stadium all because someone had the audacity to ask why we couldn’t have the two biggest soccer teams in the country play a game where the fans chose the sides.

It’s a gum launch where you “marry off” matric ragers for one night to prove that nothing lasts as long as your client’s new longlasting gum - because you know you’ll get tons of coverage as you scare the heck out of their folks and friends on Facebook.

Getting to the game changing idea, for an event or otherwise, is initially sheer, bloody minded hard work. You will grind away, read the brief, play wastepaper basketball with your bad ideas and then finally, thankfully do what all sensible creative people do. You stop. Whether you’re trying to come up with an event from scratch, or a way to give a local spin to a product launch that has just landed in its 113th country, forget all that incredibly important information your brain has just supped upon, forget all the big brained straining you’ve been doing and go take a long shower. Let your mind wander. Play banjo on a tennis racket. Jog. It is now scientifically proven that most great ideas happen in repose, when you’re in that relaxed state after you have furiously tried to come up with them.

So relax and, hopefully, it will visit you.

Most importantly, whilst you’re diving into this most arcane and illogical step in the process of coming up with an idea - never forget that your audience are people too.

The same people who love magic tricks and romantic comedies and the kick-ass music from Rocky and watching Gordon Ramsay shout at other people. At heart, they’re you.

Now for the hard part (yes, that other part was easy). You will need to grow a pair, even if you’re a girl. Different takes courage.

Doing something for the first time takes courage. World-class takes courage. So does challenging the client, your suppliers and your venue management. WWF’s Earth Hour was an event idea, and it changed the world. So go

for it. Seriously, because, as they said in the ad all those years ago, it’s people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, who really do.

Chris Gotz, Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town Chris began his career at JWT in Cape Town, before moving swiftly on to TBWA Hunt Lascaris FMC in Johannesburg. In 2000 Chris moved down to Ogilvy and Mather Cape Town. In 2012, Ogilvy and Mather Cape Town was ranked the number 1 creative agency at Cannes and Loeries, the first time this has happened in the history of the agency. Ogilvy and Mather Cape Town is currently the number 3 ranked creative agency in Ogilvy and Mather worldwide, the number 1 agency in the EMEA region and is in the top 30 agencies worldwide.

Chris has judged at Cannes and Loeries, as well as being appointed Chairperson of the Creative Circle in 2012, a position he will hold until 2014.

EVENTS

August INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT (ICEE) 4-8 Aug Kruger National Park, South Africa WOMEN’S ARTS WEEK 4-10 Aug Cape Town, South Africa DECOREX 7-11 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa THE GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW 8-11 Aug Durban, South Africa JOHANNESBURG BOAT SHOW 8-11 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa ROBERTSON SLOW 9-11 Aug Robertson, South Africa 19TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON DENTAL HYGIENE 2013 14-17 Aug Cape Town, South Africa AFRICAN FARMERS WORKSHOP AND EXPO 15-17 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa NATIONAL WATERSPORTS SHOW FEATURING DIVE EXPO 16-18 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa BHF ANNUAL SOUTHERN AFRICAN CONFERENCE 2013 18-21 Aug Cape Town, South Africa

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AFRICA PRINT EXPO 2013 21-23 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa SIGN AFRICA 2013 21-23 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa NEDBANK CAPE WINEMAKERS GUILD AUCTION SHOWCASE 22 Aug Cape Town, South Africa SARCDA TRADE EXHIBITIONS 22-25 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa SOCIETY OF RADIOGRAPHERS SA 22-25 Aug Durban, South Africa THE WEDDING EXPO 24-25 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa BIKE AND BOAT SHOW 24-26 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa FIRST WFSICCM CONGRESS IN AFRICA (CRITICAL CARE 2013) 28 Aug- 1 Sep Durban, South Africa THE SPRING SHOW 2013 28 Aug – 1 Sep Pretoria, South Africa NEDBANK CAPE WINEMAKERS GUILD AUCTION SHOWCASE 29 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa BABA INDABA NASREC 30 Aug -1 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

