Business Events Africa - Vol 35 No 05 - May 2015

Vol 35 No 5

2015

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa

Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa

Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com

Inspired, Sustainable, Solutions, Delivered Nationwide

Contents

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

about the cover 8

Compex can help transform an event from an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary experience, making the impossible possible, and turn a vision into a truly great experience.

Regular Features

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4

Editor’s Comment

6

News

22 Executive Chef 30 Giver of the Month

11 Opinion Poll

40 The Last Word

17 A Local Perspective 18 Future Focus

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22

Special Features 14

indaba reportback Thulani Nzima, chief executive officer of South African Tourism said at Tourism INDABA that, in Africa, tourism growth has significant benefits. It contributes to economic activities, creates jobs, supports transformation, breaks barriers and stereotypes, bring peace and remains a force for good.

20 top service provider

Meet the team at LUMI, a one-stop interactive event

technology solution.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa

Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa

Official media partner

Publisher: Godfrey King e-mail: gk@contactpub.co.za Editor: Irene Costa e-mail: gomesi@iafrica.com

Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com

Business Events Africa is published by the proprietors, Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd. (Reg No. 81/11920/07)

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

Head Office physical address: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610.

Head Office postal address: P.O. Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa.

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

Circulation: Jackie Goosen e-mail: jackie@contactpub.co.za Production Leader: Colleen McCann e-mail: colleen@contactpub.co.za Design & Layout: Beth Marchand e-mail: beth@contactpub.co.za

Tel: +27 31 764-6977 Fax: +27 31 764-6974 e-mail: contact@contactpub.co.za https://twitter.com/bizeventsafrica

Vol 35 no 5 2015 Venue News 23 VENUE UPDATE: Greyville Convention Centre completes refurbishment.

24 JHB Expo Centre CEO appointed vice-chair of UFI Middle

East Africa Chapter.

25 Protea Hotels wins coolest hotel brand in SA. 26 Cape Town International Convention Centre – flexibility

without compromise.

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27 African Pride pays it forward to employ city youth.

28 Valley Lodge welcomes new chef.

29 New function venue opens at the Palazzo.

Market News 31 Johannesburg celebrates latest ICCA global and Africa rankings.

32 • Top sales executives announced.

• Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa announces new

appointments.

33 SAACI News

37 Calendar

34 EXSA News

38 Directory + aSSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST

35 SITE News

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36 Index of advertisers

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Advertising enquiries:

Publication details: Business Events Africa is published monthly.

There is a Yearbook in June with magazines from January to May and July to December.

Printed by: Paarl Media KZN, 52 Mahogany Road, Westmead, Pinetown, 3610. www.paarlmedia.co.za Annual subscription rate: R525 which includes postage, packaging and VAT. Rates for addresses outside South Africa can be obtained on application to the Subscription Department, Contact Publications.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Jean Ramsay (Western Cape) Cell: +27 (0)79 508-0428 e-mail: j.ramsay@telkomsa.net

Bernadette Fenton (Gauteng) Cell: +27 (0)82 443-8931 e-mail: bernadette@contactpub.co.za

Wendy Odendaal (Gauteng) Cell: +27 (0)79 138 2221 e-mail: wendy@contactpub.co.za

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Editor’s Comment

Another day

in paradise S

outh Africa, with all its misgivings, still remains a beautiful, friendly, desirable destination.

Being an African is something we can be proud of.

Xenophobic attacks in our country are unacceptable. We, as South Africans, do not condone these actions by a handful of thugs.

I recently attended the Tourism INDABA, a show I have attended for more than 10 years. It was the first time since I started to attend that I found something lacking.

Besides fewer exhibitors and trade delegates at the show; the usual energy was missing.

The timing of the INDABA, back-to-back after another tourism show in Cape Town, certainly didn’t help.

The xenophobic attacks, ebola (even though we never had any cases) and changes to our visa requirements have certainly played a role in the decrease in numbers.

I still enjoyed being at INDABA and reconnecting with my colleagues in the sector. For me, it was super that it was quieter as I got to see everyone I needed to and actually got to spend more quality time with them.

Speaking to exhibitors I had a mixed bag of reactions to this year’s INDABA. Some said the show was fantastic, and they would definitely be back. Even though it was smaller, most agreed there were quality trade delegates.

Some said it was still a day too long and it should be moved to during the week. The show is currently a three-day show. As always, mothers in the industry questioned; why does it always fall over the Mother’s Day weekend?

Some, who were at the other tourism show in Cape Town said they wouldn’t be back next year. These were mostly exhibitors based in Cape Town.

On the African visitor front, INDABA lost the Mozambique pavilion due to the recent xenophobic attacks. The sad thing is they left their Mozambique product to fend for themselves at the show.

All the other African countries that usually exhibit, and some new ones, were there in full force. When speaking to some of the African exhibitors, they seemed pleased with the show and had little concerns about being in South Africa. Though, one did mention his family kept checking up on him.

Everyone agreed the show was smaller. Some felt dropping the beach party was short-sighted. They felt there wasn’t enough after hours networking opportunities between exhibitors and visitors.

From my perspective, there were definitely fewer exhibitor events on my schedule this year.

In conclusion, I do believe there is a place for the Tourism INDABA, but there are challenges that need to be addressed.

The Minister’s announcement that they would be looking for a partner to assist them going forward, is a positive.

However, if the organisers and SA Tourism don’t listen to the exhibitors, there will be even fewer stands at next year’s INDABA.

Irene Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

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News

Tsogo Sun announces exciting new hotel complex in the Cape Town CBD

T

sogo Sun has reached an agreement with the owners of the site of the recently demolished Tulip Hotel for the construction of an exciting new 500-bedroom hotel complex in Cape Town’s city centre on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand Street, for a total investment of R680-million.

Marcel von Aulock, chief executive officer, said: “We believe the continued development and rejuvenation of Cape Town’s city centre will lead to growing demand for hotel accommodation. We already operate three full service hotels – The Cullinan, Southern Sun Waterfront and Southern Sun Cape Sun – as well as the recently refurbished SunSquare Cape Town, in Gardens, and believe the addition of an exciting new product aimed at the limited service market will allow us to provide the full spectrum of products to suit all budgets, for both business and leisure travellers.”

The new hotel will consist of two

products in one complex, a 200-bedroom latest-design SunSquare hotel and a 300-bedroom new generation StayEasy hotel, offering a choice of affordable and stylish accommodation.

Included in the complex will be banqueting and conference facilities, Tsogo Sun’s trendy and fast growing casual dining offering Vigour & Verve, retail space and approximately 300 underground parking bays.

The hotel site currently includes a heritage façade which will be retained.

“This investment represents our continued commitment to the area and brings the total number of Tsogo Sun rooms in the Cape Town city centre to more than 2 000, which is very substantial indeed,” Mr von Aulock added.

“Our SunSquare and StayEasy hotel options each have their own character and appeal, but the overriding offering in both is affordable, high-quality accommodation.

“We’re delighted to have this

Marcel von Aulock

opportunity to increase our presence in one of the most vibrant cities on the continent.”

Construction is expected to begin in May 2015 and completed in September 2017. n

Three organisers to form their own association

Brad Alder

EXSA has been notified by three exhibition organisers, namely Thebe Reed, Specialised Exhibitions and Synergy Business Events, that they intend breaking away from EXSA in order to form their own organiser’s association.

The three companies have also given notice of their pending resignation from EXSA. EXSA would like to advise the industry that EXSA intends fully maintaining their four forums within the association – organisers; venues; suppliers/services; and the young professionals forum.

EXSA will shortly host an election for the organiser’s forum representation on the board, which has become necessary since the current chair and two other board members of the organiser’s forum have led

this break-away initiative.

“Our intention, as always, is to serve the industry as a whole and to look after all our members collectively to uphold the values, integrity and commitment that we have in being the best exhibition association of Southern Africa,” said EXSA chair Brad Alder.

“While it is regretted that these three members feel the need to form their own body, we wish them luck and will certainly engage with them in the future. In the meantime, we can assure our current organiser members that it is ‘business as usual’ and we are here to carry on the work of the association.

“EXSA has its industry conference next month, and we hope to see and engage with as many members as possible.“ n

News

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3D launches

events division ONE of Africa’s largest providers to the exhibition and conference industry, 3D Group, has responded to client requests and launched an events division.

This brings to nine the number of specialist disciplines that work in harmony to provide a professional, turnkey exhibition experience for exhibition organisers and exhibitor companies alike.

The division will be headed by Paula Fernandes, who joins 3D Events after 14 years in the industry.

According to sales and marketing director, Conrad Kullmann, long-standing clients have been requesting 3D’s assistance with those events they typically schedule to take place at the exhibitions in which they participate.

These include taking care of every need on the exhibitor’s stand, issuing invitations and monitoring RSVPs, activations, entertainment and reveals, sourcing corporate gifts, assisting to procure corporate uniforms and having promotional staff on hand to physically man the stand.

In addition, 3D Events will also offer event management and the application of project management to the creation and development of events such as festivals, conferences, launches, golf days, open days, etc.

The benefit for clients, explained Mr Kullmann, is that 3D will offer a turn-key solution from designing the theme and concept, planning the logistics, appointing the supply chain and coordinating the technical aspects before actually launching the event.

“One quote, one invoice and one contact person working hand-inhand with the client is the recipe for a smooth running, seamless and impactful event,” he said.

“For some time now, clients have asked us why – if 3D provides the majority of services exhibitors require – we have never offered to assist during the duration of the exhibition. They see us providing event management and services associated with it as complementary to stand design, build, furnishing, etc.” n

Paula Fernandes

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Cover Story

PUTTING YOUR BRAND IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BUILDING YOUR REPUTATION Compex can help you transform your event from an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary experience, making the impossible possible, and turning your vision into a truly great experience.

service for events, exhibitions, corporate functions and conferences. With a large inventory of sound, lighting and staging equipment available for hire, we are able to supply our clients with complete audiovisual packages for any event. Not only will we make your event or exhibition space stand out from the rest, we will help you scream out that your business is ahead of the curve, and tech savvy.

W

Exhibition

hen you plan your event, you rely on the service provider to lay a firm foundation upon which a successful event can be built. Very often an event requires more than four walls and a ceiling. An event can literally be hosted anywhere, from a beachfront to a mountain top. Compex provides the brick, mortar and manpower needed to build the right infrastructure for events and exhibitions. We help clients plan the necessary framework, construct physical underpinnings and supply overall solutions for their events.

Audio-visual Compex provides an audio-visual rental

With Compex’s roots in the provision of infrastructure for exhibitions and events, it can always be expected that we can provide and deliver a full range of services for a “confex”, ranging from registration, exhibition areas, offices, meeting rooms, poster areas and room sub-divisions. With versatility at the core, we can mould and build according to the event’s requirements, turning empty space into functional form.

Stands Custom design stands are the pinnacle of branding, truly have a way of turning a brand into a full-on experience. Custom stands allow a brand to be visualised in a unique way, standing out from the crowd

and communicating your message across in an exceptional way, giving form to function.

We, at Compex, can take you through the entire process of getting a design stand and ensure you get the best results, and have a stand that maximises your visibility and your Return on Investment.

Eventing We at Compex can provide you with a full range of underpinning services, including, but not limited to marquees, bedouins (stretch tents), picket and security fencing, staging, container conversions, PA systems, lighting, electrical supply, plants, furniture, branding, catering, entertainment, inflatables, in fact anything that is needed to ensure that your event is a success.

