Business Events Africa December 2020

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 40 No 12 December 2020

SPIER HYBRID CONFERENCING So real, you’re virtually on the Farm

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businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 40 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

Head Office: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610 PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa Tel: +27 31 764 6977 | Fax: 086 762 1867 Email: contact@contactpub.co.za

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 40 years

CONTENTS

The authority on meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentives management

VOL 40 NO 12 DECEMBER 2020

About the cover Spier Hotel and Wine Farm Spier ushers in a new era with the launch of hybrid and virtual conferencing.

Published by the proprietor Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd (Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

EDITOR’S COMMENT 2 United we stand.

Features COVER STORY | SPIER HOTEL AND WINE FARM 6 Spier Hybrid Conferencing So real, you’re virtually on the farm.

Special Feature INSIGHTS 2021 10 Industry leaders forecast their

expectations for the events industry

for next year.

6

Vincent Goode vincent@contactpub.co.za

NEWS 4 Industry unites in support of the Restart Expo.

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER:

PERSONALITY PROFILE 28 Gill Gibbs – ‘Live, work and play

with passion’.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE 30 What’s in store for South Africa’s travel sector this December?

CHEF’S PROFILE 32 Darshan Chetty – keeping it simple but delicious.

Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 40 No 12 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly.

MARKET NEWS 33 Radisson Hotel Group strengthens

its portfolio across Africa.

EGF MASTER CLASS 34 Takeaways for the events industry

to #BuildBackBetter.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

HOTEL GROUP DEVELOPMENTS 36 Premier Hotels and Resorts – set to

open new hotel in Umhlanga.

SUSTAINABILITY 38 Be your best for the world.

GingerBiscuit connects people to

sustainability using creative and

globally-conscious methods.

REGULARS 39 Index of advertisers.

40 Directory and associations of interest.

THE LAST WORD 42 Hoteliers are putting their hotels where their hearts are.

Learning | Growth | collaboration

Official media partner

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

United we stand

C

ovid-19 has brought much uncertainty but at the same time has taught us that we are resilient.

The business events sector has been hardest hit by this pandemic and yet, still continues to push through this most difficult time.

The Restart Expo which took place at the end of last month proved that our sector’s greatest asset remains our people and their grit. The event was an opportunity for the collective industry to unite and demonstrate to the authorities how exhibitions and events can take place safely with all the required Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.

I was so proud to be part of this event and it felt good to reconnect with industry players after all these months. It was strange wearing masks and having to use copious amounts of sanitiser but it was worth it, just to reconnect. One thing it proved is that we, as an industry, are stronger when we are united.

I was disappointed that the Minister of Tourism was unable to attend this event.

The Restart Expo proved that the business events sector can operate safely in a controlled environment and is by no means a “mass gathering”. There were

representatives from the Department of Tourism, who unfortunately weren’t able to answer the critical questions.

The business events sector was one of the first to shut down alongside tourism and is, unfortunately in many aspects, still shut.

The uncertainty remains and will be with us well into 2021. What I do know is that we need to continue to make a living in Covid-19 times.

As I write this, South Africa has seen another peak in numbers in certain areas.

Nelson Mandela Bay is currently one of the hotspot regions and new restrictions have been imposed.

The rest of the country is watching very closely. Unfortunately, this is the problem we face with this pandemic… there is no clear answer as to when a vaccine will be ready; yes, there have been some really positive trials and there is talk that these vaccines will be ready for mass distribution sometime next year.

As I sit here, counting down the hours to my annual holiday, I must say that I wish I had more answers.

However, the one answer I do have is that the business events sector is made up of fighters – we are resilient, we have grit and

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

The world as we knew it is no longer! We are now living in the most unusual environment where an invisible threat has taken over our lives.

if anything, Covid-19 has proven to us all that we will prosper again and 2021 will be less scary, as we survived 2020!

As I reflect on this annus horribilis, I’m sitting here wondering what the new year portends?

From the Contact Publications team, I would like to thank you for all your support over this tumultuous year and wish you much more prosperity and certainty in the new year!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

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NEWS

Restart Expo sees industry united in reopening of exhibitions and events Having taken place from 25-26 November at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, the Restart Expo was an opportunity for the collective industry to unite in demonstrating to the authorities how exhibitions and events can take place safely with all the required Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.

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he event was not held on a commercial basis but put together at the cost of all those who participated. It ably showcased that it is possible to bring industry together through organised events; events which will stimulate the economy and boost employment whilst taking place safely.

“As an industry, we shouldn’t be Covid-19 restricted, but rather Covid-19 managed,” said Craig Newman, group chief executive officer of GL Events South Africa and former president of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

“We should not be classified as mass gatherings, as we are organised events which can be completely Covid-19 compliant. The industry is so well regulated, even before the global

pandemic, and the organisers and venues involved are more than capable of putting together a public event that falls within the World Health Organisation and local government Covid-19 regulations,” he added.

Forty industry-related exhibitors engaged with government officials, members of non-governmental organisations, industry associations, business representatives, media and industry colleagues. In addition to the exhibition stands, business lounge, meeting rooms and restaurants, a high-powered seminar programme saw multipliers of business, health officials and authorities exchange ideas and discuss ways in which to take the SA economy forward in a safe and healthy manner. All sessions were live-streamed

4 Business Events Africa December 2020

with participants from around the globe.

The exhibition, events and conferencing industry has been particularly hard hit by the impacts of the Covid-19 virus and its health and safety ramifications. Most events planned for 2020 had to either be postponed or cancelled.

The impact of Covid-19 has seen the global exhibition industry revenue reduced to 30 per cent in 2020 compared

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NEWS

to 2019 levels. It has created serious economic difficulties as the sector is defined by many small and medium companies who are struggling to make it through right now. Around 1.9 million jobs have been affected globally in exhibition and tourism related activities and it is estimated that almost 300 billion US dollars of contract value between exhibition participants has not been generated. This from an industry where exhibitions alone had a global economic impact of US$325-billion; add business events, meetings and conferencing and the total increases to around US$1-trillion.

“Listening to our seminar speakers talk about the tourism aspects of what needs to be done to help our local economy recover and bounce back, it shows how exhibitions, events and conferencing have an enormous role to play,” said Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions - a division of Montgomery Group.

“In addition to the industries they serve, exhibitions also contribute to regional development and generate revenue for the travel and business tourism sector, as well as hotels, restaurants, retail and transportation,” Mr Corin said. “Global

research has indicated that for every dollar (ZAR, euro or whichever currency) that is invested in putting together an event of this nature, it generates anything between six to eight dollars for that local economy, and that occurs before the trade on the floor of the event.”

Exhibitions, events and conferencing can be part of the solution to negate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy. It’s where meeting places are built; marketplaces where industries come together, for people to connect; for

Restart Expo was an initiative created by Specialised Exhibitions - a division of Montgomery Group, and the Johannesburg Expo Centre on behalf of the South African exhibitions and events industry.

Dedicated to supporting the business events sector, the Gauteng Conventions and Events

www.businesseventsafrica.com

supply to meet demand, for business to restart.

“In essence, the core message of the Restart Expo to the government around reopening is: bring us in, let us run shows.

We know how to do it. We can bring everyone back together safely and this is what will help to drive the economic recovery. There really is no reason to keep the industry closed. We have big facilities available; we are professionals and we are able to ensure compliance to all Covid-19 protocols.” Mr Newman concluded.

Bureau partnered with the Restart Expo, which was also endorsed by the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and the SA Events Council, which collaborates with 14 event associations. The Restart Expo also had the support and active involvement of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Business Events Africa December 2020 5

COVER STORY | Spier Hotel and Wine Farm

Spier Hybrid Conferencing so real, you’re virtually on the farm Spier ushers in a new era with the launch of hybrid and virtual conferencing.

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ne of South Africa’s leading conferencing venues, Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, launched its hybrid and virtual conferencing offerings earlier in the year, with a glittering evening enjoyed both in-person and by members of the events sector in the comfort of their homes.

Joep Schoof, general manager of Spier, said: “Since the start of the pandemic we immediately switched to innovation mode and have been able to re-invent some parts of our business to continue serving customers.

“I believe this world-class virtual offering can meet the need for people to connect.

We’ve got a product that can help you get your teams or clients together in a way that feels natural and can beautifully showcase your product and facilitate business.“ 6 Business Events Africa December 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | Spier Hotel and Wine Farm

Launch event Attendees were treated to a smorgasbord of treats showcasing the length and breadth of the virtual conferencing experience. These included live music streamed from Spier, a virtual Segway tour of Spier’s organic pastures, a tutorial by Chef PJ Vadas on how to make a mouthwatering margherita pizza and an introduction to the art of mosaic. There were also belly-achingly funny acts by comedians Alan Committie and Nik Rabinowitz.

Perhaps the favourite part of the evening for most was a virtual chocolate and wine tasting presented by Spier winemaker Anton Swarts. Each launch attendee had received a box featuring Spier’s new canned Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot along with two kinds of artisanal chocolates in advance so were able to enjoy the tasting first-hand.

Testimonials “Also, thank you again for the professional and excellent setup, service and patience that you and the Spier staff have shown us. You have most definitely set the bar for our future events. We are very satisfied, and we will most definitely make use of Spier for our future events.

Thank you so very much!”

- Didier Tison Ministries “We had a wonderful time at Spier and I could not have asked for anything more. You organised everything so well; every activity, lunch, dinner and the conference facilities were exactly what we wanted. My whole team wanted me to thank you and your team for the wonderful day.”

- Roche Group

Meet at Spier— without leaving your desk Through hosting your event virtually with Spier — against the backdrop of Spier’s gallery of stunning farm images — hosts are able to unleash unlimited online engagements and experiences. Spier has assembled a team of experienced event producers and technical experts and uses top-notch software to ensure full, seamless support for every aspect of the event. This includes handling nitty-gritty details like participant registration, ticketing and email campaigns. During the event, Spier oversees the virtual www.businesseventsafrica.com

participation platform (including live Q&A/polls and breakout rooms), live streaming of sessions and attendance analytics.

The best of both worlds With Spier’s fast internet and latest generation audio-visual tech, combining virtual conferencing with Spier’s classic farm hospitality in person is a breeze. This is particularly ideal given that the size of gatherings is currently limited by government regulation.

For delegates who do attend in person, with Spier’s abundance of outdoor spaces

and spacious venues, physical distancing is easy during meetings, breakouts and meals. The farm has developed special conferencing seat plans to accommodate physical distancing protocols and has tweaked other aspects of experience, including: • Venues are deep cleaned after each event and used pens and notepads are recycled.

• Sanitising wipes are available for delegates to use.

• All food and beverage items will be individually plated and served instead of being a traditional buffet; coffee and other break items will be served.

Business Events Africa December 2020 7

COVER STORY | Spier Hotel and Wine Farm

Virtual activities

TREEPRENEURS TOUR

EAGLE ENCOUNTERS

YOGA

PIZZA MAKING

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

MEAL KITS

SEGWAY TOUR

WINETASTING

MOSAIC DEMO

The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm is constantly striving to find innovative ways to treat all delegates, virtual and in person, to a great experience.

Here are some of the innovations and activities available at Spier that will take your hybrid and virtual conference to the next level.

Contact details conference@spier.co.za

ABOUT SPIER One of South Africa’s oldest wine farms and a well-known Western Cape landmark, Spier– outside Stellenbosch– is passionate about the environment and supporting the local community. It regularly buys from and supports trusted local suppliers, and its philosophy is to make a difference every day in the lives of its guests, staff, the environment and community.

A sustainability pioneer over the past 20 years, Spier today recycles 100 per cent of its wastewater and over 98 per cent of its solid waste. It is a WWF Conservation Champion and is recognised by Fair Trade in Tourism and

8 Business Events Africa December 2020

the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association. Its cellar carries FSSC 22000 certification and Fairtrade accreditation.

Three centuries since Spier’s start in 1692, the farm is still family-owned.

The Enthoven family bought it in 1993, lives on the farm and works with the Spier team to bring positive change to the environment and community. Today Spier has a fresh, conscious energy, and is focused on art and good, ethical farming. It produces six ranges of award-winning wines and serves seasonal food at its four-star hotel and restaurants.

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COVER STORY | Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

Industry insights for 2021 In the ever-changing world we find ourselves, Business Events Africa asked business events industry leaders to give us some insights into what they are expecting from 2021. As 2020 has taught us, nothing is set in stone. This is an insight into what our industry leaders have had to say.

10 Business Events Africa December 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Esmaré Steinhöfel, regional director: Africa, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

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he second ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day was held as part of the Meetings Africa 2020 BONDAY programme designed for ICCA Africa members and the local, regional and international associations attending, to share knowledge and to stimulate the market on the continent.

The main highlight on the ICCA events calendar, although due to Covid-19, was the first ever hybrid ICCA Annual Congress.

The reality that has unfolded earlier in the year meant that it could not be business-as-usual and that a new format had to be found.

The bold step was taken to organise this year’s event as a multi-week, multichannel and multi-hub event – both digitally and safely face-to-face, where possible.

The 59th ICCA Congress saw over 1,500 attendees attending both in person and virtually at either the main ICCA Congress which was held in Kaohsiung or any of the eight regional hubs. The Africa Hub was held in Cape Town at the Century City Conference Centre.

This new format provided a prototype of how our client audiences could organise events in both a restricted, but also an opportunity-rich, future and provided guidance to ICCA members and all in the supply chain dealing with these new realities.

In May 2020, ICCA worked in collaboration with several leading industry bodies to identify which changes associations had made and intend to make due to the impact of Covid-19 and published a report “The Future of global association meetings – The New Association Reality”. Amongst the more in-depth results, key findings in the research include: • 66 per cent believe that Covid-19 will fundamentally change how they operate in the future.

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Pollutant drops in Wuhan China due to virus

• Events are under review by 47 per cent of associations, whilst 43 per cent are reviewing their digital propositions and 42 per cent their membership models.

• 84 per cent intend to include hybrid and digital elements in events going forward.

• 60 per cent of respondents believe that there are limitations to the ultimate success of virtual events when compared to face-to-face.

• 28 per cent said geographic rotations are under review and likely to change in the future.

• 78 per cent would consider the use of a meetings management company going forward.

• There is a significant opportunity for the supply side of the meetings industry to support clients through increased flexibility and innovation.

A follow-up report was done in September 2020, “The Future of Global Association Meetings – four months down the line”.

With the follow-up report amongst other results, key findings were: • In 2021, 15 per cent of respondents plan to cancel or postpone their largest in-person meeting, and 42 per cent plan to go hybrid or virtual. 61 per cent expect smaller attendance figures for their in-person meetings.

• 81 per cent of respondents believe that there are limitations to networking discussions during virtual events compared to face-to-face meetings.

• 88 per cent of respondents indicated that technology has changed the way

they conduct their meetings, with 51 per cent using only low-cost solutions to support virtual/hybrid elements of their meetings.

