The Event Issue 2

The

Event

Issue 2 2013

Africa’s Leading Meetings Industry Magazine

Also in this issue: Expo Summit Preview | African Tourism

The

Event

Africa’s Leading Meetings Industry Magazine

CONTENTS

www.theevent.co.za

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Publisher: Lance Gibbons lance@filmeventmedia.co.za Executive Editor: Maya Kulycky maya@filmeventmedia.co.za Business Manager: Taryn Fowler taryn@filmeventmedia.co.za Sales Manager: Rhoda Webb rhoda@filmeventmedia.co.za Sales and Marketing Assistant: Robyn-Lee Malan robynlee@filmeventmedia.co.za Head of Design: Jess Novotná jess@filmeventmedia.co.za Editorial Assistant: 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.

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Taking Off – Business Travel From the United States

04

Country Spotlight – Zambia

08

Meetings Africa -- The Best of Africa

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Making Strides - Business Tourism in Africa

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Events

20

Regional Spotlight -- Eastern Cape

22

Top of the Class – Green Cruises

26

Product Showcase

28

Expo Summit 2013

29

Achievements - EXSA Awards

30

Associations

32

Opportunities

34

Directory Listings

36

Join us

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PROGRAMME Monday, 18 February 2013 EVENT

TIME

VENUE: SCC

ATTENDEES

Event Greening Forum SAACI Special General Meeting Followed by Educational Speaker ICCA Africa Chapter Meeting Followed by Educational Session Association Forum IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum Africa Local Corporate Hosted Buyers Briefing Gala Dinner

08h30 – 12h00 12h45 – 15h00

Committee Room 4, SCC Committee Room 4, SCC

Open to all Open to all

15h00 – 17h00

Committee Room 4, SCC

Open to all

09h00 – 17h00 09h00 – 14h00 16h00 – 17h00 19h00 – 24h00

Bill Gallagher, SCC Boardroom 1/2/3 The Maslow Hotel, Sandton Ballroom 1/70

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only Tickets Available for Purchase

Tuesday, 19 February 2013 EVENT

TIME

VENUE: SCC

ATTENDEES

SITE AGM Followed by Educational Session Registration for Meetings Africa Meetings Africa Opening Ceremony Meetings Africa Exhibition Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch Meetings Africa Stand Awards Followed by Networking Function Hosted Buyers Dinners

08h00 – 10h00 opens – 9h00 10h00 – 11h00 11h00 – 17h00 12h00 – 14h00 17h00 – 18h30

Bill Gallagher Room Entrance foyer, Hall 1, SCC Hall 1, SCC Hall 1, SCC Bill Gallagher, SCC Hall 1, SCC

Open to all Open to all Open to all Open to all trade Hosted Buyers & Media Open to all

18h30 – 24h00

Off site

By invitation only

Wednesday, 20 February 2013 EVENT

TIME

VENUE: SCC

ATTENDEES

Morning Live Broadcast CNBC-BRICS Debate Registration for Meetings Africa Meetings Africa Exhibition Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch Educational Session Exhibitor Stand Drinks

06h00 – 08h00 08h00 – 10h00 opens – 09h00 10h00 – 17h00 12h00 – 14h00 15h00 – 16h00 16h00

Hall 1, SCC Boardroom 2/3 Entrance foyer, Hall 1, SCC Hall 1, SCC Bill Gallagher , SCC Hall 1, SCC Hall 1, SCC

By invitation only Open to all Open to all Open to all trade Hosted Buyers & Media Open to all Open to all

ATTENDEES

Thursday, 21 February 2013 EVENT

TIME

VENUE: SCC

Meetings Africa Golf Day

08h00 – 19h00

Randpark Golf Course

NEWS

Taking Off

Business Travel From the United States

I

n 2012 U.S. business travel spending slowed as companies postponed investment decisions until after the presidential election and debate about the “fiscal cliff”. Now that those two events are over, the Global Business Travel Association, (GBTA) predicts that in 2013 business travel by U.S. companies will pick up.

According to the GBTA BTI Outlook – United States 2012 Q4, a report sponsored by Visa,

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Inc., U.S. business travel spending is expected to rise 4.6% in 2013 to $266.7 billion, despite a predicted slight -1.1% decline in trip volume to 431.8 million person-trips for the year. The key factors in 2013 business travel spending growth are expected to be: • Increasing international outbound travel spending – projected to rise 5.9% • Increasing group travel spending – projected

to rise 5.2% • Very modest price inflation – indicating that companies will be spending more real dollars on business trips.

At the close of 2012, annual U.S. business travel spending is estimated by GBTA to have grown 1.6% to $254.9 billion, on a -1.9% decline in trip volume to 436.5 million person-trips. The spending increase was mainly due to rising travel rates.

Spending growth in 2013 is expected to be more modest in the first two quarters of the year and pick up in the second two quarters. This is in part because not all issues of concern to U.S. companies have been resolved. Resolution of some of the issues at the heart of the “fiscal cliff” debate have yet to be solved. “Even with an agreement to avert the fiscal cliff in the near-term, there are still many issues that need to be addressed; however, companies should now have somewhat greater confidence in their spending decisions,” said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO. “While companies will approach the first half of the year with some caution, pent-up demand to get back on the road should hopefully fuel accelerating growth in business travel spending through the end of 2013.”

Despite continued trouble in the Eurozone, GBTA says increasing industrial production and retail sales in China signal an improving economy for 2013. Among other factors, they note, “a stronger China will improve U.S. export growth and help act as an engine for international outbound business travel. As a result, GBTA expects to see a 5.9% rise in international outbound spending for the year.”

GBTA U.S Business Travel Outlook US Domestic plus International Outbound

Yr-to-Yr % Change

10.0%

7.3%

7.2% 5.1%

5.0% 0.8%

4.6% 1.8%

1.7%

1.0%

0.0% -9.1%

-5.0% -10.0% -15.0%

-1.1%

“

While companies will approach the first half of the year with some caution, pent-up demand to get back on the road should hopefully fuel accelerating growth in business travel spending through the end of 2013.

“

The GBTA noted that international travel was previously a strong driver of overall business travel spending growth, but international outbound business travel stumbled badly in 2012, growing just 0.7%. This was due to challenges in the Eurozone that impacted trade and business confidence, causing a ripple effect that reached the shores of the U.S. and Asia.

NEWS

-10.2% -14.1%

2009

2010

Total U.S Business Travel Trips

2011

2012

2013

2014

Total U.S Business Travel Spending

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COUNTRY

SPOTLIGHT

ZAMBIA

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“

Zambia has increased its appeal to international guests in recent years by building a reputation as a technologically advanced conference destination.

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Z

ambia, known as the cradle of mankind, boasts a state of opulent beauty -- from the majestic Victoria Falls to the bustling urban city of Lusaka. It offers travellers an impressive supply of breath-taking locations to visit.

Film makers regard Lakes Kariba and Tanganyika and the Zambezi River as ideal locations to capture pristine, tranquil and natural beauty. In 2012 Zambia was ranked the second friendliest country in the world behind Mauritius, and in 2011 it was named the best all-round destination in Southern Africa in an HSBC survey. Zambia has increased its appeal to international guests in recent years by building a reputation as a technologically advanced conference destination. The Mulungushi International Conference Centre is one of Africa’s most state of the art conference centres.

COUNTRY

SPOTLIGHT

“

...boasts a state of opulent beauty from the majestic Victoria Falls to the bustling urban city of Lusaka

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YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

The Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has made plans to spend over R4.8 million next year to increase Zambia’s visibility to the international market as a destination of choice.

Zambian Tourist officials believe the development will provide a large boost to the tourism industry, highlighting Zambia as a destination of choice. The campaign will advertise Victoria Falls, Zambia’s unspoiled environment, and concentration of wildlife, rich waterfalls, rivers and diversity of culture.

The ZTB hopes to attract one million tourist arrivals in 2013 following improvement to infrastructure.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

In 2012 Zambia was awarded the right to jointly host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly with Zimbabwe that will occur this year.

The 20th session will be held in Victoria Falls and Livingstone. The decision was made in Korea at the 19th assembly, and this will be

the first time a conference of this size will be held jointly in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zambia intends to use this event as a springboard to other tourism development opportunities.

