Business Events Africa September 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 40 No 9 September 2020

ANYTHING THAT WAS POSSIBLE IN THE REAL WORLD,

WEÂ CAN DO ONLINE

PIO N E E RIN G P RO GRESSIVE DIGITA L E VE N T S

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businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa for the past 39 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

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

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW | CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE

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

CONTENTS

VOL 40 NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2020

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Chat’r TV Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 40 No 9 September 2020

ANYTHING THAT WAS POSSIBLE IN THE REAL WORLD,

WE CAN DO ONLINE

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

The skilled and highly specialised team behind Chat’r TV – John Arvanitakis, Lorin Bowen and William Price, have over 60 years of combined experience in the eventing, exhibition, conference, brand engagement, communications and digital online industry, having managed some of South Africa’s top events and online and social media platforms.

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

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

PI ONEE R IN G P R OG R ESSIV E D I GI TA L E VE N TS

hayley@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER:

Features EDITOR’S COMMENT 2 We are in a time of renewal.

NEWS 3 South Africa joins global destinations to host the 59th ICCA hybrid experience Congress.

4 Top management changes for GL events South Africa.

5 Marriott International appoints new leaders for Sub-Saharan Africa region.

DESTINATION FEATURE | WESTERN CAPE 10 Discover Fancourt: The business playground of South Africa.

PERSONALITY PROFILES 12 Lindiwe Rakharebe.

12 Phalesa Phili.

13 Nokuthula Hazel Bond.

14 Mbali Msoni.

14 Nomcebo Langa.

A CHEF’S PERSPECTIVE 15 The future of food and beverage in a Covid-19 world.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 16 The business events sector in a Covid-19 World.

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE 18 The new brand reality story.

Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za

VENUE Q&A | NEW HOTEL GROUP 20 MINT Hotels opens first hotel in Sandton.

VENUE NEWS 22 Gorgeous George opens The White Room conference facility.

EVENT GREENING FORUM NEWS 23 Short term vs long term outcomes: Get the balance right.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 40 No 9 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly.

AAXO NEWS 24 The reopening of events and supporting the events industry.

SA EVENTS COUNCIL NEWS 25 Hybrid events are the new normal.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

SAACI NEWS 26 Acting responsibly post-Covid-19 in delivering business events.

SITE NEWS 27 First Bangkok and now Vancouver SITE’s evolving Manifesto.

EXSA NEWS 28 Captain’s log: EXSA’s Stardate September 2020.

REGULARS 27 Index of advertisers.

28 Directory and associations of interest.

THE LAST WORD 32 It’s time for Africans to explore Africa.

Learning | Growth | collaboration

Official media partner

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

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

We are in a time of renewal

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suppose the fact that many hotels are also reopening this month after being closed for five months, is the first step to our sectors renewal.

From what I can see, it appears we have reached our Covid-19 peak and the numbers are steadily decreasing and we are all feeling more hopeful than we have in the past few months.

Our sector, unfortunately is still effectively closed, with the restriction of 50 delegates being our biggest hindrance.

The SA Events Council, with the support of all the associations, has been lobbying to open our sector. Currently exhibitions and live events are still completely closed.

Conferencing has had to adapt to a hybrid format, which has been effective but is still not the same as meeting face to face.

Chat’r TV has been in the forefront of assisting with virtual events and has over the last few months assisted the industry through a series of informative webinars to keep the sector competitive.

Collaboration remains our sectors main strength at the moment. We are all ready to get going, and do what we do

best. We just need the green light from government. Even then, it will still take a few months for us to get off the ground and possibly a year or two before we get to where we were pre-Covid-19.

The tourism sector bodies have been busy lobbying government to open international travel as soon as October 2020. The concern is, there is currently a second wave of Covid-19 and international travel will escalate what we are still going to go through. The uncertainty of this virus and its devastating consequences on the world unfortunately remains.

What I am sure is; we need to start living again and that means going back to some semblance of our normal which includes conferences, events, exhibitions and incentives. If we can’t open international business now, then the alternative is we have a captive audience in South Africa ready to travel and experience life again. The business events sector is a big part of this life – we create experiences and memories through our incentives and live events;

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

As we move into Spring, there is a sense of renewal that wasn’t there before.

we make big things happen and our economic and social impact is immense through our congresses and exhibitions.

Even though we can’t have the international delegate physically here, we can still have them virtually, but this won’t happen until government gives us the green light to open up business events in South Africa for the locals, who are so ready.

The time is now, we need to find our way through this myriad of uncertainty and it requires letting the business events sector to operate.

I’m ready and am excited to see you at all the upcoming events that will start soon.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

NEWS

South Africa joins global destinations to host the

59th ICCA hybrid experience Congress The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, are pleased to announce that South Africa has won a bid to host the 59th ICCA Africa Regional Hub Conference taking place between 2 & 3 November 2020.

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he tourism industry, particularly (The Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) MICE sector, was at the forefront of the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The sector saw the cancellation of many conferences and big events on our shores and globally, and now ICCA is reimagining the future of global events by transforming the congress into a hybrid experience like no other. With over 800 attendees, 40 speakers, 30 sessions and 80 global associations, the congress remains a global event which is why it was important to provide the opportunity to join the Congress in ways that are safe and suit individual preferences.

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE) industry is forward thinking.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents whose first and foremost aim was to evaluate practical ways to get the travel industry involved in the rapidly expanding market of international meetings and to exchange actual information related to their operations in this market. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Attendees, partners and the general public can join in the host destination KAOHSIUNG, VIRTUALLY or in one of ICCA’s seven regional hubs; Cape Town, Kuching, Latin America, Luxembourg, Malaga, North America, Riyadh. The Coronavirus pandemic has changed how we do business, and this conference will showcase how world-class faceto-face events can thrive in our new normal. The seven hubs that are hosting this conference will strictly observe all Covid-19 protocol and precautions as per guidelines in each of the countries.

Tim Harris, chief executive officer of Wesgro, said: “The safe reopening of air connectivity to international corporate and leisure travel is key on our agenda, and we hope to welcome all delegates from around Africa safely to the Mother City in November.

“With the recent Proof of Concept Conference, the business tourism sector successfully demonstrated how the industry is well equipped to continue business in a safe and responsible manner.

We look forward to demonstrating from touch down, to conference, to take off, how prepared the industry and greater value chain is to resume business.”

Senthil Gopinath, chief executive officer of ICCA, said: “This years’ Congress is the first hybrid experience that ICCA will host and we’re excited to be able to offer delegates the opportunity to join from a regional hub. The South Africa National Convention Bureau and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, after submitting a combined bid, was selected as our regional hub hosts in Africa because of their commitment and dedication, and we trust that they will support us in providing an excellent programme and experience for our delegates in this region.”

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief convention bureau officer of the SANCB said: “Winning this bid is a major achievement for the country and the continent of Africa. Our role as SANCB is to ensure that we integrate the African continent business events under a singular strategic positioning of “Advancing Africa Together” which aims to market Africa as an ideal business destination and showcases Africa’s readiness and capabilities to host world-class business events for the industry. We must kick start international tourism as the country gears up to open its boarders again for international travel in 2021.”

Business Events Africa September 2020 3

NEWS

Top management changes for GL events South Africa GL events Group board of directors is pleased to announce the full integration of the unique GL events Group business model in South Africa.

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resent in South Africa for 11 years, GL events South Africa now operates at group level steering three divisions i.e. LIVE, VENUE and EVENTS, providing a comprehensive service offering: • LIVE: Offers event and exhibition infrastructure service solutions from event design to production.

• VENUE: Management of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC)

alongside the Montgomery Group which holds 40 per cent shares of JEC. The partnership between the two will continue to drive development, bringing in new events to the venue.

• Events: Dogan Events – organiser of the Rand Show.

This integration further reinforces group’s strategy to expand GL events presence in South Africa. Henceforth, the following appointments are instrumental

Craig Newman, chief executive officer for GL events South Africa group.

Adele Hartdegen, chief executive officer for Johannesburg Expo Centre.

Ishmael Atanasi, chief executive officer for the Live Division, GL events South Africa.

Marc Bennett, commercial director for the Live Division

4 Business Events Africa September 2020

to driving growth and to facilitate the restructuring process within the group: Craig Newman appointed as the chief executive officer for GL events South Africa group will serve an overarching role across the Live, Venue and Events Divisions. Mr Newman is the former chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Expo Centre and the Rand Show.

Adele Hartdegen appointed in February 2020, as the chief executive officer for Johannesburg Expo Centre will take on board a dual role and also serve as the chief executive officer of Dogan Events. Ms Hartdegen was previously the head of PR and marketing for GL events South Africa.

Ishmael Atanasi appointed as the chief executive officer for the Live Division, GL events South Africa.

Mr Atanasi was previously head of finance for GL events South Africa.

Mr Atanasi will be supported by Marc Bennett as the commercial director for the Live Division, Marc remains as the branch manager of GL events Cape Town with the commercial director role added to his portfolio.

Leshem Naidoo remains the branch manager in Johannesburg and Yudeshni Mahomed remains the branch manager in Durban.

Up to now GL South Africa has been led by Maxime Rosenwald as the managing director for Middle East and Africa, he will remain as such, overseeing the two regions respectively.

Mr Rosenwald has been leading the group in South Africa for the past three years and will shortly be returning to France to take his place at the international headquarters in Lyon.

