Business Events Africa November 2018 Vol 38 No 11

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 38 No 11 November 2018

We came, we saw… we conquered Twenty Years of Making Dreams Come True

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Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 38 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

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

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

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AFRICA’S LEADING

BUSINESS EVENTS DIRECTORY

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

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Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 38 years

CONTENTS

VOL 38 NO 11 NOVEMBER 2018

18

Special Features 18 CAPE TOWN AND WESTERN CAPE CONTINUES TO SOAR

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade and

About the cover Emperors Palace turns 20 and is more fabulous than ever Emperors Palace, the entertainment and leisure capital in Gauteng, turns 20 this year and has been celebrating in style since August, with celebrations set to continue well into the festive season. Guests can look forward to a series of birthday surprises taking place across the property, including fun birthday installations, exciting weekend promotions and the chance to win their share of exciting prizes.

Investment Promotion Agency, joined by the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, and stakeholders from across sectors, hosted its annual review for the financial year 2017/18. It was a challenging year for the Western Cape and South Africa. The credit ratings downgrades during this time, coupled with the worst drought to hit the Cape on record, meant that the agency had to do even more in a constrained economic environment.

20 CTICC ON AN INTERNATIONAL BID WINNING STREAK The CTICC has been awarded 15 international conferences, in the last six months alone. Many of these will be hosted on the African continent for the first time. We are extremely proud to have won these bids, which are testament to the CTICC’s competitiveness as a venue and Cape Town’s attractiveness as a business event destination” said Julie-May Ellingson, chief executive officer of the CTICC.

22 SPIER FOR CONSCIOUS CONFERENCING The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is constantly striving to find innovative ways for its business to have a positive social and environmental impact. This very much embodies its approach to events, which it calls Conscious Conferencing.

20

5

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

24

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

Destination: Botswana 24 LUSH COMFORT IN THE HEART OF AFRICA An authentic African adventure awaits at Chobe Marina Lodge, situated on the banks of the Chobe River within walking distance of Kasane town centre and easy access to the renowned Chobe National Park.

Masa Square Hotel, situated in the cosmopolitan Masa Piazza, offers an array of luxury accommodation, conferencing, entertainment facilities, restaurants and roof top pool bar in the heart of Gaborone’s CBD.

Features 4 Editor’s comment: There is always a new chapter.

5 Report back | Africa Associations Congress: First Africa Associations Congress hosted in South Africa.

31 Event Greening forum An event greening case study: Meetings Africa 2018.

17

33 EXSA news What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…

Executive Chef Abbas Abrahams: executive chef at Century City Conference Centre.

19 Company focus Barmotion: The best things in life are free.

26 Local perspective Africa no longer seen as the ‘dark continent’.

28 Exhibitions 2018: What a year for ExpoGuys.

29 Venue news Expo Centre: Ending the year on a high note.

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

32 SAACI news A potential client isn’t always worth the risk.

4 AAXO news 3 Create an experience for your visitors.

35 SITE news SITE announces 2019 new board and trustees.

36 Index of advertisers.

37 Calendar.

38 Directory & associations of interest to the industry.

40 Last word: How government can work with the tourism sector to create jobs.

30 Teambuilding Avianto: A one-stop destination for conferencing.

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 PUBLISHER: Godfrey King gk@contactpub.co.za MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN EDITOR: Hayley Mendelow hayley@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Pierre Grobler | +27 (0)82 900 4026 pierre@businesseventsafrica.com Ruth Baldwin | +27 (0)72 897 6752 ruth@businesseventsafrica.co.za James Seymour | +27 (0)82 925 5508 james@cathkinmanagement.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 38 No 11 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly, with the Yearbook in June.

Printed by

, a division of Novus Holdings

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

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Learning | Growth | collaboration

aaxo

Official media partner

South Africa National Convention Bureau

9

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

Shared Econ

omies

When share d minds come togeth er, we advance Africa

When shared minds com advance Afr ica.

25 FEBRUARY

2019 : BOND AY 26-27 FEBRUAR

Y 2019: e tog eth er, EX weHIBITION

SANDTON CONV JOHANNESBU ENTION CENTRE RG, SOUTH AFRIC A

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

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

26 FEBRUARY

2018: BOND 27-28 FEBRUAR ww AY

w.meetingsafrica Y 2018: .co.za EX HIBITIO N SANDTON CONV JOHANNESBU ENTION CENTRE RG, SOUTH AFRICA

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

ur lives work in cycles. The longer you are in the industry, the more people you know, and sadly this means there is also a cycle of death. It is a part of living.

This month we said goodbye to three industry leaders, Ian Cawood, Henk Bredenoord and Carlo Folchi-Vici.

It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to these three people that touched my work life in a significant way. I have fond memories of each of them and I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends.

To live life means we need to understand the cycle of life. There is always a beginning and an end.

Life is a celebration. With that in mind, I would like to congratulate Craig Newman from the Johannesburg Expo Centre on his appointment as UFI president. I am sure that you will fly the South African flag high, and through your UFI presidency grow the African exhibitions industry.

While one local leader steps up, another industry stalwart, Nina Freysen-Pretorius completes her presidency with ICCA. Wow, what an amazing presidency it has

been. Congratulations to Nina for her leadership, dedication and commitment to industry during her tenure. She has left big shoes to fill. Nina is an inspiration to the business events industry locally and internationally. By no means is this the end of her chapter – I’m sure this is just the start of many new chapters.

This year I turned 40, and I’m not sure if it is an issue of mortality but I have definitely started to take a closer look at myself and my various roles as an editor, mother, wife and friend. Through this self-reflection stage, I have started to read books on how to better myself.

Maybe it is a legacy thing, but what I have come to realise is that life is really not black and white.

The shades is what makes us different and as much as we want to find answers to who we are, the truth is you must pursue what makes you happy.

Yes, there are a variety of personality traits but I don’t believe we can box people into one specific box.

This brings me back to our industry – it is all about the personalities and the experiences. Quite simply, how we make people feel.

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

There is always a new chapter O

We can’t cater to everyone’s likes and expectations but we certainly can come close by offering delegates, visitors and buyers a range of options from venues to services to suppliers.

What better way to do this, through a trade show that focuses on just that?

In this edition, we look at Meetings Africa. This world-class business events trade platform offers local and international buyers a selection of services and products to choose from. It remains my favourite local trade show and without a doubt it offers buyers myriad choices all under one roof.

Meetings Africa offers exhibitors, buyers and visitors a new chapter of programmes, experiences and new associates.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

REPORT BACK | Africa Associations Congress

First Africa Associations Congress hosted in South Africa More than 140 delegates, including 102 executives representing associations from Pan African, regional and national African associations, as well as some international delegates from Europe and USA, attended the first Africa Associations Congress at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria, South Africa recently.

They were captivated by the speakers and talks at the congress, organised by the Association of Association Executives (AAE).

D

elegates heard from some of the best association speakers in Africa and were fascinated by the talk given by Professor Solomon Rataemane, secretary general of the World Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. There was also a real buzz about the engaging keynote address from local motivational speaker Charlotte Kemp, Futures Alchemist, who talked about reinventing the association.

Roy Gluckmann’s keynote address certainly got delegates thinking out of their comfort zones. He is a diversity & inclusions specialist at Cohesive Collection.

This much needed engagement left some delegates hot under the collar, but the majority left with much food for thought about the South African narrative on inclusivity and diversity.

Delegates really appreciated the sharing of association success story

case studies. This was very popular and many stayed beyond the end of the session, talking, discussing and sharing.

“What a pleasure to attend a conference that is focused on making associations better and to provide us with tips and practical advice. I have certainly learnt lessons that I will be applying in my own association. Looking forward to the next one,” said Rianné Potgieter, chief executive officer at the Compliance Institute Southern Africa.

Another delegate, Phankha Sakoane, executive head of the South African Community Foundation said “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn about social association entrepreneurship.

I would like to highlight the importance of this congress and that I have learned a lot from the two days and enjoyed it very much, learning about

issues of transformation, effectiveness, purpose, diversity and many more.”

Exhibitors and sponsors gained substantial value in being part of a gathering of such an important group of association executives, and many positive relationships have been formed as a result.

Damian Hutt, executive director, AAE said “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the inaugural Africa Associations Congress.

Many attendees travelled across the continent and found the event stimulating and valued the educational content.

“We achieve success because we take time and carryout research so that we deliver the right content via the right format for association executives. We’ve had very favourable feedback and this is the first of a permanent Africa Associations Congress series and other events. We are very excited about the programme ahead.”

If you want to benefit from hearing recorded educational talks or reading success story case studies or simply keep up-to-date with how AAE supports and provides education for association executives world-wide, you can join their community free of charge. Go to www. associationexecutives.org/join.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa November 2018 5

COVER STORY | Emperors Palace

EMPERORS PALACE

TURNS 20

and is more fabulous than ever Emperors Palace, the entertainment and leisure capital in Gauteng, turns 20 this year and has been celebrating in style since August, with celebrations set to continue well into the festive season.

Guests can look forward to a series of birthday surprises taking place across the property, including fun birthday installations, exciting weekend promotions and the chance to win their share of exciting prizes.

S

tanding tall in the Entertainment Emporium, and guaranteed to leave visitors awestruck, is a 10-metre wide, three-metre high artificial birthday cake that surrounds the iconic Statue of David.

In addition, the Star Walkway, featuring clay handprint tiles of all the famous faces who have visited The Palace of Dreams will adorn the passageways.

The resort is commemorating its rich and vibrant history spanning two

decades with a coffee table book.

The celebrations continue at Aurelia’s restaurant where the standard à la carte menu has been transformed to include luxurious gold-leaf encrusted dessert items, including Nutella filled cronuts and macaroons.

Festive hotel specials mean guests can extend their weekend and book a room from as little as R900 on Sundays. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting

6 Business Events Africa November 2018

Peermont Central Reservations on +27 (0)11 928 1928 and quoting the promotions code, CELEBRATE. For those in need of rest and relaxation, Octavia’s Day Spa offers a 20 Carat Golden Facial that will not disappoint. Valid from Mondays to Thursdays, the facial is priced at R690 and uses the powers of gold to restore weary skin. For bookings contact +27 (0)11 928 1815 or visit www.octavias.co.za.

COVER STORY | Emperors Palace

Kick start the festive season with the 11th annual Garden of Lights, that promises to light up the Ekurhuleni skies between 30 November 2018 and 02 January 2019 (weather permitting).

Taking place in the perfectly manicured gardens of the five-star Peermont D’oreale Grande hotel, this lights spectacle was created to spread festive cheer through mesmerising light displays, colourful characters, fun fair rides and delicious food offerings.

Entrance is R25 per person and proceeds will be donated to Reach for a Dream, and the Peermont Children’s and Education Trusts. And in celebration of the resort’s 20th birthday, a further R200 000 will be donated to 20 charities that Emperors Palace employees support.

If that’s not enough, for the first time in South Africa, illusionist Ryan Sharp will present his show “The Magic of Christmas” during the same period.

An amazing show featuring grand scale illusion, ventriloquism, comedy magic, complimented with dazzling special effects and costumes will bring magic to children young and old. Tickets are R80 per person. For bookings, please visit www.tixsa.com.

Queen fans are in for a musical treat when Emperors Palace and Showtime Australia hosts the world’s premier of the Queen tribute show, Queen: It’s a

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Kinda Magic in the Theatre of Marcellus.

The show, scheduled from 30 November to 31 December, including a rock-star worthy New Year’s Eve performance to ring in 2019, sets to recreate Queen’s historically famous 1986 World Tour concert on stage in South Africa and will feature some iconic hit songs. Tickets are priced from R180 per person.