September 6th AFRICAN MICRO FINANCE CONFERENCE 3-8 Sep Durban, South Africa INNERSPACE 7 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa SUSTAINABLE CITY EXHIBITION 2013 8 Sept Durban, South Africa SPORTS AND EVENTS TOURISM EXCHANGE 2013 10-13 Sep Durban, South Africa AITEC BANKING & MOBILE MONEY 2013 11-12 Sep Nairobi, Kenya BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND FRANCHISE EXPO 12-15 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa LOERIES 16-22 Sep Cape Town, South Africa THE ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY SHOW AFRICA 17-18 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

EVENTS

17th MEDEXPO KENYA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

NIGERIA COM 17-18 Sep Lagos, Nigeria AFRIWATER 17-19 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK EVENT AFRICA 18-20 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa BAUMA AFRICA 18-21 Sept Johannesburg, South Africa SOWETO FESTIVAL EXPO 2013 20-24 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa THE GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW 21-24 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

DISABILITY TRADE & LIFESTYLE EXPO & CONFERENCE 26-28 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

17th PPPEXPO KENYA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

SEXPO 26-29 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

BIG THREE AFRICA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

6TH SA INNOVATION SUMMIT 27-29 Aug Johannesburg, South Africa

HOMEMAKERS FAIR EXPO 2013 6 Oct Durban, South Africa

FNB JOBURG ART FAIR 27 - 29 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

AFRICA ELECTRICITY - POWERING THE GROWTH OF AFRICA 9-11 Oct Johannesburg, South Africa

October PICK N PAY SHOW 1-3 Oct Johannesburg, South Africa INSTITUTE OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2 Oct Durban, South Africa 16th INDUSMACH KENYA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

SOWETO FESTIVAL EXPO 2013 20-24 Sep Johannesburg, South Africa

17th FOODAGRO KENYA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

IEC 2013 ANNUAL MARKETING & PRODUCTION CONFERENCE 22-26 Sep Cape Town, South Africa

17th ITELEXPO KENYA 2013 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

SMME FAIR 2013 22 Sept Durban, South Africa

17th KENYA INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXHIBITION 4-6 Oct Nairobi, Kenya

JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 16-27 Oct Johannesburg, South Africa BABA INDABA 25-27 October Johannesburg, South Africa RETIREMENT EXPO 25-27 Oct Johannesburg, South Africa THE MOBILE SHOW AFRICA 2013 29-30 Oct Johannesburg, South Africa

Photograph © South African Tourism

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN POLICE 21-26 Sep Durban, South Africa

LOOK & FEEL GOOD EXPO 2013 13 Oct Durban, South Africa

DISTRIBUTECH AFRICA 30 Oct – 1 Nov Johannesburg, South Africa PHOTO & FILM EXPO 31 Oct - 3 Nov Johannesburg, South Africa

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COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

Botswana Bustling and Beautiful

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nown as the gem of Africa, Botswana combines political stability and economic growth with natural beauty. This landlocked country is one of Africa’s wilderness treasures. Thirty-eight percent of Botswana is devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas. It is the last stronghold for a number of endangered bird and mammal species, including the Wild Dog, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Kori Bustard, and Pel’s Fishing Owl. Botswana’s cosmopolitan capital, Gaborone, has helped the country earn the nickname “Switzerland of Africa” and has high corporate standards, luxury hotels, and world-class conference centres to meet the needs of global business travellers.

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COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

Gaborone International Convention Centre

What’s Happening Now Tourism Expo Botswana 2013 will be held from the 13-16 August in Gaborone at Game City Shopping Centre. This year’s expo is a four-day trade and consumer event that is expected to attract over 4000 visitors. The expo offers marketing and branding platforms for the tourism industry and related industries.

Tourism Expo Botswana is being positioned to grow as one of the most important marketing platforms for countries within the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region.

Fairground Holdings Fairground Holdings is one of the leading events & exhibitions venues in Botswana.

Located in the centre of Gaborone, it offers one 10 000 seat chamber and another that seats 2 000 people in cinema style. Fairground Holdings hosts the Botswana Consumer Fair, CORMITEX (Communications, Research & Innovation, Media, and Information Technology) and FOBEX (Food and Beverages exhibition).

Okavango Delta The Okavango Delta is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. It is the world’s largest inland delta and is situated in an extremely arid region. The delta attracts great concentrations of diverse animals and birds. The climate is at odds with the lush environment and plays an important role in making the Okavango Delta a safari destination.