“We welcome the appointments and look forward to tapping into the wealth of experience they bring forward as business leaders who will complement the work of the existing directors to bring growth and stability within the group,” said the GL events Group board of directors. www.businesseventsafrica.com

NEWS

Marriott International appoints new leaders for Sub-Saharan Africa region In line with its growth plans for the region, Marriott International has announced new leadership for Sub-Saharan Africa that will provide an integrated and streamlined support structure for their managed hotels portfolio.

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he team will be based primarily in Cape Town, South Africa and will offer an agile and efficient support model to its operations across the region.

Marriott has established a significant presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 100 managed and franchised properties across the region. Focusing on the managed portfolio, the new team will provide enhanced operational support, drive efficiencies and help deliver the company’s growth strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Volker Heiden takes on the role of area vice president Sub-Saharan Africa and will oversee operations of all managed properties across the region. A 23-year veteran with Marriott International, Mr Heiden has held senior finance positions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Prior to joining Marriott International in South Africa in 2017, Mr Heiden served as vice president of finance for Marriott’s Caribbean and Latin American region, based in Plantation, Florida.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is a region that comes with fantastic business and tourism opportunities and I am delighted to be leading a highly skilled and motivated team that will offer extensive support to our operations across a number of markets. I look forward to working closely with our hotel leaders and continue our fundamental efforts of delivering exceptional guest experiences, whilst having a strong focus and support structure for the exciting growth plan of our portfolio across the market.” Mr Heiden said.

To support Mr Heiden and the new structure, Sean Maher has been appointed market vice president for South Africa.

Mr Maher is a 32-year veteran with Protea Hotels and Marriott International. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Sixteen of those years were spent as general manager of five different Protea Hotels, before a short stint as regional general manager in Johannesburg.

Maher was then appointed to the Protea Board of Directors in 2008, before being appointed to his role as senior regional director for Protea.

Mr Heiden’s team will also consist of direct reports across various functions including, finance, operations, revenue strategy, sales & distribution, human resources and marketing, digital & loyalty.

“Marriott International has significantly developed its footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa and we continue to embrace the exciting opportunities in the market.

We are delighted to have the support of these incredible leaders as we focus on driving efficiencies and provide support

Volker Heiden, Area vice president Sub-Saharan Africa

to our hotels and partners in the region.

We are more than confident that the team will continue to strengthen our position across Sub-Saharan Africa”, commented Phil Andreopoulos, Marriott’s chief operating officer for owner and franchise services EMEA, who also overlooks Sub-Saharan Africa.

Recognising the importance of their large and growing franchised portfolio – making up more than 40 per cent of their footprint in the region – Marriott International has expanded the responsibilities of the franchise owner support and services teams to oversee the franchise operations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The teams are primarily based in Europe, with additional members on the ground in South Africa to provide dedicated support to its franchise operations in the region.

Sean Maher, Market vice president for South Africa

Business Events Africa September 2020 5

COVER STORY | CHAT’R

A N Y T H I N G T H AT WA S REAL WORLD, WE CAN The skilled and highly specialised team behind Chat’r TV – John Arvanitakis, Lorin Bowen and William Price, have over 60 years of combined experience in the eventing, exhibition, conference, brand engagement, communications and digital online industry, having managed some of South Africa’s top events and online and social media platforms.

THE CASE STUDY Our NAME is important

to us. It keeps us focused, true to our vision and tells what we do. We inspire change, we are communication catalysts, we inform and communicate, energise and persuade.

Close the deal. Connect with your audience and deliver your message with power, ease and authenticity.

PRONOUNCED – “chatter” (noun) – informal talk “he was full of amusing chatter”. (verb) – talk informally about matters, “she was chattering about her holiday”.

T h e O ther S I D E A COVID-19 WEBINAR SU RVIVAL SE RIES FOR TOU RISM, BUSINESS EVE NTS & H OSPITALITY John Arvanitakis, founding director and chief executive officer of Chat’r Xperience offered some insight into how Chat’r TV was born, and the The OtherSIDE webinar series.

W

hen South Africa went into lockdown in March, and all in-person events and exhibitions were banned, we had to think quickly about how to restructure or pivot our business from an in-person event and exhibition

6 Business Events Africa September 2020

stand design and build company into an online version of ourselves – and so the idea of Chat’r TV was born.

Chat’r TV is a division of Chat’r Xperience in conjunction with Lorin Bowen Business Events and #HACKTOURISM as a joint venture.

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COVER STORY | CHAT’R

POSSIBLE IN THE DO ONLINE We did not want to create an entirely new company as Chat’r already has a name and brand equity in the events, business events and exhibition space.

We wanted to capitalise on this, but we also needed to differentiate it from our in-person business.

We fully believe that in-person events will return. We firmly believe that this is the real business of Chat’r and that once the world is a safer place, either with the coronavirus under control or when vaccines have been developed, we will once again return to the world of in-person events with a virtual element; which is what we believe our clients will want to do.

The event space is about networking and people getting together and being in the same room – human nature is all about the connection and the sensory aspects of the real world.

The online space is very much a way to get the industry to stay alive during this pandemic, but it will certainly not replace the real world of in-person events. So with that in mind, and with the insight that we could use our experience in the real world, we decided to launch Chat’r TV to offer our clients our normal services in a different way.

The future of our industry is going to include some virtual elements going

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forward as it is an easy way to increase exposure to in-person events and exhibitions. They will also allow people who cannot travel to attend events which they may not have done in the past. This hybrid type of event will definitely be with us for the foreseeable future once the industry is allowed to open up again.

SO WHAT DOES CHAT’R TV DO? We do online meetings, webinars, 3D trade shows with gamification, conferences, product launches, award ceremonies, music events, gala events, team-building events, training workshops, round table meetings, live streaming discussions, town halls, and congresses. Anything that was possible in the real world, we can do online!

We offer the use of our Green Screen studios for any and all types of events.

We have three studios with LED green screens of varying capacities and sizes in Johannesburg. We also have a dedicated sound studio for those who wish to upscale their normal webinar presentation with a professional producer and technical engineer hosting the webinar on your behalf. We also have two green screen studios available in Cape Town.

While everyone was in lockdown, we wanted to give something back

BRAND ENGAGEMENT We’re brand engagement experts.

We get how important your investment is, and as your chosen communication partners, we develop an obsession with your brand – in the best possible way.

With creativity at the heart of your investment, we set out to evoke a thrilling, inspiring, and exciting experience for your consumers and delegates. We like to call it COI – Chatter on Investment. In reality, that’s what you pay for, and we give you the best value for your money by ensuring that the entire conversation revolves around your brand – before, during, and after the event.

Business Events Africa September 2020 7

COVER STORY | CHAT’R

S I X E P I S O D E S E R I ES ATTENDEES

SPECIAL EDITION EPISODES

Over 200 live attendees per episode and in some cases over 300.

We were also asked to add on special topics, and so the idea behind our Special Edition episodes was born. We have now hosted a total of six episodes with two more in the original series still to go.

TARGET AUDIENCE

BRAND AWARENESS Tourism, Business Events and Hospitality sector who needed to upskill themselves and remain relevant on social media and destination marketing for the new ‘normal’. This included: B&Bs, guesthouses, lodges, boutique hotels, wedding, conference and exhibition venues and organisers, professional conference and event organisers, tourist guides and tourist attractions.

AUTHENTIC BRAND EXPERIENCES Through our combined skills we offer our clients authentic brand experiences executed by a team with a vast amount of knowledge, ensuring smooth project management and implementation of all events and conferences irrespective of size.

We have done it all! to the industry that had supported us for many years.

Our team at Chat’r are passionate about the business events and tourism industry. Considering that this sector was hardest hit by the lockdown and has only recently under level 2 been able

This is our in-house webinar platform.

It was used to create The OtherSIDE – A Covid-19 Webinar Survival Series For Tourism, Business Events & Hospitality.

to partially open up, albeit with strict health and safety protocols, we wanted to provide the tourism, business events and hospitality industry with something tangible to assist them to stay relevant even during the hard lock down.

We at Chat’r TV decided to produce our own in-house series of webinars and offer them free of charge to attendees as our way of giving back and showing solidarity with the industry. And so, the idea behind Chat’r Box was born.

We wanted to offer our target audience a way to keep busy and to use social media as a way to market their products so when the sector opened up again they had a presence and remained top of mind in their client’s radar.

3. Receive straight forward, to-thepoint, practical advice on turning your social media and digital marketing efforts into confirmed business when the lockdown lifts.

4. Start implementing the best online marketing practices immediately, using the latest and most successful tools that each platform has to offer

WE KICKED OFF OUR FIRST EPISODE ON 4 MAY This is a recap of the series so far:

OUR FOUR OBJECTIVES: 1. Six staggered sessions packed with supreme digital savvy, delivered by our global marketing sages.

2. Allow our panel of specialists to help attendees develop a vision and a plan towards a bright and exciting post-Covid-19 future.

8 Business Events Africa September 2020

Episode 1 The Scene Setter: Leveraging Lockdown.

Past the pandemic, how can tourism, business events and hospitality sectors use social media to explore the sector’s resilience in the Covid-19 era. Our keynote speakers are Jan Hutton, general

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COVER STORY | CHAT’R

We have online recordings of all the episodes on our YouTube platform as well as reviews on the episodes by various attendees, so you can get some feedback.

https://bit.ly/3jm5C4V marketing, Destination NSW; William Price, digital maverick and destination social media expert, and Lizzy van Niekerk, digital specialist.