The above is clearly an indication of how the pandemic has changed the way association conferences will be affected and take place in 2021.

The 2020 ICCA statistics which will be released next year will feature a new format ensuring proper representation of what occured this year including the following new categories: unaffected, virtual, hybrid, relocated, postponed and cancelled.

As an industry, both internationally and in Africa, a key going forward will be communication, collaboration and creativity.

Justin Hawes, incoming president of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES).

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cross the world, it is expected that smaller local events will be the first to make an in-person return. These have a lower risk profile and are less of an investment for marketers, organisers and sponsors, which provides an excellent opportunity to test how hungry a given target market is to meet face-to-face. Once confidence starts to build from

Business Events Africa December 2020 11

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

these, larger conferences and exhibitions should resume.

In South Africa, I expect that these smaller events will emerge from early 2021, with larger events starting either from June or September. June signals the start of the northern hemisphere’s summer. It is when we expect the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in that market.

Industry activity there tends to have a knock-on effect on our local market, as many of our event attendees and partners are based there. But, if South Africans are still feeling cautious, we may well wait until our spring and the warm weather it brings.

These timeframes I have predicted depend on South Africa not experiencing a significant spike in new Covid-19 cases, as has happened overseas. While I do not think our government will put us into a strict lockdown again, a surge in infections will make corporate South Africa wary of hosting and attending events. But if things carry on much as they are, people will reach a point of ‘ Covid fatigue’, not to mention ‘Zoom fatigue’, and will be eager to return to face-to-face events. Our understanding of Covid-19 and how to prevent transmission continues to improve. This should allow us to reduce, even further, any risks associated with attending in-person events and build greater confidence in event safety.

It is also important to note that the financial return on virtual events is roughly 10 per cent of a live event. This isn’t worthwhile for organisers. But the current limited capacity of events is also not economically viable, especially for formats like exhibitions. Our industry is pushing for venues to be able to operate at 50% capacity, with no maximum limit.

If government agrees to this, we will be in a far better position as an industry to reopen and begin our recovery.

When events do return, I expect they will look a little different. Covid-19 has introduced a new set of design considerations which will give exhibition stands and event layouts a facelift.

I also expect that most events will lack ‘frills’ such as gifts, free catering on exhibition stands and large staff representation. While suppliers will offer competitive pricing, everyone is going to need to be careful with their spend. This could lead to some innovative new ideas being tried and tested.

Another trend I expect to see, both here and overseas, is greater attention being given to sustainability. Covid-19 has been a wake-up call for taking better care of ourselves and our planet. This should cause a shift towards actions like reducing event waste – for example – with reusable face masks, packaging that doesn’t go to landfill, and more steps being taken to prevent over-catering.

LOCAL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)

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ime, our greatest commodity, will be our biggest focus as we ponder what 2021 may hold for the business events industry. In the uncertainty in which we have operated during this year, there is no question that the world of events has been dramatically changed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The most challenging aspect is that nobody really knows…

We have seen event professionals, along with the rest of the world, trying to make the best of widespread lockdowns while eagerly anticipating the resumption of normal activities.

In this terribly confusing scenario, we may try and shed some light on when we can expect to return to normal; and when it will be safe to once again schedule economically viable events with larger numbers.

What we do know now, that we did not

THE ASSOCIATION FOR CONFERENCE INDUSTRY LEADERS

CONNECT SAACI unites , supports and educates the business

events industry in southern Africa by creating sustainable environment for business growth

THRIVE Join SAACI and enjoy access to an inspiring network of industry professionals, while giving your business the professional status it needs to attract the attention of business leaders.

GROW Become the business events professional you’ve always wanted to be. Access the SAACI Academy and enter a world of inspiration, connections and world-class skills development.

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Visit our online community: www.saaci.org www.saacicongress.org Business Events Africa December 2020 www.saaci-academy.org

+27(0)11 880 5883 info@saaci.org

www.businesseventsafrica.com Learning | Growth | collaboration

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

know early in the pandemic, is that we “can control the controllables” and as such, we attempt, as we have annually, to provide some insights on what we have in our control, as we consider what 2021 may look like.

The devastating effects of 2020 will carry forward into 2021, with a significant impact on budgets as many clients, companies and governments cut back on in-person meetings due to concerns of safety. The regulations have also limited the number of people allowed to gather, which will limit the economic viability of business events and exhibitions. In the short-term, we have seen the shift to hybrid events. While this has allowed events to take place, the great opportunity exists for these events to be more personalised and hyper-connected, with more immersive experiences and deeper engagement than ever before.

Having a virtual-first mentality means looking at how to use technology to create compelling, personalised experiences. The event for virtual attendees needs to feel like they are valued participants, and not just a back-row live stream where they rank second to in-person attendees. It also needs to feel like it is one cohesive event, not two separate events.

At least, in the coming months we will be looking at how to combine and enhance the in-person and virtual experience for attendees. This will require business events professionals to step up their game with event technology expertise, personalisation and more immersive experiences at venues that can handle the latest health/safety and greater technical requirements of hybrid events.

2021 could see a future made of in-person events and virtual events.

Maybe virtual events are a separate entity we will need to deal with. With its own moderators, special sessions and networking.

We would caution that the industry should not over-complicate everything.

The needs of the client, how to connect with the audiences, what the messaging is and what content is required to carry this message across needs to be clear.

With time, we will return to in-person; however hybrid and virtual are here as a value add and 2021 may see a combination of these offerings within the business events industry.

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Greg MacManus, chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF)

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aving come through the anomaly we called 2020, the business events sector has very little to celebrate as we head towards 2021, but perhaps there are some rays of hope on the horizon that we could look forward to in the coming year.

As I write this, Europe has once again gone into lockdown, and while it makes little difference to South Africa as we enter our summer season, there could be a lesson worth noting for the coming year unless we control and mitigate Covid-19 completely over the next few months.

Having said this, I believe the coming year is going to see a very slow recovery of the domestic meetings sector, with perhaps less progress in the events and exhibitions sectors while concerns about transmission continue to be felt by large parts of the consumer market.

Corporate business meetings in the coming year will continue to focus on electronic platforms such as Zoom and others now that the effectiveness of this medium has been proven. But I believe there will still be room for smaller on-site, person-to-person meetings from the second quarter of the year once international travel returns to preCovid-19 practice.

In respect of large gatherings, conferences and conventions, I don’t believe we will see much in the way of pre-2020 business this year, but as has been proven by the recent DA Elective Conference which attracted over 2000 delegates, hybrid, multi-venue events of this kind will probably fill the gap left behind as a result of Covid regulations.

International conferences and conventions will likely follow this model for the remainder of 2021, showing a return to some normality only in 2022. PCO’s and organisers will need to box carefully in 2021 to attract business and provide viable alternatives and even hybrid solutions for their clients, and hotels and venue owners will need to offer technological solutions and unlimited internet access to meet the new demand for on-line meetings by most businesses.

The exhibition sector will continue to feel the pinch in the coming year with a likely

improvement only from the third quarter as regulations and fears subside. Online and virtual exhibitions have proved less successful or attractive than initially expected, and I believe this will continue to be the case in 2021 with most early international events being postponed for yet another year. Travel trade exhibitions such as Indaba, ITB Africa and others will be highly dependent on international travel being normalised, but less supported as most businesses have already geared their marketing efforts towards web-based platforms and social media. Smaller trade shows and exhibitions may get back to normal in hybrid form, and then only from the second quarter as the country comes through the potential of a second wave of the virus. Where exhibitions do take place, they will have limitations on the number of attendees and visitors, and strict social distancing requirements will be in force for the better part of the first half of 2021.

In respect to mass events, we know that the British/Irish Lions tour of South Africa is scheduled to go ahead in June 2021, and this could signal the return of large sporting and public events. However, other than for some smaller, controlled spectator events in the first half of the year, I don’t expect to see particularly large events taking place before then with

About the EGF The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. It does this by hosting educational sessions for industry and lobbying government in an effort to implement sustainability principles into the daily operations of the events industry.

The EGF was established through dedication and support of eight industry associations who are recognised as founding members. The founding members are key industry associations working together to promote South Africa as a destination for various types of events.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about event greening, visit wwweventgreening.co.za where you can browse the free resources, sign up to the monthly newsletter, or contact them directly with any queries.

Contact: Lynn Mcleod T: 082 891 5883 E: lynn@eventgreening.co.za

Business Events Africa December 2020 13

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

televised events taking preference over live events for even the most adamant denialists out there. And even when they do start taking place again, social distancing and other Covid-19 mitigations will likely create limitations on numbers until we return to summer in 2021. Bearing in mind that our second wave could occur from March 2021, watch this space!

As so much of our industry is affected by what happens overseas and is subject to the vagaries of government policy in this country, predicting a sudden upsurge in the MICE sector is going to be difficult in 2021. This past year has seen conditions that no-one would have thought possible just a year before, and irrespective of the introduction of vaccines and other ‘solutions’ to the pandemic, the long-term effects of Covid-19 are likely to be felt by our industry for the next year at least.

Gill Gibbs, chairperson of the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA)

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e find ourselves in a brand, new world where globally, businesses and economies have been disrupted on a scale that has never been experienced. We are all forced to contemplate a new and different future.

2021 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development and the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.

Born of the need to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, to foster innovation, to provide opportunities and benefits, to provide empowerment for all and respect for all human rights - along with supporting developing countries and countries with economies in transition in diversifying production and exports, including in new sustainable growth areas and including creative industries.

It is to be a turning point for our industry. Considering the long-term effect and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on ourselves as individuals, on our Industry and on the many and diverse Industries across the world, we are in a marathon, not a sprint.

Marathons are tough, moving forward into this new future is going to be tough and what is required for our endurance, is planning, anticipating more disruption along the way, crisis management and communication, pushing our limits – and then, recovery, which is critical and essential to our survival.

We will still see further pertinent developments in health, safety and well-being, digital technology and sustainability. Our industry landscape has completely shifted and contributors to our success, will be in how we adapt, flex and

14 Business Events Africa December 2020

drive, using disruption to foster change, purpose, growth and awakening. We are an Industry body of change-agents and risk takers, people of passion, creativity, innovation and resilience. What is required of us ever more so going forward, is agility and focus.

Focusing on our purpose-led goals, we must continue to raise awareness for our industry and its plight, to educate and promote our industry, to cooperate, collaborate and network, whilst encouraging the sharing of best practices and experiences.

Our industry is seeing and experiencing the rapid rise and development in digitalisation. Exhibitions and events will continue to embrace technology and sustainability, with hybrid events and live streaming to reach those visitors, delegates and attendees that are not able to participate in-person and also, to manage the event foot traffic responsibly.

Our mantra: Digital technologies enhance our exhibition and event experience and that of our customer – this is not about a replacement, it is new-age, it is about development, change, growth and agility.

Protocols, social-distancing and contactless practices foster and enhance a sustainable event approach, from packaging to gifting, to promotional goods, to event swag and collateral.

There is to be an increased focus on repurposing, reducing and committing to a sustainable approach.

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Right now, a few weeks away from the annual festive season, we are still definitely on the road less travelled. We are without our usual signposts, minus our clear pathways and our defined destinations. Know that it is going to take longer for us to get through this and every ounce of our strength and resilience is required, whereby we are to be infused with purpose and steely determination.

Covid-19 has brought many things to every one of us and what it has emphasised to many of us, is not to take anything for granted and to future-proof.

We must be customer obsessed – remembering that each one of us is one another’s customer.

The global exhibitions market is responsible for US$197.5 billion in gross domestic product (UFI Global; EventMarketer Statista). We are an integral and significant contributor to the global economy and we will build and steer our ship again – it will be different and it will be about how we turn up, connect and engage.

The exhibition and event future awaits us.

Tes Proos, chairperson of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (Site) Africa chapter

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have been holding off writing this piece for the longest time. Usually, I am the worst of procrastinators anyway but this time, I was waiting to see what happens before I put pen to paper. Apart from the fact that, locally, very little changed in our industry, the rest of the world has gone mad with Covid-19 infections spiking worse than ever before. It seems almost pointless having opened our borders as more than half the world is busy locking down again.

Of course, this is not economically sustainable. We have relied on our traditional markets for so many years, we are totally blind-sided by the fact that we suddenly have no business coming in.

Everyone I know in this industry had their 2020 groups cancelled from March forward. Some groups who moved from 2020 to early 2021 are now either moving to late 2021– but mostly to 2022. Judging by comments from fellow SITE presidents, this is a worldwide phenomenon.

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It is all good and well that destination mangement companies and suppliers have business on the books for the long term but what about the next 12 months and more, when there is potentially no income? Pockets are only so deep.

Something must give.

But let me get back on my soap box.

We need to find and create business within our own back yard. It is the age of collaboration and I love Winston Churchill’s saying about not wasting a good crisis. Private sector needs to work very closely with government.

Government needs to start collaborating with other governments. We need to help rebuild confidence at all levels.

People are afraid to travel – not just afraid of contracting the virus but the burden of onerous and expensive testing.

Travelling to Kigali for four days involves three tests and 24 hours quarantine upon arrival. Should I test positive, I must go into a two-week quarantine at my own expense. No CEO or MD is going to take that risk with his/her team for the foreseeable future.

Alignment of protocols across borders will be one way to give tr avellers’ confidence a boost. A client called it “Mission Impossible” – but we must try.

If two or three African countries would take the initiative and harmonise their protocols, it may encourage other countries to follow suit. It is not the easiest thing doing business in Africa, but the paradigm is shifting and now is the opportunity to tap into those markets.

Africa is ready for business and this is a golden opportunity to promote and

develop Intra-African business travel.

After all, MICE travel and events are economic drivers. It promotes trade and opportunities for learning. Let us make the most of it!

Projeni Pather, chairperson of Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO)

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or those of you who love board games (or used to love board games), maybe it is time to take out those games on the holidays or the weekends and review what it will take to be victorious. It is time to test your skills and show that you can still win this game.

What is it about board games, and why do we love to play them? Because we want to win, we want to exercise our strategic skills; we want to show off our competitive strength and forecasting ability. All this while we move towards our goal, to WIN! Every game comes with rules, but the ultimate goal of the game is to win; in Scrabble, it’s the player with the most points; in Chess, it’s when you call “checkmate”; in Monopoly, it’s the player with the most money.

What would happen if the game changed? In Monopoly, what if the winner was determined by who has the most houses or who had the most money after only four rounds of play. You will then play the game differently because the victory conditions have changed, and it is the

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same rule in business. 2020 has been a clear indication that the exhibition and event industry’s predefined victory conditions have changed. The problem is that we have become fixated on our historically cast conditions for victory to determine our success.

When the environment changes, revisiting your original strategy blinkers the bigger picture. Nevertheless, there are other means to play and win the game.

The victory condition dictates how you play the game, not the rules. 2021 will see a change in the way we work towards success. Budgets and resources have been drastically reduced across sectors.