Key Venues

Getting to Botswana

by Air

Gaborone International Convention Centre The Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) has recently elevated Botswana’s profile in the worldwide convention industry. This R147 million development covers 5200 sq. metres and was built in just 10 months, making it the largest building ever created at this pace in Botswana. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate international conference and business needs.

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located 15 km north of Gaborone. It is the main international airport of the capital city of Botswana. It handles regional and international traffic. Most major international airlines from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, where connecting flights can be booked to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or to Maun, Francistown or Kasane.

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Botswana’s cosmopolitan capital, Gaborone, has helped the country earn the nickname “Switzerland of Africa”.

Population 2,127,825 in July, 2013 according to the CIA World Factbook

Climate Botswana is landlocked and very nearly in the centre of the southern African subcontinent on an elevated plateau of approximately 1000 metres. These factors tend to cause low annual rainfall. The seasons in Botswana are indistinct. Rains generally start in October or November and persist through to March or April. Within in that period there may be long dry spell. In April temperatures begin to fall and May is generally regarded as the first month of winter, characterised by clear sunny days and cold nights. Spring begins in August and temperatures rise rapidly during the hot, dry period of September, October and November until the rains break again.

You Need to Know About Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable countries, is the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy. World-leading travel intelligence firm, Fodor’s, has included Botswana in an exclusive group of 25 must-see global destinations for 2013, noting its rare combination of untouched wilderness, beauty as well as lush facilities.

Did you know?

Botswana is the largest diamond producer in the world Source: BBC News, 26 June, 2013

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE event management

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tel: +267 392 7113 mobile: +267 7651 6440 email: gwen@freelancers.co.za blog: http://gwensgaborone.blogspot.com www.freelancers.co.za

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Free State South Africa’s Breadbasket

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he Free State province is situated in the heart of South Africa and is recognized by its vast open spaces and fields of wheat, sunflowers and maize. It borders more provinces than any other and also the kingdom of Lesotho. Visitors to this unique province can visit the eastern highlands, delve into the history of the gold mines or explore the province’s battlefields and war museums. The Free State offers a variety of conference venues, including facilities at hotels and game lodges. Business breakaways to the Free State are popular due to its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria.

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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

© Brianac37

Climate

What’s Happening Now The 15th annual Bridal Fair and Fashion Extravaganza will take place at the Loch Logan Waterfront in Bloemfontein from 8-11 August. It is the most popular bridal show in the Free State and attracts thousands of visitors. This year the fair will host more than 100 exhibitors.

Key Venues Bloem Spa Lodge & Conference Centre Bloem Spa Hotel & Conference Centre is a three-star facility in the middle of the Free State, located between the National Botanical Gardens and the North Western suburbs of Bloemfontein. It offers services ranging from conference and function venues to accommodation and spa facilities.

Clarens Clarens is a village situated in the foothills

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Business breakaways to the Free State are popular due to its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria. of the Maluti Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. It is nicknamed the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State”. The tranquil village ambience combined with scenic views and a mild climate makes it a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and Durban.

Getting to the Free State

by Air The Free State Province is easily accessible by air and road. Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein is the province’s main airport and offers world-class airport operation.

It is situated just outside the city and receives regular services from the rest of the country.

Population 2 745 590 in 2011 according to South Africa Info (www.southafrica.info).

The Free State experiences warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Areas in the east experience frequent snowfalls, especially on the higher ranges, whilst the west can be extremely hot in summer.

Almost all rainfall occurs in the summer months as brief afternoon thunderstorms, with drought increasing towards the west.

The capital, Bloemfontein, experiences hot, moist summers and cold, dry winters frequented by severe frost.

You Need to Know About The capital city of the Free State, Bloemfontein, is the birthplace of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) which became the African National Congress (ANC) - the Republic of South Africa’s governing political party. In January 2012 Bloemfontein was the host of the ANC’s centenary celebrations. In the same year a giant bronze statue of former president Nelson Mandela was erected on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein and now overlooks the city. It is the largest of all statues of the revered former statesman in the world.

Did you know?

Bothaville, a small town at the centre of the Free State Maize Route, is home to the second largest private agricultural show in the world! Each year NAMPO attracts over 70,000 visitors and nearly 700 exhibitors!