Episode 2 Reinvent Your Business using Social Media to be Rediscovered During Lockdown.

Presenters include Prakash Patel, Brent Spilkin and Mqondisi Gumede.

Episode 3 Reorganise Your Social Media Content and Get Your Content To Work Harder For You During Lockdown – How To Benefit From Influencers and How To Work With Them.

Our expert presenter is Rob Forbes, 5fm presenter and one of SA’s top influencers.

Episode 4 Building Online Communities – Brand and Reputation Management Using Social Media. In this episode we are joined by Koketso Sachane, seasoned

journalist and well-known broadcaster, communicator and creative. He shares his expertise and top tips and tricks on how to manage your brand and reputation online. He is joined by Lizzy van Niekerk, who again shares her incredible knowledge and vast experience in online community management with the attendees.

Episodes 5 & 6 Still to come. Episode 5 will cover Social Media Campaigns and How To Make Them Work. Episode 6 will tie all five previous episodes together and showcase how all these elements come together to ensure a successful social media strategy.

Special Edition Episode In this episode we showcase our online Chat’r TV offerings to the broader events, business events and exhibition and conference industry.

We highlight the features of our Green Screen Studios and the Virtual Online Exhibition and Event Platform, which is a complete virtual experience, built on a gaming platform.

C H AT ’ R WE GET STUFF DONE John Arvanitakis +27 (0)83 415 2774 john@chatr.co.za

Special Edition Episode The Power of Export Tourism During Covid-19 and Beyond specifically addresses the issues around inbound tourism and destination marketing, and the issue of airlift into South Africa. Our expert presenters for this episode include Margie Whitehouse, chief tourism officer Wesgro; Robert More, founder and chief executive officer of More Family Collection and Monika Iuel, chief executive officer of Southern Africa Private Safaris.

Lorin Bowen +27 (0)82 433 8687 lorin@chatr.co.za William Price +27 (0)81 273 6456 william@chatr.co.za Offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban @Chat’rTV @chatrxp

@chatrxp chatr.co.za

TH E B EN EFI T S During lockdown it was said that the typical person spent an average of 8.5 hours a day online.

At Chat’r we wanted to ensure that the tourism and business events sector got its fair share of this online time and that the individual products were able to achieve maximum exposure for themselves.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE The OtherSIDE series provides the sector with access to top professionals in various fields of expertise. It also includes international speakers with insights into global standards and best international practice of what the international traveller is looking for in a destination. There are useful tips on how products should position themselves to convert browsing into actual bookings.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Our expert presenters and speakers offer

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tips and tricks to the industry to offer a great competitive advantage and how to manage their online platforms and communities to make them relevant and attractive to their clients.

DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA Now that some restrictions have been lifted under level 2, frustrated tourists are dreaming about where they will travel to next. At Chat’r we want to ensure that our sector and destination remains top of mind, not only to local travellers but international travellers too.

Furthermore we want to ensure that those interested in hosting congresses and exhibitions in South Africa know that our products compete with the best globally. South Africa, once the borders are open, will offer one of the safest destinations due to our wideopen spaces and less dense cities, compared with some international destinations, and can compete with the best that the world has to offer.

This unique selling point, or differentiating factor, should be an element that South African businesses in the hospitality and events space capitalise on once international travel is opened up. In the interim, products should also make their offering appealing to the domestic and local market and offer value for money packages that will entise South African’s to travel locally and support small business.

ONLINE PRESENCE Attendees of the series are provided information on how to keep their online presence up to date and easily accessible. Our objective is for the sector to use lockdown as an opportunity to refresh and relook at their social media presence, by using the tricks and tips our experts provid and to ensure that their brands remain visible on social feeds. Now is the time to shine like a light house.

Business Events Africa September 2020 9

DESTINATION FEATURE | Western Cape

Discover Fancourt The business playground of South Africa Is your team looking for space to strategise, regroup and reconnect? Look no further than Fancourt on South Africa’s Garden Route. Located just outside George and overlooked by the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, Fancourt is the perfect place to mix business and pleasure.

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oasting spacious conference venues and surrounded by 613 hectares of pristine countryside, Fancourt can deliver safe, socially distanced, and tailormade events for businesses looking for a successful, exceptional getaway.

Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities and highly-personalised service, teams can discover a world of inspiration on Fancourt’s estate, with nature trails, restaurants and a spa – everything you’ve been missing during lockdown. Or chat to Fancourt about arranging wine tastings, food and wine pairings, Garden Route excursions, boat cruises, Big 5 game drives, beach braais and more.

Even better? Fancourt’s golf courses are in fantastic condition and keen golfers can tick off their ultimate bucket list by playing three of South Africa’s top golf courses: The Links (1), Montagu (8) and Outeniqua (17).

Peter Dros, sales & marketing director of Fancourt, believes that Fancourt ticks all the boxes for businesses looking

for safe post-Covid conferences and events. “A lot of thought goes into the layout of venues at Fancourt, right down to the accommodation on offer. The Fancourt Hotel is divided into different blocks of rooms and suites, sprawling across the estate. This means teams can book out a ‘precinct’ of rooms, grabbing additional space if required.”

And for additional luxury and exclusivity, teams can now book out the Manor House at Fancourt in its entirety. Tucked away amongst beautiful gardens, and with the elegance of yesteryear and the exclusivity of a serene country retreat, The Manor House is South Africa’s leading boutique hotel.

It goes without saying that one can book at Fancourt will complete peace of mind. Fancourt’s Covid-19 measures and protocols are in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – and the comprehensive protocols developed by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).

10 Business Events Africa September 2020

Mr Dros says that while some measures are immediately obvious, like health screening on arrival, clear signage and frequent sanitising of ‘high touch’ points, protocols are in place for every step of the guest journey.

“Rest assured, our Covid-19 protocols are just as stringent behind the scenes. From kitchen to laundry, meeting room to suite, we have taken every precaution to ensure a happy, healthy – and successful stay.”

With special business rates now available, there is no better time to book your conference or event at Fancourt.

Rates include one of the following: a full-day conference package, round of golf, spa voucher, or dinner voucher.

Contact the Fancourt Reservations Team for more information.

Discover South Africa’s Business Playground www.fancourt.co.za Reservations: + 27 (0) 44 804 0010 reservations@fancourt.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILES

Focus on the women of Lindiwe Rakharebe

Lindiwe Rakharebe believes in hard work and using the unique gifts and skills we have to overcome any challenge in life.

M

s Rakharebe, a single mother of four who loves spending quality time with family and playing tennis, was born in Chesterville, west of Durban.

Following a good formative education at Montebello, a Catholic Girls’ boarding school, she enrolled at the University of Free State and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Leadership, a Diploma in Management Development and has undertaken a number of professional development programmes.

She later spent over 30 years in the financial services industry, serving

all four of the major banking institutions in South Africa.

Thereafter, she served as the regional executive for Absa KwaZulu-Natal where she oversaw the strategic leadership of the organisation and facilitated the growth of Absa Group Limited, formerly known as Barclays Africa Group Limited.

Ms Rakharebe said: “I stand proud as a woman to hold a chief executive officer position at Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) for the past five years.

“My role is to provide the overall strategic leadership of the organisation whilst overseeing all internal management and operations.

“I am also the organisation’s primary representative in effectively communicating and driving the organisation’s strategies to all stakeholders.”

She flawlessly leads a team of 165 dedicated and passionate workforce and has an executive management team of six who report directly to her.

“During my career, I was often underestimated and needed to overachieve in order to secure opportunities for development and advancement.

I have witnessed that success is ultimately the result of diligent management, hard work and an attitude of perpetual learning,” she said.

Ms Rakharebe said as women we always have to work twice as hard as to our male co-workers to demonstrate our capabilities.

She offers advice to women to always believe in yourself; invest in getting a good education; show respect in all you do especially in talking to people, dressing and having respectable manners and to love what you do every day.

“The Durban ICC contributes massively to tourism promotion in KZN and actively promotes the

12 Business Events Africa August 2020

destination at international events that are brought to our shores.

“These events help raise the international profile of our destination and contribute significantly to the KZN economy,” she said.

Phalesa Phili

Passion and determination piloted Phalesa Phili on the road to success

P

halesa Phili, nurtured to chief executive officer of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), following a successful corporate career in the Information and communications technology (ICT) and telecommunications sector for more than 20 years.

Born and bred in Johannesburg, Ms Phili holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Johannesburg and an advanced business management programme certificate. www.businesseventsafrica.com

PERSONALITY PROFILES

KwaZulu-Natal She gained strong operational skills and expertise in strategic growth and market penetration with 10 years of experience in executive and board-level positions within the manufacturing and incubation sector.

The DCCI chief executive officer worked for organisations such as Hewlett Packard, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and EMC Computers.

One of her biggest achievements was being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KwaZuluNatal and most recent, the regional head for MTN Business in KZN. Ms Phili said: “I am also a member of the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IoDSA) and sit on various boardlevel positions at SmartXchange and InvoTech Business Incubator in Durban.”

She gracefully manages DCCI including 32 staff members, ensuring good governance and that the organisation fulfils its mandate which is to advocate on behalf of its members, who are primarily from the business community of the Durban region.

“At the Durban Chamber, we support all efforts in empowering and promoting women. I believe women should be treated with dignity and honoured for the endless hours of unpaid work.

