The Event September 2011

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ICCA MEETS IN AFRICA EVENTS

Kenyatta Convention Centre

THE International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) held its African Chapter Workshop in Kenya from 3-5 August 2011.

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OR the first time, Africa played host to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa client supplier and educational workshop. This event, which was aimed at international meeting planners in Africa, aimed to explore ways of raising the international convention business in Africa and enhancing intra-African meetings and events.

According to Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), CEO, Rashid Toefy, who also fulfils the role of ICCA African Chapter chairperson, the full potential of Africa as a desirable meetings and event destination is not realised.

“There is often a perception that doing business in Africa is difficult and a key focus for the chapter is debunking this myth and to put Africa on the global map through proactively positioning Africa as a leading international meetings and events destination.”

Africa has successfuly hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and confer-

ences such as the cricket and rugby world cups, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the World Conference against Racism, the International Diabetes Federation and the FIFA World Cup. More than 50% of the ICCA members in Africa were present at this workshop, which explored the challenges facing meeting planners in Africa.

“We initiated this workshop in Nairobi to create yet another

possibility to meet with some of the approximately 200 professional associations in Africa that regularly organise international meetings” says Rashid.

Representatives of professional African associations from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia attended.

Rashid’s passion for Africa was echoed in his welcome speech. “Because of my experiences in Africa, I decided to make Africa a sort of a pi-

lot. On a more personal note it was a test to see what potential there is for African rotating events in our database. My aim was to increase the number to 60 but I didn’t know where we would end up. Now after a year and a half I am proud to say that there are 260 African rotating events in our database. So from 60 to 260 in two years clearly shows you how much potential there is when we talk about business leads in

the ICCA African region.”

In his keynote speech, Dirk Elzinga revealed some impressive statistics. “283 meetings took place in Africa last year.

That makes up 3% of the global meeting market and we have 14% of the population in Africa as you all know. In pure numbers we can say we have the rights to accommodate 14% of the global meeting market. If you recognise that in the past 15 years we actually have no market share. We have 32 destinations in Africa who have hosted international conferences and you see the grouping there… Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and the list goes on. Africa is growing. It is not a miracle because global offices have been brought in here from around the world. You find Europe has by-laws and America has by-laws but you do not find it here in Africa. That means that with the growing interest in the situation that you could start introducing by-laws into the market. You want to be seen as a serious competitor.

We also want to host our peers in Africa.”

Sally Fink

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

ICCA COMES TO AFRICA CONTINUED The team behind the ICCA African Chamber workshop

EVENTS FROM the feedback received from those who attended the ICCA African Chamber Workshop, it’s clear that Africa is ripe to take its share of the association business pie.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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IRK Elzinga says the workshop exceeded the organising committees’ expectations and was groundbreaking in calling to attention Africa’s potential as a meeting

destination. “There is not a big understanding of the meetings industry for association representatives in Africa. Meetings usually have a strong South African stamp as the rest of Africa is seen as not having the experience or infrastructure necessary for meetings. The continent is still in its infancy as a meeting destination so there is still a lot of work to be done, but there’s a promising future ahead.”

He says there needs to be more understanding of what Africa has to offer and believes that the African associations should unite to share knowledge and learn more from each other. The concept was unanimously embraced by those present.

Ben Osoro from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre echoes this sentiment: “This was a good meeting. We have to get African associations and the African event organisers to help, for mutual benefit, all the stakeholders fully push the ICCA African agenda. It is amazing how much we could unlock from the meetings rotating just within Africa - whether associations, NGO or intergovernmental based meetings.”

Mkunde Senyagwa from the Arusha International Conference Centre in Tanzania was also impressed. “The ICCA Africa Chapter in Nairobi was very successful, as we were able to share our experiences which are very

unique to us, the Africa Meeting Industry, in a very exceptional way. We managed to network with potential clients and went back home with some serious business leads.”

To put the state of meetings in Africa in perspective, Dr Dave Otieno, chairman of the All Africa Anaesthesiologists Association delivered a case study outlining the challenges he faced putting together the association’s annual conference.

“The All African Anaesthesia Conference in Kenya gives a good picture of the problems we have on the African continent in many areas. The conference took place from 12-16 September 2009.”

Winning the pitch to host this conference was the easiest part.

Our South African counterparts have a big voting power in Africa and greatly supported us in this conference.”

“Because there were probably better countries with better infrastructure to host this meeting this caused us a lot of negativity and the people who lost the bid showed animosity even to the end,” he says.

The lack of a professional conference organisers (PCOs) was a major challenge. “Because of all the structures it was very difficult to get information from the previous hosts. They did not want to hand over the documentation.

We did not know who to contact

and this went on for about two years.

We lacked education on how to hold conferences of this magnitude. Remember we were used to hosting conferences of about 100 people which can be organised by a secretary.

We didn’t have the support. we needed,” says Dave.

It became apparent that there was a lack of PCOs operating in the area. Dave says he approached many event organisers, but their expertise was centred around private parties and pageants, and not conferences.

By 2007, planning for the conference still had not been completed, government was not giving its support and an added concern was post election violence causing unrest in the cities. From a logistical point of view, there were participants that needed accommodation. “We reached a point where we wondered whether we should consider asking another country to host the meeting,” says Dave.

In the end, government finally came forward and the conference went ahead although there were many complaints about the expenses involved.

But despite the logistical nightmare he faced, Dave believes the conference was a success. “We succeeded in marketing Kenya as a destination. We had 752 delegates,” says Dave.

Sally Fink

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THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT - NOT ALL BAD NEWS Advocate Louis Nel

GENERAL INDUSTRY THE EVENT asked Advocate Louis Nel to shed some light on the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) from a glass half full perspective.

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O doubt you have heard about the South African Consumer Protection Bill (No. 28629) (CPB) and the subsequent Consumer Protec-

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tion Act (No. 68 of 2008) (CPA) which was signed into law 23 April 2009 (but only became effective 1 April 2011).

It is imperative for all business to peruse it, analyse it, ascertain how it impacts on business and to start ‘implementing’ it as soon as possible which is the legislator’s stated intention. This means not only assessing all your business forms, contracts and advertis-

ing material for compliance, but also training your staff pertaining to such documents and any interaction with any potential and actual customers.

The main motivation for the CPA is the fact that by and large existing consumer protection was woefully inadequate and in dire need of review. It was motivated by inter alia ‘discriminatory and unfair market practices; proliferation of low quality and unsafe products; lack of awareness of rights; limited redress; inadequate protection for consumers and weak enforcement capacity’.

It is interesting to note that the CPA not only endeavours to consolidate various other existing consumer and related legislation, but it is also based on extensive research carried out on corresponding overseas legislation. The CPA has successfully considered and combined all aspects that were previously contained in some seven different statutes as well as making consequential amendments to various other Acts. The approach decided upon based on international trends was to a rights based approach and following extensive consultation with various government and NGO bodies, this resulted in the Draft Green Paper in 2004.

Did you know that the CPA is not only goods news for consumers but for suppliers as well?

I know there are a lot a rumour and scaremongers out there and yes it is not business as usual but you do not have to shut down shop, go fishing, sit in a corner and mope or incur unnecessary and exorbitant legal fees to become compliant.

There are some really scary versions of consumer behaviour being bandied about especially with reference to the implied six month warranty and contracts concluded as a result of direct marketing. However any such behaviour must be assessed inter alia against the backdrop of ‘responsible consumer behaviour’.