KEY VENUES

Victoria Falls is synonymous with Zambia and is called ‘the greatest known curtain of falling water’. It is located on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Falls has been described by the Kololo tribe as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ meaning the Smoke that Thunders. The extensive basalt cliff, where the water thunders down, transforms the Zambezi from a broad docile river to a violent torrent slicing through a number of gorges. Knife Edge Bridge is one of the best vantage points as this is where visitors can have the best view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge Mulungushi International Conference Centre Zambia’s leading Conference Centre providing conference, exhibition, training, meeting

and wedding space. It is located close to the airport, government offices, city center, and within the vicinity are the country’s best hotels and prestigious malls. The M.I.C.C. offers conference and meeting facilities including 7 conference rooms and 21 conference halls.

The largest hall has a maximum sitting capacity of 3,000, press gallery inclusive.

Songwe Village owned by Kwando Safaris is perched 120 metres above the Zambezi Gorge. The village is entirely managed by the local Zambian people. The tourist village educates guests not only on different tribal cultures but also on the environment and ecosystem in which the village is located.

ZAMBIA AT A GLANCE

Region: Eastern Africa Currency: Kwacha (ZMK) Surface area (square kilometres): 752612 Population in 2009 (estimated, 000): 12935 Capital city: Lusaka Source: UN Data www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVEN T

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FEATURE

MEETINGS AFRICA The Best of Africa

M

- Lesley Stones

eetings Africa 2013 promises to be a successful showcase for the continent’s increasingly professional conferencing abilities, with a range of new features creating a more pan-African focus this year.

The event on 18-21 February hosted by the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) will highlight Africa’s wide range of products and services to cater for all types and all sizes of business meetings.

From a new dedicated seminar day on 18 February through to the golf day on 21 February, the event will be filled with information and innovative ideas, statistics and studies to make you think, and networking opportunities to improve your business.

Africa has long been overlooked as a desirable destination for meetings, with the exceptions of South Africa, Morocco and Kenya.

Much of the rest of the continent is dismissed by event planners as being too rough, too ill-

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prepared to welcome western delegates, too difficult to operate in, or too politically risky.

But that generalisation is no longer valid, as Meetings Africa intends to prove.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Executive Manager of SANCB, says the strategy is to make this a truly African showcase, to grow the capacity of Africa’s business events industry and transform Africa into a business events powerhouse. To emphasise those aims, the theme this year is ‘Advancing Africa together’.

The global meetings industry has finally begun to recognise Africa as a viable destination, and as more countries improve their transport, communications, hospitality services and conference facilities, event planners are realising Africa can enliven their meetings with fresh destinations and unique travel experiences.

That’s what Meetings Africa is all about, as it showcases the diverse services, prod-

FEATURE

“

…as more countries improve their transport, communications, hospitality services and conference facilities, event planners are realising Africa can enliven their meetings with fresh destinations and unique travel experiences.

“

ucts and landscapes that only a tiny fraction of conferences have experienced so far.

Of the thousands of association meetings that rotate around the world, Africa hosted 302 in 2011, just a paltry 3%. SANCB wants to raise the number so that South Africa alone hosts 135 association meetings annually by 2020. That’s quite a jump, particularly since many rival destinations in Asia are pumping money into the industry and rapidly building new convention centres.

Yet that target looks increasingly feasible because of the rising standard of travel professionals and event planners across the continent. A growing cadre of meetings industry professionals and members of African associations have now gained experience in organising events, which prove a breath of fresh air for jaded foreigners not used to the amazing experience that events in Africa can offer.

Meetings Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre highlights the best of what the continent has to offer, Amanda says. “It’s the perfect platform for business events industry professionals to meet, network and create mutually-beneficial business partnerships.”

The event targets local and international buyers of business tourism products, including corporate meeting planners and

agents, conference organisers, association management companies, government and non-governmental organisations.

The aim is to attract more international meetings to Africa and to increase the number of regional meetings that rotate between different countries. To help achieve that, Meetings Africa will host about 200 international buyers, 50 African association buyers and 200 local corporate and government buyers. SANCB has invited the local and government buyers to participate in an online diary system so exhibitors can book meetings with them.

The theme of ‘Advancing Africa Together’ should also help to build a fraternity of African associations to boost regional trade. The presence of regional buyers and African association members is vital as Africa needs to boost its own industry, as well as attracting global events. “Vienna is currently the Number 1 meetings destination in the world, but 80% of those meetings are local or regional. South Africa needs to understand the potential of short-haul meetings,” Amanda says.

WHAT’S NEW

Several changes have been made to ensure Meetings Africa 2013 offers buyers and exhibitors as much value as possible.

One of the main changes is to shorten the actual exhibition and separate it from the seminar sessions. In the past, the exhibition has been a three-day event. This year the exhibition will be concentrated into two days, with a Seminar Day on 18 February, before the official exhibition opening. That allows buyers and exhibitors to attend useful and relevant seminars, instead of miss-

ing them because they are busy on the exhibition floor. The international hosted buyers will also be present for the full event, and will only depart on post-exhibition tours after the exhibition finishes. The decision to shorten the show was also based on feedback from exhibitors and other stakeholders, who said it was difficult to block off three days in their diary.

Another change is that the 200 hosted international buyers were only invited to the event after being screened by International Conference and Incentive Travel Research Inc to ensure they have a genuine interest in bringing business events and incentive trips to Africa.

A new event feature is Association Day on 18 February, to help leaders of professional associations build links between national and pan-African organisations and promote more interaction with international associations.

Also new is the Decision Makers’ Forum on 19 February, as a platform for industry leaders to discuss and understand more fully the pivotal role business events can play in generating economic growth for cities, municipalities and provinces.

Hopefully buyers and exhibitors have already made use of the highly effective Meetings Africa Business Matchmaking system, which lets them pre-schedule appointments online to ensure their time at the exhibition is spent productively. If not, there is still time to get online and book some face-to-face time with important customers and potential business partners. Or attendees can wait until the Golf Day on 21 February, for a more casual networking opportunity with corporate executives, hosted buyers and exhibitors. www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVEN T

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FEATURE

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR

Meetings Africa 2013 will include a gala dinner, stand awards, a meeting of the local chapter of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and educational workshops organised by the Southern African Association for the Convention Industry (SAACI).

The seminars will cover a range of topics relevant to growing the meetings industry in Africa. Speakers include John Peacock from the Associations Forum in Australia and one of Asia Pacific’s most experienced consultants for Associations. Another highly topical discus-

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sion will focus on BRICS - the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa trading block - with speakers debating the potential this economic association could have for the South African and regional business events industry.

The Black Tie Gala Dinner will be held at Sandton Convention Centre, instead of being held offsite as in previous years. Using a different venue was a logistical challenge and many delegates were lost to side events. Now both the gala dinner and the official cocktail party will be staged at the exhibition hall to ensure maximum participation.

Expect to see lots of ‘green’ initiatives this year. Eco-friendly initiatives have been incorporated into Meetings Africa including booking the most direct flights possible for international buyers and media, using renewable energy to power the show, training exhibitors on event greening strategies, requesting stand holders to pay deposits that are only refundable if they dispose of waste and recycle materials properly and providing free filtered water to discourage

bottled water. A green audit taken for the past two years has set a high target to beat. In 2011, 60% of the show’s waste was recycled and last year 78% was recycled.

“

The aim is to attract more international meetings to Africa and to increase the number of regional meetings that rotate between different countries.

“

Overall, Meetings Africa is becoming a flagship event for the continent, and the place for anyone considering Africa to begin their exploration. “If you want to do business with Africa, if you are interested in hosting your meeting in Africa, you come to Meetings Africa,” Amanda says.

FEATURE

work to create jobs and contribute substantially to economic growth through reaching targets set for the sector.

No single person or organisation can do this alone. Strong partnerships are our core strength and our most valuable professional asset. Africa will advance when we work together, pool our resources, partner and share our best knowledge.

SANCB invites you, your industry, your business, your country, to make use of the Meetings Africa 2013 platform to grow, to succeed and to be part of an African movement to grow business events at home.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Executive Manager of the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), aims to make Meetings Africa a truly pan-African showcase to improve the continent’s reputation and global rankings as a place to do business. As the preparations neared completion, she chatted to The Event:

How are the exhibitor and visitor numbers looking this year?

We have worked hard to position Meetings Africa as the premier business event show in Africa, and we are pleased to see this reflected in growing attendance figures, with a greater numbers of quality buyers from around the world. We have worked hard, too, at attracting quality buyers from around the world and especially from the continent. Our buyer screening procedures prioritise buyers who have confirmed business plans in place and who come ready to do business and conclude deals with the South African and regional business event sector.