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WOMEN’S MONTH “PRO”SPECTIVE

Noelene Kotschan Making a Difference

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A company that shares its income, influence and resources with those who are less fortunate, or those in need of assistance to achieve worthy goals, is practising the art of being a good corporate citizen.

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Q: How many years have you been in the events industry?

A: I started executing events whilst I was employed at a major IT company way back in 1980. In 1994 I started Sho-Sho-Lo-Za Marketing. Thus a total of 34 exciting years!

Q: Why did you enter the industry?

A: I wanted to take all that I had learnt by being in one company for 14 years, and offer my skills to other companies. I also realised that there was a huge gap in the market place to start focusing on ‘Cause Related Marketing’.

It is a term that most aptly defines its role in corporate social investment, the overarching discipline that covers a company’s civic responsibilities.

Q: You’ve made a shift in your career towards educating and supporting South Africans through cause-related events. Why? As one of South Africa’s nominated Nation Builders we pride ourselves on the innovative use of the greater community to ensure growth in the entrepreneurial SMME market. We turn thoughts and ideas into reality and make the experience, someone else’s day!

We are the first corporate events company

A:

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to provide a total CSI [Corporate Social Investment] package.

Q: Why is the PinkDrive campaign important to you?

A: Breast Cancer is now the single biggest ‘killer’ in the female cancer space in South Africa. Educating about the disease improves lives and offers the community long term opportunities to participate in sustainable growth that would previously not be possible due to ill-health. A company that shares its income, influence and resources with those who are less fortunate, or those in need of assistance to achieve worthy goals, is practising the art of being a good corporate citizen. It’s a natural extension to the individual’s efforts to support personal charitable causes. This ‘empowering tool’ has reached a point of refinement in contemporary marketing and has become an essential element in the mix of communication methods used to maintain a company’s profile in its markets.

Q: Does it take on a special significance in Women’s Month?

A: With breast cancer and cancer having such

a high affection rate in South Africa, awareness, treatment and prevention is necessary for our nation to strive and join the fight against this deadly disease. Women’s Month is an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of ‘early detection’, remember those who have sadly succumbed to the disease, and celebrate with those who have survived.

Q: Your career seems to embody the power of the events industry to create positive change – do you think the industry recognises this power?

As more than 50% of our business is dedicated to CSI projects, this is indicative of the commitment Sho-Sho-Lo-Za Marketing shows towards all social investments. We always try to ensure that corporate marketing spend ‘turns’ into CSI spend, by offering innovative ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions!

However, I do not believe that the event industry is fully aware of all the benefits Corporate SA could be offered.

A:

For further information and how to get involved, please contact Noelene Kotschan at: noelene@pinkdrive.co.za or noelene@shoza.co.za.

EVENT GREENING

BECOME A MEMBER

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he Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit company established to promote sustainability in the South African events and meetings industry through advocacy, education, skills development, networking and membership. Currently EGF members represent venues, event organisers, suppliers and consultants, and include eight founding member associations that represent the various sectors across the industry.

Founding Members – associations:

Corporate Members – provide event facilities, such as venues and convention bureaus:

Professional Service Provider Members – responsible for managing, planning or organising events:

Supplier Members – provide goods and services to the industry:

UPCOMING EGF EVENTS

Benefits of membership: •

• •

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Knowledge: Access to the latest information about event greening in South Africa.

Value: Receive discounted prices for EGF courses and events.

Marketing: Your company profile will be included on the EGF website, with a direct link to your website.

Network: Your details will be listed on the membership database.

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Sponsorship: EGF members can demonstrate their green leadership by sponsoring an event.

Preferred service provider: EGF members will be recommended to those seeking green products and services; members who offer training can request to conduct courses on the behalf of the EGF. Use of logo: Paid up EGF members can use the EGF logo for marketing purposes.

Should you be interested in receiving more information about EGF membership, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za/membership/ or contact Pippa on 011 447 4777 or pippa@eventgreening.co.za.

The EGF has planned a number of one-day Event Greening training sessions across the country. These sessions are intended to introduce attendees to the concept of event greening, and equip them with a basic understanding of how to implement sustainable strategies in their businesses.

The next event greening training will be held on these dates: • 15 August 2013, Gauteng • 10 September 2013, Durban • 08 October 2013, Cape Town Please visit www.eventgreening/training/ for more information.