This must be read in conjunction with one of the stated ways in which the CPA sets out to realise consumer rights i.e. by the creation of a consumer ‘common law’ (Section 4) and in such manner the aims and purposes of the CPA will be developed and expounded on a ‘case by case’ basis and in a consistent manner as prescribed i.e. a ‘consistent system of redress’ (section 3), thus avoiding uncertainty and duplicity.

Contained in the same section is wording that ties in with the self-regulatory approach propounded not only in the CPA but also in the regulations issued in terms of the CPA i.e. the creation of a ‘consistent, accessible and efficient system of consensual resolution of disputes’ – the CPA is trying to avoid what hap-

pened with FICA when some 37 000 complaints were lodged within the first year. Thus the various industries are encouraged to have their own codes of conduct and ombudsman (sections 69, 70 & 82) – the CPA may very well be saving suppliers costly litigation fees.

Some of the key areas of the CPA of importance for the event industry: •Direct marketing and absolute liability is a major issue: •Direct marketing - because the consumer can cancel (only in the case of direct marketing) on five days’ notice •Absolute liability - because the provider of service who provides access to goods (e.g. accommodation and transport) is deemed to be a supplier of the goods •Third party suppliers of goods and services – it is absolutely imperative you ensure: •Suitable contracts with such parties •It must include a CPA compliance undertaking and guarantee •It must include a suitable indemnity, especially given the ‘supply chain’ and absolute liability exposure.

This article is intended to provide a brief overview of certain aspects of the CPA only and is not intended as legal advice.

Advocate Louis Nel

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SAACI PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR CALLS FOR INNOVATION PROFILE KEEP calm and carry on. This is the motto of this year’s recipient of the The South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) Personality Award: SAACI Western cape branch chair Zelda Coetzee.

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I LIKE to think that my way of doing business is different,” says Zelda, who admits she had to wait a long time before being able to introduce all the changes she’s been sitting on since she first joined the organisation ten years ago.

“I’ve come a long way with SAACI,” she says.

“When I had just entered the industry as a young pofessional I knew what I wanted to do and what I wanted to achieve, but I had to wait before diving in feet first. I learned a lot of patience. Today I feel comfortable within the association and I’ve brought the same passion that I have for my business into it.”

She believes she’s an ambassador for SAACI as well as the events industry and cites this as the recipe for her success. “I try to have a unique service orientated approach to leadership,” she says.

Zelda rose in the association ranks from member, to deputy chair and finally chair.

Zelda Coetzee

As chair of the Western Cape branch of SAACI, Zelda has had free reign to let her innovation and passion for service shine. She introduced Speed Dating, which was a huge success, followed by The Amazing Race in conjunction with Adventure Worx and TriActive. At the end of August, the branch visited the Nazareth House children’s home to hand over a cheque and deliver presents to th children.

These initiatives not only add a breath of fresh air to the tried and tested association meetings, but have also driven member numbers. “People need value,” she says, adding that the association has become more member orientated.

She’s surprised but delighted by her Personality of the Year award, given at the SAACI Annual Awards in July this year.

“What I really wanted was the Branch Award and I’m thrilled that we got it. The numbers were declining and we got back on track with innovation.

Cape Town is setting a trend to do things differently.”

Going forward, Zelda wants to get more young people involved in SAACI. To this end she’s driving the SAACI Youth Forum which aims to recruit more young professionals to the association.

“When I first joined SAACI it was a very exclusive club. I be-

lieve that we need to nurture young professionals otherwise in three or fours years we’re going to feel the pinch. We need to give young people the chance to grow.”

Zelda is the owner of Imfunzelelo Tourism and Event Specialists. She applies her approach of doing things differently to her own business as well. She explains that in the changing times, companies should be willing to embrace change as well. “Something is changing in the events industry. We must start listening to each other. The future of our success in this industry is the success of future partnerships.

You can’t be a company that’s afraid of sharing.”

Heavily pregnant Zelda (she’s due in September) was on the local organising committee for the SAACI annual conference in July. This is nothing new to the effervescent business woman. She organised a Global Forum for top CEOs mere months after the birth of her first child.

Zelda was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the Tourism Industry in the Western Cape by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 2004.

For more information about Zelda visit www.imfunzelelo. co.za.

Sally Fink

the industry at large. “While this is a great honour for me personally, I believe that this should not just be seen as a personal endorsement but rather a vote of confidence by the membership of ASATA in the value that Tourvest Travel Services can add to ASATA,” he said.

The BWASA is the largest and most prominent association of business and professional women in South Africa, and the voice of women in business.

Mati has a rich history of empowering women and a personal passion for advocating women’s issues, mentoring colleagues and raising the profile of women in business. “I am very honoured at being selected as a finalist for this prestigious award. South African society has progressed far in recognising women, but much advocacy still needs to be done to entrench women in the business world,” says Mati.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS GENERAL INDUSTRY IF you have any news highlights to share please visit our web portal www.theevent.co.za and load your own stories for consideration in next month’s edition.

Tourvest launches Event Dynamics TOURVEST Destination Management (TDM) recently launched Event Dynamics, a new brand which forms part of the consolidation the Tourvest Groups’ business units; Global Conferences Africa, Seekers Travel MICE division and American Express Travel Services South Africa MICE division, which will now operate from TDM offices.

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The above brands, together with T.E.A.M and Indo Jet Sports forms the new Business and Sport Event pillar of TDM. Previously, with a focused approach to corporate group travel historically in MICE, this exciting new brand will specialise in the delivery of full destination management services to the local and international market.

“The creation of this new division will ensure greater synergies through the streamlining of systems and business opportunities. The dynamics mean that we can now offer clients a variety of different services which I have no doubt will position us at the forefront of business and sports tourism globally,” says

CEO Bryan Coetzee.

Event Dynamics will have nationwide representation with offices in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Windhoek.

Claude Vankeirsbilck appointed president of ASATA CLAUDE Vankeirsbilck, chief sales and marketing officer of Tourvest Travel Services (TTS), has been appointed president of the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA) for a period of two years.

In his acceptance speech Claude thanked the ASATA members for their support and for entrusting him with the presidency, and assured them of his commitment to the position and

SCC’s Mati Nyazema a finalist for the businesswoman of the year award MATI Nyazema, executive director of the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC), has been selected as a finalist for the Businesswoman of the Year 2011 Award, hosted by the Business Women’s Association of Southern Africa (BWASA).

Sally Fink

UNDERSTANDING EVENT INSURANCE GENERAL INDUSTRY THE Safety at Sport and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) came into operation on 2 August 2010. In the July issue of The Event we explainied the repercussions of the Act for the events industry.

This month we look at its requirements in terms of insurance.

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VENT insurance specialist, Terry Waller is an underwriter for ARC International, the insurance firm responsible for arranging cover for the FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies. He explains that now SASREA is in effect, Public Liability Insurance is compulsory for event organisers. Terry was recently in South Africa to raise awareness of Cancellation of Event insurance and Public Liability cover among associations and their members.

“Prior to the Act, it was very challenging to sell an insurance product to event organisers as South Africans are risk averse.

There is no problem until a problem happens. Now that the Act is in place event organisers’ focus is on insurance. Associations must be more aware of just how vital insurance cover is for events,” he says.

For example, if a keynote speaker cancels at the last minute or a venue suddenly becomes unavailable, the organiser can suffer huge financial

losses, especially if the event has to be cancelled. “Anything that causes the cancellation of the event that is beyond the control of the event organiser is covered by insurance,” explains Terry.

On the other hand, Enforced Reduced Attendance Cover ensures that if an event goes ahead and for genuine reasons a large of number of delegates cannot attend, the event organiser will still be covered.