Celebrations wrap up with a bang in December with one of the hottest events this year, the Monsoon Lagoon Reunion Party on 13 December in the Red Roman Shed. From the Big Brother eviction parties and the FHM Hottest 100 girls, to The Ministry of Sound CD launches and endless after parties, relive the heydays of Monsoon Lagoon,

dubbed one of the country’s hottest nightclubs in the early 2000’s. With DJ Shawny B spinning the decks and master of ceremonies, Mark Pilgrim, get your tickets from R225 per person.

Tickets for the above shows and events can be booked through the Emperors Palace Box Office on +27 (0)11 928 1213/1937 or online at www.emperorspalace. com or www.computicket.com.

Business Events Africa November 2018 7

COVER STORY | Emperors Palace

Host the ULTIMATE YEAREND FUNCTION at Emperors Palace

With year-end fast approaching, it’s time to start considering how to celebrate the year that’s gone by in style and good spirit!

Emperors Palace is the ultimate one-stop destination for hosting memorable year-end functions that’s bound to have clients and employees impressed, and talking about the fun they had for years to come.

QUEEN: IT’S A KINDA MAGIC

BIG TOP ROCK

For a year-end that will rock you,

Join us for the legendary rock ‘n’ roll

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, takes place

circus show, Big Top Rock, at our very

at the Theatre of Marcellus and will

own Barnyard Theatre, conveniently

recreate Queen’s 1986 World Tour

located at Emperors Palace.

concert, featuring over 20 of the

This hit show, taking place until

band’s greatest hits such as ‘We Will

9 December, features live music,

Rock You’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’,

aerial acts, funky dance routines

‘We Are the Champions’, ‘Under

and an electrical atmosphere that

Pressure’ and ‘Fat-Bottomed Girls’.

will rock you like no other.

YEAR-END PARTY Book show and dinner packages, which includes a three-course meal from R430 per person. There are three shows every weekend from 30 November to 31 December, with full buyouts available.

Big Top Rock will mesmerise and

Alternatively, treat your employees and

thrill young and old in an action

book one of our elegant and spacious

packed show - featuring rock hits from

conference rooms for your year-end

artists Def Leppard, ACDC, Kings of

party, with packages starting from

Leon, Aerosmith and Red Hot Chili

R335 per person, including welcome

Peppers to rock and pop icons; Elvis

drinks, a dance floor, and more.

Presley, Pink, Elton John, Michael

We have a range of options

Jackson, Pitbull and many more.

and venues available, including the Red Roman Shed, to suit any type of year end bash.

Applicable to groups of 50 or more, contact +27 (0)11 928 1103 or email events@emperorspalace.com to secure your booking between Mondays and Wednesdays.

8 Business Events Africa November 2018

Tickets are priced from R130 per person and can be booked on +27 (0)11 928 1108 or through www.barnyardtheatre.co.za.

To secure a corporate booking, contact Cherene Eggar on cherene@barnyardtheatres.co.za.

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Shared Economies

When shared minds come together, we advance Africa

When shared minds 26-27 FEBRUARY 2019: come together, EXHIBITION we advance Africa.

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE 25 FEBRUARY 2019 : BONDAY

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

26 FEBRUARY 2018: BONDAY

27-28 FEBRUARYwww.meetingsafrica.co.za 2018:

EXHIBITION SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Meetings Africa

By Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa

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

M

eetings Africa has earned its place as Africa’s premier business events trade show. The show attracts quality buyers from around the world and superior business events products and services from across the continent.

With the SANCB’s involvement and leadership, Meetings Africa has grown significantly. It has become the preferred meeting place for the business events industry on the African continent. It offers international buyers and exhibitors an African platform to meet and bring together

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau:

The meetings industry’s contribution to jobs and GDP is not just a South African story but an African one too, said Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau, which hosts Meetings Africa on behalf of South African Tourism. “To advance this sector, the Meetings Africa event is geared to also enhance the collaboration between African countries and African associations so as to create more shared economic benefits for the continent’s business events sector.”

“It is about co-operating first and then competing. This makes the African industry stronger and better, with an increased economic impact.”

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

10 Business Events Africa November 2018

global industry leaders to advance the business events industry on the continent.

Delegates who attend the show are treated to a robust event programme catering to buyers and exhibitors. Certain classic elements of the Meetings Africa programme were retained in 2018, while other aspects will be refined to make Meetings Africa 2019 better and more impactful.

Throughout the 13 years that Meetings Africa has been in existence, the show has

WHO DOES IT ATTRACT? The exhibition attracts buyers and visitors from around the world who are interested in doing business in South Africa and indeed the rest of the African continent.

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SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Today, the Meetings Africa hosted buyer programme is one of the best, securing high quality buyers who come to the show with the commitment to do business in South Africa and Africa. This hosted buyer programme delivers and ensures a high ROI for exhibitors.

– Irene Costa

MEETINGS AFRICA 2018

FAST FACTS

3 000 delegates.

306 business events exhibitors – 21 African

countries, with 65 of these exhibitors coming from outside South Africa.

154 business and trade media representatives.

420 buyers (hosted

and non-hosted) from 45 countries in attendance.

Furthermore, the SANCB ensured that industry leaders SHARED opened up the hosted come together to advance ECONOMIES buyer programme to its the business events When shared minds exhibitors. Exhibitors industry in South Africa. come together, are able to invite However, when the we advance Africa their own buyers SANCB was formed to the show. They in 2012, it made a Connect to one of the fastest growing too have to meet call to industry to and exciting business destinations the strict criteria, find out how it could in the world, when blossoming but once met; their improve on the already growing global economies buyers are hosted by successful trade show. and shared minds SA Tourism. Once in the Through a consultation unite. country the exhibitor has the process with the business opportunity to host them further. industry, the SANCB undertook the challenge by implementing the necessary Show days changes.

The second concern was the length of the show. The show was cut down from three Hosted buyers days to a two day show. In place of the The first area of concern was the one day, SANCB developed a dedicated hosted buyer programme. The SANCB educational programme, which is executed implemented a qualification process with in conjunction with the key industry a strict criteria that would be adhered to. associations (SAACI, SITE, EXSA, Event A third party company was appointed to Greening Forum and ICCA). This addition ensure that the selection process would adds value to exhibitors and visitors. be impartial.

6 400 business

meetings were confirmed – 30% increase over 2017’s figure.

15 South African small business exhibitors (SMMEs).

Tourism Incentive Programme In support of this 15 South African small businesses from across the country, through the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP), received bespoke training and insights on accessing the global business events market and its shared economic opportunities, and were also given an opportunity to exhibit at the show.

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Business Events Africa November 2018 11

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Hosted buyers International hosted buyers qualification process Unique codes to reduce rejections and improve quality:

Official hosted buyer partners: convention bureaus, destination marketing companies, SAT country managers, convention centres send invitation to apply

• Reduce the cost of the qualification process.

• Improve the monitoring of applications.

• Invite to go to pre-qualified buyers.

Potential hosted buyers would apply using their unique codes.

Hosted buyers to apply

Once a code is used, it is deactivated to avoid sending it to any other buyer.

Qualification process starts and comments are provided to the SANCB

FILTERS TO IMPROVE THE QUALIFICATION PROCESS

Qualification to be discussed

Qualified buyers announced

HOSTED BUYER NUMBERS SANCB agrees, or disagrees with the outcome.

If consensus is reached then the buyer gets a approval/rejection notification.

buyers.

52 African association buyers.

196 Local corporate buyers.

1 527 Visitors.

Hosted buyer benefits

Hosted buyer qualification requirements:

To be accepted onto the Meetings Africa Hosted Buyer Programme, all applicants will be required to demonstrate the following: 1. M ust not have attended Meetings Africa in the past three years 2. O ne applicant per organisation from the following categories: •A recognised incentive travel house executive/senior purchaser •A recognised international event management company executive •C orporate meeting director/senior purchaser •A n association president/executive/director of conferences Applicants representing travel clubs, weddings, sport or vacation packages should not apply.

Hosted buyer criteria • Purchasing authority for placing meetings, events, incentive or business travel.

• Organisation consistently books meetings or incentive travel programmes outside of the buyers geographic region, and proof of these is available on request for verification.

• Africa is a serious consideration in the organisation within the next two years, or the next two meeting rotations (in terms of associations).

• Must be able communicate fairly well in the English language and have a willingness to engage with African suppliers (20 meetings in total).

Hosted buyer ROI

• Complimentary economy-class flights and transfers • Complimentary 4* and 5* accommodation • Access to the VIP Hosted Buyers Lounge and delicious lunches • An invitation to attend a complimentary pre or post tour and explore a breathtaking South African destination • A unique opportunity to meet key industry suppliers from over twelve African countries • Invitations to exciting networking events • A personalised diary of meetings enabling you to have one-on-one meetings with key African suppliers, Convention Bureaus and Tourism bodies • For Regional Associations, the opportunity to attend educational events that will enhance you and your association.

HOSTED MEDIA NUMBERS

INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS

AFRICAN REGIONAL BUYERS

TOTAL

DELEGATES

159 467

25 162

184 629

DAYS

3 255

564

3 819

ROI

R3.3 billion

R3.2 billion

R6.5 billion

12 Business Events Africa November 2018

176 International hosted

16 International 151 Local 167 Total www.businesseventsafrica.com

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Where are the hosted buyers from?

6%

5%

10%

7% 6%

26%

9%

17%

8% 6%

Brazil

USA

UK

France

China

India

Germany

Poland

Ukraine

UAE

African countries participation 2018

AFRICAN EXHIBITORS • Bostwana Tourism • Malawi Tourism • Arusha ICC: Tanzania • Mozambique • Rwanda CB • Zimbabwe Tourism Authority • Seychelles Tourism Board • Swaziland • KICC: Kenya • Uganda • Yala Safaris: Uganda • Happy Valley: Swaziland • UNECA, Ethiopia

* Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia are part of Southern Africa. ** Additional exhibitors fall outside the borders of Africa * Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia are part of Southern Africa.

** Additional exhibitors fall outside the borders of Africa www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa November 2018 13

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Post tours PROVINCE

TITLE

NUMBER OF DAYS

PAX LIMIT

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban, Midlands & Drakensburg

3

6

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban and the adventure experience of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

3

6

KwaZulu-Natal

An introduction to KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, St Lucia and Game Reserve Experience

3

6

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga post tour

3

10

Northern Cape

Rejuvenate the soul in the beautiful Northern Cape

4

12

Limpopo

Limpopo post tour

3

13

North West

North West post tour

3

10

Western Cape

Association tour

3

10

Western Cape

Cape Overberg & Cape Winelands

3

5

Nelson Mandela Bay

Nelson Mandela Bay post tour

3

9

TOTAL

87

EXHIBITOR STATISTICS 2018 306 Total exhibitors 142 Main stand exhibitors 164 Sharing exhibitors 18 African exhibitors (excluding SA)

LIMPOPO

EXHIBITOR CATEGORY BREAKDOWN

MPUMALANGA NORTH WEST

 Accommodation & Conference Venues  Rest of Africa

GAUTENG

FREE STATE

KWAZULU-NATAL

NORTHERN CAPE

 Services  SMME Development Zone

EASTERN CAPE

 CVB’s & Provinces  Table Top Development Zone

WESTERN CAPE

3% 18% 10%

54%

25% 17%

14 Business Events Africa November 2018

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SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Exhibitor feedback Ronald Ngabo, MICE sales manager, Rwanda Convention Bureau said: “We have been exhibiting at Meetings Africa since 2015. It is a great business events show for the African destinations. It brings quality buyers who are looking into venturing into Africa. The good thing is many of these buyers are already aware of our destination offerings.

