Business Events Africa March 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

VolVol 40 40 NoNo 2 February 3 March 2020

AFRICA’S LEADING EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS AGENCY

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JUSTIN HAWES Director

MARTINE KOMANE Director

TIISETSO TAU Managing Director

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

CONTENTS

VOL 40 NO 3 MARCH 2020

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Special Features About the cover The power of Synergy As a go-to exhibition partner for brands and businesses looking for an integrated solution to exhibition management, Synergy Business Events has mastered the art of putting on successful business events for multiple sectors, and are well on their way to becoming one of the most sought-after exhibitions management companies in the Middle East and Africa.

14 SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM SUPPORTS MEASURES TO COMBAT COVID-19 Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address to the nation on measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed that the tourism industry will play its role in effecting these measures.

16 MEETINGS AFRICA 2020 REPORT BACK: A PREMIER AFRICAN EVENT Throughout Meetings Africa 2020, it was clear that the event has grown to become a truly Africa-wide platform that serves to benefit the business events and tourism industries not just in South Africa, but across the continent too.

32 INCENTIVE DESTINATION FEATURE | MAKE MOZAMBIQUE YOUR GO-TO FOR MILLENNIAL STAFF Lost on which incentive travel destination will motivate your millennial staff the most? Look no further than Mozambique. With millennials calculated to make up half of the global workforce by next year, designing incentive travel programmes for the market’s evolving preferences is a smart strategy for any business.

32 16

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

28

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

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Features

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za

33 Event Greening Forum news EGF message of support for the events industry 34 SAACI news Welcome the unknown.

35 SITE news SANCB and SITE competition: Youth development programme 2020.

36 Market news Reed Exhibitions expands its portfolio.

37 UNWTO reinforces its support for Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 36 Index of advertisers.

4 Editor’s comment It just became real.

5 International Women’s Day Q&A | Minister of Tourism.

Women in MICE Brand Ambassador 13 Executive chef Rutendo Ruth Marovatsanga: A rising culinary star.

20 Announcing the Meetings Africa 2020 Green Award winners.

21 Report back | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019 Exhibition Industry Awards’ winners announced.

26 Reed Exhibitions: An awardwinning organiser 28 Venue news The CTICC: One of Africa’s most flexible and functional venue spaces.

30 Premier Splendid Inn: Now officially open for business.

31 New age conferencing at Breakwater Conference Centre.

38 Directory & associations of interest to the industry.

40 Last word An eye on the future: Quantum computing and corporate events.

9 South Africa National Convention Bureau Business Events Africa, in partnership with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements.

EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za JUNIOR DESIGNER: Elrisha du Plooy elrisha@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Irene Costa | +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 40 No 3 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the Yearbook in June.

52 Mahogany Road, Westmead www.paarlmedia.co.za ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE: R680 which includes postage, packaging and VAT. Rates for addresses outside South Africa can be obtained on application to the Subscription Department.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Learning | Growth | collaboration

aaxo

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

In this supplement we look at Meetings Africa 2020, Africa’s premier business events trade show. www.businesseventsafrica.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

O

n 15 March 2020, it became real to me that the Coronavirus COVID-19 is here, and South Africa is not immune.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech which declared South Africa is in a state of disaster and the steps government are going to implement; certainly sobered me up to the facts.

First, I need to salute our President. Well done on taking this very difficult situation and giving us much needed direction. For the first time in a long time, I felt your presence as our commander-in-chief, and I felt more equipped than I did a week ago.

The next few months are not going to be easy, and there is no reason to panic.

From my side, Business Events Africa has an even bigger role to play today in assisting in the industry with broadcasting the correct messaging. Our sector is open for business, the message must be ‘postpone your event but do

P

E N O P OST

EL C N A C DON’T

not cancel’. This is a critical message.

The industry needs to campaign together so that this message goes out to everyone, from the client to the organiser, the venue, supplier and the public. Conferences, exhibitions, meetings, events and incentives can be moved, cancelling events is the worst thing we can do for our industry.

Our country is resilient and this virus will not keep us down, but we do need to work together with one voice to make things happen.

We need to stay in control of what we can control. That is our own message – stay positive and look at the long game. The difficulty is that we need to stay afloat in the timeframe, probably two months, where most things will come to a complete standstill.

These two months are where we need to assist each other and start setting up campaigns for business post-COVID-19.

Create excitement for events that are coming. Remember to please postpone your event, do not cancel. This has to be the message going forward.

See this as a state of hibernation and what we can look forward to when we come out of it.

Be sensible, follow our President’s instructions, and this will hopefully curb

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

It just became real

the rate of infection in our country.

South Africa is resilient – we are resilient, our industry is resilient, and I have no doubt we will come out of this state of disaster a lot stronger than before.

There is a lot to look forward to: imagine all the exciting events we have ahead of us.

Stay on course and together, we will prevail.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Q&A with Minister of Tourism With International Women’s Day taking place on 8 March, Business Events Africa got an opportunity to ask the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, a few questions on what it means to be a woman in this sector.

What role do you see women currently playing in the tourism and business events sector in South Africa?

The tourism industry is made up of 70 per cent women. However, they hold less than 40 per cent of all managerial positions, less than 20 per cent of general management roles, and between five and eight per cent of board positions. This is the situation we seek to change.

We are putting programmes in place to ensure that women participation in the sector is more meaningful. One example of these programmes is an Executive Development Programme, which the Department of Tourism runs in partnership with one of our higher education institutions.

Fifty women have graduated from the programme thus far, and the majority of them have been promoted to senior management levels in their various organisations. This programme will continue this year with an intake of about 20 women.

One of these women is Ms Nokukhanya Sibisi, who before going through the programme was an assistant front office manager at Hilton hotel in Cape Town.

We are delighted to say that Ms Sibisi has now been promoted to the position of guest relation manager for Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brand based in Dubai.

What are the main challenges that African women face in the travel industry?

Women are concentrated in the lowest paid, lowest skilled sectors of the industry and carry out a large amount of unpaid work in family tourism businesses.

The travel industry, like many other industries in South Africa, is

male-dominated. Because of the history of our country, the sector is white male-dominated. African women are newcomers into this industry, and as such they are faced with a number of challenges.

Amongst others, these challenges include lack of appropriate training and education within the tourism industry pertaining to the travel industry that might adequately support their business ventures, lack of access to finance for their businesses and lack of access to the market.

I must add that, at the same time, African women, including those in the global context, have increasingly become engaged in the business of tourism.

Such women have become important actors in the tourism entrepreneurial arena, despite facing inequality in a perceived male-dominated environment.

A recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council found that although these women are making significant contributions to the growth of any given economy through their business initiatives, women still face a number of challenges that limit their effectiveness in the small business context.

What are some of the women success stories you have witnessed since becoming Minister of Tourism?

The department has several youth training projects, amongst which is the chefs’ which has seen a majority of young people after training coming up with their own businesses for example in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

This is one of our many success stories on our chef’s programme where our young women have come up with their own businesses. We provide them with further support and tools of trade.

A lot more work still needs to be done to ensure there are more women success stories in the sector. It is for this reason that we have taken a decision to be deliberate about women empowerment and this will include establishing an incubation programme for women businesses in the rural areas.

How does the South African travel market differ to the overseas market?

South Africa has a unique travel market in that it has a diversity of tourist attractions ranging from a long coastline, biodiversity, natural attractions to richly diverse wildlife. South Africa is endowed with wonderful beaches and lush wine lands in the Western Cape, iconic landscapes such as the Table Mountain and Drakensberg Mountains, unspoiled wilderness and safaris, ten World Heritage Sites – one of which is the Cradle of Humankind renowned as the place where humankind originated – and a rich diversity of cultures.

Continued on page 8

Business Events Africa March 2020 5

COVER STORY | Synergy Business Events

Exhibitions are the most powerful, versatile and cost-effective marketing tool available, offering the best platform to bring your brand and, or company’s product to life.

The power of Synergy L

ikewise, they offer an unparalleled platform for experiential marketing for businesses, all the while bridging the gap between brand experience and customer loyalty.

As a go-to exhibition partner for brands and businesses looking for an integrated solution to exhibition management, Synergy Business Events has mastered the art of putting on successful business events for multiple sectors, and are well on their way to becoming one of the most sought-after exhibitions management companies in the Middle East and Africa.

6 Business Events Africa March 2020

Synergy Business Events is an outstanding trade show exhibition and event organiser due to their unique approach to exhibition management, their lifelong commitment to ecofriendly practices, and their successful execution of the many events they have hosted across the globe.

Over seven years of existence, Synergy Business Events has managed to cement its position as the market leader by successfully hosting mega-events and exhibitions for local and international clients, as well as government agencies.

Renowned for their unique approach to exhibition management, the company is widely respected in and outside South Africa, thanks to their lifelong commitment to eco-friendly practices which saw them execute highly successful events across the globe.

To ensure their exhibition investment delivers intended results, Synergy’s focus when planning and executing events is to make sure that the right message is delivered to the intended audience, and at the right time. “One of our main goals at Synergy Business Events is not only to ensure www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | Synergy Business Events

Meet the Synergy Business Events Directors

Justin Hawes

Martine Komane

Tiisetso Tau

Director

Director

Managing director

Synergy Business Events is committed to offering a 360-degree approach to exhibition and events management

Synergy Business Events has mastered the art of putting on successful business events for multiple sectors that our events are environmentallyfriendly, but that are digitised for management efficiency, while making sure that they leave the lowest carbon footprint as possible,” said managing director Tisetso Tau. As one of the few exhibition companies on the African continent making strides in the planning and delivering both eco-friendly and interactive brand experience, Synergy continues to be committed to ensuring best industry practices to benefit the broader spectrum of society by starting with www.businesseventsafrica.com

reducing the negative environmental impacts related to eventing.

Committed to both driving and forging sustainable development and exclusivity within the exhibition industry at large, Synergy Business Events has pioneered the adoption of business events value chain by including smaller businesses – many of which wouldn’t normally have access to the business events sector – through the establishment of the Sustainability Village.

This empowerment-focused intervention replaces the conventional ‘delegates gift ideas’ by sourcing conference gifts from local suppliers, crafters, and designers.

The company understands all too well that having the right team is crucial for the success of any company, and the same goes for the passionate team at the helm of Synergy Business Events. The event company has been able to recruit and retain the best talent needed to run their businesses successfully over the years.

A highly passionate A-team with a perchant for innovation The company’s A-team is led by exhibition industry Stalwart Justin Hawes, serial entrepreneur Tisetso Tau, alongside the empowerment partner Scan Trust, represented by Martina Komane. Given their stellar business wit and penchant for innovation, the global business events sector is in for a significant shakeup.

An experienced exhibition and event

organiser tasked with assisting their clients with all their project – from management to sales, logistics and stand-building needs for their events – Synergy Business Events’ innovative team offers streamlined benefits in tune with their clients’ objectives, focusing on the delegate, exhibitor and visitor needs.

Synergy Business Events offers services that range from financial management with strict adherence to the budget allocation, to intense marketing campaigns in building up to the event, exhibitor services managed entirely online to reduce risk of data loss, secure event greening practices, and regular feedback sessions on the status of the exhibition sales. Synergy Business Events is a company committed to offering a 360-degree approach to exhibition and events management.

Synergy is the perfect partner for associations and industry in hosting a financially viable and well managed show.

+27 (0)11 476 5104 admin@synergybe.co.za www.synergybe.co.za

Business Events Africa March 2020 7

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Continued from page 5

The culture and heritage, both tangible and intangible assets, stand us in good stead as a country, the question is are we utilising these to our benefit in terms of travel and tourism? I must emphasise that tourism is everybody’s business. Tourists,both domestic and international, visiting our shores can enjoy a unique and authentic experience.

What have been some of your career highlights?

Prior to assuming my current role, I previously served as a minister in three portfolios, science and technology, communications, and energy respectively.

I joined the public sector as a skills development facilitator at the National Health Laboratory Services, and was then recruited to become a director in the Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

I then served as the Parliamentary Advisor to then Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe.

To be given the opportunity to serve the people of South Africa in these different roles has been a privilege.

I would say that my career highlights happened each time that a life of a South African changed for the better because I had performed my duty in these different roles.

As a woman in these portfolios Minister, what are lessons learnt?

I think the multiple roles I play wearing

my hat as a mother, wife, daughter and sister and now PHD student at the same time and having to balance those with my role as a member of the executive. It is not easy but takes a lot of discipline, determination and effective time management.

What are your top tips for aspiring businesswomen in the travel industry field?

Since I joined the portfolio, I have engaged the business sector at different levels, from SMMEs to big business.

In all these engagements, I realised the importance of understanding the sector, collaboration amongst sector players and understanding the product you sell and the appropriate market to sell your product.