Do you have a welcome message for attendees?

The theme of Meetings Africa 2013 is Advancing Africa Together and the show this year is a platform to grow South Africa’s share of the global and domestic business event market; to enhance South Africa’s ICCA rankings and to put the business events sector to

What are the highlights of the show this year?

We have a really exciting programme of events that will provide numerous highlights. We are especially excited about the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum that gives young professionals an opportunity to meet, share ideas, benefit from the experience and advice of people with exceptional track records in the industry and – for the brightest and most promising young professionals – win an opportunity to attend IMEX in Frankfurt to showcase their intelligence and creativity in event planning to the global business event market.

In addition, for the first time Meetings Africa 2013 hosts a gala dinner at the commencement of the show in the Sandton Convention Centre Ballroom on 18 February.

This event will get Meetings Africa 2013 off to a stylish, elegant and celebratory start.

All hosted buyers will be in attendance and a prominent guest speaker will deliver the keynote address. It offers the ideal opportunity to renew friendships, make new contacts and entertain key clients.

Another highlight is the African Association Day, an essential component of the wider vision of Advancing Africa Together.

SANCB and its partners across the South African and regional sector see the enormous potential of hosting national and African association buyers, and it has made Meetings Africa the place for them to gather and move forward. This is the new, specific

“

Meetings Africa is an exceptionally important event.

It has come of age, not only as the premier business-tobusiness exhibition of its kind on the continent, but also as a trade show.

“

A Conversation With Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo

drive not only of Meetings Africa 2013, but also of the larger ambition of growing the region’s share of the business event market. The Association Day programme is designed to energise and engage Association Executives. There will be specialised educational tracks, case studies and the latest developments in an exciting, highly interactive format – a definite highlight of Meetings Africa 2013.

Who are the speakers to look out for?

Meetings Africa 2013 is set to be exciting with informed, eloquent and inspiring speakers. We have high-profile experts from the business events industry attending the show. Speakers at the Association Day include John Peacock from the Associations Forum in Australia who is one of Asia Pacific’s most experienced consultants for Associations. Linda Pareira, CEO of L&T Communications Group in Portugal and a Business Events ambassador for the City of Johannesburg is also one of the speakers at Association Day, which will be facilitated by globally acclaimed business events strategist Garry Grimmer.

The BRICS debate (taking place just prior to the big BRICS Summit in Durban) is especially exciting and features a panel of speakers who will offer informed insights into the potential of the BRICS partnership for the South African and regional business events industry. www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVE N T

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FEATURE What influence does Meetings Africa have on Africa’s image, or on the number of meetings staged here?

Meetings Africa is an exceptionally important event. It has come of age, not only as the premier business-to-business exhibition of its kind on the continent, but also as a trade show that’s representative of a destination that has taken its place as one of the world’s most capable, infrastructure-rich and exciting host destinations for meetings, events, conferences, incentive tourism and special event hostings.

SANCB is clear in its ambition and its strategy for Meetings Africa: to use it as a platform to grow the capacity of the collective African business events industry and transform regional Africa into one of the world’s business event powerhouses.

As South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer Thulani Nzima said: “We want to work with our business event partners on the African continent and we want more global and African associations to use the great re-

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sources we have in Africa to bolster business event hosting and delivery. Meetings Africa is the perfect platform at which to do this, to meet, collaborate and to learn from each other and enhance our effectiveness and clout in the global business events arena.”

How successful have the changes been that were made this year?

SANCB sees the enormous potential not only of Meetings Africa, but also of the larger regional and national business event sector.

Changes in Meetings Africa are implemented incrementally in line with the broader strategy of growing share of business event market from 54 000 delegates last year to 78 000 international delegates by 2017, a cumulative annual growth rate of 7.6%.

SANCB inherited an outstanding and solid foundation in Meetings Africa - a globally relevant showcase of the vast expertise, capability and excellence of the industry. However, there will always be room for improvement and Meetings Africa must adapt and change in line with the demands of the mar-

ket and the growth strategies and ambitions of the industry. We are determined to show that South Africa and the African region are united in the quest for growth; that this is a destination that’s keenly globally competitive and that Africa can play, and win, in the international arena. All changes that we implement are designed to serve this objective, and to attract more business to South Africa.

For example, this year we have successfully entered into partnership with South African Airways as our official airline partner.

This is a great step forward for all as the airline connects this continent and shares our vision of Advancing Africa Together. It’s great to see this industry coming together, and working together to win more business for our industry, our nation, our region and our collective economies.

FEATURE

Making Strides Business Tourism in Africa - Lesley Stones

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“

30 million Africans will rank as middle class by 2030, offering a potentially huge membership boost for professional organisations

“

A

frican countries are steadily improving their attractiveness as business travel destinations, but in global terms, Africa is still largely overlooked.

Business tourism is a lucrative boost for an economy, with expense-account visitors generally spending more than cash-strapped tourists. But they will only spend on airfares, hotels, meals and possibly a return trip with their families if they enjoy high-class facilities, a relatively easy passage and enough sights or activities to justify returning.

Some African countries meet these requirements, but others are lacking – airfares are notoriously high, visa procedures and passport queues are tedious, road and rail transport to different venues can be rough, conference venues are inadequate, decent hotels are expensive, and hygiene and communications facilities are less than world class.

That summary is confirmed in figures from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) which show that of all the regular, revolving, global meetings for at least 50 participants organised by associations in 2011, Africa hosted just 3.1%.

The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that throughout Africa, business travel spending touched $33.3-billion in 2012, or just 1.8% of total tourism spending.

But things are improving. Rob Davidson, a senior lecturer in event management at Greenwich University in London, told Meetings Africa last year that several enlightened African governments were supporting business tourism endeavours to diversify their economies.

Some were establishing convention bureaux to help foreigners plan events in their countries and more world-class venues were being built.

More than 80 African cities were newly served by daily flights, although slow liberalisation and high airport taxes still hindered growth.

Davidson predicts that 30 million Africans will rank as middle class by 2030, offering a potentially huge membership boost for professional organisations, which want to stage their conferences in countries where they can recruit

new members. But events are planned two to three years in advance and organisers are nervous of political instability, deterring them from countries such as Egypt.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is by far the most advanced in terms of business tourism, earning Africa’s top place in the ICCA rankings, at 37th after staging 84 eligible meetings.

South Africa has more than 1,000 worldclass event venues, ranging from bush hideaways to large-scale, hi-tech convention centres.

Johannesburg hosted Africa’s biggest conference to date in 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, with 40,000 delegates spread across three venues. Durban’s International Convention Centre and adjacent Exhibition Centre can accommodate 15,000, and together host the annual Indaba travel trade show. Cape Town International Convention Centre can cater for to 10,000, and is being expanded to almost double its capacity. South Africa also has frequent internal flights, topnotch hotels and excellent communications networks.

The National Convention Bureau (NCB), launched in 2011, augments individual city bureaux by coordinating and strengthening efforts to attract meetings and advising on organising business tourism events.

FEATURE

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South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS economic trading block is paying dividends... with visitors from Brazil up 71.7%, India up 23.1% and Chinese visitors rising 67.7%

“

The NCB aims to support at least 30 bids in 2012/13, with the potential of attracting 18,000 delegates and earning R162-million in direct spending. South Africa has already secured 200 international conferences for the next five years, potentially attracting 300,000 delegates and an economic boost of R1.6 billion.

The first half 2012 saw 4.4 million tourists arrive, up from 3.9 million in the first half of 2011, yet only 2.2% came for business. South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS economic trading block is paying dividends, however, with visitors from Brazil up 71.7%, India up 23.1% and Chinese visitors rising 67.7%.

South Africa is working hard to boost trade links with other countries, as business travel rises as trade increases. Last October, Joburg Tourism attended an inaugural showcase of business, tourism, arts and culture in Lagos, Nigeria. “The Tale of Two Cities” event

pairs Johannesburg and Lagos as commercial hubs, destination cities and gateways to opposite parts of the continent. Joburg will host the second three-day exhibition in 2013 with Johannesburg Tourism hoping it will lure visitors to the city.

The National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) aims to position tourism as a pillar of the economy, with the ambitious goal of becoming a top 20 tourism destination globally by 2020. The NTSS recognises business tourism and business events as a particular focus area.

BOTSWANA

Botswana received 2.1 million tourists in 2010, with no breakdown of whether they were travelling for business or leisure.