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INDUSTRY MOVES

AIPC Elects New President AEG Ogden’s director of convention centres, Geoff Donaghy, has become the first Asia-Pacific region representative to be elected President of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) at its annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

Brussels-based AIPC comprises more than 170 of the world’s leading facilities across 55 countries with a network of 900 active senior management-level executives.

A board member for the past eight years and vice-president for the past six, Geoff

Donaghy succeeds outgoing president, Edgar Hirt from Hamburg, Germany and is joined by directors from the UK, Europe, USA and Singapore.

The Event magazine had exclusive interviews with Geoff Donaghy, outgoing President Edgar Hirt, and board member Aloysius Arlando at the meeting. They discussed the opportunities and challenges facing convention centres, the growth of the industry on the African continent, and the key role of education in the industry. Watch the interview at: www.theevent.co.za

Geoff Donaghy

CTICC Gets Africa’s First Gold AIPC Quality Standards Certification

Elsia Grandcourt

Seychelles Announces New CEO of Tourism Board Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Elsia Grandcourt, is departing from her position and will be replaced by Mrs. Sherin Naiken, formerly Principal Secretary for Tourism. Mrs. Grandcourt announced that she is departing for “a high-level position in an international organization.” Mrs. Naiken’s appointment took effect July 1, 2013.

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Geoff Donaghy and Rashid Toefy

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the first convention centre in Africa to achieve the gold AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) Quality Standards Certification.

The centre achieved its certification at the 2013 AIPC Annual Conference and 55th General Assembly, which the centre hosted.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Rashid Toefy the CTICC achieved this Quality Standards Certification after the successful completion of an extensive international audit of the centre’s operations and processes. The centre joins the ranks of 22 other AIPC international

centres, who have achieved this accolade.

“The CTICC celebrates its 10th successful year of operations and gaining this certification bears further testament to the world class facilities and services of the centre”, he adds.

The program standards identified and audited address ten key areas, which include Customer Service, Quality of Facilities and Operations, Employee Relations, Health, Safety, Security and Emergency Response, Financial Integrity, Community Relations, Environmental Responsibility, Industry Relations and Supplier Relations.

INDUSTRY MOVES

Hilton Worldwide Appoints Assistant Director - International Sales for Africa and Indian Ocean

Thabani Ndlovu

Hilton Worldwide recently announced a new addition to its Regional Office in Johannesburg by introducing Thabani Ndlovu, Assistant Director of International Sales for Hilton Worldwide Africa and Indian Ocean. Ndlovu, who has been with Hilton Worldwide for over 9 years, has held several positions during this time and joins the team

Concept G Wins IFES Annual Logo Competition Each year, the IFES Conference and AGM are hosted in a different city around the world. Next year the IFES World Summit 2014 will be in Delhi, India. The Conference and AGM logo is used throughout the year for the convention, and is placed on the website, official correspondence, signatures

on emails of members of the board, newsletters, and promotion and marketing campaigns. The logo must, in some way, represent the destination city through elements such as colour and geographical or historic facts and must include a slogan.

Congratulations to Concept G!

CSIR International Convention Centre Shares Waste Management Knowledge with Tshwane School The CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) has identified Nellmapius Primary School in Tshwane as the first school in the ICC’s drive to spread knowledge and knowhow of its waste management project throughout the community.

Having successfully implemented environmentally friendly waste management initiatives in-house, the Convention Centre has identified the need to share its waste management knowledge with communities in which it operates.

“Effective waste management and

recycling is a vital measure in reducing waste taken to landfills thereby taking care of our environment. Who better to impart such knowledge to than children because once they adopt such a culture we can guarantee a future generation that will take care of its environment”, explained Snedz Sidzatane, Facilities Manager at the CSIR ICC. The CSIR ICC was recognised in the Gauteng Green Events Guidelines handbook as one of Gauteng’s conference venues playing a significant role in curbing its negative effect on the environment.

from the UK International Sales Office. In her new role, Ndlovu will be responsible to manage and grow market share for Hilton Worldwide Africa & Indian Ocean, within the domestic and international markets. In addition to this, she will play an instrumental role in supporting the new business acquisitions drive across the region.

Zambia’s Protea Hotel Lusaka More Than Doubles Capacity The 100-room Protea Hotel Lusaka is constructing a substantial new wing which will see the hotel grow to 237 rooms. The new wing is expected to open in February 2014.

