Business Events Africa May 2020

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre AFRICA’S LEADING CONVENTION CENTRE

Vol 40 No 5 May 2020

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

CONTENTS entsafrica.com

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in Africa nts Industry Business Eve Voice of the

VOL 40 NO 5 MAY 2020

About the cover Vol 40 No 5 May

2020

test Africa’s Smar tre en Convention C DING AFRICA’S LEA N CENTRE CONVENTIO

Durban ICC: The centre of virtually everything In the ever-changing world we live in, there are many ways we could define the innovations taking place in conference and congress centres around the world.

One thing is certain, however – venues are adapting, and many of them are now integrating technology as diverse and as intelligent as the delegates that walk their hallways. One such venue is the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).

Features EDITOR’S COMMENT 4 The time is now.

NEWS 3 How hospitality brands can win in Africa post-Covid.

2020 TRENDS REPORT 8 South Africa exhibition sector shines at EuroShop 2020.

FINANCIAL TALK 22 Gig economy professionals leading organisational change.

TOP TIPS 24 Partnerships and collaboration: now even more essential.

EVENT GREENING FORUM NEWS

VENUE NEWS 12 The CTICC: Committed to sustainability.

27 United we stand.

26 Unlock your potential.

EXSA NEWS SAACI NEWS

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za JUNIOR DESIGNER: Elrisha du Plooy elrisha@contactpub.co.za

SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Irene Costa | +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com Ruth Baldwin | +27 (0)72 897 6752 ruth@businesseventsafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 40 No 5 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.

28 Learning to surf in a tsunami.

SITE NEWS 29 Focus on what we can do.Z

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

MARKET NEWS 30 Beating Covid-19 in your sector.

Learning | Growth | collaboration

aaxo

Official media partner

REGULARS

24 Index of advertisers DESTINATION FEATURE | MAURITIUS 26 Directory & associations of interest to the industry 18 Mauritius is open for business.

TECH WATCH 20 Flock launches Virtual Event Knowledge Series.

HEAD OFFICE PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610

25 Recognising that glimmer of hope.

AAXO NEWS

MARKET NEWS 16 Folio Group: Uniting in diversity.

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

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

QUARANTINE CHRONICLES A HOTEL PERSPECTIVE 10 The Indaba Hotel remains a ‘home away from home’.

TOP EXHIBITION SUPPLIERS 13 Finding the right exhibition suppliers.

14 Barmotion moves into the new ‘normal’.

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

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

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

THE LAST WORD 34 Breathing life back into African hospitality after Covid-19.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

M

ayday! Mayday! Here we are in May 2020 and I swear I can hear the distress signal from the business events industry in South Africa as we are asked to remain calm and are told we can only commence working in level 1 – which from what I understand will be at end of 2020 or start of 2021.

As I write this column I cannot help but think this time we are going through is in some ways similar to a war situation.

I am just wondering who is winning?

We are still in lockdown, moving through the various levels, in day… who knows what?

All I currently know for sure is that I’m tired of waiting. It feels like I’ve been sitting at a bus stop, chatting with colleagues and friends and new colleagues as I wait for some direction.

As I wait I am starting to realise I have either missed the bus or continue to wait for a bus that is never going to arrive. The problem has been I haven’t had my end destination in sight.

I’ve decided, I’m done waiting!

In one of the many webinars I’ve attended, one of the speakers spoke about imagining yourself in two years time and forgetting the current situation.

You need to be able to imagine it, for it to happen. The time is now, stop waiting, start moving or you will be left behind.

So where do I see the business events sector in two year’s time?

So here is my take: the fundamentals will remain, however technology will also have a more prominent part.

People will still have face to face interactions, but health and safety will be core in making this happen.

People will need to feel that their health and safety is ensured. They will need to feel safe. In two years there will be a vaccine for Covid-19, but the world has changed. International travel will be almost where it was preCovid-19. International congresses will have a bigger hybrid event presence.

We will still have people wearing masks, though not regulated anymore, and if you look around your event you will see some starting to shake hands again and even the odd hug here and there. Social distancing is slowly disappearing, though there are some that will keep their distance.

Exhibitions will be more controlled on the number of visitors at any given time, with safety and security taking the lead on stand design and the use of floor space.

There will also be a virtual elements to exhibitions from online meetings to hybrid enabled seminars during the exhibition.

The incentive travel industry will also see a change by splitting big

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

The time is now

groups into a number of smaller groupings, and even more innovative programmes will be a given.

What else do I see in this future?

Sustainability is finally a given in all these sectors – its importance will no longer be only a ‘nice to have’ in our events, congresses, exhibitions and incentives.

This will be our new reality.

Innovation is key, and our venues are already adapting, as are suppliers and organisers. One thing we currently have is time, time to reinvent, time to innovate and prepare for the future you envisage.

I can’t wait!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

NEWS

How hospitality brands can win in Africa post-Covid-19 As lockdowns are extended around the world, including in Italy, the United Kingdom, France, India and now South Africa, businesses are working hard on strategies to ensure they are ready to hit the ground running when these are lifted, even if only in a staged manner. The hospitality industry is among the sectors leading the field.

I

t is essential for hospitality businesses to be ready to jumpstart operations as soon as it is safe to do so, warns Mark Havercroft, Minor Hotels regional director for Africa, if they are to have any hope of not only getting back to business as usual, but also of continuing with any pre-Covid-19 growth proposals.

“We can hazard a guess that the hospitality industry, at full capacity at least, will be among the last to resume business,” he said.

“In the interim, businesses throughout the industry must work on a clear strategy so they’re ready to take advantage of every possible opportunity to resuscitate their hard-earned enterprises post lockdown by wherever possible maintaining a state of readiness to resume operations.”

Prior to the onset of Covid-19, Minor Hotels began expanding its footprint in Africa, with plans in motion for much more growth. The group already operates 11 hotels and 17 safari lodges on the continent with three more properties in progress.

Mr Havercroft explained that Africa offers huge potential for growth in the hospitality industry, thanks to a burgeoning African business and leisure travel market with more and more people having the urge to travel “locally” rather than the traditional overseas trip.

“While much of the world is overcrowded with hospitality developments, there is still significant room for growth and expansion across Africa; stunning locations and attractions ranging www.businesseventsafrica.com

from the exotic to the adventurist are in abundance. Last year alone, the African hospitality market attracted $1.8 billion in capital,” he revealed.

“This can, in part, be attributed to the continent’s growing middle-class population – now more than 350 million people, and the consequent increase in potential travellers providing a bigger local market for the tourism industry.”

Covid-19, however, Mr Havercroft said has brought the hospitality industry a whole set of novel challenges to face.

The industry has all but ground to a halt globally, new construction on hold, swathes of cancellations and postponements being registered, and the promotion of travel and related bookings curtailed. There are even difficulties with driving long-term bookings, considering the uncertainty around when people will be able to travel again ‒ or when they will feel safe to do so.

In a post-Covid-19 world, hospitality brands across the board will be vying for their slice of this new market of tentative travellers. Mr Havercroft’s view is that achieving success in this unknown realm will be heavily dependent on the levels of success businesses have achieved in existing markets.

Mark Havercroft, Minor Hotels regional director for Africa.

“Consumer confidence will be more important than ever as travellers step out into the world after this global crisis,” Mr Havercroft said.

“Travellers will look for familiarity offering a sense of comfort, safety and reliability in their accommodation choices. An existing presence globally, along with an extensive record of customer satisfaction, bolsters trust.”

Furthermore, Mr Havercroft proffers that the key to successfully gaining a larger stake in the African market will lie in providing a wide range of mid-market options and varying price points in order to appeal to that expanding group of middle-class business and leisure travellers from Africa.

He is frank that many challenges lie ahead, and that when travel finally resumes there will be a frantic race to attract guests and success will require innovation and originality.

“Ultimately the key to long-term victory in drawing clientele in lies in a strong brand reputation and delivering consistency and quality to keep people coming back”.

Business Events Africa May 2020 3

DURBAN ICC

The centre of virtually everything In the ever-changing world we live in, there are many ways we could define the innovations taking place in conference and congress centres around the world. One thing is certain, however – venues are adapting, and many of them are now integrating technology as diverse and as intelligent as the delegates that walk their hallways. One such venue is the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).

“T

he Durban ICC has always aimed to position itself as “Africa’s Leading Convention Centre,” but having invested in the latest, cuttingedge meeting technology, the centre is reinventing itself as the continent’s leading high-tech convention centre.

“Without moving away from our existing market positioning, we are adding this competitive edge and aiming to also be recognised as ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre’,” said Lindiwe Rakharebe, chief executive officer of Durban ICC. The centre is a versatile venue of enormous dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, no matter how extraordinary. International conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and special occasions of every kind can be accommodated.

4 Business Events Africa May 2020

Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-ofthe-art, technology-driven centre.

The complex incorporates the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC Arena and the Durban Exhibition Centre, offering over 112,000m² of flexile event space, making it the largest flat floor, column-free multipurpose event space in Africa.

Anushka Sarawan, senior sales coordinator of Durban ICC, said: “At this time when face-to-face meetings are restricted, it is the ideal time for clients to convert their existing traditional events into virtual events. Some clients are even able to reach much larger audiences by taking their events online than they would have with a traditional live event and monetise them accordingly.”

“However, the Durban ICC is more

than simply a venue. It is a platform for meetings, a facilitator of dialogue and a place for people to connect, debate and ultimately find common ground,” Ms Rakharebe added.

She added the five-star graded centre prides itself on being the leading venue for meetings, business events, conferences and exhibitions on the African continent.

Preshan Haripershadh, IT manager, Durban ICC, said: “The Centre has an extensive Wi-Fi network that covers the entire Durban ICC complex with internal and external wireless antennae offering our guests seamless, uninterrupted high-speed internet whilst in the centre, outdoor courtyards and parking areas.