This year we got some really good, hot leads, the two that stand out are two conferences secured from the show, one for 2018 and one for 2019.

Meetings Africa is without a doubt the best business events show for African destinations better than its international counterparts. It targets buyers who already do business in Africa and new buyers who are interested in doing business in Africa.

This year we got some really good media exposure and were able to be interviewed by SABC and this interview was aired on the SABC National morning news.

Rwanda will definitely attend Meetings Africa again and would recommend it to all African countries interested in business events.”

Business matchmaking Pending: 473

4%

Cancelled: 2 798

22%

Confirmed: 6 398

51% Expired: 2 114

17%

Declined: 686

6%

Total: 12 469 meeting requests

51% of all meeting requests were confirmed.

There will always be declined meetings due to a lack of meeting motivation and interest or participants being incorrectly targeted. Meeting organisers are encouraged to communicate strong meeting motivations.

The cancelled meetings would be due to cancelled participants or unanswered requests which were cancelled to free timeslots for new requests.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Mahmood Khatib from MK Tours & Travel “Meetings Africa 2018 was very successful. I exhibited at Meetings Africa for the first time last year and immediately found it provided my company with the boost it needed in the business events industry. I have since grown my company from 40 staff members to 115. This is a direct result of attending Meetings Africa. Last year it was a learning curve for me, but this year I was better prepared and organised for the show, and the spin-off has been new group business from other African countries.”

Business Events Africa November 2018 15

SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Why exhibit at Meetings Who is invited to exhibit Africa 2019? at Meetings Africa?

• Meet over 500 highly qualified hosted buyers • Face-to-face meetings with key

decision makers

• Targeted business matchmaking (online diary system) • Network with industry colleagues across multiple sectors • Launch new product and service offerings • Update the industry on your existing products •P articipate in networking

sessions

events and educational

•M eetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to present your products, international professionals from the meetings, events and business travel industry.

Package options

• National, provincial and local tourism authorities • African Tourism authorities and products • Convention and visitor bureaus • Conference and exhibition centres • Hotel and accommodation providers • Destination-management companies • Events-management specialists • Professional conference organisers • Transportation companies • Business events service providers • Cruise liners • Spa resorts • Trade associations • Travel trade publications

Basic fabric

Walk-on package

Executive standard package

Executive corner package

R568.00 per m²

R812.20 per m²

R2192.40 per m²

R1786.40 per m²

• • • • •

• • • • •

• Full reusable seamless fabric walling • Artwork (3 hours included) • 1 x plug point • 2 x spotlights • Tiled carpeting (colour of your choice) • 2 x conference chairs • 1 x glass or chrome round table • 1 x lockable cabinet • 1 x bin • 1 x executive brochure holder

• Full reusable seamless fabric walling • Artwork (3 hours included) • 1 x plug point • 2 x spotlights • Tiled carpeting (colour of your choice) • 2 x conference chairs • 1 x glass or chrome round table • 1 x lockable cabinet • 1 x bin • 1 x executive brochure holder

Basic-fabric walling Fascia (company name) 1 x plug point 2 x spotlights Tiled carpeting (colour of your choice) • Additional Badges: R162.00 • Additional Diaries: R1080.00 • Sharing Exhibitors: R910.20 • First Time Exhibitors (Meeting Hubs): R11 426.40

• • • •

Basic-fabric walling Fascia (company name) 1 x plug point 2 x spotlights Tiled carpeting (colour of your choice) 2 x conference chairs 1 x glass or chrome round table 1 x lockable cabinet 1 x bin

DISCOUNT STRUCTURE

FLOOR SPACE RATES (Please note all rates exclude VAT.) Standard floor space:

R3466.80 per m² Prime/corner floor space:

R3 672 per m²

Regional African exhibitors and first-time exhibitors

10%

Registered TOMSA levy collectors as of 30 June 2016 with all TOMSA levies collected and paid over to TBCSA

20%

Registered TGCSA members as of 30 June 2018

10%

Maximum discount is limited to 25% irrespective of how many of the above categories an exhibitor qualifies for. The discount structure will apply to floor space rates only and are not applicable to package options.

EXHIBITORS STAND SALES: Register now by visiting the website or contact

Sales Manager: Carmen Rudd | sales@meetingsafrica.co.za Sales Team: Rembu Mashapo | Jocelyne Mukendi | Rose Madela | exhibitor@meetingsafrica.co.za GENERAL QUERIES: info@meetingsafrica.co.za | t: +27 11 476 5104

16 Business Events Africa November 2018

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Abbas Abrahams

Food is like fashion Abbas Abrahams, 54, executive chef at Century City Conference Centre has just over 37 years’ experience, and has an extreme passion for his heritage and the kaleidoscope of flavours that make up the wonderful culinary genre that is South African food.

H

e has worked in many hotels over the years, most recently heading up the kitchen brigade at the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, before joining the opening team of the Century City Conference Centre as executive chef. He was also part of the opening team for African Pride Crystal towers Hotel and Spa as well as the Table Bay and Westin Hotel.

Abbas was born in Constantia and grew up on the Cape Flats. After school he did a three year in service chef course with Protea Hotels. He started his chef career at Protea Hotels, part of its traineeship programme.

His interest for cooking stemmed from home, when he helped out in the kitchen.

“It inspired me to follow this career path.”

Abbas enjoys meeting guests and coordinators. “I do my utmost to exceed their expectations.”

“Some of the defining moments in my career have been meeting Nelson

What is your signature dish? With the food trends changing I don’t believe in signature dishes. In fact all your dishes on your menu should be signature dishes.

What trends are emerging in the conference industry in regards to food? People want value for money with a twist of healthy options in between.

What has remained constant in this industry? Food is constant, www.businesseventsafrica.com

Mandela and Michael Jackson in person and obviously cooking for them.”

“Food is like fashion - it changes on a daily basis. People are more health conscious today. However, there are many that still opt for basic, simple food that they can relate to,” he said.

His advice to organisers is: “Listen to your clients, assess the demographics of the group and communicate with the food service department as they have the experience to guide the event to be successful.

In terms of challenges, he said there seems to be more chiefs than workers in the kitchen. “I believe that you must communicate to your team, and work together to ensure success.”

“Mentorship is important to me because you are training the future leaders.

I believe support and giving back to the community is important because, you will be blessed, and you can inspire someone who had no vision to new heights.”

Abbas has been married to Shahiemah for 28 years. “My family means a lot to me, I’m married with four sons and one daughter. My hobbies and extra mural activities include spending quality time with my family if the opportunity arises, and staying healthy by attending gym when I have the time.”

He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, mountain climbing and walking.

His advice to newcomers wanting to become an executive chef is: “It’s hard work if you are hands on like me. You are responsible for your department as well as feeding the masses. You should not be arrogant, treat your department as if you are running your own business.”

His personal message to the world is ‘live your life to the fullest as if there is no tomorrow.’

After 37 years in the industry, Abbas is looking forward to retiring at age 60 and spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

What is your pet hate? I get easily

whether you stay over, have dinner or conference, you must eat.

What is your favourite beverage?

agitated or perturbed when people don’t follow simple instructions.

Coffee.

What is your great love?

What is your favourite food?

Experiencing my first and only granddaughter and obviously at my age now, travelling abroad with just my wife minus kids.

People think I am crazy but I enjoy takeaways like masala steak sandwich, KFC, Debonairs, Steers and Burger King. Who wants to cook or dine out with hours like a working chef?

Are you adventurous? Yes I am. I have bungee jumped and paraglided.

Business Events Africa November 2018 17

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town and Western Cape

continues to soar

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency joined by the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, and stakeholders from across sectors, hosted its annual review for the financial year 2017/18.

2

017/18 was a challenging year for the Western Cape and South Africa.

The credit ratings downgrades during this time, coupled with the worst drought to hit the Cape on record, meant that the agency had to do even more in a constrained economic environment.

With the clear mandate and support of the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and the City of Cape Town, the province’s economic ecosystem responded robustly to these challenges.

It was announced that Cape Town and the Western Cape’s economy is expected to receive at least a R10.25 billion boost over the next five years, helping create more than 7 925 full- and part-time jobs.

The 2017/18 annual report, which was presented in the Provincial Parliament recently, sets out these results in detail.

The full annual review publication is available to the public. Below is a look at the business events and leisure tourism sectors and air access.

destination. This had a projected economic impact of R453 m. These bid ‘wins’ helped contribute to Cape Town maintaining its top position in Africa, in the ICCA ratings.

Collectively, the Destination Marketing Unit generated an economic impact of R454.4 m and R29 m worth of advertorial value equivalent media coverage in the 2017/18 financial year.

Business Events

Cape Town Air Access

Wesgro, which is responsible for promoting Cape Town and the Western Cape amongst meetings, incentives conference and event organisers, helped secure 33 bids for the

The Cape Town Air Access partnership between Wesgro, the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, South African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism,

Leisure Tourism The Wesgro team, together with national, provincial and local government and partners across the private sector, responded to the challenges presented by the drought with a coordinated messaging strategy. During this time, the leisure marketing team supported over 47 regional events in small towns across the province during April to September, attracting over 350 000 visitors. These supported over 3 000 temporary jobs and create an estimated economic impact of R147 m. These events are key in driving geographical spread, so that the province’s rural economy also benefits from tourism.

18 Business Events Africa November 2018

Airports Company South Africa, and private sector partners, demonstrates the power of collaboration in boosting the Cape economy. In just three years, this initiative has helped land 13 new routes and 18 route expansions, adding an additional 750 000 inbound seats to Cape Town International Airport. During the financial year in review, the economic impact of the project is estimated to be R2 billion.

Promoting investment Working hard to combat negative perceptions caused by the drought messaging, the Agency together with the public and private sector partners have launched several campaigns in an effort to put Cape Town and the Western Cape back on the consideration list for tourism, and to build investor confidence in our region and country.

Tim Harris, chief executive officer of Wesgro, elaborated on these campaigns: “At the beginning of September the #ItsAllStillHere tourism campaign launched, consisting of three short videos profiling the Cape’s top surfing talent, natural beauty, and world class surf conditions. The campaign acknowledges that although our region has suffered its worst drought in history, we’ve got through the crisis and our extraordinary destination is ‘all still here’”.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

CAPE TOWN

CTICC on an international

bid winning streak The CTICC has been awarded 15 international conferences, in the last six months alone. Many of these will be hosted on the African continent for the first time.

“W

e are extremely proud to have won these bids, which are testament to the CTICC’s competitiveness as a venue and Cape Town’s attractiveness as a business event destination. These wins do not happen without the concerted effort of the CTICC team and the dedicated collaboration between internal and external stakeholders, including the Western Cape Convention Bureau and City of Cape Town,” said Julie-May Ellingson, chief executive officer of the CTICC. Here is a list of international bids awarded to the CTICC: • The Association of International Schools in Africa Conference 2019 (AISA) will be held in November 2019 and attended by 300 delegates.

The AISA Conference offers a unique opportunity for international school leaders and educators to come together for deep learning, networking and inspiration.

• The International Council on Systems Engineering 2020 (INCOSE) will be held in Africa for the first time in July 2020. The event is the largest annual gathering of systems engineers, hosting about 800 attendees.

• The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) 2022, will bring 2 000 specialists to the CTICC. First hosted in South Africa in 1999, FIG will take place in May 2022 and will bring together specialists in the fields of global surveying geomatics, geodesy and geo-information.

• The World Congress of the International Health Economics Association (IHEA) will be held in Africa for the first time in July 2021, and will bring together 800 health professionals.