“I believe there is ample room for women to be given recognition in their communities, cultures, education arenas as well as in government,” Ms Phili said.

She believes, as a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve in life.

Her sound advice to women is to master the art of staying focused in a corporate environment even when surrounded by politics. She believes as women, we must approach business differently to men and believe we are capable of achieving the impossible.

“The DCCI believes the tourism sector is key to contributing to the www.businesseventsafrica.com

economic prosperity of KZN. “We actively support and influence policy strategic decisions concerning the tourism sector and our tourism forum serves to promote tourism as an important economic driver of the province and eThekwini Municipality.”

Ms Phili is married with two boys and enjoys attending church, spending quality time with family and doing charitable work.

Nokuthula Hazel Bond

Durban B&B owner follows her dreams in the tourism industry

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okuthula Hazel Bond, the owner of Liapolis Accommodation & Leisure, is thankful to Tourism KZN (TKZN) for the opportunities she has had to participate in the Tourism Indaba for three consecutive years.

This exhibition allowed her to expand her tourism industry networks and marketing opportunities.

Ms Bond who was born and raised in KwaMashu township, north of

Durban, qualified with a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

She explored many avenues and realised she wanted financial freedom and to leave a legacy for her three children to inherit. Liapolis Accommodation & Leisure was then established, a threestar graded establishment providing accommodation, meals, shuttle service and a venue for small private functions.

She manages six employees.

“Having funds readily available, access to markets and now the Covid-19 pandemic have been challenges in my business. However, it was all made possible with exploring and learning new trends in the tourism market, educating myself about improving customer experience and new staff development and training sessions,” Ms Bond said.

She said women are often portrayed as inferior and incapable, especially when it comes to business. She believes in continuing to only focus on giving of her best daily to build a successful business.

“I advise women to have a good solid support structure, to understand what motivates you at work and to have a passion for the work you do.

“SMME must identify the target market and focus on your needs and expectations. Join industry organisations such as the National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA) and your local Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) as they will keep you updated on legislative changes and on other important information.”

The married mother enjoys her time hiking, taking long walks, reading and is passionate about training and developing people.

Ms Bond plans to handover the management responsibility to one of her staff members while she focuses on establishing a training academy in the near future.

Business Events Africa August 2020 13

PERSONALITY PROFILES

Mbali Msoni Despite challenges she faces as a small travel services and tour operator, Durban-based Mbali Msomi who owns and manages Leisure Holidays will not give up.

girls’ weekend away, boys’ sports weekend, family bonding holidays and couples’ retreats.

“It is about appreciating the relationships with one another and enjoying the scenery with family and friends.”

She hopes to grow her business into a fully-fledged destination management company.

Meanwhile she has urged developing SMMEs in the tourism industry to be patient and realise that it takes time to develop a brand and a business that is recognisable.

Nomcebo Langa Overseas tourist attractions inspired Nomcebo Langa to own a travel business.

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he said she faced opposition from companies and organisations who are not willing to use her company as a supplier because she is still small – she has only one employee – and has not been in existence for a long time.

“Accreditation and becoming a member of various industry bodies becomes difficult where there is a minimum turnover requirement. I am still struggling to overcome procurement hurdles.

“However, I am not ready to throw in the towel. Being a wanderlust myself, I feel the need to help and assist other travellers in finding their dream holidays.

“Leisure Holidays is all about inspiring individuals to leave their comfort zone and explore new places and new cultures whilst having lots of fun and adventures,” said Msomi, a mother of four.

She is full of praise for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal for the opportunities provided for SMMEs such as Leisure Holidays to exhibit their services at trade shows such as Africa’s Travel Indaba and the East Coast Travel & Adventure Show.

Ms Msomi said she loved travelling and exploring new places and this is what inspired her to open her own travel agency.

“The idea is to encourage South Africans to explore amazing South Africa and enjoy the scenery in their own back yard.

“Our services to locals include

B

itten by the travel bug since childhood, Nomcebo Langa had the rare privilege of experiencing a variety of cultures locally and at tourist attractions around the world.

Born and raised in a family-oriented home in Hammarsdale, she was taught to have respectable norms and values which kept her focused to pursue having her own business in the future.

While burning the midnight oil and raising her only daughter as a single parent, Ms Langa qualified with a Masters’ degree in Taxation from the North West University.

Ms Langa said: “I later exposed myself to business models and customer behaviour for six years at Ernst and Young, one of the largest professional services networks in the world and thereafter during18 months with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Johannesburg.”

Her numerous visits to international destinations convinced her that she must get involved in the tourism industry.

Thus, she opened her own tourism business called 1000 Thrills in Hillcrest which develops and packages unique rural-township-tourism experiences.

She said the lack of transformation in tourism in South Africa allowed her business to showcase authentic tourism and township experiences and offer a unique lifestyle to domestic and international tourists.

She said the nature of tourism business was previously a male-dominated business.

14 Business Events Africa September 2020

“I had to put on my big girl pants and work extremely hard to be the brand ambassador of my own company”.

Developing a new business has been a challenge for Ms Langa but through consultation with other successful tourism entrepreneurs, strong business ethics and sound business policies, she has managed to keep her business active even on quiet days.

“New strategic business models aligned with new market segmentations and new ways of doing business had to be implemented during the lockdown.

“SMME’s are advised to measure customer services and success of their business through customer retention and loyalty, customer satisfaction improvement and brand awareness,” she said.

She praises Tourism KZN for showcasing her company’s products and services at Tourism Indaba, World Travel Market Africa and tourism expos in the Netherlands, Russia, China, United Kingdom and Kenya.

The significant 76 percent of 1000 Thrills employees are women.

She advises women that research and education is the key elements in striving to have your own business. Attending business tourism seminars and conferences expands your knowledge in order to build your business. Develop smart ways to involve customers through professional tourism packages and new ideas.

Ms Langa’s continuous determination and strong ethical business skills pushed 1000 Thrills to succeed especially after the announcement of level 2 lockdown which saw an influx and demand from tourists’ bookings for the next several weeks to come. www.businesseventsafrica.com

A CHEF’S PERSPECTIVE

The future of food and beverage in a Covid-19 world Business Events Africa asked the CSIR ICC for a Chef’s perspective on the future of food and beverage offerings at conference and meeting events.

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he CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) understands the contribution that quality food and beverages as well as bespoke service add to the overall conference experience.

The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly brought about some challenges. Patrons have become more discerning than ever before, requiring significantly improved health hygiene knowledge and protocols thus a focus on wellness has been forced to the fore.

During the lockdown, the CSIR ICC kitchen and banqueting teams have had

the opportunity of providing products and services to critical teams providing the national government with support.

This was an invaluable experience as not one member of these teams could afford to be exposed to Covid-19, or fall ill for any reason, due to the national importance of the project.

To this end, the CSIR ICC strives to create the perfect culinary experiences with options that focus on influencers such as maintaining or improving cognitive function, contribute to conference objective and visually appealing healthier options, improved special dietary offerings without sacrificing the flavour and visual appeal.

“The universal language of food and beverage is the one aspect of familiarity and point of engagement among patrons of all walks of life. Colourful, exciting, appetising and nutritious – culinary experts with an uncompromising passion for what they serve their clients, will rise to the occasion, set new trends and will be remembered for their contributions,

Chef Francois Agenbach.

during this trying time,” shared Francois Agenbach, CSIR ICC executive chef.

CSIR ICC has completely reworked every aspect of their operations to ensure that facilities, products and services are as safe as they can be and ready to host conferences again.

Whether plated or individually packaged meal quality and variety does not mean compromise at the CSIR ICC.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa September 2020 15

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The business events sector in a Covid-19 World

by Rod Kamleshwaran, GainingEdge

On 30 July, UNWTO reported that 40 per cent of destinations have eased travel restrictions. On the same day, WHO issued guidelines for resuming travel saying travel bans cannot be indefinite.

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e are now in a Transition Phase where economic activity is resuming in a world inclusive of Covid-19. This phase will last until widespread vaccination, probably not before 2022, when the New Normal without the virus begins.

IATA, July 2020 reports that passenger numbers in 2020 will drop by 55 per cent, to 2006 levels, and may not recover to 2019 levels until 2024.

STR, June 2020 predicts that USA hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) is unlikely to return to 2019 levels before 2023.

Air traffic and hotel demand are broad indicators for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Full recovery of the business events sector seems unlikely before 2024.

The pace and level of recovery will vary by region and business segment.

Emerging markets with robust trend growth are expected recover earlier.

Domestic markets will return before international, and leisure segments will precede business segments. As the crisis

is unprecedented and still evolving, the full recovery period remains uncertain.

The “Lockdown Period” The relates primarily to March through May after the Covid-19 pandemic was announced spurring a global lockdown.

This led to the closure of borders and most economic activity. In many countries, non-essential activities ceased for up to 4 months. Many imposed curfews.

Past crises were confined to smaller segments of the world. Not this time.

On 6 April 2020, WHO reported that 96 per cent of all worldwide destinations had introduced travel restrictions. IATA reported a 94 per cent drop in air traffic for April 2020. Many emerging and developing economies remain in lockdown as Covid-19 intensifies.

Venues across the world shut down with many converted into a quarantine centre, testing centre or temporary hospital.

The “Transition Phase” Most countries are now in this second phase. The reopening is not just of

16 Business Events Africa September 2020

countries that have suppressed Covid-19 but also those with high active cases and so with the risks of second waves of infections and reimposition of lockdowns.