The Wi-Fi network is quite a feather in our cap as this can be easily up-scaled to suit any event requirement, boasting www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | Durban International Convention Centre

Scan this QR code to see how

Durban ICC

is staying ahead of the curve

over 10 000 concurrent connections.

“In addition, tailor-made technical requirements are easily executed with the Durban ICC, having a grid-based service utility access hatch system that can offer cabling services to suit our clients’ dynamic needs. This allows for easily built networks for registration and speaker areas with minimal visible cabling.

“Digital signage is available throughout the Centre with our main foyer being complemented with a 16 m² digital screen and digital touch information kiosks available throughout the foyers and main entrances, allowing for our guests to easily view event information at the tap of a screen.”

Scott Langley, marketing, sales and events director of Durban ICC, said: “Durban ICC is repositioning itself to be ‘Africa’s Smartest Convention Centre’. The outbreak of Covid-19 is having a catastrophic impact on the business events industry with traditional face-to-face events being impossible for the foreseeable future.

“We have taken this opportunity to invest in the meeting technology which repositions us as the high-tech, innovative convention centre and will give us the edge over our competitors,” he added.

Hybrid events We need innovative solutions which can generate revenue both now in the interim and when normal events resume, such as hybrid events,

One of the Durban International Convention Centre’s biggest triumph is being a catalyst for economic growth. The majority of the Centre’s economic contribution has benefitted the people of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Durban ICC aims to connect potential customers and delegates to the venue remotely, with a couple of smart technology initiatives. video-conferencing, web-streaming and remote-presentation technology.

WHAT IS A HYBRID EVENT?

What are the benefits for the digital delegate?

Simply the combination of a traditional face-to-face event with a digital component, such as live-streaming, which extends the reach of the conference to a wider audience using technology and increases the number of registrations an organisers can attract to their event. The content can also be edited for viewing-on-demand at a later date.

The digital delegate can: • Get the benefit of the live event content without physically being there.

• Watch the speakers and view any presentation slides via the video feed.

• Engage remotely with the event in real time via the event’s social media channels.

• Share the content with others in their organisation directly without having to repeat it second-hand to colleagues.

• Choose to consume the event content at a later time if that suits their schedule • View selected elements from the events which pertain to their area of interest.

Other features include: • Picture-in-picture streaming allows delegates to watch the speakers and view any presentation slides via the video feed.

• Multiple simultaneous streams from various venues in the Centre.

• Access to the content can be controlled to registered delegates only.

• P rivate video on-demand gallery.

• Geo blocking and IP Restrictions possible for select audiences.

• Unlimited storage of video footage.

• Archiving and hosting of event footage for a year after the live event.

• Live video playback from a selection of platforms including the Durban ICC Website, Facebook Live, YouTube, Periscope and Twitch.

The Durban ICC operates its hybrid events using the “Rolls Royce” of online video streaming systems, trusted by organisations such as the World Economic Forum, TED, and Sony to stream their events online.

The system allows for live content Business Events Africa May 2020 5

COVER STORY | Durban International Convention Centre

to be filmed, encoded, and uploaded to Durban ICC’s secure, designated digital channel. From this channel it can then be securely distributed to a select audience of the client’s choice on a variety of digital platforms.

The Centre has been a trailblazer and Africa’s leading Convention Centre for over two decades. This indeed, is a reputation the Durban ICC works hard to maintain through the commitment of its employees and support from stakeholders.

This system allows Durban ICC to offer the following types of events to the market, even with a 100 person maximum restriction in place.

Live-streaming event This is a one-way broadcast which allows the content to be filmed at the Durban ICC and streamed in real-time to an audience regardless of geographical location.

Video-on-demand event This is a one-way broadcast which allows the content to be filmed at the Durban ICC and streamed at a later time to a global audience. The content can be a single session or serialised and delegates can select elements from the event’s videoon-demand (VOD) gallery after the event.

Remote presentation streaming event We can incorporate video feeds from other locations or events from around the world into the channel and combine them with feeds filmed from the Durban ICC. The combined content can then be distributed to the wider audience.

Video conferencing This service is a two-way form of communication, providing connectivity from a boardroom at the Durban ICC to the clients’ single or multiple destinations, anywhere in the world. This reliable video platform allows you to maximise audience participation and engagement.

Smart venue technology

Event app provided to clients with venue hire booking The company can offer a mobile Event App to its clients included in the cost of the Venue Hire when booking their event at the Durban ICC. 6 Business Events Africa May 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

COVER STORY | Durban International Convention Centre

Durban ICC uses cutting-edge technology to enhance guests’ experience The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) launched an online app that will make the lives of delegates, stakeholders, exhibitors and contractors easier.

T

he Durban ICC is the first convention centre in South Africa to integrate the what3words addressing system to assist its visitors to navigate their way around the complex.

The what3words technology uses its unique approach to help visitors find the exact location of points of interest within the Centre’s complex.

Durban ICC chief executive officer, Lindiwe Rakharebe said what3words is a simple and accurate way to help people find a precise location, making it much easier to discover and tell others about various places and explore the world without getting lost. “what3words will help our delegates and visitors easily

find the correct entrances to our venues for their specific events. Deliveries will also be sent to the intended entrance and contractors will not struggle to find their way to our loading dock entrance to offload goods,” Ms Rakharebe said.

According to the what3words website, the what3words API is a fast, simple interface which allows you to convert three word what3words is a simple way to talk addresses to coordinates about location. They have and vice versa. It features a assigned each 3 m square powerful autosuggest function, in the world a unique 3 word which can validate and address that will never change using three autocorrect user input and limit dictionary words. it to certain geographic areas.

The unique addressing system is also already available in over 35 languages, including isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans making it accessible to a growing international audience.

To find the precise Durban ICC entrance using the what3words app visit https://icc.co.za/contact/map

This is a good differentiator as the “Smartest Centre” and shows how we can assist clients in leveraging technology for the benefit of our events.

Interactive digital smart boards Smaller venues at the Centre are equipped with interactive digital smart boards. These innovative tools connect to the presenter’s laptop and act as both a screen and a whiteboard, boosting productivity and making the paperless boardroom a reality.

Using handwriting recognition, one can make notes and sketches directly on spreadsheets, images and presentations and email directly from the smartboard to the event participants.

“When we hosted our association’s 23rd Annual Conference at the Durban ICC last year, it gave us the opportunity to incorporate the live-streaming element for the first time. This allowed our members who weren’t able to be there in person to experience the event in real-time and not miss out on the excellent content which we had worked hard on arranging.

Another great feature was that the individual conference sessions were then available for view from the Durban ICC’s website after the event. The members who attended the sessions found them to be very useful and informative and we were delighted to be able to offer this benefit to our members, and also as an extra revenue stream for SASLAW.”

and provide the basic office necessities in order to meet this gap in the market, post-Covid-19. Our office-on-call facility would offer the benefits of short lead times for booking, and include furniture, Wi-Fi connectivity, air-conditioning, secure parking, coffee station, and catering if required. Additional services such as printing, scanning and copying are available on an utilisation basis.

Contact sales@icc.co.za | www.icc.co.za

- Clare Fincham, general manager, South African Society for Labour Law

Office-on-call Many small and medium-sized businesses may have had to downsize as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Some may not be in the same business premises as a result and may require www.businesseventsafrica.com

CLIENT FEEDBACK

a temporary office or boardroom for a limited period of time – a week, a day or a few hours. We have designated a few smaller meeting rooms for this purpose Business Events Africa May 2020 7

2020 TRENDS REPORT

South Africa exhibition sector shines at

EuroShop 2020

By Gary van der Watt, Resource Design

In reflecting on Covid-19, with the benefit of hindsight, there are probably a number of things that we all did wrong. In the same instance, there are a lot of things that we are doing right.

C

urrently, everything is overdigitised. We are bombarded by seminars and virtual sessions, and are at the same time juggling business conundrums such as staff, OPEX, new markets, and the new “now”. This has allowed us to distil information, recognise past mistakes and build on opportunities.

Euroshop 2020 demonstrated many of these learnings at one of the last iconic events before lockdown. Flying out of Germany with lockdowns looming

8 Business Events Africa May 2020

some may have felt that the cost to attend was not meaningful. From our point of view, however, we believe that our participation was invaluable.

Strategically, it gave us an overview of the global market position and trends. As a niche product it confirmed that the market is growing and that sustainability is key to a future industry.

Lastly, the power of the global impact of Covid-19 has taught us the need to adapt, be fluid and create value as we navigate through our events ecosystem.

The adage “Think Global Act Local” resounded in my brain as the reality of Covid-19 set in.

In this, a very positive aspect that I took away from Euroshop was the strong South African presence, both as exhibitors and visitors. Resource Design and Neworld Exhibitions had stands at the event with Octanorm SA and Scan Display as sharing exhibitors. What was most inspiring was the constant stream of South African companies onto our Resource Design booth, with teams from Expo Guys, Hott3D, Neworld Exhibitions, Xanita, The Design Company, Full Circle Events pausing to chat and say Sawubona.

Hott3D owner Liam Beattie was upbeat after his team’s visit to Euroshop. He

said: “For most of our team, it was their first trip to Euroshop, and as anyone who has been knows, that first time is incredibly awe-inspiring and motivating. It is an essential team-building trip for any company that operates in our industry.”

This was a common message that echoed throughout the show: that the cost and effort of getting to the event was a valuable investment in time and staff, and also investing in the local South African industry in bringing back best practices in design and solutions.

Crowning this was the realisation that the South African industry offers a superior quality of booth and service. Furthermore, it demonstrated the fact that we can hold our own on the global stage, and in some areas, we are global leaders.