“It’s a common misconception that Cancellation of Event insurance doesn’t cover natural causes such as volcanic eruptions. It does. If a natural disaster prevents people from getting to an event we’ll cover it,” says Terry. “However, if the organiser cancels an event because they will not make enough money – that’s not coverable.”

Loss adjustor Peter Dutton from Contingency Film and Entertainment (CFE) says from a risk management perspective, cancellation insurance is essential.

“Cancellation of Event insurance is much more than just that. What more than most people can imagine can go wrong is covered. Up until recently who would have imagined volcanic eruption resulting in delay in arrival of a key speaker, reduced delegate attendance, rescheduling or even complete cancellation? A few months ago it was “that’s over there. It will never happen to us”. But just recently it

Peter Dutton

was happening here because of a volcano in Chile. If you can imagine it, it has either happened or is going to happen. But with this cover you are, in essence, covered for any event beyond your control.”

In addition, with Cancellation of Event insurance, all legal defense costs are covered in full under public liability cover. “If a delegate or member of the public is injured or inconvenienced in such a way that you have a Public Liability claim on your hands, not only is your legal liability insured but the legal costs of defending any action is covered too. And what if you had to defend yourself in a foreign court?

How are you going to afford that without this cover? This alone could put you out of business for good,” muses Peter.

The health and safety requirements of SASREA insist that a Risk Management Policy must be in place. This is not only beneficial should something go wrong, but it also helps the underwriter get lower premiums.

The challenge, according to Terry, is to get insurance in early. “Insurance operates on a capacity scale. Cancellation of Event insurance can be purchased up to three years prior to the event and doesn’t cost any more. Ideally cover should be in place as soon as the venue

contract is signed. In fact, cover is potentially much wider in operation before a pre existing circumstance arises, which can become an excluded peril.”

“Underwriters are in the business of turning a profit like anyone else. When something like the H1N1 virus or swine ‘flu’ hits they will almost certainly place restriction on cover in respect of such events. You would then have to buy the relevant risk at an increased premium. But if your event is say, two years away and you have already insured then underwriters are bound by the existing range of cover and you are not affected,” adds Peter.

Sally Fink

of tourists: “Does your product speak to your jetsetter niece; your small town cousin and your city-slicker mother? You need to be innovative, creative and above all else be willing to adapt and respond quickly to issues like the credit crunch, the expectations of tourists, new marketing and communication tools.”

Marisa van der Merwe, eMarketing manager of CTRU echoed these sentiments: “Once we know what our customer’s expectations are, we need to communicate with them in a way that they are familiar with. People around the world are using online mediums more and more to search for information. You need to familiarise yourself with

the online journey that they take in order to book their trips and ensure that you communicate with them via these mediums.

Open a Facebook account, start tweeting, ask your clients to add reviews on TripAdvisor and update your LinkedIn profile.”

fers potential guests the opportunity to check availability and directly reserve rooms via the company’s Facebook page - without leaving Facebook. According to a study that measured the digital competence of 89 travel brands including hotel, airline and cruise companies, web traffic to travel brand sites fell 8% in March 2011 vs March 2010, but during the same period, visits to Facebook pages jumped 20%.

“Offering a reservation page on Facebook gives us the opportunity to interact and cultivate relationships with potential guests in a seamless way, before they have even walked through the doors”, says Graham Wood, managing director Southern Sun.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS GENERAL INDUSTRY IF you have any news highlights to share please visit our web portal www.theevent.co.za and load your own stories for consideration in next month’s edition.

CEOs Tourism Business Breakfast sets sights on online marketing THINKING outside the box; running the marathon in the opposite direction and adapting to the ever changing landscape of the tourism industry will be the key to getting out of the current slump in visitor numbers to Cape Town and the Western Cape.

These were the sentiments that came out of the sixth CEOs Tourism Business Breakfast held at

the Santè Hotel, Resort and Spa in August.

The breakfast, which is a monthly event hosted by Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU), the Tourism Enterprise Partnership and other partners, seeks to bridge the gap between tourism entrepreneurs and established tourism businesses by providing a platform for these two groups to share knowledge and build relationships.

About 70 tourism entrepreneurs gathered at the venue to learn more about how they can benefit from online marketing.

Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of CTRU impressed upon attendees the importance of being flexible and tailoring packages for all types

Southern Sun hotels launches Facebook booking service THE days of only booking accommodation through a travel agency, or through a specific hotel website, are over. Now guests can interact with Southern Sun hotels and book their accommodation through the Southern Sun hotels’ Facebook page. An innovative first among the large hotel chains in Africa, Southern Sun of-

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IS A NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU THE ANSWER?

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo

GENERAL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS in the conferencing and conventions business are seeking clarity on the role of a new body being formed under the auspices of South African Tourism.

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EVERAL convention bureaux already compete against each other to attract international events to the city or region they represent, and they hope the National Conventions

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Bureau (NCB) will act as a rainmaker by drumming up more international attention.

In theory, the NCB should provide support facilities to the existing bureaux, although there is a concern that it could duplicate or undermine their work by acting as a bidding organisation in its own right.

“There have been rumours about it getting involved in the bidding processes, but its role hasn’t yet been clearly defined,” says James Seymour of the Kwa-

Zulu Natal Convention Bureau.

Best global practice is for the national bureau to promote its country as a business tourism destination, raise awareness of the local skills and facilities, and aggressively encourage meeting planners to consider that destination, he says. “Bidding for international meetings is traditionally left to the cities, so the NCB’s role is to provide support to the bureau involved in the competitive bidding process.”

Ideally the NCB will promote South Africa as a business tourism destination by exhibiting at international shows and trade fairs, and by providing leads and support material to the local bureaus.

“It’s a well-known fact that convention bureaux are critical resources. The concept is still relatively new to South Africa, but where they exist they have been very successful with limited resources. In the 12 months that our KwaZulu Natal bureau has been in existence we have helped to secure 10 major international events. I’m very optimistic that the NCB will play a vitally important support role and put South Africa more on the business tourism map,” says James.

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) has lobbied for the creation of the NCB, says spokesman Martin van Niekerk. “The NCB’s main aim is to coordinate

the way South Africa bids for events,” says Martin. “Often you get cities bidding against one another which can be counterproductive. Imagine them bidding instead with the NCB coordinating their efforts and serving as a one-stop-shop for information about the industry in SA.” The initiative to bid for an event will still come from a city itself, but the NCB could be particularly helpful if input or endorsements were needed from a government department.

In July, Tourism Minster Marthinus van Schalkwyk told SAACI the NCB should be active by the end of the year. It will sit within the business tourism division of South African Tourism, which encompasses events, conferences and incentive travel. The Convention Bureaux in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg do not charge for their services, as they are public entities. “Last year the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau submitted 42 bids and has won 12 of those, which together will contribute an estimated R215 million to the local economy,” says Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the destination-marketing organisation for the region.

Once a bureau gets a lead it meets the local organisation that would host the event, as well as the international parent organisation, says bureau man-

ager Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo.

It will make arrangements for site inspections, compile a bid document, and present it to the client. Amanda believes the NCB could help in various stages of that process. Some international organisations insist that the city they select for their event has a convention bureau to work with, she says.

The African Bureau of Conventions, which launched last year, also hopes the NCB will help to raise South Africa’s visibility abroad. Unlike the cityspecific bureaux, this private operation has no regional loyalty, so it structures packages around whichever venue is most likely to win the bid.

“We developed our bureau in the absence of a convention bureau for South Africa so our role is to secure business for Africa and primarily for South Africa,” says director Sharon Peetz. So far it has submitted 56 international bids, won eight and is shortlisted for three more.