Although rooted in exhibitions, we are now far more than just exhibitions.

We believe in the power of engaging experiences that bring people together, innovative solutions that support cuttingedge events; and a seemingly endless service offering that consistently delivers superior outcomes.

Get in touch with COMPEX and allow us to lend a hand in turning your ideas into reality. n

Cover Story

WE ARE WHERE YOU ARE

AUDIO-VISUAL

Exhibition & Events Calendar Mediatech Africa 15 July 2015 - 17 July 2015 Ticketpro Dome 2nd World Congress on Health Ageing 30 July 2015 - 2 August 2015 Sandton Convention Centre African Ports Evolution Forum 3 August 2015 - 5 August 2015 Durban ICC Hobby X Durban 28 August 2015 - 30 August 2015 Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut rd

EVENTS

Electra Mining Botswana 1 September 2015 - 3 September 2015 Fairground Holdings (Pty) Ltd Sign Africa Cape Town Regional Expo 2015 2 September 2015 - 3 September 2015 Cape Town International Convention Centre Durban Motor Show 1 November 2015 - 30 November 2015 Durban Exhibition Centre, Walnut Rd, Durban, 4001

CONTACT DETAILS Tel: +27 (0)11 234 0604 Email: exhibit@compex.co.za www.compex.co.za

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Cover Story

EXHIBITION

OUR PROFESSIONALS

STANDS

Finalist: Leonardo Tommassini Organiser Employee

Finalist: Nicole East Stand Designers Employee

Winner: Yolisa Zilwa Young Professional of the Year

Inductee: Nigel Walker Inductee into Industry Hall of Fame

BUILD WITH EXPERIENCE Winner: System stand 12-24m2 Client: Compex | Show: Meetings Africa Project Manager: Nicole East | Build Leader: Evans Moyo Designer: Lauren Tommassini Presented by: Andrew Binning (Board member, EXSA)

Compex

@Compex_

CompexSA

Compex

CompexSA

Finalist: System stand 12-24m2

Finalist: Custom stand 25-50m2

Finalist: System stand 51-100m2

Client: Ash Resources

Client: Sasol

Client: Istrodent

Show: Mining Lekgotla

Show: SADA

Show: Totally Concrete Expo

Opinion Poll

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As an exhibitor, how did you find IBTM Africa 2015 ? towards Cape Town as a destination, many echoing that it would be perfect for their business. It is encouraging to see that South Africa is still a destination in high demand and growing in popularity with countries that previously did not consider placing their business here. We will definitely exhibit at IBTM and Africa Travel Week in the future.

Brendan Vogt, Guvon Hotels and Spas As a first-time exhibitor at this year’s IBTM, there was definitely a feeling of euphoria at the calibre of the hosted buyers. I feel the door has been opened to new emerging markets for the South African MICE industry.

Countries like Poland, Russia and Eastern Europe are most certainly looking at South Africa as a new destination that has a lot to offer, even though a long-haul destination.

Guvon Hotels and Spas will be there next year.

Miguel

Bennetto-Dos Santo, director of group sales, The Westin Cape Town

As a product that exhibited in both 2014 and 2015, we were delighted to see the quality of hosted buyers improving yearon-year and that some great leads were generated as a result of IBTM Africa.

It was great to see the enthusiasm of the hosted buyers, not only for the individual exhibiting products, but

Mary Reynolds, managing director, Reynolds Travel Centre IBTM Africa was a resounding success to me from an exhibitors’ perspective.

The buyers were of a high standard.

The diary organisation by IBTM Africa was done strategically and with insight.

The management and organisation was efficient, helpful and professional.

The first day needs to be re-assessed ... more interaction and engagement with audience was needed. I felt the room was too big and didn’t allow for a good connection between speaker and audience.

This is the second year that I have exhibited and both years I have enjoyed it and felt it worthwhile at the time.

However, the ROI is a concern. Last year I did not receive any conversions. I am hoping this year I will realise our ROI.

Jaco Du Plooy, sales, marketing and revenue manager, NH The Lord Charles Hotel We were very excited to be a part of IBTM Africa. NH The Lord Charles Hotel has one of the largest conference centres in the Western Cape and we specialise in hosting meetings and events. Therefore, a platform like IBTM is perfect for us. It was great to meet quality international business events’ buyers and it was also inspiring to hear that many exhibitors found it to be well worth it. We have a few interesting leads from the show and will definitely consider exhibiting again next year.

Emily Naidoo, sales manager: new business, CSIR ICC IBTM Africa 2015 brought better quality business buyers to our South African shores. Although the number of exhibitors were fewer this year, it did not discourage international buyers from visiting South Africa and seeing what this amazing destination has to offer to both business and leisure travellers.

Once again, our industry colleagues in Cape Town exceeded expectations during the exhibition. Well done to everyone involved in making IBTM Africa 2015 a success.

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Indaba Reportback

Thulani Nzima

Minister Derek Hanekom

Tourism ‘remains a force for good’ A ccording to Thulani Nzima, chief executive officer of South African Tourism: “In Africa, tourism growth has significant benefits – it contributes to economic activities, creates jobs, supports transformation, breaks barriers and stereotypes, brings peace and remains a force for good.”

Speaking at the annual Tourism INDABA, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, Mr Thulani said: “The organisation’s objective of growing the Tourism INDABA to a Pan-African show is gradually being realised.”

Tourism INDABA hosts, South African Tourism, and the show’s bid partners (KwaZulu-Natal Province, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, City of Durban and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre) welcomed exhibitors, media and trade delegates.

Philip Sithole, chief executive officer at Durban Tourism, said Tourism INDABA 2015 contributed an estimated R144million to the city while supporting about 500 jobs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, said: “We have more than 1 000 exhibitors from 20 African countries, and about 2 000 buyers from the world’s tourism source markets. We also have about 750 members of the media at this event.

“Taking the direct and indirect impacts of tourism together, our tourism sector now contributes more than nine per cent of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports more than 1,5 million

job opportunities countrywide. And it continues to grow.

“On the African continent, tourism directly and indirectly supports 20,5 million jobs and represents 8,1 per cent of Africa’s GDP. In some countries, more than 50 per cent of their GDP comes from tourism.”

“International arrivals in Africa increased to 56 million tourists last year, and are expected to grow by between three per cent and five per cent in 2015. This will probably exceed the projected growth in global arrivals, which is between three per cent and four per cent for 2015.”

Minister Hanekom continued: “For us in the tourism sector, the uncertainty, volatility and constant change in our industry requires us to be brave. We must be brave enough to leave behind the shores of yesterday, and boldly confront the challenges of tomorrow.

“Technological innovation, disruptive business models and changing consumer preferences challenge our ingenuity and agility every single day.

“I can confidently say that we are responding to these challenges by differentiating and repackaging our offerings to compete with the best in the world.

“In embarking on this journey together, as tourism leaders in the public and private sectors, co-operation and partnership are the keys to our success. When we stand together in the face of challenges, and when we do business together at INDABA, we are so much stronger.”

In a bold move, Minister Hanekom announced that over the next few months they would look for a partner, in order

to make INDABA even more competitive.

“We will be issuing a call for proposals from prospective partners with a global reach to work with us, and to expand this ship’s sailing routes.

“We are also united in denouncing the spate of recent attacks on foreign nationals living in our country. These deplorable incidents of violence do not reflect who we are as a nation, or who we are as a continent.

“Thanks to the swift and decisive action of our government, and the support of the overwhelming majority of our people who respect human rights, the divisive intentions of those behind these attacks have been neutralised,” he said.

“We are determined that our country will always be open to welcome people from around the world.”

On the issue of skills, he said: “We are determined to ensure that we have enough people, equipped with the right skills, to offer services of the highest standard to our visitors. We have the sites, the scenery, the beaches and the wildlife, but without the people who are able to put life and meaning into the sites, who prepare and serve the food, who host and add the warm and welcoming touches, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve tourism’s true growth potential.

“We will complete a skills audit for the tourism sector and all components of its value chain this year. This will form the basis of a comprehensive skills development drive that will take us into the next decade of ambitious tourism growth,” Minister Hanekom said. n

Indaba Reportback

Seen at Indaba 2015

Asmaa Said, EgyptAir.

Mariska Wolmarans, Skywise Airlines.

Karin Sieberhagen, Serena Hotels; and Carolyn Riddick, Aviareps.

Grant Sandham and Samuel Nassimov, Premier Hotels and Resorts.

Oriel Nokwali and Rina Groenewald, South African National Parks.

Winston Meyer, ATKV.

Deon Viljoen, Tsogo Sun; and Nicolette EliaBeissel, Durban ICC.

Reg Ferreira, African Sky Hotels, Spa and Resorts; and Dawn Holmwood, Business Events Africa.

Kevin Clarence, Birchwood Hotel.

Wayne Ward and Adele Elasto, Faircity Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments.

The Recreation Africa team, from left: Rodney Weinrich, Robert Forsyth, Adele Forsyth and Timothy George.

Cheryl Schmidt and Sonia van Niekerk, Lagoon Beach Hotel.

Perry Moodley, Durban Tourism; and Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban International Convention Centre.

The Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris team, from left: Dave Atherstone, Sarah Harrop-Bauling and Kyle Derrett.

From Peermont Group Hotels and Resorts, from left: Jegie Padmanathan; Julie van Wyk and Wayne Hill, Emperors Palace.

Willie Williams, Taj Cape Town; and Dawn Holmwood, Business Events Africa.

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Indaba Reportback

Seen at Indaba 2015

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo and Bjorn Hufkie, South Africa National Convention Bureau.

Craig Rutherfoord, Ghost Mountain Inn.

Leon Bosch and Brendan Vogt, Guvon Hotels & Spas.

Felicia Mokhehle and Tony Rubin, SAB World of Beer; and Karen Nicholls, Southern Spoor.

The Cathedral Peak Team, from left: Cheryl Hepburn, Ronald de Agrela and Julie Walker.

Elanie Fourie, Oude Werf Hotel; Karl Parkinson, The Vineyard Hotel; and Theone Williams, Townhouse Hotel.

Ruzandri Stoltz, AHA Group.

DonĂŠ Louw, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.

Jaco Du Plooy, NH The Lord Charles Hotel.

Cultural performers on the Free State stand.

Srinivas Venkatkumar and Moses Mazibuko, Arcadia Hotel.

Gail McCann-Westphal, Gooderson Leisure.

Mwabshuike Nkulukusa, Zambia Tourism.

Sharon Hunink and Rob Mickel, Indaba Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa.

Ndabo Khoza, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal; and Dawn Holmwood, Business Events Africa.

A Local Perspective

The value of association meetings

By Advocate Louis Nel

A

s with everything, you get out what you put in. Associations and franchisors are only too familiar with the hackneyed questions “What is the value of membership?” Conversely “What does the organisation do for me?”

Personally, I find associations arrange regular get-together, networking and valuable feedback sessions. Well, of course, networking is a topic on its own and more on that in further articles, but let’s focus on the get-togethers, referred to as, inter alia, chapter or regional meetings. For ease of reference, I will refer to all of these as “chapter meetings”.