Stalwarts Mike Morris and Lesley van der Spuy of Neworld Exhibitions displayed their new LIGHTWALL curved illuminated display. The wall uses seamless printed fabric graphics, which wrap around and fit snuggly to a curved frame giving a 360 degree internally lit branding potential. The quality and the originality of the product was greeted with multiple inquiries from over 40 countries.

Resource Designs unique sustainable product and booth demonstrated that a

www.businesseventsafrica.com

2020 TRENDS REPORT

IFES Sustainability Award made to Karen Robertson of Resource Design with Uta Goretzky and Torsten Heinze of IFES on the IFES Pavilion Our Swedish based partners – the sign says ‘’Sorry that we are so quiet. We are busy building. A very unique aspect of the sustainable process.

South African product can go from local to global and even make the shift from niche to industry trend setter. Greening is a hot trend but certified sustainability is fast overtaking this. With imminent carbon taxes and pressure from governments the sustainable aspect is extremely topical.

Exhibiting at Euroshop was key to exposing Resource Design to our “global village”.

With the recently released UFI Policy Framework there is a clear need for exhibition build-ups to take place faster, cleaner and with less staff and logistics. Resource Design offers a 60 per cent reduction across all of these key requirements. The bonus is we are able to address industry (UFI, GDS-Index) Sustainability Goals at the same time.

As our economy emerges from the grip of a Covid-19 induced financial quagmire there are two important factors, namely: turning global learnings into local solutions, and secondly converting local innovation into international industry benchmarks.

Xanita also exhibited at Euroshop. The Cape Town sustainable board innovator partnered with its Euro distributor Sentec. Within the Resource DesignXanita partnership this sustainable product represents a 100 per cent www.businesseventsafrica.com

The Resource Design booth was staffed by partners from South Africa, Scotland, Netherlands, England and Sweden.

locally developed material and solution that is exported internationally. This translates into local job creation from the raw material stage, through design and into the finished product.

In “supporting local”, GL Events South Africa has adopted this sustainable strategy with a range aptly named eco-Mod. The long term benefit to South Africa would be this range cascading back into GL Events on an internationally level.

In the proud words of Thabo Mbeki “I am an African” I feel a distinct calling that South Africans need to embrace these kinds of products. It’s time to think global and act local.

The industry support during Covid-19 has been phenomenal. The collaborative attitude between members and nonmembers of associations such as EXSA, AAXO and SAACI has been inspiring. I believe that this crisis has laid both the foundation as well as the opportunity for positive fundamental industry change.

Who is Gary van der Watt?

Gary van der Watt, of Resource Design, has 33 years of experience in the exhibition industry and an informed global overview.

He is a champion for sustainability on an ecological, social and economic level. He is a current board member of EXSA and EGF.

Business Events Africa May 2020 9

QUARANTINE CHRONICLES | A hotel perspective

The Indaba Hotel remains a ‘home away from home’

The Indaba Hotel in Fourways is currently operating as a quarantine hotel facility for a group of repatriated South African residents.

W

ith just under a day’s notice to prepare bedrooms and gather resources, the hotel team stepped up to cater for their unusual guests. The last of the repatriated residents arrived at 3am on Friday, 1 May 2020.

“We met on Friday for briefings from the South African Government Department of Health and got all of the correct standard operating procedures in place,” explains Crystal Muller, the hotel’s marketing administrator. For example, there are now on-site healthcare providers to conduct regular testing for Covid-19 symptoms.

The Indaba Hotel staff have also had to adjust their skillsets. Steve Smit acts typically as the banqueting manager but is currently the Indaba Hotel’s health and safety officer for repatriation groups.

“The most important part of making us Covid-19 ready was conducting comprehensive risk assessments for every process and employee in the workplace.

These were then translated into Safe Working Procedures, and we had intense training sessions,” says Steve. “A great deal of ongoing research is done to ensure that we adhere to world-class protocols to 10 Business Events Africa May 2020

keep everyone safe. We require hundreds of litres of alcohol-based sanitiser to clean every surface that guests or staff come into contact with and compliance with set protocols is also strictly monitored.”

Thuli Ntuli, the sous chef, knows all about adjustment. She is hard at work as the mealtime miracle worker and shares a little about new protocols. “Preparing food for quarantine has been very difficult because everything has changed. When the delivery arrives we sanitise all the packages, even the hands and feet of drivers before they are allowed in the kitchen. The chefs are wearing masks and gloves all the time but we change gloves regularly as we move to another task. For example, if I am buttering rolls, I would wash and sanitise my hands, put on gloves and then start working with the rolls. After that, I’ll wash and sanitise and put on a new set of gloves to start the next task. Masks are changed three times during a single shift and we sanitise our work stations after every task. We have always followed these processes but it is now done more frequently. I need a good hand lotion as my hands are

starting to look like an older woman’s!

Everybody is pulling their weight and doing the best they can under the difficult circumstances we are all facing.”

What began as a country house of just 14 bedrooms, Johannesburg’s Indaba Hotel has come a long way in 70 years but remains true to its humble roots. It has always strived to remain a comforting home away from home.

Today, that’s more important than ever.

“We also compiled guest information booklets and briefed the lockdown staff to ensure everyone was always up to date on processes,” Crystal explains. “There’s been negativity in the media around other quarantine facilities in the country, but this is not what we have experienced.”

Indeed. Luckily for these hotel guests, it’s staffed by an exceptional team.

Sharon Hunnink, Indaba Hotel’s sales and marketing manager articulates immense pride in the group at work right now. “Our hotel staff are on the frontline. Superheroes working hard to ensure that our quarantine hotel is no halfway house. It is home.”

Praise across social media platforms www.businesseventsafrica.com

QUARANTINE CHRONICLES | A hotel perspective

Scenes from quarantine...

confirms Sharon’s view. Ina Herselman writes on Facebook about her Mothers Day in quarantine. “A knock on the door and friendly voices with a special little gift...

Thank you for your hospitality… although we can’t see the smiles behind the masks we can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voices! You have really gone the extra mile to make this unforeseen circumstance a home-away-from-home experience!”

Alain Yon, the assistant food and beverage manager, is currently heading up the room service and meal deliveries for repatriation groups. “My job has changed drastically in the way we have to handle guests now known as PUI’s (Person Under Investigation). There is no normal ‘personal touch’ with each guest now. Something hoteliers are well known for! We have had to adjust.”

The hotel has also created a WhatsApp community to provide immediate support and for guests to get to know each other.

Candice Geyser is Indaba Hotel’s key account manager and currently assisting as the guest liaison. “It makes me very proud www.businesseventsafrica.com

to be part of this, helping a few fellow South Africans in this challenging time and making a difference, no matter how small.

Whether it is delivering a birthday cake to someone’s door (and seeing them smile from a distance) or comforting someone on the phone as many are by themselves and feeling lonely over this time.”

Although quarantined guests can’t share much at the moment, they do share their voices. At 6pm every evening a resounding round of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika lifts everyone’s spirits. It proves home is where the heart is.

The hotel has also shared tips for mental wellbeing and online yoga Zoom lessons are a cinch thanks to unlimited Wi-Fi (although we all know a good Netflix binge counts as self-care too!) It also allows longer, frequent family chats – sure to keep distant hearts happy.

Another guest, Phyll Mcneil, also testifies to the pervasive homely spirit here. “We are a group of over 200 people repatriated from Australia and had the most amazing good fortune to be accommodated at

this hotel for the quarantine period. The attention to our needs has been met at every turn. The team of nurses have been incredible and these are all people giving up their family time to tend to us.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This is an incredible facility.”

This repatriation group is in residence for 14 days and should be departing soon if all goes well.

The Indaba Hotel superheroes are certainly making a difference. Not just to 200 hotel residents, but 58 million people in South Africa. It’s easier to save South Africa when a hotel feels like home.

Scan this QR code for a message from Indaba Hotel.

Business Events Africa May 2020 11

VENUE NEWS

The CTICC

Committed to sustainability

There is a growing global expectation that companies follow sustainable business practices and processes. Event organisers continue to discover that the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is a venue as committed to sustainability as they are.

T

he CTICC has always focused on sustainability as a core business practice, and has strategically formulated environmental sustainability initiatives to maximise these efforts while creating real value for the beneficiaries of these initiatives. Additionally, the centre continually seeks new ways to mitigate its impact on the environment, as well as being committed to advancing its people by providing them with new opportunities to grow within the organisation.

The convention centre bases its operations on the ten guiding principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), to which it is a signatory.

Committing to these principles, contained in the UN sustainability goals for the year 2030 and set in the UNGC’s strategic policies for businesses, establishes a culture of integrity and an undertaking to meet basic responsibilities.

These include honouring human rights, following fair labour practices, care for the environment, and taking a stance against corruption. These principles are encompassed in the centre’s core values, which in turn drive the centre’s triple bottom line focusing on people, planet and profit.

To support these principles and promote sustainability, the centre has a Nurture Our World (NOW) committee, made up of representatives from across the business. The NOW team designs and 12 Business Events Africa May 2020

implements sustainable CSR initiatives that contribute to social growth and ensure the effectiveness of the company’s efforts to minimise environmental impact.

To this end, the centre’s commitment to water and energy consumption remain key focus areas, and during the last financial year, the CTICC installed a reverse osmosis plant, which has reduced the centre’s dependency on the city’s water supply. The reverse osmosis system can produce up to 200 000 litres of purified drinking water in a 24-hour cycle. With the addition of extra storage capacity of 400 000 litres, the plant is able to cater for a substantial amount of the centre’s water requirements during events.

The plant extracts underground seawater using ultra-filtration, and reverse osmosis technology that removes the salt and contaminants from the water by pushing it through a semi-permeable membrane at high pressure. This produces fully potable water that complies with the SANS/SABS 241 of 2015 Standard for Drinking Water.

