People do business with people

“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It is about the difference you make in people’s lives…” – Michelle Obama

Vatiswa Gilivane, newly-appointed business development manager of Ticketpro Dome, lives by the above quote. “This quote summarises my overarching agenda and vision about my new role and is an ideal I would like to see influence the direction the company takes into the future,” she said.

She was born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Port Elizabeth, formally referred to as Nelson Mandela Bay. “My relationship with the events industry was sparked back in 2002 when I was recruited by a dance group to join a team that was going to perform a traditional musical routine at the Habitat for Humanity launch in Durban.

“I then ended up working with the same group at Shamwari Game reserve, where we did an enactment of a multicultural homestead as part of the day visitor experience. I then developed a love affair for working, engaging and interacting with people. When my ‘performing’ days were over I ventured into various industries including hotel management, hospitality, gaming and entertainment and briefly, construction.”

Vatiswa said: “My passion for interacting, working with people, creating special and memorable experiences for my clients is the single thread that connects all that I have done in all these different roles, companies and industries I have been blessed to experience.

“My move to the City of Gold is a big deal for me and a milestone both for my personal life and career. But the role of business development manager and essentially being the “face” of South Africa’s historic landmark venue is an even bigger deal. I am honoured, I am nervous, but mostly I am excited. I’m looking forward to the journey that lies ahead and all the wonderful things we are cooking up that are aimed at adding value and offering magical experiences to our clients and partners,” she said.

What does the new position at Ticketpro Dome entail?

Though my core mandate is to generate and increase revenue by means of lobbying for new business, other important aspects of my role include establishing new and strengthen existing relationships with our clients. I am also responsible for ensuring the company is represented and visible at industry associations like SAACI and industry events like Meetings Africa. Therefore, client relations, relationship management and creating strategic partnerships is at the very core of what I do.

How do you see the Ticketpro Dome in the South African business arena?

Venues play a critical role in creating economic opportunity within the business events sector and the Ticketpro Dome is no exception, in fact we have been doing so since 1998. Events can positively impact the South African economy. There’s job creation, skills transfer and development. Also, the nature of our business promotes diversity as people and cultures mix between local and international clientele.

What do you hope to achieve at the Ticketpro Dome?

I hope to reimagine the venue as Africa’s premier indoor arena. To re-establish the venue as a multipurpose venue that hosts a dynamic variety of events that not only have a positive impact on the business events sector but also the event’s industry in general. I would also like to co-create and collaborate on new ideas with like-minded brands, industry gurus and visionaries, so that we remain relevant and futuristic in our approach. Through sustainable strategic partnerships, high quality service and international standards, I believe we can achieve this and more.

Do you have a set of goals that you could share?

My most imminent goal is establishing myself as a reliable and trustworthy stakeholder within the events business in Gauteng and getting to know the lay of the land and excelling at what I do. I believe people do business with people not with structures. Also, people do business with people they know and trust and I am willing and excited to put in the work to get me there.

How do you see the current business events sector in South Africa?

The business events sector is an integral part and contributor to the South African economy. Attracting and successfully hosting major international meetings and events not only promotes the country globally, but it also highlights our capacity and capability to meet global standards, trends and builds confidence. Not forgetting the positive spins offs to the tourism and leisure and hospitality sectors.

Who is the Ticketpro Dome’s main market?

The venue target market ranges from but is not limited to professional conference organisers, event organisers and managers, promoters and corporates.

I am looking to expand the clientele market to health, education and financial institutions, including government departments and parastatals.

Are there any developments planned at the Ticketpro Dome?

We are always looking at innovative ways to expand and grow the business and better our offering, from a short term and long-term point of view. Be it facilities and infrastructure development or investing in our people.