I would urge all the women who are in the sector and those who planning to come into the sector to take these factors very seriously.

Most importantly, I want them to understand that transforming a male dominated sector to be more accommodative to women will take time and despite the challenges in the short run they will need to stay the course.

Collaboration amongst women becomes key in the tourism value chain. Business women in this space need each other.

What role do you see women playing in the tourism and business events sector going forward?

task and I think that their participation in all aspects of the value chain of tourism and business events will help to grow this sector in an inclusive way.

Going forward we will intensify our efforts to bring more women into the sector so that we can contribute in transforming the sector to reflect the demographics of the country.

What role does the tourism sector play in South Africa?

Tourism is a key sector with a significant impact on economic development and growth across the globe. For the past ten years, the sector has outperformed the global economy.

The sector is unique in that it has the ability to absorb people at all levels of society from highly to lowly skilled, it happens in urban and rural areas and it has low barriers of entry for new entrants businesses.

Thus, it provides us with the tools to create an economically inclusive society.

For our country beset by the triple challenges of poverty (mostly affecting women), unemployment (mostly affecting the youth) and inequality, the tourism sector is very critical in helping us to confront these challenges.

Tourism has the potential to contribute to greater gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The majority of people employed in tourism worldwide are women, both in formal and informal jobs. Tourism offers women opportunities for incomegeneration and entrepreneurship.

Women are just as capable as their male counterparts in performing any

Women in MICE Brand Ambassador Thami Nkadimeng has been announced the Women in MICE South Africa Brand Ambassador.

S

he is a message architect who conceptualises, creates and delivers messages to a wide range of audiences, across borders and boundaries, using a variety of tools and platforms to reach the objectives set.

She is a South African thought leader in human behaviour and communications.

Thami’s unique ability to fuse her

8 Business Events Africa March 2020

communications background with inspiring individuals to communicate with their internal strengths comes alive in her facilitation and speaking engagements.

She has attained almost two decades of corporate experience in which the substantial part has been within communications, public affairs and events study and experience within the

tourism and mining space.

Thami translates her inspiring communications messages to diverse audiences (cultures, races, genders and ages) with equal flair.

She built her speaking skills and elegant style through consistent delivery in private, public and social platforms.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

THEME: SHARED ECONOMIES

When shared minds come together, we advance Africa

Business Events Africa, in partnership with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements. In this supplement we look at Meetings Africa 2020, Africa’s premier business events trade show.

24 FEBRUARY 2020: BONDay

25-26 FEBRUARY 2020:

EXHIBITION SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

www.meetingsafrica.co.za

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Africa Rising

Advancing Africa together Meetings Africa was born 15 years ago in response to the global meetings industry’s growing recognition of Africa as a sought-after premier business events destination.

C

onnect to one of the fastest humanity and innovation starts. “We growing and exciting need to buy into it so we can business destinations sell it to the world. The world in the world, when is standing at our door to blossoming growing buy Africa.”

MEETINGS AFRICA global economies and Ms Kotze-Nhlapo The meetings industry’s shared minds unite. reflected on how contribution to jobs and Under the theme, Meetings Africa had GDP is not just a South “Shared economies”, grown and matured into African story but an Meetings Africa looked an event that has become African one too. at collaborative African one that is filled with ideas growth, connecting people that move Africa’s business and ideas, and the continent’s value events industry forward. “I am sure proposition within the global economy. The you will see how we grew from a very small theme is also defined as a socio-economic show to where we are today. We are here to network in which assets and services are learn from each other, find new ideas and shared between private individuals, either innovation to overcome challenges. When free or for a fee. It ties into the sharing and we network with each other, magic will communal existence that is an intrinsic happen and we will wow the world.”

African way of life.

“Meetings Africa 2020 continued to Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention enhance the collaboration between African bureau officer, captured the theme’s essence countries and African associations to create during Meetings Africa, on all Africans to more shared economic benefits for the buy into the idea that continent’s business events sector. It is about the continent is where co-operating first and then competing. This makes the African industry stronger and better, with an increased economic impact.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer.

10 Business Events Africa March 2020

With business events sustaining over 200 000 jobs and the meetings sector alone contributing R115-billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product, the sector has been identified as key to the country’s and the continent’s tourism growth.

This year’s event has improved on a number of fronts, including: • 100% of the exhibitor stands sold – a vast improvement from 95% in 2019.

• 118 square metres more

floor space sold compared to last year.

• 329 exhibitors.

• 155 main exhibitors, three more than last year.

• 321 buyers that included 205 international hosted buyers.

• 8 000 meetings held, 200 more than 2019.

“The show’s further success lies in its maturity. Meetings Africa provides a conducive environment to do business. As it grows year on year, we constantly improve on the hosted buyer programme and the diary system to drive return on investment (ROI), so participants really see the value.

We put a high premium on ROI for both exhibitors and buyers.

Africa is ready to host business events and collectively, really advance Africa together,” she concluded.

The following African Tourist Boards and Convention Bereaus exhibited at Meetings Africa 2020:

• The Kingdom of Eswatini • Zimbabwe Tourism Authority • Botswana Tourism Organisation • Malawi Tourism • Reunion Island Tourism Board • Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority • Tanzania Tourist Board • Uganda Convention Bureau • Office National du Tourism DRC • Rwanda Convention Bureau • Office National du Tourism DRC • South Africa National Convention Bureau

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2020

Exhibitor feedback Other African countries Denis Dernault, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda: “We have been exhibiting at Meetings Africa for the last three years. It has proven to be of quality as there is always great ROI and I have secured large association events from the show. I can estimate the deals that have come from the show to be worth around $900K. I have had an average of 15 leads come from the show. There was less attendance this year but of high quality buyers. I will definitely do the show again next year.”

Manahat Thomas, director of events of Flawless Events, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: “Flawless has been attending for about four to seven years now. We always partner with UNCC, however, we may have our own stand next year. We do generate business leads, but more importantly partnerships and opportunities for future collaboration. At this meeting, I can confidently say we have made twice the amount of solid partnership deals, than actual business leads.

“The Ethiopian representation at the show has grown over the years. It is a new industry and the country is looking to attract more events, and setup as a MICE destination.

“Meetings Africa 2020 was setup very nicely.

I enjoyed the layout and the general vibe of the meeting.

Chris Munyao, CIS, Business Events East Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda: “There were good prospects at Meetings Africa 2020 with some hot leads with dates. The show has gotten better and I will be returning next year. This is the third year I’ve exhibited. The East African representation has grown over the years, which makes sense, as the trade show is tailored for Africa.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Lukonde Mfula, head commercial and conference, Nipa Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia “NIPA Conference Centre (NCC) has been exhibiting at the Meetings Africa for the last three years. As NIPA Conference Centre we have learnt that continuous participation has given us visibility and an opportunity to grow our database through the networking and follow-ups on leads from meetings that took place at the show. We had a lot of interest at this years’ show from mainly associations and international hosted buyers. Most of the enquiries are for conferences in 2021 and 2022. The hosted buyers were definitely ready to place business in Africa. A lot of the interest include conferences coupled with incentives. Nipa Conference has seen tremendous growth exhibiting at Meetings Africa. We will definitely exhibit next year.

This year’s Meetings Africa 2020 was well organised, lots of information transfer at BonDay, and furthermore, the event was very inclusive and welcoming.”

Isabella Kankunda Sabune, senior marketing officer – (MICE), UGANDA Tourism Board “The Uganda Convention Bureau (UCB) has been exhibiting at Meetings Africa for four years.

As a fairly new bureau UCB has benefited greatly from this Africa focused exhibition.

Unlike the European exhibitions that are equally necessary to gain exposure on a more global scale, Meetings Africa has continuously sought the cooperation and integration of the MICE sector in Africa – essentially driving home the phrase “By Africa, For Africa.

“It encourages and promotes the development of the newcomers by those who have been in the sector longer. It is a great benefit to learn from those on the continent that have perfected and continue to grow their MICE sector. It is inspiring to learn closer to the home rather than trying to replicate strategies only applicable to the European or American market. Additionally, as the show is focussed on making sure African nations get international conferences and do the most

business they can. In this light we had an estimated 20 leads with UCB and our stand sharers holding over 100 meetings in total from hosted buyers, and plenty of walk-ins from visitor buyers. One successful meeting for example is the one held for The (AfSBT) Africa Society for Blood Transfusion International Congress 2022 which is organised by (AfSBT) Africa Society for Blood Transfusion. This would bring up to 400 delegates to the country if our bid is successful.

“We had many positive and viable leads from an incentive travel angle. The hosted buyers were enthusiastic, ready to do business and engaging. The Uganda representation has absolutely grown, with this year being the best one yet. We have come so far in-fact as to have won the green award for a stand in the medium category.

We are the only country to win other than South Africa. We will be at the show next year. UCB is committed to growing the sector in Uganda and having more and more conferences come to Uganda.”

Samantha Gateretse, marketing manager of Rwanda Convention Bureau For the fifth year in a row, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) has participated in Meetings Africa and have found this ever-growing event has favorably generated yielding results that have seen Rwanda gain a number of events. So far, we’ve acquired approximately 15 hot leads. Meetings Africa has proven to be a great platform for Rwanda to generate leads but also to showcase Rwanda as an emerging MICE destination.”

Local Minister Kganyago, business development manager, CSIR ICC: “CSIR ICC has exhibited at Meetings for 15 years.

“We find that the show to be beneficial in that we are able connect with the market place in a convenient, conducive and effective manner. We get a good opportunity to place our brand on the global map and ultimately score some deals. Fortunately, we were able to close good business deals coming from MA in the past years. There

Business Events Africa March 2020 11

SANCB | The Case Study were some good solid leads that we managed to tie with a prospective pipeline of about R2.5 million. We optimistic that we will be able to convert some of those into actual sales.

My general impression was that there were fewer hosted buyers at the show this year compared to recent years, however, the quality of the hosted buyers was very good and topped all other years for me.”

Lillian Hlabangane, association and international meetings, Tshwane Convention Bureau “At Meetings Africa 2020, we able to make new business contact, also we have an opportunity to profile the destination from hosting pre and post tours. Tshwane Convention Bureau ran three diaries, walk-ins and collaboration meetings we were able to conduct over 90 meetings during the show. Some of the meetings took place on BonDay. We have secured a conference for International Peace and Conflict Management which will take place at The Regency Hotel. We are working with Sun International Sun Square and National Convention Bureau for an event in August 2020, the lead came from one of our meetings conducted at Meetings Africa. We have about 10 hot leads we will be working on to convert.

“Meetings Africa was better than last year.

The hosted buyers came with some really good leads. The engagement were productive which made the time allocated seemed short.

As a destination it is a must to be at the show.

Next year the plan is to bring products on the show. I was really impressed, the energy and atmosphere was pleasant and motivating.”

Michelle Bingham, sales manager of Sandton Convention Centre “We have been exhibiting since its inception 15 years ago. The benefit of this show is meeting buyers that are specifically interested in South Africa and Africa. Business prospects range from last minute corporate business via PCO and association conferences as far out as 2027.

The quality of buyers were impressive this year and left us with lots of good leads. The Sandton Convention Centre Stand estimated 60 meetings within the two event days and a lot of new interest from various countries not previously considering South Africa.”

12 Business Events Africa March 2020

Hosted buyer feedback Dr Moussa Dao, Action Contre le Begaiement (Support for People who Stutter) from Burkino Faso “It was a great experience for me to be a hosted buyer. From welcoming at the airport, the suitable accommodation, the BONDAY and the two days meetings, the Gauteng post tour and the great availability of the Meetings Africa organiser team, all were done to make my stay unforgettable.

The meetings with exhibitors and other participants was valuable for the important networking opportunities. It is definitely worth attending. Something has changed in me; I used to travel in other continents, but Meetings Africa changed my mind: there so many touristic places to visit in South Africa and other African countries.”

Dr Garth Brink, project manager of the South African Society of Travel Medicine “The South African Society of Travel Medicine’s attendance at Meetings Africa this year was the fifth occasion and each year the benefit that resulted exceeded

Exhibitors – Sustainability Village 16 vendors participated in this year’s Sustainability Village, which gives small business owners an opportunity to sell their goods to hosted buyers and visitors through vouchers, cash and credit card.

Nomaswazi Tinus, founder & director of African Mamas Crafts “African Mamas Crafts always looks forward to exhibiting at Meetings Africa – and this year was no exception. Listening to the comments made by the buyers and delegates, most of them were blown away by the concept of supporting local businesses and in turn buying authentic, local products and gifts using the gift voucher system. What was even better this year was that the registration

our expectations. To describe the impact, however, is difficult, for the opportunities that resulted from being there were far greater than we could have anticipated.

“We were able to forge relationships between our present suppliers and others that we felt would result in a mutually beneficial working relationship and to explore new venues and services for SASTM, thus developing new relationships – and this all under one roof.