The CTICC has several other initiatives in place to reduce water consumption, including rainwater tanks that store up to 265 000 litres and the weekly capturing of 20 000 litres of condensate

from the air-conditioning units. Water harvested in these ways is used for cleaning, irrigation of plants and the central airconditioning system.

Waste and energy management is also a high priority at the CTICC, as is the local sourcing of food for catering purposes. Food and beverage suppliers are located within a 50 km radius, the only exceptions being products sourced to accommodate specific client requirements. “By purchasing locally produced and grown products, we minimise the centre’s carbon footprint and, most importantly, support local businesses,” said Taubie Motlhabane, chief executive officer of CTICC. Despite the new CTICC 2 building having expanded the centre’s floor space by 31 148 m2, energy consumption in the last financial year was just six per cent higher than the previous year.

The centre is also investigating more sustainable power alternatives.

“The CTICC remains committed to connecting people and growing the economy, while ensuring that we continue to observe responsible and sustainable business practices,” Ms Motlhabane said. www.businesseventsafrica.com

TOP EXHIBITION SUPPLIERS

Finding the right exhibition suppliers

Putting together an award-winning exhibition is no easy feat as any organiser will tell you. It takes hard work, a good plan and most importantly suppliers you can trust. But what makes a good exhibition supplier?

A

AXO recently caught up with three of the suppliers that won big, as suppliers to many of the winning exhibitions at the ROAR Awards earlier this year; we were inspired by their success in the industry. Organisers know that the right suppliers supporting you can make all the difference to running a smooth exhibition.

Pat Cronning, commercial director at Expo Guys What makes a good supplier is experience, explained Patrick Cronning the commercial director of Expo Guys – an award-winning exhibition stand builder.

Mr Cronning has almost 24 years of experience in the exhibition industry and has been with the company since they began over seven years ago.

Mr Cronning has seen this supplier company grow from a simple exhibition stand builder when it first started, to the successful one-stop exhibition shop that is dedicated to assisting organisers produce the best shows that they possibly can, that it has since become. With over 70 full time employees and the experience of having helped put together hundreds of shows, they attribute their success to experience. “We are continually changing our service from working in the exhibition industry for a very long time. The marginal improvements we continuously make has a dramatic impact www.businesseventsafrica.com

on how the site flows and how our clients experience the build,” Mr Cronning said.

Leon Roux, owner of Larouxnelle Logistics and Consulting Behind every success story is a man who simply decided to follow his passion and it is no different in the exhibition industry. Leon Roux, owner of Larouxnelle Logistics and Consulting believes that the success of every company including his own comes down to caring about what you do.

As a supplier who is responsible for exhibition freight forwarding, customs clearing and onsite logistics of an expo, any error on your part could greatly hinder the success of a show. “We are passionate in what we do with a ‘hands on’ approach to each event. Our relationships with organisers, friendly approach, and willingness to help or assist is our way of making sure each and every one is a success,” says Roux.

What we have learnt in our 14 years in this industry is that if you have a team of people who truly care about what they do, then they will work their absolute hardest to ensure that they make every show a success.

Gabi Babinszky, owner at Brandex Every exhibition is unique and therefore, in order to make it a

success you have to be able to adapt your services to that particular show. Being hands-on with every client and open to adaptation is what Gabi Babinszky, owner of Brandex, attributes to his success in the exhibition industry.

As an audiovisual specialist who delivers complete AV solutions for exhibitions, Mr Babinszky believes that each project is different and having team members who have been in the industry for many years helps them adapt and plan ahead for any onsite challenges that they may encounter.

Any organiser of a successful exhibition knows that finding tailormade solutions to suit a client’s unique needs is what makes a supplier stand out from the crowd.

“We understand how important it is to deliver an impactful experience and we not only supply and install the equipment, but we also operate as an agency that is able to help conceptualise the look and feel of your unique event. A handson approach together with a can-do attitude is what sets a good supplier apart from the rest,” Mr Babinszky said.

In conclusion Finding the best suppliers to suit your particular exhibition needs can be tricky.

While it can often be a trial and error process, there are certain qualities to look out for. Experience, passion and adaptability are all important qualities that your potential suppliers should possess in order to make your exhibition a success.

Business Events Africa May 2020 13

TOP SUPPLIERS

Barmotion moves into the new ‘normal’ Our industry has changed overnight. Barmotion has shifted its focus to offering hospitality solutions for the duration of this new ‘normal’.

We have diversified our range of offerings to facilitate new ways to help our clients get their message out there.

Advantages of making use of Barmotion: • Boost your brand presence by creating a fantastic first impression with the best coffee on offer, or any one of our premium offerings.

• Barmotion understands the importance of delivering your message across as many brandable platforms for the maximum desired affect – and to get more bang for your buck.

• The Barmotion team understands the importance of engagement and we know how important it is to create a positive first impression.

• We love what we do, and we are undoubtedly proud to say we are the best at it.

V

irtual events are now the way forward until we manage to navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic. We have done some out-of-the-box thinking, and have come up with a few solutions that we know our clients will love. This will help to get their delegates excited and keep them engaged in their virtual events.

will never go away, but right now we have to readjust our focus and reinvent our product offering for our clients.

We have also created a few alternatives to our delicious hospitality bar solutions such as our hygiene stations, which can be used at the entrances to buildings and events. Our care packs can be added to any of the above offerings which includes a face mask, gloves and hand sanitiser packs.

We understand the importance of delivering your message across many brandable platforms for the maximum desired effect, and we have included these options in our virtual hospitality boxes.

Let your delegates experience your online event, inside their home office, while delivering your message virtually.

The value of face-to-face interaction

Virtual hospitality boxes

Click and Connect bar

We have various virtual hospitality boxes available – for example, our health snack pack, and our premium snack pack, which include delicious snacks and premium beverages.

All elements can be branded with the client’s logo or message.

We will deliver these boxes directly to all participants’ homes so they can enjoy the hospitality provided for the duration of the virtual event.

Even when things do start to move towards normality, it will still take a while before we can interact and engage in the same way as before. Close human interaction will be kept to a minimum for some time to come. To combat this, we have created our Click and Connect bar, an innovative way to offer our mobile bar solutions to run with little to no human interaction.

• We setup our bar in an isolated area where the production of our fresh

14 Business Events Africa May 2020

For more information visit www.barmotion.co.za

premium products can take place, parallel to this we create an online order platform incorporating client’s logo and messaging.

• This online platform will be shared and circulated amongst your event participants, who would select their choice from our bar offering and place their order.

• The bar will receive the order, produce the product – which would then be left at the pickup point with the recipient’s name, and be ready for them to collect and enjoy. www.businesseventsafrica.com

TOP SUPPLIERS

Business Events Africa asked a few Barmotion team members to take a trip down memory lane.

Janine Cameron, senior manager at Barmotion, Johannesburg

Raquel Ah-Dong, senior events manager Barmotion, Johannesburg

memorable. We give it our all every time. I must say I definitely love being a part of the Clicks Conference. It’s one of our biggest conferences and we provide hospitality to so many of the stands while having other events on the go. I love it because it’s all hands-on deck and the way we run together as a team is amazing. Again, it’s my family away from home, which makes it so much easier to get your job done because you meet on site at 6 am and leave the site together at 11 pm.

Kelly Papas, Events manager, Cape Town

How long you have been with Barmotion?

I have been with Barmotion for almost nine years now.

How long you have been with Barmotion I have been with Barmotion for five fabulous years. I have a family away from home.

In one sentence describe Barmotion.

In one sentence describe Barmotion.

Barmotion is a mobile bar and hospitality company that pushes the boundaries of client branding, introducing new branding opportunities and ideas to clients.

Barmotion to me is a fun, dynamic and extraordinary company that provides the best kind of hospitality there is to offer, from our delicious range of products to our vibrant staff.

What makes Barmotion What makes Barmotion unique? unique?

We never say no, when clients call with over the top, out of the box ideas we immediately jump on board and challenge ourselves to meet the brief as best we can.

What is your favourite Barmotion product and why?

This would have to be our Cheese Boards, I love cheese! We have so many different options and pairings to try – and they just look gorgeous.

Most memorable event?

There have been so many for me over the years, but one that sticks out would be with VWV at the IBM conference – pulling an event together with 11 bars, 22 staff, 3500 coffees and serving at 06:00 was definitely a big success and one I will remember forever. www.businesseventsafrica.com

I think it is our strong passion and drive that makes us unique. We are passionate in what we offer and ensure that we go above and beyond our clients’ needs. Our passion for people and our accommodating nature is what clients love about us. I also think our staff play a huge role in making Barmotion unique. Our clients absolutely love the staff that stand with them at their events.

What is your favourite Barmotion product and why?

Wow, this is a tough one. I have so many.

If I really had to choose, I would say our banana & caramel crepe. It is absolutely delicious and if you have a sweet tooth like me it will be right up your alley.

How long you have been with Barmotion?

Since 1 April 2015 – five years.

In one sentence describe Barmotion Barmotion is a fun and innovative company providing various hospitality solutions for any event.

What makes Barmotion unique?

Our service offering can be customised to each client’s needs, and we stay relevant to the changing trends.

What is your favourite Barmotion product and why?

Chai latte – I am a bit of a fanatic and have tried many from different places, but none seem to beat Barmotion’s delicious chai latte made by our professional staff.

Most memorable event?

Most memorable event?

Again, this is a tough one. Every event is

ABSA relaunch event.

Business Events Africa May 2020 15

MARKET NEWS

Folio Group

Uniting in diversity The motto on the South African coat of arms is in the Khoisan language of the /Xam people: !ke e: /xarra //ke. It means “diverse people unite,” referring to the necessity of unity between thought and action.