Chapter meetings are arranged at different intervals, sometimes quarterly, sometimes monthly. Clearly, if you belong to a number of these, eg ASATA, EGF, EXSA, FEDHASA, FGASA, MICE, SAACI, STA, SATSA, SKAL and TRAVELBAGS is not going to be easy to get to all of them all of the time. This is exactly when you hear the ongoing complaint “I don’t have the time”.

However, that very same person appears to be happy to fork out large amounts of money on items such as business cards, advertising in print, media, websites, audio, social media and even sometimes TV. The question that now arises is how do you measure your investment on such advertising, aka ROI (ie “Return On Investment”). Is there any empiric data that shows how much you get from a TV advertisement, ie not only the costly flighting of it but the thousands spent in creating and producing it? Chris Moerdyk refers to Harry Herber and agrees with him that “The marketing world is gatvol of the price it has to pay for promoting a product” (See “The ridiculous cost of advertising” in Bizlikes January 22, 2014).

Conversely, what I will endeavour to prove in this article, without suggesting that the above “traditional” forms of advertising do not have a role to play, is that attending chapter meetings regularly is an extremely cost-effective way of not only increasing sales, but also branding and that it is indeed measureable. It is what I call ROT, ie return on (the) time you say you do not have.

What are the issues that challenge organisations when it comes to arranging chapter meetings? It is usually a combination

of the following: • Attendance – invitations are sent out well in advance, sometimes three to four times and some even print a list of events and venues for the year so the question of notice can barely be an excuse.

• Sponsors – This goes for the venue, refreshments, prizes and speakers. Sadly, it does not appear that venues appreciate the value of exposing their facilities to their target market. From their perspective alone, the rot of “getting feet through the door” as opposed to the ROI of “traditional advertising” is immense. We all know selling is about “look and feel” and what better way than to expose your potential clients to your array of facilities and services? So once you’ve decided to offer your venue for a chapter meeting “go the whole hog”, eg don’t “skimp” on refreshments. I’m not saying have an open unlimited bar account, but make it an event to remember with top-notch catering and offer “sleep over” accommodation at cost. These guests could become your “brand ambassadors”.

• Prizes – Given the number of organisations and events, this aspect is a real challenge. However, it is to a degree a self-fulfilling prophecy, ie the better the venue, catering and prizes, the better the attendance. I believe the way to sell the idea of sponsoring prizes is the same as the rot argument – at the chapter meeting the sponsor will have its name mentioned (verbally, electronically and in print. This must be offered/insisted upon) a number of times to its target audience.

Tourism product and services providers need to be reminded of this including given space on the print material used at the chapter meeting, eg menus, etc, to expose their product or service and possibly a short speaking opportunity to explain the aforesaid at the actual prize giving.

• Venue location – How selfish can you be? We all want an organisation with a large “footprint”, eg Gauteng, but members in Sandton are rarely willing to attend a chapter meeting in Pretoria and vice versa. Come on guys, it is for the common good. Why not do things like use the Gautrain, arrange your day around the chapter meeting and plan to

see clients and/or service providers in the area earlier in the day?

• Speakers – It is important to realise that attendees are coming to have fun so they don’t want to listen to a speaker that has verbal diarrhea and who waffles on regardless of the audience’s body language. Choose topical issues, “fun” speakers or speakers who can turn a dreary subject into something exciting – even have two or three brief speakers on an array of (relevant) topics.

• No shows – the bane of every organisers life. Various suggestions have been mooted, ie pay in advance, name and shame, pay for the year, etc. The one thing that is a fact of life is that people simply do not appreciate what they get for free and it is simply too easy to cancel at the last minute if you have not made a pecuniary commitment. Advance payment, however nominal, seems the way to go. n

Who is Louis Nel? Adv. Louis Nel studied at the universities of Stellenbosch, UCT, Wits, Tulane (New Orleans, US) and London (B. Comm, Ll.B and Ll.M, Wits EDP and Executive Negotiator Courses, diplomas in Marketing and Industrial Relations).

He focuses on preventative/proactive risk management, facilitating and mediating disputes.

He’s been in tourism for 32 years and works closely with all the consortia and associations. He writes regularly in various publications, speaks at conferences, on radio and TV. He, Sue and their four children live in Bryanston. He’s still an active athlete, competing in track events (locally and internationally – 400m/400m hurdles).

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Future Focus

Karmen Vladar believes in ‘attention to detail’ studies and I was introduced to the entrepreneur that started the Karmen Vladar, 32, marketing manager at local business through a mutual friend. The (then Audience Alive) Lumi takes care of all the day-to-day marketing products and the wide application thereof was so exciting to me activities of the local office. She officially joined that I jumped at the opportunity to join the team. As they say, the rest was history. the company in January 2006 as a marketing and logistical co-ordinator, taking care of the Were you discouraged from pursuing a career in business events? logistical arrangements of all the events.

S

aid Karmen: “I also assist with a small portion of sales and look after all the market research clients that we have locally. Because we are quite a close team, it is important to be able to assist wherever required (and yes, that does mean I need to sit behind a laptop at an event and run one of our systems on the odd occasion).”

Passionate about the company, she said Lumi’s interactive technology lets you create a vibrant environment for hands-on audience participation with tools that track and analyse audience opinions, preferences and feedback. “We currently have two audience response systems, as well as three mobile apps that are used by event organisers globally to interact with audiences.

Because we do all of our product development in-house, we are constantly evolving to keep up with market trends.”

Karmen was nominated as one of the Top 40 Women in MICE by the Meetings Magazine in 2014.

When did you realise you wanted to be in business events?

It is not something that I deliberately decided to do. A job opportunity that I was promised fell through in my last year of

Not at all. Although not planned, once I joined the industry, a whole new world opened up. People in our industry are vibrant and diverse. Each event has its unique challenges and you get exposed to so many new things. That adrenaline rush of running that first live vote or seeing the audience light up when results are up on screen and they realise loads of other people around them agreed with their opinion will never get old.

How long have you been in the industry?

I helped out at the office for a few months in 2005, but “officially” joined in January 2006. Thus,10 years this year.

What challenges do you face as a young person in this industry?

Because of the nature of our business, and the fact that technology is ever-evolving, I constantly need to change perceptions. Anything from “technology doesn’t work” to “I don’t need technology for my meeting or event” are daily challenges. To be perceived as young occasionally makes it difficult to be taken seriously as well. Although this makes the convincing a tad harder, the proof, however, is in the pudding.

What does your job entail? Do you ever have a typical day?

I rarely have a typical day, but try to be as structured as possible.

Because we work in a live environment, there are no second chances. Whatever needs to be done or assisted with to ensure that our client’s events run smoothly, proposals are submitted on time, kit arrives at its required destination at the right time or a client that has a very last minute request is assisted – all works to the greater good and experiences that clients have with the Lumi brand.

Which personal traits do you need for this position?

My husband always jokes and says I suffer from severe OCD. I like to call it “attention to detail”, which I think is crucial in our industry – together with loads of patience, professionalism, compassion and tenacity.

What advice would you offer young people who are reluctant to explore the business events industry?

Karmen Vladar

Try and gain as much experience in different fields of the industry as possible. This will help your clients feel like they are in “safe hands”. Embrace technology – it is your friend. Align yourself with opinion leaders in the industry to gain additional experience and always, always be professional. n

P O Box 2516, Durban, 4000, South Africa tel: +27 31 366 7577/80 email: conventions@durbankzncb.co.za

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Top service provider

Lumi –

the one-stop interactive event technology solution L

umi provides interactive event technology and solutions for clients in South Africa and around the world. Lumi entered the South Africa market as Audience Alive in 2001, later being acquired by IML in 2008 as part of its global expansion plan. The acquisition

gave local clients access to IML’s global knowledge and resources, combined with Audience Alive’s local expertise.

Then, in 2013, the IML group rebranded to Lumi. With the rebrand came exciting product additions – including conference apps that have been very well received in

the market.

Event technology and mobile solutions Lumi provides a wide range of event technology and mobile solutions for the South African market. In addition to the event technology, Lumi also has mobile app solutions.

Lumi Show – A complete mobile event and conference app that adds instant interaction to your sessions.

Lumi Join – A convenient, real-time messaging and polling app that connects and empowers people anytime, anywhere.

Lumi Say – A versatile app that helps you share content and capture insight in the moment – via surveys, rich media, location triggers, gamification and more.

The Future Lumi strives to provide its clients with the latest event technology and solutions, ensuring they can create more interactive

Past and present clients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Standard Bank Old Mutual The Worx Group Sanlam SITA Telkom Computershare Nedbank Anglo American SAB ABI Auditor General Pfizer COPE Multichoice Momentum IPSOS Alexander Forbes SARB Nissan FNB Rmb

Top service provider

events and increase their return on investment.

Moving forward, the South African market can expect continuous improvements to its established solutions, along with new products set for release

this year.

Lumi recently launched Lumi Catch, a social media tracking and display solution that makes events more social.

In addition to enabling clients to display beautiful Tweet Walls at events, Lumi

Catch also captures every tweet in an easy-to-understand dashboard. Event planners can display the statistics, discover influencers at the event or export the data into an Excel spreadsheet for later analysis. n

Meet the Lumi team Danie Greyling

Nombali Kunene

Kabelo Mafole

Danie came from a marketing background and joined the team in 2011, taking the reins as the local managing director for meetings and events.

Nombali recently joined the Lumi team and now handles all logistical aspects of Lumi client events.

Joe Hattingh

Andrej Vladar

Kabelo re-joined the team in 2011 after taking a break to complete his studies. He is also part of the team that facilitates the use of Lumi’s annual general meeting software for JSE listed companies.

Joe heads up the sales team locally and is also the treasurer of the Northern Territories branch of SAACI.

Karmen Vladar Karmen leads marketing for the local office.

She also helps the sales and operations teams as part of her responsibilities.

Nomonde Kunene Nomonde started with the company as a logistical co-ordinator, but recently joined the sales team.

Andrej was the first full-time employee appointed at Audience Alive. He now heads up the operations team with a specific focus on mobile solutions.

Solly Gebashe Solly is a senior interactive specialist and a favourite among clients. Solly also looks after the Lumi proprietary technology, maintaining it in-between client events.

Daniel Mieny Daniel joined the team in 2012. In addition to running the technology at client events, he also takes care of the IT of the office building.Â

Garrick Pallant Garrick is another favourite among clients.

He recently relocated to Cape Town to open an office there because of increased demand for a presence in this region. He looks after sales for the Cape region and helps out at events as well.

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22

Executive Chef

Albert believes in building a good foundation Albert van der Loo, 34, executive chef of De Ouwe Werf Hotel in Cape Town, has been in the hospitality industry for more than 14 years.

A

lbert says: “My journey as a chef has taken me to some interesting places in our beautiful country. First it was the Free State with its beautiful open landscapes, and then it was KwaZulu-Natal with its lush greens and warm ocean, Umhlanga Rocks for the rich and famous, and Durban with a wide variety of cultures. Then it was the Franschhoek mountains and icy winters, then Stellenbosch with is culture and heritage.”

Albert started his career at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks as part of his three-year apprenticeship. “After my apprenticeship, I got promoted to chef de partie.”

Albert was born in Johannesburg, but grew up in Bloemfontein.

After school he completed a correspondence diploma in professional cookery through HTA School of Culinary Art. “After the Beverly Hills I was part of the opening team for the Suncoast Hotel and Towers in Durban. I was appointed as sous chef and later got promoted to senior sous chef. I worked at the Suncoast Hotel for two years.

