Issuu

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January/february 2017 â€˘ Issue 71

Let your events come alive

BE INSPIRED Top planners share their favourite events

10 WAYS

to negotiate fantastic deals with venues

how to

green your event and exhibition

sandton convention centre

BIG INTERVIEW Inspire has invested just over R9 million in new stock for 2017. This means that we have added extensively to our furniture offerings. We have the biggest range on offer. Clients can rest assured that we will have the furniture they need for their next event.â€? Chad Botha, owner of Inspire Furniture Hire and Sales R50.00 (incl. VAT)

BIGGER ISNâ€™T ALWAYS BETTER Youâ€™re not just another fish in the sea to us At the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel we are small enough to host intimate meetings for as little as 10 people and large enough to host 1200 people in a single venue. Centrally located in Cape Town, with easy access to the CBD, we can comfortably accommodate a total of 1900 people across our 20 venues. We proudly offer unparalleled flexibility whereby your special event can be tailored to be an extension of your brand. Our unique and charismatic approach is what makes us the perfect partner for your brand.

Tel: 021 204 8000

events@ccconferencecentre.co.za

www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

WITH US YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS. Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank is known as the place to meet, from meetings, cocktail parties, conferencing and events. With a dedicated meetings director to make sure everything works seamlessly for all delegates. • 7 state of art meeting rooms • Accommodate 5 to 300 delegates • Alternative venues like Circle Bar & Fresh Restaurant etc.

• Complimentary WiFi to all conference guests • Gautrain Rosebank Station within walking distance • Amani Spa and Butcher’s Block Steakhouse

Why go have your conference or event anywhere else?

ACHIEVER Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank Corner Tyrwhitt & Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank, Johannesburg THEROSEBANK.CO.ZA @CrownePlazaJHB

CALL: +27 (0)11 448 3600 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg The Rosebank

january/february 2017

www.theplanner.guru The Planner

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • Issue 71

Let your events come alive

BE INSPIRED Top planners share their favourite events

10 WAYS

to negotiate fantastic deals with venues

HOW TO

green your event and exhibition

BIG INTERVIEW

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

Inspire has invested just over R9 million in new stock for 2017. This means that we have added extensively to our furniture offerings. We have the biggest range on offer. Clients can rest assured that we will have the furniture they need for their next event.” Chad Botha, owner of Inspire Furniture Hire and Sales R50.00 (incl. VAT)

on the cover

@theplannerguru

included

Century City Conference Centre and Hotel has been praised as one of the Western Cape’s best business events assets. One visit to the centre and it is easy to see why. In this supplement, we take a look at all it has to offer.

Now in its 12th year, Meetings Africa is the leading business events trade show in Africa. This year, under the theme of sustainability, the show will raise awareness on ways to empower local citizens while helping to protect the ecosystems on which we depend.

with this issue

Sandton Convention Centre is a place to shape ideas. With a team of professionals that will support you, your dream event can become an unforgettable reality.

INNOVATION BEGINS HERE World-class conference and events at Cape Town's leading business destination

For more, turn to page 8

WORLD-CLASS EVENTS WITH AFRICAN HOSPITALITY Discover the best of African hospitality and events venues at Meetings Africa 2017. With convention centres fitted with cutting-edge technology, hotels where excellence comes standard, and experiences that will give you a taste of African culture – Meetings Africa will show you why you should have your next event in South Africa.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL 27 FEBRUARY 2017: BONDAY

28 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH 2017: EXHIBITION

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za

10021423 Meetings Africa Guide.indd 1

DESTINATIONS

21 The value of meetings Rod Cameron on ways to

36 Cape Overberg A short drive over the mountain 39 Gauteng townships Discover the unexpected

22 1 0 ways to negotiate fantastic deals with venues 24 Event apps after the hype Karmen Vladar on why 2017 will be the year of event apps

your event at the JEC in 2017

46 Hemingways Casino, Hotel & Entertainment

28 RGA Reinsurance Company of South Africa

Centre Timeless elegance

Limited cocktail party The Two Ocean’s Aquarium is a venue with a difference

30 UD Trucks Southern Africa Brand Day From conceptualisation through to execution, Event Wizards exceeded its client’s expectations

14 Innovation defined Chad Botha, owner of Inspire

SPEAKER’S CORNER 33 On the right track Unique Speaker Bureau has the right speaker for your next event

Furniture Hire and Sales, will help transform your

SUPPLIERS

event into a visual masterpiece

34 #unzipadventure Consider Canopy Tours for your

16 The dangers of greenwashing Angela Barer on

TALKING POINTS 49 EXSA New look and focus 50 AAXO What this year will bring 50 The MICE Academy Event planners take note 51 Travelbags Are you a successful event planner?