• The Congress of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) is another event taking place in Africa for the first time. The congress will be held in June 2023 and brings together 1 000 dental

professionals to meet and exchange information on paediatric dentistry.

• The HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P) for 1 400 delegates is scheduled for October 2020 and is the only global scientific conference focused exclusively on the field of biomedical HIV prevention research.

• The 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) will come to Cape Town in January 2019, and will bring together 550 delegates from the United Nations’ five agencies to assist countries in achieving and monitoring the emerging Sustainable Development Goals.

• In another first for Africa, the CTICC was awarded the bid to host the World Federation of Paediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies (WFPICCS) where 1 500 delegates will share their expertise to improve the outcomes of children suffering from life-threatening illness and injury.

• The World Self Medication Industry 2020 (WSMI) will be held for the first time on the African continent in October 2020 and will bring 400 delegates. WSMI will bring together experts, researchers and manufacturers in the self-medication industry.

• In August 2024, the CTICC will host the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The event, another first to be hosted in Africa, will bring together 2 500 delegates who are experts in the field of astronomy.

20 Business Events Africa November 2018

• In 2024, the World Congress of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association (IHPBA) will be hosted at the CTICC in September and will see 2 400 delegates attending.

IHPBA is a non-profit organisation that devotes itself to the investigation, treatment and research of liver, pancreas and biliary disorders.

• In 2020, the CTICC will host the Asian Racing Conference (ARC) 2020. The event will look at, amongst other things, promoting and facilitating the internationalisation of racing and will bring an estimated 600 people to the CTICC. • The General Assembly of the International Organisation for standardization (ISO) will take place in September 2019, with 800 delegates attending. ISO is an independent, non-governmental organisation with a membership of 162 national standards bodies.

The CTICC works closely with its ambassadors and industry associations to bring international events to the centre and city. Bringing the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, which will be hosted for the first time on Africa soil, was such an event that brought about an important collaboration.

“Hosting the IAU General Assembly will bring the world of astronomy to Africa and to Cape Town. There is a long and rich history of astronomy in South Africa, dating back to the establishment of the observatory in Cape Town in 1820, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2020,” said Professor Patrick Woudt, who was instrumental in bringing the event to Cape Town.

The CTICC has already hosted two of the events. The International Congress of Linguistics 2018 took place at the centre between 2-6 July 2018, and was attended by 800 delegates. The 500-delegate ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit took place in August 2018. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Everyone went the extra mile and worked together with our team as ‘partners’ to ensure the success of our Annual Congress event.

Amanda Stops

CEO South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC)

Nestling in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, and overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, the CTICC is a magical place where the imagined becomes real, visions turn into strategies, consumers become customers, and strangers from across the globe become colleagues, partners and friends.

So much more than a multi-purpose event destination, this African icon combines expansive venues, impeccable service, cutting-edge technology and the finest global cuisine, to transform your convention, conference, exhibition, banquet or meeting into an extraordinary experience.

For more information, or to book your event at the CTICC, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za.

CAPE TOWN

Spier for conscious conferencing The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is constantly striving to find innovative ways for its business to have a positive social and environmental impact. This very much embodies its approach to events, which it calls Conscious Conferencing.

B

y hosting your event at Spier, you’ll be helping to uplift communities, support local businesses, contribute to staff wellness and benefit our environment – all the while treating your delegates to a great experience.

Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, and 20 minutes from the airport, Spier offers 12 different meeting venues that can host large and small conferences, as well as business meetings, workshops, seminars and exhibitions. The venues include a 430-seater auditorium, three meeting rooms in the 1822 historic Manor House as well as three river- and mountain-facing conference rooms which can be used separately or combined to seat 250 delegates.

In addition to Spier’s Eight restaurant, there are a variety of picnic spots and outdoor spaces for cocktails or dining. Comfortable, country-style accommodation is available for delegates in the four-star, 153-room Spier Hotel.

Award Spier has won the Future Forward Thinkers for Environmental Sustainability category at the inaugural Cape Town Tourism Member Awards. The category recognises a member of Cape Town Tourism that has adopted an innovative and long-term approach to sustainably managing energy, water and waste.

Saving water, using energy efficiently and reducing and managing waste are Cape Town’s three environmental responsible tourism priorities.

Enver Duminy, chief executive officer of Cape Town Tourism, said: “Future Forward is what will drive our strategic thinking; not just in building on our sustainable tourism foundations, but in addressing inclusivity as we evolve as an industry. The private and public sector has, over the past year, collaborated to produce meaningful results, and, as Cape Town Tourism, we’d like to acknowledge and thank each and every industry representative for standing firm during this time and acting swiftly to ensure that our industry has a future, a bright

one that is a beacon on the global stage of sustainable tourism. Together, we are living the goal of being Future Forward.”

Since 2007, Spier’s eco-friendly wastewater treatment plant has recycled 100 per cent of its black- and greywater. The treated water is used for irrigation and in some of the estate’s toilets. By June 2018, Spier had reduced its consumption of municipal water by 68 per cent for hotel guests and by 76 per cent for conferencing delegates. In its hospitality operations, industrial water usage has dropped by 64 per cent as a result of recycling, re-using and reduction strategies.

Looking ahead With its recently completed Integrated Water Strategy, Spier’s water-saving goals continue to be ambitious. Between 2020 and 2050, it hopes to gradually phase out using external water supplies and increase water re-use. The aim is ultimately to achieve a net-zero water balance. A net-zero water balance is defined as the integration of activity or development into the hydrological system of the local environment in a way that limits consumption of water resources to the natural carrying capacity of the region. The utilised water is returned to the local watershed so as not to deplete or degrade the water resources in that region in terms of quantity or quality.

Ever greener While Spier has long offered sustainablyminded conferencing solutions, it is

22 Business Events Africa November 2018

setting the bar even higher following a R1 million refurbishment of its facilities.

The upgrade includes the installation of temperature-regulating glass sliding doors at the centre’s entrance and soundproof double doors for its Tamboers Lounge, as well as water-saving motion-sensor taps and waterless urinals – adding to the farm’s already 400 water-saving devices.

A concerted effort to conserve water has resulted in major savings: in the last six months, compared to the pre-drought period of July – December 2015, the Hotel saved 58 per cent and Conferencing 55 per cent in water usage. Spier also recycles more than 97 per cent of solid waste and 100 per cent organic waste and black and grey water (the treated water irrigates the garden and grounds).

Delegates are kept refreshed with filtered tap water, and Water From Air™ machines harness the atmosphere’s humidity – served in recyclable glass bottles. Pens and notepads are made from 100 per cent recycled paper, with leftover stationery going to deserving schoolchildren in nearby communities.

As part of Spier’s commitment to a selfsufficient and sustainable future, a solar power system was installed in August 2017 on the Spier Conference Centre roof.

The system generates electricity from the sun and offsets approximately 40 per cent of the Conference Centre’s annual power usage. When electricity demand in the Centre is low and generation is high, the excess power will be used by other buildings on the estate. Not only is solar generated power less expensive than energy from the grid, it also substantially reduces Spier’s carbon footprint. The solar energy generated by Spier in one year is 50.8 metric tonnes of CO2 savings. This is the equivalent of 24.58 tonnes of coal that doesn’t need be burnt in a coal-fired power station.

Spier supports a number of youth employment initiatives and is a partner of the Tree-preneurs project which encourages members of impoverished communities to grow indigenous trees in exchange for essential goods. www.businesseventsafrica.com

DESTINATION FOCUS| Botswana

Lush comfort in the

heart of Africa

Chobe Marina Lodge: an authentic African adventure Chobe Marina Lodge is situated in Kasane in the north-eastern region of Botswana where the African nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana meet. This four star lodge, managed by aha Hotels & Lodges, is spectacularly situated on the banks of the Chobe River and offers easy access to the renowned Chobe National Park, yet is within walking distance of Kasane town centre. Delegates will find a rare balance of serenity here while enjoying the lodge’s modern and elegant African hospitality. There are few places that will embrace with the warmth and ambiance of Chobe Marina Lodge.

Conferencing is done seamlessly at Chobe Marina Lodge. It has a 100-seater conference venue, with various styled seating options and conferencing equipment, including Internet. The lodge also offers two 15-seater boardrooms (breakaway rooms).

The venue is ideal for meetings, incentives, product launches, conferences, intimate events or team-building events. The lodge also offers a number of awe-inspiring meet and greet venues and has a professional banqueting team, equipped to provide valuable advice and execute any event with style and flair.

The charming thatched Kasane accommodation, built to maximise the aura of the Chobe River, is unique in its natural surroundings. The lodge offers 66 beautifully appointed rooms which include a variety of studios, suites and honeymoon suites with private lounges overlooking landscaped gardens and the Chobe River. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryers, telephones, ceiling fans, satellite TV, built in safe, tea and coffee making facilities and mini bar fridges stocked on request.

Chobe Marina Lodge is known for its great food, including international cuisine and traditional fare. A variety of destinations have been created to allow our guests to enjoy a choice of eating experiences – elegant al la carte dining in 24 Business Events Africa November 2018

Commissioner’s Restaurant, casual buffet meals in Mokoros Restaurant, alfresco dining at Riverside Under the Stars, light meals on the Riverside Deck or at the Poolside Diner, romantic intimate dining on guests’ private patios or in-room dining.

Complementing the various eating destinations are numerous bars and lounges, including the elevated River Deck Bar, the Pool Side Bar and the Reading Deck – all strategically positioned to encourage guests to relax and watch the comings and goings on the Chobe River, be it magnificent African sunrises, sunsets, hippos, crocodiles, birds or fishermen in their dugout canoes.

Music and entertainment are provided by Kasane’s popular dance troops and singers. A TV lounge is located off the River Deck Bar, available for guests who may like to watch a ‘can’t-be-missed’ sports game, or play cards and games. A visit to the spa is a must for guests to relax after travelling or perhaps just for a pampering.

Game drives, wildlife safaris and boat cruises in this natural and pristine part of the world are one of a kind, and the number one reason why Kasane and Okavango Delta safaris are sought-after destinations. On Chobe Marina Lodges’ doorstep is the renowned Chobe National Park. Famous for its diverse wildlife species, this area is also home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa. Chobe Marina Lodge offers its guests the best of both of Chobe’s wildlife experiences – embarking on a game cruise from the lodge’s private jetty site provides the optimum complement to wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles. Bird enthusiasts will also be thrilled as there is a large variety of birds to be found in the numerous biomes, including the Kalahari sand vlei, the teak forests, riverine sand banks and on the nutrient rich grass islands.

Other activities include walking tours of Kasane town, cultural village tours, day trips to Victoria Falls, Namibian village walk, and fishing. Chobe Marina Lodge is the gateway to the ultimate getaway, and offers a truly immersive African experience.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

DESTINATION FOCUS | Botswana

aha Masa Square Hotel: for work and play Masa Square Hotel, managed by aha Hotels & Lodges, is located in Gaborone. It’s designed with comfort and class, capturing the essence of the elegance of Botswana, and is ideal for those who are travelling for both business and leisure.

The hotel is located in the iconic Masa Square, and its finelydetailed accommodation and services are ultimately tasteful.

This four-star hotel has 182 rooms, comprising 30 selfcatering apartments, eight suites, 85 standard rooms, 44 club rooms, 13 twin rooms, and two paraplegic rooms. The rooms also feature en-suite bathrooms, high speed Internet access and a large work area, perfect for the business traveller.

Planning a conference is effortless with the support of our highly proficient and qualified conferencing and banqueting team. Select from customised packages, offering conferencing in the heart of the CBD with super-fast Wi-Fi and exceptional food for a maximum of 220 delegates.