The major expansion project is to service the growing demand for business travel as Zambia’s economic growth trajectory continues on the back of industry expansion and low interest rates.

The extension of Protea Hotel Lusaka is one of several builds across Africa under the Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels banners, including hotels in two new countries – Rwanda and Ghana. Protea Hotels is a wholly owned South African company and Africa’s largest and leading hotel group and has a footprint of more than 125 properties throughout South Africa and nine other African countries.

The total value of the new builds throughout Africa that will carry the standards of Africa’s largest hotel group is approximately US$100 million.

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ASSOCIATIONS

Attracting Record Number of Delegates

T

his year’s ICCA Congress in Shanghai, scheduled for November, already has 500 delegates from 50 countries signed up to celebrate the climax of ICCA’s 50th anniversary. If registration continues along the lines of previous years the numbers could reach 1,000. The Congress is expected to be the largest ever ICCA event to be held outside Europe.

Many member companies are sending multiple delegates, especially from the

Asia Pacific region. However, the general seniority of the attendees is heavily weighted towards CEOs and Directors, controllers of budgets and drivers of their organisations’ strategic direction. According to ICCA president Arnaldo Nardone, members want to not only experience China as a cultural destination, but also to understand the country as a source of competition and potential generator of new business opportunities. “But we also know that there

are dozens of other business motivations that are driving members to attend that may have nothing to do with China. So no matter how many delegates eventually register, we’re committed to providing you with the most personalised attention possible.” The Congress in Shanghai will be the climax to ICCA’s year of celebration marking the association’s 50th anniversary.

For more information visit: www.iccaworld.com

UFI releases its Report on the Exhibition Industry in the Middle East & Africa UFI has announced that its second comprehensive report covering the exhibition industry in the Middle East and Africa is now available. This report, compiled by the association’s Middle East/ Africa Regional Office, includes an industry assessment, statistics about exhibition venues, numbers of trade fairs/exhibitions, emerging business sectors and future trends. It covers 44 countries: 12 in the Middle East and 32 in Africa.

Findings of the study include: • The UAE now provides the largest indoor exhibition space with 31% of the Middle East total.

• South Africa represents 29% of African indoor exhibition space and

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Johannes-burg is the only MEA city to offer seven purpose-built exhibition venues.

• The exhibition market leaders remain the UAE, South Africa and Iran.

• There has been a 14% increase in the number of trade fairs organized in the Middle East since 2006.

The executive summary of this report is available at www.ufi.org/research. The complete Report on the Exhibition Industry in the Middle East/Africa may be freely down-loaded by UFI members and is available for purchase by non-members.

(Read an analysis of the report on page 5)

© Thomas Fischler

Shanghai ICCA Congress

ASSOCIATIONS

This year Site recognizes its 40th year as a global network of travel and event professionals. This milestone will be celebrated in spectacular fashion during the Site Global Conference 2013 in Orlando, Florida, in the United States from 7-10 December. The conference will feature a number of new and important initiatives: • Facilitate hosted-buyer groups to ensure a rich balance of buyer and

supplier interaction • Construct a student and Young Leader track to attract and engage with the industry’s brightest new talent • Deliver an educational program that covers the very latest global industry research and trends • Offer core skills updates and accreditation • Provide motivational speakers that will invigorate and inspire Site and their conference host, Visit Orlando, will showcase the best of Orlando’s motivational experiences with a blend of entertainment extravaganzas,

Focus on Innovation at

SAACI Congress

Boardwalk Convention Centre, Port Elizabeth

networking opportunities and many postconference tour options. “Our vision for the Site Global Conference 2013 to be a true representation of our global membership in delegate attendance and diversity of content and engagement,” said Site president David Sand. “I urge all Site Chapters, community leaders and members from around the world to build excitement for this marquis event, encourage early registration and explore the incredible sponsorship opportunities that this event creates.”

For more information visit: www.siteglobal.com.

The 2013 national congress and exhibition of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) was held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth from 28 to 30 July.

The conference was open to anyone with an interest in the conference industry – including venue owners and managers, professional conference organisers, corporate marketing and event professionals, event planners, public relations practitioners, exhibition organisers and suppliers of products and services.

