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EXSA CONFERENCE 2016 “We have to create value for our members and create a lot more space for us to grow. Let’s stay positive and optimistic. We know exactly what we
Brad Alder, outgoing chairman
have to do. Let’s keep going and let’s make sure we make ourselves proud of what we do. We want to be a brand that people want to be associated with.” Opportunities for EXSA Members While the topics covered by the eight guest speakers were varied, there was a thread of confidence running through most of the content. Several highlighted opportunities for EXSA members. Strategist and future studies guru, Guy Lundy discussed South Africa and the world towards 2020, highlighting how current trends and technologies can help the exhibition industry going forward. This includes the rapid growth of Africa and hotspots within the continent that should be targeted for conferences and exhibitions. The South African National Convention Bureau’s Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo focused on nitty gritty market research, and
revealed that the business events industry is “actually very healthy.” While there are challenges ahead, there are also tremendous opportunities, she said. The message from digital entrepreneur, Fred Roed, was for the events industry to make business come to life online. “Package what you are really good at doing and creating in the offline world, online.” Strategic planner and marketing guru, Chris Moerdyk focused specifically on the impact of “new marketing trends on exhibitions and events.” Enthralled by augmented reality (AR), his advice was for members to take sound, video or graphics and put them into reality. This way a perfectly ordinary venue could become incredibly exciting, he said. Essentially, don’t be threatened by new technology, embrace it and use it.
EXSA announces new chairman and board FOLLOWING the EXSA AGM held during the EXSA Conference, EXSA is delighted to announce that Neil Nagooroo, of Sandton Convention Centre, has been voted in as the new EXSA chairman. EXSA (the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa) is now in its 36th year and has four Forums within the Association – Venues; Organisers; Services/Suppliers and Young Professionals. There are eight new members to the Board which is made up as follows: • Chairman: Neil Nagooroo, Sandton Convention Centre. • Vice-Chairman: Andrew Binning, Inkanyezi Exhibitions and Events. • Immediate Past Chair: Brad Alder, Octanorm. • Treasurer: Andrew Gibbs, Concept G.
Venue Forum • Neil Nagooroo, Sandton Convention Centre/ • Lindy Cambouris, CTICC. Organiser Forum • Andrew Binning, Inkanyezi Exhibitions and Events. • Lorin Bowen, Synergy Business Events. • Clive Shedlock, Conker Exhibitions. • Zaida Enver, Pure Grit. • Young Professionals Forum: Katherine Gunningham, Compex. • Western Cape Forum: Karen Healey, Resource Design. • KZN Forum: Denver Manickum, I-cube Alternate Advertising.
Services Forum • Patrick Cronning, Expo Guys. • Doug Rix, DK Design.
Neil Nagooroo, new EXSA chairman.
“I am humbled by the vote of confidence of the EXSA Board and honoured to lead the Association in the year ahead,” said Mr Nagooroo. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Board for their commitment to the industry in their respective portfolios within EXSA.” Neil is an MBA graduate who currently heads up the sales and marketing team at the Sandton Convention Centre. He has a profound understanding of hospitality and tourism in South Africa gained from his broad experience in the industry which he has been part off for the past 11 years. As executive project manager at SA Tourism, he was responsible for the organising and delivery of all SA Tourism’s exhibitions, including the Tourism INDABA, the largest trade show in Africa. Through his experience at the Sandton Convention Centre and SA Tourism, he has developed a key understanding of the South African tourism industry and how to market the country both domestically and internationally, and ensuring that revenue targets are met while focusing on customer excellence.