Since South African Tourism already has a business division promoting South Africa for conventions, Sharon is not sure how the NCB fits in. “We are all waiting with bated breath to understand the nitty-gritty. It will be a win-win if we can go to the NCB if we need additional support when we are bidding.”

Lesley Stones

EVENT LISTINGS

DIARISE

Taste of Joburg takes place from 1518 September 2011 at Montecasino

SAPSOL 9-11 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Gideons International in South Africa 21-24 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Pinotage on Tap 10 September, Piggly Wiggly Farm, Lions River, Howick, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Open Book Festival 21-25 September, Cape Town

Wedding Expo 10-11 September, Coca Cola dome, Johannesburg Hike by the light - Klapmutskop 11 September-10 December, Delvera wine farm, Western Cape The Premier Corporate Governance Conference 13-14 September, The Wanderers Club , Gauteng Afriwater 13-15 September, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Design in Hospitality 15-16 September, Turbine Hall, Newtown E-Tourism Africa Summit 15-16 September, CTICC, Cape Town Business & Franchise Opportunities Expo (BOFE) 15-18 September, the Coca-Cola dome, Johannesburg Pick n Pay Taste of Joburg 15–18 September, Montecasino, Johannesburg Mr & Ms Fitness SA Pageant 16-17 September, Grand West, Cape Town Loerie Awards 16-18 September, CTICC, Cape Town SA Shoe Expo 16-18 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

September

SAACI Western Cape Branch Committee Meeting 1 September, Cape Town, Western Cape Soweto Wine Festival 1-3 September, The Arena, University of Johannesburg, Soweto, Gauteng Cape Homemakers Expo 1-4 September, CTICC, Cape Town Sustainable City Exhibition 2 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Gauteng Getaway Show 2-4 September 2011, Coca-Cola dome, Johannesburg Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: Louise Carver 3-4 September, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Franschhoek Uncorked 3-4 September, Franschhoek

Shoprite Checkers Conference 4-8 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Bone Detectives: Reading the bones of our ancestors 17 September, Maropeng, Gauteng

6th Science Centre World Congress 4-8 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Jacaranda 94.2 Deuriemikke Karnaval 17 September, SuperSport Park Centurion

Shoprite Checkers Conference 4-8 September, ICC Durban Institute of Retirement Funds Conference 5-7 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Global Campaign for Violence Prevention 6-7 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: Wrestlerish 18 September, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town 2nd Africa Workshop for the UNESCO Open Educational Resources (OER) Platform 18 September, CTICC, Cape Town

IFSEC & Facilities Show Africa 6-8 September, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand Spar Trade Show 8-9 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal RMB WineX 8-9 September, CTICC, Cape Town

15th Highway Africa Conference 17-19 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Coal Energy Africa 19-21 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Hydropower 19-23 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

SEPTEMBER SAACI Western Cape Branch Committee Meeting 1 September, Cape Town

SA Principals Association Conference 22-24 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Effective media release writing 1 September, PRISA ProComm House, Ferndale, Randburg

Joburg Art Fair 22-25 September, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Sustainable City Exhibition 2-4 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Working World Extravaganza 22-25 September, Graaff-Reinet, Graaff-Reinet

Effective Public Relations Planning 6 September, PRISA ProComm House, Ferndale, Randburg

Good Food and Wine Show 22-25 September, Coca Cola dome, Johannesburg

FEDHASA Cape Board Meeting 8 September, Cape Town

Khoisan Festival 22-25 September, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape

Creative writing for the media 9-11 September, Free State

Soweto Festival Expo 23-25 September, Joburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Gauteng

Professional editing and proofreading 12-13 September, Free State

SMME Fair 23-25 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

4th Annual E-Tourism Africa Summit 2011 15-16 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Cape Town International Boat Show 23–25 September, CTICC, Cape Town

The Loerie Awards 2011 16-18 September, Cape Town

National Tourism Careers Expo 23–25 September, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

HASA 2011 21-22 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Heritage Swartkrans walking tour 24 September, Maropeng, Gauteng

SA Principals Association Conference 22-24 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Pinotage on Tap 24 September, The Cradle Restaurant, Cradle of Humankind, Lanseria, Gauteng Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: Captain Stu 25 September, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Telkom Business Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience 27-28 August, Hyatt Regency Johannesburg

SMME Fair 23-25 September, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal 12th International Housing & Home Warranty Conference 24-28 September, CTICC, Cape Town

Afrimold 27-29 September. Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg National Association of Social Workers Conference - NASWSA 27-30 September, ICC Durban

How to delegate effectively 30 September, PRISA ProComm House, Ferndale, Randburg SAACI Western Cape Branch Committee Meeting 1 September, Cape Town Effective media release writing 1 September, PRISA ProComm House, 108 Bram Fischer Drive, Ferndale, Randburg

White Mountain Festival 29 September-2 October, White Mountain Lodge, KwaZulu Natal SEXPO 29 September 2 October 2011, Gallagher Convention Centre, JHB RAGE 30 September-2 October, Coca Cola dome, Johannesburg

Effective Public Relations Planning 6 September, PRISA ProComm House, 108 Bram Fischer Drive, Ferndale, Randburg FEDHASA Cape Board Meeting 8 September, Cape Town

Baba Indaba 30 September- 2 October, Bloem

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October booking deadline 14 September 2011 October material deadline 16 September 2011

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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FULL STEAM AHEAD AT TSHWANE VENUES AS the South African economy is slowly recovering, the Tshwane Events Centre is using the opportunity to regroup and focus on future developments.

“

OUR offering of over 82 000 m² covered exhibition space and multi-purpose areas - all accessible from multiple entrances, certainly makes us the venue of choice for big events and exhibitions,” says marketing manager Ricky Da Costa.

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“For this very reason the Black Farmers found us the best venue for their recent expo and workshop. We ideally suited their exhibitor profile of agricultural suppliers.”

Ricky says other interesting events include the Apostolic Faith Mission, the Le sjiek Women’s Expo and the World Kick boxing championships.

“On the development front we are installing fibre optic cables and connecting all halls to provide fast and stable internet connectivity. New security cam-

eras will be connected with a complete management system being installed in the halls, which will be controlled from one centre point.”

“When the greening of events centres became the norm, the Tshwane Events Centre took the lead and today we recycle more than 20 tons of waste every year via a four-recycle system. Our greening initiatives are well under way. In tight economic times, focusing on one’s core business and planning ahead are essential,” says Ricky.

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DIARISE SEPTEMBER Creative writing for the media 9-11 September, Free State Professional editing and proofreading 12-13 September, Free State The Loerie Awards 2011 16-18 September, Cape Town

OCTOBER The Loeries Travelling Exhibition 3-17 October, Stellenbosch Academy, Stellenbosch

EVENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

October Orion Gala Dinner 1 October, Southern Sun Hotel, Grayston, Sandton Andy Lund and the Mission Men 2 October, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Reliability and Maintenance Week 3-5 October, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg The Loeries Travelling Exhibition 3-17 October, Stellenbosch Academy, Stellenbosch

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 4-6 October, Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 4-6 October, Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand

FEDHASA National Imvelo Awards 9 October, Johannesburg, Gauteng

HR Africa Exhibition & Summit 2011 4-6 October, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

IMEX America 11–13 October, Las Vegas, USA SATSA Chapter Meeting 13 October, Cape Town SADTU Conference 20 October, ICC Durban FEDHASA Cape Board Meeting 27 October, Cape Town Retirement Expo 28–30 October, Coca-Cola dome