Companies that want to succeed in the current environment need to figure out how to get the most growth with the least effort and expenditure.

Review, Refine, Reconsider…

1. Re-evaluate your company goals?

2. How do these goals impact your team’s efforts?

3. Re-evaluate your customers’ needs?

4. Are your goals aligned to your customers’ needs?

5. Are these goals possible within your current budget and resources?

6. Even though the ultimate victory condition in business is to be profitable, the current circumstances require you to redefine your victory conditions, review this with your teams, and work towards a common goal. I challenge you to look

beyond the Covid-19 pandemic and consider ways to alter your thinking and business for renewed growth in 2021.

Ellen Oosthuizen, chairperson of PCO Alliance Network

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he year 2020 was greatly anticipated globally as a milestone, a year of change and moving forward in the 21st century. Collectively the events industry had many major, exciting events and exhibitions planned. Then Covid-19 happened, and everything stopped.

Cancellations of events was the order of the day and with it, millions of Rands worth of business. People lost jobs and some businesses closed. This scenario created a major shift in the event and exhibition industry and the SA Events Council was formed. It has 14 affiliate associations, of which the PCO Alliance Network is one. It was time for collaboration and the ethos of ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ has never been more prevalent.

The SA Events council collectively started campaigning with government to open the event and exhibition industry in a safe and responsible way. The Event Reopening

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Guidelines, written by The Event Safety Council, were formulated in accordance with the health and safety protocols from the Department of Health, the World Health Organisation and other international event organisations.

On 22 July, SAACI in partnership with the SA Events Council and the Event Safety Council, hosted a “Proof of Safety Concept” conference connecting various venues around the country to showcase the comprehensive risk assessment, safety checks and logistical planning that will be part of events moving forward.

On 1 September the PCO Alliance Network, in partnership with the SA Events Council, Event Safety Alliance and four venues around the country successfully undertook their own Proof of Safety Concept Conference to demonstrate to corporates and SA Business that the business events sector is ready to reopen in South Africa. The venues that generously sponsored these events were the Focus Rooms, The Capital Hotel Group and Cape Town International Convention Centre. They all adopted the SA Event Council Safety Guidelines protocol.

Looking ahead With the easing of lockdown to Level 1, venues are currently allowed up to 250 pax indoors (if the capacity reached is not more than 50 per cent of venue space).

Venues around the country have been

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gradually opening for business. Hopefully, this number will increase in 2021.

In preparation for 2021, the PCO Alliance Network has been hosted by various hotel groups and venues to experience the safety protocols they have in place. We have also been introduced to their dynamic and expert hybrid offerings with live streaming now becoming common place. New venues and upgrades have been introduced to us as well.

We will get through this together.

CONVENTION BUREAUS Corné Koch, head: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau

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t the end of 2019, I had the privilege to attend the Global Forum session organised by BestCities Global Alliance in Copenhagen. The key focus at the event, was taking a deep dive into what the business events landscape would look in 20 years! Little did we know that this duration would be fast-tracked in just under 11 months, with the learnings

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becoming relevant much earlier than expected. Exploring Congresses of the Future and Fortifying Impact was the theme then – and is to me, what we can still expect in 2021.

This year has taught me that knowledge sharing, collaborating and structured networking would be the key to the survival of the business events sector.

Considering that the sector is experiencing its Napster moment, the industry and destinations would have to think about how they future-proof themselves. As we are going through rapid transformation, we need new roadmaps revealing opportunities for innovation, differentiation and partnerships that will create value for our stakeholders.

The 59th ICCA Congress was held for the first time in its history on a hybrid model with eight destination hubs across the globe. As proud hosts of the hub for Africa, the conference provided an incredible new pool of knowledge and I recall a personal takeaway - that we should not focus on more, but better meetings.

As the hybrid event presentation models are here to stay for at least 2021, questions such as audience engagement and how to deal with online communities, blended into the real world, would get more attention. The other topic is how do we learn from other sectors, such as the

gaming industry of keeping audience engagement and seeking alternative revenue models?

People have always travelled to meet and congregate. It is in our human nature to meet with others in an organised way, creating meaning to us as humans.

Creating a lasting impact and advocating the real value of face-to-face meetings will remain an important factor to advocate for keeping this sector afloat.

Business events are catalysts for change and the reason why we host these will remain the best way to advocate for having meaningful interactions. Meeting concepts will likely be focused on personal and more intense participation and will therefore be smaller in size during 2021.

The role of associations as catalysts for change will drive its members’ work and life. As associations will most likely steer away from global conferences for a while, going intra-regional and building local differentiation will most likely stand at the forefront of survival of associations – and one of the main income streams to the business events sector.

The role of destinations in hosting business events will most certainly change.

As destinations we need to become more actively involved in developing meetings and concepts, building new partnerships, and serving geographically smaller, but deeper markets. Strong professional

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engagement opportunities would be another key focus by which destinations could play a role.

Professionals would seek partnerships to exchange knowledge and inspiration, creating strong synergies, impact and legacies. Destinations would be important settings for authentic meetings and those that offer opportunities for personal and professional development could certainly be in higher demand.

Rendani Khorommbi, deputy director, Johannesburg Convention Bureau

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he past year has certainly illustrated to all of us that life is highly unpredictable, following the global pandemic ( Covid-19), which brought the entire world to a firm standstill.

The City of Johannesburg was no exception, as most events planned for 2020 were cancelled, postponed, or hosted virtually during the year. It goes without saying that the envisaged benefits such as positive economic impact, employment opportunities, and SMME opportunities generated through MICE activities were not realized due to the high impact of Covid-19.

Despite these monumental setbacks, the Johannesburg Convention Bureau has managed to keep abreast of developments both internationally and nationally by participating in virtual engagements with stakeholders, while also increasing our bid output to bring more future convention business to Johannesburg.

As far as envisaged and secured business events activities are concerned, we’ve been in numerous positive engagements with associations, Professional Conference Organisers and tourism partners at national, provincial and local level in an attempt to maximise business tourism opportunities through collaboration.

While I’m happy to report that we have a number of bids in progress and secured meetings to be held between now and 2021, I’d like to remind our stakeholders that our doors are always open to partnerships that can help increase the number of events we bring to Johannesburg.

As a team we’re thrilled with Joburg’s

continuous ranking as Africa’s most visited city in the annual Mastercard Global Destination Cities’ Index since 2014. This bodes extremely well for us on all fronts and is a great incentive to continue our efforts in showcasing Johannesburg’s credentials as a premier, global business events destination.

Things are gradually improving following the recent positive developments regarding the relaxation of Covid-19 travel restrictions. Most of our venues are ready, prepared and enthusiastic for tourism business - having already opened their doors for bookings, with strict safety measures and protocols in place.

I am extremely positive that the trend is set to continue and that 2021 will be a great year for business events in Johannesburg, South Africa and indeed, the entire African continent.

Some of the forthcoming events the Johannesburg Convention Bureau is looking forward to hosting and supporting include, but are not limited to: 1. Meetings Africa 2021.

2. Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) Congress 2021.

18 Business Events Africa December 2020

3. Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress 2021.

4. Safe Engineering Service and Technology (SESTECH) 2021.

5. General Assembly of the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) WORLD Music Days 2023.

VENUES Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of Durban ICC

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hile things have been unpredictable this past year, what we know for sure is that the Durban ICC was ahead of the pack in the livestreaming and online events arena and this has put them in good stead for 2021.

Looking back over 2020, I realise how far we have come. This year has been www.businesseventsafrica.com

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turbulent, unpredictable and possibly the toughest year that the business events industry has ever had to face. That said, we adapted quickly, retrained our staff and re-invented the way we hosted events with our clients. Luckily, the Durban ICC had already invested in its online, virtual events platform, prior to the virus outbreak. This, coupled with strong client relationships, enabled us to drive the organisation forward and we are definitely looking forward to a brighter 2021.

The levers driving the business events industry’s recovery over the next year are dependent on the strength and resilience of the national economy. Given the uncertainty in the international market and the prevailing travel restrictions, it is clear that the focus will be on servicing the domestic market for 2021.

However, let us not forget the role that we need to play as an industry over the next year.

As an industry we need to be instilling confidence in all our markets that we are open for business and that the protocols are in place to host events safely and responsibly. As industry role players, we need to focus on hosting Responsible Meetings. We all need to ensure that our hygiene and safety protocols are in place and that they are implemented effectively and consistently. All our guests need to feel comfortable and safe when they are in our venues for events.

We need to be working together with government through the SA Events

Council and the correct channels to demonstrate the importance of the industry as a tool for economic recovery and social change in the country currently. We need to be emphasising the importance of the business events industry and the role it plays in facilitating dialogues and accelerating agendas in the areas of professional, corporate, academic and social development.

The dialogues and engagements which take place at our events are integral to our national economic advancement and societal development in general. This sector is a key element for delivering economic recovery at this critical time in our history and helping us be intentional about the renewal and transformation we want to see in our society.

If we are united in our efforts to establish the importance of our sector, the sooner we can see our industry opened to greater capacity and playing its critical role in our country’s recovery.

Shaun Bird, general manager of Sandton Convention Centre

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s I sit and contemplate 2021 and beyond, my thoughts drift to who and how we will be doing business into the

future, not only from a customer point of view, but in relation to the supply chain.

Will we still be engaging with our current base; will they be around and will they be able to service customer needs?

As businesses move into the ninth month of an almost zero revenue base, what knock-on effect is this having downstream?

Our industry, apart from a few exceptions, is a model for SMMEs… private individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into creating fantastic businesses, that are now at risk.

A lot has been said about supporting each other, and as we move into 2021, its time to walk the talk…

For many years suppliers have been just that, suppliers, to be pushed around and in some cases bullied and forced to suck up unreasonable conditions set by venues and organisers.

It is time to realise that we need these amazing companies as much as we need customers. These partners are core to the industry’s survival, without them we are in more trouble than we think.

Take the time now to navigate the troubled waters with them, offer advice and support, engage and plan the way forward.

When this all turns, and it will, we will be in a stronger position, with great relationships and cooperation.

This can only be better for everyone, as that heart and soul, which created this business, is poured into supporting you into the future.

What we’re all about: motivational experiences Why we do it? Business results!

Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results.

Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool across diverse industries, regions and cultures.

Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make personal connections that sustain professional growth.

Contact

Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organisation is Site...

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Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com www.sitesouthernafrica.com www.siteglobal.com

Business Events Africa December 2020 19

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Adele Hartdegen, chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Expo Centre

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ovid-19 surely had, and still has, most of us questioning the way forward; from both a personal and business perspective, we remain in limbo.

But move forward we must and contemplate a new normal we must.

It is probably one of the most difficult times to offer industry insights for the upcoming year, as on the one hand we want to be very optimistic and hope that all will return to a new normal, whilst on the other, we await the dreaded second wave in South Africa. All we can do right now is consider how we will respond to what the future may hold by basing it on our experiences in the last few months.

From a venue perspective, the Johannesburg Expo Centre has become very familiar with the term “new normal” from running large scale events on occasion to suddenly running a Field Hospital for the past six months has prepared all our teams to operate and

realign their mindset towards the “abnormal” or “business unusual” space.

We are confident that the business events industry will rise again and most likely be bigger than ever before, if one thing, the Covid-19 pandemic has finally made people realise the value of networking and how connecting to others really does enable business growth. The industry on many levels has required change for a long time, and the pandemic has fast-tracked some of the elements we long contemplated would need to change. All the questions around if and when we will go digital have been answered, the questions around the value we deliver to our delegates and if people still want face-to-face interactions, have also been answered.

If you think about it, the last few months of operating under the “new normal” already provide us the footprint or road map for the way forward.

Business events will both shrink and grow, meaning that the physical attendance may shrink whilst the online presence of the event and visibility of the event will grow rapidly. Virtual exhibitions and event showcases have a

20 Business Events Africa December 2020

place in our market, but will not replace the face to face interactions, people still prefer attending live events for the networking element.

Return on investment becomes an absolute priority, we must convert our activities and content to a year-round activity culminating at the physical event.

Ongoing exposure and activity become key to ensure the retention of large brands within the business events space as well as providing these brands with solid ROI data. The normal post-show report requires a revamp, including more valuable data to clients to define what they paid for, what was achieved, and what they would have lost out on had they not had a presence in the online build-up and physical event.

It is for all the above reasons that the Johannesburg Expo Centre was delighted to partner with Specialised Exhibitions for the Restart Expo. This is the ideal platform showcased to the powers that be that business events can and will be conducted safely, that it is an essential component to connecting brands and restarting the economy, and that the industry can adapt under even the most difficult circumstances. www.businesseventsafrica.com

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Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, general manager of CSIR ICC (in collaboration with team members Refilwe Nchebisang and Minister Kganyago)

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he year 2020 will arguably go down as the most disruptive year in the business events industry on a local, national and international level. While that may be true, we must acknowledge that the disruptions cannot only be marked as negative, for the reason that, despite the huge tragedies of economic decline, there were some valuable lessons to be leaned as well as tremendous opportunities which have emerged.

It can be expected that the year 2021 will present a good playground for most businesses to start demonstrating the lesson takeout from the disruptions incurred in 2020. We may start to see agility more than ever before, rigid business strategies and business policies may start to fall away, paving the way to sound business strategies that are agile enough to change overnight driven by data and research and yet pushed by the fast-paced business environment.

More businesses may start to become what is referred to as “globally minded localist”. This involves embracing the paradox of being deeply entrenched in the local markets while being connected across the globe. This paradox will be perpetuated by the long, stringent, hard lockdown regulations due to the pandemic which halted huge numbers of international travel, thus hindering the success of the live business events industry.

This disruption will give room for business events role players to start investing a lot more in local markets instead.

It goes without saying that there will come a time that will call for people to travel, meet and trade to rebuild their businesses and the economy. Meet to share knowledge, find solutions and discussions on ways forward will be a huge necessity despite the nature in which they take place (Virtual, physical, social distancing or not).

As a result, it can be expected that the business events value chain will have to become very technology knowledgeable.

Not only from a supplier perspective but from a delegate perspective too so that the experience of hybrid and online events is seamless. Service providers will be

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expected to deliver on high-tech, but with touch services, to not neglect the human experience.

There is no doubt that uncertainty will prevail well into year 2021, those with good forecast predictions will then start more collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships to ensure that they harness on the opportunity to provide value for their customers and rescue the endangered ship. As well as a time to develop, and deliver, an improved unique and attractive market offering.

Charles Wilson, chief executive officer of Gallagher Convention Centre

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y industry prediction for 2020 included the statement: “Venues such as Gallagher Convention Centre will continuously reinvent their offering to meet the ever-changing needs of clients.” I added the importance of reinventing events and acknowledging the importance of technology in this space.

Little did I know that all these things would be accurate, but certainly not for the reasons that I imagined.

One thing that certainly still rings true, “The business events industry cultivates detailed orientated, pressure-proof people.”