“To have achieved what we did would have been absolutely impossible if this had been attempted on our own. We would not have had the time, nor the ability and financial resources, to meet face-to-face (and this is so important) over a two-day period.

Meetings Africa is invaluable – and each year surpasses the previous Meetings Africa!

Greg Tracz, chief executive officer of Diabetes Africa “Without a doubt, Meetings Africa has been an accelerator for our projects. The event was managed with great talent, professionalism and excellent communication by the organising team. With venues, professional conference organisers, convention bureaus and other partners coming from all over the continent, Meetings Africa is the place to be if you are planning an event in Africa.

We look forward to meeting our friends and colleagues again in future editions.”

stands were in the same location as the Village, so conference delegates knew we were there. There was more visibility and therefore also more traffic. The networking opportunities are always good, and we managed to secure some meetings with key stakeholders. Overall, we have received good exposure from being at the Sustainability Village at Meetings Africa 2020 and every year it just gets better.”

Fentse Mokale, founder and lead creative of Marabou Essentials “Meetings Africa not only provided sales but exposure for my business too. I met with companies that I will do work with in the future, one of which has already contacted me for a project that will happen next month.

I am very happy about the relationships that have been built, all the sales that happened as well as all the networking. I will be very happy to do it again next year.”

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Rutendo Ruth Marovatsanga

A rising culinary star When 27-year old Rutendo Ruth Marovatsanga won the coveted Young Star Chef of The Year Award at the One&Only Reaching for Young Stars project in December last year, little did she realise it was the start of what was to become the culinary adventure of a lifetime.

R

uru, as she is known amongst friends, family and colleagues, completed a diploma in hospitality management at The Private Hotel School in Stellenbosch, before flying off to Dubai to take up an intense mentorship experience at the One&Only The Palm and The One&Only The Mirage in Dubai, as part of her prize.

Her time in Dubai included a spell working in various restaurants under the wing of One&Only Royal Mirage’s executive chef, Laurent Thierry Eric Michel and One&Only The Palm’s executive chef, Patrice Schildowski, as well as culinary experience in 12 bars and restaurants, one of these being the three Michelin star restaurant, Stay by Chef Yannick Alléno.

Ruru barely had time to unpack her bags before she flew off to the US to take up a six month work experience opportunity at Winslow’s Tavern, a highly-rated restaurant situated in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

This top heritage restaurant, housed in a historic building, is run by South Africans, Chef Patron Phillip and Tracey Hunt.

Now she’s back in town. We caught up with her to find out about her time in the US, what she’s up to now, and her plans for the future.

Tell us briefly about your journey from The Private Hotel School to where you are now. All I can say is that it has been a memorable one! I can’t even believe it has been over two years since the day I first started at PHS. It really feels like yesterday, but it has been an amazing journey. When I think about some of the great life choices I have made so far, applying to study at The Private Hotel School stands out as one of them.

What was your time like in the US? It was exciting, interesting

and an invaluable experience. I worked www.businesseventsafrica.com

at Winslow’s Tavern as an intern, mostly in the garde manger section (a cool, well-ventilated area where cold dishes such as salads, hors d’œuvres, canapés, pâtés and terrines are prepared and other foods are stored under refrigeration).

Other than kitchen skills, I learnt a lot about different cultures, which made me develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. The restaurant had employees from countries such as Russia, France, Mexico, Croatia, Romania etc, with whom I interacted on a daily basis.

What did you learn at The Private Hotel School that proved invaluable while you were working in the US? Perseverance, perseverance, and

perseverance! There was no module for this during my studies, but everyday life at PHS taught me a skill that no module can equip you with – from the stressful event planning; to long hours in the school restaurant; and assignments that all fell on the same due date. The school’s curriculum is designed to make you work at the highest level under pressure. Believe me, after that you can face any challenge in the industry. It’s true what they say – diamonds are made under pressure! And I am proud to be one of PHS’s gems.

What are you up to now? I am currently completing my front of house internship at Reuben’s restaurant in Sandton. It’s a great opportunity to work for one of my role models.

What are your plans for 2020 and beyond? 2019 was a

great year, so 2020 cannot afford to be mediocre. This year I plan to diversify my knowledge in the front-of-house aspect of a restaurant, paying more attention to food and wine pairing. Now that I have gained sufficient experience and knowledge on the food aspect, it’s time to

also understand the wine and service side of a restaurant. Within the next few years, I want to be a restaurant manager who can roll up her sleeves when the commis chef doesn’t show up for duty, as well as a chef who can easily recommend a wine to pair with the food.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in the hospitality industry? The industry is passion

driven; don’t do it for any reason other than because you love what you do, and hospitality is what you want to do.

Name three things that are always in your fridge. Definitely a bottle or two of Sauvignon Blanc, as well as ham and milk.

What would be on the menu for your last meal? Medium-well wagyu ribeye.

What do you not eat? Mussels and tripe – the latter being a delicacy in my home.

If you could cook for five famous people dead or alive who would they be and what would you make? Being as daring individual I would to push myself to the limit and prepare Beef Wellington for Gordon Ramsey; southern fried chicken for Michelle and Barack Obama; something sweet, maybe a toffee pudding, for Jamie Oliver and chicken briyani for Alex Guarnaschelli who is the executive chef at New York City’s Butter restaurant.

Business Events Africa March 2020 13

INDUSTRY UPDATE | Coronavirus

South African Tourism supports measures to

combat COVID-19 E

ON P T S PO

EL

C N A C T DON’

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address to the nation on measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed that the tourism industry will play its role in effecting these measures.

Africa’s Travel INDABA postponed

T

he first measure is to postpone Africa’s Travel INDABA, which was scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 May 2020. This step supports Cabinet’s decision to encourage social distancing by prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people. Sisa Ntshona, chief executive officer of SA Tourism said, “We are in full support of the Minister’s decision and are duty bound to protect our nation and industry.”

South African Tourism, through its National Convention Bureau (NCB), will be contacting participating exhibitors about the postponement. Further, the organisation will consult with the broader industry on workable future dates for INDABA. The newly instituted travel bans on foreign nationals from high-risk countries, including the cancellation of visas, will have a profound impact on the tourism sector.

South African Tourism in conjunction with tourism industry stakeholders will collectively explore measures to ensure the sector’s recovery and to protect the sustainability and attractiveness of travel and tourism going forward.

14 Business Events Africa March 2020

“We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for our industry as the repercussions of the virus reverberate through the entire value chain. We should use this

opportunity to collaborate to find solutions beyond the current crisis, which will have long-term benefits for our country as a travel destination of choice,” Mr Ntshona said.

Coronavirus – it’s bigger than us all

O

n 15 March 2020, President Ramaphosa launched several aggressive measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 in South Africa, including a prohibition on all gatherings of more than 100 people.

In addition, while small gatherings are not prohibited, meeting organisers are required to take stringent measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus.

These prohibitions are particularly hard on the events industry, and it appears likely that they herald the start of a wide-scale shutdown of the events and entertainment sector. In response to these prohibitions, organised industry bodies are calling upon the South Africa

government to provide additional support for the event and entertainment sector.

During his address, President Ramaphosa undertook to introduce a comprehensive package of interventions to mitigate the expected impact of the coronavirus on our economy, and to consult with business, labour and other relevant institutions.

As organisations active in the events industry we pledge our support for these initiatives and offer our commitment to work with Government and all other stakeholders in addressing this crisis. We also undertake to collaborate with each other in finding solutions that serve our shared interests, as well as the broader communities in which we work.

Learning | Growth | collaboration

www.businesseventsafrica.com

INDUSTRY UPDATE | Coronavirus

Global “G3” Alliance of AIPC, ICCA and UFI aligns around “Our events are open for business” Campaign

A

IPC (The International Association of Convention Centres), ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association) and UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) are jointly backing and supporting the industry wide global campaign “This event is/our events are open for business”.

The campaign, initially launched on 4 March by UFI and SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) highlights the fact that, while numerous events around the world are being postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, many events are taking place successfully around the world.

“While our primary concern now is the health and safety of our staff

and customers we also need to keep in mind that the events we host will play a key part in driving the economic recovery to follow, and we are pleased to be collaborating in a campaign and an alliance that emphasises that point” said Aloysius Arlando, president of AIPC. “As part of the G3 Alliance, ICCA sees it as vital that, whilst COVID-19 is causing significant disruption, it is important that we highlight the fact that many events are taking place worldwide and delivering great outcomes for their stakeholders, often adapting their programmes to suit current circumstances. ICCA is very supportive of this campaign and collaboration is

more important than ever at this time,” said James Rees, ICCA President.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that, “in dealing with the global coronavirus outbreak, our greatest assets are facts, reason and solidarity. This is what the campaign is about, and this is what makes it great that we will work jointly on this as well,” said Mary Larkin, UFI president.

All three associations will continue to share the campaign information with the respective memberships. It is currently available on the campaign website www. supportingevents.org, on ICCA’s website www.iccaworld.org/covid-19/ and on the UFI website www.ufi.org/coronavirus.

UFI releases updated economic impact that COVID-19 is having on trade shows and exhibitions

U

FI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released on 20 March an updated global numbers that reflect the impact that trade show postponements and cancellations are having for both the exhibiting companies as well as for the trade show industry around the world.

Based on UFI data, the orders that exhibiting companies will not secure will add up to €134.2 billion globally, projecting to the end of the second quarter of 2020. This is an increase of almost 5 times the figure reported the previous week (€23 billion) which took into account cancellations only up to the end of the current quarter.

“Right now, the marketplaces that industries rely on to trade are closed around the world. This is unprecedented.

Mass closures of events in relation to COVID-19 have now also reached North and South America, meaning the entire global exhibitions and events industry is grinding to a halt”, said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director / chief executive officer.

Related to the exhibition industry, €81.6 billion of total economic output will not be generated by the end of Q2. Broken down into regions, the respective total economic impact that will not be generated is: • €21.8 billion and 378 000 FTE jobs for Asia/Pacific.

• €28.8 billion and 257 000 FTE jobs for Europe. www.businesseventsafrica.com

• € 29.2 billion and 320 000 FTE jobs for North America.

The backbone of the exhibitions industry are many micro and small enterprises, and the lack of business is putting these at immediate risk of bankruptcy. As the industry’s global trade association, UFI is working with many national associations to help secure government and regional support for the companies that are badly affected. From Hong Kong to Denmark, there have been several examples already of economic relief for our industry. “We call on every government to secure the future of our sector through imminent subsidy and credit programmes. Their investments now will pay off extremely well. We will build and operate the marketplaces and meeting places for all the sectors and industries to meet and do business after the pandemic – our industry provides the fastest of all fast tracks to any economic recovery”, says Hattendorf.

No stranger to adaptation, exhibition venues around the world are meanwhile offering their support to the respective health sectors. “Many of our members are supporting the emergency response to the crisis in their respective cities, building temporary shelters and installing beds in case local hospitals are unable to cope with demand. It is always humbling to see how our industry comes together in difficult times,” Mr Hattendorf said.

Africa Travel Week 2020 cancelled Reed Exhibitions Africa has confirmed that Africa Travel Week, which comprises of World Travel Market Africa and International Luxury Travel Market Africa, due to take place in April this year, has been cancelled following the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus around the world. The event will now take place again in 2021.

IMEX Frankfurt cancelled This year’s IMEX in Frankfurt, due to take place 12-14 May, has been cancelled. The organisers have released a statement: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and there are two overriding concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

“First is the uncertainty caused by the fact that the German health minister called for the ban on events with over 1 000 people. This announcement makes the probability of factors outside our control forcing us to cancel the show at the last minute much higher.

“Second, our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our exhibitors and partners, who fund the show – not only by purchasing stand space but also in the considerable additional investment they make in everything from the build of stunning stands to the hosting of buyer events.”

Business Events Africa March 2020 15

REPORT BACK | Meetings Africa 2020

Meetings Africa 2020 A premier African event Throughout Meetings Africa 2020, it was clear that the event has grown to become a truly Africawide platform that serves to benefit the business events and tourism industries not just in South Africa, but across the continent too.

M

eetings Africa 2020 took place from 25 to 26 February at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg and brought together stakeholders within the business events and tourism industries. The event was born 15 years ago in response to the global meetings industry’s growing recognition of Africa as a sought-after premier business events destination.

In his trade floor opening address, South African Tourism chief executive officer, Sisa Ntshona, said one of the key objectives of Meetings Africa is to encourage and stimulate the rotation of meetings on the continent. “It is a platform for the regional business events industry to engage in a bid to attract more global and regional business events to Africa.”