O

n a collective scale it the face of continuous and very calls for the nation to tight deadlines, we enjoy a good unite in a common few laughs along the way. sense of belonging and national Folio meets international pride – unity in diversity. By standards of excellence across all facilitating communication our services. We constantly fight Philip Zietsman. for the legitimacy of our industry between speakers of a great many languages, the Folio Group by emphasising the importance is motivated by this noble ideal. of accredited training and certification Founded by Philip Zietsman in 1988, to those who wish to work in this field. the Folio Group has grown from a The erroneous notion that just about small startup into the major-league any bilingual person can be a translator language service provider that it is today. or interpreter undermines the value This is largely driven by its reputation of professional language practitioners for reliability, technical expertise, fast and the significance of the work we turnaround and meticulous accuracy. do. It also ignores the technological Folio is recognised around the world advances in the field and the continuous for its expertise in sourcing and training involved. Over the years we providing African languages and all have committed much time, energy major Asian and European languages. and many resources to educating our practitioners about the importance The Folio Team of professional skills development.

The staff members of Folio and our many associates around the world are united by Awards our love for language and communication. Common Sense Advisory, the international It informs everything we do and although market research firm, has included the language services industry is a serious the Folio Group in its ranking of the business, with its emphasis on accuracy in Top 5 Language Service Providers in

Languages:

128 and counting.

Services:

Translations, Editing & Proofreading, Copywriting, Transcriptions, Localisation, Interpreting, Voice-Overs, Subtitles, Search Engine Optimisation.

Industries:

Our client base spans the entire economic spectrum, demonstrating that all sectors need specialist language services from time to time.

Clients:

Ogilvy, Old Mutual, Saatchi & Saatchi, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, GM, Santam, Media24, MultiChoice, Babylonstoren, Sanlam, DirectAxis, Western Cape Government, Department of Arts and Culture, etc.

Africa for eight consecutive years.

Folio Group was also recognised as Exporter of the Year in the SSME category by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This award, which we have received twice, acknowledges “notable achievements in the export field” based on performance criteria including product improvement, community involvement and job creation as well as a creative and innovative approach to exporting into difficult markets.

GREEK TO US. TM

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TRANSLATIONS • TRANSCRIPTIONS VOICE-OVERS • INTERPRETING • SUBTITLING LOCALISATION & SEO • PROOFREADING EDITING • COPYWRITING

CONTACT US

IT’S NOT

+27 (0)21 426 2727 pziets@folio-online.co.za projects@foliotranslations.com www.folio-online.co.za @Folio_Online facebook.com/folioonline

BAYEPG3

“Είναι Ελληνικά για μένα.”

DESTINATION FEATURE | Mauritius

Mauritius

is open for business The current use of technology to host business meetings, workshops and virtual expos and events is a temporary measure, until the current stringent lockdowns and travel bans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are lifted.

T

his is the view of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), as countries around the world grapple with the outbreak, spread and impact of the virus on their citizens, and the severe impact it has had on the global travel and tourism industry.

Despite the challenges to the tourism industry worldwide globally as a result of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the MTPA would like to reassure the MICE industry that Mauritius is still very much open for business. This is evident as airlines, incentive houses, PCOs and groups agents continue to promote Mauritius as the idyllic Indian Ocean destination to cater for all your MICE needs.

Infection rates of Covid-19 have remained low in Mauritius and the country has in place stringent safety, health and hygiene measures to protect the public. At the time of writing, Mauritius had recorded 332 infections in total, and has announced no new infections for the past 14 days.

“We are encouraged by the statistics, as well as our government’s huge efforts to curb the infection rate and put in place effective health and safety measures,” said Arvind Bundhun, director of MTPA. Mauritius is a vibrant, friendly and 18 Business Events Africa May 2020

beautiful country to visit. Not only does it have some of the best luxury resorts and beaches on the planet, it is also a unique melting pot of cultures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The variety of adventure, sports and other lifestyle activities also make it an ideal destination for those who want the unique MICE experience for their guests.

The MICE industry is an important cog in the MTPA’s tourism strategy, realising great economic benefits from this segment to the country’s GDP. “We know that the skies will open up again. Those travellers who have come to know and love Mauritius – and those who plan to visit for the first time – will get the opportunity to visit and experience the island’s amazing warmth and hospitality.

“Mauritius and South Africa have long enjoyed a magical relationship and we are confident this will continue as soon as it is safe to travel again,” Mr Bundhun added.

Plan to meet in Mauritius Why not plan your next MICE trip to Mauritius? The paradise island offers an array of luxurious venues, staffed by professional and dedicated support teams, to deliver a unique, world-class event, with a touch of island-style colour and flair.

Mauritius is fast becoming one of Africa’s tourism and meetings jewels offering scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore and an exotic melting-pot of cuisines and cultures. Just a short flight from South Africa’s three major cities, it is also visafree for South African passport holders.

MICE market Mauritius offers the MICE buyer the total infrastructure to cater for a variety of groups and sizes, all year round.

While the MICE market trend is uncertain post-Covid-19, there has been talk of a focus on smaller, regular incentive groups rather than larger events.

Whatever the MICE industry trends hold going forward, as a MICE-friendly destination, Mauritius holds all the key ingredients to delight and deliver.

The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, stateof-the-art conferencing venues, professional and friendly staff, and the additional activities on offer, all guarantee a unique experience.

Health and safety Currently the health and safety of all its citizens and residents on the island remain www.businesseventsafrica.com

DESTINATION FEATURE | Mauritius

the Government’s greatest concern and priority. However, once the tourism market opens up again, this same concern will be passed onto all its visitors to ensure they enjoy the full Mauritius experience within the stipulated regulations and protocol.

All hotels and tourism operators will comply with all local regulations and directives from the Government and abide by the recommendations of the local health authorities.

Innovative health and sanitary protocols and precautionary measures have been put in place from arrival in the country and throughout the stay at hotels, and extending to all excursions and activities outside the hotels, to eliminate completely all risk and to ensure a safe and warm welcome to all visitors, including those who serve the MICE sector.

Social distancing measures can easily be implemented across all experiences whether it be the beach, restaurant seating, conferencing, eventing or room allocations. Hosting a group or event in low season (May to September) can be well-accommodated as occupancy is lower and rooms can be allocated with this precautionary measure in mind.

Conference facilities Boasting the largest and most www.businesseventsafrica.com

modern convention centre in the Indian Ocean region, the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre, this centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences, accommodating up to 5 000 people.

Other venues include the International Conference Centre in Grand Baie (up to 600 people) and Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3 000 delegates). Many Mauritian hotels also offer conference facilities and can cater for up to 800 people at a time, with spectacular marquees and set-ups on the hotel properties.

Activities The island boasts a variety of activities specifically geared for MICE groups, ranging from golf to adventure sports such as quad-biking, trekking, mountain biking, trail-running, ziplining, fishing, kite-surfing, parasailing, canoeing and sky-diving, together with a host of water sports.

The island also offers stunning outdoor locations for interactive and adrenalinfuelled activities and adventures perfect for team-building exercises.

There are also many cultural festivities and spiritual festivals that take place on the island that can be enjoyed.

When to visit Mauritius has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best months to visit are from May to December, when the weather is cooler, dry and sunny.

Enjoy everything that Mauritius has to offer as your ideal MICE destination, combining quality, elegance and style, in a paradise island setting!

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority South African representatives: Janet de Kretser / Philippa Piguet Meropa Communications Email: mauritius@meropa.co.za www.tourism-mauritius.mu www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za Scan this QR code for a a video from Mauritius Tourism.

Business Events Africa May 2020 19

TECH WATCH

Flock launches

Virtual Event Knowledge Series

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

F

lock has been operating in the virtual and mobile side of events since 2013 providing event tech solutions, so sprang into action as soon as possible by developing features enabling events to be held completely through mobile apps, or through a combination of mobile and online/virtual event platforms.

Over the last few weeks there has been much research and information provided on an incredibly wide variety of virtual and online platforms, all with different pros and cons, and applicable to certain events over others – making it a challenge for event planners (amongst everything else that requires planning and co-ordination) to become complete event tech gurus by knowing which options are best for which types of events, and

which options and developments are available when it comes to virtual events.

Understanding this scenario, the Flock team strategised around how to provide valuable information to event planners on virtual events, and thus the Virtual Event Knowledge Series was born.

The first live webinar took place on 13 May and had over 150 attendees from eight countries around the world.

The topic was AR (augmented reality) & VR (virtual reality) in events which included a presentation on various platforms and tech capabilities in this space from Steve Pinto, chief executive officer of New Reality. Mike Lysko, Calley Hayward and Veronica Botes from the Flock team were hosting guests and provided a series of engagement tools,

polls and jam-packed content covering: • The various types of events held (conferences, networking events, exhibitions, product showcases, open days, awards ceremonies, seminars, training workshops and others).

• Some available platforms for lifelike meetings and events with inperson meetups and collaborations from anywhere in the world.

• Important preparation tactics for event planners and their suppliers.

• Tips and tricks for audience engagement to accommodate different distractions and ensure the guests attention is kept.

• How to monetise your online events and add value to your sponsors?

• The importance of analytics and surveys for consistent improvement.

The future will consist of varying degrees of hybrid events (a mix of digital and physical elements in one event), with potential for better attendee experiences and improvements in networking as audiences are no longer bound by logistics and geography.

20 Business Events Africa May 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Macrovector – www.freepik.com

From the beginning of the global lockdowns, the events industry has been one of the hardest hit, sending many event planners into strategy mode. With initial reductions in mass gatherings, to limits on groups larger than 100, later 50, and then a complete shut-down, it has left the events industry with little option besides taking their much-needed events into the virtual sphere.

TECH WATCH

• Give thought to planning for five years from now with the potential for more global pandemics.