The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that tourism accounts for 6.6% of Botswana’s GDP and 7.8% of employment.

The government is aware of its greater potential, however, and boasts of having “a wealth of conference and exhibition facilities, including custom-built centres designed to top international specifications, facilities at hotels, educational institutions and theatres.

Venues in Botswana range from intimate country lodges to large conference and exhibition centres in the cities.”

President Ian Khama is working to diversify the spread of events too, causing a wrangle over the future of the National Business Conference (NBC). Khama told the conference in 2012 that Francistown should no longer be the only city to host the event, as other cities should also benefit from hosting it. Khama was speaking after the Francistown mayor urged the NBC to stay put, since Francistown has the facilities and the capacity to

Botswana

host NBC and needs the event to help attract investors.

One of the main conference facilities in Gabarone is the Gaborone Sun, with stateof-the-art equipment and facilities for 500 delegates.

EGYPT

The political uprising has decimated tourism in Egypt, bringing it to almost a standstill in 2011 after several airlines stopped flights to Egypt after their governments issued travel warnings.

Yet several events that were planned in advance went ahead, ranking Egypt 65th in the ICCA list by hosting 22 global meetings.

A noteable event taking place in Cairo this year is the International Conference on Aerospace Sciences and Aviation Technology, sponsored by the Egyptian Ministry of Defence.

Executives from almost 50 major American companies visited Egypt last September

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FEATURE

KENYA

Egypt

to show commitment to the economy’s longterm stability. The corporate and government officials met President Mohamed Morsy and cabinet members. Ian Albert, the Middle East regional director of real estate company Colliers International, said the main problems facing Egypt are red tape and corruption.

It’s hard to analyse the effects of the political turmoil, with even state-run entities issuing different figures. State-run MENA news agency said 2.3 million tourists visited in the first quarter of 2012, down 25% from the same period a year earlier. Yet the Egyptian Tourist Authority’s Chairman Amr El Ezaby declared a noticeable increase to 2.5 million visitors, a rise of 32%.

“These figures reflect the gradual and continuous improvement witnessed by the tourism sector in Egypt. The sector has been able to reduce the negative consequences of Egypt’s sensitive situation over the past year,” he said.

The figures are not broken down to separate business from leisure travellers, but hotel

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Kenya has also been hit by political unrest and terrorism. The travel industry has not been gutted, however, and in 2011 of Kenya ranked 56th in the ICCA listings by staging 30 eligible meetings.

Last year, Nairobi’s Multimedia University College hosted the eighth International Conference on Mother and Child Health Handbook, marking the first time that the conference had been staged in Africa.

Kenya’s big hope is the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya’s only purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentive, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE).

The 30-storey building is the only one in the region with a helipad, eight fully equipped meeting halls, simultaneous interpretation equipment, an electronic voting system, office space for delegates and round the clock security surveillance.

The KICC also organises meetings and provides incentives for conferences to be staged in Kenya. Last year it won bids to host Ecotourism and Sustainable Conference 2013, Deaf Nation Africa Expo 2014 and Expo East Afripack 2014. It is also bidding for several other events still under adjudication. The KICC says conference delegates are usually high-end, spending US$160 a day and staying a minimum of six days.

Doing Business in Kenya 2012, a report by The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, says the economy has shown resilience and is steadily recovering, while investments are being made to improve the roads, expand its airports and increase the power supply. But event planners are deterred by Ameri-

can and British government warnings about terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

GHANA

Ghana managed to rank 71st in the ICCA’s list for 2011 by staging 15 international meetings, despite a lack of dedicated venues. Typically events take place in hotels, such as the West African Microfinance Conference, being staged this year at the Movenpick in Accra.

The government is working to promote

“

Ghana…looks to have a bright trading future, with a relatively welleducated population and oil exports beginning in 2011, making it attractive for business investments and therefore, business travellers.

“

occupancy was depressed in Cairo and higher in coastal areas, implying that most visitors are not on business.

tourism, beginning with cultural, historical and beach tourism, followed by MICE tourism as a fourth priority. It will focus on promoting Accra as a convention destination, taking advantage of the friendliness of the people, English as an official language, political stability, the absence of travel restrictions or foreign exchange con-

FEATURE trols, and the beauty of the countryside as incentives, Ghana Tourism Authority says.

Ghana also looks to have a bright trading future, with a relatively well-educated population and oil exports beginning in 2011, making it attractive for business investments and therefore, business travellers.

The World Bank expects it to have the fastest growth rate in Africa, while the government is striving to position Ghana as the hub for West African imports, exports and manufacturing. Helping to increase business travel is the Ghana Investment Promotion Act, which allows foreigners to run enterprises in potentially lucrative economic sectors, including tourist accommodation, transportation, catering and tourist servicing enterprises.

NAMIBIA

This desert country popular for adventure travel is trying to boost its attractiveness for business tourism too. Last year thousands of visitors attended the Namport Erongo Business and Tourism Expo in Walvis Bay, where more than 200 exhibitors displayed their products and services.

This year Namibia will host the 2013 Adventure Travel World Summit in October. It expects to draw 600 decision makers in the adventure travel industry to the event, split between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Environment and Tourism Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “The efforts of our strong public-private partnership have resulted in Namibia being chosen as the first African country to host the summit. We are justly proud of our tourism industry and our conservation initiatives that have made this selection possible.”

The International Water Association will also stage its 2013 conference for 350 delegates in Windhoek, although the event will cost the city money, prompting the council to budget

Namibia

Morocco

N$1-million as a financing provision.

Namibia will also host a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference in July, and sent a delegation to the previous conference in South Africa last year so they could learn how to host the event.

Chairman of the National Council of Namibia, Asser Kuveri Kapere, said the delegates learned from their more experienced South African counterparts so they could take what was good in terms of hosting the conference, then add some Namibian spice.

Despite its overall lack of experience, Namibia holds 90th position in the ICCA list, staging seven international events in 2011.

Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, Agadir and Casablanca, and comes 64th in the ICCA rankings after staging 23 eligible events in 2011.

This March Morocco will stage the International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference at a hotel in Ouarzazate, a desert city touted to become the centre of Saharan tourism. The city has several luxury hotels and an international airport with direct flights from Paris. Royal Air Maroc has good internal links across the country, and European, American and Arabian visitors do not need a visa.

Tourism employs 470,000 people and is Morocco’s main source of foreign exchange earnings. The World Travel and Tourism Council says tourism contributed MAD71.8bn, or 8.9% of Morocco’s total GDP, with leisure spending accounting for 87.4% and business spending generating a relatively high proportion of 12.6%.

MOROCCO

Tourism is important to Morocco’s economy, but it’s better known for leisure travel than for business events. However, it has several cities with good conferencing facilities, including

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EVENTS CORE BANKING SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE 13-14 Feb Indaba Hotel, Fourways, South Africa

February ORANGE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 19 Jan – 10 Feb South Africa

Core Banking Solutions Conference 2013 describes the current landscape of core banking in South Africa and the banking industry at large. Industry leaders will answer questions about when and how to transform core banking systems, what the best practices are for devising and implementing a core banking solutions strategy and how to best secure systems and prevent risk. www.tci-sa.co.za/latest_news.asp

MEETINGS AFRICA 19-20 Feb Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

ASIA-PACIFIC INCENTIVES & MEETINGS EXPO (AIME) 26-27 Feb Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia AIME focuses on meetings, events and business travel industries for the Asia-Pacific region. The event brings associations and event planners from around the world to Melbourne annually, for a two-day networking event where meetings and incentives destinations and products are showcased to the industry. www.aime.com.au

DESIGN INDABA 27 Feb-1 Mar Cape Town, South Africa

Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products at an event where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform the continent. www.meetingsafrica.co.za

Established in 1995 with its flagship conference, Design Indaba has evolved into a multidisciplinary experience that now comprises the globally acclaimed annual Design Indaba Conference, Simulcast, Expo and FilmFest, as well as a host of community initiatives, training workshops, music festivals, design projects, performances and publications. www.designindaba.com

J&B MET 2 Feb Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town, South Africa

LOYALTY & REWARDS CONFERENCE 20-21 Feb Indaba Hotel, Fourways, South Africa

MOBILE & E-MARKETING CONFERENCE 27-28 Feb Indaba Hotel, Fourways, South Africa

Attracting an estimated domestic attendance of fifty thousand, the J&B Met is one of South Africa’s most prestigious horse races. The event combines horseracing with fashion. This year, the event will take on the theme of Made to Fly inviting attendees to wear outfits to accentuate “fly personalities”. www.jbmet.co.za/madetofly.php