REGULARS 05 Ed’s letter The year of experiences 06 Tidbits Meetings’must-know minutia 26 Sound bite Southern Sun The Cullinan’s executive chef, Henrico Grobbelaar

next team build

FOCUS ON GREENING

FEATURED VENUEs 42 Johannesburg Expo Centre Why you should host

Event showcases

THE BIG INTERVIEW

2016/11/16 3:05 PM

BEST PRACTICE measure the return on investment of major events

27 20 Questions Compex’s Dean Gunningham 52 Miss Meet A good culture fit

ways to mitigate the risk of greenwashing

17 The seven sins of greenwashing

A to Z of why you need to host your event in South Africa page 11

18 Your business and the green concept Pascale Prinsloo on why greening needs to be a part of your lifestyle

19 A greenie’s guide to recycling exhibition waste Top ideas for innovative waste management solutions

20 Don’t pay more in 2017 Zoe van Niekerk on ways to ensure that you are carbon tax ready TOURISM

TOURISM

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Register NOW NOW Register www.ibtmafrica.com www.ibtmafrica.com Register NOW toattend attend to www.ibtmafrica.com to attend

partnership with: In In partnership In partnershipwith: with:

Supported by: Supported by:

Supported by:

ed's letter Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Content Marketer & Writer Annette Beyers Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Angela Barter, Helen Brewer,

Rod Cameron, Michelle Hinrichsen, Phumulani Hlatshwayo, Pascale Prinsloo, Zoe van Niekerk, Karmen Vladar and Carol Weaving Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Morgan Carter Client Services & Production Manager

Antois-Leigh Botma

Marketing Manager Mpinane Senkhane Production Coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising Ruth Baldwin +27 (0)11 233 2600 ruth@3smedia.co.za

published by No. 9, 3rd Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/75 www.3smedia.co.za Meetings January/February 2017 © Copyright. All rights reserved 2017. www.theplanner.guru subscription R300.00 per annum (incl. VAT) | subs@3smedia.co.za ISSN 1684-9264 NOTICE OF RIGHTS Meetings is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or associated professional bodies. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

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The year OF experiences

nd just like that, the festive season is over and we are starting to settle into 2017. This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the events industry. You will still be expected to do more with less, technology will have a huge role in keeping things fresh, and there will be a strong focus on venues, suppliers and planners working together to ensure successful events. It is important to become familiar with the trends that are going to shape the events industry in 2017, as this allows you to formulate your strategic plans and innovate in areas that require it. For me, the biggest trend you should focus on is creating experiences.

FOCUSING ON EXPERIENCES Events are no longer judged just on their revenues – engagement levels, overall participation and memorable experiences matter more than ever. Events are becoming more experiencebased and, as a result, the key is to engage attendees through the full life cycle of the event. According to eventgenioso.com, “Remaining relevant means adapting or upgrading your approach, technology and skill sets in order to entertain a broader spectrum of learning styles and to engage attendees on a deeper level.” With this in mind, the modus operandi in 2017 is to have your event architects, planners and marketers all brainstorm together to see what can be done to improve: • content delivery and immersion • interactions and networking • marketing opportunities for organisers, suppliers and attendees. It’s interesting to note the growing importance of the venue as part of the event experience. New and exciting locations are in high demand, with organisers looking for unconventional, intimate, extraordinary or downright crazy places to hold their next event. What do a

former potato shed, an old biscuit mill, and a converted warehouse have in common? These are places that don’t normally spring to mind when you think of event venues but, if used correctly, they can be the perfect places for events. With experiences comes breaking down barriers between event attendees. Event planners need to design experiences that challenge attendees’ way of thinking and encourage them to work in teams. “While Facebook, Twitter and Instagram remain omnipresent, it is still fundamentally important for people to communicate with each other face to face. That way, connections made at the event are more likely to continue and bring new business opportunities, which is the greatest value an event can offer,” states eventgenioso.com. Our industry is constantly evolving and if you do not embrace reinvention, you risk falling behind. My advice to you: stay up to date with what is happening in the industry, network at your association meetings, and continue to read Meetings. With all of this in your event planning arsenal, you will create memorable event experiences and stay on top of your game. May 2017 be your year,