“I left Suncoast Hotel to be part of the opening team for Dieu Donne restaurant in Franschhoek. There, I started as senior sous chef and later got promoted to chef de cuisine. I worked at Dieu Donne for three-and-a-half years.

“After Dieu Donne, I went on to open a steakhouse for the same owner in the main road of Franschhoek. This was called Le Coq. Here, I was chef patron and worked there for 18 months before joining Eat Well restaurant in die Boord.”

After Eat Well, Albert joined the team at Oude Werf Hotel and has been with the hotel for just over three years.

“Five years from now I would like to own my own restaurant.

Up until then I will strive to make every menu at Oude Werf more exciting every year and to develop as many junior chefs a I can,” Albert said.

He said he loves what he does as every day is different and brings with it several challenges to keep it interesting and stimulating. “You get the opportunity to express yourself through food. You hardly sit still and move about the whole day. You get to work with different people from different cultures and everyone has something they can teach you.”

In terms of trends, he said food trucks and food bikes are making an entry into the South African food industry. “Restaurants are extremely expensive to set up and run with high overheads. Food trucks and bikes give a person the opportunity to run his or her own business with a minimum set up cost. These trucks or bikes go to local markets and sell some really amazing food.

“The other big trend at the moment is diets. There was low GI and now it is banting, where many restaurants cater for these diets. You even notice produce in the supermarkets stating that this specific product is endorsed by a certain professor or supported by a certain diet,” he added.

“On the global front, it is increasingly more difficult to satisfy restaurant patrons’ tastes as they get to experience cuisine from all over the world, right here in their own home town. Coffee is no longer just coffee and bread is no longer just bread. Everyone is looking for niche products to satisfy their tastes.”

On the subject of challenges, Albert said: “In today’s time, the younger generation is very much for instant gratification. I seldom find young chefs who are willing to put in the effort and the hours in order to better themselves. When I did my apprenticeship I had my station to man and if I wanted to learn something extra, it was in my own time.”

Albert is married to Mariane and has a three-and-a-half-year old daughter, Sophia Therese, who is his pride and joy.

For leisure, he enjoys anything outdoors, from gardening, mountain biking to fishing. He also enjoys doing woodwork.

His advice to newcomers is: “It’s not a race. Build a good foundation. You are going to need it.” n

What is your signature dish?

Jellied oxtail terrine on sautéed asparagus and beef vinaigrette. This should be accompanied by a good wooded Chardonnay.

What has remained constant in this industry?

Quality produce. There simply isn’t a substitute.

What is your favourite beverage?

Lately, I have been making my own Craft beer. My new favourite.

What is your favourite food?

Venison. The more game taste the better.

What is your pet hate?

Cheap salt and pepper grinders in a decent restaurant.

What is your great love?

Besides the two women in my life, the outdoors.

Are you adventurous?

Yes, I had to swim in a river in Northern Natal which was infested with crocodiles. Not by choice though.

Venue Update

23

Greyville

Convention Centre

completes refurbishment

T

he Greyville Convention Centre has announced that all its seven main event venues are now complete in terms of their soft refurbishments that commenced in the latter part of 2014.

All rooms have undergone a major facelift and a new R1,4 million production kitchen has been commissioned adjacent to the Centre’s premier 1 600 seater roof-top Silver Ring Room, which is now capable of hosting and catering for large-scale conferences and corporate functions respectively.

Alan Vels, executive director of the Greyville Convention Centre, said: “We commenced with the multi-million rand upgrade in late 2014 and are comfortable to say that all the premier venues capable of hosting groups from 80 to 2 000 are now in superb condition and have been transformed to suit the various target markets we are receiving inquiries from.

“A number of the rooms are suited to corporate events and certain others have been tailored for large-scale concerts and private celebrations.

“With 5 000 free parking bays on-site and the ability to do large-scale outdoor events and exhibitions on a 13 500sqm area, there is no other conference or events centre in Durban who can beat our venues capability, flexibility and pricing.”

With Greyville playing host to several new Durban events this year, such as the International Strut Your Stuff Auto Showcase in October, four MMA events, the KZN Philharmonic Series, an International Oktoberfest, Sportex in October, the million rand hole-in-one Stadium Golf week in July, Burst of Flavours Food and Wine Week in September, the Gold Cup Fashion Week in July and a host of soon to be announced additions, the Greyville Convention Centre facilities have become the first choice destination for event organisers in Durban.

Easy access to and from the Centre, combined with highly professional event facilitators, has seen the Centre attract a vast amount of interest and international and national bookings for the year. n

24

Venue News Boat show at the Expo Centre.

JHB Expo Centre CEO appointed vice-chair of UFI Middle East Africa Chapter

J

Craig Newman

ohannesburg Expo Centre chief executive officer, Craig Newman, has been appointed as vice-chair of the Middle East Africa Chapter for the UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

This follows Mr Newman’s appointment to the UFI Executive Committee by the main Board of Directors in November last year.

Mr Newman will be replacing Saif Al Midfa, chief executive officer of The Sharjah Expo Centre, who has taken up the position of chairman of the Middle East Africa Chapter, following the resignation of former chairman, Abdul al Omran, from Riyadh, who is leaving the industry to pursue new ventures.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the association of trade show organisers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. As of 2014, it has more than 600 members from 85 countries.

“We wish to congratulate Craig Newman on his appointment,” said Paul Woodward, UFI managing director.

“The Middle East Africa Chapter has

recognised the importance of having Africa represented in this Chapter’s leadership, and we thank Mr Newman for his willingness to take up the challenge.”

The main objectives of the UFI Executive Committee include dealing with matters of interest for national and international associations of the exhibition industry.

This takes into account information on national exhibition markets, the worldwide promotion of trade fair media, a global statistical overview of the trade show industry and much more.

On his appointment to the position of vice-chair, Mr Newman congratulated Saif Al Midfa on his appointment to the chairman position.

“I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Chapter for their confidence in me to serve as the vice-chair for our region,” says Mr Newman. “I look forward to bringing Africa to the forefront of the global exhibitions industry. We believe Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for UFI, and global membership can only benefit by giving Africa its support,” Mr Newman concluded. n

Venue News

Protea Hotels wins coolest hotel brand in SA WITHIN weeks of opening the third Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in South Africa – this time in Menlyn, Pretoria – the Protea Hotel Group, which is now part of Marriott International, has been named the coolest hotel brand by the Sunday Times Generation Next 2015 Brand Survey Award.

It is the fifth year in a row this coveted award has gone to Protea Hotels, and the sixth time it has won the award since its inception.

Nicholas Barenblatt, Protea Hotels group marketing manager, said companies need to be reacting to the fundamental changes that the reach of technology is creating in the engagement patterns of the generation Y and Z segment.

“Not recognising what makes this market tick and not using the right channels to communicate with them on their own terms, will have a negative effect on one’s ability to attract, engage and convert them into customers and potential brand advocates. They are a generation that works and plays in the new media and social channels.

“As a company, we’re listening to them and adapting to their needs and expectations, because lagging behind the curve at this stage means you’re unlikely to ever catch up,” Mr Barenblatt said.

Danny Bryer, director of sales, marketing and revenue, said: “Protea Hotel Fire &Ice!, our lifestyle brand, is a prime example of our ‘coolness’, because it demonstrates that as a company we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s geared around meeting the needs of a millennial traveller and, by doing so, it shows that we are prepared to push the boundaries to create impactful experiences

with customer involvement, which in turn leads to organic word of mouth.”

The annual youth survey, conducted by HDI Youth Marketeers, is closely watched by marketers. It is considered a strong gauge of how young people experience the brands they engage with, and what they expect of them.

“Protea Hotels is a brand that is progressive and confident, and it understands implicitly that technology, the Internet and social media have all changed the way in which guests interact with their loved ones, their friends and followers, and the world at large. We believe that that fundamental understanding of the modern guest’s needs is at the heart of our continued success and is the reason we keep garnering awards,” Mr Bryer said.

However, service remains the brand’s core driver and it is this that Mr Bryer believes brings guests and visitors back time and again to experience the coolest hotel brand in South Africa.

While the hotel is frequented and loved by guests of all ages, the brand is particularly supported by Generation Y and Z, with its clear social conscience.

“This is because of an attitude of care that extends beyond staff’s care of guests, towards a greater care for the environment and the social milieu in which the hotels operate. It’s really impossible to be considered the coolest anything by Generation Y if you operate without any regard for the world around you. Generation Y – just like Protea Hotels – is driven by a clear calling to have fun, but to do it with a conscience.” n

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Venue News

Cape Town International Convention Centre – flexibility without compromise Located on Cape Town’s northern foreshore, beneath Table Mountain and only a 20-minute drive from Cape Town’s International Airport, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) provides flexibility without compromise, as well as the most modern amenities and technology as mandatory components.

The centre is built to meet and fulfil the unique and varied needs of its delegates and visitors. Its sub-divisible multipurpose facilities and dedicated exhibition space creates an environment conducive for a variety of functions to occur simultaneously.

When the CTICC opened its doors in 2003, the media spoke of how this institution would welcome visitors from around the world to this great new venue in Cape Town. Those aspirations have not only been met – they have indeed been surpassed.

The mettle of any internationally competitive convention centre is gauged by its economic contribution. And for a convention centre to contribute significantly and sustainably to an economy, it needs to be invested in that economy and its people.

That’s why 96% of the CTICC staff are Capetonian, or from elsewhere in the Western Cape, and most of the senior managers are local recruits.

Since inception, the CTICC injected more than R25 billion into the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and during the 2013/2014 period it contributed R3,1 billion to the GDP of which R2,8 billion was contributed directly to the Western Cape economy. A staggering 83 000 jobs have also been created and sustained since its inception.

Committed to growth, the CTICC has embarked on an expansion due to be completed in early 2017. The expansion will double the centre’s existing exhibition capacity by adding 10 000m² of multipurpose exhibition space and 2000m² of meeting space, raising the global competitiveness of Cape town as a premier world class meetings and events destination.

Another central plank to the CTICC’s objectives has been promoting the development of the knowledge economy.

Given the widespread acknowledgement that future global economic growth is increasingly reliant on intellectual capital, the meetings, conferencing and exhibition sectors have a serious role to play as a key driver of knowledge sharing and intellectual growth in South Africa.

Of the 535 events hosted by the CTICC in the 2013/14 financial year, 33 were international conferences across a broad spectrum of sectors, including agro-processing, the green economy, ICT,

property, mining and medical industries.

These are all sectors that align closely to the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government’s economic growth strategies. By attracting global associations to the city for these events, the CTICC, and the meetings, conferencing and exhibition sectors in general, is making a vital contribution towards growing the city’s expertise, knowledge and skills in all these areas.

The CTICC was also the first convention centre in Africa to gain three internationally recognised management system certifications (ISO 9001, 14001, 18001) simultaneously; and was the first in the world to align its reporting to the sustainability requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The centre upholds a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Process (HACCP), Tourism Grading Council 5-star rating and recently achieved Gold AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres) quality standard certifications – all of which guarantee you the highest levels of quality, care, safety, and sustainability.

The CTICC is far more than a venue; it’s an exceptional destination where ideas become a reality. Let the CTICC be your next destination and expect to be amazed by the possibilities.