For travellers and those who aim to stay at the best accommodation in Gaborone, delegates will be happy to find everything one would expect from a first-class Botswana hotel and more. The Masa Square Hotel caters for every need: from a gorgeous swimming pool and views over Gaborone to excellent dining and pristine lodging services that are the definition of sophistication and urban luxury. Furthermore, Masa offers the Absolut & Elyx Lounge, a roof top pool bar where entertainment and drinks make for a great evening with friends or colleagues.

What makes the Masa Square Hotel a promising choice for the best accommodation in Gaborone? The conference venues and business centre on site are perfect for business functions and conferences, made all the more memorable with the added Masa Square atmosphere – the energy is infectious. Masa offers a swimming pool and gym as well as a cinema, health spa, hair salon and beauty boutique all within the Masa Centre – not to mention the golf course nearby.

The Masa Square Hotel restaurant, Don Carlos, provides fantastic dining all round. Alongside the cheerful sound of chatting and laughter, the Don Carlos is also known for its silences, noticeable moments where each person at the table is enjoying their food so much that words can wait. Coffee is also a must at the Masa Square Hotel’s Carlito’s Cafe. Each cup is brewed with coffee beans that are sourced from renowned coffee bean regions throughout Africa and is filled with exotic, rich and recognisable flavour. This service is loved by visitors and is unique amongst hotels in Gaborone.

The Masa Square Hotel is conveniently located in the central business district of Gaborone, 20 minutes away from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, with airport transport available from the Masa Square Hotel.

LUsh comfort IN THE HEART OF AFRICA

An authentic African adventure awaits at Chobe Marina Lodge, offering luxury accommodation, conferencing facilities and a myriad of wildlife and cultural activities. Spectacularly situated on the banks of the Chobe River within walking distance of Kasane town centre and easy access to the renowned Chobe National Park.

MANAGED BY

For Bookings: +267 625 2221 res1@chobemarinalodge.com www.chobemarinalodge.com

business. leisure. luxury

Masa Square Hotel situated in the cosmopolitan Masa Piazza, offers an array of luxury accommodation, conferencing, entertainment facilities, restaurants and roof top pool bar in the heart of Gaborone’s CBD.

For bookings: +267 315 9954 info@masasquarehotel.com www.masasquarehotel.com

Business Events Africa November 2018 25

MANAGED BY

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Africa no longer seen as the

‘dark continent’

THE African hotel market is evolving rapidly, growing on the back of the positive effects of economic growth, foreign investment and political stability in a number of countries on the continent. Africans doing it for themselves is also quickly becoming the mantra of the African hotel market, as the number of local guests continue to upsurge.

T

his is according to Tim Smith, managing partner at one of the largest independent global hospitality consultancy firms, HVS, following the release of their much-anticipated 2018 African Hotel Valuation Index (HVI) results at Tourism, Hotel Investment and Networking Conference (THINC) Africa 2018, held recently at Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.

“The ability to better cater to local guests is becoming increasingly important for hotel brands and independent operators across the African continent, with menus, language and culture all being key to welcoming more African guests. It is in fact an anomaly that hoteliers are still teaching their staff Mandarin, yet have not maximised markets closer to home,” Mr Smith said.

The fifth edition of the HVI analysed the hotel values of 26 markets operating in 19 African countries, providing crucial information for investors. In order to give the most complete picture of hotel performance and values across the continent, Mr Smith said the Index surveyed in excess of 75 000 existing and 11 500 proposed rooms in the upper mid-market and higher space.

“Over the last five editions, the Index has steadily increased in scope from 14 to 26 markets, as a result of a rapid growth in availability of data – making it the most comprehensive study in the category. This is a great indication of the ever-increasing speed at which the African hotel market is evolving.”

For the first time, the HVI has also included growth forecasts for the hospitality market. Mr Smith noted that leisure destinations in countries such as Kenya, Morocco and Ethiopia and the Indian Ocean Islands have shown significant growth during the course of 2017, with even more development expected in the coming years.

26 Business Events Africa November 2018

A look at South Africa Cape Town The prolonged drought throughout South Africa hit Cape Town hard as it has an ever-increasing population and up until now, an outdated infrastructure in terms of its water source. With the beginning of stricter water restriction levels towards the end of 2017 and the announcement of ‘Day Zero’ by the City of Cape Town, the local hospitality industry experienced a more than 20 per cent drop in arrivals.

RevPAR still grew in 2017, but slowed down towards the end of 2017, and is forecast to decline this year, due to a dip in occupancy rates and a stronger Rand.

However, the forecasted REVPAR for 2018 is the second highest of the past ten years showing the adaptability of Cape Town to crisis. Despite the drought and drop in occupancy, Cape Town has shown strong resilience. Cape Town’s room value increased by almost 25 per cent in 2017 compared to the year before, and the Cape Town International Airport had a growth of almost 10 per cent in international travellers from January to March 2018, compared to the same period the year before.

The decline in room value in 2018 is projected to rebound in 2019 and even exceed numbers from last year in 2020, mirroring RevPAR performance. Room nights sold declined during the high season of 2017/2018 due to the publicised ‘Day Zero’ and are therefore anticipated to show an overall low number throughout 2018.

But Cape Town’s recovery in the coming years is expected because of a stronger economy, the recent announcement that there would be no ‘Day Zero’ for 2019 if water restrictions are adhered to and an anticipated faster growth www.businesseventsafrica.com

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

The Radisson Blu Group is currently in foreign and domestic tourism.

Mr Smith added that even smaller There has been a large amount involved in the R3 billion Oceans uMhlanga cities in Africa are showing high of new hotel supply in the city growth potential. “Many cities development and Hilton confirmed in April with fewer than 1 000 organised/ centre last year which included the Radisson Red and the Silo branded rooms are also expected this year South Africa’s first Hilton Garden in the trendy Silo District of the to attract increased interest from Inn as part of the R1.3 billion uMhlanga V&A Waterfront as well as the investors over the next three years, Arch, which is planned to open in 2020 504-bedroom Southern Sun and with key factors like urbanisation StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl. and improving infrastructure playing Marriott International is planning to open 539 rooms a significant role in the development of these market players.” in the Cape Town Foreshore within the next five years: Increase in regional tourism, both business and leisure, AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront in November 2018, improving air connectivity across the continent, evolution Residence Inn Cape Town Foreshore and Marriott Cape in politics, increased room night demand and domestic Town Foreshore in February and March 2023. consumption are all positive steps in the right direction for the fast-developing continent, said Mr Smith, who Johannesburg noted that the fall in values for some of the markets in Johannesburg’s international airport O.R. Tambo remains 2017 have been due to temporary setbacks in the politicoAfrica’s largest and busiest airport with a total of over 21 million economic situation, or a short-term oversupply. passengers in the financial year of 2017/2018, which represents “It is important to note that despite a fall in occupancy and a slight decline to the financial year before. In contrast, value level for some markets such as Kampala and Abidjan, occupancy has shown a continuous growth and is the highest the overall room night demand has increased year on year. it has been since 2009 in Sandton and the surrounding hotels.

“Based on the data, we believe that many of these This year, HVI changed focus from the whole of Johannesburg declines in performance are temporary. Africa has only to Sandton and surroundings as these are the key markets to seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visitors from both business and leisure guests. Room nights sold increased regions like China. This largely untapped international by seven per cent during the high season of 2017/2018 and potential, coupled with the growing local market promises RevPAR is expected to climb in 2018 and then stagnate in to make the African hotel market even more competitive 2019 and 2020 due to a slight increase in new hotel supply. on the global front,” Mr Smith concluded.

Rosebank is a fast-emerging area in Johannesburg with vibrant commercial, residential and retail developments.

New hotel openings for 2021 include the Marriott Johannesburg Melrose Arch, the Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch, which will add 350 rooms to the city’s supply in 2018.

Durban Durban experienced a rather meagre growth in room values last year. 2018 is expected to be a tough year for Durban as a drastic increase in fuel prices prevent domestic travellers to travel; however, the devaluation of the rand results in an increase in ADR in US dollars terms which offset the decrease in occupancy. Values are flat in 2018 and 2019 and then exhilarate again in 2020 when the values per room are anticipated to be the second highest since 2009.

King Shaka International Airport experienced the highest growth amongst SA’s three major international airports, with passenger numbers increasing by 7.7% to 5.64 million for the past financial year 2017/2018. KwaZulu-Natal provincial government authorities met British Airways (BA) in Durban in February this year to make plans to secure a direct London - Durban route. With an increase in international flights through King Shaka airport and the great amount of planned developments between the airport and Durban, the Durban hotel market will be positively influenced and is anticipated to grow as the value per room performance indicates for 2020.

The Radisson Blu Group is currently involved in the R3 billion Oceans uMhlanga development and Hilton confirmed in April this year South Africa’s first Hilton Garden Inn as part of the R1.3 billion uMhlanga Arch, which is planned to open in 2020. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa November 2018 27

EXHIBITIONS

2018 What a year for ExpoGuys

The young ExpoGuys is growing up fast. 2018 has been our busiest year yet, and we have proven that with dedication, discipline and lots of hard work, one can achieve more than what you set out to accomplish. By Patrick Cronning, joint owner of ExpoGuys

H

aving had our best and most successful year in South Africa, we built 110 exhibitions and events as well as 438 individually-designed stands.

ExpoGuys also nearly captured Africa, spreading our wings further and wider across the African continent.

We’ve had our presence felt in Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Kenya and Ghana.

ExpoGuys have also taken the next step and bought a ‘house’. In December we will move to our new offices and factory which we have refurbished and decorated to suit all our requirements.

So look out South Africa!

ExpoGuys, the young kid on the block, is growing up fast.

OUR EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE

VENUE NEWS

Ending the year on a high note It has been another busy year at The Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) with a plethora of events and exhibitions that took place in 2018. But it has also been a significant year for South Africa and Africa as the continent continues to position itself as a key player in the business events industry and benchmark for exceptional standards.

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raig Newman, chief executive officer of JEC, was recently appointed president of UFI. His appointment is further testament to both his commitment to grow and develop Africa as the ultimate business events destination and the increasingly important role that Africa is playing in the industry.

He was previously the vice chairman of the UFI Middle East Africa Chapter before being appointed president of UFI. At the helm of this global association of the exhibition industry, Mr Newman’s main objective is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents around 50 000 exhibition industry employees globally, and also works closely with its 52 national and regional association members.

“This is an incredible honour for me and for South Africa,” Mr Newman said about his appointment. www.businesseventsafrica.com

“It is evident that the rest of the world is looking at South Africa as a key player in the industry. This wasn’t always the case. But today, from our world class facilities, exceptional service and thorough work ethic, South Africa is setting the standard for best practice, and it is an incredibly exciting time,” he added.

Mr Newman was first elected in 2014 onto the main board of directors of UFI, and then onto the UFI executive committee.

As the leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition association and selected partners of the exhibition industry, Mr Newman’s involvement has elevated South Africa’s position on the global exhibition stage.

On another high for the JEC, the venue recently won its eighth award at the annual PMR.Africa Awards.

Craig Newman, chief “A company or executive officer of JEC business can put as much money as possible into their own marketing efforts, but anyone in this game will tell you that nothing compliments a brand like an authoritative third party endorsement and winning a PMR. Africa Award affirms again that our facilities and services remain of the highest quality,” Mr Newman said.

“No matter how long you have been in the industry understanding customer feedback remains crucial for service consistency and this award is significant for me and my team.”

In his personal capacity, Craig is the proud father of three, an outdoors person and a man who loves to travel. He likes to keep fit too, and finds the time to run and train.

“I love what I do and I get to meet interesting people all the time and work with a fantastic team. But spending time with family and friends is really what it’s all about.”