A clear sign that Meetings Africa is elevating business on the continent is

in its awarding the Uganda Convention Bureau the best medium-sized stand at the Green Stand Awards. It was the first time an establishment outside of South Africa had walked away with an award.

It was encouraging to find international buyers turning to the continent for new and innovative travel packages and that they recognised Meetings Africa as the best place to find them.

Business conversion greater than last year For the director of tourism at the City of Johannesburg, Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, this year’s Meetings Africa has brought in a higher conversion rate of business compared to 2019. “To me, you would rather have less [attendees] with high a level of business conducted.

To a large degree, there’s been a lot of business conducted and confirmed.”

Mr Mgudlwa said that Johannesburg has been playing catch-up to Cape Town as South Africa’s premier MICE destination.

But they now find themselves close behind the Mother City, having secured 5th spot in the 2018 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings.

However, he pointed out that the two cities do not compete with each other and instead are starting to collaborate.

This is because cities from other African countries have slowly creeped up the ICCA rankings, some of which overtook Johannesburg and Durban.

“There is something they are doing well in MICE. So together with Durban and Cape Town, we are collaborating instead of competing and joining efforts to secure more MICE activities.”

Additionally, the city is leveraging its partnership with Southern African Association for the Conferencing Industry and working towards a broader strategic partnership on MICE.

Quality of buyers is high Nonnie Kubeka, the Head of the Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau, said that the quality of buyers invited to this year’s Meetings Africa was high. “What was exciting with the buyers themselves is that they gave requests for proposals that are between 2024 and 2028. So we have to go back and work very hard to bring together all the information that they require for them to make a decision to bring their events to Gauteng.”

How to ensure Meetings Africa remains a success in the future At next year’s Meetings Africa, Ms Kubeka would like to see more buyers from the automotive, aviation and financial industries. “We saw a lot of medical, educational and research buyers this year. But I would like Meetings Africa to invite more from our priority sectors because those are the low-hanging fruits that we can convert to real business.”

South African Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane officially opened Meetings Africa 2020 by ringing the traditional bell.

Sisa Ntshona, chief executive officer of South African Tourism; Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubani and Ravi Nadasen, interim board chairperson of South African Tourism.

16 Business Events Africa March 2020

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REPORT BACK | Meetings Africa 2020

Seen at Meetings Africa 2020…

Refilwe Nchebisang and Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, CSIR ICC.

Comien Grobler, Spier and Angela Lorimer, Century City Conference Centre and Hotel.

Nitta Sukha, South Africa National Convention Bureau and Deirdre Caine-Van Staden, Sandton Convention Centre.

Corne Koch, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau; Sibulele Mbalo, City of Tshwane and Lerisha Mudaliar, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau.

Jonathan Vis, IBTM World and Derek Houston, Houston Travel Marketing Services.

Meetings Africa 2020 kicked-off with vibrant discussions between buyers and exhibitors at BONDay (Business Opportunities Networking Day) around building relationships and sharing ideas and how these can impact business events across the continent. Discussing the theme – Enhancing your business strategy to achieve competitive advantage were from left, Craig Newman, chief executive officer of Johannesburg Expo Centre; Sonia Thomas, director of operations of UFI; Kwakye Donkor, chief executive officer of Africa Tourism Partners (facilitator); Sumathi Ramanathan, the director of Destination Marketing for the 2020 Dubai Expo and Hugo Slimbrouck, director of strategic partnerships, Ovation DMC based in Belgium.

Chris Munyao from Business Events East Africa based in Rwanda, Crystal Events Africa and Site Africa president and Donald Djobo from AFRICA at myGO Worldwide, Cote d’Ivoire.

Minister Kganyago, CSIR ICC; Tes Proos, Crystal Events Africa and Jaques Fouche, Formative.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Rick Taylor, The Business Tourism Company; Daryl Keywood, Walthers DBS, Tes Proos, Crystal Events Africa and Peter-John Mitrovich, Grosvenor Tours.

Nina Pieters-Dirks, Extraordinary Events and Tours; Bradley Glenn and Sharon Da Silva, Inside Edge.

Natasha Mostert, Harties Boat Company and : Moledi Mantambo, North West Tourism Board.

Themba Khumalo, chief marketing officer SA Tourism; Nomzamo Bhengo, SAT board member; Siya Dube, SAT board member; Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau; Thebe Ikalafeng, SAT board member; Darryl Erasmus, chief quality assurance officer of Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and Zinhle Nzama, acting general manager of strategic events, SA Tourism.

Karmen Vladar, Nomonde Mashabela and Solly Gebashe, all from Lumi

Business Events Africa March 2020 17

REPORT BACK | Meetings Africa 2020

Boitumelo Longwe, Garona Communications & Projects; Kwakye Donkor, Africa Tourism Partners and LeeAnne Bac, BDO.

Agnes Ntombela, SAACI; Sadie Isaacs, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA.

Mmabatho Sikhakhane, South African Tourism and Alex Donaldson, IMEX Group.

Natalie Vergie, AV Stage Event Audio Visual and Glenton de Kock, SAACI.

From South African Tourism, from left: Sakhile Ndhlovu, Malehloa Snowie Potiane and Onalenna Mangope, Zinhle Nzama and Mmabatho Sikhakhane, South African Tourism.

Kwakye Donkor, Africa Tourism Partners; Jessica Nhleko, ANB Group and Miller Matola, Millvest

Bongiwe Nzeku from South Africa National Convention Bureau presenting at the South African Tourism stand during Meetings Africa.

Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, CSIR ICC and Rudi Van Der Vyver, EPH Productions.

18 Business Events Africa March 2020

Bjorn Hufkie and Verushka Rugbeer, South Africa National Convention Bureau.

Lindiwe Rakharebe and Irene Vallihu from Durban ICC.

Recreation Africa, Adele Forsyth and Amanda Ollson.

From Fancourt, Leroy Ferreira and Christianna Bolhuis

Jerry Mamabolo, Limpopo Tourism Agency and John Nare and Paul Shearer, Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort.

From Limpopo Tourism Agency, from left: Ndavhe Ramakuela, Ella Mabuza and Jerry Mamabolo.

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REPORT BACK | Meetings Africa 2020

Boitumelo Moleleki and Limpho Maputsoe, Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

Laura Vercueil , Johannesburg Tourism and Phelisa Mangcu, Ugu South Coast Tourism.

Taubie Motlhabane, Cape Town International Convention Centre; Thembi Kunene-Msimang, Tourvest IME; Sonto Ndlovu, Limpopo Tourism Agency and Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC.

Angela Lorimer, Century City Conference Centre and Hotel; Sunelle Hanekom, University of Stellenbosch Business and and Zandri Swartz, Century City Conference Centre and Hotel.

Nellie Swart, UNISA; Rendani Khorommbi, Johannesburg Convention Bureau and Lumka Dlomo, Johannesburg Tourism Company.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

The Event Greening Forum held their AGM during Meetings Africa. The new management committee members are: From left: Greg McManus (Heritage Environmental Management Company); Lynn McLeod (individual member), Glenton de Kock (SAACI), Lee Zama (Fedhasa), Morwesi Ramonyai (Borena Energy), Grace Stead (Steadfast Greening), Precious Nyoni (Ultimate Data Sciences), Justin Hawes (Scan Display), Nomaswazi Tinus (African Mama Crafts), Janet Landey (IFEA Africa), Louis Nel (Louis the Lawyer), Gavin Burgess (Ultimate Data Sciences) and Gary van der Watt (Resource Design).

Missing from the photo are: Neo Mohlatlole (7 Colors Communications), Ceri-Leigh Craig (Scan Display); Pippa Naude; Molebogeng Masote (AAXO); LeeAnn Alder (EXSA), Helen Brewer ( The MICE Academy), Tim Jones ( SACIA/TPSA) and Bernard Sebothoma ( SA Roadies).

Malcolm King, Contact Publications and Adriaan Liebetrau, Roodevalley Faircity Hotel.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company and Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company, Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Conventions & Events Bureau and Yoland Ruiters, Gauteng Tourism Authority.

Adriaan Liebetrau, Roodevalley Faircity Hotel; Samuel Nassimov and Mark Jakins, Premier Hotels & Resorts.

The Peermont group, from left: Front L to R: Eduardo Pinto Ferreira, Dave Milne, Bongani Sikhosana, Leigh-Anne Luus and Yugashnee Naicker.

Michelle Bingham, Sandton Convention Centre; Elmarie Swanepoel, Tsogo Sun Hotels and Daksha Vallabh, Sandton Convention Centre.

Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko KubayiNgubane getting her face painted at one of the stands on her walk around Meetings Africa 2020.

Lindelwa Isabelle, Tsogo Sun Hotels; Shaun Bird and Deirdre Caine-Van Staden, Sandton Convention Centre.

Business Events Africa March 2020 19

REPORT BACK | Meetings Africa 2020

Announcing the Meetings Africa 2020

Green Award winners

The annual Meetings Africa 2020 Green Stand and Green Hotel Awards seek to recognise the most sustainable exhibitors and partner hotels at this flagship event, in line with South African Tourism’s (SA Tourism) efforts to make the show a sustainable one.

T

he stands are judged against criteria developed by the Event Greening Forum, a non-profit organisation promoting sustainable event practices, and includes assessing the stand design, materials, operations, transport, communication, beyond green efforts (such as social impact) and innovative solutions.

All exhibitors are automatically entered into the judging of the Green Stand Awards, and can improve their chances of winning this coveted title by submitting a written motivation explaining why their stand is green.

The assessment for these awards includes whether the exhibitors can demonstrate knowledge about greening principles and the practical implementation of these in their stand.

The panel of judges included professionals with event and greening experience, as well as an independent moderator.

20 Business Events Africa March 2020

In the small stand category, the 2020 winner is the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and the runner up is ONOMO Hotels. Both have re-used their stands over a few years and offered guests digital collateral rather than printed brochures. The CTICC also recycled previous banners into gift bags for stand visitors.

The winner for the medium size stand category is the Uganda Convention Bureau and the runner up is the forum.

Both stands used untreated wood and re-usable tension stretch fabric in the stand construction. The Uganda Convention Bureau also opted to use potted plants instead of cut flowers.

For the large stand category, the winner is Century City Conference Centre and Hotel and the runner up is Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau (WESGRO). The WESGRO stand is fully built with Xanita Board, an

eco-friendly material, while Century City have repurposed materials from Meetings Africa stands for the last five years. They also store the stand in Johannesburg to eliminate the need to transport it between shows.

Grace Stead, a sustainability consultant and one of the Green Stand Award judges, said, “It was great to see so many African exhibitors stepping up to the challenge this year, in terms of greening their stands. This made the judging process highly competitive.�

Every year, SA Tourism hosts buyers from around the world to attend Meetings Africa. Sustainability is one of the factors considered when selecting partner hotels to accommodate their guests. The Green Hotel Award recognises the hotels that best embrace sustainability principles. The 2020 winner is The Maslow Hotel and the runner up is the Sandton Sun Hotel. www.businesseventsafrica.com

REPORT BACK | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019

Exhibition Industry Awards’ winners announced

The prestigious ROAR Awards in conjunction with EXSA’s EXSA-LLENCE Awards were held on Friday 31 January at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, under the umbrella of the Exhibition Industry Awards. The theme this year was James Bond and many people turned up in their finest, some copying the suave Mr Bond and his array of Bond girls, whilst others thought being a villain was far more exciting.

D

oug Rix, chairperson of ROAR awards are aimed at recognising EXSA, thanked the many and acknowledging merit in exhibition sponsors and individuals that organisation, exhibitor participation worked behind the scenes as well as and service excellence. This annual the industry for coming together to exhibition industry gathering has become celebrate the successes of 2019. renowned for the opportunities it offers “The EXSA-LLENCE Awards are seen for association members to network, as a highlight of each year and provide celebrate their successes and revel in recognition to companies and individuals the recognition of their awards, and that push themselves to achieve and raise the bar for the year ahead.” deliver quality products and services so as A big thank you to all judges for taking to further enhance our industry.” time out of their busy schedules to Projeni Pather, chairperson go through the submissions Congratulations of AAXO, said: “The AAXO and judge them. to all those who entered the awards and stood proud of their efforts in 2019! The industry salutes you, celebrates your success and will continually support you in your efforts for excellence.

Sponsors The stellar cast of sponsors for the evening were integral to the evening’s success. The 007 theme was brought to life by the magnificent décor sponsored

by Unlimited Events and the impressive audio visual and staging sponsored by Brandex and EPH. Hosting it all was the Gallagher Convention Centre with the impeccable service of their exceptional teams and the delicious menu prepared by their catering team.

In keeping with the theme, the team at Barmotion ensured that guests were welcomed with cocktails on arrival and cappuccinos to wind down.

Scan Display’s sponsored menu and programme table cards kept everyone on track and comedian, Donavan Goliath, the MC for the evening, sponsored by ExpoGuys, certainly kept up the momentum of the evening with his sharp wit and on point comedy.