Retails, banks, insurances, travel, promotions and marketing agencies participate in the Loyalty & Rewards Conference. The event is open to all industry professionals as sponsors, endorsers, exhibitors or speakers. www.loyaltymarketing.ru/ conferences/2nd-biannual-loyalty-rewardsconference-2013

M & e-M Conference 2013 will be targeting issues that will benefit businesses in the next digital age such as expanding your market online, increasing potential sales and customer base, targeting specific consumer types and getting return on investment. www.techtalkafrica.com/mobile-and-emarketing-conference-2013.html

EXPO SUMMIT 13-14 Feb Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

PAN-AFRICAN FILM & TV FESTIVAL OF OUAGADOUGOU (FESPACO) 23 Feb - 2 Mar Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

GAUTENG HOMEMAKERS EXPO 28 Feb - 3 Mar The Coca-Cola Dome, Northriding, South Africa

FESPACO is Africa’s largest film festival, held biannually in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The festival is the biggest regular cultural event on the African continent and focuses primarily on African films and African filmmakers. www.fespaco-bf.net/index.php

The Gauteng Homemakers Expo is South Africa’s largest, multi-award winning home interest expo, putting 50 000 visitors in contact with 400 suppliers in an arena where the visitor can research, speak to experts, and satisfy a myriad of home related needs.

The Orange Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s premier national-team football competition. The tournament is organised every even year in January/February. The winner of the tournament qualifies for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. www.cafonline.com/football/search/ fixtures

Expo Summit enables exhibition and trade show industry thought leaders to come together and strategize for the future of the African exhibition industry.

The two day conference and exhibition attracts attendees from Europe, Africa and Asia. www.exposummitafrica.com

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EVENTS

March

NABOOMSPRUIT WINDPOMPFEES 21-23 Mar Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro, Naboomspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa

NWJ BRIDAL AND EVENT SHOW 01-03 Mar Durban Exhibition Centre, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa The NWJ Bridal and Event Show focuses on wedding and function related products and services with over 100 exhibitors and a catwalk fashion show. Visitors can access a wide range of suppliers of decor, flowers, music, catering, invites, gifts, designers, make-up, bridal wear, legalities, venue, photography and videos. www.nwjbridalshow.co.za

MOBILE BANKING SOUTHERN AFRICA CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 13-14 Mar Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa The Mobile Banking Southern Africa Conference and Exhibition 2013 will explore how to make mobile work for organisations, whether as a financial institution or as a retailer. www.tci-sa.co.za/brochures/mbcc_ brochure.pdf

INFECTING THE CITY 12-16 Mar Cape Town, South Africa The Infecting The City Festival brings art, music, dance and performance out of theatres and galleries and into the streets and public spaces of Cape Town, South Africa’s Central Business District. Its aspirations are to challenge audiences, breach boundaries, shift perspectives and help make sense of the public spaces people occupy. www.infectingthecity.com

HOSTEX GAUTENG 17-20 Mar Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa Southern Africa’s leading hospitality and catering trade exhibition, Hostex Gauteng brings 11 500 visitors and 200+ exhibitors together for activities including the SA Chefs Village, Global Pizza Challenge and the Barista Competition. www.hostex.co.za

DECOREX DURBAN 2013 21-24 Mar Durban Exhibition Centre, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Decorex Durban showcases décor and design products, workshops and demonstrations KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. Hundreds of stands and installations for visitors to explore, featuring both local and international exhibits. www.decorex.co.za

WOODEX FOR AFRICA 21-23 Mar Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, South Africa Woodex is the biggest event in Africa focusing exclusively on the timber industry and creates the ideal platform for wood and woodworking enthusiasts to be on the frontier of the timber industry and to network with key players in the industry. www.woodexforafrica.com

The Windpompfees is one of the key festivals on the Limpopo Province’s events calendar. Festival goers are entertained by performers on stage and participate in activities including a 4x4-safari, golf competition, Western riding, clay pigeon- and bow shooting and the annual Miss Windpompfees competition. www.naboomwindpompfees.co.za

THE GULF INCENTIVE, BUSINESS TRAVEL & MEETINGS EXHIBITION (GIBTM) 25-27 March Abu Dhabi, UAE GIBTM 2013 highlights the world’s leading business tourism destinations, venues, hotels, incentive package providers and technology innovators in the Middle East and beyond. www.gibtm.com

VIRGIN ACTIVE SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS 7 February Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa The Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards invites the industry to celebrate the very best in the business of sport.

Outstanding performers in marketing, PR, sponsorship, advertising, community investment and mass participation sport will be honoured.

For more info and a list of the potential winners visit: www.sportindustry.co.za/ awards www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVENT

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REGIONAL

SPOTLIGHT

THE EASTERN CAPE L�n� � A���n����

T

he Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is known as the “land of adventure” for the nature reserves, wildlife, and water sports -- made possible by its rich bio-diversity. Located on the east coast of South Africa, the region is also known for its rich political heritage. South Africans born in the province include Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko and Walter Sisulu.

In recent years the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has promoted the province as a haven for those wanting to escape the drudgery of city and suburban life.

The Eastern Cape boasts 800 km of immaculate coastline along the beautiful Indian Ocean. The province also boasts 40 game reserves including the ADDO Elephant National Park (a venue that receives even more visitors than the Serengeti National Park).

The rich political history that the Eastern Cape has to offer has also allowed the development of various tours showcasing the notable South Africans who grew up in the Eastern Cape and reside there now. Since 2009, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development has spent nearly R150 million on the development of parks and reserves to boost local business and rural communities.

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REGIONAL

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EASTERN CAPE TOURISM CALENDAR

THE HERALD FLEXIDER MARATHON 28 January 2013 The Herald Flexider Marathon begins at Holmeleigh Farm near the Kragga Kamma Road in Port Elizabeth. Theescombe is the closest suburb to the start of the marathon as the race is an out and back route. Run-

ners travel through the periphery and alongside the Kragga Kamma Road into the country areas of the Eastern Cape. Providing a scenic look to participants, this is arguably the most popular marathon in the Eastern Cape.

ANNUAL BLACK BUSINESS SUMMIT 20 January 2013 2013 is the sixth year that the the Black Busi-

SPOTLIGHT

ness Summit will be held in Port Elizabeth.

The theme is Enhancing Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) through key sectors of South Africa’s economy.

Scheduled speakers included Tina JoematPettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Previous summits featured Bryan Dowley, CEO of Specsavers, former Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni, and Wipcapital CEO Gloria Serobe.

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REGIONAL

SPOTLIGHT

VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

East London International Convention Centre East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) is surrounded by views of the Indian Ocean and is centrally located near the East London Airport and the Industrial Development Zones within the Eastern Cape.

The ELICC is a state of the art conference centre. The ELICC’s specialised services include a range of technical services with stateof-the-art audio visual equipment, touch screens, IT services and digital signage.

THE EASTERN CAPE AT A GLANCE

Population Figures: The Eastern Cape is home to 6, 9 million people (2011).

Official Languages: South Africa has eleven official languages. Within the Eastern Cape Xhosa, Afrikaans, English and Sotho are spoken predominately.

GDP: The Eastern Cape contributes 7.7% of total South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the fourth largest contributor.

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TRENDS

TOP OF THE CLASS Green Cruises

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ships are essentially floating cities that provide many services that small cities or towns provide to their citizens. Vessels can carry as many as 3,000 passengers and crew members, and often operate in pristine coastal waters. This has raised concerns about the environmental impacts of cruise ship discharges, including impacts to water quality.

According to the EPA, “waste streams generated by cruise ships include bilge water (water that collects in the lowest part of the ship’s hull and may contain oil, grease, and other contaminants), sewage, graywater (waste water from showers, sinks, laundries and kitchens), ballast water (water taken onboard or discharged from a vessel to maintain its stability), and solid waste (food waste and garbage).”

But some cruise lines have taken steps to keep the beautiful settings they travel to pristine.

Friends of the Earth has given these lines high marks in their report. The organization evaluated cruise lines on three environmental fac-

“

One cruise ship equals 50 swimming pools full of highly polluted waste which can be dumped into the oceans each week.

“

G

reen and eco-tourism is on the rise.