2020 was for many reasons, one of the most challenging years that an entire generation has had to face and the business events industry was affected in a way that we are all still reeling from.

Unfortunately, we will need to face the fact that the effects of 2020’s challenges will still be felt in 2021.

Firstly, it is vital for the industry to acknowledge that we cannot expect operations to return to “normal”. Going forward I do not believe that eventing will be the same as what we were used to.

Apart from the obvious, safety measures will remain a requirement. Venues will need to gain the trust of guests by giving them the tools to look after themselves and create an environment that is as safe as possible. Consumer confidence will have a marked influence on trade in the coming year.

With this being said, my opinion is that we will see an increase in co-located

exhibitions in the coming year, as well as for some time to come as exhibition organisers reorganise their operations and calendars, accounting for the knock-on effect of 2020.

Unfortunately, in 2021 we may see a loss of a wealth of experience from the industry as staff members may feel the need to seek opportunities in other sectors due to the precarious situation in the events industry.

In 2021, role players in the industry will need to have a willingness to adapt their way of operating and, at the risk of repeating myself, it will be vital to reinvent their offering and have an innovative approach. Diversification will be crucial.

More than ever before, the venue will need to become part of the organiser’s team in ensuring the success of the events being hosted. Working with each other towards the common goal will have a direct impact on the success of events in 2021.

South Africans are unique in the way that we interact. Therefore, I do not believe that hybrid events or Zoom events will replace conferencing, networking or exhibitions in our market. As an industry we will find a way to rise above the challenges that we are posed with as the meetings, conference and events industry is not made up of individuals that will accept defeat, but will instead find a way to be successful within our “new reality”.

CONFERENCE ORGANISERS Nina Freysen-Pretorius, chief executive officer of The Conference Company

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ow does one summarise the past year, 2020, in writing that encapsulates the overwhelming emotion, stress, anxiety, and frustration in words other than the annoying “new normal”? To me, it is like watching a Hollywood movie that is just so far-fetched that you enjoy it, because it is mere escapism. Sitting on your couch you know that this is the director or writer’s imagination that has been re-enacted. But the Covid-19 pandemic is not a movie or a bad dream, sadly.

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My sense is, as much as we would like to return to business and conferences as we know it, this is not going to happen soon.

The most optimistic predication is that Q3 and Q4 of 2021 is when we will probably have some face-to-face engagement, but still with a virtual component. Virtual conferences and online engagement are here to stay and not going to go away anytime soon.

Virtual conferences have allowed more stakeholders to join at lower fees and this is also potentially more beneficial to associations’ revenue models. Less risk needs to be taken with regards to signing hotel, venue, and supplier contracts. No air tickets for international speakers that normally expect Business Class seats. This financial risk reduction cannot be ignored.

What has become clear is that for both face-to-face and virtual meetings, we need each other to deliver a world class product. It is not only about the expert speakers but the production team as well as the member support to achieve success.

Inclusivity and Collaboration is essential.

Conferences and events that can offer some sort of accreditation or CPD points together with excellent content being shared, will most definitely be supported, and endorsed by members and sponsors.

What the pandemic has forced us do is stop and think about the impact we are having on the environment as an industry and human beings. Do we really need so many material possessions? Do we have to fly to meetings across the globe for 1-2 days? The planet belongs to us all and we need to start taking note of the increased number of natural disasters caused by the rising sea levels and temperatures, that we have caused. It would be wasteful to go back to how we did things before, knowing full well that this is not the best way and ultimately will be our demise as humanity.

Pieter Swart, CMP, CMM, managing Director Conference Consultancy South Africa (Pty) Ltd

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veryone will reflect on 2020 with different lenses and experiences. Before March 2020, our industry was pushing forward at a tremendous pace to remain relevant. We engaged in linear or

evolutionary innovations. However, in April 2020 our industry was brought to a complete halt and forced into a deep dive to reassess all aspects of our business. We initially tried to predict the impact, crafted short term solutions and based our hope on returning to business as we knew it.

Wasn’t long before we realised that survival strategies were needed, that revolutionary change was required to meet changing needs and that we had to embrace concepts of radical or non-linear innovation, moving from Best-Practice modelling towards Next-Practice modelling.

Until recently, our industry was mostly reactive. We followed tech advances and trends and applied those in our portfolios of services and products instead of being innovation catalysts for change. Could this perhaps be the reason why we were caught unprepared and missed the signals that predicted the disruption? The answer to what lies ahead may be found in the change we have experienced over the past months – and it’s here to stay in variable degrees.

To think of an example, what digital event production taught us about the value of having pre-recorded presentations.

Originally intended as a broadcast risk mitigated strategy; the unintended outcome was better quality presentations especially from non-professional speakers (content experts not used to speaking to large audiences) and then having them in the digital room for live questions-andanswers relieved them from all the stresses of live presentations. To the viewing audience, it makes no difference whether it is a live or pre-recorded presentation, the broadcast makes it a live appearance.

Going forward, this approach may very well shape a new direction of how content will be delivered at in-person conferences.

The Next-Practice modelling anthem will be ‘more with less’.

Let’s admit to ourselves that we can learn to listen differently. Instead of thinking of reasons why an opinion may not work, let’s explore what it will take to make it work.

This way we foster a culture of innovation within our businesses and encourage ideation, the cornerstone of innovation.

What we previously took for granted is now valued and appreciated differently.

Let’s take this learning into 2021, build a culture of innovation and move our industry forward into a new and brighter future. Wishing you abundant blessings in 2021. Merry Christmas from our house to your house.

22 Business Events Africa December 2020

Denise Kemp, managing owner, Eastern Sun Events

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must have read hundreds of 2021 predictions by industry experts and the one common thread is that no one really knows. So how can we protect our companies and our clients going forward?

In the hope that some of my fellow PCOs can relate to this, I thought that I would take a brief look at our 2020 and what we are planning to do in 2021.

At the end of March 2020, we lost fifteen months of work in one week. All cancelled or rescheduled to 2021 or 2022. Estimated income during these fifteen months – zero Rands.

Offices, staff members and expensive event software still needed to be paid. I had two choices: close the company and retrench the staff or reinvent ourselves. We had a staff brainstorming session and I explained the financial implications to the staff. I gave them the weekend to come up with some ideas and I could not believe how innovative they were. Ideas such as subletting our offices to the accountants in our building who were allowed back at work, as essential services, were put forward.

We decided to make ourselves experts in the digital space and we researched multiple platforms. Our software provider came up with an excellent virtual platform and the learning started. Our clients are medical specialists and they felt all they could cope with in 2020 was Covid-19 and they didn’t want digital conferences. A few months later we explained the online platform to them and all but one of our clients changed their minds. So, we were back in business.

From 2021 onwards we have planned to run hybrid events as I think that is what everyone has got used to. However, this comes with its own set of problems, particularly for national conferences that don’t have the high numbers, and resultant income, that international conferences do: • Cost of on-site AV and livestreaming of all the sessions. In multiple parallel sessions on a four- or fiveday conference this cost is high.

• What can you charge a digital delegate?

Because of all the free webinars that have been screened since lockdown, delegates think that there are no www.businesseventsafrica.com

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costs to a digital event and that the registration fees should be minimal.

• But, if the digital costs are too low, no on-site delegates will pay higher registration fees, travel and accommodation costs.

• For medical delegates attending virtually means no additional time out of their practice. This is particularly important while specialists try and recover financially from their Covid-19 year when much of their elective surgery, and resultant income, was cancelled because of lack of capacity at the hospitals and ICUs. I think that everyone was hoping that 2021 would be different with regard to live events but, with the resurgence of Covid-19 in the UK and Europe, and the USA not having got their numbers under control, very few international speakers and delegates will travel to SA. For every conference in 2021 the LOC’s have queried whether they should go ahead or cancel.

But they have all decided to go ahead and we will have to look at smaller, more cost-effective venues to leave more funds for AV and the digital component.

When will we get back to normal? What is normal anymore? Like everyone else, I am not sure that things will ever be quite the same again. I think that digital is here to stay in some form or another and we need to embrace this. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Herkie Du Preez, senior event manager at Event Wizards

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h what an exciting time ahead!

Yes, the past year has been tough, but it has also been a learning experience with many positive outcomes for an industry that was waiting to be elevated to the next level. I am proud to say we are an industry that does not back down; we adapt, we stay positive, we innovate, and we deliver.

Although digital and hybrid events have been around for quite some time before Covid-19, this year has rapidly increased the rate in which we had to adapt to event-technology and digitalisation, influencing not only the structures within our companies but also how we go about our daily lives! There is no question about the fact that the face-to-face event restrictions have its limits especially when it comes to that personal and emotional human interaction.

With the world going online the opportunities are endless when it comes to data driven results. It gives ‘doing business’ endless opportunities and the

value thereof was swiftly recognised by all. No, I am not saying we should forget the human element, this will always remain crucial, we just need to invest more time in developing the tools to drive engagement that satisfies the needs of both face-to-face attendees as well as virtual audiences. This will be an ongoing learning curve that will always be improved as we become sophisticated consumers of technology driven interaction.

Why exciting? We will build comprehensive and more strategic event programs. The collaborations between marketers and planners will be key for delivering data-driven results and also to add the human factor. The use of Event Platforms and Mobile Apps will play host to all your event information on one platform and this is a large plus!

With this new tech-wise human comes a more conscious earth population that is serious about preserving what was given to us, recognising what we did to it and what we need to do to fix the wrongs of the past and current bad habits. Event greening will not be just a term but will be written into our prerequisites and practices.

Health and safety protocols will move from a ‘maybe we should’ to the top of the list and event ethics and society will insist on strict adherence to it.

Business Events Africa December 2020 23

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

Of course no one can tell what will happen tomorrow. All I can say is, we will get up, adapt and we will strive to better our services and duties to our clients in any way possible. 2020 was not the end but rather the start of an exciting new era in the events industry.

Let’s make 2021 the beginning of a safe, efficient, and enjoyable era!

EXHIBITION ORGANISER Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions

A

s life as we knew it has completely altered, each of us has been faced with a host of challenges. These challenges talk back to our businesses, our finances, our day-to-day living and our personal well-being and that of our

families.

The overwhelming impact that this pandemic has had is not unique to a single industry and we find ourselves having to reassess our priorities and restructure our business models.

Events as we know them have been disrupted and we have been forced to embrace new solutions for our partners.

Adversity often helps us to foster innovation and our current reality has prompted the rapid development of online platforms.

Virtual events have become our current reality and modern technology allows for creativity and exciting opportunities. They enable a wider audience to reach and online tools ensure that they are measurable. Digital solutions are about supporting industries at a time of crisis.

However, one thing that remains certain is that this experience has highlighted a new awareness in humanity of their desire to interact personally and enjoy live events. At Reed Exhibitions, we have undertaken sentiment surveys for both exhibitor and trade visitors and the response has been overwhelming that they WANT live events.

24 Business Events Africa December 2020

Wearing masks and having to physical distance will not stop people from craving the experience of live events, human interaction, exhibitions and entertainment. Society is driven by personal interactions.

We have taken away a multitude of insights and learnings from this uncertain and trying time as we are incorporating integrated digital platforms with our exhibitions going forward.

As we look to 2021, we will see the continued adoption of hybrid events.

With a plethora of digital offerings, live events can ensure greater value for our customers and stakeholders.

Our first events are planned for the second half of 2021 with the exception of Africa Travel Week planned for April as a hybrid (live / virtual event). However, there is a realisation that we will be doing things differently and where hybrid events may not be possible, we will run them virtually. Events are likely to be smaller than previous years and it is time to rebuild not only our industry but our entire economy.

All indications are showing that economic conditions should improve and www.businesseventsafrica.com

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

the likelihood of 2021 being a year of recovery is very real. Our focus has always been to serve our clients in the best way possible; to create live events that are platforms for writing business that ultimately contribute to the economy. The power of Reed Exhibitions globally has enabled us to continue business unusual as we support our clients and aid them in future-proofing their businesses.

Our Reed promise is that all our events will give people a sense of safety and connectedness. We cannot wait to be able to personally welcome our communities back to our Reed business platforms and experiences.

SUPPLIERS Gary van der Watt, director, Resource Design

F

rom a nomadic home office 2020 was a blur of virtual meetings and adaptations to a new world.

Businesses have learnt to pivot and endure pain and angst. Personally, it was a tough lesson. That the controllables are in fact an exceedingly small percentage factor of our industry foundation and the unknowns can morph away in an instant.

This leaves 2021 in a vacuum. Space. A known entity but one in which we need new thinking to function, survive and grow. We cannot assume to start up again using our past processes.

Thankfully, there is huge industry effort to reclaim that ‘’space’’. Industry bodies and individuals are working tirelessly for the collective good.

In a response, companies both big and small have banded together. The most visible approach has been to embrace change and stabilise around shared learnings and resources.

So, despite the immediate gloom, the opportunity for 2021 and beyond feels attainable.

How do we plan? What strategy can ensure that when we are able to function again, that it is with efficiency and accuracy. #RestartingRight is a phrase that we adopted to package the elements that www.businesseventsafrica.com

we can control and apply in our context.

Globally Covid-19 has made people far more aware of similar potentially catastrophic issues. The critical need for future sustainability has become one of the primary talking points.

This logic is uber-successful in nature and engineering. Notably, sustainability in the human context is only partly dependant on the ecological aspect.

The other two key areas are socio and economic.

Synonymous with sustainable thinking, circular economy-based industries have proven to be far more resilient than those applying a linear biased approach. (www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ circular-economy/concept).

Imagine a structure made up of a chain of components. Many links that are each extraordinarily strong, in themselves in what they do best. Through close cooperation this inherent competency and strength allowing the overall chain, cycle, to be stronger, more robust and more adaptable. Each link relying on some to be strong when others are weak.

This replaces the idea of a singular, linear approach.

In strategising around our industry’s future, I envision the need for efficiencies to be our key challenge. Faster builds, more efficient on-site approach, increased used of innovative materials, less travel, modularity, adaptability, hybrid and cross-cutting events. Resulting in shared resources and stronger inter-dependency.

Concepts such as collaboration are synonymous in any discussion around recovery plans.

Most corporate or administrative (including SA government) plans speak specifically to local socio and economic upliftment. Use and inclusion of local resources. Part of this could easily be through closer inter-African collaboration.

Building a ‘’local’’ strength before

accessing global markets.

All these concepts can be contained under the term “circular economy thinking”.

I would suggest that approaching 2021 asks that we consider how we incorporate ourselves, our companies and our way forward using this principle.

Craig Newman, group chief executive officer of GL events South Africa Group

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably taken the world by surprise, changing life as we know it. Naturally, most organisations started the year overly optimistic, making plans for growth, development and expansion. However, we have thus far witnessed or rather experienced the harsh casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic which have greatly impacted us as individuals, organisations and business sectors across all industries.