For more information email info@cticc. co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za. n

Venue News

African Pride pays it forward to employ city youth The African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa has begun a successful collaboration with Cape Town non-profit chefs’ school, Infinity Culinary Training (ICT). A total of seven students have, to date, been employed on a full-time basis at the hotel.

ICT offers students from impoverished backgrounds the necessary training and skills for a career in the hospitality industry. Part of the 12-week curriculum involves on-the-job training in a working commercial kitchen for one month.

African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa executive chef Terrence Ford spearheaded the collaboration with ICT. ”Having come from a background where I was unable to pay for tertiary education, I know better than most, the transformative power of training programmes such as those offered by ICT. Being able to pay it forward and pass on the skills that I have to a new generation of youngsters, is an

honour for me.”

Since the inception of the collaboration in February, a total of 14 students have had the opportunity to work alongside, and learn, from Chef Terrence.

Mark Satterfield, chief operating officer, Marriott International Middle East and Africa Region commended Terrence’s proactive stance. ”There is no greater investment than that which we make in people, and I’m delighted this programme has already resulted in full-time employment for seven young South Africans who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue a career in hospitality.”

Barry Berman, executive director of ICT, said this kind of collaboration is vital to bridge the gap from poverty to employment.

“It’s not always easy to find placements for these enthusiastic, but inexperienced young chefs. Chef Terrence has really

embraced and taken the principles of ICT into his heart. To get training in a five-star establishment of such solid repute is an incredible opportunity.”

Chef Terrence said: “I do realise that we are giving these individuals an opportunity, but this is not a hand-out.

We have high standards and in my kitchen everyone is trained to those standards.

Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t. The graduates from ICT that I have employed arrived with their enthusiasm and positive attitude already in place, so their transition from students to employees has been pretty smooth.”

Mr Berman concluded: “In a developing economy such as South Africa, it is absolutely vital that big business be prepared to work with youth who don’t have the means or access to tertiary or vocational training, especially when the end result is a win on both sides.” n

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Venue News

Valley Lodge welcomes new chef VALLEY Lodge & Spa in Magaliesburg welcomed executive chef Wayne Walkinshaw to the fold earlier this year, and guests are reporting experiencing a delectable culinary adventure.

His passion for delicious cuisine and his penchant for adding modern flair to popular traditional dishes are resulting in diners sharing their experiences by word of mouth, resulting in this established country hotel no longer simply being a luxurious accommodation and spa treat, but also a delectable dining

destination in the scenic and historical Magaliesberg region.

Mr Walkinshaw sports 24 years of hospitality experience, gained from the UK to Zanzibar and at highly acclaimed South African hotels, including Walkersons Country Manor and Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa, which was voted one of the top 50 small luxury hotels of the world, while enjoying global recognition as one of the first members of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association in southern Africa before closing in recent years as a result of a land claim commission.

“I enjoy creating a unique, tasty experience for our diners, using only the finest fresh local and imported produce, incorporating pure and crisp French-Mediterranean flavours, while maintaining our signature Italian and South African themed cuisine,” he said.

His belief in food not having to be complicated to taste good is attracting a whole new genre of visitors to this established country hotel.

Laurence McGrath, general manager, said: “Wayne is ticking all our boxes in executive chef requirements to further enhance the attractions to our four-star lodge, which has undergone superb upgrades over the past six years and his alchemy in creating a delectable dining experience is certainly complementing our award-winning lodge and spa.” n

Wayne Walkinshaw

Venue News

New function venue opens at the Palazzo ROSA is the new intimate function venue in the Palazzo at Montecasino, forming part of the recently completed R60-million refurbishment of the hotel.

Robert Jasper, general manager of the hotel, said: “Extending the Palazzo’s event and banqueting offering with Rosa is in response to requests by clientele for this type of facility, together with our wholehearted commitment to excellence in food and beverage.

“Food and beverage is, after all, the heart and soul of the hotel – the touch-point,” he explained. “If you go somewhere and have a good meal, you’ll remember it. It’s the one aspect of a hotel, other than sleeping in a bed, that’s based on an experience and not a process. It’s where the guest unwinds, relaxes, lingers and engages with the property.”

Rosa, so named because it overlooks the rose garden, is enhancing the Palazzo with a tranquil and unique venue for small events, special occasions and intimate functions.

“I believe it will soon become one of the most sought-after small function venues in Johannesburg. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the hotel’s food and beverage delivery through various special offerings, giving our guests a different experience of the hotel,” Mr Jasper said.

The design of Rosa is in keeping with the Tuscan theme of the hotel. Rosa is located adjacent to the walkway that leads guests out

of the hotel into the Montecasino complex, with an existing stone boundary wall clad in ivy forming the back wall of the restaurant.

This lends a garden ambience to the restaurant, while tables and chairs in the walkway add to the venue’s typical European café style.

Mr Jasper said: “We pride ourselves on our reputation for providing ‘the velvet touch’ to guests. This entire refurbishment, and in particular Rosa, has ensured we maintain the high standard of refined elegance and opulence that has been the hallmark of this property since we opened in November 2000.” n

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Giver of the Month

Peermont pledges to the

President’s Housing Appeal P

eermont’s Grand Palm in Botswana contributes four houses to the local community upliftment project.

The Botswanan government set up the President’s Housing Appeal in 2010; a local community upliftment project, appealing to the public sector and local businesses to assist in providing shelter to the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken community members.

Since the project’s inception, Peermont has pledged P340 000 (approximately R410 985) to the cause.

The building of the houses started in 2011 and was officially concluded this year when Clive Tavener, operations executive, Peermont Global Botswana, joined Satar Dada, board member of the Presidential Housing Appeal on Monday 13 April, to officially open the first of four houses for the project. Mr Tavener and Mr Satar handed over the house keys to a very excited Mantiri Mokgele, of

Metsimotlhabe village, a few kilometres from Gaborone. “We are so pleased to see the results of our contribution to community upliftment. “The Grand Palm regards corporate social Investment very high, and we will continue to treat it as one of our key focus areas. To see a family’s circumstances changing for the better, really puts a smile on our faces,” Mr Tavener said.

Mrs Mokgele is the first beneficiary to receive her new home courtesy of the Presidential Housing Appeal and the significant CSI contribution Peermont has financed. She is widowed and the sole caretaker of her four children, as well as one grandchild. Mantiri has never had a home to call her own, but due to the P85 000 (approximately R102 746) Peermont has afforded Mantiri and her family, a house of 44 square metres comprising of two bedrooms, a bathroom with a toilet and a shower, an open-plan

kitchen and enough space for a lounge or dining suite, their dreams have finally come true.

In order to qualify for one of the homes in the Presidential Housing Appeal project, social workers embark on community visits and submit reports with recommendations based on the situations they deem most dire and in need of housing.

“This initiative is a wonderful fit for our CSI pillar of Improving infrastructure, safety and social services. These Peermont CSI initiatives consist of community support and financial investments to the surrounding areas in which we operate and when the government called upon local business to get involved with the President’s Housing Appeal project, Peermont was happy to provide the financial contribution to help see this amazing project come to life,” said Peermont CSI and corporate affairs executive, Vusi Zwane. n

Clive Tavener and Satar Dada (board member of the Presidential Housing Appeal) handing over the house keys to the beneficiary Mantiri Mokgele of Metsimotlhabe village, a few kilometres from Gaborone.

Market News

Johannesburg celebrates latest ICCA global and Africa rankings

A

fter an astounding jump of 92 places in 2012 [from 234 to 142], Johannesburg has continued its steady climb, clocking in at position 136 in 2013 and now position 101 in 2014. In addition, we celebrate the improvement in our African rankings, up from number four in 2013 to number two in 2014.

“We’re thrilled to learn about the improved ICCA rankings for our city as this is yet another demonstration that Johannesburg is a city at work. This comes hot on the heels of many accolades including being MasterCard’s most visited city on the African continent in 2014,” said executive mayor, Cllr Parks Tau. “Events play an important role in bringing tourists into our city, at the

same time contributing to the building of our brand internationally and changing negative perceptions about our destination,” Mr Tau added.

ICCA Rankings are announced annually by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), based on the number of rotating international association meetings hosted in a particular destination. ICCA now is one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international meetings. It is the only association that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events. ICCA's network of almost 1000 members spans the globe, with members in over 90 countries

worldwide.

“Johannesburg’s continued improvement in its ICCA rankings is thanks to a collaborative effort with our industry partners, peers and stakeholders and confirms the City’s status as a world class events business events destination,” Mr Tau said. n

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Market News

Top sales executives announced MOIPONYANA Tladi, sales executive at Protea Hotel Centurion, has been named top sales executive of the year at the annual Protea Hotels and Marriott Middle East & Africa sales, marketing and revenue management conference.

The awards ceremony was held after a three-day conference of the 200-plus Protea Hotels and Marriott sales, marketing and revenue management teams in Cape Town in early May. Dorcas Dlamini, group sales director, said Ms Tladi’s consistent enthusiasm and experience are a rare combination of qualities which make her a vital part of the Protea Hotels team in building lasting relationships. Having been a notable asset in the Protea Hotels Group’s arsenal for the last five years, Ms Tladi has been a dedicated employee since day one.

“Helping to create strong connections in the area, Ms Tladi’s attention to detail has allowed her to build solid friendships with clients and hotel guests. Her commitment and drive to achieve this level of service has catapulted Protea Hotel’s brand presence in the area. These accomplishments could only have been achieved through hard work, lots of late nights and dedication. We are truly blessed to have her on board.”

Ms Dlamini also said she is proud of the calibre of Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels staff, and is reminded of this each year at the award ceremony.

As always, Ms Dlamini was in awe of the accomplishments across Protea Hotels & African Pride Hotels, and impressed by the work nominees and winners have done for the company.

Other reward recipients were: • Protea Hotels - Special Merit Award – International Sales: Nicole Ackerman.

• Protea Hotels Special Merit Sales Co-Ordinator Award: Fikile Ndlovu.

• Protea Hotels Special Merit Sales Executive: Wynand Koekemoer.

• Protea Hotels Team Spirit Award: Colin Bennetto.

• Sales Co-ordinator Of The Year Award: Allison Satardien.

• Revenue Manager Of The Year Award: Melissa James.

• Marketing Plan Co-ordinator Of The Year Award: Christi De La Porte.

“To have a team that constantly lives and breathes our brand has made Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels an easily recognisable brand countrywide. Without our team of devoted employees, we’d just be another hotel chain,” Ms Dlamini said. n

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa announces new appointments

Gavin Ferreira, 32, has been appointed deputy general manager of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, where he previously held the position of food and beverage manager. Mr Ferreira started his career in the hospitality industry in 2001 as chef at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, England. Overall, he spent four years in the UK, holding several hospitality positions, including time spent as management trainee at Summer Lodge in Dorset, a Red Carnation Hotels property.

On his return to South Africa in 2008, he started his career at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa as banqueting floor manager,

before being swiftly promoted to banqueting manager. Two years later, in April 2010, he was promoted to food and beverage manager, where the hotel restaurants and wedding department flourished under his management.

He has taken over as deputy general manager from Michael Nel, who was recently promoted to general manager of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. In his new position he will continue to be responsible for the food and beverage department too, while also taking on important day-to-day hotel operation responsibilities.

Nicole Smith, 33, has been promoted to director of sales for The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, and sister property Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg.