NOVEMBER The Loeries Travelling Exhibition 7–11 November, DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi, Namibia WTM 7 November, Cape Town, Western Cape Chamber Forum 24 November, TBC EIBTM 29 November - 1 December Barcelona, Spain

DECEMBER SAACI Western Cape Branch Committee Meeting 2 December, Cape Town

For more or to add your own: www.theevent.co.za/diarise charl@filmeventpublishing.co.za

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Africa Mining and Marine Conference 4-7 October, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Aardklop National Arts Festival 4-9 October 2011, Potchefstroom Coldplay 5 October, Cape Town Stadium Bafunny Bafunny 5-6 October, ICC, Durban Homemakers Fair Expo 6-9 October, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Johannesburg International Motor Show 6-16 October, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Look & Feel Good Expo 7-9 October, Coca Cola dome, Johannesburg Coldplay 8 October, FNB Stadium Johannesburg Christian Business Expo 8-9 October, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Blossom Festival 8-9 October, Green Mountain Eco Route, Western Cape Disabled People International World Assembly 8-14 October, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: Dan Patlansky 9 October, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town FEDHASA National Imvelo Awards 9 October, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Smart Procurement World Conference & Expo 11-13 October, Gallagher Convention Centre, JHB IMEX America 11-13 October, Las Vegas Photo and Film Expo 13-16 October, Coca Cola dome, Johannesburg Diwali Fair 13-31 October, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal Bafunny Bafunny 14-15 October, Carnival City, Johannesburg The Baby Expo MamaMagic 14-16 October, CTICC, Cape Town Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: McCully Workshop 16 October, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Viridis Africa 17-18 October, Johannesburg Bafunny Bafunny 20-21 October, Grandwest, Cape Town Audio Video & Appliance Expo 20-23 October, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg John Cleese Alimony Tour 21-22 October , Cape Town International Convention Centre Pinotage on Tap 22 October, Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, Wellington, Western Cape Propak Cape 25-27 October, Cape Town Int. Convention Centre, Cape Town

Julio Iglesias will be performing in South Africa in November

John Cleese Alimony Tour 25-29 October, The Teatro at Montecasino Johannesburg

Franschhoek Christmas Market 28 October- 06 November, Town Hall, Franschhoek

Kings of Leon 26 October, Cape Town Stadium, Western Cape

Kings of Leon 29 October, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Winex 26-28 October, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Greyton Rose Fair 29-30 October, Greyton, Western Cape

SA Menopause Society Congress 26-30 October, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Silver Tree Restaurant Winter Concert: Heather Mac 30 October, Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

Black Glamour 27-30 October, the Coca-Cola dome, Johannesburg Good Health & Wellness Expo 2011 28-29 October, Docklands Hotel, Durban Retirement Expo 28-30 October, Coca Cola Dome, JHB

Avon Justine Ithemba Crusade of Hope 30 October, Green Point Park, Cape Town, Western Cape Consulting Engineers of South Africa Conference 31 October- 2 November, ICC Durban, KwaZulu Natal

November FNB Whisky Live Festival 2-4 November, CTICC, Cape Town ENCHA Trade Fair 3-5 November, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng Julio Iglesias 5-6 November, Carnival City, Johannesburg Julio Iglesias 8 November, GrandWest, Cape Town FNB Whisky Live Festival 9-11 November, Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng Janet Jackson 11-12 November, Montecasino, Johannesburg Janet Jackson 15 November, GrandWest, Cape Town

FUTURE TALK WITH ROB DAVIDSON GENERAL INDUSTRY THE Event talked to industry analyst Rob Davidson about what’s happening in the international MICE industry.

What are the global MICE markets doing?

IN the US, a key MICE market, the floundering economy and airfare increases are just two of the factors that are currently causing some concern for the meetings and events industry. In Europe, ongoing government budget cuts are having an impact on the volume of meetings and the revenue generated by this segment of the market. On the positive side for these western hemisphere regions, current and predicted business conditions continue to improve at a faster rate than any time since the end of 2008, and (according to MPI’s Business Barometer for June 2011) actual levels of attendance at meetings and events have risen compared to a year ago.

The Asia and Middle East regions are going through a period of significantly increased investment in both MICE infrastructure and MICE marketing. For example, both Korea and Singapore are investing heavily in their meetings industry, with China and India following suit.

My prediction is that African countries, with their high levels of inward investment from China,

will be natural destinations for meetings of the Chinese corporations that have economic interests in this continent. And that goes for South Africa too, where China has already overtaken Britain and the US as the biggest single trading partner.

Do you forecast a market shift in the near future?

THE MICE market is constantly evolving. On the technology side, I’m convinced that we are going to see many more ‘hybrid’ meetings – meetings that have both a real-time, face-to-face component as well as a ‘virtual’ component harnessing the power of mobile technology and social media. The days when organisers would ask the participants to turn off their mobile phones are long gone. In hybrid meetings, these mobile devices can be used to Tweet comments on the conference to the wider world, to send questions to speakers, and even to upload photos and video clips of the event on to Facebook and other social media platforms. Webinars can be integrated into the proceedings and speakers’ presentations can be beamed in, in real time, from the other side of the world using free applications such as Skype’s Internet video conferring service.

This rise in hybrid meetings is closely linked to another key market shift – the arrival of Generation Y participants in meet-

ings. Gen-Yers are so used to using mobile technology and the social media in creating their lives and connecting with people, that planners will increasingly have to integrate those tools into their meetings – or this youngest generation of potential delegates will simply vote with their feet and stay away from traditionally-designed events.

One of the biggest challenges facing us over the next decade is to design events in such a way that Gen-Yers are motivated to invest their time and money in participating in them.

Who are the emerging MICE markets?

THE greatest growth is coming from the BRIC countries, which now includes South Africa. It’s incredible to contemplate the fact that the BRIC nations, which account today for about 40% of the world’s population and 40% of the world’s annual gross domestic product will, by 2014, account for as much as 61% of the overall growth in the world’s output. Countries such as India and China have fast-growing professional middle classes who have the financial means, the political freedom and the motivation to travel more widely – for business as well as pleasure.

That means expansion in the volume of corporate meetings from those countries. On the association market side, we can

Rob Davidson

also look forward to expansion, due to record growth rates in the number of new international associations being created. ICCA’s figures show that last year alone there was a jump of around 800 new association meetings held around the world – mainly in the medical sciences sphere.

Where does South Africa fit into the picture?

I’M very optimistic that South Africa has an assured future as a destination for conferences and events. The country has an established track record in hosting major international events and has a solid infrastructure of conference venues of a high international standard in major centres, such as Johannesburg,

Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth – and, most recently, East London.

As the economic locomotive of the African continent, South African businesses, including the meetings industry, also stand to benefit from the rise in general living standards and business prosperity that many believe will follow on from greater inward investment in African countries.

Of course, South Africa will have to compete with an ever-growing list of destinations eager to win major international conferences. But something in South Africa’s favour, I believe, is the professionalism and dedication of the business tourism team at South Africa Tourism.

Sally Fink

SAACI WESTERN CAPE BRANCH REACHES OUT ASSOCIATIONS ON 31 August 2011 The South African Association for the Conference Indsutry (SAACI)Western Cape Branch visted two Cape Town-based charirties.

S

AACI Western Cape branch recently hosted a member function in aid of its chosen charity, Nazareth House, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Members of the association were treated to breakfast courtesy of CTICC while representatives from Nazareth House, the Wheat Trust, and Street Smart, gave presenta-

tions about their organisations.

A cheque for R R2000 was then handed over to David Russell from Nazareth House by SAACI member Elmarie Delport.

Nazareth House serves as home for HIV orphans, abused children, the elderly and frail.