With the impact that lockdown restrictions had on day-to-day operations, most businesses were forced to diversify their service offerings for continuity and staying afloat.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government had a mammoth task to roll out solutions aimed at providing additional, and above normal medical support and assistance needed.

Businesses which were able to quickly adapt to the current situation became involved in these programmes, delivering a service to the government in support of the fight against the pandemic.

Reflecting on 2020, our government has done a sterling job in managing the pandemic on a national level - South

Business Events Africa December 2020 25

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

increasing towards Q3, and Q4 of 2021.

We must remember that exhibitions are a major economic catalyst, without which we are in bigger trouble than anyone can imagine; exhibitions have been a major stimulant throughout Europe for hundreds of years, especially after World War 2 – exhibitions are the building blocks for recovery. We need to open urgently.

Africa has once again shown just what a resilient nation we are. Our response to the coronavirus outbreak has been outstanding and we can all be proud of the progress we have made thus far.

Predictions for what 2021 and 2022 will look like are rather vague at this stage; however, in order to rebuild our economy, we will have to be more courageous and make more bold moves. Our goal should be to stand together, given the strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols, we will overcome.

I am confident that the Restart Expo served its purpose in showcasing to government and our stakeholders that we can safely reopen business on a larger scale. Going forward, we will need to look for opportunities of collaboration, redevelop our brands and offer products that deliver on expectation. This will be a golden opportunity for creative ideas to come to the forefront.

Covid-19 compliance is not impossible, the key is in adjusting and fine-tuning your approach in response to what the market requires. Positivity will be the key drive going forward.

By applying ourselves to RESTART we can sustain our industry.

Patrick Cronning, commercial director of Expo Guys

T

he start of a new year, 2021– new possibilities and with this we will of course face new challenges - nothing worthwhile in life is simple. I am writing these few words with massive reservation and I am trying to think realistically, though at the same time remain my normal

optimistic self.

As the hammer falls and 2021 rolls in, there won’t be any difference from how we experience life right now; the uncertainty will remain, the fear will remain and everything will remain unknown, however we are also very aware that the new year brings the hope for renewed opportunity.

We need to get on top of this pandemic, more than ever before and return to some type of normality.

We were not created to have social distancing, to wear masks in public and eschew social events, exhibitions, concerts, or any event for that matter. We can only do “virtual” for so long, so we know this situation must revert back somewhat - the problem is how long is this going to take?

One thing is certain - Africa is not for the faint-hearted. We are a continent of people that have either travelled immense distances to get here, gone through massive humanitarian events - more than most places in the world, and we stand up and fight another day. Not to play this pandemic down, but to quote my colleague’s words from Côte d’Ivoire, ‘This is just another disease in Africa, we get sick, we get better and life goes on”.

Our continent cannot afford shutdowns - it needs to operate responsibly and we need to focus on local business, we need to set the example for the rest of the world - this is Africa’s time to stand out. In saying this the restrictions need to be turned off in stages and at a slightly faster rate than what we have seen - we must treat all sectors of industry equally, not just limit exhibitions and events – we have seen that we can cope well with thousands of shoppers at malls who are unregistered, so let’s allow “registered” visitors (wearing masks), in their thousands, to attend exhibitions and events.

I think we still have a few more slow months ahead, possibly with some activity starting in February and March, and slowly

26 Business Events Africa December 2020

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Daryl Keywood, managing director, Walthers

T

he year that shook our industry, 2020.

Will 2021 be any better?

Although there were some exceptions, both the domestic (due to a poorly performing economy) and the inbound Business Events industry viewed 2020 with trepidation even before Covid, with all its challenges, arrived. By mid-year, the initial optimism that we would see a recovery from the effects of Covid within six months had waned and 2020 rapidly evolved into an annus horribilis. Tourvest’s Martin Wiest commented back in March that we should not expect much in 2020 and I was amongst those optimists that thought never! Martin’s words however prompted us at Walthers DMC to plan a worst-case scenario, and we did take the ultra-conservative approach resulting in some tough decisions. We assumed zero income for the remainder of 2020 and little for Q1 and Q2 of 2021. Unfortunately, this is proving to have been the correct decision to ensure business survival.

As 2020 winds down we have a mountain to climb before we can expect any meaningful income. Despite the huge efforts of TBCSA, SATSA and valiant efforts by industry leaders, we remained until the 11th November, a destination sending out mixed messages. Recovery will be slow and challenging and there is not much we can do other than communicate clearly and wait it out. Yes, continue marketing and keeping in front-of-mind so that your clients know that you are still around and www.businesseventsafrica.com

INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

that our destinations are safe. Until airlines return with regular schedules, governments offer clear regulations, business confidence returns, and clients deem it is safe, we are in for lean times. It was uncertainty that prompted flagship events like “Mining Indaba” and others to cancel their 2021 plans.

At Walthers our longest postponement is a September 2021 medical conference that is now scheduled for late 2023.

Business will return and although some companies have successfully pivoted to virtual, I do not hear that many are making significant profits from virtual/online events. Virtual is here to stay but its “success” is not a permanent solution and has highlighted the value of “face-toface.” As engagement levels decline, and “Zoom fatigue” impacts, especially on large events, we long to meet in person.

Humans are by nature social animals and need to experience, touch, feel and even smell their surroundings to fully engage. I believe that engagement is the primary reason that our industry needs to recover.

As creative as virtual is trying to be, it can never fully replace the human factor.

Lessons from the past year include the importance of a clear separation of our client vs. our own operating funds. If you are using client deposits to fund your business, then you are in fact operating a de facto pyramid scheme and it will collapse. There also needs to be a clear understanding from our clients that we cannot work as hard as we did to support them through postponements, cancellations and refunds requiring double or even triple hours without any compensation as well as losing any margin or service fee on the initial booking. Would a legal firm consult on a project and not charge for work done when it is cancelled?

Contracts and T’s & C’s have never been more important.

Where to next? Now is the ideal opportunity for organisations to incentivise their employees and channel partners. The desire to travel again is strong and any incentive travel programme should be self-funding with a structured incentive trip offering a three-to-one or better return on investment. Inbound as well as domestic clients will initially look to local or regional before long haul resumes. The safety of the participants will be a top priority, so industry needs to ensure that we are world class in terms of safety protocols and response. A safe and effective vaccine will certainly assist in rebuilding confidence. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Yolanda Woeke, vice president: sales and marketing, Dragonfly Africa

2

020, who knew… who knew that life as we know it would change so dramatically and so quickly?

We, as a tourism industry and, for Dragonfly Africa/Green Route Africa a key player in the business events industry especially; looking after and specialising in incentive travel, were probably hit the hardest.

Initially, we all knew we were going to be affected but only now, almost a year after the first infections were reported, do we really understand the scale and magnitude of this pandemic! How it will change not only business, but our lives, our way of thinking etc. … forever. What is this ‘new normal’ everyone is talking about, we simply do not know at this stage…

From a travel perspective, we do feel that leisure travel will pick up earlier and, of course, local domestic travel is already seeing that. Although that is not one of our core markets.

International leisure is already seeing some nice little green shoots, which we are incredibly happy and thankful for especially since we can operate in East Africa, where we also have a footprint. So, the bounceback is certainly faster there for FITs. People are wanting to travel, they are excited to see the world again, the wanderlust is there, and Africa is a wonderful and unique destination that would certainly be top-of-mind for travellers.

On the other hand, the incentive industry, which is Dragonfly Africa and Green Route Africa’s bread and butter, will bounce back much later, definitely softer and initially quite slower than before.

In my opinion once a vaccine is found, the comeback will be quicker and once people get over the fear of the unknown and the pandemic etc. I believe incentive travel especially to our destinations (South Africa,

Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar) will be immense.

Therefore, we just need to ride this tsunami out, survive it strongly with our core values well in place, keep our companies liquid; to ensure that we can face what I believe is going to be a beautiful onslaught of travellers! Especially incentive reward travellers wanting to come to Africa, the destination that ticks all the boxes for motivational and reward travel.

For now, we are already seeing changes in the landscape. We have had numerous client calls and interactions and have heard from our partners that groups will be smaller, and perhaps in rotations – to facilitate big sales numbers, rather than moving large masses of people around.

Exclusivity and privacy top-of-mind.

Big cities will possibly be avoided initially, and a trend towards staying at smaller, exclusive properties where there is less or no interaction with other guests and maybe even specifically go for properties that can offer exclusive buyouts.

I think again we stand in very good stead if you look at our usual competing destinations such as Asia, United States, South America etc. and even Europe, with the recent terrorist attacks, where people probably won’t feel comfortable travelling to initially.

So that is a positive for us, the destination itself is a big pull and specifically for South Africa the value-for-money for international currency exchange.

We are also seeing in some instances individual travel vouchers that are given to corporates where winners can travel on their own and not in big groups. So, they are still being rewarded, and still having a great experience but just on an individual basis.

There will for sure be a focus on CSR and give-back opportunities for clients travelling because the whole globe has literally gone into a recession and ‘give back’, ‘going green’ and leaving less of a footprint is vital.

Business Events Africa December 2020 27

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Gill Gibbs ‘Live, work and play with passion’ Passionate Gill Gibbs, 54, chairperson of EXSA and chief executive officer of the CG Group of Companies and director of bluCube International, has been in the exhibition sector for over 22 years and is willing to take risks.

“T

he industry is always a highly charged environment, full of energy, passion, creativity, innovation, people and opportunities. I love taking ideation from concept to execution and realisation and presenting our studio’s beautiful, creative and unique spaces that delight and amaze. I enjoy realising projects and the pace, always being on the go,” Ms Gibbs said.

She added: “I am an advocator and brand ambassador of change and innovation – it is one of the reasons that the signature icon for our Group of Companies is the butterfly, known for its metamorphic properties.”

ConCept G Exhibitions & Events was founded in April of 2010 and it has developed into a group of companies with varying skillsets and specialities, of which bluCube International is a part.

Ms Gibbs said: “I am proud to be a part of the growth and transformation of EXSA, my companies and of the industry. Having a succession plan in place and building a strong legacy of growth, mentorship, skills transference, culture, inclusion, diversity and leadership is important to me and to the sustainability of our industry.”

“Ensuring that all matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner is key to the success and longevity of the association.”

“Over the years, it has been an interesting journey in this dynamic space, from changes to successes to setbacks – ever more so in a Covid world,” she added.

Where do you see the business events industry in South Africa at present and where do you see it heading in the future?

The business events industry has imperative and immediate needs. It requires formal recognition and full support from government, which would facilitate and enable important debate, discussions and

meeting the growing needs of the industry, exciting engagement and attracting the NextGen, along with, critically, ensuring procedures and systems for crisis management and the appropriate funding to ensure sustainability, growth, development and transformation. What is also required, is an understanding of our industry, what it takes to operate and function, understanding all of the roleplayers and the fraternity of business owners that employ the majority of the workforce in our Industry.

How has Covid-19 impacted the exhibition sector?

Covid-19 has impacted severely, seriously and devastatingly on an industry that is responsible globally, for US$197.5 billion in gross domestic product.

Exhibitions and events are already embracing technology and digitalisation and I see this continuing as we must ride the Covid-19 wave. Education, awareness and the use of the hybrid environment and its platforms, is critical to facilitate key and critical innovation and to dispel scepticism around this technology offering. As an Industry that is a fundamental player in the recovery of the economy, we must adapt and pivot and most importantly, we must embrace the needs, desires and the choices of our customers – and their choices may include online representation and contribution.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. I studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and majored in English and Drama.

Where did you start your career?

In the hospitality industry at first – as a catering supervisor in London and then as duty manager for a Fresh Pasta Restaurant

28 Business Events Africa December 2020

chain in Covent Gardens, London. I moved into the optometric industry later in London, working for Boots Opticians and continued in this area when I returned to South Africa.

When did you return to South Africa?

I moved from London to Scotland and I had my first son there. My mom paid for a trip back to South Africa when he was five months old, to meet the family. She convinced me to stay in South Africa. After working in the Optometric Industry, I moved to Mtubatuba and then I purchased a training franchise in 1997 in Johannesburg where I was trained to train, run the SMME franchise business and I was also trained in marketing, sales, strategy and brand communication.

How did you get involved in the exhibition industry?

I joined the industry on the organiser’s side at first and what appealed to me, was managing an entity within an entity – I was allocated my own B2B trade shows and consumer lifestyle expo, that I was responsible for growing and marketing. I liked taking ownership and growing the ‘baby’ to full maturity. I enjoyed the B2B interaction, networking and being able to provide a valuable service to exhibitors and a platform for them to engage, grow and enhance their businesses.

When did you move to the contracting side?

I then moved over to the contracting side when I joined one of the largest exhibition companies in South Africa. It was challenging and vibrant and I learnt so much. ConCept G was subsequently founded, with the eventual addition of the agency and retail business under the CG Group of Companies. www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILE

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

Up-and-coming companies and entrepreneurs, coming into their own with diversity and inclusivity. I am also seeing more females taking strong leadership and management roles and being recognised, appreciated and respected. Environmental and occupational health and safety has also evolved dramatically over the years and ever more so now that we are living in a pandemic.

Are you married?

Yes, to Andrew, my soulmate. He has been in the industry for around 31 years.

What role does your family play in your life?

Sadly, it is a little fragmented, with my eldest son living in Cape Town, my beautiful baby sister and beautiful niece in Oz and my mom and the rest of my family in Durban. My youngest son lives and studies in Johannesburg. I love it when my sons call for advice and a catch up or have a sleep over and conversations with my mom can go well into hours. I love seeing my sons mature and branch out.

Andrew’s brothers and extended family are in the UK and when we have had the opportunity, we have visited and really enjoyed the time together. Family is very important to me. I miss it, especially around Christmas time. I just dream about a big fat family Christmas full of joy and love.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, I am an open water nitrox scuba diver. So many unusual experiences and adventures. Andrew and I have been very lucky to have had these opportunities. We are also avid Harley fans and whenever we can, we ride for life. On the simpler side, I love reading, researching and learning.

Do you play any sports?

Not at the moment. But our golf clubs are waiting, patiently. I also played softball when I was younger. But dancing was really my thing and my passion.

What is your favourite sport?

I like watching Rugby – I do get a bit excited and emotive. It is safer for me when I am in the living room watching the game on TV. The ball seems to always find me, no matter what. It’s a true story. www.businesseventsafrica.com

What do you do for leisure?

Riding (Harley), watching a good crime movie or psychological thriller. I love long drives where I can see the changing scenery. It brings me peace and perspective.

I also enjoy game driving. Pre-Covid, eating out. I enjoy a bit of pottering in the garden and seeing the fruits of my labour.

What is your secret to success?

Grit. It is my passion to persevere. My faith.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

In the early stages, recognition as a capable and adept female lead.

And trust. Now, it is all about recognition for who we are, what we do and contribute.

What is your pet hate?