Ms Smith started her career with The Twelve Apostles Hotel in 2002 as part of the front office team, where she gained extensive operational experience before moving to sister property The Milestone in the UK as reception

manager in 2004.

Upon her return to Cape Town two years later, she re-joined The Twelve Apostles as front office manager, before her appointment as guest relations manager in 2008.

In 2010 she was promoted to assistant sales and marketing manager of The Twelve Apostles, before becoming sales and marketing manager that same year. In 2011, she took on the role of sales manager for both The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and Bushmans Kloof where she has built solid relationships within the industry over the past five years. n

SAACI News

33

So you are a PCO…

By Keith Burton, SAACI conference & events chair

D

oes anybody else have a chuckle about the situation described below?

Clients expect their conference organiser to make sure tea and buns are served in the right place at the right time and that the buses are ready when needed.

Well and good, but they also expect them to raise millions in sponsorship, run an in-depth social media campaign, be at the forefront of technology trends, understand intense medical/scientific/ technical content, and ensure it is suitably imparted, budget and manage finances

like an accountant, consult on issues such as VAT and regulatory compliance, communicate with the president of the country and the CEO of the association concerning their involvements, and so the list goes on …

Try fit that into a job description and find the right candidate. But we do it, and we do it under the simple heading of being a PCO. There is a great deal of skill involved in doing this. It requires extensive experience and on-going learning, not to mention a pretty special personality.

Perhaps we are underselling ourselves when we say we are a PCO, or not properly differentiating ourselves from

Keith Burton

other service providers in the space. I am sure we are not being paid for all that we do and, yet, some feel this service should, or could, be covered by commission earned from hotel bookings.

Just a thought – use it, don’t use it.

Maybe an interesting debate to have? n

SAACI NTB hosted by SAB World of Beer Members and visitors were given an overview by SAACI representatives from the various forums. n

Seen at the event

SAACI Northern Territories branch were recently hosted at the SAB World of Beer.

Nigel Walker, Compex; Sunil Menon, Summit Software; Jeana Turner, NFS Hospitality; and Estelle Lötter, Ripcord Promotions.

Anne-Marie Otto, Arcadia Hotel; and Chris Prieto, ICCA.

Adriaan Liebetrau, SAACI; and Farzanah Caster and Agnes Ntombela, SAACI. Jacqui Reynolds, On Show.

34

EXSA News

Excel with EXSA’s annual conference

T

he Exhibition & Events Association’s annual conference is set to take place on from 8-9 June 2015 at the prestigious CSIR ICC in Pretoria.

The conference will feature both plenary and breakaway sessions with an exciting line up of speakers under the theme “Excelling @” and will leave delegates with some great insights and informative tips to take away.

Keynote speakers confirmed for the conference include: Colin Browne, author of “How to Build a Happy Sandpit”, a ground-breaking book based on insights, stories and lessons conducted with more than 60 South African businesses on how their culture drives success. Colin will demonstrate that it does not matter whether you’re in charge of a business, a division of a business, or a department within a division of a business, these lessons are essential in helping you create better teams to produce better results.

Emma Sadlier, co-author of “Don’t Film Yourself Having Sex” and media lawyer who will be presenting on media ethics – the pitfalls, the legalities, the risks and the opportunities for both individuals and brands. As a top commentator for the Oscar Pistorius case that made headlines worldwide, Emma is one of South Africa’s chief authorities on social media ethics and legal parameters in the digital world – with areas of expertise that include all aspects of print and electronic media law.

Gilan Gork, South Africa’s renowned “mentalist and master of influence” who specialises in presentations of thought reading, psychological influence, predictions and body language, will showcase these abilities, offering tips and skills that delegates can use in their own leadership, sales or negotiations. With more than 17 years experience, Gilan has been hired by companies around the world as an expert business speaker and trainer to impart these valuable and potent skills.

Nick Binedell, founding director of the Gordon Institute of Business Science, has invested 30 years into business education following his initial career in mining and manufacturing. With his personal insights and experience, he will address delegates on competitive strategy, global dynamics and its impact on competitiveness, South Africa’s business challenges and leadership skills, and the capabilities required to manage in a challenging, exciting and fast-changing country.

Wayne Duvenage will address the issue of service. Well known as chairperson of the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) and now managing director of eXcentris, Wayne’s presentation is based on a true case study on service excellence undertaken while he was chief executive of Avis Rent a Car in South Africa from 2006 to 2012, which generated some of the highest sustainable service levels achieved by Avis on

an international basis. Delegates can expect practical examples, as well as insights and tips on how to achieve service excellence.

Richard Mulholland is the founder of The Missing Link, a specialist strategy company. His dynamic way of thinking took him from rigging lights at rock concerts to telling CEOs how and what to do. Voted as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 300 top young South Africans to take to lunch, and also Destiny Man’s Top 40 South Africans under the age of 40 (an honour he is, sadly, no longer applicable for), Richard will be revealing tips and knowledge on marketing and innovation taken from his book “Legacide – why legacy thinking is the silent killer of innovation.”

Bookings are open and EXSA urges you to attend this thought-provoking industry conference and share in the knowledge of these renowned thought leaders. It’s also a great networking opportunity for you to interact with organisers, venues, and suppliers in the exhibition and events industry.

The delegate cost is R2 950 excluding VAT for EXSA members, and R3 950 for non-members. Young Professionals under the age of 35 will pay R1 450 excluding VAT for members, and R1 950 excl VAT for non-members. This includes a gala networking evening on the Monday, where entertainment will be on hand to get everyone mingling with each other. n

Site news

Be open with your client

By Tes Proos, Site Southern Africa chapter president

S

ite Southern Africa recently held a workshop in Cape Town to address the highly sensitive issue of clients approaching suppliers directly.

We all find this happening more frequently, so we as an industry had to take a hard look at why.

Rick Taylor started off by listing a few very interesting statistics, such as why do people change suppliers? The single biggest reason is trust. What causes a client to stop trusting his supplier? We explored that a bit and there are several reasons we came up with. One of the major things is that people don’t enjoy feeling “ripped off”.

Unfortunately, there were a few companies in the past who thought they had a few cash cow clients and thoroughly milked them for every possible penny.

Then, one day a new PA or GM starts … and voila … the party is over!

They have their own preferred suppliers and have no qualms to take your quote and compare it to their favourite

supplier’s quote.

Nothing wrong with that. Our clients simply learned to shop more keenly.

We can never get too comfortable with our client relationships. Trust is paramount and we have to work exceptionally hard to earn and keep that trust. Clients will only start shopping around if they are not comfortable in the relationship.

Then, we have the other side of the coin (literally). Managers have to look at the bottom line all the time. Gone are the days of indiscriminate spending.

Every penny gets turned over twice and people make sure they get the best deal.

That is why it is important for all of us – be you a PCO, DMC or tour operator – to ensure you quote the best price the first time.

Ensure that your client understands the invaluable service you provide as a source of local knowledge. And, of course, how to make your money without feeling stripped bare.

Should you charge a management fee on the overall cost of the programme or do you mark-up line by line?

You know what … talk to your client.

Tes Proos

Ask him/her how they want to be quoted. They are also in the business of making money and understand that you have to make a living. You’ll be surprised how much easier your life gets once you’ve had that conversation. n

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35

36

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Calendar

Local and international conferences, workshops and exhibitions of interest to the conference, exhibition and special events market For free entries in this calendar, please supply information to: Contact Publications, PO Box 414, Kloof 3640.

Tel: (031) 764-6977. Fax: (031) 764-6974. E-mail: colleen@contactpub.co.za local: 2015

International: 2015

june 8-9: EXSA CONFERENCE. Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, Tshwane. More information: Tel: (011) 805-7272. Fax: (011) 805-7273. E-mail: exsa@exsa.co.za Website: www.exsa.co.za

october 1-3: Site 2015. Venue: Mlimani City Conference Complex, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. More information: Tel: +27 (0)11 467-5011.

Fax: +27 (0)11 467-5350. E-mail: info@site.co.tz. Website: www.site. co.tz

AUGUST 2-4: 29TH SAACI CONGRESS. Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town. More information: SAACI Secretariat. Tel: (011) 880-5883. E-mail: wcbranch@saaci. co.za. Website: www.saaci.co.za

october 13-15: IMEX America. Venue: Las Vegas, United States.

More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imexamerica. com

International: 2015

OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4: 54th ICCA Congress. Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More information: Mieke van Loenen. Tel: +31203981902. Website: www.iccaworld.com

JUNE: AIBTM 2015. Venue: Chicago, United States of America. More information: IBTM America. Tel: +1 203-840-5636. E-mail: AIBTM@ reedexpo.com

NOVEMBER 17-19: EIBTM 2015. Venue: Fira Gran Via, Montjuic 2 Exhibition Centre, Barcelona, Spain. More information: Erica Keogan.

Tel: +44 208 910 701. Website: www.eibtm.com

International: 2016

International: 2017

APRIL 19-21: IMEX frankfurt. IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany. More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311.

Website: www.imex-frankfurt.com NOVEMBER 12-16: 55th ICCA Congress. Venue: Kuching, Malaysia. More information: Mathijs Vleeming, marketing project manager, ICCA, Toren A, De Entree 57 1101 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1962. E-mail: mathijs@icca.nl.

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MAY 16-18: IMEX Frankfurt. Venue: Frankfurt, Germany.

More information: Tel: +44 1273 227311. Website: www.imexfrankfurt.com DATE TBA: 56th ICCA Congress. Venue: Prague, Czech Republic. More information: Mathijs Vleeming, marketing project manager, ICCA, Toren A, De Entree 57 1101 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 398 1962. E-mail: mathijs@icca.nl.

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38

Directory

Kim Gibbens: Aqua Mice. Tel: (086) 100-2782. Cell: 079 693 9530. E-mail: kim@aquamice.co.za Glenn van Eck CMP: Magnetic Storm. Tel: (041) 3934800. Fax: (041) 393-4899. Cell: 082 800-2616. E-mail: glenn@magnetic.co.za

OFFICE BEARERS National Chairperson: Zelda Coetzee Vice Chairperson: Kim Gibbens Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Chief Executive Officer: Adriaan Liebetrau Physical Address: Association Hub, 158 Jan Smuts Avenue, 4th Floor East Wing, Rosebank 2196; Box 381, Parklands 2121. Tel: (011) 880-5883

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Zelda Coetzee: Imfunzelelo Tourism & Event Specialists. Tel: (021) 674-0013. Cell: 084 657-5476.

E-mail: zelda@imfunzelelo.co.za

EASTERN CAPE Chairperson: Andrew Stewart Vice-Chairperson: David Limbert Treasurer: Glenn van Eck Secretariat: Wendy Knott-Craig Committee: Natalie de Lange; Gill Dickie; Rachel Greensmith; Sadie Isaacs; Cheryl Kietzmann; Leigh Myles-Rohroft; Toni Payne; Alastair Stead; Patsi van Zyl. Eastern Cape Secretariat: Wendy Knott-Craig.

Tel: (041) 360-4415. Cell: 073 201-8699. E-mail: ecbranch@saaci.co.za Natalie de Lange: Bojangles Caterers. Tel: (041) 586-3700. Cell: 083 469-7259. E-mail: bojangle@ global.co.za Gill Dickie: Budget Car Hire. Tel: (041) 581-4242.