June marked widescale relaxations in restrictions allowing domestic market activity in many countries. In the same month, some destinations began opening up to regional markets.

In July, UNWTO reported that 40 per cent of destinations easing travel restrictions, up from 22 per cent in June. Of the 87 countries to ease travel restrictions, four completely lifted all travel restrictions – Albania, Maldives, Serbia and Tanzania.

115 destinations including Australia, Canada and India continue to keep their borders completely closed.

The gradual opening is largely attributed to the Northern Hemisphere summer season led by the opening of borders in the European Union on 1 July. Europe leads the opening with 41 nations, 20 in the Americas, 13 in Africa, 10 in AsiaPacific, and three in the Middle East.

China and USA – countries with strong domestic bases are leading the recovery pack with weekly occupancies of up to 55 per cent and 48 per cent respectively in late July. STR is reporting other regions at barely 20 per cent. USA hotels tend to rely more on MICE business than in the Asia Pacific where the leisure market is more dominant. Without this group business, the USA hotel recovery will plateau.

If the 87 countries manage this largescale travel without a significant rise in cases, it will go a long way towards creating the consumer confidence needed for a genuine recovery. Conversely, a spike in cases risks a major setback.

Hotel recovery is led by non-luxury categories with domestic leisure peaking on weekends. Corporate travel recovery has begun in some markets, but many small meetings will not return from the virtual platforms adopted during the lockdown. www.businesseventsafrica.com

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

MICE sector recovery is led by domestic events. Protocols include contactless registration, thermal scanning, face masks, elevated hygiene and social distancing.

Social distancing is easier to handle with exhibitions than conferences. With the virus under control, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Germany are leading the return of large-scale events with exhibitions and government events.

Many events have turned to virtual or hybrid formats in the short term.

The importance of digitisation and flexibility of venues has escalated. Multilocation events where in-person events in different regional locations connect online to form a larger global event are growing. This is appealing in the current phase as attendees lack confidence for travel and large gatherings.

The “New Normal” This has been described as a once-ina-century pandemic. It has challenged us to completely re-evaluate how we think, live and work.

The 9/11 terror attacks led to dramatic changes in attitudes to safety, security and privacy. Covid-19 is having a dramatic impact on geopolitics, technology and social attitudes.

Technology has proven fundamental to coping with this disruption. Driven to better prepare for the next pandemic or biosecurity threat, organisations will www.businesseventsafrica.com

seek to strengthen agility and resilience.

It has long been accepted that there is a strong relationship between the unemployment rate and hotel demand.

Hence, at some point, consumer behaviour will be dependent on economic, not health factors. After borders are wide open and consumer confidence in safe travel has returned, economics will influence hotel demand.

There will be significant shifts in the MICE industry in the post Covid-19 era. Some will be structural and permanent. Some will be temporary. Some are already in place.

In-person interaction remains powerful and unlikely to be replaced by virtual events in a dominant way. In-person events are attractive for commercial and networking purposes. Most events will return as in-person events, but a high portion will be hybrid events.

Covid-19 will accelerate digital trends.

Consumer exhibitions will embrace virtual event formats more readily than trade exhibitions. Corporates will in future distinguish between essential and non-essential travel. Some meetings, especially internal meetings, will not fully return to pre Covid-19 levels.

Venue offers will include in-person, hybrid or virtual options with enhanced technology infrastructure and flexible rooms. Virtual tours for venues will be the norm. Virtual meeting and event software will

improve at a rapid pace. Contactless operations beyond check-in is here to stay.

New certifications, accreditations and quality standards on hygiene will be normal.

Solutions for crowd monitoring, electrostatic sprayers to disinfect surfaces in function rooms and public spaces, automated self-cleaning machines for escalators, and enhanced air filtration systems for ventilation will be promoted as safety features at many venues.

Venues will need to assess both “hardware” and “software” readiness for this New Normal.

When a New Normal without Covid-19 begins is unclear. Even after a vaccine is found, it may take a year or more before worldwide vaccination and the confidence for mass travel returns. A consensus is emerging that the virus will stay for a while and the world has to figure out how to live with it.

Are we letting our high hopes for a vaccine deter us from finding solutions for an earlier return to some normality, even in a highly disrupted world with Covid-19?

Can the MICE sector do more right now, knowing the risks of second waves of infections and reimposition of lockdowns?

Who is Rod Kamleshwaran?

Rob Kamleshwaran is a partner at GainingEdge, a global consulting firm advising exclusively to the convention & exhibition industry.

Business Events Africa September 2020 17

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

The new brand reality story O

ur first experiences define us: The first kiss, our first day at school, the first broken arm, baby’s first smile and that first broken heart. Whether bitter or sweet, first experiences are what make us who we are and sets the example against which we measure all our life experiences. Experiential marketing has come a long way from traders in roadside markets offering passersby samples of their produce and goods.

Using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Gamification, we are able to create multi-sensory experiences that evoke those same powerful emotions that make us essentially human.

The technological revolution and the Covid-19 digital disruption has injected new life into old. The New York Times has done this well, adding an array of tech-related companies to their publishing platform that make the best use of their biggest asset:- telling great stories. On their website, you can find a collection of immersive storytelling features, including AR and VR experiences. In their quest to modernise, they have positioned themselves as the overwhelming authority on all things tech, stepping out of their traditional publishing grave clothes and into the future.

Thanks to a reduction in the cost of hardware and software as the years go on, and an increase in local skills, South Africa is now more than capable of providing immersive and interactive digital experiences with quantifiable results, which ultimately creates the love for a brand.

Think, for example, of buying your first car. What went through your mind? Maybe the sweat and tears that went into paying for it? Or the leather interior you had mapped out in the back of a schoolbook years ago?

Recently Volkswagen partnered with New Reality to create a “demo” experience their customers won’t forget.

Prospective buyers were able to check out and test-drive the new Polo SUV (the T-Cross) before it was released for months before it could be physically test-driven in South Africa. Customers were able

to play with interiors and features and even order their vehicle all using VR. Virtual and augmented reality and gamification is effective when it takes the customer on a journey they never expected. In fact, it’s when brands find a way to become a part of the customer’s life journey like first cars, having a baby or choosing your next renovation project – that brand love is born. It allows us to overlay a digital lens onto the real world.

Traditional advertising does an excellent job at providing awareness at its different touchpoints, but in some ways it tells the consumer how to feel and keeps them passive. Creating moments of immersion builds experiences that what will leave the customer changed forever and elicits emotion that money can’t buy.

Coupled with clever activations, the technology available to us is able to activate every one of the senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste. And depending on the mode of immersion used, the experiences can be directed at 100 or 100 000.

Here are four examples of experiences created using VR, AR or gamification that worked: 1. Martin Garrix puts on a music show for the deaf community – Tactile audio systems and projectors In 2016, Dutch DJ Martin Garrix partnered with 7 Up to host an extrasensory concert for the deaf community. The resulting “Music Lifts You Up” video premiered during Ultra Fest in Miami and received viral media coverage.

Together with immersive experience artists, Fake Love, they incorporated motion, vibration and stunning visuals to help the concert-goers ‘feel’ and ‘see’ the music. With walls of speakers, LEDs boxes of water that moved with the music, platforms to stand on that vibrated to the beat, and even a special backpack that vibrated the sound right through their chests, his guests were euphorically happy.

18 Business Events Africa September 2020

The move towards virtual, augmented reality and gamification is becoming increasingly effective in brand’s story telling.

By Yaw Dwomoh, chief executive officer of Idea Hive

What did 7 Up get out of it? A phenomenal amount of brand capital, but a moving comment from one of the attendees says it all, “It really was the best night of my life.”

The 7 Up gig taught us that the experience doesn’t need to have anything to do with your actual product. Communicating the personality or character of your brand can be enough to create magic.

2. Glenlivet tests the palates of whisky connoisseurs – Gamification and AR AR-enabled product packaging can double as a brand’s owned media channel speaking directly to their consumer. In 2018, would-be whisky connoisseurs jumped at the Glenlivet augmented reality whisky-tasting experience in partnership with Shazam.

When customers opened the app, master distiller Alan Winchester came to life, challenging users to mini-games to identify and isolate ingredients by selecting the four aromas for the nose and flavours of the whisky. He also engaged www.businesseventsafrica.com

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

and immersed them in the mysterious back-story behind Glenlivet’s distinctive taste. Tasters were given a score which they could share to social media.

Because of the extra value offered to customers post-purchase, they upped the brand loyalty and reached a completely new demographic to boot.

3. Samsung and NASA Moon Walk – VR and 4D The experience, titled “A Moon for All Mankind,” opened to the New York public in July 2018 through to July 2019, – in honor of the big 50th anniversary celebration of the moonlanding in 1969.

An extensive support rig and flight suit supported participants, while attached onto a load-bearing system similar to the Active Response Gravity Offload System used at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to train real astronauts. Wearing a helmet with Samsung’s Gear VR goggles, users went on a mission to explore the moon surface and plant their own flag.

The experience combined tech, awe and an emotionally charged moment www.businesseventsafrica.com

in history to create an unforgettable experience for those who tried it and plenty of the right coverage.

4. Merryl Trailscape Experience – VR and Motion capture and Tactile elements Merrell created a VR experience called Trailscape to launch its newest hiking boot, the Capra. Participants could walk (carefully) along a stage set that simulated a mountainous trail, mapped to the virtual experience to create a new level of immersion.