The industry is responding by offering more and more options to travellers seeking unique experiences that are carbon-friendly or make a positive contribution to the conservation of natural settings.

In response to this trend, Friends of the Earth, an environmental association has released their 2012 Cruise Ship Report Card – which allows vacationers to “decide which cruise to take based on a cruise ship or cruise line’s environmental and human health impacts.”

When a cruise ship “goes green” it can have a big environmental impact. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship generates 210,000 gallons of sewage weekly — enough to fill 10 backyard swimming pools, and 1 million gallons of graywater — another 40 swimming pools full of waste. One cruise ship equals 50 swimming pools full of highly polluted waste which can be dumped into the oceans each week. Cruise

Disney Cruise Ship

tors: sewage treatment - whether a cruise line has installed the most advanced sewage and wastewater treatment systems available instead of dumping minimally treated sewage directly into the water; air pollution reduction - whether

TRENDS a cruise line has retrofitted its ships to “plug in” to available shoreside electrical grids instead of running polluting engines when docked; and water quality compliance - to what degree cruise ships violated 2010 water pollution standards designed to better protect the Alaskan coast.

This year, Friends of the Earth awarded their first “A” grade – to Disney Cruise Line. They were at the top of the class followed by Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Disney Cruise Line was awarded an “A-“ in the report card, an improvement from their rating in the 2010 report. The cruise line is owned by The Walt Disney Company, a diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. The company’s standards of business conduct state, “We are committed to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources. We fully comply with environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to disposal of wastes. In addition to complying with all such applicable laws ourselves, we also expect companies and contractors with which we partner to do the

2012 Cruise ship report card Cruise line

Sewage treatment

Air pollution reduction

Water quality compliance

Disney Cruise Line Princess Cruises Holland America Line Norwegian Cruise Line

A C+ B+ A

BB+ C D-

N/A A B+ A

same.” Disney Cruise Lines does not currently sail to Africa.

Princess Cruises was awarded a “B+” in the report. Princess Cruises says it, “makes its living on the oceans, and therefore we are committed to environmental practices which set a high standard for excellence and responsibility, and which help preserve the marine environment in which we operate.”

They continue, “Princess has defined clear environmental goals and policies, we have established strict lines of responsibility and accountability within our company for adhering to these guidelines, and we provide our shipboard staff with the equipment, expertise and training to achieve our environmental standards.” Princess sails to many African countries including Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Reunion Island, Senegal, Seychelles

Change from 2010

2012 final grade AB+ BB-

and South Africa.

Third on the list is Holland America Line, which scored a “B-“. They provide the Internaitional Council of Cruise Lines’ Commitment to the environment on their website.

Holland America Line sails to African countries including Egypt, Gambia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles and South Africa.

Norwegian Cruise Lines also scored a “B“. The cruise line provides what it calls “ecosmart cruising”, allowing travellers to offset their carbon footprint by helping renewable energy projects. The United States Coast Guard awarded Norwegian Cruise Line the Gold 2010 William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award in the foreign vessel category. Norwegian Cruise Lines does not currently sail to Africa.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

The Two Oceans Aquarium provides a dramatic backdrop against which to host a function or conference.

A number of venues with flexible seating capacities are available.

Hosting your event at the Two Oceans Aquarium will create a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Please contact us to enquire about our year-end packages.

CONTACT DETAILS

tel: +27 21 418 3823 fax: +27 21 418 3952 email: functions@aquarium.co.za www.aquarium.co.za

licensed, BEE-accredited, enthusiastic, award winning & highly experienced incentive travel & event professionals on hand.

Join many of SA’s industry leaders & get Leading Incentives to handle all your business event needs now.

Mobile: +27 84 566 2240 Tel: +27 11 022 9264 Fax: +27 866 150 110 Email: info@li.co.za www.leadingincentives.co.za Business events are good for your business! We design & manage fun & affordable meetings, incentives, conferences & events – anywhere at all!

Travel Incentives

Lifestyle Experiences

We have 15 years of experience in crafting itineraries & event programmes to wow your audiences. Blend in superb value, tailored with unique enhancements produced just for your events, plus you have a team of dedicated, focused, cost-effective, IATA-

Long Service Awards

Conference Management

COMING UP in the next issue •

Industry Innovation

•

The Best of the Best – PR Campaigns, Live Events, Product Launches

We want to hear from you! If you have information on these stories or others, send us a tip at maya@filmeventmedia.co.za.

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COMING UP

T

he third edition of Expo Summit Africa is being held 13 – 14 February 2013, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event brings together exhibition and trade show industry thought leaders to strategize for the future of the African exhibition industry. The two day conference and exhibition is attended by organisers and industry professionals from Europe, Africa and Asia and allows them to grow and establish relationships with international industry colleagues.

The theme of Expo Summit for 2013 is “Developing Africa as the Global Exhibition Destination”. Opening remarks will be provided by Matifadza Martha Nyazema, Executive Director, Sandton Convention Centre, who will welcome attendees. The event will then offer knowledge on a number of topics including: • Exhibition industry scenario and future potential in Africa

• Internationalizing the African exhibition industry • Adapting the best practices worldwide to consolidate position in global exhibition sector • The art and science of creating, managing and sustaining blockbuster shows • Expanding the coverage of existing shows with Pan African approach • Mergers & acquisitions in the African exhibition sector • How important is creativity & designing in brand building and creation of impressive exhibition brands?

• Africa rising: Why it’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur • Sustainability & greening in exhibition business • Practical experience of working across our borders. Is it viable to take local expos into Africa? What would work?

• Panel discussion on practical applications

Matifadza Martha Nyazema

Expo Summit is organized by Manch Communications and The Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA).

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ACHIEVEMENTS

EXSA AWARDS

Congratulations to all the winners!

E

XSA, which serves the exhibition and events industry in South Africa, recently celebrated the winners of the 2012 EXSA Awards at a glittering ceremony with over 350 guests. The event brought together industry leaders from across South Africa to celebrate exhibition and events acheivements.

BEST STANDS OF THE YEAR: Custom built stands: 12sq.m and under Seatworks for their xtownx stand at Indaba Custom built stands: 13 - 24 sq.m The Exhibitionist for their own stand at Markex Custom built stands: 25 - 50 sq.m Oasys for their own stand at Markex Custom built stands: 50 - 100 sq.m.

Oasys for the Kerself stand at Power & Electrical World Africa Custom built stands: 101 - 200 sq.m Scan for their Armscor stand at AAD Custom built stands: over 201 sq.m.

The Exhibitionist for Becker Mining at Electra Mining System built stands: 12 sq.m. and under 3d Design for the NH Hotels stand at Indaba

System built stands: 13 - 24 sq.m 3d Design for the Landis & Gyr stand at AMEU System built stands: 25 - 50 sq.m 3d Design for GE SA Technologies at Africa Rail and Ports\ 3d Design for the Gijima stand at Govtech System built stands: 51 - 100 sq.m Scan Display for their own stand at Markex System built stands: 101 - 200 sq.m 3d Design for the Kemtek Print Solutions stand at Sign Africa Externally designed stands of any size Scan for the Evonik Plexi Glass stand at Sign Africa Progroup for the Denel stand at AAD Custom and system built stands (mixed) Expo Solutions for Vetho House at Indaba Pavilions of any size Design and Display for the Gauteng Tourism Pavilion at Indaba Outdoor stand of any size Scan Display for the Department of Environmental Studies at COP 17

BEST EXHIBITIONS OF THE YEAR: Best Consumer Exhibition: 3000 sq.m & under Go Glamour - Johannesburg Organiser: Three City Events

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Best Consumer Exhibition: 3001- 6000 sq.m SABC Baba Indaba - Cape Town Organiser: Three City Events Best Consumer Exhibition: 6001-12 000 sq.m Mama Magic - The Baby Expo - Johannesburg Organiser: Exposure Marketing Best Consumer Exhibition: 12 000 sq.m & over Gauteng Homemakers Expo Organiser: The Homemakers Fair Best Trade Exhibition: 3 000 - 6 000 sq.m Meetings Africa - Johannesburg Organiser: Scan on Show Best Trade Exhibition: 6 000 - 12 000 sq.m.

IFSEC South Africa Organiser; Montgomery Africa Best Trade Exhibition: 12 000sqm & over Electra Mining Organiser; Specialised Exhibitions Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition:1000 3000 sq.m The Green Expo - Johannesburg Organiser: Three City Events Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition: 3 000 - 6 000 sq.m.