A lack of caring, a lack of taking pride in what you do. People who hurt, bully and take advantage of others.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Business Books: Originals, Leader Shift, The Mind of a Fox, The Business of Brands.

Films: The Deer Hunter, Avatar, Braveheart, The Patriot, Dead Poet’s Society, Good Will Hunting, Gladiator, Lion King, The Sound of Music, The Godfather trilogy.

Series: The Crown.

How do you relax?

Sleeping works best for me.

What is your favourite food?

I love good, healthy food and good wine. I dream about bread – the smell, the texture, the comfort.

Favourite movie star?

Female: Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett, Claire Foy, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and Naomi Watts Male: Andy Garcia, Al Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicholas Cage, John Travolta and don’t forget Denzel, Cuba, Mel, Matt and Leo - and not necessarily in that order.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

It’s hard to choose. Of recent years, maybe Bab Al Shams in Dubai. It was June, we went for Andrew’s 50th and met his brothers and their wives there. The heat was incredible and the interior, cool and mysterious and the décor unique. I had a touch of a cold and the heat warmed me to my very bones. It was a very beautiful thing and time and I would go back again, given the opportunity. Before that, the Maldives – the diving is incredible.

When I was a student, I packed up my car and left for Johannesburg from Durban at 23h30 – to take on the town and paint it red. I was with my friend from Varsity and we got horribly lost in the Free State.

Wrong turn 7. I packed the clothes and she, the food – oranges and Marie biscuits.

We had our tips saved from waitressing and a sense of adventure - what a ride and what a time. Not recommended now.

Please don’t try this at home.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Who is your role model?

Relative to our situation and due to the immediate and pressing needs, I would have to choose to be the President of South Africa, with a Presidency with enough independent capacity and resources, to effect real, healthy and sustainable change for our beautiful country and importantly, for the economy and industry.

What is your favourite city?

London. I like the atmosphere, the buzz, the old and the new. The accessibility of everything. And everything just works.

What is your favourite book, film, TV programme?

Books: Great Expectations; Little Women; Wuthering Heights; Of Mice and Men.

Thuli Madonsela – strong, smart, resilient and true to her principles and convictions, she strives to achieve her best contribution as a human being.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Find a strong leader-mentor. Take advice and listen. Learn, research, find things out for yourself. Embrace change, gain knowledge, experience and put your mark on everything you touch and do – take ownership and be responsible and accountable. Take the risks, make the change, own the moment and the experience. Live, work and play with passion, drive and steely grit. Stay relevant and authentic.

Business Events Africa December 2020 29

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

What’s in store for South Africa’s travel sector this December?

As the skies reopen and borders become more relaxed over the end-of-year holiday period, many of us hope that foreign travellers will inject some much-needed cash into our tourism sector. And while any travel activity is better than none, it’s realistically going to take another two or three years before we see anything resembling pre-Covid visitor numbers and revenues, writes Lee-Anne Bac and Christelle Grohmann, directors in Advisory Services at BDO.

P

ackaging value for money

Reopening borders and easing international travel

Attracting regional travellers

The pandemic has devastated average consumer disposable income globally. While those who cannot afford to travel will stay at home, those who can will seek out value-for-money experiences that are easy on a cash-strapped wallet. This is an opportunity for regional tourism boards, travel service providers and industry members to offer discounted bundled packages across the tourism value chain.

We need more partnerships that incentivise multi-service provider buy-ups, for example accommodation packages that include preferential car hire rates, access to nearby tourist attractions, as well as restaurant meals at special prices. This appeals to cost-conscious travellers by helping them budget their holiday spend. It also spreads revenue across the tourism industry and other secondary service sectors.

The reopening of borders to foreign visitors is unlikely to pose a higher risk to South Africans than the current incountry risk, since we already have strict Covid travel protocols. All international travel to South Africa is permitted on the presentation of a negative PCR test, at least 72 hours before travelling.

Otherwise, travellers need to quarantine for 14 days at their own cost.

It’s key that travellers and service providers follow (and enforce) Covid protocols like wearing masks in public, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly to minimise the spread of the virus. Internationally, we’ve already seen how second-wave spreads often mean a return to more stringent lockdowns, which would only strangle the tourism sector further.

This year, many regional travellers are more likely to look for leisure experiences on the African continent. This is a chance for South Africa to market all those attractions that make us unique. Instead of focusing on bush and game escapes, we should market our warm coastal waters, pristine beaches, cultural and historical attractions and shopping experiences.

30 Business Events Africa December 2020

A shift in seasonality

We’re likely to see a seasonality shift or a shorter season these holidays. Many companies are expected to close earlier than usual due to a sluggish economy and decreased revenues. Some employees have been asked to use outstanding leave and to consider taking unpaid leave over the holiday season. www.businesseventsafrica.com

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

The revised school calendar will see public schools close on 15 December and reopen on 27 January. While South Africans may have more time to travel, their holiday plans are likely to be more budget constrained than before. It’s unlikely that many people will extend their holidays into late January as a result.

More day trips, trips and staycations

We’re expecting to see more staycations this year as South Africans try to save money and/or avoid the potential risk of infections in crowded tourist hubs. This means more frequent day trips close to home and rediscovering nearby cultural sites, local attractions and nature destinations.

Quieter accommodation and destinations

Due to budget, those who have the option will likely stay at their holiday homes and timeshare, rather than spend money on other types of accommodation.

Self-catering units, B&Bs and AirBnbs are also expected to see more footfall than larger hospitality establishments that are generally busier during the holiday season.

Similarly, lesser known destinations on the outskirts of major tourist hubs that don’t normally have a tourist appeal are also likely to be the biggest winners, as long as they market themselves well. If travellers don’t know about you, they can’t visit you.

Who is Christelle Grohmann?

Christelle has over 30 years consulting experience. She heads project teams for macro research, economic impact assessments, valuations, marketing and organisational strategies, market feasibility studies, financial viability assessments, business case assessments and transaction advisory assignments. She is a sector expert in tourism, property and infrastructure advisory (including PPPs). She is a skilled facilitator having managed numerous workshops and large meetings and is proficient in using a range of facilitation approaches and tools.

Shifting marketing strategies

Travel service providers that catered solely to international travellers have realised that targeting the local market can also be cash generative. Many five-star game lodges and luxury experiences, such as the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, are marketing special packages to South Africans and our neighbours. While these present once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for locals, ultimately, they are expensive businesses to run and need foreign markets to return as quickly as possible.

We have also seen a marked rise in the use of social media as a marketing channel. It is quick, easy and affordable to set up and run a campaign. Affordable does mean not free, however, and travel providers will need to invest time and money to build a follower base.

While it may be too late to do this by December, creating an online community around your brand will always pay dividends. The use of social media influencers may also play a vital role in re-energising the local travel market.

It’s going to take a long time before we return to some form of normalcy within the tourism industry. 2023 is likely to be the earliest that we will see a return to 2019 revenue levels and tourism numbers. In the meantime, we need to do all we can to nurture our scarce natural resources – the people within the tourism sector – so remember to stay and buy local and help secure the survival of our tourism and hospitality industry.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Who is Lee-Anne Bac? Lee-Anne is an Advisory Director at BDO, lead director of BDO’s management advisory business unit and a tourism specialist. Lee-Anne has more than 25-years’ experience in providing advisory services to the property, tourism and hospitality sectors, both in South Africa and the rest of Africa. Her expertise spans market and financial feasibility studies, data analytics, strategy formulation, financial evaluations, business valuations, economic impact studies, socio-economic impact studies, market research and demand assessments.

Business Events Africa December 2020 31

CHEF’S PROFILE

Darshan Chetty – keeping it simple but delicious Inspired by South African favourites, Darshan Chetty, 33, executive chef of the recently opened Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo, has a strong background in both fine dining and conference catering.

“I

started cooking and playing in the kitchen at a very young age; it always fascinated me.”

The new hotel is the ideal venue for business conferences, private functions, and weddings. Spacious and flexible, it has the capacity for up to 1,260 guests in the main hall as well as six breakaway rooms, various smaller conference venues, translation booths, lounges, board rooms, and a restaurant.

Darshan was born in Phoenix, Durban.

After school he attended the International Hotel School in Westville where he obtained a Diploma in Professional Cookery. His career as a chef started at The Royal Hotel in Durban. “After graduating I went onto consulting and cooking privately.

I competed in competitions during training and after graduating,” he said.

In August of 2009 he joined The Oyster Box Hotel team, for the relaunch of the revamped establishment. “Over the past years I have trained and worked under some of the great culinary maestros, namely Veteran Luke Nair and Shaun Munro. He has worked and trained at the following establishments: The Royal Hotel, 1 on 1 Gateway Conference and Events Centre, Golden Horse Casino, The Dish Restaurant @ the Royal Palm Hotel (part of the opening team).

Darshan said: “If all goes well; my goal is to have my own restaurant and/or catering business in a couple of years from now. In the meantime, I’m taking life as it comes, one step at a time. I’m loving my exciting new position with an incredible international hotel brand.”

“There are challenges in this position,

which makes it interesting as well, and the fact that you can learn something new every day, regardless of being an executive chef or not, is a big plus. It is a huge honour to be a part of the Radisson brand and leading the culinary side of things.”

In terms of food trends, he said: “There is a big move away from fine dining. Buffets have become more interactive with simplicity. There is more individuality to the buffet with platters, induction cooking and hot trays rather than old school - big amounts in bowls and chafers. There is a definite move to healthier food choices. A mixture of old and new school broken down with a few twists here and there, simple yet sumptuous and tasteful food is now the order of the day.”

He added, on global trends: “Keeping it simple but delicious - not going over the top but rather focusing on taste and, of course, fancy cocktails!”

To assist organisers, he said: “Be timeous, know the needs of your client, and remember that a venue has to give you good food and service, because that’s what clients want!”

Darshan is engaged and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys trying different cuisines and exploring what our great country has to offer. Another interest is gardening.

His secret to success has been hard work, long hours, determination, and to always have it in your mind that no matter what the challenge is, it will work out.

Darshan’s advice to newcomers is: “Keep it simple, don’t compromise standard service and quality and always try and give 110 per cent.”

32 Business Events Africa December 2020

What is your signature dish?

Grilled mango masala kingklip served on creamy mushroom and saffron linguine. Marinate medallions of fish in turmeric, chaat masala, kashmiri chilli and fresh mango juice overnight. Then grill on a hot pan. For the sauce: sauté onions and mushrooms and flambé; add double cream and saffron and add to al dente linguine (until coated with sauce), and place on plate, fish on top.

Serve with a good late harvest wine.

What food trends are emerging in the conference industry?

More health conscious, bite-size and finger food.

What has remained constant in this industry?

People’s expectations for good food and service.

What is your favourite beverage?

Good whisky with ice and a splash of water.

What is your favourite food?

Indian cuisine.

What is your pet hate?

I really hate lack of communication or miscommunication.

What is your great love?

My great love is food, outdoor cooking and especially on the fire.

Are you adventurous?

Not that adventurous, I am a simple but happy person. If there’s food around, I am content! www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET NEWS

Radisson Hotel Group strengthens its portfolio across Africa

Radisson Hotel Group has plans to more than double its serviced apartments portfolio within the next five years across EMEA.

T

oday, serviced apartments represent around 10 per cent of the group’s EMEA portfolio with 45 properties and more than 5,400 units in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates its serviced apartments as a stand-alone or a mixed-use development in combination with a traditional hotel operation. Serviced apartments will be developed as a brand extension of the existing Radisson Hotel Group’s brand portfolio to cater to the different segments from mid-scale to luxury.

Elie Younes, executive vice president and chief development officer of Radisson Hotel Group, said: “For many years we have explored the strong demand for serviced apartments and extended stay products by recognising it as an attractive risk-adjusted investment proposition that has considerable growth potential. Given its relevance to the current economic climate, this value proposition has recently been further defined in our portfolio, offering a holistic concept with more www.businesseventsafrica.com

opportunities for our investors and more possibilities for our guests. We commit to stay relevant to all our stakeholders.”

Ramsay Rankoussi, vice president, development, Africa and Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “The business model of serviced apartments has demonstrated resilience over time and is less affected by market volatility as we can target both short and long-term guests. We believe there is an opportunity to roll out our Radisson Serviced Apartments brand across all key cities within Africa. The offering will not only complement our existing portfolio but would certainly attract a new profile of investors interested in entering the industry with this hybrid concept between residential and hospitality. The addition of this new product will further accelerate our ambitions to reach 150 hotels in operation and under development by 2025.”

Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion plan aims to double the portfolio in operation by 2025, recognising the attractive model

of either combining both hotel and serviced apartments in one development or as a standalone operation, catering to customers looking for a residential atmosphere when travelling for leisure or on business for a short or longer period of stay. This proposition features an attractive operational and commercial model with value-engineered construction parameters, featuring a new look and design. It offers studios as well as one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchen, ensuite bathroom, 24-hour reception, housekeeping services, engaging social and communal spaces, food and drink options and a range of leisure facilities tailored to its location.

Building on the significant growth to date in much of the EMEA region, Radisson Hotel Group plans to soon open new serviced apartments units in Paris, Amsterdam, Dubai, Istanbul, Larnaca, Cortina, Cairo and Riyadh, with further openings planned in Germany.

Business Events Africa December 2020 33

EVENT GREENING FORUM

EGF Master Class:

Takeaways for the events industry to #BuildBackBetter

Morwesi Ramonyai, vice chair of the Event Greening Forum.

Meegan Jones, president of the international SEA.

Shawna McKinley, sustainability consultant, event planner and author.

The Event Greening Forum (EGF) held its Master Class on 18 November 2020. Its aim was to unpack how the events industry can #BuildBackBetter to produce events that both mitigate the risks of Covid-19 transmissions and promote sustainability principles.

M

orwesi Ramonyai, vice chair of the Event Greening Forum and an impact entrepreneur with nine years’ experience in the green economy, was the MC and facilitator for the session. She was joined by three speakers who addressed the theme from different angles.

Can we safely use reusables?

Meegan Jones, president of the international Sustainable Event Alliance (SEA) and author of Sustainable event management: A practical guide, spoke about the Sustainable Event Alliance’s recent hackathon event which gathered 800 event professionals from around the world to consider where sustainable event management priorities should be focused in our new normal.

One major issue which came up was a concern that we may undo the good work already done in getting off singleuse plastic at events, because of uncertainty about reusable serviceware and Covid-19. Research and guidelines were produced as a result. You can download the Reusables hygiene at events: Global best practice guidelines here1.

“The good news,” Ms Jones said, “Is that if existing hygiene standards for reusables at events are adhered to, they will be Covid-safe.” She added that, when handling reusables at events, you would need to put in place measures to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

These would be the same ones needed when handling disposables, as all physical items being handled at events carry a

34 Business Events Africa December 2020

potential risk of transmission.