Feedback from the webinar has been incredibly positive so far, and got the wheels turning for many event planners, with the possibility for bringing events that may once have been considered strictly inperson events, to the virtual environment – and making it a potential global success with the increased audience reach.

The full event series will cover various topics linking to the success of virtual events, with focus points such as: • Speaking tips to maintain a human connection online with expert Andy Golding co-owner of Still Human, and; • Life after lockdown from worldrenowned speaker, Michael Jackson.

• Other topics will include: monetising your virtual event, virtual event engagement, sponsorship in virtual events, and more.

They will be run every two weeks in May and June, with the next episode being held on 27 May 2020.

The aim for the series is to provide event planners with sought-after knowledge to equip them to plan, coordinate and create immersive virtual experiences for their guests going forward. Just like with physical events where the industry evolved substantially www.businesseventsafrica.com

over many years with improvements in, for example, production capabilities, event registration enhancements, or Event Apps becoming a standard for better interactivity, engagement and information, we can expect the same with the Virtual Event revolution where the capabilities will improve and attendees will have a higher expectations for their online experiences going forward.

We feel it’s important to provide guiding information to event planners to uplift the events industry as whole, showcase various tech capabilities, improve experiences for attendees through better speakers and engagements, and provide organisers with the confidence to secure sponsorship and monetise events with the tools at hand currently.

As we are exploring, we are seeing more opportunity for global reach, increased sponsorship and calculated ROI for sponsors and various channels and options for monetising events that were never previously available at physical events.

The future will consist of varying degrees of hybrid events (a mix of digital and physical elements in one event), with potential for better attendee experiences and improvements in networking as audiences are no longer bound by logistics and geography.

Events providing a physical and virtual platform simultaneously will need to ensure that the experience is similar for both, particularly when attendee access is monetised. The Virtual Event Knowledge Series aims to provide guidance and insights to the events industry, making it easier for event planners to provide the same memorable experiences that audiences have grown to expect from the South African events industry, and globally.

Who is Mike Lysko?

Mike Lysko, chief executive officer 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 for virtual and hybrid events are created out of solid knowledge and experience in the events industry.

Business Events Africa May 2020 21

FINANCIAL TALK

Gig economy professionals leading organisational change

By Francois Kriel, management consultant and director at Kriel & Co

Right now, from the vantage point as external stakeholder, management consultants can potentially offer valuable perspective to leadership at the helm of organisations, when done responsibly.

I

n particular, consultants specialising in change management, digital transformation and related operational expertise are in the best position right now to support leadership teams.

Historically, management consultants by their very nature have been trusted by leaders of organisations to offer insights, recommendations and strategies based on objective data to help the organisation move forward. Management consultants also help navigate blind spots during journeys where organisations are often traveling fullspeed on what resembles an Autobahn – a highway which bears no limit to the speed that travellers may reach.

I think it is safe to say we are finding ourselves in the middle of this limitless space. With challenging economic conditions as a direct result of one of the largest health pandemics the world had ever seen, executives are increasingly finding themselves in crisis-management mode to keep organisations and teams 22 Business Events Africa May 2020

adjusting forward, and adapting to ‘business in the new-normal’.

It’s not hard to realise that organisations, and especially SMEs, by an overwhelming majority have taken some of the hardest knocks. They are relying on their safety systems now more than ever before to manage the many curvy bends on the long road to economic recovery.

Cash-strapped reality for organisations At the onset of the lockdown Statistics South Africa acted fast to understand the impact on a business level. They polled 707 businesses in the formal sector to get an idea of how the current crisis has affected businesses from 30 March to 13 April, the two-week period at the onset of the lockdown. The bleak results were released shortly thereafter and serve as a good benchmark that is now a downward trend in sentiment and a stark reality for countless organisations.

The report showed that five out of six businesses surveyed had a

drop in turnover while 85,4 per cent of respondents reported worrying turnover below the normal range.

Largest hit were the construction, real estate and other business services, as well as transport industries.

More concerning were the 42,2 per cent of respondents who indicated that they do not have confidence that they will be able to continue to operate through the pandemic due to dwindling financial resources. Over half of respondents said that without turnover they can survive between one and three months.

This is bleak, and the outlook curves further downward as the weeks are progressing.

A growing gig economy

While management consultants can admit that the scale for the type of work performed is most definitely tipped in the consultant’s favour, it is at this exact tipping point where we must consider the changing nature of our own landscape.

It is not only within organisations where www.businesseventsafrica.com

FINANCIAL TALK

the winds of change can lead to better outcomes, but it is to our benefit to separate the wheat from the chaff within the management consulting industry when times are indeed changing for our own industry too.

A majority of organisations across industries such as tourism, health, financial, transportation and right through to consumer services are employing cost cutting measures according to a simple equation.

They are adapting business models to favour delivery of services and products that bring the most value and save the most money.

It is brutal. Out with any clutter that do not turn to profit, while keeping or adopting any service offering that provides value in the short or long term.

Professionals may the need to adapt their own way of working to stay relevant, diversify income streams and offer real value. Is a gig economy approach the solution to adding value to the professional skill of navigating organisational change?

By nature, gig economy workers benefit from increased flexibility, the ability to choose projects that best align with their goals and interests, and the ability to earn income from multiple sources.

On the other hand, one obvious benefit to organisations is the ability to save costs by contracting talent to fulfil needs rather than employing full-time professionals. For instance, the average annual salary of a CIO is R1 220 180.

Organisations can also avoid the costs

www.businesseventsafrica.com

and often lengthy time period associated with the hiring process. Instead, companies can engage with a curated team consisting of the right people with the right skills for today’s project, right now, without having to worry about the long-term fit and HR impact.

Change management consultants as gig economy professionals are able to steer the organisation through these winding roads where side impact is a reality at every turn, and leadership is required to keep their eye on the road at all time to pre-empt change.

Widely adapting a gig economy for professionals may also dramatically change how company structures are arranged altogether.

How cheap is talk really?

The dizzying pace of digital transformation in the 21st Century established a lasting trend where organisational adaptation of new technology is here to stay. The consulting industry was ripe for disruption well before the onset of a global health pandemic. But traditional strategy consulting and the associated fees that come with the service have increasingly been pulled into question in recent years.

Case in point is the questionable trend which has seen traditional consulting firms profiting from significant contracts but at the same time shying away from accountability when things go awry.

There is the example of a prestigious US-based management consulting firm’s refusal to fully accept responsibility

for its role in State Capture during its consulting engagements with Transnet and Eskom, which resulted in a longlasting negative impact on the country’s economy and on its society. Another example is another competing firm who were alleged to be complicit in damaging the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The perception that these large firms are not willing to display accountability for their ‘costly advice’ and in some cases also benefited from fees associated with devious risk objective setting is something many organisations cannot afford to risk right now.

During a time when the balance between profit and people is at the forefront, the risk exists for the traditional approach to management consulting to become obsolete when they, firstly, seem simply too costly right now – and secondly, when they don’t appear to objectively align with the best interest of the organisation and the broad definition of stakeholders in which these organisations operate, that the rise of the gig economy for professionals has come just at the right time.

The gig economy has forced the new breed of millennial professional to adapt their value propositions that resonate with organisations now more than ever. Management consultants with a formidable and proven network of professional services spanning IT, HR and OD and digital leadership capabilities have the potential to become the designated driver to oversee the safety of organisations traveling full speed ahead.

Business Events Africa May 2020 23

TOP TIPS

Partnerships and collaboration: now even more essential In February 2019, the BestCities Global Alliance, which is managed by Gaining Edge, published a news article on the benefits of partnership.

Just over a year later, the importance of working more closely together is even more pronounced as a strategic response to Covid-19. The following advice is based on some of the content from that article.

Why are partnerships so important?

Partners enable an organisation to be able to do things they would not necessarily be able to on their own. They expand skillsets and offerings, bringing new and different abilities and strengths to your organisation, and can lead to value creation. The beauty of a partnership is working together to complement one another and to build something creative and fresh that one may not have otherwise been able to do themselves.

As Covid-19 has so deeply ravaged our industry, partnerships are a smart way to leverage financial and human resources between organisations.

Forming solid partnerships now will also help when times are better.

How can an organisation find the right partner for them?

Finding the right partner starts by understanding your organisation’s needs and areas of strength and using that as a basis to define where the best fit lies. What is it that will make you as an organisation prosper? The best way to identify a suitable partner is to find those who are complementary to what it is that you are

doing. It is often not the similarities, but the differences that can make the collaboration flourish – meaning that even the more unconventional pairings should not be ruled out when considering a partnership.

When considering a partnership, you need to find a party that is willing to put in a similar, if not an equal, amount of effort – which takes shape in various forms, including funding, time, knowledge, and manpower. Think about a new partner in the long-term, as it can take a fair amount of time to get things working the way they should.

What are the key benefits of a partnership?

The key elements where partnerships can benefit an organisation are, like anything in business, improving the bottom line, whether its financial or otherwise, increasing sales and enhancing reputation.

Those benefits can be reaped through: • Extending resources: rebuild business resources during times of scarcity, and combine forces to tackle marketplace opportunities.

• Reducing risk: address the great deal of uncertainty that exists by investing with others to spread out risk.

“Partnership is not a posture but a process – a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks.”

– John F. Kennedy • Knowledge sharing: exchange practices, skillsets, and expertise across organisations to help address unprecedented challenges.

• Brand association: collaborate amongst previous competitors to present new and dynamic brands to potential clients.

What common challenges need to be overcome in partnerships?

Challenges often arise when establishing a partnership. One view to consider is that ‘no partner is more important that the other’.

Regardless of the scale of the organisation, it is helpful to avoid a hierarchal partnership, as each organisation involved should be bringing equivalent value to the collaboration. Another potential challenge is being able to agree to a clear vision and goal of the collaboration. Tolerance, flexibility, and trust are critical, as is recognising every partner has strengths and weaknesses – as well as understanding and overcoming cultural or operational differences.