Tactile elements such as rope walkways and shaking wooden planks, while motion capture allowed adventurers to explore the mountainside. Merryl created such a powerful immersive experience that it was showcased at the Sundance Film Festival.

The brands that inspire us, tell stories we can relate to. The brands we love and remember tell stories that cast us as the main character. Using technology, we can create unforgettable experiences and bring customers on board as co-creators. It’s an exciting time to be a digital marketing agency.

Who is Yaw Dwomoh?

Born in Ghana, Yaw Dwomoh is the chief executive officer and founder of Idea Hive, a Digital Brand Storytelling company based in Johannesburg that specialises in executing 360-degree brand stories and in telling African stories for Africans.

A chosen thought-leader for SME South Africa, Yaw is an MBA graduate from the Business School of the Netherlands, and a candidate in Mphil Marketing. He has been a panellist at the Africa Tourism Partners – inspiring Pan-African sustainable travel and tourism development through innovative leadership, as well as ASFW 2018.

Business Events Africa September 2020 19

VENUE Q&A | New hotel group

MINT Hotels opens first hotel in Sandton

MINT Hotels, the newest hotel group to open in South Africa, recently opened its first hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. Business Events Africa conducted a one-on-one interview with Adriaan Liebetrau, general manager: hospitality for the group to find out more about this hotel group and its newest hotel, MINT Hotel 84 on Katherine.

Where did you start you career in the hospitality industry?

I have worked in the hospitality industry since secondary school. I have always wanted to be a hotelier, and even pretended to build hotels as a small boy playing with my toys.

I am fortunate to have had exceptional mentors from a young age in my career, and from the very first day I started working in a ‘real’ hotel.

Through the years I made it my personal mission to be exposed to as many different areas of the industry as possible. I first became general manager of a hotel at the age of 22, and quickly realised that there is so much more to it than simply providing accommodation.

From there I gained experience in property development, design, casinos, convention centres, sales, marketing, finance and all other areas of hotel operations.

I wanted to gain a full understanding of the industry and the contributing factors that make it successful, so left the hospitality industry for seven years to gain more experience in travel management – and of course get more experience with Government, and so took on the role of chief executive officer of SAACI. I gradually made my way back to operating hotels, and today I am very happy that my journey has brought me here at MINT Hotels.

20 Business Events Africa September 2020

What is MINT Hotels’ main selling point?

We offer a unique hotel experience targeting the traditional budget market.

We believe we have a niche offering as a limited service hotel by offering a large stylish room with the best and most modern fittings, finished off with a cool and trendy restaurant such as Pablo.

When did MINT Hotel 84 on Katherine open in Sandton?

We opened our first phase on 1 July with 46 rooms. As the month progressed we were able to add an additional 9 rooms, to bring us to 55 rooms. The second phase was to open the restaurant, and on 3 August we were able to open the www.businesseventsafrica.com

VENUE Q&A | New hotel group

renowned Pablo poolside restaurant after it relocated from Melville, and rebranded from Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar. During the end of August and beginning of September we opened our third phase – the next block of 42 rooms. We currently stand at 97 completed, renovated rooms. The fourth and final phase is set to open for bookings at the end of October, bringing our total rooms to 148.

The final phase will also include an onsite laundry, gym and conference centre.

Did Covid-19 put a pause on some of your plans?

Lockdown delayed the opening by a month, but that didn’t stop us from getting everything ready behind the scenes. Our design and room layouts are far different from a traditional hotel. This has allowed us to take both permanent residents and long-stay guests.

How many hotels are planned for South Africa?

Our second hotel is currently under construction and should open early next year. We are keen to add more hotels to our fold but will review each opportunity individually – we don’t want to expand just for the sake of it. We want to ensure that we remain different and unique.

What is the apartment/hotel room concept and why you think it will work in SA? Aparthotels have grown in popularity throughout the world. The flexibility to be yourself in your own space where you can cook and entertain as you would at home but still have the luxury of having your room cleaned for you and a team of hosts ready to assist your every need is a selling point. Growing up, many of us visited various resorts that were self-catering,

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but the new aparthotel elevates this to new levels of service and personalisation.

Does the MINT Hotel 84 on Katherine have conferencing/ meeting facilities?

The new hotel will have two private and intimate event spaces, both with stackable glass doors overlooking a garden area. These venues have stateof-the-art audio-visual equipment with a capacity of 20 and 70, respectively.

The centre is located adjacent to our last 51 rooms, making it the perfect venue for a small conference that wants to have personal attention to detail.

How important is it for the hotel to have meeting facilities?

For me having a meeting or event space is critical, and the flexibility and opportunity to service multiple different sectors is key to the sustainability of the business.

Even now in these unsure times we have already received inquiries from guests and residents alike looking for a space to have smaller meetings or get togethers.

What room types does MINT Hotel 84 on Katherine have?

Our rooms range from the smallest 32 sqm to the 127 sqm uber-presidential suite.

All our rooms are fitted with an extra length king size bed, air-conditioning and international plugs and USB adaptors next to the bed. Our rooms have ample cupboard space that holds an electronic laptop safe, hairdryer and HD smart TV. Each room’s bathroom has an extensive shower with all your hotel luxuries.

The MINT has five different room types, with our standard and superior rooms fitted with a kitchenette. Our larger deluxe rooms and executive suites have

a more spacious kitchen with dining area, and lounge with workspace.

The uber-presidential suite is known as the 007 James Bond Suite, and is decorated in a modern Scandinavian style.

The hotel has high-speed uncapped Wi-Fi throughout the property, and guests can choose to watch Netflix, YouTube or log into their own DSTV account when at the hotel.

How many will be long-term apartments vs short-term stays?

Our current model is based on our first two blocks being marketed and positioned as a long-term residential-style hotel, with great success. The balance of our rooms are positioned for shortterm business and leisure travellers. The model is ever-changing as we see fit.

Business Events Africa September 2020 21

VENUE NEWS

Gorgeous George opens The White Room conference facility This new, stunning period-inspired conference room is a gorgeous option for inner-city meetings and gatherings.

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ape Town boutique hotel Gorgeous George has opened a conference-room space for corporates, organisations or private individuals wanting to host gatherings in a venue with all the modern conveniences of a city facility plus all the style and beauty of a luxury privately owned Art Deco/Edwardian residence.

“The beauty of this conference facility is not only its hand-picked design pieces, like the hanging Porky Hefer crocodile swing, and overall playful feel, but also its versatility,” said Peter Kunz, director of Gorgeous George, which is located at the upper-end of St George’s Mall in Cape Town’s thriving inner city.

“There’s an element of surprise and intrigue for conference goers and meeting attendees wanting a venue with a generous dose of charm and grace.”

Situated on the second floor of the

super-cool design-led hotel, The White Room can accommodate up to 120 people, with a wide range of seating options and arrangements, from banquet or boardroom, cinema-style or cocktailstyle, to U-shaped seating or hollow rectangular. Secure parking is available in two neighbouring buildings.

A cocktail or set-menu catering service is on offer from a kitchen headed up by Guy Bennett, who previously wielded his knives at luxury eateries like Grande Provence Heritage Estate and the One & Only Hotel. Mouthwatering signature foodie items include roasted butternut, ginger and coconut soup, slow-roasted beef shortrib, mushroom and mozzarella arancini, carrot, honey and ginger pudding with rum and raisin ice-cream, and cranberry and pistachio nougat.

Gorgeous George, which opened in June last year, is one of two South

22 Business Events Africa September 2020

African members of the coveted German-headquartered global luxury hotel group Design Hotels, a handselected collection of 300 privately owned and operated hotels in more than 50 countries around the world.

The hotel was designed by international award-winning interior designer Tristan du Plessis, who created a concept celebrating contemporary African design and showcasing locally manufactured high-end timeless South African furniture.

Lighting and furniture was sourced from David Krynauw, Gregor Jenkin, Studio 19 and Douglas&Co, while murals from artist David Brits are featured in every room.

The hotel’s star attraction is its indoor/ outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, Gigi Rooftop, which opens out onto a stunning wooden and terracotta-tiled pool deck that’s home to an emeraldgreen glass-panelled swimming pool.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

EVENT GREENING FORUM

Short term vs long term outcomes

Get the balance right As businesses worldwide adapt and adjust to functioning in a pandemic, health and safety has become an obvious priority. The Event Greening Forum (EGF) urges you to implement these changes thoughtfully – with a view not only to what you can achieve today, but how your actions will affect your business and the environment in the future.

“S

ustainability is a pressing concern and it needs our attention. The stress that we have been living through during the pandemic has made it hard to think about much else – but we need to. Our health not only depends on stopping the spread of Covid-19, it depends on having a healthy planet that can support the lives and livelihoods of all people far into the future,” said Greg McManus, chair of EGF. The EGF is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable practices in

business events, across the full value chain and extending to business tourism.

The EGF held a webinar on hosting Sustainable events in an uncertain future on 27 August, where the issue of balancing safety and sustainability was discussed in detail. One significant concern is the rapid increase in the use of disposable, single-use items that are not being discarded responsibly.

According to Green Matters*, an estimated 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are being used every

month around the world. These items are not biodegradable, and through incorrect or ineffective disposal methods they are increasingly showing up in natural environments where they pose a threat to the wildlife – and can prove fatal. Re-usable cloth masks are just as effective as disposable ones for the general public use and have the benefit of avoiding unnecessary waste.