Everyone dressed the part in their best 007 attire and arrived on a mission with the ‘licence to win’.

With over 370 guests in attendance, having registered on the EXBO reservation system, and welcomed by registration staff sponsored by Provantage Proactive Staffing, the Exhibition Industry Awards was a perfect gathering of the industry to celebrate the best of the best in 2019.

The entire evening was expertly captured on video and photo by the artful skills of the team sponsored by Orange Orbit, with winners’ priceless moments captured against the logo wall and registration desks sponsored by GL events.

We were all kept safe and sound by the team sponsored by Lodge Security.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa March 2020 21

REPORT BACK | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019

The AAXO 2019 ROAR Awards Exhibition winners are…

2019 Best Exhibition of the Year: World Travel Market Africa

Best Trade Exhibition 6 001-12 000 m2: World Travel

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition under 6 000 m2:

by Reed Exhibitions

Market by Reed Exhibitions

Venue: CTICC. Stand builder: Expo Guys.

Security: Lodge Security.

Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting.

Cleaning: CTICC. Registration: EAS, UK. AV: Brandex and InHouse Venue Management (CTICC).

Venue: CTICC Stand builder: Expo Guys Security: Lodge Security Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting Cleaning: CTICC Registration: EAS, UK. AV: Brandex & InHouse Venue Management (CTICC).

Design Joburg by Media 10

Best Trade Exhibition under 6 000 m2: Africa Ports and Rail Evolution by dmg events

Best Consumer Exhibition 6 001-12 000 m2: MamaMagic Baby Expo Johannesburg Winter

by Exposure Marketing

Venue: Durban ICC Stand builder: GL events Security: Lodge security Logistics: DB Schenker Cleaning: Bidvest Prestige outsourced by Durban ICC Registration: Green Exhibitions AV: Gearhouse SA

Venue: Ticketpro Dome Stand builder: Expo Solutions Security: Lodge Security Cleaning: Dr Clean Ticketing: Ticketpro AV: Brandex

Best Trade Exhibition over Best Consumer Exhibition 12 000 m2: Africa Utility Week and over 12 000 m2: ComicCon Africa

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Stand builder: GL events Security: Stable Management Group Logistics: Inhouse Exhibitions & Logistics Cleaning: ZF Cleaning Ticketing: Webtickets AV: Brandex

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition 6 001-12 000 m2: FIBO Global Fitness Africa

by Reed Exhibitions Stand builder: Scan Display Security: African Show Services Logistics & Cleaning: Dr Clean Registration Company: Webtickets Venue: Ticketpro Dome AV: Brandex

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition over 12 000 m2:

Powergen Africa by Clarion Events

by Reed Exhibitions

Decorex Joburg by Reed Exhibitions

Venue: CTICC. Stand builder: GL events.

Security: Event Solutions.

Logistics: Exhibition Freighting.

Cleaning: CTICC. Registration: Gearhouse SA. AV: Gearhouse SA.

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre Stand builder: ExpoGuys Security: African Show Services & Seriti Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting Cleaning: ZF Cleaning Ticketing: Computicket AV: MGG & Huski

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre Stand builder: ExpoGuys Security: Lodge Security Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting Cleaning: ZF Cleaning Ticketing: Computicket AV: Brandex

aaxo@aaxo.co.za | www.aaxo.co.za | 011 465 8955 22 Business Events Africa March 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

REPORT BACK | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019

Best Table Top Exhibition: International Luxury Travel Market

by Reed Exhibitions Venue: Moyo, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town Stand builder: Expo Guys Security: Lodge Security Logistics: Larouxnelle Logistics & Consulting Cleaning: Moyo Kirstenbosch & Botanical Gardens Registration: EAS, UK AV: Brandex

2019 Best Exhibition of the Year: World Travel Market Africa by Reed Exhibitions.

Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition under 6 000 m2: Design Joburg by Media 10.

Best Table Top Exhibition: International Luxury Travel Market by Reed Exhibitions.

Best Africa Bound Exhibition: Electra Mining Botswana by Specialised Exhibitions.

Best Social Media Campaign: ComicCon Africa by Reed Exhibitions.

Best industry member venue: Ticketpro Dome.

Best Africa Bound Exhibition: Electra Mining Botswana

by Specialised Exhibitions Venue: Fairgrounds Holding, Gaborone, Botswana Stand builder: Fair Grounds / GL events Security: G4S Logistics: In-House Logistics Cleaning: Fair grounds Holding Registration: TIS AV: AV Worx

Best Social Media Campaign: ComicCon Africa by Reed Exhibitions

Best industry member venue: Ticketpro Dome The silent auction which ran on the sponsored app by Necta raised a total of R13 690 the generous items donated by sponsors for the newly launched Industry Education Outreach Fund. This fund will provide grants to individuals who cannot afford to pay for the AAXO training programmes.

E: info@exsa.co.za T: +27 10 300 7907 www.exsa.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa March 2020 23

The winners of EXSA’s EXSA-LLENCE awards are…

External stands of any size Interoll stand at Propak 2019 by Concept G.

External stands of any size Finalist • FAW stand at Automechanika 2019 by Concept G.

• Iso Clear stand at SASCRS 2019 by Concept G. • McCormick Exemplar stand at SACSC 2019 by SSQ. • Siemens Healthineers stand at SA Heart 2019 by Concept G. • Zimmer Biomet stand at Trauma 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

Joint winners • Janssen stand at Biological 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

• Kirion stand at ICE 2019

by Brilliant Branding.

Winner

Custom-built stands of 25-50 m²

• Interoll stand at Propak 2019 by Concept G.

Finalists

Custom-built stands of 12m and under Finalists • Adcock Ingram stand at ALLSA 2019 by The Exhibitionist.

• Adcock Ingram stand at CNS 2019 by The Exhibitionist.

• Aspen stand at IAP Congress 2019 by BluCube.

• BluCube stand at MADEX 2019 by BluCube.

• CCCC stand at Meetings Africa 2019 by Concept G. • GTA stand at Meetings Africa 2019 by BluCube.

• Oracle stand at My Business Expo 2019 by BluCube.

• ZIMMER BIOMET stand at SAOA 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

Winner • IFM stand at Africa Automation 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

Custom-built stands of 51100 m²

Joint winners • Investec stand at BATSETA 2019 by The Exhibitionist.

• Siemens Healthineers stand at SASUOG 2019 by Concept G. • Siemens Healthineers stand at SMLTSA 2019 by Concept G.

Finalists

• Caesarstone stand at Decorex 2019 by SMARTBUILD.

Custom-built stands of 101-200 m² Joint winners • PRASA stand at Africa Rail 2019 by Compex.

• SA Tourism stand at Tourism Indaba 2019 by BluCube.

Custom-built stands of 201 m² and over Finalists • Lap of Luxury stand at Tourism Indaba 2019 by BluCube.

• Powerstar stand at Automechanika 2019 by Compex.

Winner • SA Tourism stand at ITB Berlin 2019 by BluCube.

Pavilion stands of any size Finalists • DTI Pavilion at Africa Oil Week 2019 by GL events.

• German Pavilion at Africa Health 2019 by Concept G.

Winner • IDC Pavilion at RSA Investment 2019 by GL events.

Custom-built stands of 13-24 m²

• Alpha Pharm stand at SAPHEX 2019 by Concept G. • Liquid Telecom stand at AfricaCom 2019 by Scan Display.

• Universal Health stand at BHF 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

Finalists

Joint winners

Winner

• Aberdare Cables stand at AMEU 2019 by SSQ.

• Aberdare Cables stand at AUW 2019 by SSQ.

• VW stand at NAMPO 2019 by GL events.

This year EXSA inducted three individuals into the Hall of Fame. These individuals have given back to industry for 10 years or more and have always gone the extra mile to uphold EXSA’s ethical code.

Patrick Croning, Expo Guys

24 Business Events Africa March 2020

Finalist • Everstar stand at NAMPO 2019 by Compex.

Chairman’s Award

Exsa Hall Of Fame

Jacqui Nel, Exhibition Freighting G.S.M.

Outdoor stands of any size

Brad Alder, Octanorm

Every year there a few people that stand out for doing more than is expected and support EXSA over and above the necessary. This year Doug Rix, chairman of EXSA’s Board chose to thank and award the following two people for everything they have done:

Justin Hawes, Scan Display

Chad Botha, Inspire Furniture Rental

www.businesseventsafrica.com

REPORT BACK | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019

Best over all design stand This award goes to the highest scoring stand of all finalists in any type or size category and is a fantastic example of design stand EXSA-LLENCE.

Winner: Caesarstone stand at Decorex 2019 by SMARTBUILD Custom-built stands of 12m and under Joint winners Investec stand at BATSETA 2019 by The Exhibitionist.

Custom-built stands of 12m and under Siemens Healthineers stand at SASUOG 2019

by Concept G and Siemens Healthineers stand at SMLTSA 2019 by Concept G.

Custom-built stands of 13-24 m² Joint winners: Janssen stand at Biological 2019 by Brilliant Branding and Kirion stand at ICE 2019 by Brilliant Branding.

Custom-built stands of 51-100 m² Joint winners: Aberdare Cables stand at AUW 2019 by SSQ and Caesarstone stand at Decorex 2019 by SMARTBUILD.

Custom-built stands of 101-200 m² Joint winners: PRASA stand at Africa Rail 2019 by Compex.

Custom-built stands of 201 m² and over Winner: SA Tourism stand at ITB Berlin 2019 by BluCube.

Pavilion stands of any size Winner: IDC Pavilion at RSA Investment 2019 by GL events.

Outdoor stands of any size Winner: VW stand at NAMPO 2019 by GL events.

Farrah Benfield, a senior designer at Brilliant Branding, created the Caesarstone exhibition stand for Decorex 2019 “Caesarstone wanted to make a bold statement at Decorex 2019. Our aim was to create a stand design that would grab the attention and curiosity of anyone visiting the show.

The fact is a good design is not only beautiful, it is also clever in its functionality. Ceasarstone wanted visitors to the stand to be able to simply and effectively acquire information about the product. We achieved this by creating an open space with good flow and four stations, all offering access to information. Samples were clearly and neatly displayed at all these stations.

Touch screen visualisers allowed visitors to apply their Caesarstone colour choice into a virtual setting to help them with their decision making process.

I am proud of this design because it was not inspired by other designs on Pinterest or EuroShop, but it was inspired by the product and brand itself and developed organically into the end solution that best served the client in achieving their goals for the Decorex show. This was our first priority.

“Being awarded the “best overall design stand of 2019” is something that we are enormously proud of. To be acknowledged by our own industry means a lot. Every day we strive for excellence in what we do so we are deeply satisfied knowing that our intentions are producing the results we aim for. 2020 is a new year and we will keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in exhibition design.”

Exhibition Design & Construction www.theexhibitionist.co.za

Tel: 087 55 11 555

Printing, Laser & CNC www.powerhouseplc.co.za

Interior Design & Architecture www.powerhouseplc.co.za

Flatbed Printer

Laser Cutter & Engraver

Email: sales@theexhibitionist.co.za sales@yourseventfully.co.za sales@powerhouse.co.za sales@showstopper.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Event Decor & Styling www.yourseventfully.co.za

Digital Cutter

Roll to Roll Printer

Mimaki CJV 150-160

CNC Router

Business Events Africa March 2020 25

WINNER SPOTLIGHT | Exhibition Industry Awards 2019

Reed Exhibitions

An award-winning organiser Reed Exhibitions Africa is an award-winning member of AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers) and walked away with various awards for their events at AAXO’s ROAR Awards, which is held annually alongside EXSA’s (Exhibition Association of Southern Africa) EXSA-LLENCE Awards.

T

he ROAR Awards are aimed at acknowledging and recognising excellence in exhibition organisation. Entries were judged on their successful exhibition execution incorporating marketing, public relations, operations and activations.

Reed Exhibitions’ show portfolio won a record number of awards: • World Travel Market Africa won the 2019 Best Exhibition of the Year.

• Decorex Johannesburg won the Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition over 12 000 sqm.

• FIBO received the award for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition in the 6 001 – 12 000 sqm category.

• World Travel Market Africa received the award for Best Trade Exhibition in the 6 001 – 12 000 sqm category.

26 Business Events Africa March 2020

• International Travel Luxury Market received the award for Best Table Top Exhibition.

• Comic Con Africa won Best Consumer Exhibition over 12 000 sqm.

• Comic Con Africa won Best Social Media Campaign.

• The Ticketpro Dome, managed by Reed Exhibitions, won Best Venue.

• SmartBuild won Best Stand Overall for the Caeserstone stand built at Decorex Johannesburg.