Each programme is overseen by a religious Sister to ensure that it is run to the standard and within the philosophy of the Sisters of Nazareth.

The Wheat Trust is a fund that supports grassroots women to seek local solutions to local problems, such as education, training and capacity building to foster women’s leadership. The organisation holds regular events to raise

awareness for the cause.

Street Smart is a non-profit organisation that works with local restaurants to benefit organisations that care and provide for street children.

After breakfast, and courtesy of Springbok Atlas, SAACI members were divided into two groups and taken to visit two Cape Town based homes for children, Nazareth House and Salesiens House.

For more information about the association visit www. saaci.co.za.

Sally Fink

SAACI members outside Nazareth House

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WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE EVENTS INDUSTRY?

Rashid Toefy

OPINION RUMOURS that the US economy is in for a double dip, South Africa’s 25.7 percent unemployment rate, and the hundreds of empty hotel rooms across the country doesn’t bode well for our economy. How is this affecting the local events industry?

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ASHID Toefy, CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), says the recent global recession has had a significant impact on the number of meet-

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ings and events hosted at the CTICC. “On par with international trends the growth in the exhibition and consumer shows has been minimal,” he says. “The meetings and events industry is one the sectors that will recover quickly. We have seen a gradual increase in the number of exhibitions and consumer shows being hosted. The CTICC has identified this as a niche growth sector and is taking measures to grow this sector further.”

Rashid says 2011 has brought with it a 10% increase in exhibitions and trade fairs and that he

is looking forward to a busy 2012.

The CTICC has over 150 events on the cards for 2012. He says a key trend is the shift to more advanced technologies. He says nature of meetings and events is changing, and trends like telepresence, technologies which allow a person to feel as if they were present, are turning traditional meetings on their head.

Telepresence requires that the users’ senses be provided with such stimuli as to give the feeling of being in that other location.

The CTICC has also noticed an increase in short term bookings.

Two of its largest events are The Design Indaba Conference and Exhibition and the Cape Homemakers Expo.

Dirk Elzinga offered his opinion as Western Cape Chair of FEDHASA and EXSA. “The global recession definitely had an effect on the exhibition and trade fair industry. Normally every year one sees the launch of several new shows, but the past couple of years there were hardly any new shows. Organisers of existing events had to work hard to maintain the normal levels of exhibitors and visitors. It seems however as if 2011 will see a bit of a change for the better. Several new shows have been launched in Cape Town and other provinces.”

However, Dirk says he doesn’t envision a very busy 2012. “At best we can speak of a slow recovery from the recession, but it

will take a few years before we will reach the same levels of business as before 2010.” He says that it’s particularly in the trade fair industry where there’s little movement. “With so many opportunities in South Africa one would expect that organising companies would be more active in this market.” Dirk says visitors are becoming more demanding each year. “They expect that every following version of an exhibition, or trade fair, will bring new products, new services and new excitement. It is a challenge for the organisers to fulfil this expectation, but some do a remarkable job. One can expect more attention for demonstrations, shows, conferences, workshops and contests on the side of the main event.”

He says that organisers in South Africa traditionally go for the ‘low hanging fruit’. “With extra effort and attention, and proper research, a serious number of trade fairs, with AGM’s or other meetings on the side, could be developed. A further consequence of the recession is that the venues in our country are much more willing to negotiate with initiators of new business.

Also, from the side of the hospitality industry there’s recognition that business events like congresses and international trade fairs can assist to speed up the recovery from the present low occupancies. Due to this, organ-

isers should be able to benefit from major hotels in the country.”

Julie-May Ellingson, currently acting CEO of the International Convention Centre Durban (ICC), says, “Over the last fiscal we have seen a gradual increase in the rate of exhibition bookings, with greater interest going forward to 2012. As the recession lifts, more organisers are feeling confident about bringing exhibitions back to Durban, with particular interest on the consumer trade shows. There was a slight increase in the number of exhibitions from 2010 to 2011.”

Are they envisioning a busy 2012?

“Definitely,” says Julie-May. “To date we have an increase in the number of exhibitions for 2011, 34, compared to 2010 when we had 27. The ICC loyalty program encourages exhibition organisers to secure events for the next 3-5 years, ensuring a full calendar of diverse events appealing to the Durban consumer.”

Julie-May says clients are looking at partnering with venues and cities to host major events.

“The buzz word is ”value based marketing” which is beneficial to both parties. Consumers are looking for shows which are more interactive and entertaining, including experiences for the whole family.”

The ICC’s largest annual trade show is Indaba, a business to business tourism fair, showcasing many of the most prestigious

travel destinations in Southern Africa. Julie-May says Durban has become synonymous with the hosting of Indaba - the third largest travel fair in the world. The House & Garden show, a consumer trade fair, has been held at the ICC for the last thirteen years and she says it is growing due to client demand and that the organisers are constantly developing new and interesting ideas which keeps the patrons coming back.

“The challenge with Durban,” says Julie-May, “is that the public can be fickle. If the weather is good they would rather be on the beach and the consumerism is definitely not as advanced as one would find in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Whereas in Durban the number of shows being held at any one time is limited not only due to the footfall but also to venues.

Both Cape Town and Johannesburg have a range of places to host fairs in, along with a larger crowd to draw from. Many organisers would like to partner with the venues in order to share the risk and I believe that in terms of growing the market this is the way to go. Of course one has to do the relevant market research in order to establish which are the best shows to bring to this city, not only for the economic impact to the city, but also for the patrons.”

Carol Weaving, managing

director of Thebe Exhibitions & Projects, says that since the successful staging of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, interest in the events market has boomed.

“That includes special events like product launches, conferences, exhibitions – both trade and consumer - and sporting events.

However, this does not necessarily result in actual bookings. The events industry is still feeling the effects of the economic recession. Exhibitors want more value for the same price, which requires exhibition organisers to be a lot more innovative than before. Visitors to consumer shows also hold on to their purses more.”

Carol says it has been more challenging to secure exhibitors this year. She says although companies still consider exhibitions as an integral part of their marketing mix, they consider participation far more carefully than before. “If they do exhibit, they expect qualitative feedback in terms of return on investment.

They also have greater expectations in terms of value-adds and event marketing by organisers.”

She says there are signs that the economy is picking up, “but we are not out of the doldrums yet. We will have to work very hard, and smart, to make 2012 busier than this year. Currently the events market is probably just as challenging as any other. Budgets are tight and yet people are

expected to constantly up their game. This is not only negative, as we have to be more innovative and original, which definitely gives us the competitive edge.”

She says that nowadays people expect to see the latest technology in action, whether by illustration, or applied in the logistics behind the staging of an event.

Thebe’s flagship consumer expo, Decorex SA, continues to take place in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. “We also have new projects such as the first Retirement Expo which will be held in October,” she says.

Carol agrees that there are mixed feelings about the state of the industry. “Huge international events are still coming into the country, such as the United Nations climate change conference in Durban in November, as well as international association conferences. Corporates have generally cut down on events though, and the industry is feeling it. Some organisers have not survived the credit crunch, while those that continue to reinvent themselves are still around.”

Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, says that as a result of the FIFA World Cup and refurbishment at the centre, there has been a vast increase in the number of enquiries received. “We are now reaping the rewards of our investment which is evident in the increasing number of enquiries for ex-

Julie-May Ellingson

hibitions and events already received and still coming,” Craig explains. “Interest has grown from exhibitions, conferences, year-end functions and concerts. We always foresee better and busier years to come. 2012 looks very promising.”