Another area where disposable plastic waste volumes are expected to increase is around food service at events. Single service plastic packaging is often a go-to in this scenario because it is cost-effective and perceived as safer than other alternatives.

“But reusable items can be safely used if handled responsibly,” says McManus.

“Alternatively, an event organiser or venue can use compostable food packaging and compost it with the food waste, or recyclable options while providing an easy-to-use recycling system onsite to ensure this benefit is realised.

“My point is that there are many options, and it is worth exploring them from an environmental perspective as well as on cost and practicality.”

To access the webinar recording for more tips on how to hold a safe and sustainable event, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za.

The next webinar will be held later this month, so look out for date and theme on the website too. *https://www.greenmatters.com/p/ face-masks-gloves-litter-coronavirus

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

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa September 2020 23

AAXO NEWS

The reopening of events and

supporting the events industry

By Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions Africa

The South African events industry contributes to total employment and gross domestic product to such an extent that the industry is vital to the economy as it promotes billions of Rands of business per annum.

S

timulating local business growth, travel, the arts and connecting people from all over the world are only some of the benefits when partaking in one of the world class gatherings the South African and global events industry has to offer.

With the Covid-19 South African Lockdown spread over its fifth month, the industry has been hit like never before. Buzzing event spaces filled with energy have been replaced with crimsonlit buildings, event spaces and social media in a plea to the government to reopen the events industry.

The initiative #LightSARed has been spearheaded by the likes of Sharif Baker from TPSA and Projeni Pather from AAXO along with big industry names like the Ticketpro Dome and Table Mountain, with the government recognising the movement and sparking glimmers of hope for the industry.

Reopening the events industry will certainly be the reopening of a new, stronger, more diverse and experienced industry as we advance into an era of hybrid events.

Visitors and exhibitors alike can look forward to having all the benefits and perks of a traditional event, with the added benefit of a strong digital presence to deliver a fully rounded, two prong approach.

The events industry as we knew it, has changed, adapted and will emerge stronger as we melt digital and physical into an all rounded new and exciting era of connecting, doing business and growing the economy.

The Covid-19 pandemic has most certainly been devastating to many industries, yet one can’t help but wonder if there is a silver lining looking at the industry developments having grown so fast with a promise of a bigger, most resilient industry.

The future of the industry is lit with the promise of untapped possibilities, replacing the crimson SOS tones with a multitude of colours celebrating the importance, vibrance and resilience of an unwavering, irreplaceable events industry.

We look forward to embracing the new normal as we welcome the world to South Africa.

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

SA EVENTS COUNCIL

Hybrid events are the new normal

By Charlotte Kemp, PSASA deputy president and SA Events Council Member

As the impact of Covid-19 swept across the world, colleagues in the speaking and events industry suffered the same devastating experience, the complete cancellation of all live events. We were faced with empty calendars and the sudden realisation that we had to find new ways of offering value.

F

or some people in the business events sector, that has been impossible. No one in lock down wants exhibition stands or AV and computer equipment when they have no live events to use them.

Any significant challenge however, often brings out creativity and innovation and very soon people were working out how to do at least some of the business online. Speaking and training has gone virtual. Conference organisers are preparing virtual conferences and events. Presenters are learning new skills with online engagement, facilitation, workshopping and networking.

Everyone has learned new skills and experienced new online platforms.

But we all still want to see live events reopen. The energy created in a room with people coming together to learn, explore

www.businesseventsafrica.com

and co-create, is something that cannot be achieved at quite the same level online.

However having experienced the benefit of being online, there are some windfalls that we don’t want to lose. Online we can explore wider markets, have delegates and speakers from other parts of the world and make connections that we could not hope to have done a year or so back.

Going forward then, we see the hybrid model of meetings as being the meeting standard. That means that all players in the sector need to develop new skill sets.

During an event we will be catering for people in the room, as well as audiences in other parts of the country and the world. We need to develop the skills to market to, connect with, network with, engage, hear and share from the delegates not in the room as much as we can with those in the room.

Various groups are looking at how to do this and while there may be a longing for the simpler days of events, the new hybrid meetings will be richer with a broader range of delegates and presenters and a clearer definition of the value being offered by a meeting.

Members of the SA Events Council are exploring how to make these hybrid meetings safe for physical attendees as well as meaningful and engaging for virtual attendees. e: hello@saeventscouncil.org

Business Events Africa September 2020 25

SAACI NEWS

Acting responsibly post-Covid-19 in delivering business events

By Glenton de Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

As South Africa moves to risk adjusted lockdown level 2, the timing of recovery is going to be dependent on consumers and businesses having confidence that our cities and venues are safe again.

C

learly, hotels, venues, airlines, organisers, and destinations need to put new health and safety protocols in place to protect staff and participants, and to ensure people feel safe traveling and participating in an event.

As an association we firmly believe that alignment across the business events ecosystem around health and

safety protocols will provide clarity for organisers and participants.

The work we undertook in preparations for the recently held SAACI “Proof of Concept” event provide the opportunity for us to work with various city disaster management teams around the country on what, and how we delivered the event.

The Events Safety Reopening guidelines proved invaluable as it acted with the intent its was developed – the accepted guide – by all the disaster management teams. The Reopening guidelines are available on our social media platforms.

As there is a lack of consensus about how we get to the other side of this pandemic, being out front with health and safety protocols will provide reassurance and reduce uncertainty and anxiety among participants who are assessing their individual risk.

The pandemic is driving a more audience-centric commitment to

engaging audiences where they live through an omni-channel blend of physical, digital, and virtual learning experiences. This has the potential to significantly grow audience reach and create more community value for participants.

The hub-and-spoke event model – a mix of in-person, small, regional gatherings, and digital events – will become a more common way to grow audience reach through a broad omnichannel network rather than binary (one-way) engagement.

We would encourage members and the business events sector to consult and plan well in advance as the added health and safety protocols are there to allows us to operate with the care of all in mind.

Our individual responsibility is to ensure that our work force, clients, partners, and community are protected by detailed planning in accessing business events in the coming months.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR CONFERENCE INDUSTRY LEADERS

CONNECT SAACI unites , supports and educates the business

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

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

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

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

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

SITE NEWS

First Bangkok and now Vancouver SITE’s evolving Manifesto Two years ago, SITE set out on a journey to understand the nature, purpose and direction of incentive travel.

The results of the first leg of that journey became the Bangkok Manifesto – a “big think” that shared what’s next in 10 aspirational statements.

J

ennifer Glynn, Site President, said: “This year in our ongoing examination of the nature, purpose and direction of incentive travel, we wanted to move from aspiration to action. The Bangkok Manifesto, crowdsourced in Thailand during our 2019 Global Conference, revealed 10 statements that set out clear themes, talking points and concerns regarding incentive travel. These themes included sustainability, the definition of luxury, the choice of destinations, the position of the qualifier, and so on. They were big-picture topics, visionary and very aspirational – as befits a manifesto.

“This year we wanted to narrow our focus and do a deeper dive into our curated statements. Our goal was to select from the statements and take them from conversations to actionable ideas. In the lead up to our 2020 Global Conference we consulted with our Young Leaders, devoting several sessions at the 2019 YL Conference in Las Vegas to capturing their viewpoints.

“We also surveyed our members, asking them to rank in order of importance the 10 statements adopted in Bangkok. We brought the outcomes from these sessions

to Vancouver, and with the expert assistance of our facilitator, Martin Sirk, we focused discussion around the chosen three themes: sustainability, culture and economic impact.

“What you will find in the Vancouver Manifesto is actionable content in support of these themes demonstrating how incentive travel is intrinsically tied to sustainability, the fostering of positive workplace culture and the creation of real and lasting economic value.

“Most of all, you’ll find clear evidence of the way incentive travel is a transformational force for genuine good supporting action in favor of sustainability, building strong cultures in businesses all around the world and delivering economic benefit to both source markets and destinations,” she concluded.

Didier Scaillet, Site chief executive officer added: “This year’s Manifesto prioritises three topics from the 10 statements crafted last year in Bangkok: sustainability, organisational culture and economic impact.

“These are big themes, not just within the confines of the business events industry to which we belong, but within

communities, global corporations and associations, sovereign governments and society at large. They are key themes that define how we live as humans, how we work, how we measure success. Our work as incentive travel professionals has dignity and purpose and is fully aligned with humanity’s ongoing progress and advancement.

“As incentive travel professionals we have a worthwhile, meaningful mission.

We must remain focused on that mission as we navigate our way through stormy seas, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. What’s certain is that sustainability, corporate culture and economic impact will be as relevant as key topics and themes after Covid-19 as they were before.

“SITE’s Manifesto series is about the nature, purpose and direction of incentive travel.

It provides us with context, perspective and reference points, encouraging us to see the woods and not just the trees. Let’s stay focused on the bigger picture, on the higher purpose that defines our work and on the transformational impact of travel on individuals, companies, the business world and society at large,” he concluded.

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

EXSA NEWS

Captain’s log:

EXSA’s Stardate September 2020 After seeing the world taken over and many industries, organisations and businesses decimated by a viral pandemic, our industry has been under way at warp seven for 158+ days. By Gill Gibbs, chairperson of EXSA

N

ow we are entering orbit around a Level 2 Lockdown, which has never been charted. The President announced the country’s drop to Covid-19 Alert level 2 from 18 August 2020 – we are in a priority one situation, more than an emergency, and we are united in the fight against this battle.