Reed Exhibitions also walked away with five Distinctions in Marketing for Decorex Cape Town, Decorex Johannesburg, World Travel Market Africa, International Luxury Travel Market and ComicCon Africa.

Distinctions in social media were awarded to organisers that scored more than 80 per cent for their social media campaigns during the judging

process and Reed Exhibitions received these for FIBO South Africa and 100% Design at Decorex Johannesburg.

Reed Exhibitions also received two Distinctions in Operations and Logistics for FIBO South Africa and Fire & Feast Food Festival.

Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions Africa, said: “Reed Exhibitions Africa is committed in providing world class platforms to facilitate trade and investment in the various industries in which we serve.

Our business is a people’s business and I could not be more proud of my team who have worked so hard and are so committed in everything they do. They deserve these accolades.”

The Best Exhibition Overall was won

by Reed Exhibitions’ World Travel Market Africa Team.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

aaxo

A S S O C I AT I O N O F AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

VENUE NEWS

The CTICC

One of Africa’s most flexible and functional venue spaces For almost 17 years, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has been a leading world-class venue host offering state of the art facilities, with the ability to accommodate a diverse schedule of conferences, exhibitions, meetings, galas and concerts.

T

he CTICC has a reputation for excellence, and is a leading venue in Africa. This, complimented by the centre’s location in one of the world most coveted tourism destinations, Cape Town, makes it the venue of choice for both local and international clients.

The centre’s expanded complex can seamlessly host a variety of events concurrently, and has enabled clients to grow their events. The conferencing and hosting venue’s adaptability allows it to host smaller gatherings of 10 people to concerts with over 37 000 in attendance.

2020 Cape Premier Yearling Sale A significant event on the CTICC calendar was South Africa’s leading thoroughbred auction, the 2020 Cape Premier Yearling Sale. The event saw over 200 thoroughbreds auctioned with total sales of over R56 million.

CTICC 1’s exhibition halls were transformed into stables to house South Africa’s top yearlings, who received

28 Business Events Africa March 2020

24/7 care by over 150 groomsmen, tasked to look after the race horses.

This event is the only major yearling sale held in a convention centre in the city, and another demonstration of how the CTICC innovates and pushes boundaries in order to create memorable experiences.

Africa Mining Indaba From stables to mining, the CTICC transitioned the centre’s exhibition halls to host the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba. The Indaba saw delegates and exhibitors descend on the conference centre, making full use of various meeting, conferencing, exhibition and auditoria spaces to connect, collaborate, share ideas, knowledge and products.

Flexibility for all events The shows highlighted above are the perfect examples of how the venue’s flexibility can be utilised for a variety of events. The CTICC is the ideal venue choice, who’s offerings include a 2 000 m² ballroom seating 1 300 guests

banquet-style, or 1 500 for cocktail functions to modern raked auditoria accommodating 1 516 in Auditorium 1 or 612 in Auditorium 2, among others.

The 70 m Skybridge links CTICC 1 and CTICC 2, ensuring delegates experience a seamless event, which can utilise the complex’s full suite of venues.

In addition, the conservatories are perfect for smaller launches, while the vast exhibition halls with 11 399 m² column-free exhibition space in CTICC 1 and 10 000 m² multipurpose conference and exhibition space in CTICC 2. This includes almost 3 000 m² of formal and informal meeting venues.

The centre’s flexibility enhances its position as a premier events hosting venue in Africa, an integral attribute that enables the CTICC to attract events from across the globe in various catalytic sectors.

These events in turn allow the CTICC to positively impact South Africa through contributing to job creation and economic growth.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

THE FINE ART OF

CONFERENCING Designed to connect businesses and people, the CTICC offers flexible floor space of over 140 000m2, encapsulated within its mirror-like glass façade. In addition, this architectural masterpiece is ideally located in the heart of Cape Town, one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Discover endless possibilities with a curated event experience complemented by scenic views of Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Rest assured that Africa’s premier multi-purpose, sustainably conscious conferencing centre is the venue to take your event from the abstract to the surreal.

Call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit cticc.co.za

VENUE NEWS

Premier Splendid Inn Now officially open for business Premier Hotels have added Bloemfontein as their latest major city in South Africa to their portfolio. Premier Splendid Inn, located in Zastron Street amidst historical landmarks and all major buildings in the city, is now officially open for business.

F

ormerly the old Stanville Inn hotel site location, the property had a R95-million refurbishment programme. The hotel offers five floors and a state-of-the-art conference facility, with modern accommodation in line with the demands of the growing city, within walking distance from the main government buildings, Mimosa Mall,

City Hall and local municipal offices, and hospitals. The 88 rooms, comprising 20 double rooms, 50 twin, 13 king, three executive and two disabled bedrooms, are complimented by a stylish restaurant, reception and lobby/lounge area – as well as the new rooftop conference centre overlooking the iconic Naval Hill and sports stadium which can accommodate up to 150 people.

The Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein offers dinner, bed and breakfast with a breakfast buffet and a la carte menu, room service, banqueting venues, a shuttle service to and from the airport and laundry services. The open plan kitchen, located behind a buffet area, offers a vibrant and interactive cooking experience. The menu provides options including Durban-style lamb curry, vegetarian, chicken or beef gourmet

burgers, mixed grill and pasta dishes, as well as Halaal-friendly meals. A specialised coffee selection accompanies a cocktail menu to complete the dining experience.

The hotel chain founder and managing director, Samuel Nassimov, said: “Our long-term plan is to increase our presence in all key cities across South Africa and this is another great step in that direction for the Premier Hotel Group.”

The Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein is now open to locals, tourists and business people alike.

Due to the current worldwide COVID-19 health crisis, the Premier Hotel Group has taken extraordinary precautions in offering guests, visitors and staff advanced health and cleanliness protocols, as recommended by World Health Organisation.

Meet the Premier Way

Premier Hotels and Resorts offers a wonderful collection, and new properties, in fantastic locations throughout South Africa - and is renowned for excellent service and hygiene standards, warm hospitality and kind staff.

Book your conference at any Premier Hotel or Resort and be spoilt with special rates, great value-for-money and a customised menu of your favourite homemade meals to enjoy with lunch and tea/coffee breaks.

W W W. P R E M I E R H O T E L S . C O . Z A | 0 8 6 1 1 1 5 5 5 5 | I N F O @ P R E M I E R H O T E L S . C O . Z A W W W . F A I R C I T Y. C O . Z A | 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 4 9 5 Eastern Cape: East London | Free State: Bloemfontein | Gauteng: Johannesburg, Sandton, OR Tambo, Midrand, Pretoria KZN: Drakensberg, Durban, Himeville, Port Edward, Richards Bay, Scottburgh (under renovation) | Mpumalanga: White River | Western Cape: Cape Town, Knysna

VENUE NEWS

New age conferencing at

Breakwater Conference Centre Lying at the heart of the new, state-of-the-art Breakwater Conference Centre in the V&A Waterfront is a space that blends the latest academic research with the complex history of our nation.

L

ocated at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), the R100-million conference centre provides a multipurpose venue to accommodate a wide range of local and international events.

The recently opened Breakwater Conference Centre stands on the former site of the Breakwater Prison, which was built to house British convicts working on the breakwater and became the first prison in South Africa to racially segregate black and white convicts. Once a place of oppression and suffering, the Breakwater Conference Centre in the V&A Waterfront now represents a space of learning, collaboration and a meeting place for great minds.

The multifunctional, four-level building offers flexible spaces and facilities for between 750 and 900 people, including a 250-seater auditorium. The auditorium has acoustic walls and ceiling, as well as back-of-house and kitchen facilities.

Ground and first-floor conference venues can each accommodate 150 delegates or can be converted into smaller venues. There is also a deli-café on the ground floor, and venues, meeting and breakaway rooms on these floors also have kitchen and back-of-house facilities for seamless catering during events.

For the perfect place to un-wind after a successful event there is a bar and venue on the top floor which opens onto a wrap-around terrace with views of the Cape Town Stadium, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), and Table Mountain.

The development boasts a Green Star four-star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. Some of the sustainability features include a www.businesseventsafrica.com

building management system to actively control the effectiveness of building services, LED lighting, metered taps, waterless urinals, grey-water treatment, motion-sensor activated lighting and the supply of quality external air.

The building is flooded with natural light through expansive glass windows, and a structural steel staircase forms a central feature throughout the building.

Some of the building’s original material has been salvaged and refurbished, such as the 130-year-old steel trusses which

form an outdoor breakout space.

Danny Bryer, area director, sales and marketing, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Middle East and Africa, said: “This renewed space offers not only a glimpse into Cape Town’s past, but also a view of the future which can be created through thought, leadership and innovation. The conference centre creates a home for the world’s future leaders to create a new world, in a space that provides homage to the history that has shaped our nation.”

Business Events Africa March 2020 31

INCENTIVE DESTINATION FEATURE | Mozambique

Make Mozambique your go-to for millennial staff With more than 16 years in the MICE business, Dana Tours said Mozambique is becoming even more suitable for the ‘new and now’ Millennial generation.

It’s more accessible than you think

Lost on which incentive travel destination will motivate your millennial staff the most? Look no further than Mozambique.

W

ith millennials calculated to make up half of the global workforce by next year, as predicted by global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group, designing incentive travel programmes for the market’s evolving preferences is a smart strategy for any business.

“If you are at the helm of planning an annual meeting, a team build or the leisure and business segment of a ‘bleisure’ trip, Mozambique ticks all of the right boxes and is ‘millennial-friendly,” said Natalie Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana Tours based in Mozambique.

“Offering a suitable and fast-developing infrastructure that’s supportive of business travel, Mozambique is also a marine and wilderness wonderland, brimming with meaningful travel experiences.”

With a preference for experiences over things, this is precisely what Millennials want when they travel (see Eventbrite’s 2017 Millennial study).

“From the ebb and flow of the culture-rich capital, Maputo, to the shimmering beaches of Pemba and Bazaruto, delegates and dynamic sales teams can take hold of an opportunity to try something new, step out their comfort zone and truly connect with those around them,” Ms Tenzer-Silva said.

32 Business Events Africa March 2020

It is time to dispel the rumours that Mozambique is hard to get to and even harder to travel in, says Ms TenzerSilva. “It’s visa-free for South African passport holders, with Vilankulo just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg.

To and from Maputo, it’s only one.”

Shuttle and boat transfers will whisk Millennial staff to any part of the country.

But, if that sounds like too much hard work or more than you budgeted, Ms Tenzer-Silva suggests staying in the capital.

“Maputo is right on the coast and, within a three-to-four-hour scenic drive, Millennials will be wiggling their toes in the powdery white sand and gazing out over the Indian Ocean.”

Based in Maputo, Ms Tenzer-Silva and her team speak Portuguese and are on hand to assist visitors with allinclusive services, such as air charters, accommodation, orientation sightseeing, and tailor-made transport services.

It’s everything they could want Mozambique is bursting with activities for millennial teambuilding. They can swim, scuba, snorkel, sail and paddle to their hearts content before flopping on the beach for a dose of sunshine and chillout time. “It’s almost as if Mozambique was made for a true digital detox,” Ms Tenzer-Silva said.

When planning a trip for your company’s millennial staff, she suggests heightening the local focus and upping the level of engagement around food and beverage.

“Apart from our beaches, in Mozambique, these elements are the real winner.”

Dana has developed new local experiences for 2019 that specifically encourage immersive incentive travel. The Maputo Art and

Culture Tour is ideal for culture-vultures, while the Flavours of Mozambique Food Tour highlights traditional street food, such as Badjia (fried bean dumplings), Matoritor (a coconut sweet), and, of course, that fiery Piri Piri.

Incentive travel with a purpose According to Trekksofts 2019 Travel Trends Report, the UNWTO believes 73 per cent of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainability compared to 51 per cent of baby boomers.

“Ecotourism, a segment of sustainable tourism, has become pivotal for engaging this generation who have a deep interest in their natural environment,” says Ms TenzerSilva. “In Mozambique, it’s easy to tailormake once-in-a-lifetime experiences that focus on contributing to and encouraging impactful conservation principles.

“Many of the lodges and resorts we work with and support, place a high value on marine and wilderness sustainability, and we can steer you in the right direction to meaningful experiences to inspire millennial staff,” she said.

While it is easy to think that Mozambique is all about beach destinations, Gorongosa National Park offers a unique safari experience where visitors become a part of its restoration project. “Gorongosa epitomises what a true conservation comeback really looks like,” Ms Tenzer-Silva, added “and its places like these that can prove highly appealing to millennial staff.”

Ultimately, concluded Ms TenzerSilva, the goal of an incentive travel programme is to motivate, recognise and reward workers. “Millennials, however, also want to be engaged, and creating incentive travel opportunities to exciting destinations can prove a smart and sustainable strategy for retaining young talent among your workforce.”