Craig says a new trend is that events are managed ‘on the go’ through the use of smart phone technology allowing for quicker response time. “The use of social media tools for marketing also aid businesses in generating awareness of their events and encourages attendance to them. There

is a more focused and personalised orientation by organisers on their target audience, which is very different to the old and traditional view of using generic mass mails and notifications.”

He says they are looking forward to hosting the Soweto Festival for the first time at their venue. “That will be followed by the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

In 2012, we see the return of the Rand Show. The second Africa Health Exhibition and Congress is next followed by Electra Mining later in the year.”

Astrid Stark

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ALL THE TPSA AWARD WINNERS

Best Set Designer Of The Year Dewet Meyer

Favourite Technical Venue Sandton Convention Centre

ASSOCIATIONS THE Technical Production Services Association (TPSA) held its annual awards at Mediatech this year. The awards encourage respect between members for the work that they do.

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HERE were approximately 16 categories which reflect the various disciplines within the industry. Members were able to vote for anyone in the industry providing they were deserving of the award and this then went to an adjudicating committee who oversees that the awards were selected fairly and represent the votes received.

This year’s winners were:

Favourite Marquee Rental Company Oasys

Av Engineer Of The Year John Reinders

Best Newcomer – Lighting Designer Robert Grobler Award Sponsored: Dwr Distribution Best Newcomer – Sound Engineer Gomolemo Maduma Award Sponsored: Sound Headquarters Best Newcomer – Av Engineer Buti Mabunda Award Sponsored: Showgroup Favourite Marquee Rental Company Oasys Award Sponsored: Garona Communications & Projects Favourite Av Rental Company Av Unlimited Award Sponsored: EXSA

Favourite Sound Rental Company Matrix Sound Award Sponsored: Vusa Truss

Favourite Backline Company Sa Backline Award Sponsored: Av Systems

Favourite Lighting Rental Company Gearhouse Award Sponsored: Showgroup

Favourite Technical Staging Company Gearhouse Award Sponsored: Events & Installations

Favourite Technical Venue Sandton Convention Centre Award Sponsored: Lucidity

Best Set Designer Of The Year Dewet Meyer Award Sponsored: Vusa Truss

Favourite Special Effects Company Laser X Award Sponsored: Jdm Unlimited

Best Rigger Of The Year Kendall Dixon Award Sponsored: Av Systems

Favourite Set & Stage Company Dream Sets Award Sponsored: Tungsten SA

We’re distributing 4 000 copies a month free via bulk distribution at event industry organisations and associations; key industry meeting points like convention centres, hotels and rental houses; and at key industry events. This means we’ll remain the most read events industry trade publication.

After seven years of carrying the cost of mailing another 4 000 copies direct to everyone else, we’re asking for subscriptions to help us cover our rising distribution costs.

Subscribe now for just R22.80 pm to keep receiving your copy, delivered to your door every month.

Please contact us for a subscription debit order form: nadia@filmeventpublishing.co.za or 021 674 6691.

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Favourite Set & Stage Company Dream Sets

Lighting Designer Of The Year Hugh Turner Award Sponsored: Dwr Distribution Av Engineer Of The Year John Reinders

Award Sponsored: Led Vision Sound Engineer Of The Year Marius Marais Award Sponsored: Sound Headquarters Production Manager Of The Year Sam Mcgrath Award Sponsored: Events & Installations Hall Of Fame Gerda Kruger The TPSA is an association of members who operate within the Live Entertainment / Events Industry and forms part of the Services SETA Events Industry Board.

For more information about the TPSA visit www.tpsa.co.za.

Sally Fink

Training and education highlights SERVICES SETA EVENTS CHAMBER BOARD SURGES AHEAD THE Event Newspaper is excited to bring you the Services SETA Events Chamber Strategic Plan for 2011-2012.

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EADED by Chamber Manager Priscilla David, the Events Chamber Board is committed to developing skills training and development within the industry.

The Board was established to instil in South Africa’s working communities a tangible, trainable, certifiable and accountable measure of service excellence, which it is proud to measure against comparable international standards of service.

One of its major objectives is the provision and maintenance of quality learning throughout the sector and to promote the internationally recognised competence levels required for the global village.

The Event Chamber Strategy for 2011-2012 outlines eight objectives in line with the Services SETA’s National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS).

1. NSDS objective 1 TO establish a credible institutional mechanism for skills planning.

This objective will be achieved through the development of a labour market information system which assists in: • Drawing up of an informed Sector Skills Plan(SSP) •Determining real scarce and critical skills •Identifying occupations which are potential large scale employment growth areas •At least five International Standards Organisations (ISOEs) established in provinces led by further/higher education institutions and industry experts •Determining industry needs to the Further/Higher Education and Training (FET/HET) institutions in terms of offerings •Developing relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs for in service workers •Determining the skills level in the events industry Skills development and training interventions are related to authentic research and statistics. The impact will be measured in terms of job placements, job mobility, graduate placements and quality audits of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).

Partnerships with higher learning institutions to be forged, secured and sustained.

2. NSDS objective 2 TO increase access to occupationally directed programs.

This will be achieved through:

•Interrogation of the Labour market Information Systems (LMIS) for middle level skills required by industry •Above information to be distributed to all stakeholders for verification •High level meetings to be set up with Heads of the FET and Universities of technology and industry experts countrywide for discussions and decisions regarding their program offerings.

3. NSDS objective 3 TO promote the growth of a public FET college system that is responsive to sector, local, regional and national skills needs and priorities.

This objective will see: •FETs capacitated to conduct Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for learners with the requisite experience •Fund the training of Assessors/ Moderators/ Verifiers •Public/Private partnership established between Events Associations, their members and Public Institutions for the placement of learners for practical experience and for industry captains to assist in program delivery •Link to SSETA/Canadian partnership which is an online assessment for acquisition of the qualification and or designation. Project proposal to utilise resources at FET/HET level and to partner these with the Professional Body.

The outcome of this adjective will provide tracking via National Learner Database as indicated above. RPL Centres will be accredited and assessors/moderators/verifiers will be constitutionally registered. Provincial representation from FET/ HET sectors will be represented on the Events Industry Committees.

4. NSDS objective 4 ADDRESSING the low level of youth and adult language and numeracy skills to enable additional training This objective will entail: •School learnership project will introduce Event qualification as an optional 7th. Subject at Grade 10 level to be completed in Grade 11. Practical component to be completed at school where sports events, concerts, fundraising events are used to gain experience.

• Offer flexi work opportunities to young people for conferences, exhibitions, festivals etc. where credits are gained against relevant skills programmes or qualifications by the submission of proof of work completed successfully •Offer voluntary work opportunities for events organised by Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Com-

munity Based Organisations (CBOs) with the proviso that this translates into credits towards a qualification or skills program.

The outcome will see learners exit school with an additional vocational qualification at level 2 and track their progress i.e. progress to high level vocational qualification, employment or movement into HET Sector.

Employer Associations must set up tracking mechanism via payroll or other to gather information on flexi workers progress through attainment of credits through an RPL process. This will result in sustainability of jobs through retention of same flexi workers/ volunteers until the young person reaches a point of certification.

5. NSDS objective 5 ENCOURAGING better use of workplace-based skills development.

This stage of the strategy will entail the following: •Coaching and Mentoring Project – retired or semi- retired persons are used to conduct skills transfer at different levels of competency in the workplace linked to succession planning and or job mobility and articulation. Companies will be paid a special grant which would help compensate them for the honorariums they would pay the coach/mentor.

•RPL applied thereafter where SSETA provides bursaries for such including gap training and the payment of Assessors/Moderators •Canadian /SSETA partnership project By this stage of the strategy learners will have attained a qualification and conferred with a designation.