Ms Jones also outlined the four pillars that she believes are essential to events of the future. These are: • Purpose driven: Every event needs to have a clear purpose and benefit in bringing people together.

• Covid-safe: All recommended precautions need to be in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of both staff and guests.

• Circular: The principles of a circular economy should be integrated into your event planning. This requires a shift in thinking and event design, with the result that your event will produce little to no waste.

• Climate responsible: Favour actions that will reduce the carbon footprint of your event. www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

The four decisions that will most reduce your onsite carbon footprint

traditionally served a 20 per cent plant-based menu with chicken as the primary protein. When they switched to an 80 per cent plant-based menu, their carbon footprint was reduced by seven per cent. You don’t have to switch all meals and menus, she added, but making small changes will have a valuable impact.

Ultimately Ms McKinley’s message was that we have a lot of tools in our toolbox when it comes to designing sustainable events. And, as the above examples show, these decisions are not onerous – in fact, they are largely simple, while also being unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shawna McKinley, an accomplished sustainability consultant, event planner, author and instructor based in Canada, gave a data-driven presentation on which planning decisions have the greatest impact on your event’s carbon footprint, and are “the biggest carbon tipping points”. Armed with this knowledge, planners can make a few key decisions which will significantly reduce their onsite greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms McKinley identified four key areas that she suggested planners prioritise as we return to face-to-face events: • The event format: Unsurprisingly, hybrid events (localised or regional Procurement remains key events that connect online) can reduce Greg McManus, chair of EGF, was the carbon emissions by 60 per cent or third presenter for the Master Class. As more. Ms McKinley suggests that the founder of Heritage, South Africa’s sustainability needs to be considered only independent sustainability from the outset of planning an event, certification company, and with a before deciding on its format. She said, wealth of experience in environmental “We need to consider the experience certification and the development of McManus, chair of the EGF. Save the date for the Event Greening Forum’s annual Master Class on Greg Wednesday, model that makes the most sense to standards, he was well-suited to take achieve the event outcome, attendees on a deep dive of the Event 18 November 2020 filtered from 10:00-12:30. through a lens of which model provides Safety Council’s Re-Opening Guidelines, the least amount of environmental to explain what kinds of precautions need impact, and aligns best with our to be taken to make events safer, and 1. https://thrive.sustainable-event-alliance.org/ audience values.” how sustainability can be considered global-reusables-at-events-hygiene-standard/ • Energy supply: Choosing a destination alongside these. that primarily uses renewable energy He echoed Ms McKinley’s message that About the EGF can have an emission saving potential of Covid-19 is not a significant obstacle to as much as 63% compared to one that hosting events in a sustainable manner.

The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a uses fossil fuels, says McKinley.

Many of the decisions and practices we non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events Unfortunately, in South Africa we are would normally make still apply. sector. It does this by hosting educational restricted as our sole energy provider, One area he highlighted that needs sessions for industry and lobbying Eskom, relies exclusively on fossil fuels. some extra consideration is procurement. government in an effort to implement But this means seeking a venue or hotel As well as looking at a supplier or service sustainability principles into the daily that has its own onsite renewable provider’s sustainability credentials as you operations of the events industry. energy supply (even if supplementary) normally would – such as their The EGF was established through can have a significant carbon saving sustainability policy and commitment, dedication and support of eight industry result. location, the end-of-life impact of their associations who are recognised as • Green buildings: Opting for a venue or products, and so forth – you need to also founding members. The founding hotel that has green certification, such consider their ability to minimise the risks members are key industry associations working together to promote South as a LEED® green building rating, or the of Covid transmissions. For example, Africa as a destination for various types earth-friendly cleaning products are Heritage certification label, means they of events. preferable to conventional ones, but you will have robust energy efficiency, water will need to establish that they are able conservation and responsible waste Want to know more? to effectively destroy the virus. management systems already in place.

If you would like to know more about In closing, Mr McManus encouraged Much of the hard work to reduce your event greening, visit wwweventgreening.co.za where you can everyone to focus on the available event’s carbon footprint is automatically browse the free resources, sign up to the taken care of, efficiently and responsibly. solutions and not the challenges we face. monthly newsletter, or contact them By staying informed and aware, we are in • Switching to plant-based meals: directly with any queries. a strong position to find the best Deciding to serve more plant-based Contact: solutions for ourselves and our businesses meals, or switching from beef to Lynn Mcleod – and to build back better, ultimately chicken, also considerably reduces T: 082 891 5883 creating a more resilient and sustainable your event’s onsite carbon footprint.

E: lynn@eventgreening.co.za events sector.

McKinley cited one client who www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa December 2020 35

PAGE STRAP HOTEL GROUP DEVELOPMENTS

Samuel Nassimov, managing director of Premier Hotels and Resorts, enthusiastically overseeing the final touches of Umhlanga’s new landmark Premier Hotels development high on the Umhlanga Ridge.

Premier Hotels and Resorts – set to open new hotel in Umhlanga

Premiere Hotels and Resorts nears completion of its hotel development in Umhlanga, and legendary Cutty Sark in Scottburgh, due for opening in December.

P

remier Hotels and Resorts is nearing the end of its construction programme of two brand new hotels in Umhlanga. The R380-million investment will feature a four-star Premier Hotel, a three-star Premier Splendid Inn and a conference centre, all located in one precinct high up on Umhlanga Ridge in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The three-star Premier Splendid Inn Umhlanga will open in time for the busy Festive Season in December while the four-star Premier Hotel Umhlanga will open in February 2021. The Premier Resort Cutty Sark, a famous landmark on the KZN South Coast, will also reopen in time for the holiday season.

The Premier Hotel Umhlanga will offer 130 bedrooms, a restaurant and

bar, swimming pool and gym. The Conference Centre is fully subdivisible into three noise-dampening, acoustically designed units for delegate comfort and offering meeting capacities for up to 300 attendees. An amazing feature of the Conference Centre includes a magnificent open-air timber view deck with glass balustrade, allowing conference delegates to enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding Umhlanga precinct from the tenth floor.

The hotel has been designed to maximise the use of its location, with all bedrooms having balcony access and spectacular sea views. The design characteristics of the hotel incorporates a modern yet classical palette, the use of darker stained ash woods, cut glass

36 Business Events Africa December 2020

lighting and liberal use of marble tiling on floors and walls. The ninth floor of the hotel features all-suite rooms, whilst the 126-seater restaurant offers dining views of the Indian Ocean.

Premier Splendid Inn will feature 64-bedrooms and its own 50-seater restaurant. This urban style, modern and contemporary hotel offers a fresh young appeal, with light bleached oaks, sand-coloured marble tiling, and lighter finishes in the bedrooms and throughout the hotel – befitting the location close to the ocean. Guests in this hotel are able to access the rooftop pool and conference centre. The pool is located on the third floor with the main access from the four-star property – designed again with sea views. www.businesseventsafrica.com

HOTEL GROUP DEVELOPMENTS PAGE STRAP

The Premier precinct offers six floors of safe and convenient undercover parking, with the courtyard entrance offering a turning circle for small coach access or drop-offs for conference or international tour groups.

Samuel Nassimov, the founder and managing director of Premier Hotels and Resorts, said: “Our decision to invest in Umhlanga, even during this difficult time due to the Covid-19 virus pandemic, is testament to the confidence we have in South Africa’s ability to recover economically. The Umhlanga project will position the Premier Group as a firm favourite amongst holiday makers as well as corporate, government and international clientele – as we strive to secure a hotel presence in every major South African city.”

“The unique configuration in offering two hotels and a complex conference centre in one spectacular location, combined with the very best modern, contemporary and in some cases classical design specifications, will provide Umhlanga with probably its finest hospitality experience.”

“Scheduled for opening in December 2020, the Premier Group are ensuring meticulous Premier CleanCheck protocols are in place - involving cleanliness, sanitisation, preventative measures, staff training, and guest education on arrival - ensuring the well-being and safety of our guests and staff. Our protocols adhere to new health and safety best practice standards to respect social distancing, strict sanitisation methods and the use of PPE protocols at all hotels.”

Situated in Umhlanga Ridge, on the corner of Herrwood Drive and Umhlanga Boulevard, the new development is five minutes from Gateway Shopping Centre, close to swimming beaches, and in the heart of the local business district.

Access to the new Premier development from the N2 is via the new Cornubia off-ramp off the N2 from King Shaka Airport, only a fifteen minute drive - and from Durban via the Gateway/ Umhlanga off-ramp.

Premier Resort Cutty Sark, in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast, is being restored to its former glory.

The R65-million investment will improve all 59 sea-facing rooms – as well as adding a further 39 rooms for a total of 98 rooms while the resort’s furnishings, decor, and equipment have all been upgraded. The Resort will feature two swimming pools, including a new cocktail pool deck experience, with direct access to the swimming beach - as well as upgraded bars and restaurants, new facades, extensive upgrades to the dining room, foyer and reception areas. The architects and interior design team have re-imagined the existing footprint and spacial layouts, to create a nautically inspired experience – using dramatic blues, white bulk heads, timber finishes and floating bird-like lighting features. The new conference centre will open in February 2021. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa December 2020 37

SUSTAINABILITY

Be your best for the world GingerBiscuit is a purpose-driven start-up that connects people to sustainability using creative and globally-conscious methods within the events, workshop/ training, and sustainability coaching sectors, thus further supporting clients in their journey in being their best for the world.

A

fter an incredible start to 2020, we were excited, feeling optimistic, and positive about the future, as over the past eighteen month period we had seen an uptick in requests for sustainably-managed events and services.

Then the Covid-19 global pandemic hit.

The fallout within the events and hospitality industry has been devastating.

Companies, individuals, and groups across the sector saw their dreams and livelihoods shattered overnight, right before their very eyes, with many of us holding on by just a thread, and unfortunately, some not at all.

As an organisation, we grappled with whether we should shut our doors.

With sustainability being pushed into the spotlight now more than ever, as well as researching the various analyses on the impact of the pandemic, we decided that perhaps, somehow, Covid-19 had given us a unique opportunity to reshape, modify

Lisa Jade and Nthabiseng

and build our resilience as a company while reconfirming our vision.

And so we concluded that GingerBiscuit would push on and adapt to our current environment.

It begins with a connection and a story The GingerBiscuit story began in late 2016, early 2017 when founder and head ginger, Lisa Jade, had the vision to create events that connected people not only to each other but also made a difference to the world.

2020 finds the GingerBiscuit Team comprising of the dynamic female duo of Lisa Jade and Nthabiseng, head ginger, and head biscuit, respectively.

Be your best for the world.

That is our why.

Being our best for the world as a team and as an organisation involves being the best possible versions of ourselves in an authentic and relatable manner so that we may impact the world positively.

Our connection as the GingerBiscuit team began many moons ago in the year 2000, which saw our paths diverge in different ways and then culminate through certain serendipitous events resulting in a life-long friendship.

Many a night we spent connecting over

38 Business Events Africa December 2020

our love of music, whereby we were both certain our friendship would result in us becoming well-known dynamic duo deejays.

In hindsight, while this dream would have brought much love and fun into our collective sphere, as fate has had it, our partnership was destined to make an impact of a different kind.

Of specific importance to us is making a difference, which oddly we never could have imagined would turn out to be within the sustainability sphere, with Thabi officially joining the organisation in June 2020 after many years of dialogues surrounding this.

The ‘what’ of GingerBiscuit Since GingerBiscuit’s inception, our focus has remained within a space that we are fiercely passionate about, the events industry, as well as expanding our social impact efforts to include training and workshops, alongside sustainability coaching, alongside collaborative partnerships within our areas of operation.

Events are one such resource utilised in the GingerBiscuit toolkit when engaging in creative actions that aim to inspire, tell a story while activating real action and awareness that are inline with the overall global sustainability visions and best practice. Through our fusion of being both www.businesseventsafrica.com

SUSTAINABILITY

specialised sustainability and event professionals, we work with organisations and individuals alike to bring this vision to reality, not only within our company but also through partnerships and collaborations. We connect people to experiences that foster behaviour change through authentic connection and creative delivery methods to ensure the achievement of maximum engagement, innovation, and results throughout the client cycle.

We have piloted various sustainable event management projects, as well as training/ workshops offered, and have received remarkable results from both.

Just some of our services currently offered for sustainable live, hybrid and virtual event management are as follows: • Overall event sustainability strategy; • PR and communications support/

guidance in line with the overall sustainability vision/goal of the event • Marketing support/guidance relating to the areas of the sustainability of the event • Awareness, education, and training for event personnel • Indepth solutions guidance surrounding the various event greening initiatives • Sustainable event planning, management, and coordination (both on- and offsite, pre-, during, and post-event) • Vision statement development and implementation • A unique and customised event handbook specifically focused on sustainability, which is part of the GingerBiscuit event strategy • Legacy project development • Resource management (waste, water,

energy, carbon footprint, food/beverage) • Visual and written feedback reporting • Administration and logistics relating to sustainability • Eco-procurement - supplier and venue selection, support and guidance to meet the overall target of the event • Data collection and event reporting • Event auditing through our partnered companies In short, we create events that make a difference, engage with attendees through training and workshops that inspire and provide personalised sustainability coaching that empowers both organisations and individuals while focusing heavily on collaboration and partnerships.

While the future remains uncertain, we are committed to making a difference in the manner in which we best know how and strive to keep learning, growing, and being our best for you.

How may we support you in being your best for the world?