Future Ed - Johannesburg Organiser: Exposure Marketing

ACHIEVEMENTS The Best Supplier Company - General.

It was a tie between: Tree-Mendous Pot Plant Hire ZF Cleaning Services cc Best Venue Cape Town International Convention Centre Best Organiser Specialised Exhibitions Best Large Stand Award Complete Exhibition for Sasol: Olifants In-Situ Display Best Indoor Pavilion Hotelstuff/Greenstuff for their stand at Hostex Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition: 6000 -12 000 sq.m Grand Designs Live Organiser: Montgomery Africa

Best Green Outdoor Pavilion The CCR Expo/Marquee which was at COP 17 Organiser: Scan Interactive

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition: 12 000 sq.m & over SA Cheese Festival Organiser: Agri Expo

Best Green Exhibition The Green Expo held in both Cape Town and Jhb Organiser: Three City Events

Best Exhibition held alongside a Conference The South African Automotive Week, held in Port Elizabeth Organiser: Inkanyezi Events

FOR THE GREEN STAND/ EXHIBITION AWARDS: Best Small Stand Award Scan Display Solutions for their Pfizer stand Best Medium Stand Award Scan Display Solutions for DEA at the CCR Expo at COP 17

THE BEST COMPANY AWARDS: The Best Supplier Company - Stand Design and Construction 3D Design (Division of 3D Group) The Best Supplier Company - Security Lodge Events Security The Best Supplier Company - AV Gearhouse South Africa - JHB

BEST EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR: Best Venue Employee Meghan Pietersen (Cape Town International Convention Centre) Best Organiser Employee Brad Hook (Specialised Exhibitions) Best Supplier Employee - Stand Design & Construction Dylan Solomon (3D Shell (Division of 3D Group) Best Supplier Employee - Security Mark Sleep (The Stable Management Group) Best Supplier Employee - AV Charl Smit (Gearhouse South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town) Best Supplier Employee - General Jacqui Nel (Exhibition Freighting G.S.M.) The EXSA Personality of the Year Vinnie Orchard (Expo Solutions) The 2012 Chairman’s Award Doug Rix, DK Design.

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ASSOCIATIONS

The role of EXSA is to serve the exhibition and events industry in South Africa. EXSA’s core strategy is to actively grow and develop the exhibition and events industry within Southern Africa. This is acheived through promoting the unique benefits offered by exhibitions and events, and raising the profile of EXSA members who include venues, organizers and suppliers.

• Currently, EXSA is planning for the EXSA Conference which will take place in February

Tony Louw

Nigel Walker, EXSA Chairperson

Tony Louw from TL Electrical passed away recently. He was awarded a Hall of Fame for 2011. At that time EXSA wrote, “Tony started his career in 1964 really in the “pioneering” exhibition days and then went on his own with TL Electrical in 1980. During his early years he was instrumental on the electrical side with all the various shows at the old Milner Park show-grounds and subsequently did all of the Specialised shows once on his own. Today his company incorporates show stands and exhibition systems as well as a full turn-key electrical service for the industry.”

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ASSOCIATIONS

The aim of the Event Greening Forum (EFG) is to promote and embrace sustainable and ethical business practises within the events industry in South Africa, with an initial focus on meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and events.

Save the Date for the Event Greening Forum’s inaugural conference: Monday, 18 February 2013 Date: Day preceding Meetings Africa 2013 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Time: 7.45am - 2pm

The conference will include: • •

The EGF AGM from 7.45am - 9am (entry to this is free) Speakers from an array of “Green” Backgrounds - including Jeunesse Park, the founder of Food & Trees for Africa and a Leader for the Al Gore Climate Change Reality Project.

• A collaborative workshop on what our industry needs to do to become more sustainable • light lunch sponsored by SAACI • breakfast and refreshments provided throughout the morning Contact Pippa Walker on +27 11 447 4777 or pippa@eventgreening.co.za for more details.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry is the association of trade show organisers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. As of 2012, it has more than 600 members from 85 countries.

The UFI CEO Forum UCF 2013 will discuss CEO networking in Vienna Austria. The forum aims at creating a bridge and direct contact for Managing directors and executives to create both business and personal bonds internationally.

The Forum will take place between the 30

January to the 1 February 2013 ufi.org/ucf2013

Open Seminar in Asia 2013 Exhibitions: An Industry of Partnerships Jakarta, Indonesia – 28 February – 1 March 2013 Exhibitions are a complex web of partnerships that require multiple key players to interact.

The Jakarta Industry Exhibitions aims gather organisers to communicate and work with exhibitors, visitors, venues, stand contractors, technology solution providers,

logistics partners, full-time and part-time staff, local industry associations, relevant government bodies and so on. The 8th UFI Open Seminar in Asia in Jakarta will furthermore have delegates gather to discuss and debate the best approach to some of these partnerships which will define the events that will struggle and those that will grow and thrive. ufi.org/jakarta2013 Open Seminar in the Middle East 2013 Getting Ready for Future Exhibition Industry Challenges Muscat, Oman – 24-26 March 2013 ufi.org/muscat2013 www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVEN T

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OPPORTUNITIES

TIONS NOMINA N! E NOW OP

T

he World Travel Awards (WTA), ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’, is calling for organisations that aspire to be recognised as the best in their field, as voted by their fellow professionals, to participate in its 20th anniversary, 2013 programme.

Established in 1993, WTA is recognised globally as the highest accolade in travel and tourism, and serves to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence of customer service, product development and business performance throughout the tourism industry.

Entry is now open for all regional categories – Africa, Asia, Australasia, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East, and North, South & Central America. The deadline for nominations from the Africa region is 3 March, 2013.

RULES

• All entrants must be a travel and tourism product that serves the public or the industry.

• A business is eligible to enter if it has been established and trading in its recent form for at least 12 months at the time of applying.

34 | THE EV ENT

w w w .t heev ent . c o. z a

• Any entrants for New Hotel or New Resort categories will be eligible to enter if, at the time of applying, they opened within the past 18 months and were not included in the previous year’s nominations.

• Previous year’s winners and two runners up are automatically qualified in the following year’s nomination for the same category. Ex ceptions apply for new hotels or resorts, new products or services and marketing campaign categories.

• If an entry relates to a specific project, it must have been completed and fully implemented at the time of applying.

• Any internet or technology products must have been operational for at least 6 months at the time of applying.

In 2012 the World Travel Awards (WTA) capped its year-long search for the most popular travel and tourism brands in the world with a Grand Final Gala Ceremony in New Delhi, India, in December.

Organisations including Jumeirah, Starwood

Hotels, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Royal Caribbean International and Kuoni walked off with top honours for their roles spearheading the global travel and tourism recovery.

Last year’s African winners included Gondwana game reserve, which was named South Africa’s Leading Nature Experience, Legend Golf & Safari Resort - Africa’s Leading Sports Resort and South Africa’s Leading Golf Resort, and the Durban ICC - Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre.

Destination winners included the Maldives as the World’s Leading Island Destination and Mauritius as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.

For further details, including entry forms and closing deadlines for nominations for all regions, visit www.worldtravelawards. com/nominate. The 2013 nominees will be published at www.worldtravelawards.com/ nominees when voting opens for each region. Votes can be cast at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote which includes a list of voting dates.

OPPORTUNITIES

2013 UFI Marketing Award

Please ntries submit e y a by 30 M 3 201

Tel: (33) 1 46 39 75 00 Fax: (33) 1 46 39 75 01 award@ufi.org www.ufi.org/marketingaward

GUIDELINES • Your entry must relate to a marketing activity or campaign undertaken with visible results in 2012 or 2013.

• Entries submitted must describe a concept, campaign or project which has been successfully implemented and measured in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

• Your entry must include the project objectives, the actions undertaken to reach those objectives and the results obtained.

CRITERIA

The activity described in your entry must: • Be a concrete exhibition industry-related activity • Have been implemented with results in 2012 or 2013 • Have a clearly defined objective • Address a defined target group • Be innovative and creative • Have measurable outcomes in 2012 or 2013 (over a specified period of time if the activity is on-going) The following questions should be addressed: 1 Objectives • What were the overall objectives of your exhibition industry-related marketing activity?

• What were your specific objectives vis-a-vis your target group?

2 Actions • What measures did you take to reach these objectives?

• What were the specific challenges faced?

• How were these overcome?

3 Results • Were your objectives achieved?

• What were the benefits for your clients?