Cell: 079 527-7619. E-mail: gilld@budget.co.za Rachel Greensmith: The Boardwalk. Tel: (041) 507-7777. Cell: 082 290-4617. E-mail: rachel. greensmith@za.suninternational.com Sadie Isaacs: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. Tel: (041) 582-2575. Cell: 082 9907652. E-mail: conference@nmbt.co.za Cheryl Kietzmann: The Function Warehouse. Tel: (041) 581-0454. Cell: 083 593-7239. E-mail: cheryl@ thefunctionwarehouse.com David Limbert: Magnetic Storm. Tel: (041) 3934800. E-mail: david@magnetic.co.za Leigh Myles-Rohroft: Hotel Savoy (JH Group). Tel: (041) 368-8343. Cell: 083 228-3928. E-mail: leigh@ jhgroup.co.za Toni Payne: Access Management. Tel: (041) 408-8958. Cell: 084 421-2623. E-mail: toni@ accessmanagement.co.za Alastair Stead: Scan Display. Cell: 073 236-6618.

E-mail: alastair@scandisplayec.co.za Andrew Stewart: PeriExpo. Tel: (041) 578-5987.

Cell: 082 581-3733. E-mail: andrew@periexpo.co.za Glenn van Eck CMP: Magnetic Storm, Box 27427, Greenacres 6057. Tel: (041) 393-4800. E-mail: glenn@magnetic.co.za Patsi van Zyl: The Green Room Design Company.

Tel: (041) 581-8903. E-mail: patsi@greenroom.co.za

KWAZULU-NATAL Chairperson: Nick Papadopolous Vice-Chairperson: Imrah Ahmed Treasurer: Dawn Holmwood Secretariat: Carol Macnab Committee Members: Kim Gibbens; James Seymour; Zelda Robertson; Denver Manickum; Keith Bentley; Scott Langley;

Denise Kemp (Public Officer): Eastern Sun Events.

Tel: (041) 374-5654. Cell: 082 654-9755 E-mail: denise@ easternsun.co.za Adriaan Liebetrau: Tel: (011) 880-5883. Cell: 082 8636302 E-mail: adriaan@saaci.org Keith Burton (Chair: Conference & Events): African Agenda. Tel: (021) 683 2934. Cell: 083 415 4111.

Email: keith@africanagenda.com Wayne Johnson (NTB Chair): Fancourt. Tel: (012) 653 8711. Cell: 083 448-1324. E-mail: waynej@fancourt.co.za Crystal Kasselman (WC Chair): Centeq Events. Tel: (021) 948-9549. Cell: 082 414-4471. E-mail: crystal@ centeqevents.co.za Nick Papadopoulos (KZN Chair): Eat Greek.

Tel: (031) 563-3877. Cell: 084 450 5011. E-mail: eatgreek@telkomsa.net

KwaZulu-Natal Secretariat: Carol Macnab. Cell: 079 072-0133.

Imran Ahmed: Aqua Tours & Transfers. Tel: (086) 100-2782. E-mail: imran@aquatours.co.za Keith Bentley: The Gateway Hotel. Tel: (031) 536-9200. Cell: 083 779-3567. E-mail: gm@ thegatewayhotel.co.zaa Kim Gibbens: Aqua Mice. Tel: 086 100-2782. Cell: 082 318-1671. E-mail: kim@aquamice.co.za.

Marlene Govender: Durban ICC. Tel: (031) 3601000. E-mail: marleneg@icc.co.za Dawn Holmwood: Tel: (031) 765-7494. Email: dawnholmwood@outlook.com Scott Langley: Durban ICC. Tel: (031) 360-1000.

Cell: 082 805-8794. E-mail: scottl@icc.co.za Denver Manickum: I-Cube Alternative Advertising.

Tel: (031) 701-0474. Cell: 083 482-8525. E-mail: denver@icube.co.za Nick Papadopoulos: Eat Greek. Tel: (031) 5633877. E-mail: eatgreek@telkomsa.net Zelda Robertson: Tsogo Sun. Tel: (031) 362-1360.

E-mail: zelda.robertson@tsogosun.com James Seymour: Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. Tel: 031 366-7575. Cell: 082 925-5508. E-mail: james@durbankzncb.co.za NORTHERN TERRITORIES Chairperson: Wayne Johnson Vice-Chairperson: Estelle Lötter CMP Treasurer: Joe Hattingh Secretariat: Heather Heskes Committee: Aidan Koen, Chris Prieto CMP, Brian Prowling, Bronwen Shaw, Gabi Babinszky, Yolande van den Berg NTB Secretariat: Heather Heskes. Tel: (011) 787-4672.

Cell: 076 321-6111. E-mail: ntbbranch@saaci.co.za Gabi Babinszky: Compex. Tel: (011) 262-2490. Cell: 086 658-5059. E-mail: gabi@compex.co.za Joe Hattingh: Lumi Mobile. Tel: (012) 345-5161.

Cell: 082 329-6569. E-mail: joe@lumimobile.com Wayne Johnson: Fancourt. Tel: (012) 653 8711 Cell: 083 448-1324. E-mail: waynej@fancourt.co.za Aidan Koen: Scan Display Solutions Pty Ltd. Tel: (011) 447-4777. Cell: 082 561-3188. E-mail: aidan@ scandisplay.co.za Estelle Lötter CMP: Ripcord Promotions. Tel: (011) 482-2835. Cell: 082 651-4556. E-mail: estelle@ ripcord.za.com Chris Prieto CMP: Tel: (011) 973-5138. Cell: 083 778-2644. E-mail: saaci.chrisprieto@gmail.com Brian Prowling: IEBE. Tel: (011) 463-1767. Cell: 083 379-3154. E-mail: brian@iebe.co.za

Esmare Steinhöfel (Chair: Venue Forum): CTICC. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888 2624. E-mail: esmare@ cticc.co.za Andrew Stewart (EC Chair): PeriExpo. Tel: (041) 581 3733. Cell: 082 578 5987. E-mail: andrew@periexpo. co.za

ADVISORY BOARD: Bruce Dorrofield (Chair: Technical Forum): ImproVision. Tel: (031) 564-4217. Cell: 084 714 8888. E-mail: bruce@impro-vision.co.za Denver Manickum (Chair: Services Forum): I-Cube Advertising. Tel: (031) 701-0474. Fax: 086 559-9105.

Cell: 083 482 8525. E-mail: denver@icube.co.za James Seymour (Chair: Destination Marketing): Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. Cell: 082 925-5508. E-mail: james@durbankzncb.co.za Bronwen Shaw: Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank. Tel: (011) 448-3600. Cell: 083 646-8778.

E-mail: bronwens@therosebank.co.za

Bronwen Shaw: Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank. Tel: (011) 448-3600. Cell: 083 646-8778.

E-mail: bronwens@therosebank.co.za Yolandé Van Den Berg: Selah Productions. Tel: (011) 913-0326. Cell: 083 323-3910. E-mail: info@ selahproductions.co.za WESTERN CAPE Chairperson: Crystal Kasselman Vice-Chairperson: Desireé Smits van Waesberghe Treasurer: Jaques Fouche Secretariat: Lara van Zyl Committee: Jaco du Plooy, Kurt Johnson, Janine Abrahams, Esti Venske, Lerisha Mudaliar, Liezel Short; Thiru Naidoo, Zeenat Parker.

Western Cape Secretariat: Lara van Zyl. Cell: 082 223-4684. E-mail: wcbranch@saaci.co.za Janine Abrahams: Tourvest. Tel: (021) 5252500. Cell: 083 440-06806. E-mail: jabrahams@ tourvestdm.com Angelique Isaacs: Impact Incentives & Events.

Tel: (021)712-5358. E-mail: angelique@impactincentives.co.za Jaco du Plooy: NH Lord Charles Hotel. Tel: (021) 855-1040. E-mail: j.duplooy@nh-hotels.co.za Jaques Fouche: Gearhouse SA (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (021) 929-7200. Cell: 083 607-2046. E-mail: jfouche@ gearhouse.co.za Kurt Johnson: AV Alliance. Tel: (021) 469-1420.

Cell: 082 822-8867. E-mail: kurt@avalliance.co.za Crystal Kasselman: Centeq Events. Tel: (021) 948-9549. Cell: 082 414-4471. E-mail: crystal@ centeqevents.co.za Lerisha Mudaliar: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau (Wesgro). Tel: (021) 487-8694.

Cell: 072 631-7674. E-mail: lerisha@wesgro.co.za Thiru Naidoo: Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau (Wesgro). Tel: (021) 487-8600.

E-mail: thiru@wesgro.co.za Zeenat Parker: HWB Communications. Tel: (021) 421-0430. Cell: 081 248 2801. Email zeenat@hwb. co.za, Liezel Short: Red Hot Events. Tel: (021) 510-05478.

Cell: 083 283-2330. E-mail: liezel@redhotevents. co.za Desireé Smits van Waesberghe: Capemotion.

Tel: (021) 790-2190. Cell: 072 335-5282. E-mail: dsmitsvanwaesberghe@helmsbriscoe.com Esti Venske: Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Tel: (021) 460 3518. E-mail: venskee@ cput.ac.za

Directory

EXSA OFFICE National Chairperson: Brad Alder Immediate Past Chair: Nigel Walker Treasurer: Jason King General Manager: Sue Gannon, Box 2632, Halfway House 1685. Tel: (011) 805-7272.

Fax: (011) 805-7273. E-mail: exsa@exsa.co.za Website: www.exsa.co.za.

BOARD MEMBERS Brad Alder: Octanorm. Tel: (011) 433 2010.

Fax: (011) 433 1927. Cell: 082 445-2661.

E-mail: brad.alder@octanorm.co.za

Andrew Binning (Organiser Forum): Inkanyezi Event Organisers. Tel: (041) 363-0310. Cell: 082 372-9247. E-mail: andrew@inkanyezi.co.za Ann Dalton (Western Cape Forum Chair): Agri Expo. Tel: (021) 975-4440. Fax: (021) 975-4446. Cell: 082 550-4700. E-mail: ann@ agriexpo.co.za Lindy Geyer (Venue Forum): Cape Town International Convention Centre. Tel: (021) 410-5000. Cell: 071 888-2625. E-mail: lindy@ cticc.co.za Andrew Gibbs (Services Forum): Concept G. Tel: (011) 708 7991. Fax: (011) 708 3718. Cell: 083 260-8065. E-mail: andrew@conceptg. co.za Rachel Jowahir (Venue Forum): Gallagher Convention Centre. Tel: (011) 266-3000. Cell: 073 304-6692. E-mail: rachelj@gallagher.co.za Jason King: Hypenica. Tel: (021) 700-4300.

Cell: 072 386-7321. E-mail: jason.king@ hypenica.com Graeme Marshall (Suppliers Forum):

Gearhouse South Africa. Tel: (011) 2163000. Cell: 083 607-3036. E-mail: gmarshall@ gearhouse.co.za Elizabeth Morley (Organiser Forum): Expo Trends. Tel: (011) 478-3686. Fax: (011) 4783684. Cell: 083 675-0076. E-mail: elizabeth@ expotrends.co.za Cara Nortman (Young Professional Forum Chair): SSQ Exhibitions. Tel: (011) 7921241. Cell: 079 254-9572. E-mail: cara@ ssqexhibitions.co.za Natalie Naude (Organiser Forum): Three City Events. Tel: (021) 689-3262. Fax: (021) 689-3269. Cell: 083 680-8088. E-mail: natalie@ babaindaba.co.za Clive Shedlock (Venue Forum): JHB Expo Centre. Tel: (011) 494 1920. Fax: (011) 494 1005. Cell: 083 589-8422. E-mail: karabo@ expocentre.co.za Nigel Walker: Complete Exhibitions. Tel: (012) 667-2074. Fax: 086 653 2616. Cell: 082 5517604. E-mail: nigel@compex.co.za

National Events and Education & Immediate Past President: Tes Proos, Crystal Events, Box 50596, Waterfront 8002.