Business Events Africa November 2018 29

TEAMBUILDING

A one-stop destination for conferencing

Avianto Avianto, in Muldersdrift, is a well-established, highly-regarded events destination that has become one of Johannesburg’s conference, teambuilding and function venues of choice.

A

vianto offers a variety of options from conferencing workshops to product launches and gala dinners.

Avianto provides a relaxed environment with expert assistance, creating a meeting place that inspires constructive thought, camaraderie and positive action.

Avianto’s 250 ha property has a vast array of options for teambuilding activities.

Event Inspirations Teambuilding, Avianto’s preferred teambuilding supplier, offers a range of professional teambuilding exercises and corporate activities that meet the different needs of companies, in order to improve team performance and efficiency.

Backed by years of experience, they provide value for money, a positive return-on-investment and confidence in professionally managed, high-quality events from beginning to end. The corporate teambuilding experiences are specifically designed to activate, develop and hone crucial inter-personal skills to improve team productivity and effectiveness. A highly-professional and specialised team run the teambuilding activities, which are suitable for corporate groups from eight to over 1 000 people.

Structured teambuilding activities can enhance any business and encourage creativity and productivity within the company, giving employees a chance to think outside the box, let loose and develop comradeship. Strengthening work bonds and instilling a little competitive, yet cooperative energy can increase performance, motivation and commitment within a company

and it allows employees to feel more comfortable around one another in order to work together better on projects.

Event Inspirations will strive to meet all expectations and are able to tailor make packages to suit the client’s requirements.

2018’s trending activities: Collabor-Art

The group is split into smaller teams and made responsible for a section of a large art ‘Masterpiece’. No one is aware of what this ‘Masterpiece’ looks like, however teams will need to collaborate and work together to make sure that they are all on the right track. Once all the teams have completed their projects, there is a short break while we arrange all the sections to reveal the ‘Masterpiece’.

The groups are invited back where, with due ceremony, it is revealed!

to make the floatation device, and it’s up to the group to choose the finest captain, crew, first engineer and maintenance manager. Scoring is time based.

The Footloose Amazing Race This is a great way of getting delegates outdoors and participating. Sight, sound, touch, and taste will all be put to the test, not to mention keeping eyes open along the route.

With the help of a compass and cryptic clues, teams have to navigate their way through the route. Tablets are used as a tool for audio task identification and video cameras are provided to film the various tasks throughout the day. This ensures not only continuous stimulation but an entertaining viewing at the end and insight into other team’s strategies.

Cardboard Ragatta Delegates are broken up into teams where they need to come up with a boat building plan. Event Inspirations provide delegates with all the materials necessary

30 Business Events Africa November 2018

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

An event greening case study: Meetings Africa 2018 An introduction to event greening: Part 4 of a 4 part series by the Event Greening Forum.

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he best way to understand event greening is to see it in action.

Therefore, the final part of this series is a case study of Meetings Africa 2018, South African Tourism’s (SA Tourism) annual business tourism show.

Meetings Africa has implemented event greening since 2011 with the support of the Event Greening Forum (EGF). Here’s an outline of what it achieved this year, and how.

1. Transport: Meetings Africa is an international event, and cannot avoid the long-haul flights needed for many delegates to attend it. The organisers minimise this impact in the following ways: booking direct flights; choosing to host the event at the Sandton Convention Centre so delegates flying in can catch the Gautrain from the airport to the venue, and can stay at hotels within walking distance to the venue; and arranging shuttles for offsite events.

2. Eco-procurement: SA Tourism’s procurement policy gives preference to local blackowned SMEs, where possible. For example: • For the past six years, Future Link (a black female owned SME) has handled the onsite cleaning and waste management for the show. The organisers have supported them with event greening training and resources, to ensure their success in this role.

• For the past two years, the Soweto Sewing Company (also a black female owned SME) has manufactured the Meetings Africa staff uniforms.

• The organisers contracted a new security company, SGS Solutions, for the event.

The Skills Village is a co-operative that teaches young people practical skills. They

manufactured wooden certificate frames from upcycled wood for the various show awards.

Energy: The organisers purchased eight Renewable Energy Certificates (8 000 kilowatt hours) to power the event. This amount was based on last year’s energy use, and included a little extra to cover all set-ups and side activities. Exhibitors were also encouraged to buy ‘mini’ Renewable Energy Certificates for a small fee of R30 each. This was to motivate greater buy-in and create more awareness around the initiative.

Water: It takes roughly three bottles of water to produce an equivalent single bottle of water for the supermarket shelves (while also requiring energy for manufacture and transportation for distribution, both of which have an associated carbon footprint).

To promote more responsible water use, water coolers filled with free, clean tap water were available throughout the venue.

Bottled water was still on sale, but with a R10 surcharge. The money raised from the surcharge was donated to a co-operative farming project in the Western Cape to help them manage the water shortages they were facing at the time.

Waste: Paperless contracting was used to manage the registration process for exhibitors and visitors, reducing the amount of printing needed. During the show, bins were provided to separate landfill waste, recyclables and organic waste at source. The organic waste was composted. This set-up allowed for 62 per cent of the event’s waste to be diverted from landfill.

Exhibition: The organisers encouraged all exhibitors to create eco-friendly stands.

About EGF The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote sustainability within the business events sector. The EGF was established through dedication and support of eight industry associations who are recognised as founding members. The founding members are key industry associations working together to promote South Africa as a destination for various types of events.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

To help them do this, SA Tourism sponsored free event greening training sessions in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, which the EGF conducted. Those exhibitors who excelled in this regard were recognised with Green Stand Awards.

Social upliftment: For the second year running, responsible gifting became a fun activity at Meetings Africa. A Sustainability Village showcased artisans and their beautiful handcrafted goods. Instead of gifts, gift cards allowed recipients to choose their own special take home souvenirs. This avoids the risk of unwanted gifts. Aside from direct sales, the artisans also benefited from the opportunity to market themselves to an international audience.

Communication: Meetings Africa consistently communicated its event greening efforts to its stakeholders, attendees and the media. This helped to raise awareness about sustainable issues, and get everyone’s support for these activities.

An independent sustainability consultant, Steadfast Greening, carried out an eco-audit of the event. This measured how successful its event greening efforts were. Heritage Eco Events then used the audit to assess and certify Meetings Africa 2018 as a Green Event.

It scored 84.6 per cent, with the ‘pass’ for a green event being 75 per cent.

Positive legacy: The event organisers and some exhibitors and suppliers purchased a total of 61 trees, as a partial carbon offset for Meetings Africa 2018. Food & Trees for Africa planted the trees in Johannesburg, and will provide ongoing support to the recipients to make sure the trees thrive and give authentic long-term benefits.

They host educational sessions for industry and lobby government in an effort to implement sustainability principles into the daily operations of the events industry.

Want to know more?

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

Business Events Africa November 2018 31

SAACI NEWS

A potential client isn’t always worth the risk In tough economic times, we are all focused on ensuring we have a strong pipeline of sales and business coming into our companies. With the volatile nature of event bookings, we find ourselves being so hungry that we often neglect to vet clients with the same stringent and risk mitigation procedures as we would suppliers. By Rudi Van Der Vyver, chief executive officer of SAACI

N

ow we all know in times like these beggars can’t be choosers, but is this the right attitude? Often being a “chooser” may just be the very thing that saves you and your business from serious reputational damage, burnt bridges with suppliers and the financial sustainability of your company.

It is vitally important that clients are vetted before simply jumping into a deal. You must be vigilant before taking on business as your personal and company brand is directly associated with the business event and often the client whom you are representing.

There are various levels of checks to be done, ranging from simple verifications to larger scale due diligence checks. Verify that the company is registered and does operate as portrayed by the potential client. Just

because someone has a website, it does not mean they are “above board”. Scamsters often have the best sites.

You are well within your rights to request a few documents like a tax clearance, company registration number and this is nothing new as most large corporations request this information when applying to be added to their vendor database. Ensure you do some background research on the event in question.

Has it been running for some time or is it a new event? With new events, be very careful when it comes to payment terms as well as deliverables. For example, are you happy to work on a fee based on a percentage of sponsorships signed up for the event? What about the deposits that would need to be paid to secure the venue and other services up front – will you be able and/or willing to

fit the bill on risk for these? Another quick way to establish the validity of a company and their intentions is to look at other suppliers to this company and phone one or two for a reference.

This all may seem a little overboard, but it’s best to have this information up front in order to make a risk decision. Rather ensure your company is protected than just jump in. You may gain headaches and a huge risk for your company should the intentions of the client not be true. It is as important to vet clients from a risk management perspective as it is to vet suppliers to ensure the future sustainability and continued growth of your brand as a professional within the business events industry. One bad decision could stick with you for a very long time and be detrimental to your future business opportunities.

EXSA NEWS

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…

Gill Gibbs, executive committee member of EXSA recently attended Imex America in Las Vegas where she was involved in the building of a stand for a local client who was exhibiting at the show.

I

t is amazing how far the phrase, ‘’first time to America’’ can get you. It started before I even left Johannesburg soil where, while stocking up on toiletries and necessary travel goodies, pharmacists and retailers spurred me on to ‘’proudly fly the flag’’, giving me free vitamins to energise me on the long journey. I was received like a VIP and it was wonderful. First stop, Atlanta. Americans are friendly for days.

As we touched down at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, I couldn’t help feeling like I had arrived on a movie set – the surrounding mountain range is breathtaking and perfect, like that of an artist’s canvas. I soaked this in.

Las Vegas is the mecca for trade shows and conferences, especially tech and auto trade shows. Dubbed the ‘City of Lights’, it hosts around 20 000 trade shows annually, which is mind-blowing – the biggest being the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Set in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, Vegas is a resort city that is world-renowned for its many and varied exhibitions; entertaining shows and events; a vibrant nightlife; 24-hour casinos and many diverse entertainment offerings. The main street, is known as the Strip, is just shy of 6.5 km.

This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains that are synchronised to music; massive replicas of an Egyptian pyramid and the Eiffel Tower, not forgetting the Venetian Grand Canal at the Venetian Hotel that is equipped with working gondolas steered by serenading gondoliers.

Alongside the ‘play’ aspect, the business side sees many attendees flocking to the venues to network, gain new business and acquire knowledge of their respective industries.

The arrival was seamless, with good, wellpositioned and logical signage. Steering the body to the right side of everything was the most challenging aspect. First off, you meander through the casino slot machines and then you find your way on the ‘tram’ to the baggage claim. Easy-peasy signage gets you to your taxi, which works on a queue system. Then it’s swiftly on to your hotel while you are taking in everything on the way and then, a well-deserved shower.

I thought I would take a nap and I woke at midnight, wondering, “what happened?’’ The next couple of days comprised erratic sleep episodes and getting to know the lay of the land; becoming

acclimatised and having meetings with the local counterparts.

It was interesting to see that even all those miles away, the on-site build is much the same. Aisles are cluttered with infrastructure and stand collateral, and I felt right at home.

Comparatively, however, there are many more cherry pickers and forklifts per square foot than that of our build-ups in South Africa and one must be vigilant, staying clear of the busy ‘traffic’ delivering stand collateral and infrastructure to the respective booths.

The main difference that I experienced in the build phase is that there is no sanding of custom walls and structures. Most custom structures comprise laminated boards and modular bespoke click-in boards that are pressed both sides.

The take on occupational health and safety is interesting and different. Hard hats are only required if you are rigging on your stand. It was said that this is going to be changing soon.