Consider your expectations. One cannot expect the other partner to commit to doing something you would not do yourself.

Finally, you must have champions within the leadership of your organisation for the collaboration. Establishing a partnership adds another layer of complexity and the benefits of this should be communicated and shared.

In closing The devastating impact of Covid-19 on our industry means that every organisation on the value chain, be it on the demand or supply side, need to consider new ways of doing business including working with competitors or non-traditional partners. It is our contention that forming partnerships will help organisations build greater resiliency for now and the times ahead. By sharing risk, knowledge and resources, the extensive disruption caused

by Covid-19 can be less intense.

24 Business Events Africa May 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM NEWS

Recognising that glimmer of hope An opinion piece by Greg McManus, chairperson of the Event Greening Forum

As I write this, South Africa is entering its eighth week of a lockdown that has had tragic consequences for many, particularly in the tourism, MICE and hospitality sectors. Every day we read of companies closing, laying off staff or going into hibernation. There is no doubt that we are in a weak position as an industry.

B

ut, as the old Persian adage goes, “this too shall pass”. In spite of our current feelings and the bleakness of our immediate future, our industry will recover to some semblance of its former strength. It will, however, take very conscious and immediate steps to achieve this.

Preparing for the ‘New Tourism’ Now is the time to rethink the way we do things, and what we will need to meet the future demands of our various sectors. Perhaps the first step is to accept that business can no longer be done as usual. The needs of our various markets have changed irrevocably because of the coronavirus, and we need to prepare for this.

For example, I believe that the longlasting impact of Covid-19 is going to be the need to actively promote the safety and health of our clients. Thinking out-of-the-box about how we plan, execute and promote events, meetings, conferences and exhibitions is going to take a willingness to change. Believe it or not, there are those who think we will go back to the ‘old’ way of doing business and that change – or the requirements of change – are not worth the effort for temporary gains. But each one of us now places greater emphasis on our health and the potential for transmission of the virus.

Why would our clients be any different?

At this stage, we need to implement measures to address the fears of our clients. By making simple changes to the way we manage our businesses, and incorporating best-practice wherever we can, we will be in a much stronger position to recover once the lockdown ends.

We also need to understand that Covid-19 is only the latest iteration of the coronavirus family. More, and potentially deadlier, versions could emerge in the future. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Technology – a silver bullet?

The use of technology in our industry has without doubt a spiked. But while it can solve many of our challenges, it cannot solve them all. I say this because the meetings, events and exhibitions industry is about contact and face time. Some of the most valuable outputs of conferences, for example, take place outside of the conference venue where we meet and chat with one another. This can’t be replicated using technology. We need to understand its limitations when looking to incorporate technology in our future plans.

Online registrations, paperless interactions, smart bookings systems and many other activities are possible with technology, and can address the bottlenecks that would breach the modern-day social distancing protocols we will be living under. But will online exhibitions work? Probably not, for the reasons I’ve mentioned above. While some point to the effectiveness of on-line retailers, even those retailers attend exhibitions and conferences in person to source their products.

So, what now?

Now is the time for us to regroup and rethink how we do business. Let’s start

by looking at how we operate and what we present to our markets. Develop sound ‘Covid-19-safe’ solutions in every proposal and submission you make. Bear in mind the national and international protocols that exist. Stop believing that once the lockdown is lifted, it’s going to be back to business as usual. Social distancing is the new norm. Measures that mitigate and minimise transmission of this virus – and every future virus – will become a musthave if your business is going to survive.

All is not lost, and you have the chance to make a new start. Take it.

If you need ideas or services to help your business prepare for this ‘new world’, please visit: http://www. eventgreening.co.za/news-blog/ Many of Event Greening Forum members are sharing their offerings here, from CoronaSmart’s free Covid-19 health and safety standards to handsfree sanitising stations, home office eco spaces and virtual event technology.

For more information, contact: Pippa Naude, Event Greening Forum t: +27 (0)74 369 6369 e: pippa@eventgreening.co.za

Business Events Africa May 2020 25

AAXO NEWS

Unlock your potential

By Projeni Pather, chairperson of AAXO

We think it’s safe to say that we probably all in crisis mode. The onset of Covid-19 has forced us into this state. The origin of ‘crisis’ in Greek implies ‘decision’, not tragedy or catastrophe, but rather ‘decision’. As we all involuntarily go through the phases of crisis, it is important to understand the depth of each phase and be mindful of the decisions we make.

A

s motivational speaker, Wayne Dyer wrote, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” As an association, our commitment to our industry is to support you and engage with you mindfully through these phases.

It is in this mindfulness that lies the learning, and the road to recovery.

Our crisis began in March this year when the Disaster Management Act was imposed, banning mass gatherings, which

brought our industry to a grinding halt.

This devastating news threw us into a state of anxiety. Exhibitions and events had to be cancelled or postponed; the workforce had to be equipped to work from home; the loss of skilled staff; leases and agreements had to be negotiated; the prospect of businesses closing down, among many other stressors. Anxiety then escalates into defensiveness, where we lose sight of rationality in our efforts to try to save the situation. Losing

rationality then leads to risky choices that could harm yourself or your business.

To ease your anxiety, we are working with the SA Events Council to put together a safety framework to lobby for the reopening of our industry. Exhibitions and events are organised gatherings, with compulsory registrations that allow for vigilant, screening, tracking, and tracing together with a host of safety protocols that will ensure the safety of every attendee. We are not a careless industry, we are accountable to our stakeholders, we act responsibly, and we put safety first.

During this time, I ask you to relook at the challenges we are faced with, to unlock the full potential for your business and our industry. Yes, the loss is massive, but so is the opportunity it brings. Now is the time to re-energise and innovate, revitalise your ideas, and create new business opportunities. The crisis highlights where the gaps are and how to fix them so we can make our businesses stronger; it galvanises us towards a better future.

aaxo@aaxo.co.za | www.aaxo.co.za | 011 465 8955

EXSA NEWS

United we stand

By Gill Gibbs, vice chairperson of EXSA

B

ack in the day, there was a stag that was blind in one eye. This stag always grazed by the sea, so that he could keep a look out for approaching hounds, which he believed to be the only threat to himself. Hence, the stag never bothered to turn his good eye to the sea, so when sailors from a ship came ashore, he failed to notice them, until he was shot with their arrow, fatally wounding him.

We were warned by the relevant experts and soothsayers – did we prepare proficiently? Did we think it would not happen to us? Did we, perhaps arrogantly, assume that we were invincible?

Did we place our head in the sand and turn a blind eye? So now the rug has been pulled from under our feet – literally.

What to do? Where to look to?

How do we show up now?

United we stand – and then we actually stand a chance of survival.

There lived a father whose sons constantly quarrelled. The father asked his sons to bring him a bundle of sticks and then he challenged each in turn, to break the bundle over their knees – which, naturally, they found impossible. He then split

the bundle and showed how each individual stick could easily be broken.

“United you are strong; quarrelling and separated, you are weak.”

While this father was educating and mentoring his offspring, a soldier was tending to his horse very well during the wars and reciprocally, the horse served him well. At the end of the wars, the soldier treated this horse badly, with little food, no shelter and heavy drudging work. War broke out again and the soldier went to use the horse as before, but the wretched beast collapsed, saying that the poor treatment had turned him into an ass, and he would not be restored to a trusty steed in ‘just a moment’. Look after what is of value.

Our industry has incredible value and as stakeholders in this game, standing together and speaking in one, united voice, will ensure our longevity, sustainability and relevance.

Our industry representative body for suppliers, exhibition service providers, venues and agencies, EXSA, has rallied inter-association working groups, oneon-one sessions and has held its first association think tank in the wake of Covid-19 – to communicate, advise, guide and assist as much as possible for all industry role players to find new and creative ways to take on the future.

Foremost, the primary objective is to have our industry recognised as a formal sector, and not one that is part of a sector such as tourism. This will have great benefit for all companies and individuals in our industry as then, we will be recognised by government and corporate business.

This will create more structure in our industry and yes, more controls which will then be instituted by governing bodies.

Our industry also cannot be compared or aligned to the live events and sports sector. We have our own unique requirements, value, capability and commodity.

What EXSA cannot do, is to do this alone – Covid-19 is bigger than all of us.

As advocates for environmentallysound, socially-just business practices to help improve and grow the sectors of the industry sustainably and consistently, our value, strength and foundation is borne of just over 40 years of experience, at ground roots level, in the trenches, with a collective mission to create value for industry members to sustain our industry association into the future.

There lies huge strength and safety in numbers, and we call to action all credible and authentic industry role players to take up your position as an EXSA-accredited member, and forge on with us into the new reality.

SAACI NEWS

Learning to surf in a tsunami

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

When this column is published, we will undoubtedly still be in some level of lockdown, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of us will have made more sense of the so-called ‘new normal’, while others might still be struggling to come to terms with it.

T

he fact remains that we all have to cope, manage our businesses and find innovative ways to survive, let alone prosper.

As global speaker and business strategist Anthony Morris put it in a recent SAACI webinar: “we are in a tsunami and have to learn to surf really quickly!” He also said time no longer equals money, but that relationships and creativity equal money. The rules of the game have changed irrevocably.

The question is, how do we play?

There seems to be consensus that some form of hybrid environment will remain part of our future, and that most industries will have to adapt significantly, making sacrifices on the one hand, but creating opportunities on the other.

Our recently-held webinar themed ‘ReBoot’ was the beginning of our approach to bring in outside experts if necessary, to help members and employees make sense of the world post-Covid-19 for the business events industry. We will continue to bring relevant information

to members and keep encouraging the industry to engage and seek assistance within the SAACI network or the broader industry network. Through sharing, we will help each other learn how to surf this tsunami we find ourselves in.