Who is Natalie Tenzer-Silva?

Natalie Tenzer-Silva was born in South Africa and moved to Mozambique in the early 90s where she learned Portuguese.

Natalie has worked in the tourism industry since 1994, first managing a large travel agency and then becoming Mozambique’s largest inbound tour operator.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

EGF message of support for the events industry On Sunday 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in South Africa a national disaster. Doing so has enabled Government to launch a coordinated disaster management plan.

S

ome of the steps in the plan will have a severe and adverse effect on the events industry. For example: • Gatherings of more than 100 people have been prohibited.

• Smaller, unavoidable gatherings may continue, but the organisers will need to put in place stringent measures of prevention and control.

• A number of travel restrictions are now in place, which will reduce the number of people able to attend an event.

At the same time, social distancing will likely discourage event attendance even when it is possible.

Greg McManus, chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF) NPO, said, “Our sector is facing a very challenging period ahead. However we fully support the South African Government in taking this step, to better protect the health and wellbeing of our people.”

He added: “Fortunately, as an industry and as individuals we have proven out strength under pressure and are able to stay calm in the face of stressful events.

These traits are going to serve us well in the coming months as we figure out how best to mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus disease, and how to prepare ourselves to rebuild a more sustainable and robust industry.”

Various industry bodies are gathering data on the impact COVID-19 is having on their sectors, as accurate www.businesseventsafrica.com

information will help them to create realistic plans for ‘what next’. The EGF encourages everyone to share their business experiences, where relevant: • SAACI has a 5-7 minute survey on how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your business, whether you are an event organiser, industry supplier or venue: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/r7Chcj • SATSA has a survey for the tourism service providers who have received cancellations: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/6BDXCJJ • UFI and Explori have a survey for event organisers who have recently cancelled, postponed or gone virtual with their event: please contact research@ufi.org or bespoke@explori. com if you would like to participate Mr McManus also notes that many of the professionals operating in the exhibitions and meetings sectors are likely to have been in contact with people travelling from the outbreak hot-spots as identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He says, “I would encourage anyone who believes they could have come into contact with people travelling from these areas to keep track of everyone they have come into contact with recently. This way, in the unlikely event that the coronavirus disease has been transmitted, the circle of contacts can be quickly and easily isolated.”

Lastly, the EGF urges everyone to consult reputable sources when gathering and

sharing information on COVID-19, in order to prevent misinformation and confusion. Examples of these include the South African Department of Health’s website: sacoronavirus.co.za and the WHO: www.who.int.

EGF 2020 Conference cancelled The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is regretfully cancelling its 2020 Master Class and Conference, which were due to take place from 8-9 July at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.

The decision was made in light of the recent coronavirus disease outbreak, and the government’s subsequent restrictions placed on events in order to protect the public’s health and safety.

“While it is hoped that we will quickly control the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa, and ‘flatten the curve’, the EGF recognises that our members’ businesses will be heavily impacted. We would like to give them time and space to regroup and rebuild, and hopefully comer back stronger,” said Greg McManus, the EGF chairperson. “When they do, we will be ready to offer our support and services once again.”

The EGF will investigate holding a series of regional workshops once the situation allows, and its annual Master Class and Conference will return in 2021.

Business Events Africa March 2020 33

SAACI NEWS

Welcome the unknown

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

As the world around us continues to change and the business environment becomes increasingly challenging, we absolutely have no choice but to adapt to the times if we want our businesses to survive.

I

n four months from now we will host the 2020 SAACI annual congress in Johannesburg. Themed ‘Welcome the Unknown’, this congress may just be what any delegate is looking for to approach the future with knowledge, vigour and confidence.

Our local organising committee is hard at work to secure top speakers to address cutting-edge topics that are relevant to everyone in the business events sector.

We believe it’s time for a deep dive into what’s new, what’s next and what matters in the business events industry.

Our studio themed ‘Audience Engagement’ will be explored in-depth. How about including some people from your target markets in your event planning process? Delegates, especially millennials, want to feel that our marketing does not just target a delegate number but what is being offered is worth their investment

of money and time. These sessions will focus on identifying and attracting the right audience to your events by serving them in relevant and engaging ways.

The studio themed ‘Stop planning meetings, start designing experiences’ is the current-day cry from across the spectrum of delegates.

Engage them before the event, get their emotions going with compelling visuals and tell them stories.

Link them in themed experience rooms where they can network.

Give them robust, interactive and engaging sessions that they can share afterwards and keep exploring together. And then introduce the tech-driven innovations.

We are not forgetting the importance of a balanced lifestyle and there will be good advice on cleaning our proverbial mental windshield.

Find out about the free antidepressant that has no side effects – its brand name is Nature.

Other congress studios will include event strategy and leadership.

In the studio ‘The business of events’, the focus will be on effective cost-saving sustainability, contract negotiations and strategies for developing the board of the future for your organisation.

Can you miss this? Do not delay. Go to www. saacicongress.org to register and welcome the unknown!

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.

Visit our online community: www.saaci.org www.saacicongress.org www.saaci-academy.org

+27(0)11 880 5883 info@saaci.org Learning | Growth | collaboration

SITE NEWS

SANCB and SITE competition Youth development programme 2020 The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), have joined forces with the launch of a youth development programme in the form of a competition.

T

he mission of this programme is to create a strong group of individuals who will become leaders in Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), their local chapters and the greater industry.

As a first step, the SANCB and SITE will identify a young person through the competition to participate at the SITE Young Leaders Academy at IMEX Frankfurt 2020 (12 -14 May 2020). The SITE Young Leaders programme provides education and networking opportunities that appeal directly to SITE members who are new to the incentive travel industry. The main aim is to generate an interest among young people within the incentive travel sector to ensure exposure of potential career opportunities within the industry.

The competition will require young people to write a two-page essay on how they see incentive travel sector and a motivation why they should be chosen to be part of this program. The winning proposal will be chosen by three judges who will be selected by

both SANCB and SITE. The following criteria will apply for a Young Leader: • The entrants must be 35 or younger.

• The entrants must have worked for two years but not more than five years in the business travel industry.

• The entrants must be South African citizens.

Ideally the person who will be selected for this opportunity should be young, dynamic, growing individual that will assist in further bolstering SITE, South African Tourism and hospitality as a whole. The judges will be looking for someone who has a clear understanding of the impact upon individuals who win incentive trips, as well as impact on the destinations hosting these trips.

Ideal candidates for this competition will come from the following tourism sectors: • Destination management companies.

• Incentive houses.

• Convention bureaus.

• Suppliers, such as hotels or venues that deal with incentive groups.

How to enter: • Only electronic entries will be accepted.

• Entrants need to display their understanding of the benefits and impact of incentive travel both from a motivational perspective for the individual winning a trip, as well as the financial and socio-economic benefits to incentive destinations.

• Entrants are welcome to include supporting documents to their arguments.

• All entries and supporting documents/ videos/photographs should be sent to imex2020FRA@siteafrica.africa. Any entries larger than 10MB should be sent via WeTransfer to the same email address.

• Any entries not sent to the above email will not be received.

Competition rules: • Only South African citizens are eligible for this competition.

• Entrants must be younger than 35 years and have 2-5 years’ experience in business travel.

• Entrants must have a valid passport until at least December 2020 and three blank pages by the time the winner is announced.

• Closing date for all entries is 20 March 2020. No late entries will be accepted.

• Finalists will be announced by 6 April 2020.

• Winners will be announced by 10 April 2020.

• Judges’ decisions will be final and no correspondence or discussions will be entered into.

THE ASSOCIATION What we’re all about: motivational experiences FOR results!

CONFERENCE Why we do it? Business INDUSTRY LEADERS Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results.

CONNECT

SAACI unites , supports and educates the business Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool events industry in southern Africa by creating sustainable environment across diverse industries, regions and cultures. for business growth

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

THRIVE

Contact

Join SAACI andEmail: enjoy access to an inspiring info@sitesouthernafrica.com Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek network of industry professionals, while giving your business the www.sitesouthernafrica.com the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary professional status it needs to attract the attentionwww.siteglobal.com of business leaders. experiences. That organisation is Site...

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.

Visit our online community: www.saaci.org www.saacicongress.org www.saaci-academy.org

+27(0)11 880 5883 info@saaci.org Learning | Growth | collaboration

MARKET NEWS

Reed Exhibitions expands its portfolio Reed Exhibitions is expanding its portfolio in the food and beverage industry with their recent acquisition of the Coffee & Chocolate Expo.

T

he annual Coffee & Chocolate Expo attracts over 35 000 trade and consumer visitors, and has over 80 000 followers on social media.

In its eighth year, the exhibition has been an incredible avenue for exhibitors to showcase their brands and products within the Coffee & Chocolate industry.

Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions Africa, said: “As Africa’s leading exhibition organiser, and with an esteemed selection of trade and consumer events, it is only fitting that we acquire the best events in their sector that fit alongside ours.

“Coffee & Chocolate Expo will run alongside the successful Fire & Feast Meat & Food Festival and the launch edition of Bars & Good Spirits under the newly formed Food & Drink Revolution

Carol Weaving and Nadine Shone sign the Coffee and Chocolate agreement

Africa event, taking place from 1719 July 2020 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa.”

Nadine Shone, owner and founder of the Coffee & Chocolate Expo, said the acquisition allows growth into relevant industries such as hospitality and retail with the implementation of a trade programme and African and International exhibitor participation.

“I am honoured to entrust Reed Exhibitions Africa with the Coffee & Chocolate Expo and I am certain that they will successfully carry forward this

vision to the next level. I extend my full support and am excited to join the Reed Exhibitions Africa team, and take this event to new heights,” she said.

The Food & Drink Revolution Africa event falls under the capable leadership of Sian Cullingworth, portfolio director of the lifestyle, design and retail division at Reed Exhibitions Africa.

“We are excited to grow our portfolio of offerings in the Food & Beverage sector.

The Coffee & Chocolate Expo acquisition puts us in a favorable position to expand on the visitor experience to the alreadysuccessful Fire & Feast Meat Festival.

“We promise visitors a unique experience with an assortment of food and beverage products on display. With an explosion of flavours all rolled into one unique event, there is something for the whole family.”

For more information visit www.coffeechoc.co.za Coffee & Chocolate

Fire & Feast

Bars & Good Spirits

PART OF

FOOD & DRINK REVOLUTION

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

March 2020 Vol 40 No 3 ADVERTISER

PAGE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

34

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

CTICC

16-17

sales@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

EXSA

33

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

MJunxion

4

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

Plaslope

37

plaslope@plaslope.com

www.plaslope.com

Premier Hotels

28-29

info@premierhotels.co.za

www.premierhotels.co.za

Reed Exhibitions

26-27, 36

info@reedexpoafrica.co.za

www.reedexpoafrica.co.za

SAACI

32

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SA Tourism

9-12

convention@southafrica.net

www.businessevents.southafrica.net

SITE

35

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

Synergy Business Events

OFC, 6-9

admin@synergybe.co.za

www.synergybe.co.za

The Exhibitionist

24

sales@theexhibitionist.co.za

www.theexhibitionist.co.za

36 Business Events Africa March 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET NEWS

UJ sends a message of condolence to the family of the late Sol Kerzner Management and staff at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the College of Business and Economics (CBE) and the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) offer heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Solomon (“Sol”) Kerzner, and to the staff of the organisation he founded, Kerzner International.

S

TH board chairman, Jerry Mabena, has lauded Mr Kerzner’s contribution to the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, saying he has left a formidable legacy as an entrepreneur and pioneer.

Mr Kerzner and the late former State President Nelson Mandela are held in high regard as patrons of the School of Tourism and Hospitality. Mr Kerzner played an instrumental role in the building of the school, which he launched in 2005, alongside former deputy-president and current executive director of UN Women Phumzile MlamboNgcuka and the late Professor Connie Mogale-Mokadi. Today, the school’s academic offering is complemented by its four-star graded commercial facilities, realising Mr Kerzner’s vision.

STH director, Dr Diane Abrahams, who enjoyed a great relationship with the industry legend said staff and students are saddened by the news of Mr Kerzner’s passing: “We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr Kerzner and his family for their

Prof T Marwala, UJ VC, Sol Kerzner and Dr Dianne Abrahams.

unrelenting support of the school over the many years. Their support did not end once the STH building was complete.

“Through the Butch Kerzner Bursary Fund, their support of various STH fundraising initiatives and participation on the STH Board, the family has remained an active partner and friend of the school”.

Dr Abrahams added: “I will remember Mr Kerzner with great respect and fondness. He was very supportive to myself and to the school in my current tenure as director. He made his mark and his legacy will live on as we mourn his loss with his family, our staff, students and many industry partners.”