I kept reminding myself how privileged I was to fly the flag, experience the learnings and new beginnings and have a little taste of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ – but that’s another tale…

AAXO NEWS

Create an experience for your visitors

By Leaticia Van Straaten, chairperson of AAXO

Featured as a key topic at this year’s UFI Congress, held in Russia – “Visitor Experience” refers to creating value for visitors that they can ‘experience’ pre-show, on-site and post-show.

T

hink of your experience going to the movies – you can’t go to the movies and not have the popcorn, sit through the previews chewing and slurping on your slushy! That ‘experience’ is so intertwined with going to watch a movie, that if you take the ‘experience’ out of it, people will likely not want to go to the movies anymore!

The same way we ‘experience’ watching a movie at a cinema theatre, we need to create an ‘experience’ for our visitors at exhibitions that will connect with them emotionally, leave them feeling happy, satisfied and makes them come back for the same emotional connection next time!

From the start of your marketing campaign, give your brand a personality,

and your marketing campaign a voice – which the visitor will identify with.

Do your research to clearly identify your visitor market, and find out

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Carl W. Buehner

what their biggest challenges are.

Once you know this, help them solve their business problems by offering content that helps them find solutions, like similar case studies from the industry.

Or panels of their peers discussing the very same challenges they have.

Enhance the experience on-site: from arriving VIP-style, smelling the meat on the braai, hearing the music from their era play in the background – right down to customised educational opportunities, like mentorship breaks, workshops, and seminar topics.

Then finish with the follow-through! Get them committed to the next event, related events, ask their opinion, and don’t forget to say ‘thank you’.

Make them feel special.

SITE NEWS

SITE announces 2019 new board and trustees The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has announced a distinguished list of experienced and diverse global incentive travel leaders from 10 countries who will serve on the SITE International Board of Directors and SITE Foundation Board of Trustees effective 1 January 2019.

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ontinuity is planned and never by accident. It has truly been a joy to see such an extraordinary slate of candidates run for the SITE board. Each and every one of them deserves to be on the board and I wish we could have accommodated everyone that applied.

“I know SITE is in good hands for years to come and we have people ready to take on challenges in the future,” said Rajeev Kohli, CIS, CITP, SITE past president and 2018 nominations chair.

Philip Eidsvold, CIS, CITP, senior director client services for One10, will serve as president of the SITE International Board of Directors.

“The calibre of candidates that applied for the open positions on our international board of directors is testament to the strength, power and reach of SITE’s reputation Philip Eidsvold

as the voice in business events for incentive travel, the “I” in MICE. “I look forward to working proactively with our new and returning board members to strengthen SITE’s reach and reputation amongst members, the industry, the business world and society at large,” said Mr Eidsvold.

Serving with Mr Eidsvold as officers and returning directors are: • Immediate past president: Annamaria Ruffini, CIS, CITP, CMP, president and CEO Events In & Out, Rome, Italy.

• President-elect: Jennifer Glynn, CIS, CITP, managing partner, Meeting Encore & Intuitive Conferences + Events, Canada.

• Vice president, finance & business development: Aoife Delaney, CIS, director of sales and marketing, DMC Network, Ireland.

• Vice president education & certification: Kevin Edmunds, CITP, vice president sales, AIC Hotel Group, USA. • Member-at-large: Eda Özden Günyüz,

CIS, CITP, director of business development, MEP Destination Business Solutions, Turkey.

• Daryl Keywood, CIS, managing director and CEO, Walthers DMC, South Africa.

• Ellie MacPherson, CITP, sr. vice president, Strategic Meetings + Incentives, Canada.

• Anne-Marie Rogers, director meetings & incentives, Direct Travel, USA. • Julia Trejo, CIS, CMP, DMCP, director of business development, Terramar – a DMC Network Company, Mexico.

• Alicia Yao, CIS, general manager, IME Consulting, China.

• Carina Bauer, SITE Foundation presidentelect, CEO, IMEX Group & Regent Exhibitions, United Kingdom.

Two new directors join the board in 2019: • El Kwang, CITP, CEO, Untangled & Business Events Asia, Singapore.

John Iannini

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

SITE NEWS

• Rebecca Wright, CIS, director account operations, Creative Group, USA John Iannini, CIS, CITP CTC, vice president business travel meetings & events Americas, Melia Hotels International, is serving his second year as SITE Foundation president.

“The SITE Foundation is pleased to welcome Amy Riley and Brad Hecht to the 2019 trustee roster. Their expertise in the incentive space helps to broaden our reach and strengthen our mission as we continue to create compelling content to inform business professionals of the bold results incentive travel produces, and provide industry insights and education to further the careers of incentive travel professionals,” said Mr Iannini.

Serving with Mr Iannini as officers and returning trustees are: • Immediate past president: Rhea Stagner, CIS, CITP, division vice president, sourcing and supplier

relations, Maritz Travel – a Maritz Global Events Company, USA. • President-elect: Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group & Regent Exhibitions, United Kingdom.

• Vice president finance: Terry Manion, executive vice president, Meridican Incentive Consultants, Canada.

• Vice president fundraising & events: Anne DiGregory, director global luxury sales, Marriott International Luxury Brands, USA. • Vice president research & content: Tina Weede, CIS, CITP, CRP, president and CEO, Peerless Performance, USA. • Lynn Pavony, director of incentive sales, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, USA. • Selina Sinclair, CITP, CMP, SMMC, global managing director, Pacific World, Singapore.

• Kevin Regan, MBA, global director charter and incentives, Azamara Club Cruises, USA.

• Hamish Reid, MICE consultant, Hills Balfour, Great Britain.

• Jimmy Romo, CITP, general manager specialty sales, Delta Airlines, USA. • Dana Weaver, CIS, sr. manager marketing services, Growmark, USA. • Chris Wheeler, executive director global incentive sales, sbe Group, USA. • Jennifer Glynn, CIS, CITP, SITE president-elect, managing partner, Meeting Encore & Intuitive Conferences and Events, Canada.

Two new trustees join the foundation board in 2019: • Amy Riley, CEM, senior director of business sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, USA. • Brad Hecht, vice president, travel, Motivation Excellence, USA. Board members and foundation trustees will be formally introduced to members during the SITE Global Conference, 11-14 January 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

November 2018 Vol 38 No 11 ADVERTISER

PAGE EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

34

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

African Hotels and Adventures

25

cro@aha.co.za

www.aha.co.za

Cape Town International Convention Centre

21

info@cticc.co.za

www.cticc.co.za

Exhibition Freighting GSM

18

ef-gsm@ef-gsm.co.za

www.ef-gsm.co.za

Expo Centre Johannesburg

OBC

info@expocentre.co.za

www.expocentre.co.za

Expo Guys

28

info@expoguys.co.za

www.expoguys.co.za

EXSA

33

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Folio Translation Consultants

27

pziets@folio-online.co.za

www.folio-online.co.za

MJunxion

4

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

Peermont Global

OFC, 6-8 reservations@peermont.com

www.peermont.com

Plaslope

37

glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com

www.plaslope.com

SAACI

32

info@saaci.co.za

www.saaci.co.za

SITE

35

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

South African Tourism

9-16

convention@southafrica.net

www.businessevents.southafrica.net

Spier Hotel & Conference Centre

23

conference@spier.co.za

www.spier.co.za

Taj Cape Town

19

res.capetown@tajhotels.com

www.tajhotels.com/tajcapetown

36 Business Events Africa November 2018

www.businesseventsafrica.com

CALENDAR

Conferences, workshops and exhibitions of interest to the conference, exhibition and special events market For free entries in this calendar, please supply information to editorial@businesseventsafrica.com LOCAL: 2019 30-31 JANUARY: Third Annual Exhibition of Exhibitions Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg Email: info@aaxo.co.za 31 JANUARY 2019: AAXO Roar Awards / EXSA-LLENCE Awards Montecasino, Johannesburg Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 Email: info@aaxo.co.za 26-27 FEBRUARY 2019: Meetings Africa Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa www.meetingsafrica.co.za 7-9 APRIL 2019: International Luxury Travel Market | Africa Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town Tel: +27(11) 549 8300 Email: megan.oberholzer@ reedexpoafrica.co.za www.iltm.com/africa 10-12 APRIL : Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo Africa Venue: Cape Town International

Convention Centre, Convention Square, Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27(11) 549 8300 Email: megan.oberholzer@ reedexpoafrica.co.za www.ibtmafrica.com 10-12 APRIL 2019: World Travel Market Africa 2019 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, Cape Town, South Africa www.africa.wtm.com 7-9 MAY 2019: Africa’s Travel Indaba Venue: Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), South Africa Email: indaba@indaba-southafrica.co.za www.indaba-southafrica.co.za 5-6 JUNE 2019: Markex 2019 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 www.markex.co.za 5-6 JUNE 2019: Madex 2019 Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565 www.madex.co.za

INTERNATIONAL: 2018 11-14 NOVEMBER: 57th ICCA Congress Venue: Dubai, UAE Tel: +31203981902 www.iccaworld.org 27-29 NOVEMBER 2018: ibtm world Venue: Barcelona, Spain www.ibtmworld.com

INTERNATIONAL: 2019 11-14 JANUARY 2019: SITE Global Conference Venue: Bangkok, Thailand www.siteglobal.com/page/site-2019global-conference 18-20 FEBRUARY 2019: AIME 2019 Venue: Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, Melbourne | www.aime.com.au 25-27 MARCH 2019: ibtm Arabia Venue: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. www.ibtmarabia.com 21-23 MAY 2019: IMEX Frankfurt Venue: Messe Frankfurt Tel: +44 1273 227311 www.imexexhibitions.com 26-27 JUNE 2019: The Meetings Show UK Venue: Olympia London, United Kingdom www.themeetingsshow.com

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Business Events Africa November 2018 37

DIRECTORY

Learning | Growth | collaboration BOARD OF DIRECTORS National chairperson: Wayne Smith, Sales Ambassador, Century City Conference Centre e: wayne.j@ccconferencecentre.co.za c: +27 (0)83 448 1324 Vice-chairperson: Kim Roberts, The Forum Company e: kim.roberts@theforum.co.za c: +27 (0)82 652 2008 Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Chief Executive Officer Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616 Public officer: Denise Kemp Director, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Rudi Van Der Vyver e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)84 580 9882

Directors EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart PeriExpo e: andrew@periexpo.co.za c: +27 (0)82 578 5987 KZN chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27 (0)84 505 0113 JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687 WC chairperson: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: jfouche@gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046 C&E forum: Gwyn Matthews Southern Cross Conferences e: gwyn@scconferences.com c: +27 (0)21 683 5106

Vice-chairperson: David Limbert Magnetic Storm e: david@magnetic.co.za t: +27 (0)41 393 4800

Minister Kganyago ATKV e: MinisterK@atkv.org.za c: +27 (0)79 513 8708

Nonhlanhla Tshabalala City of Tshwane e: nonhlanhlat@tshwane.gov.za c: +27 (0)71 351 4458

Chad Botha Inspire Furniture Hire & Sales e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za c: +27 (0)61 497 2945

Kwa-Zulu Natal

John Arvanitakis Chat’R Experience e: john@chatr.solutions c: +27 (0)83 415 2774

COMMITTEE:

Mashudu Sarah Mills Late Harvest Catering & Events e: mashudu@Lhce.co.za c: +27 (0)82 494 3552

Mande Bage Eastern Sun Events e: speakers@easternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 565 7513

Moses Gontai Namanje Events Solutions e: moses@namanjeevents.co.za c: +27 (0)73 407 9322

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

Zoë Van Niekerk Scan Display e: zoe@scandisplay.co.za c: +27 (0)83 568 9819

Sadie Isaacs NMBT e: conference@nmbt.co.za c: +27 (0)82 990 7652

Ruth Baldwin Contact Publications e: ruth@businesseventsafrica.com c: +27 (0)72 897 6752