Many of us have felt at some stage since Covid-19 made itself known to the world, that we are living in some kind of weird movie, a surreal experience that we never would have imagined in our lifetime – and one that would touch our lives and our livelihoods like this. What a journey we have had, and that will be spoken about for generations to come.

Alert level 2 does not mean for us that exhibition and events can open yet – certainly not beyond 50 persons in attendance collectively.

What we have logged in the past five months however, through the collaboration of the now 13 industry associations under the

brand that is the South African Events Council (SAEC) includes: 1. The planning, preparation and presentation of the Reopening Guidelines by The Event Safety Council (ESC) – the result of which is an inclusive and informed set of Guidelines, in which the entire events industry of South Africa is well represented and which paves the way to reopening our industry sector. This illustrated clearly that we are ready for implementation through a phased approach to reopening our sector in line with the requirements of the Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety Measures of 4 June 2020.

2. The lobbying and planning for engagement meetings with government on a national, provincial and metro level in practically reopening our sector.

28 Business Events Africa September 2020

3. The successful five city concurrent nationwide ‘proof of concept’ conference held 22 July 2020.

4. The widely publicised and successful #LightSAred campaign on 5 August 2020.

Some 505 buildings, landmarks and performance spaces across South Africa were lit up in red as a part of the #LightSAred campaign, aimed at uniting event Organisers, technical suppliers, venues, exhibition and event service providers, artists, performers and designers to highlight the emergency that the events industry faces due to the lockdown and its direct and devastating impact.

5. Meetings with the relevant government departments and stakeholders – Department: Tourism and Department: Sports, Arts & Culture. With meeting dates pending with Department:

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EXSA NEWS

Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Department: Trade & Industry (DTI) – to get a seat at the table and enable our collective voice to be heard.

6. Many webinars on relevant Industry topics such as business, finance, HR / labour, along with televised and media interviews and active social media campaigns to highlight our Industry plight and to gain recognition for our sector.

7. Best practice, valuable advice and learnings from our international counterparts, especially where EXSA enjoys reciprocity agreements.

8. A second roll out ‘proof of concept’ conference is to follow – watch this space.

Our combined efforts through the collaboration of the relevant industry associations, bodes well for our industry future. We are committed and loyal to our Industry, united in strength, knowledge, experience and through our wide and varied connections to motivate for a phased, structured and professional approach to reopening our Industry responsibly and in accordance with required protocols.

An organised community with a vested interest in implementing the necessary safety protocols to protect

all those working in the exhibition and events industry, we are also equally instrumental in looking for solutions to rebuild the economy across all industry sectors.

Reflecting on EXSA Stardate 2020 to date: Thank you, members and the greater industry community for trusting us to carry and wave the badge of courage for you in this crazy battle in which we find ourselves.

Our heartfelt wishes, love and care go out to you all – vasbyt. We are gaining traction and impetus as we head towards our end game – a safe, responsible reopening.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

September 2020 Vol 40 No 9 ADVERTISER

PAGE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AAXO

24

aaxo@aaxo.co.za

www.aaxo.co.za

Chat’r

OFC, 6-9

events@chatr.co.za

www.chatr.co.za

Event Greening Forum

23

info@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

EXSA

28

exsa@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Fancourt

10-11

reservations@fancourt.co.za

www.fancourt.co.za

MJunxion

2

yolande@mjunxion.co.za

www.mjunxion.co.za

SAACI

26

info@saaci.org

www.saaci.org

SA Events Council

25

hello@saeventscouncil.org

www.saeventscouncil.org

SITE

27

info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa September 2020 29

DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

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

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

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

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

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

Treasurer: Glenn van Eck, Magnetic Storm e: glenn@magnetic.co.za c: +27 (0)82 800 2616

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

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

EVENT GREENING FORUM

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

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

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

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

30 Business Events Africa September 2020

Public officer: Denise Kemp, Eastern Sun Events e: denise@esternsun.co.za c: +27 (0)82 654 9755 Chief executive officer: Glenton De Kock e: ceo@saaci.org c: +27 (0)82 575 7565 Membership services consultant: Alshanthé Smith t: +27 (0)11 880 5883 e: members@saaci.org

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

DIRECTORS

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

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

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

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

COMMITTEE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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

Esmare Steinhofel c: +27 (0)84 056 5544 e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org Andrew Gibson t: +27 (0)860 111 625 e: Andrew@magnetic.co.za Bianca van Niekerk t: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: biancav@cticc.co.za Stefan Huggett c: +27 (0)83 740 8897 e: stefanh@spier.co.za Gheeta Payle t: +27 (0)861237890 e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com Branch coordinator: Lara Van Zyl c: +27 (0)822234684 e: wc.za@saaci.org SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Board member at large: Rick Taylor

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

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

SA EVENTS COUNCIL

WESTERN CAPE Branch chairperson: Angela Lorimer c: +27 (0)21 410 5000 e: angelajacobson862@yahoo.co.za Branch vice-chairperson: Alex Wrottesley c: +27 (0)21 430 2060 e: alex@intoafrica.co.za Branch treasurer: Thiru Naidoo t: +27 (0)21 487 8600 e: thiru@wesgro.co.za COMMITTEE: Ansu Colditz c: +27 (0)82 457 8071 e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za Esti Venske t: +27 (0)21 460 3518 e: estivenske@gmail.com Zimkitha Bavuma c: +27 (0)72 172 5746 e: zim@live.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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

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

Chad Botha, EXSA board member Doug Rix, EXSA board member Gill Gibbs, EXSA chairperson Taubie Motlhabane, ICCA Africa chapter chair Esmare Steinhofel, ICCA Africa, regional director Ellen Oosthuizen, PCO Alliance network chair Charlotte Kemp, PSASA deputy president Kim Roberts, SAACI national chair Kevan Jones, SACIA executive director Justin van Wyk, SALPA chair Sharif Baker, TPSA chairperson; SACIA board member

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

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

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

Septi Bukula, SITE member

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

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

Mike Lord, Event Safety Council interim chair

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

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

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

Business Events Africa September 2020 31

THE LAST WORD

It’s time for Africans to explore Africa Africa’s own domestic travel market will be at the forefront driving recovery of the sector post Covid-19, and it’s up to the leisure and business accommodation industry to get behind what these markets will demand as doors open once again, said Minor Hotels’ Mark Havercroft.

I

t was two years ago that a PwC report identified the importance of local markets for the African travel sector, and the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic make these more relevant than ever. In its PwC Hotels outlook: 2018-2022 Positioning for future growth, the company predicted the steady growth of the domestic tourism market across the continent, noting the principal role this market plays in a number of African countries where strong economies support and drive domestic tourism.

Interestingly, for us it was primarily the appeal of this local market, and what we could offer African travellers, that attracted Minor Hotels to the continent in the first place. Today, we have operations in Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Seychelles, Tanzania and Kenya.

Africa has also been identified by McKinsey & Company as the world’s youngest and fastest-urbanising continent, with predictions that it will have a larger working population than either China or India by 2034. There is already evidence of a significant rise of a strong middle class, and it stands to reason, therefore, that this will be followed by an increased demand in terms of both the business travel and tourism leisure markets.

However, while recovery post Covid-19 will indeed mean that local travellers

will first look to what is available within their own borders as countries begin to reopen, it will be critical to find ways to retain these markets into the future. At each step of the way, it will be critical that the offerings reflect the fact that very close attention has been paid to what African travellers both need and desire and, in both instances, what they can afford to spend.

In certain respects, there will need to be a tailoring away from the price tags that international markets have been prepared to pay, while still offering domestic travellers the same opportunities within their own countries.

It goes without saying that personal safety from a Covid-19 perspective and quality must be the top priority across all aspects, from the location of hotels, the servicing of rooms and the technology available on site, to the package deals hotels offer in partnership with other service providers in the vicinity.

This speaks especially to the growing development in recent years of consumers choosing memorable experiences over and above a demand for material possessions. In a more recent PwC report

32 Business Events Africa September 2020

(PwC Hotels outlook: 2019-2023), it was noted that 50% of travellers would rather spend money on an experience than a shopping spree.

Returning to the issue of price, the same PwC report also notes the necessity for a supply of affordable hotels to specifically accommodate domestic travellers. To this end, we anticipate that accommodation in offerings such as our own Avani Nairobi Suites serviced apartments in Kenya, set to open later this year, will prove to be a popular choice for both the mid-scale and extended-stay markets. It’s likely to also prove popular with “bleisure” travellers – another local market expected to burgeon as business travellers extend their stays and travel in family groups.

That’s not to say, of course, that there will be no demand for luxury offerings, and we anticipate that as travellers begin to explore their own countries, albeit tentatively at first, they’ll increasingly look towards attractive higher-end options. It’s for that reason that Minor Hotels brought the full range of our brands to the African continent; our luxury Anantara brand in Mauritius, Zambia and Mozambique, our Elewana safari experiences in Kenya and Tanzania, and our Avani city and resort brand in Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia.

The bottom line is that as the world begins to emerge from international lockdown, it’s time for Africans to explore Africa and for those who are preparing to welcome this market to their establishments, the key to catering for them is wisdom, insight and understanding ensuring they’ll keep returning long into the future.

Who is Mark Havercroft?

Mark Havercroft is the regional director for Africa of international hotel group Minor Hotels, which has a footprint across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, South America, the United States and Africa.

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