Themed ‘Create. Debate. Innovate.’, the congress presented an opportunity for delegates to address many of the challenges faced by the industry in 2013.

Speakers included Matthew Lester, Associate Professor at the Rhodes Business School, who delivered the keynote address, Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer of the Adelaide Convention Centre and industry veteran Dirk Elzinga.

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INDUSTRY CARES

Industry Celebrates

Mandela Day The business events industry celebrated Mandela Day – 18 July – the annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, in a variety of ways. Happy Birthday Madiba!

Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Promotes Literacy on Mandela Day Exhibition and events company Thebe Exhibitions and Projects (TEP) contributed to Nelson Mandela Day by having staff dedicate 67 minutes of their time to the Mothers Touch Learning Academy in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. TEP staff members donated story books to the academy and actually read from these books to children between one and six years old. 530 books were also donated by Cambridge University Press.

Tsogo Sun supports Stop Hunger Now at the Sandton Convention Centre For the Second year running Tsogo Sun, through their Sandton Convention Centre venue, have partnered with Stop Hunger Now to alleviate the hunger of learners in remote rural areas, as part of commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day. The Sandton Convention Centre donated the vast Exhibition Hall 2 to Stop Hunger Now for the day, as an estimated 67 corporates brought along 67 employees and clients to package 6 700 meals in 67 minutes. A total of 4 576 people participated throughout the day!

Tourvest Rebuilds ten homes in Diepsloot for Mandela Day Tourvest’s staff members celebrated Nelson Mandela’s birthday and pledged its support to the Mandela Day initiative by building ten low-cost homes for residents in Diepsloot.

This marks the third year that Tourvest has been involved in this humanitarian initiative, bringing the total number of homes rebuilt over the three year period to 25.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The 2014 UFI Sustainable Development Award Competition

Best Measurement Tool for Effective Results

I

n order to promote the importance of measurement, UFI has decided that this year’s Sustainable Development Award will reward a tool that is successful in measuring the data required to report effective results on a sustainability issue.

The following two criteria must be covered by any entry in order to be considered as valid: • The entry must be related to a tool designed to collect data of relevance to a sustainability issue chosen by the applicant; • The data measured by the tool must highlight effective results.

Entry Requirements Entries are welcome from UFI member and non-member exhibition venues, organizers and service providers. The 2014 UFI Sustainable Development Award competition theme is “Best measurement tool for effective results”. Please e-mail a short summary in English (no longer than five pages) briefly describing your entry to sdaward@ufi.org. The following elements should be addressed:

Scope and background: Describe the sustainability issue related to the tool and briefly explain how this issue was identified. Indicate the action plan which was defined to tackle this issue.

Measurement tool: Entry applications must describe each of these criteria. Evaluations will be based on both the tool and its results.

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Describe the tool which was created and/ or applied. This description should include organizational or monitoring aspects when

this represented a significant element in the action plan.

Results: Provide the detailed objectives and results of the tool’s application with, when available, trends over a defined period of time. Explain the quality assurance measures implemented to ensure that these results are reliable.

Indicate whether these results have been made public. While some confidential data may be accepted as part of the award application, only those applications permitting a minimum level of data for public communication will be considered.

Deadlines The deadline for receiving the entries is 11 March, 2014.

The jury of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee is responsible for the

OPPORTUNITIES selection of the winner of the award, which will be designated after a 3-step process: • All entries will be assessed by a jury composed of UFI Sustainable Development Committee members who agree to be part of the assessment process. No representative of a company entering the award may be part of the jury. This assessment will take place between mid-March and early April 2014.

• This assessment will lead to a shortlist of finalists (number to be decided by the jury) who will be asked to prepare a detailed PowerPoint presentation providing an in-depth description of their entry and also possibly provide additional documents. This should be submitted to the jury by mid-May 2014.

The jury will, if necessary, organize a question and answer session by phone conference, before selecting the winner in June 2014.

• A general justification for the selection will be provided on request (with e.g. the average score result for all entries and for all finalists) but no detailed scores will be provided.

For additional questions, please contact: Mr. Christian Druart – Secretary of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee, sdaward@ufi.org.