Now, more than ever, collaboration is key. Collaboration with other members who have knowledge or skills, collaboration with colleagues, suppliers, government – anyone who can contribute to the survival of businesses and the industry.

At SAACI, we are doing our utmost to be a conduit of information that can help members to stay in business and even pursue new opportunities. We have stepped up our member communication considerably and trust that members have found it truly valuable. Membership of a representative industry association is now crucially important.

Follow us on social media, check your inbox for important messages from us, communicate with us on askus@saaci.org and let’s keep on collaborating.

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

Focus on what we can do

By Tes Proos, president of Site Africa

Early March 2020, South African travel companies, DMCs and PCOs were still signing contracts, paying deposits and confirming new business. We were encouraging people travel to South Africa as we were Covid-19-free.

That was two months ago. Look at us now.

N

o-one saw this coming and the once-thriving tourism, events and hospitality industry was shaken to the core. The subsequent financial and emotional chaos ripped through the tourism communities and the end appears to be nowhere near in sight.

That said, it has been encouraging to see how the industry has rallied together to try and make sense of everything. The sheer shock of realising one has no income for the foreseeable future is paralysing, especially for those with families to support. There has been an upsurge of leadership and community support which goes a long way in helping individuals focus and #staystrong for another day.

The amount of webinars have everybody “Zoomed” out. However, we’ve had to accept that this is going to be the way we do things for a while. We may be locked down, but at least we still have communication. The data companies hit the jackpot with this pandemic!

Now, how are we going to get the tourism industry out of this quagmire?

The reality is that nothing can return to normal until a vaccine has been developed and properly distributed. But can the industry afford such a hard knock?

The South African Minister of Tourism announced that domestic tourism will not return until December 2020, and international tourism only by February 2021. The sheer knock-on affect this will have on the economy is unthinkable.

Millions of jobs are already lost, and many hotels, restaurants and venues simply will not be able to reopen.

What are the positives? For one thing, not the entire country is riddled with Covid-19 infections. There are communities with no infections and those should be allowed to start trading again, naturally with all the health safety protocols observed. There is no reason why travel inbetween provinces should not be allowed, with reasonable restrictions in place.

Use, for example, country lodges in Tulbagh and Cederberg – a mere 3-hour drive from Cape Town. Why can these

establishments not be permitted to operate again for domestic tourists?

More positives include the low number of infections in our neighbouring countries, that are slowly but surely starting to bring tourism back. Great news is that Air Namibia has started flying domestically again. Zimbabwe and Namibia are starting to reopen certain hotels from 1 June 2020. Let’s watch this space for further regional developments.

Of course, there is a big question mark for the revival of incentive travel. We need to remind our clients that incentive travel is not a holiday – it’s a well-earned motivational tool. Those sales teams need to perform at their peak to rework their targets. Much business has been lost due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, so companies and individuals will have less money to spend. This is a great time for smaller boutique hotels and guest houses to benefit from incentive travel. Apart from a pricing point, smaller properties also lend themselves to automatic socialdistancing with a further advantage that they can be booked out exclusively.

In the meantime, we are all working really hard at finding solutions across the board. Let’s focus on what we can do – not what we can’t! #staysafe #travelsoon.

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

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

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

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

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

Contact

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

MARKET NEWS

Beating Covid-19 in your sector Covid-19, the coronavirus strain that has caused a global lockdown, is changing how we do business. This is especially true for tourism, hospitality and retail, where engaging with many people risks spreading the virus. The future of these sectors depends on new hygiene standards to make them safe again – and to reassure consumers that they are safe.

30 Business Events Africa May 2020

T

o this end, CoronaSmart has launched a range of health and safety standards for four sectors: accommodation (e.g. hotels, lodges and B&Bs); business events; restaurants and food service; and tourism transport. Each standard addresses the risks specific to that industry.

Greg McManus, the founder of CoronaSmart, explained, “We developed these standards to proactively address the challenges that Covid-19 poses for these industries. Being high-risk sectors that add a significant amount of value to the economy, it is critical that we give business owners the support and tools they need to move forward. Then, when it is safe to reopen, they can do so responsibly and with thorough precautions in place to limit, mitigate and stop the spread of the virus.”

To encourage the adoption of CoronaSmart standards, Mr McManus is making them available for free. You can download them from the company’s website: www.coronassmart.com As well as being able to implement the standard, businesses can apply to add the CoronaSmart certification label to their marketing materials, thereby gaining exposure through the CoronaSmart online members directory. This will be promoted globally through various digital marketing channels, to help build a recognised and trusted network that end-users can turn to when seeking safe services. In the future, consumers will be far more cautious than they were in the ‘old’ world, and CoronaSmart can hopefully help to engender trust and peace of mind, particularly in tourism.

CoronaSmart members will also enjoy consultation services to help them implement and maintain the standards, and access to a supplier base for their equipment and PPE needs, staff training and HR support.

“I would also like to call on governments across southern Africa to support and recognise these standards, and to particularly recognise those businesses that are certified as compliant. Adoption www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET NEWS and certification to the CoronaSmart system will help protect consumers, workers and tourists, and we are hopeful that this will lead to earlier reopening of these industries,” he added.

Mr McManus cautioned that while the standards incorporate those of the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Government and international benchmarks, they cannot guarantee an establishment or operator will be risk-free – “Nothing can do that.” But by implementing the CoronaSmart standards, a business comprehensively improves their ability to prevent viral outbreaks and manages its performance within national guidelines.

“With over 20 years of experience creating standards and providing

You can download the free CoronaSmart standards from www.coronassmart.com. certification, our team is well-rehearsed on how to help businesses take the necessary steps to protect their staff and clients in the best manner possible.

While Covid-19 is new, developing a strategy to overcome it is not. Our method is tried-and-tested, so we can give you reliability when you need it most,” Mr McManus added.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

May 2020 Vol 40 No 5 ADVERTISER

PAGE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

26

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

Barmotion

IFC, 14-15

info@barmotion.co.za

www.barmotion.co.za

Durban ICC

OFC, 4-7

sales@icc.co.za

www.icc.co.za

EXSA

29

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Folio

16

pziets@folio-online.co.za

www.folio-online.co.za

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

17-19

mauritius@meropa.co.za

www.tourism-mauritius.mu / www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za

MJunxion

2

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

Plaslope

31

plaslope@plaslope.com

www.plaslope.com

SAACI

28

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SITE

29

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

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

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Business Events Africa May 2020 31

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

32 Business Events Africa May 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

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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

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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 May 2020 33

THE LAST WORD

Breathing life back into African hospitality after Covid-19 Africa’s resilience in the past will stand it in good stead for recovery in the future. What its hospitality industry needs now to ensure its own revival is a state of mind focused beyond recovery and to reinvention. By Bernard Cassar, development director of BON Hotels

A

frica is a continent that has had many obstacles placed in its historic path and yet, time and again, it has overcome these, from states of war and tyranny, to dreaded diseases.

Rwanda recovered from genocide to become one of Africa’s most successful nations. Nigeria and South Africa, both with democracies now firmly in place, respectively rose out of civil wars and apartheid. Ethiopia’s years of famine have been replaced by an economic growth rate that earlier this year was said to be one of the fastest in the world.

We are a resilient continent and, as we have done with challenges in the past, we will rise from Covid-19 as well – and, along with it, the welcoming doors of the African hospitality industry will open once again. What we need now are plans to prepare for when this happens, and a state of mind that stays focused beyond just recovery, but reinvention as well.

For the short-term, this means turning our African sights firmly towards our own local markets and making these our priority. In terms of our own hotel group, 34 Business Events Africa May 2020

this was indeed the reason we got into the market in the first place – to develop an African industry by Africans for Africans – but, for the immediate future, once lockdowns permit the kind of movement we all rely on, this is the mantra by which all establishments will need to abide.

In our own markets, predominantly those in Nigeria and South Africa, many of our bookings pre-Covid-19 relied on business travel in particular. Post-pandemic, it will continue to do the same but the opportunities now exist to diversify those offerings by encouraging “bleisure” travel. In other words, doing whatever we can to encourage business travellers to extend their stay through attractive incentives and packages that will, in turn, stimulate the desire – and confidence – to return to destinations with their families in tow.

Our offerings will also need to extend beyond a room, a bed and a meal. For some time before Covid-19, as hoteliers, we fretted about the rise of disruptors in our industry. Now

is the time to become disruptors ourselves.

For instance, we saw the extensive rise of the experience economy before Covid-19, and for those hoteliers who have not yet geared up for this, now is the time to do so, as this will make the difference between bookings or blank reservations screens. Use this time to find unique, never-before-explored partners who will join forces to offer carefully curated experiences, always with health, hygiene and safety top of mind. Train and enable your staff to be knowledgeable in these offerings with each and every guest they come into contact with when your doors start to reopen.

It is, of course, among our work force where the pandemic is hitting the hardest, and likewise it is here that efforts will need to be focused to restrengthen our teams – and the vital role they play in the African economy – as quickly as possible.

As it is, a study by the United Nations estimates that at least two million direct and indirect jobs in travel and tourism in Africa, to a value of at least US$50 billion, will be lost because of Covid-19.

Trust in the travel market will return, but it must begin with a focus on “local” – and placing offerings on the table that enable access to experiences that many locals may have previously perceived to either be out of their reach or only aimed at foreign markets. It will also be by growing our domestic markets in the short-term, that these markets will, in turn, begin to expand and explore intraAfrica, across the borders of provinces and into other countries as these reopen.

Who is Bernard Cassar?

With a career in the industry spanning close to four decades, Bernard Cassar is the Development Director of BON Hotels, which owns, manages and markets hotels across Africa.

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