Tel: (021) 555 3617. Fax: 086 698 7792.

E-mail: tes@crystalevents.co.za

Barry Futter (CSR Projects): Adventure Works. Tel: (021) 790-9015. Fax: (021) 790-6245. E-mail: barry@ adventureworks.co.za

Committee Members Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence OFFICE BEARERS: Chapter President: Debbie de Villiers, Terra Nova, Box 51170, Waterfront 8002.

Tel: (021) 448 9965. Fax: (021) 448 7244. e-mail: debbie@terra-nova.co.za

ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association

Nicole Smith (Membership): The 12 Apostles Hotel.

Tel: (021) 437-9000. Fax: (021) 437-9055. E-mail: nsmith@rch.co.za

Peter John Mitrovich (Treasurer-Elect): Grosvenor Tours. Tel: (021) 460-4700. Fax: (021) 448-0003.

E-mail: Peter-John.Mitrovich@grosvenortours.co.za

Geoff Saner (Treasurer): Leading Incentives (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (011) 022-9264. Fax: (086) 615-0110. E-mail: info@li.co.za

Robin McLeod (Cape Town Events and Education): Green Route. Tel: (021) 447-3607. Fax: (086) 6366942. E-mail: robin@greenroute.co.za

Henk Graaf (Gauteng Events): SW Africa Destination. Tel: (011) 880-0910. E-mail: henk@ swafrica.co.za

Adriaan Fourie (PR and Social Media): Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau. Tel: (021) 487-8600.

Fax: (021) 487-8700. E-mail: adriaan@wesgro.co.za

Daryl Keywood (Meetings Africa): Walthers DMC. Tel: (011) 467-8867. Fax: 086 654-6438. E-mail: daryl@walthers.co.za

ICCA African Chapter: Chairperson: Rashid Toefy, CTICC.Tel: (021) 410 5000. Fax: (021) 410 5001. e-mail: info@cticc.co.za

Secretariat: Chris Prieto CMP, ICCA Africa Regional director. Cell: 072 273 7230.

E-mail: africa@icca.nl. Website: http://www. iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter

Vice-chairperson: Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Tourism Authority. Tel: (011) 085 2500. Fax: (011) 085 2500. e-mail: nonnie@gauteng.net Treasurer: Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company. Tel: (031) 303 9852. Fax: (031) 303 9529. e-mail: nina@confco.co.za

ICCA African Regional Office: Regional Director Africa: Chris Prieto CMP, PO Box: 4957, Atlasville 1465. Cell: 072 273 7230. E-mail: africa@icca.nl. Website: http:// www.iccaworld.com

Other ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY ABTA – African Business Travel Association, Box 2594, Pinegowrie 2123. Tel: (011) 888-8178. Fax: (011) 7823814. Cell: 083 679-2110. E-mail: monique@abta.co.za.

Website: www.abta.co.za. Founder: Monique Swart.

ANTOR – Association of National Tourist Office Representatives. President: Hélène Bezuidenhoudt.

Vice-president: Wendie White. Treasurer/Secretary: TBC. Postal Address: Box 41022, Craighall 2024. Cell: 083 200 4444. Fax: (011) 523-8290. E-mail: helene. bezuidenhoudt@franceguide.com ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents, P O Box 650539, Benmore 2010. Tel: (011) 2930560/61. Fax: 086 504-9767. E-mail: barbara@asata. co.za. Chief Executive Officer: Otto de Vries. Cell: 076 140-7005. Fax: 086 505-1590. Office Manager: Barbara Viljoen.

FEDHASA National Office – Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, Box 71517, Bryanston 2021. Tel: 0861 333 628. Fax: 0867 165 299. E-mail: fedhasa@fedhasa.co.za. Website: www.fedhasa.co.za Manager – National Office: Lynda Bacon.

PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of

Southern Africa. Tel: (011) 462-9465. Fax: 086 515-0906.

Cell: 083 458-6114. E-mail: nikki@psasouthernafrica. co.za Website: http://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za Executive Director: Nikki Bakker.

SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators Association, Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128. Tel: (011) 011 9288 Fax: (011) 011 9296. E-mail: saboa@ saboa.co.za President: Mr A Sefala. Executive Manager: Mr E Cornelius.

SATI – South African Translators’ Institute. Executive Director: Marion Boers Tel: (011) 803 2681. E-mail: office@translators.org.za Website: www.translators. org.za SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, Box 900, Ferndale 2160. Tel: (011) 886-9996. Fax: +27 866832082. E-mail: jennym@satsa.co.za. Website: www.satsa.com. Chief Executive Officer: David Frost.

Chief Operations Officer: Jenny Mewett.

SKAL International South Africa. For full details go to www.skalsouthafrica.org or contact Skal International secretary Anne Lamb on tel/fax: (021) 434-7023. Cell: 082 708-1836. E-mail: anne@yebo.co.za.

STA – Sandton Tourism Association. Tel: 083 558-5445.

E-mail: secretariat@sandtontourism.com. Website: www.sandtontourism.com.

TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Box 11655, Centurion 0046. Tel: (012) 654-7525. Fax: (012) 654-7394. E-mail: tumi@tbcsa.travel. Website: www. tbcsa.travel. Events & Membership Co-ordinator: Boitumelo Moleleki TGCSA – Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146. Tel: (011) 895-3000.

Fax: (011) 895-3001. E-mail: enquiries@tourismgrading. co.za.

TINSA: Interpreters/Translators Network of Southern Africa (TINSA). Co-ordinator – info@ interpreter.org.za Tel/Fax: (011) 485-2511. Cell: 083 249 0010. Website: www.interpreter.org.za TPSA – Technical Production Services Association, Box 2245, Pinegowrie 2123. Tel: 082 371 5900.

E-mail: admin@tpsa.co.za Website: www.tpsa.co.za – Administrator: Tiffany Reed.

39

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The Last Word

The exhibition industry is constantly evolving

By Bradley Alder, EXSA chairman

R

ecently, EXSA held its first joint forum meeting between the three forums, organisers, venues and services/ suppliers.

From a personal perspective, it was encouraging to hear the passion that EXSA members have for the exhibition industry, which is an industry like no other, and at times can be challenging. However, I believe the real hook that keeps people passionate and involved for so long is the idea of creation, and the satisfaction that something has been created, organised and hosted.

What was apparent from our longer serving members (20 years +) that some of the challenges faced today, are similar to the challenges they faced many years ago.

This, I personally believe, is the reason why industry members should actively participate and belong to an industry association, which provides platforms for one of the basic business principles which all businesses are founded on (communication).

In an era of electronic communication at our fingertips, we can easily get facts about things. However, sometimes to understand the facts you often need the supporting information, which is only really gained communicating face-to-face.

With knowledge gained from communication between EXSA members through the various forums, individuals and companies are forearmed and can prepare for industry challenges and changes.

So what is the current state of the exhibition industry?

It is interesting that in these tough economically challenging times, the South

African exhibition and events industry is thriving. On a monthly basis, there is a multitude of new and existing exhibitions and events added to an already packed calendar.

The industry is cyclical, with certain times of the year where there is an oversubscription of exhibitions serving separate market segments and industries. This often creates a scramble for resources, ie venues and service providers. This situation is exacerbated as more international companies are setting their sights on South Africa as a global growth market.

With world-class venues and extremely competent and capable service providers, the South African exhibition industry is poised to meet these challenges However, there are a few distressing signals with a few exhibitions being cancelled due to various reasons, which include financial and logistical reasons.

Members have also reported tighter margins and have had to develop creative ways to meet decreasing budgets.

The South African exhibition industry is highly experienced and evolved, with many professional companies that can save exhibitors, organisers and venues money with their advice and expertise.

What about Africa?

Over the past few years, there has also been an increase in exhibitions, conferences and events in the other African countries, many of whom are looking to the South African exhibition industry to provide solutions in their countries. South African companies are well sought-after and are considered exhibition experts.

One of the major drawbacks with holding

Who is Bradley Alder?

Bradley Alder is OCTANORM South Africa’s national sales manager and current Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) chairman.

For more than 20 years Bradley has been involved in the South African/African exhibition industries, as a stand builder, and a system supplier.

In 2013 he was awarded best employee at the EXSA Awards.

Bradley has qualifications in marketing and sales management, facilitation, moderation and education.

exhibitions in African countries is the lack of venues and infrastructure. There are many plans underway to construct exhibition venues in many of the growth markets in Africa.

In the meantime, innovative solutions are being developed to overcome these problems, ie exhibitions are being held in large marquees erected on football fields.

Where are the opportunities in the exhibition industry?

The critical mind plays an important part in uncovering or discovering new ways of conducting business. The question is why?

It should be the starting point in discovering new opportunities.

The more we question and communicate, the closer we come to uncovering and understanding needs and untapped potential which leads to growth.

Exhibitions are an extremely powerful marketing tool. However, when combined with electronic communication, including social media, the event lives in the minds of visitors longer than the normal few days.

Exhibitions are also venue-driven and like franchising sometimes, the exhibition needs to come to the target market. Therefore, many exhibitions and events are starting to hold regional off-shoots in different locations.

This is also a strategy that is employed by international show organisers. However, many local exhibitions have the potential to be exported to African countries.

Exhibitions and events are constantly evolving, with the stereo-typical exhibition almost extinct. It is exciting to witness the new innovative ideas. Some examples of these evolutions can be seen with the combination of music festivals combined with food and lifestyle exhibitions.

Perhaps further evolution would take place once the concept or option of crowd funding becomes a viable business model.

The very last word The South African exhibition industry in continually evolving. The members are extremely resilient and innovative in overcoming challenges faced. There are very few forms of communication that are better than face-to-face communication that involve all of the senses.

See it, smell it, taste it, hear it, feel it, try it, buy it. n

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa

Voice Of The Business Events Industry In Africa

Formerly the Southern Africa Conference, Exhibition & Events Guide and incorporating incentiveworld.com

Connecting people with people The tried and tested resource for the meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentive markets Business events – conferences, exhibitions, special events and incentive travel – generate extensive economic wealth for the local, provincial and national economy, and is an all-important industry which provides huge value for tourism and beyond.

Now in its 34th year of publication, Business Events Africa is the official industry journal for the conference, exhibition, special events and incentive markets in sub-Saharan Africa. As such, the publication has a highly focused readership of people at the very heart of these industries.

In line with evolving world publishing trends, Business Events Africa is available on a multitude of platforms ranging from traditional print to digital on desktop PCs, Laptop, Tablets and – in the pipeline – Smartphones.

To find out what we can do for you e-mail us on bernadette@contactpub.co.za

Head Office physical address: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof 3610.

Head Office postal address: P.O. Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa.

Tel: 031 764 6977 | Fax: 031 764 6974