Coordinator: Wendy Knott-Craig SAACI e: ecbranch@saaci.co.za c: +27 (0)73 201 8699 Loudeaux Minnie AW Events e: loudeaux@aweventsza.com c: +27 (0)82 961 6309 Caro Morgan Exbo e: caro@exbo.co.za Tricia Wood Cape St Francis Resort e: tricia@capestfrancisresort.co.za c: +27 (0)83 506 9565

Johannesburg Chairperson: Lorin Bowen Lorin Bowen e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za c: +27 (0)82 433 8687 Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham Tsogo Sun e: Michelle.Bingham@tsogosun.com c: +27 (0)82 339 0342 Treasurer: Manuela Gomes Bidvest Car Rental e: manuelag@bidvestcarrental.co.za c: +27 (0)82 065 9272 Coordinator: Letticia Ndhlala SAACI e: letticia@saaci.org c: +27 (0)71 294 6844

Tshwane Chairperson: Leon Pheiffer EPH Productions e: leon@ephproductions.co.za c: 082 924 9046 Vice-chairperson: Melanie Pretorius CSIR ICC e: mpretorius1@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)82 410 1202 Treasurer: Emily Naidoo CSIR ICC e: enaidoo@csir.co.za c: +27 (0)84 441 1005 Coordinator: Letticia Ndhlala SAACI e: letticia@saaci.org c: +27 (0)71 294 6844

COMMITTEE: Corné Engelbrecht SAVETCON e: corne@savetcon.co.za c: +27 (0)82 925 9241 Anette Burden Casa Toscana e: anette@casatoscana.co.a c: +27 (0)82 787 6144 Jeana Turner Avianto e: jeana.t@outlook.com c: +27 (0) 83 400 2685

COMMITTEE:

Herkie du Preez Event Wizards e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za c: +27 (0)82 839 3489

Eastern Cape

Aidan Koen Compex e: aidan@compex.co.za c: +27 (0)82 561 3188

Mandie Papendorf Jukwaa Group e: m.papendorf@jukwaa.net c: +27 (0)82 563 0191

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

Brendan Vogt Guvon Hotels e: brendan@guvon.co.za c: +27 (0)83 709 0480

Nellie Swart UNISA e: swartmp@unisa.ac.za c: +27 (0)82 771 0270

Government representative: Nonnie Kubeka Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau e: nonnie@gauteng.net c: +27 (0)83 571 7410

38 Business Events Africa November 2018

Chairperson: Tracey Delport The Hospitality Experience c: +27 (0)83 293 5190 Vice-chairperson: Nick Papadopoulos Eat Greek Caterers e: nick@eatgreek.catering c: +27(0)84 505 0113 Treasurer: Kim Jackson Greyville Convention Centre t: +27 31 309 1430 Branch coordinator: Amanda O Mathe Ndlovukazi Online Media e: amanda@ndlovukazionline.co.za

Western Cape Chairperson: Jaques Fouche Gearhouse e: Jaques.Fouche@ gearhouse.co.za c: +27 (0)83 607 2046 Vice-chairperson: Angela Lorimer Spier e: angelal@spier.co.za t: +27 (0)21 809 1101 Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau e: thiru@wesgro.co.za t: +27 (0)21 487 8600

COMMITTEE: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 Esti Venske CPUT e: venskee@cput.ac.za Cindy Buser Mirchee e: cindy@mirchee.co.za c: +27 (0)72 192 5656 Zimkitha Bavuma CPUT e: zim@live.co.za Zandri Swartz Century City Convention Centre e: zandri.s@ ccconferencecentre. co.za t: +27 (0)21 204 8000 Andrew Gibson Magnetic Storm e: andrew@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)74 588 3054 Adele Martiz CTICC e: adele@cticc.co.za Ansu Colditz XL Millennium e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za Alex Wrottesley Into Africa e: alex@intoafrica.co.za

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DIRECTORY

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence President: Peter-John Mitrovich e: peter-john.mitrovich@ grosvenortours.com c: +27 (0)82 318 1889 Daryl Keywood e: daryl@walthers.co.za c: +27 (0)82 904 4967 Johan Venter e: johan@urbanginga.co.za c: +27 (0)83 558 2349

EXSA OFFICE t: +27 (0)10 300 7907 e: info@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za Chair Doug Rix DK Design t: +27 (0)82 579 7071 e: dougrix@wol.co.za Vice Chair Gill Gibbs Blu Cube t: +27 (0)83 260 8035 e: gill@blu3.co.za Treasurer Moses Nefale Scan Display t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 e: moses@scandisplay.co.za

Board members Adele Von Well GL events t: +27 (0)82 464 8702 e: adele.vonwell@gl-events.com Patrick Cronning Expo Guys t: +27 (0)83 281 5584 e: pat@expoguys.co.za Aubrey Eloff Two Way Exhibitions e: aubrey@twowaysa.co.za Co-opted Chad Botha Inspire Furniture t: +27 (0)61 497 2945 e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za Membership and media enquiries Mark John Cartmell t: +27 (0)76 979 7003 e: ceo@brightgiants.com

ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association

aaxo

Kyasha Bhoola e: kyasha@africanlink.co.za c: +27 (0)72 614 0069 Barry Futter e: barry@adventureworks.co.za c: +27 (0)82 790 9015 Secretariat: Mariaan Burger e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com c: +27 (0)82 557 8041

ICCA African Chapter: President: Nina Freysen-Pretorius The Conference Company t: +27 (0)31 303 9852 f: +27 (0)31 303 9529 e: nina@confco.co.za Chair: Lindiwe Rakharebe Durban International Convention Centre t: +27 (0)31 360 1000 e: LindiweR@icc.co.za Deputy Chair: Nana Gecaga

AAXO – Association of African Exhibition Organisers

First Floor, Auditorium Building Gate 2, Johanensburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Corner Rand Show & Nasrec Roads, Johannesburg, 2013 t: +27 (0)11 835 1565 e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za

Kenyatta International Convention Centre t: +254 20 326 1000 e: md@kicc.co.ke Secretariat: Esmaré Steinhöfel ICCA Africa Regional director c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org. www.iccaworld.com/dbs/ africanchapter www.iccaworld.com

General manager: Wesley Lofstedt t: +27 (0)11 835 1565 e: wesley@aaxo.co.za Chairperson: Leatitia van Straten, Specialised Exhibitions Vice chairperson: Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing Treasurer: Phil Woods, TE Trade Events Board members: Elaine Crewe, Reed Exhibitions Chanelle Hingston, Spintelligent Dee Reuvers, SA Confex Nomathemba Ndlovu, ZITF

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123 t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 | c: +27 (0)83 679 2110 monique@abta.co.za | www.abta.co.za Founder: Monique Swart ANTOR – Association of National Tourist Office Representatives Box 41022, Craighall 2024 info@antor.co.za | www.antor.co.za ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010 t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61 barbara@asata.co.za general@asata.co.za Office manager: Barbara Viljoen Council of Events Professionals Africa Email: melanie@cepafrica.co.za Tel: +27 11 880 5883 Website: www.cepa.co.za EGF – Event Greening Forum 179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121 t: +27 (0)11 447 4777 info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za Chairman: Justin Hawes Vice-chairman: Greg McManus

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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 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 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 saboa@saboa.co.za | www.saboa.co.za SACIA – Southern African Communications Industries Association 96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent, Sundowner, 2188 t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 kevan@sacia.org.za Executive director: Kevan Jones

SATI – South African Translators’ Institute Executive director: Marion Boers t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 | office@translators. org.za | www.translators.org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association Box 900, Ferndale 2160 | t: +27 (0)11 886 9996 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 | anne@yebo.co.za www.skalsouthafrica.org STA – Sandton Tourism Association t: +27 (0)83 558 5445 secretariat@sandtontourism.com www.sandtontourism.com TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa Box 11655, Centurion 0046 t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 | f: +27 (0)12 664 0103 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 enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za TINSA – Interpreters/ Translators Network of Southern Africa Co-ordinator: 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 96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent, Sundowner, 2188 t: +27 (0)11 083 6418 c: +27 (0)82 555 5556 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 secretary@tshwanetourism.com www.tshwanetourism.com Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen membership@tshwanetourism.com

Business Events Africa November 2018 39

THE LAST WORD

How government can work with the tourism sector to create jobs SOUTH Africa is a country in crisis, having been hit by several waves of bad news for the economy. With ongoing petrol hikes, a recession, a VAT hike and the impact of the drought, many businesses are now struggling.

By Brett Hendricks, general manager, Thebe Tourism Group

U

nemployment stats in South Africa are already startling, with 27.2 per cent of the population without jobs according to Stats SA. And youth unemployment has reached a staggering 38.8 per cent. As a country, we simply cannot afford further job losses.

The Jobs Summit, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa in early October, saw government consulting with the private sector, unions and community organisations regarding accelerating job creation in South Africa.

During the summit, government reiterated that it will not retrench any employee in the public sector as “you cannot be retrenching while trying to create new jobs”. So, the 1.3 million people employed in the public sector are seemingly safe.

At the end of the summit, an agreement was signed by various stakeholders outlining a framework to stem job losses and create

employment opportunities across sectors. The aim is to create 275 000 jobs annually over the next five years.

The tourism sector in South Africa is one of the largest supporters of job creation in the country, a reality that Government already recognises, having said that the sector is a “strategic industry able to help create much needed employment”.

Figures from Statistics SA demonstrate that the industry has generated new jobs over time: around 700 000 people were directly employed in the sector in 2016, up from just over 500 000 a decade earlier. Currently, there are 1.6 million people directly employed or indirectly supported by the tourism sector.

Mr Ramaphosa aims for the doubling of jobs in tourism. But significant help from government will be needed in order to achieve this lofty target. There must be clear policies in place to focus on boosting the tourism industry, through financial assistance in the sector, skills training initiatives, and supporting and improving South Africa’s attractions and assets at every level.

The example of the Western Cape proves what can be done. MEC for agriculture, economic development, and tourism in the Western Cape Province Alan Winde explained that his department’s growth strategy, Project Khulisa, strategically focused efforts in the fastest growing sectors with

Who is Brett Hendricks?

He is the general manager of Thebe Tourism Group, has served the company in an executive role since 2012. With extensive experience in finance and accounting, he worked in the company’s finance division prior to taking on the executive management position.

40 Business Events Africa November 2018

the most potential for job creation, namely tourism, agri-processing and the oil and gas sectors. This strategy saw the Western Cape creating “40 per cent of all new jobs in South Africa in the second quarter of 2018, despite making up less than 15 per cent of the national economy”.

Government also needs to focus attention on the skills shortages across sectors. It must work with various industries to support skills training and, ultimately, job creation that is sustainable for the long term.

If government worked with the tourism sector, for example, we could train people in all spheres of the industry – in hospitality, in various services, in client facing and management roles, in tourism technology, to name just a few areas with potential for growth.

In addition, the tourism sector has appealed to government to work towards greater regulatory certainty in order to achieve the stability needed for sustained growth and therefore the creation of further jobs in the industry.

But, it is not enough to say that tourism can help turn around the country’s employment crisis. Greater economic growth is crucial. As Mr Winde said: “The only way to tackle the unemployment crisis in South Africa is through economic growth. An economy that is not growing cannot create or sustain jobs.”

Tourism can play a role, in particular since there is a strong desire among global and domestic travellers to explore the natural beauty, culture and heritage that our country has in abundance.

This is aided by our weak currency, which is a drawcard for many international tourists.

With government and the private sector working together, we can use these elements to drive significant change on a national level. www.businesseventsafrica.com

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