The learner’s enterprise development progress will be monitored.

6. NSDS objective 6 ENCOURAGING and supporting cooperatives, small enterprises worker initiated, NGO and community training initiatives.

Activities will include: •At least fives Provincial Roadshows for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) •Development of an SME strategy •Development of a strategy for training and skills initiatives and capacitation of this sector. Discretionary fund bursaries will be offered. Number to be linked to targets.

•Business clusters established in both rural and peri-urban areas where cooperatives could access business services e.g internet, faxing, printing , marketing services etc.

• At least 200 New Venture Creation (NVC) bursaries offered to women

SSETA Events Chamber Manager Priscilla David

running home based events businesses in both rural and peri-urban areas.

By this stage an SME strategic plan will have been produced and endorsed by all stakeholders. A partnership with NGO body will be formalised, and the implementation monitored and tracked. NGO/CBO/Cooperatives reports will be submitted to The Events Chamber Board.

7. NSDS objective 7 INCREASING Public Sector capacity for improved service delivery and supporting the building of a developmental SSETA state. This will fall under Special Projects The outcome of this project will be a detailed impact measurement report.

8. NSDS objective 8 TO build career and vocational guidance. The final stage of the Event Chamber Strategy will develop an integrated

career pathway for all qualifications in the Events industry.

This will necessitate participation in career weeks/exhibitions held at FET/HET institutions as well as capacitation of Guidance Educators at Secondary Schools.

A poster campaign of the Career Pathway will be displayed at all public and school libraries. Lastly, the objective will see the dissemination of a career guide to all Associations for their members.

The outcome will be target driven to measure the impact of the number of schools/learners /workers reached via the intervention.

If you have any questions about the Events Chamber Strategic Plan please contact chamber coordinator Shafieka Khan at: ShafiekaL@serviceseta.org.za.

Sally Fink

Customer Care customercare@serviceseta.org.za

Bloemfontein Tel: 051 430 6223 Fax: 051 430 8771

Durban Tel: 031 207 1761 Fax: 031 207 1766

Kimberley Tel: 053 833 7447 Fax: 053 833 7452

Polokwane Tel: 015 296 4858 Fax: 015 296 4729

Head Office Tel: 011 276 9600 Fax: 011 276 9623

Cape Town Tel: 021 425 0417 Fax: 021 425 1575

East London Tel: 043 743 5410 Fax: 043 722 9587

Nelspruit Tel: 013 752 2207 Fax: 013 752 6434

Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 582 2033 Fax: 041 582 2040

www.serviceseta.org.za 17

MORE ASSOCIATIONS EXPECTED AT IT & CMA

IT & CMA 2010

EVENTS PREVIEW ASIA’S only doublebill event in MICE and Corporate IT & CMA takes place from 4-6 October 2011 at Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, Bangkok

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OMMITTMENT to grow the event’s delegation of corporate travel managers has paid off with over 100 professionals registered to date. This includes first-time participants across a variety of industry sectors from

Germany, Italy and China.

The growing list of participating delegates include corporate travel buyers, influencers and decision makers from close to 50 corporations such as Accenture Service Pvt. Ltd, Agilent Technologies, Coach Shanghai Ltd, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Cummins Power Generation(s) Pte Ltd, Deakin University, Emerson, Fidelity Business Services India Pvt Ltd, General Electric Int. Inc, HRG Sita (India) Pvt Ltd, Mazda Motors of New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes Benz, Sephora Cosmetics China,

Standard Chartered Bank, Symantec Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Australia, Tata Capital Limited and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Results have been credited to engagement efforts that earn the support of these corporate travel managers. In early March, the first-ever Advisory Planning Committee for Corporate Travel World (CTW) was launched in Singapore, with the objective of driving CTW’s programme content and building the network of international

travel managers. The committee comprises of influential travel managers from the banking, IT, entertainment and governmental sectors.

“CTW 2011’s programme has been crafted to the needs and objectives of today’s corporate travel managers. We want to continue establishing CTW as an industry-driven conference that the community wants to attend on an annual basis.” explained Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media – organiser of IT&CMA and CTW. Efforts to attract association buyers have also been ramped up this year. This includes a multitude of activities conducted by associations such as Australian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE), Canadian Society of Association Executives (cSAE), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB). The IT&CMA MICE Exhibition this year will offer a huge array of convention venues, hotels, destination management companies (DMCs) and convention bureaus that will be of interest to Association Buyers who are looking to organise Association Meetings & Congresses. Many of the networking functions offered at IT&CMA and CTW 2011 also welcome the attendance of these Association Buyers.

Industry engagement efforts were continued at the Preview Reception on 29 July 2011 at the newly inaugurated St. Regis Hotel in Bangkok. The exclusive preview and networking event brought together local Association Buyers, MICE buyers and corporate travel managers.

Registration for MICE buyers are also in line with expectations.

More than 450 MICE buyers have already registered till date. 50% of them are new registrants representing six new countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Denmark, Latvia, Lebanon and Turkey.

On the IT&CMA exhibition front, more than 75% of the exhibition space has been sold.

New comers include Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, HPL Hotels & Resorts, Cox and Kings India, Park Hotel Group, Diners Club HK, Caravelle Hotel, Furama Resorts, UVI Holidays India, Wuzhen Tourism and Mission Hill China.

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 have drawn the attention of media from around the world. Media registration have crossed the 100 mark, re-affirming this IT&CMA and CTW as the perfect platform for MICE exhibitors to gain international exposure.

For more information visit www.itcma.com.

panies and brands against each other in the first such competition that goes directly to consumers to highlight the providers of superior service.

Customer satisfaction is recognised as the only measure of the quality of economic output.

Companies will be rated by their customers - not judges on a standardised survey that will be accessible on the Internet and Facebook.

The competition runs from 1 September -30 November 2011.

Voter registration is currently open. Smoke Customer Care Solutions, who are spearheading the competition, have committed to give away one iPod Touch per week and one

iPad 2 each month for the duration of the competition.

For more information visit www.saservice.co.za or www.facebook.com/SAServiceAwards.

Sally Fink

OPPORTUNITIES GENERAL INDUSTRY IF you have any opportunities to share with the events industryplease visit our web portal www.theevent.co.za and follow the easy instructions to upload your press releases.

UCT launches Events Management course OVER the past few years, the South African events management industry has grown tremendously and organising events has become a popular career choice for many. The UCT Events Management course is the first of its kind to result in a university-accredited qualification.

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The highly practical 10week UCT Events Management course provides students with a comprehensive grounding in the development and management of small to large-scale events. The course teaches practical skills and techniques, and illustrates important concepts through the use of case studies. Some of the most popular course modules cover the design, planning, marketing and management of events, as well as risk management and financial administration.

The content applies both to those who organise events themselves, and to those who occasionally need to oversee subcontracted event man-

agement companies as part of their job. The course convener is Mandy Ross, an experienced events manager who has worked in the industry in both Los Angeles and Cape Town.

SPECIAL OFFER: In association with The Event, save R500 when registering for the course before 15 September 2011.

Quote “The Event” as your promotional code when registering. Call Kerry on 021 447 7565 or visit www.GetSmarter.co.za South African Service Awards Competition Launches The 2011 South African Service Awards are now open for voting by the South African public.

The competition will put com-

Special hotel rates for Loeries THE Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town is offering The Event Newspaper readers a special deal on accommodation during the Loerie Awards.

Rates are inclusive of Breakfast, 1% Tourism and 14% VAT: Single - R695.00 or Double R990.00.

For more information of the hotel please visit www.townhouse.co.za.

Sally Fink

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