UFI Sustainable Development Award 2014 17 rue Louise Michel F - 92300 Levallois-Perret - France Tel.: (33) 1 46 39 75 00 Fax: (33) 1 46 39 75 01

Benefits for Winner & Finalists The finalists will: • •

•

Have a permanent hyperlink to their website from www.ufi.org; Gain significant press coverage in major international tradeshow publications, including UFI Info.

Be named at the next UFI Congress (in Sao Paulo, November 2014) and also at other UFI meetings.

ICCA Best Marketing Award

T

he ICCA Best Marketing Award recognises the excellence and outstanding achievements of organisations in their effort to market their destination or product. Entries can range from full scale campaigns and branding exercises to individual promotions and events.

The competition is open to all ICCA Members. Members may submit any marketing campaign or project which is related to the international meetings market, which demonstrates excellence in marketing, and which was undertaken at least partially during the 18 months prior to the Congress at which the BMA entry will be presented.

The entry must cover the following: • •

What were the marketing challenges being addressed?

What is innovative and creative about the campaign/project; what lessons

can other ICCA members learn from your ideas?

• How was the campaign/project undertaken - demonstrate the professionalism involved by setting out all the key steps.

• Set out detailed objectives/targets and explain how well these were met, covering both financial and nonfinancial issues.

• All submissions must be received by ICCA Head Office by 12 September 2013. You can send your submission to Mieke van Loenen, Director Events: mieke@icca.nl Closing date for entries: 12 September, 2013

Prizes: For the winner • A valuable marketing package worth more than EUR 17,000* offered

by Best Marketing Award sponsor, Bedouk Event Sourcing Solutions, and ICCA. • A personalised award to display in their office.

• A personalised logo to use on their website, emails or promotional literature.

• Acknowledgement on the ICCA Website.

• Acknowledgement in Members Update Online.

If you have any questions about the Best Marketing Award, please contact Mieke van Loenen, mieke@icca.nl.

In addition, the winner will: •

•

Receive a complimentary participation for 2 persons to attend the 2015 UFI Focus Meeting of his choice (exact dates and locations to be announced); Be invited to present at UFI meetings.

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DIRECTORY LISTINGS

Advertisers COMPANY

TELEPHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

3D Design

+27 11 608 1588

info@3ddesign.co.za

www.3ddesign.co.za

Bidvest Prestige Group

+27 31 263 9400

info@presclean.co.za

www.bidvestprestigegroup.co.za

Coca Cola Dome

+27 11 794 5800

info@coca-coladome.co.za

www.coca-coladome.co.za

Concept G

+27 11 708 7991

info@conceptg.co.za

www.conceptg.co.za

Congress Rental

+27 86 126 6473

info@congressrental.co.za

www.congressrental.co.za

Connecta-Floor

+27 86 044 7348

info@connecta-floor.co.za

www.connecta-floor.co.za

Event Greening Forum

+27 74 369 6369

pippa@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

Expocentre

+27 11 494 1920

info@expocentre.co.za

www.expocentre.co.za

Freelancers

+267 392 7113

gwen@freelancers.co.za

www.freelancers.co.za

Garden Court OR Tambo

+27 11 392 1062

gcortambo.reservations@tsogosun.com www.tsogosunhotels.com/garden-court/ortambo-international-airport.co.za

IFES

+27 21 409 1200

gloria.guevara@congrex.com

www.ifesnet.com

Intercape

+27 21 380 4400

charters@intercape.co.za

www.intercape.co.za

Kathy English Brower Consulting

+27 82 453 6055

kathy@kathyeb.co.za

Logomotif

+27 21 591 6880

info@logomotif.co.za

www.logomotif.co.za

Oasys Innovations

+27 11 210 2500

info@oasys.co.za

www.oasys.co.za

Phakalane Golf Estate

+267 360 4000

tchakamba@phakalane.co.bw

www.phakalane.com

Sandton Convention Centre

+ 27 11 779 0000

scc.info@tsogosun.com

www.saconvention.co.za

Showgroup

+27 11 888 5000

info@showgroup.co.za

www.showgroup.co.za

Loeries

+27 11 447 6889

info@loeries.com

www.loeries.com

Tourism Expo Botswana

+267 318 5740

tourismexpobots@gmail.com

www.tourismexpobotswana.com

Tourism Grading Council of SA

+27 11 895 3000

feedback@tourismgrading.co.za

www.tourismgrading.co.za‎

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