Professor Daneel van Lill, executive dean of the College of Business and Economics, STH Board Member, and a former director of the school during the University’s transition period added his message of tribute to Mr Kerzner, saying: “Sol Kerzner and his family have gone the extra mile in supporting the School of Tourism and Hospitality; enabling and empowering numerous young, talented South Africans. His legacy, framed by many prestigious awards, will live on through the UJ community in transferring business skills from those who have them to those who have not. We can’t comprehend the enormous loss the Kerzner family must experience. Thank you, Sol, rest in peace.”

CHERYL TEL: MUHLENBERG +27 11 452 1115 TEL: 11 452 1115 FAX: +27+27 11 452 3609 FAX: +27 11 452 3609 WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com EMAIL: glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com EMAIL: plaslope@plaslope.com

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Business Events Africa March 2020 37

DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

aaxo 46 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg t: +27 (0)11 465 8955 e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za Association coordinator: Molebegeng Masote Chairperson: Projeni Pather Exposure Marketing Vice-chairperson: Phetogo Kubheka Synergy Business Events Treasurer: Mark Anderson Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery Board members: Chanelle Hingston, Spintelligent Devi Paulson-Abbott, DMG Events Dee Reuvers, SA Confex Leatitia van Straten, Reed Exhibitions

Association manager: Lee-Ann Alder t: +27 (0)82 550 0349 e: info@exsa.co.za Board members Chad Botha t: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za Adele Hartdegen t: +27 (0)82 464 8702 e: adele.hartdegen@gl-events.com Gabi Babinszky t: +27 (0)64 655 3323 e: gabi@brandexpro.co.za Cara Nortman t: +27 (0)79 254 9572 e: cara@ssqdesign.co.za Kerry Brannigan t: +27 (0)72 265 6600 e: kerry@brilliant-branding.co.za Mike Mira t: +27 (0)83 445 2261 e: mike@efam.co.za Gary Van der Watt 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: Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)31 360 1000 e: LindiweR@icc.co.za

Chairperson: Greg McManus Heritage Environmental Management Services

Deputy chairperson: Nana Gecaga Kenyatta International Convention Centre t: +254 20 326 1000 e: md@kicc.co.ke

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

EXSA OFFICE www.exsa.co.za Chairperson: Doug Rix t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Vice-chairperson: Gill Gibbs t: +27 (0) 83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za Treasurer: Moses Nefale t: +27 (0)79 882 8616 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za

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.com SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

Learning | Growth | collaboration BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson: Kim Roberts Mise-en-place Solutions e: info@mise-en-placesolutions.com c: +27 (0)82 652 2008 Vice-chairperson: Jaques Fouche Formative e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542

38 Business Events Africa March 2020

Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 Public officer: Denise Kemp Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565 DIRECTORS

Networking: Wanda Fourie Eastern Sun Events e: registration@easternsun.co.za Branch coordinator: Hayley Pretorius e: ec.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)79 507 3607 c: +27 (0)62 758 7933 JOHANNESBURG Branch chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen Business Events c: +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 vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham Sandton Convention Centre c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 e: michelle.bingham@tsogosun.com

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

Branch treasurer: Manuela Gomes Cullinan Holding c: +27 (0)81 359 6558 e: manuela@ikapacoaches.co.za

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 Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046 Co-opted youth: Minister Kganyago CSIR e: MKganyago@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)79 513 8708 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: Aidan Koen Ogada Group c: +27 (0)82 561 3188 e: aidan@ogada.co.za Brad Montgomery Ultimate Data Sciences c: +27 (0)72 800 5857 e: brad@ultimatedata.co.za Brendan Vogt Guvon Hotels & Spas c: +27 (0)83 709 0480 e: brendan@guvon.co.za Carmen Rudd Synergy Business Events c: +27 (0)82 707 3977 e: carmen@synergybe.co.za Chad Botha Inspire Furniture Rentals c: +27 (0)87 470 0670 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za John Arvanitakis Chatr’ Experiences c: +27 (0)83 415 2774 e: john@chatr.co.za Minister Kganyago CSIR c: +27 (0)79 513 8708 e: mkganyago@csir.co.za Rendani Khorommbi Joburg Tourism c: +27 (0)82 773 2999 e: rendanik@joburgtourism.com Branch coordinator: Angelique Smith c: +27 (0)60 970 7653 e: Jhb.za@saaci.org TSHWANE

COMMITTEE: Learning: Caroline Morgan EXBO e: caro@exbo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 553 6185

Branch chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH & Monte de Dios e: leon@ephproductions.co.za; e: leon@montededios.co.za c: +27 (0)82 924 9046

Communication: Gill Dickie Bidvest Car Rental e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

Branch vice-chairperson: Corné Engelbrecht, Savetcon e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241

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

Branch treasurer: Refilwe Nchebisang, CSIR ICC e: rnchebisang@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)12 841 3770

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DIRECTORY COMMITTEE: Melanie Pretorius, At Zone Hospitality Consulting e: melanie.pretorius@mweb.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 Herkie du Preez, Event Wizards e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za c: +27 (0)82 839 3489 Branch coordinator: Heather Heskes, SAACI e: tsh.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)76 321 6111 KWAZULU-NATAL Branch chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience e: tracey@thehospitality experience.co.za c:+27 (0)83 293 5190 Branch vice-chairperson: Tarannum Banatwalla Jellyfish Catering & Event Management e: tarannum@jellyfishcatering.co.za c: +27 (0)83 254 9462

Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 Esti Venske, CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.z t: +27 (0)21 460 3518 Cindy Buser, Mirchee e: cindy@mirchee.co.za c: +27 (0)21 705 7338 Zimkitha Bavuma, CPUT e: zim@live.co.za Zandri Swartz Century City Convention Centre e: zandri.s@ccconferencecentre. co.za c: +27 (0)21 204 8000 Andrew Gibson Magnetic Storm e: andrew@magnetic.co.za t: 0860 111 625 Adele Martiz CTICC e: adele@cticc.co.za t: +27 (0)21 410 5000

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

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

COMMITTEE: Irene Vallihu, Durban International Convention Centre e: irenev@icc.co.za c: +27 79 692 4604

Alex Wrottesley Into Africa e: alex@intoafrica.co.za t: +27 (0)21 430 2060

Lisa Lovegrove Tsogo Sun e: lisa.lovegrove@tsogosun.com c: +27 74 047 4212

Branch coordinator: Lara van Zyl e: wc.za@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 223 4684

Mabuyi Mosia Ikhono Communications e: mabuyi@ikhono.co.za c: +27 71 117 7509 Gill Slaughter Turners Conferences e: gills@turnersconferences.co.za c: +27 31 368 8000 Denver Manickum I-cube Alternative Advertising e: denver@icube.co.za c: +27 83 482 8525 Kavitha Dhawnath Gearhouse SA e: kavitha.dhawnath@ gearhouse.co.za c: +27 83 607 2006 Branch coordinator: Kerry Potgieter c: +27 (0)84 777 3452 e: kzn.za@saaci.org WESTERN CAPE Acting branch chairperson: Angela Lorimer Century City Conference Centre e: angela.l@ccconferencecentre.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101 Branch treasurer: Thiru Naidoo Wesgro e: thiru@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 COMMITTEE: Jaques Fouche Formative e: jaques@formative.co.za c: +27 (0)60 993 7542

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

President: Tes Proos e: tes@crystalevents.co.za c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676 International board member: Daryl Keywood e: daryl@walthers.co.za c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 Treasurer: Peter-John Mitrovich e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 Board member at large: Rick Taylor East Africa (Rwanda): Chris Munyao North Africa: George Fawzi North Africa support: Brad Glen Young Leadership: Clinton Els Secretariat & Events: Gauteng: Clare Neall c: +27 76 898 0420 e: clare@eventstuff.co.za Western Cape: Mariaan Burger e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com c: +27 (0)82 557 8041

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 0836418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 Chairperson: Glenn van Eck Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157 t: +27 (0)12 771 5568 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 e: saboa@saboa.co.za www.saboa.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 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 March 2020 39

THE LAST WORD

An eye on the future

Quantum computing and corporate events

By Mike Lysko, chief executive officer and founder of Flock Platform

One of the most exciting aspects of the corporate event space is the rate at which technological advancements affect the industry. This article explores the ways in which quantum computing might alter the way we orchestrate and attend events.

F

rom event apps and webinars to cashless pay points and 3D printers – technology is already changing the face of events as we know them. Now, quantum computing is set to transform corporate events in ways we can only imagine.

Before we look at the ramifications of this technology on the events space, let’s recap what exactly quantum computing is.

Ready for a quick science lesson? The mechanics of quantum computing rely on tiny particles called qubits. Qubits are atoms that are suspended in extreme cold (think thousands of degrees below celsius, a similar temperature to outer space). This, as opposed to traditional computers that rely on electrical circuits. Why is this important?

Because the mechanics of quantum computers allow for exponential jumps in computing power – revolutionising computing, and life, as we know it.

In short, quantum computing will be able to solve problems and challenges that have previously stumped the world’s leading scientists and most powerful supercomputers combined.

We’re talking about finding cures for major diseases, increasing our life expectancy into the hundreds of years, and everything in between. According to Google’s research lab, humanity will be reaping the rewards of this rate of machine learning as soon as 2030.

Because the possibilities are literally endless, it’s hard to fathom exactly what living in a world that has quantum computing power at its disposal will look like. What we know for sure is that the effects will be far reaching and profound, affecting every single industry and human being on the planet.

While we can’t say for sure just how quantum computing will revolutionise the way we orchestrate and attend events, we can hazard a few guesses – based on the 40 Business Events Africa March 2020

state of quantum computing as it stands and the trends and predictions that are already making waves in the events space.

Let’s fast forward a decade or two into the future and explore how events are set to change, all thanks to quantum computing.

Technology will become intrinsically tied to events Specifically, wearable tech like AR glasses and the like. Augmented reality wearables are no longer solely of interest to gamers. Today, they’re aiding medical professionals, pilots in training and a wide variety of experts from multiple industries to perform their jobs more effectively. Several seconds into the future, they’ll also be embraced by individuals who’ll use them to access corporate events – even if they’re sitting at home thousands of kilometres away.

able to hologram themselves onto stage next to their favourite keynote speaker, test out simulations of products that are yet to be manufactured, and play with virtual prototypes – all perks usually reserved for VIPS. Events will become fully immersive, in a way that’s convenient and accessible for every single attendee.

Registering and paying for events will become as simple as smiling for the camera Physically queuing in long lines and swiping a card to pay will be a thing of the past, thanks to facial recognition software that automatically identifies each face with a linked bank account.

The result? A seamless registration and purchasing experience, which delights guests and encourages repeat attendance.

The future of events is set to be an incredibly exciting one.

Events will no longer be restricted by a physical venue If guests from all corners of the globe are able to attend your event in the (literal) blink of an eye, issues such as limited venue space, catering costs, parking capacity and more will become obsolete. In fact, I predict that events will move entirely into the virtual space. For example, a concert will be held virtually – which means that millions of people will be able to attend without worrying about crowd control. What’s more, time spent travelling and the resultant hefty carbon emissions will all be a thing of the past.

The guest experience will become more engaging than ever Just because a guest isn’t physically attending your event doesn’t mean that his or her experience will be lesser than if they were at a physical venue. Thanks to leaps in technology, guests will be

Who is Mike Lysko?

Mike Lysko, CEO and Founder of Flock Platform has been leading the South African-based Event Tech company since 2013. With a strong interest in tech, and background in managing events, the Flock Eventing Platform and Mobile Event Apps are created out of solid knowledge and experience in the events industry.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DIGITAL

DIRECTORY

2 for 1 offer

AFRICA’S LEADING

BUSINESS EVENTS DIRECTORY

The print listings now mirror our online directory style with basic and premium listings. In fact, upgrading a basic listing in print to premium will include an upgrade to premium on the website and vice versa. The same information online is printed in the print directory.

Business Events Africa is known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa. We have been a trusted source of information for more than 37 years, and now offer this valuable resource online.

The market is tough out there. What makes your business different from any other? For starters, be more accessible on the internet.

Online searches are now the preferred method of finding information and contact details, so the better your online presence, the more business you will get.

BENEFITS OF LISTING YOUR BUSINESS: • By claiming your listing, you can keep your company’s information up to date at your own convenience • Upgrade your listing online at any time to maximise your brand exposure • Improve your SEO and online presence • We provide a targeted audience for your business • See your stats – know how many people are seeing your listing • Increase traffic to your website with a link from the directory For as little as R2 400, you can get the edge over your competitors by providing indispensable information to your customers on our online directory.

Affordable advertising is just a click away.

Visit www.businesseventsafrica.com/directory

Call +27 (0)31 764 6977 for more information

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businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 39 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

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