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

December 2020 Vol 40 No 12 ADVERTISER

PAGE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

16

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

CTICC

3

sales@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

Event Greening Forum

35

info@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

EXSA

14

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

MJunxion

2

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

SAACI

12

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SITE

19

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

Spier

6

conference@spier.co.za

www.spier.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa December 2020 39

DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

46 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg t: +27 (0)11 465 8955 e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za Association coordinator: Molebegeng Masote e: mole@aaxo.co.za Chairperson: Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing e: projeni@exposuremarketing.co.za Vice-chairperson: Devi PaulsenAbbott, dmg events e: devipaulsen@dmgevents.com Treasurer: Mark Anderson, Specialised Exhibitions e: marka@specialised.com Board of directors: Carol Weaving, Reed Exhibitions e: carol.weaving@reedexpoafrica.co.za Chanelle Hingston, Clarion Events Africa e: chanelle.hingston@clarionevents.com Phetogo Kubheka, Synergy Business Events e: phetogo@synergybe.co.za Suzette Scheepers, Messe Muenchen South Africa e: suzette.scheepers@mm-sa.com

Vice chairperson: Gabi Babinsky, Brandex t: +27 (0)64 655 3323 e: gabi@brandexpro.co.za

Vice-chairperson: Jaques Fouche Formative e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542

Networking: Melissa Palmer B&E Conference Centre e: melissa@becbc.co.za c: +27 (0)82 437 7600

Treasurer: Moses Nefale, Scan Display t: +27 (0)79 882 8616 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za

Treasurer: Glenn van Eck, Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2612

Networking: Wanda Fourie Eastern Sun Events e: registration@easternsun.co.za

Past chairperson: Doug Rix, DK Designs t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Association manager: Lee-Ann Alder t: +27 (0)82 550 0349 e: info@exsa.co.za Board members Kerry-Lee Bester, Brilliant Branding t: +27 (0)72 265 6600 e: kerry@brilliant-branding.co.za Mike Mira, Efam Distributors t: +27 (0)83 445 2261 e: mike@efam.co.za Presley Mokotedi, Garona Communications t: +27 (0)81 578 4455 e: presley@garonacom.co.za Chad Botha, Inspire Furniture Rentals t: +27 (0)76 644 0271 e: info@inspirefurniture.co.za Sibusiso Mchwabe, Marketing Well t: +27 (0)83 477 5536 e: sibusiso@marketingwell.co.za Gary van der Watt, Resource Design t: +27 (0)76 339 5320 e: gary@resourcedesign.co.za INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS & CONVENTION ASSOCIATION

EVENT GREENING FORUM

ICCA African Chapter 179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za Chairperson: Greg McManus, Heritage Environmental Management Services Vice-chairperson: Morwesi Ramonyai, Borena Energy Treasurer: Justin Hawes, Scan Display Secretariat: Lynn McLeod e: lynn@eventgreening.co.za Marketing: Pippa Naudé e: pippa@eventgreening.co.za EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Chairperson: Taubie Motlhabane, Cape Town International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: Taubiem@cticc.co.za Deputy chairperson: Jacinta Nzioka, Kenya National Convention Bureau t: +254 722464221 e: jacinta@kncb.go.ke Secretariat: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA Africa Regional director c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org. www.iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter www.iccaworld.org SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

Learning | Growth | collaboration EXSA OFFICE www.exsa.co.za Chairperson: Gill Gibbs, BluCube t: +27 (0)83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson: Kim Roberts Mise-en-place Solutions e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com t: +27 (0)82 652 2008

40 Business Events Africa December 2020

Public officer: Denise Kemp, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565 Membership services consultant: Alshanthé Smith t: +27 (0)71 299 0601 e: members@saaci.org

Branch coordinator: Hayley Pretorius e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)79 507 3607 c: +27 (0)62 758 7933 JOHANNESBURG Branch chairperson: John Arvanitakis, Chat’r Xperience t: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za

DIRECTORS

Branch vice-chairperson: Lorin Bowen, Lorin Bowen Business Events t: +27 (0)82 433 8687 e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za

EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

Branch treasurer: Chris de Lancey, Multi-Media t: +27 (0)82 854 2230 e: chris@multi-media.co.za

KZN chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience e: tracey@thehospitality experience.co.za c: +27 (0)83 293 5190

COMMITTEE:

JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen Business Events e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687 WC acting chairperson: Angela Lorimer, Century City Conference Centre e: angela.l@ccconferencecentre.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101

Aidan Koen, Ogada Group t: +27 (0)82 561 3188 e: aidan@ogada.co.za Carmen Rudd, Synergy Business Events t: +27 (0)82 707 3977 e: carmen@synergybe.co.za Emma Kumalo, Potters Hand Activations t: +27 (0)84 250 6850 e: emma@pottershand.co.za Leigh Anne Luis, Upatone t: +27 (0)82 409 3680 e: leighanne@upatone.co.za

Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046

Rendani Khorommbi, Joburg Tourism t: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com

Co-opted youth: Minister Kganyago CSIR e: MKganyago@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)79 513 8708

Branch coordinator: Angelique Smith c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org

Venue rep: Michelle Bingham Sandton Convention Centre e: Michelle.Bingham@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 EASTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Andrew Stewart, PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 Branch vice-chairperson: David Limbert, Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 9064 198 Branch treasurer: Alistair Stead, Scan Display e: alastair@scandisplay.africa c: +27 (0)73 236 6618 COMMITTEE: Learning: Caroline Morgan EXBO e: caro@exbo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 553 6185 Communication: Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

TSHWANE Branch chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH & Monte de Dios e: leon@ephproductions.co.za; e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046 Branch vice-chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht, Savetcon e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Branch treasurer: Refilwe Nchebisang, CSIR ICC t: +27 (0)12 841 3770 e: rnchebisang@csir.co.za COMMITTEE: Melanie Pretorius, At Zone Hospitality Consulting c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 e: melanie.pretorius@mweb.co.za Herkie du Preez, Event Wizards c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za Branch coordinator: Heather Heskes, SAACI c: +27 (0)76 321 6111 e: tsh.za@saaci.org

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DIRECTORY KWAZULU-NATAL Branch chairperson: Irene Vallihu, Durban International Convention Centre c: +27 (0)79 692 4604 e: irenev@icc.co.za Branch vice-chairperson: Gill Slaughter, Turners Conferences c: +27 (0)31 368 8000 e: gills@turnersconferences.co.za Branch treasurer: Sibusiso Mncwabe, Marketing Well c: +27 (0)83 477 5536 e: sibusiso@marketingwell.co.za COMMITTEE: Tracey Delport, The Hospitality Experience c:+27 (0)83 293 5190 e: tracey@thehospitalityexperience. co.za

Esmare Steinhofel c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org Andrew Gibson t: +27 (0)860 111 625 e: Andrew@magnetic.co.za

Gheeta Payle t: +27 (0)861237890 e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com Branch coordinator: Lara Van Zyl c: +27 (0)822234684 e: wc.za@saaci.org SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

Treasurer: Peter-John Mitrovich c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com

Kavitha Dhawnath, Gearhouse SA c: +27 (0)83 607 2006 e: kavitha.dhawnath@gearhouse. co.za

Board member at large: Rick Taylor

Wiseman Mnguni, Mboniseni Events and Project Management) c: +27 (0)78 220 2162 e: mboniseni.events@gmail.com

North Africa support: Brad Glen

East Africa (Rwanda): Chris Munyao North Africa: George Fawzi Young Leadership: Clinton Els Secretariat & Events: Gauteng: Clare Neall c: +27 76 898 0420 e: clare@eventstuff.co.za Western Cape: Mariaan Burger c: +27 (0)82 557 8041 e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com

SA EVENTS COUNCIL

WESTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Angela Lorimer c: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: angelajacobson862@yahoo.co.za

Esti Venske t: +27 (0)21 460 3518 e: estivenske@gmail.com Zimkitha Bavuma c: +27 (0)72 172 5746 e: zim@live.co.za

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Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA Africa, regional director Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance network chair Charlotte Kemp, PSASA deputy president Kim Roberts, SAACI national chair Kevan Jones, SACIA executive director Justin van Wyk, SALPA chair Sharif Baker, TPSA chairperson; SACIA board member

Denver Manickum, I-cube Alternative Advertising c: +27 (0)83 482 8525 e: denver@icube.co.za

Ansu Colditz c: +27 (0)82 457 8071 e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za

Gill Gibbs, EXSA chairperson

Septi Bukula, SITE member

International board member: Daryl Keywood c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 e: daryl@walthers.co.za

COMMITTEE:

Chad Botha, EXSA board member

Taubie Motlhabane, ICCA Africa chapter chair

Mabuyi Mosia, Ikhono Communications c: +27 (0)71 117 7509 e: mabuyi@ikhono.co.za

Branch treasurer: Thiru Naidoo t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 e: thiru@wesgro.co.za

SACIA – Southern African Communications Industries Association M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za

Stefan Huggett c: +27 (0)83 740 8897 e: stefanh@spier.co.za

President: Tes Proos c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676 e: tes@crystalevents.co.za

Branch vice-chairperson: Alex Wrottesley c: +27 (0)21 430 2060 e: alex@intoafrica.co.za

Sibusiso Mncwabe, EXSA board member; EXSA KZN Forum Chair; SAACI KZN committee member and treasurer Doug Rix, EXSA board member

Kim Jackson, Greyville Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 378 2264 e: kimj@goldcircle.co.za

Branch coordinator: Kerry Potgieter c: +27 (0)84 777 3452 e: kzn.za@saaci.org

e: saboa@saboa.co.za www.saboa.co.za

Bianca van Niekerk t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: biancav@cticc.co.za

Tarannum Banatwalla, Jellyfish Catering & Event Management c: +27 (0)83 254 9462 e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za

Sandile Dlamini, Anzomode c: +27 (0)79 104 5510 e: sandile@anzomode.co.za

Mike Lord, Event Safety Council interim chair

e: hello@saeventscouncil.org Chairperson: Tes Proos, SITE president Vice-chairperson: Glenton de Kock, SAACI chief executive officer Interim treasurer: Glenn van Eck, CEPA chair Spokesperson: Projeni Pather, AAXO chair Members Carol Weaving, AAXO board member Tiisetso Tau, AAXO member Corne Koch, Best Cities Global Alliance chair Justin Hawes, Event Greening Forum treasurer

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST ABTA – African Business Travel Association Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123 t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 c: +27 (0)83 679 2110 e: monique@abta.co.za | www.abta. co.za Founder: Monique Swart ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010 t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61 e: barbara@asata.co.za e: general@asata.co.za Office manager: Barbara Viljoen Council of Event Professionals Africa M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding Executive Director: Kevan Jones kevan@sacia.org.za t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 Chairperson: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 e: glenn@magnetic.co.za FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157 c: +27 (0)82 552 9862 e: ceo@fedhasa.co.za www.fedhasa.co.za Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa t: +27 (0)11 462 9465 c: +27 (0)83 458 6114 e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za www.psasouthernafrica.co.za SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 t: +27 (0)11 511 7641

Executive director: Kevan Jones SATI – South African Translators’ Institute Executive director: Marion Boers t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 e: office@translators.org.za www.translators.org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Box 900, Ferndale 2160 t: +27 (0)11 886 9996 e: pa@satsa.co.za | www.satsa.com SKAL International South Africa Secretary: Anne Lamb t: +27 (0)21 434 7023 c: +27 (0)82 708 1836 e: anne@yebo.co.za www.skalsouthafrica.org STA – Sandton Tourism Association t: +27 (0)83 558 5445 e: secretariat@sandtontourism.com www.sandtontourism.com TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa Box 11655, Centurion 0046 t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 e: comms@tbcsa.travel www.tbcsa.travel www.tomsa.co.za Member relations manager: Boitumelo Moleleki TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146 t: +27 (0)11 895 3000 f: +27 (0)11 895 3001 e: enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za TINSA – Interpreters/ Translators Network of Southern Africa e: info@interpreter.org.za t/f: +27 (0)11 485 2511 c: +27 (0)83 249 0010 www.interpreter.org.za TPSA – Technical Production Services Association M16 Ticketpro Dome Cnr. Northumberland & Olievenhout Roads, Northriding t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 e: kevan@sacia.org.za www.tpsa.co.za Executive director: Kevan Jones TTA – Tshwane Tourism Association Box 395, Pretoria 0001 t: +27 (0)12 841 4212 e: secretary@tshwanetourism.com www.tshwanetourism.com Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen e: membership@tshwanetourism.com

Business Events Africa December 2020 41

THE LAST WORD

Hoteliers are putting their hotels where their hearts are As the domain of the wild and free, the notion of travel in Africa has always been romanticised by international travellers. But now’s the time for domestic and regional travellers to enjoy an idyllic escape much closer to home, and without the usual hefty price tag of travelling abroad.

A

lthough travel was grounded during the global pandemic and remains so in many parts of the world, the status quo has opened the doors to so-called “revenge travel” trips.

“Revenge travel”, which was first popularised in China as that country’s lockdown restrictions eased, is the term that refers to compulsive travel to beat lockdown-associated boredom - and it’s usually close to home.

In South Africa, travel restrictions were eased with the introduction of lockdown Level 1 and many inter-regional borders across the African continent have also been reopened to South African travelers keen to do a bit of “revenge travel” of their own. That’s very good news for the global hospitality sector, which has been extremely hard hit by Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns.

What Covid-19 has failed to do, however, is to dampen the industry’s quest to provide guest experiences that are as comfortable, exciting and safe as possible for those who are beginning to travel again – mostly much closer to home. To attract these local African travellers who would generally opt for a long-haul flight to an exotic destination, hoteliers have begun ramping up their efforts to highlight the best their establishments have to offer. That goes to the real heart of their business generally, and their hotels more specifically.

In Africa, especially, this is no hard sell.

With its myriad exotic locales, unique wildlife and plethora of activities to suit any taste, visiting an African country is on the bucket lists of many international travellers. So why shouldn’t it be the same for domestic and regional travellers, too?

Not only are these destinations just across the border, but they offer a much safer travel option considering the upsurge in Covid-19 cases being experienced in Europe and the United States, for example. But more than that,

African destinations go to the heart and soul of what every traveller yearns for: a place of escape where anything is possible. That’s especially attractive as we head for the end of 2020.

Hotels across the continent offer travelers a window on a distinctive world that is impossible to replicate elsewhere, with many of the experiences on offer a reflection of an hotelier’s passion for their city, town or country. Take Nairobi, Kenya, for example, where Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Nairobi Arboretum, is situated next to the city’s Arboretum, home to more than 300 exotic trees and over 100 bird species. It’s been specially designed to provide a peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of spending time in nature. Or contrast that with Cape Town’s Radisson RED, the energy around which is driven by the urban buzz of the Mother City – and perfectly located close to all the best tourist attractions, including the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and pristine beaches.

Additionally, the hospitality industry has also stepped up its cleaning protocols to assuage travellers’ concerned about health and safety. At Radisson Hotel Group hotels, for example, we’ve introduced a 20-step safety protocol in partnership with SGS, a global leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification. Once guests realise that we have their health and safety top-of-mind, it’s easier for them to truly relax and immerse themselves in their holiday.

As the southern hemisphere enters the summer season, I predict that we’ll see our fellow countrymen choose destinations that feed their souls, whether that’s an urban jungle getaway in Nairobi, a relaxing retreat just outside of Lagos or the best of both worlds in Cape Town. As always, while the region reveals its beauty for travellers to enjoy, remember to always sanitise, don that mask and to enjoy every minute of what will surely be a well-deserved break.

42 Business Events Africa December 2020

Who is William McIntyre?

William McIntyre, regional director for Africa, is based in the Radisson Hotel Group regional support office in South Africa. In this role, Mr McIntyre assumes responsibilities for all the Englishspeaking countries in Africa.

He has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with his most recent role as chief operating officer for the largest hospitality real estate fund in southern Africa, Hospitality Property Fund.

Mr McIntyre also held the position of asset management and development director at Kharafi Hospitality, one of the largest private Middle Eastern investors in the hospitality sector in Southern Africa.

Starting his career in 1993 he delved in various roles within the hospitality industry which included special projects manager for Sun City Resort and HR manager for several divisions of Sun City; corporate HR manager at Festival Cruises; director of support services for Grand Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya; operations Director for The Don Group in South Africa and Resort general manager at Oubaai Golf Resort in the Western Cape.

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