• Did the programme increase your revenues or have other measurable financial impact?

• What were the quantitative and/or qualitative effects on your exhibition activity?

APPLICATION AND PROCEDURE By 30 May 2013 Please provide a brief description (maximum two pages) in English of your activity and e-mail to: award@ufi.org All entries will be evaluated by the UFI Marketing Committee. The jury will select 3 finalists fromthe summaries received (no justification will be provided for the selection of the finalists or the winner.)

Projects can only be submitted once for the UFI Marketing Award.

The 3 finalists will then be asked to prepare a detailed PowerPoint presentation providing an indepth description of their entry, which they will be invited to present during the UFI Marketing Committee meeting in September 2013.

The winner of the 2013 Marketing Award will then be selected by the members of the UFI Marketing Committee.

The winner will be asked to prepare a presentation on his/her “Best Marketing Activity of the Year” for presentation at the UFI Congress in Seoul (13 to 16 November 2013).

This competition is open to UFI members and non-members (exhibition organizers, operators of exhibition centres and service providers), on the condition that entries are exhibition-related.

Participation in this competition is free-ofcharge for UFI members. Non-members are requested to pay 100€ participation fee.

All information regarding the entries submitted will be treated confidentially and will only be used for award selection purposes.

COMPETITION OPEN TO UFI MEMBERS AND NONMEMBERS PRIZES

The winner will • Receive a complimentary registration for 2 persons to attend a UFI Focus Meeting in 2014 or alternatively one registration for a UFI Regional Seminar in 2014; • Receive one complimentary registration to the congress; • Have a permanent hyperlink to their website from the UFI website; • Gain visibility at the Congress and in the media.

OBJECTIVES

To reward the best marketing activity within the global exhibition community in compliance with UFI competition criteria.

To share innovative exhibition-related ideas on marketing concepts and techniques.

To honour professionals who have developed and implemented creative, results-oriented marketing activities.

UFI Marketing Award 2013 17, rue Louise Michel – 92300 Levallois-Perret, France www.th eeven t.co .za T H E EVEN T

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A HOTEL FOR YOU 54 on Bath is an elegantly understated boutique hotel in the heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg. From the moment you enter the lobby, you sense a sophisticated yet timeless atmosphere. It combines all the elements of luxury and great attention to detail to meet every requirement for all events from intimate business meetings and high-level conferences to breakfast presentations.. So whether your needs are business or pleasure, 54 on Bath is a hotel for you.

54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, Johannesburg | PO Box 3046, Saxonwold, 2132 Tel: +27 11 344 8500 | Email: 54onbath.reservations@tsogosun.com Follow us on Twitter @54onBath | facebook.com/54onBath

www.54onbath.com

DIRECTORY LISTINGS

Business Business&&conference conferencetravel travelagencies, agencies,full fullservice serviceincentive incentivehouses houses COMPANY

REGION

TELEPHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AT & T Monnakgotla Travel & Tours

Botswana

(+267) 397 3820

gao@at-t-travel.com

www.monnakgotla.co.bw

Time Travel Africa

Botswana

(+267) 686 1007

info@timetravelafrica.com

www.timetravelafrica.com

HRG

Cote d’Ivoire

(+27) 11 407 2800

not available

www.hrgworldwide.com

Ivory Voyages Tourisme (IVT)

Cote d’Ivoire

(225) 04 90 19 04

info@ivtci.com

www.ivtci.com

ETS Travel

Egypt

(+02) 065 345 30 36

info@ets-travels.com

www.ets-travels.com

Nile Melody Travel

Egypt

(+202) 257 83 127

info@egyptmelody.com

www.egyptmelody.com

MASS muv Travels GH. Ltd.

Ghana

(+233)302-251912

info@massmuvtravel.com

www.massmuvtravel.com

Westlink Travel

Ghana

(+233) 21 513697/8

info@westlinktravels.com

www.westlinktravels.com

Harvey World Travel

International

(+27)11 532 8050

adminoffice@harveyworld.co.za

www.harveyworld.co.za

KATA

Kenya

(+254)20 248 6563

info@katakenya.org

www.katakenya.org

Marble Travel Bureau

Kenya

(+254)20 357 8825

marbletravel@yahoo.com

www.marbletravel.com

African Extravaganza

Namibia

(++264) 61 – 372100

afex@afex.com.na

www.african-extravaganza.com

Albatros Travel

Namibia

(+27) 21 424 3122

tours@albatros.co.za

www.albatros-africa.com

Abby Travel & Tours

Nigeria

(+27) 11 886 6837

info@abbytravel.co.za

www.abbytravel.co.za

Marigold Travel Agency

Nigeria

(234)-1-4818020

marigoldtravelsng@yahoo.com

www.marigoldtravelagency.com

Rickshaw Travels

Rwanda

(+27)11 325 6306

vicquiw@fulelatravel.co.za

www.rickshawtravels.com

SATGURU Travel & Tour Services

Rwanda

(+2500 572643

satguru@rwanda1.com

www.satgurutravel.com

(+27)79 154 7696

oinksouthafrica@live.co.za

www.midrand.oink.co.za

KZN Travel Agents, Tour Operators & South Africa Tourism South Coast Miles Away

South Africa

(+27)21 552 8191

info@milesaway.co.za

www.milesaway.co.za

Sure Travelmaster

South Africa

(+27) 11 315 4242

ivan@suretravelmaster.co.za

www.oink.co.za

The Travel Company

South Africa

(+27)11 911 2300

lynne@travelcompany.co.za

www.travelcompany.co.za

Travel with Flair

South Africa

(+27)21 419 1350

info@twfcpt.co.za

www.travelwithflair.co.za

Ugu South Coast Tourism

South Africa

(+27) 39 682 7944

marketing@tourismsouthcoast.co.za

www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za

Gemistar Travel & Tours

Zambia

(+260) 211 292942

juls.travel@travelportco.zm

www.julstravelzambia.com

Zambia

(+260) 212 621333

ndola@voyagerszambia.com

www.voyagerszambia.com

COMPANY

REGION

TELEPHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

3D Design

SA Nationwide (+27) 11 608 1588

conrad@3ddesign.co.za

www.3ddesign.co.za

Arcadia Hotel Pretoria

Pretoria

marketing@arcadiahotel.co.za

www.arcadiahotel.co.za

Bidvest Prem Lounge

SA Nationwide (+27) 86 124 3247

Birchwood Hotel &

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 897 0000

reservations@birchwoodhotel.co.za

www.birchwoodhotel.co.za

Cartoon Candy

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 345 6000

info@cartooncandy.co.za

www.cartooncandy.co.za

East London Int Convention Centre

East London

(+27) 43 709 5202

info@premierhotels.co.za

www.premierhotels.co.za

Expo Centre

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 494 1920

info@expocentre.co.za

www.expocentre.co.za

EXSA

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 805 7272

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Gift Bucks

SA Nationwide (+27) 86 039 2737

geoff@giftbucks.co.za

www.giftbucks.co.za

Intercape

SA Nationwide (+27) 861 287 287

info@intercape.co.za

www.intercape.co.za

Oasys Innovations

SA Nationwide (+27) 11 210 2500

info@oasys.co.za

www.oasys.co.za

Presclean

SA Nationwide (+27) 11 796 0000

andrew@presclean.co.za

www.prestigetoilet.co.za

SA National Convention Bureau

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 895 3000

renette@southafrica.net

www.southafrica.net

Sandton Convention Centre

Gauteng

(+27) 11 779 0000

vino@saconvention.co.za

www.saconvention.co.za

Scan Display Solutions

SA Nationwide (+27) 11 447 4777

justin@scandisplay.co.za

www.scandisplay.co.za

TGCSA

Johannesburg

(+27) 11 895 3000

feedback@tourismgrading.co.za

www.tourismgrading.co.za

The Boardwalk Casino

East London

(+27) 41 507 7777

boardwalk@za.suninternational.com

www.suninternational.com

Tshwane Events Centre

Gauteng

(+27)12 327 1487

ricky@tshwabac.co.za

www.tshwane-events.co.za

Two Ocean Aquarium

Cape Town

(+27) 21 418 3823

functions@aquarium.co.za

www.aquarium.co.za

Voyagers Zambia

Advertisers (+27) 12 326 9311

www.bidvestlounge.co.za

OR Tambo Conference Centre

36 | TH E EV ENT

www. theevent . c o. z a