Meetings’ must-know minutia NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK The President Hotel, one of Cape Town’s most beautiful urban resorts, has just launched its newly refurbished, state-of-the-art conference centre, making it the go-to location for your conferencing needs. The superior facilities include a refurbishment of imported, ergonomic wooden furniture from Germany, and top-ofthe-line sound and lighting in all the venues. Unlimited 200 Mbps Wi-Fi is available as well as cutting-edge AV technology, and exciting food and beverage menus. With the superior conferencing facilities including a dedicated fibre line, the hotel is the perfect location for online, content-driven product launches or high-end media events, with specially designed packages providing an uninhibited internet experience. The staff also received a makeover with new uniforms, inspired by Nelson Mandela and all the rich cultures of Africa. +27 (0)21 434 8111 l info@presidenthotel.co.za presidenthotel.co.za

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

CHEERS TO 2017 Think you’ve experienced the very best of what the World of Beer has to offer? Think again! It has introduced a new tour and it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. For the first time ever, you can now combine your visit to the World of Beer with a trip to SAB's Alrode Brewery, the largest brewery in Africa and, until very recently, the largest brewery in the southern hemisphere. Nothing can prepare you for the scale of Alrode and the sheer volume of beer that is produced there every single day. The numbers beggar belief. Alrode's plant size covers 25 rugby fields and 2.1 milion litres of beer is brewed per day, using 8 million litres of water in the process and producing up to 70 tonnes of steam per hour. To cover all of these beers, Alrode has to print 4.2 million labels every year or 75 000 labels per week. The brewery produces Castle, Carling Black Label, Hansa Pilsener, Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lite and Miller Genuine Draft. The tour, which includes a guided visit through both the World of Beer and the Alrode Brewery, as well as transport, refreshments and lunch, comes at a cost of only R380 per person. Please note that space is limited to 20 people per tour, making the experience perfect for small, personal gatherings or professional team-building events. +27 (0)11 836 4900 l events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com worldofbeer.co.za

6 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

While not all caterers, venues and restaurants will offer every dietary option available, event planners should be aware of the different options and diets out there. This allows them to be better prepared, even when the chef has no idea what a certain request entails. Here are some basics: • HALAAL These foods have to be slaughtered and prepared as prescribed by Islamic law. Venues and caterers in South Africa tend to cater for this request, as it is quite common. Please note that during the celebration of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. • KOSHER These foods are accepted by Jewish law as fit for eating and drinking. It is better to ask a professional chef about this restriction, as it involves not only the food but the style of preparation. This is quite common in South Africa and many venues and caterers do cater for this request. • VEGETARIAN This is a very popular diet and quite easy to accommodate. It simply does not include meat of any kind. Certain vegetarians also don’t eat eggs and/or dairy products • VEGAN Vegans don’t eat any food that comes from animals, including eggs and dairy. • NUT-FREE DIET This is usually related to an allergy and can be very severe. Take extra caution to ensure these attendees are appropriately accommodated. • GLUTEN- AND WHEAT-FREE DIET Although less common, some people’s gluten allergy could be very serious and should not be taken lightly. • WHEAT-FREE DIET Make sure you know which ingredients are restricted from this diet and whether they are included on your menu. Note that all gluten-free diets are wheat-free, but not all wheat-free diets are gluten-free. • BANTING DIET Banting is a low-carb, high-fat diet. There are many Banting-friendly products on the market. • PESCATARIAN This diet includes fish, but no other meats. www.theplanner.guru

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WHEN YOU NEED TO IMPRESS

THERE'S ONLY ONE

CHOICE

WHERE SOUTH AFRICA'S CONSTITUTION WAS BORN When choosing the venue for your next conference or special event, choose a glorious one. Choose a venue that offers you the option of all work and all play. A world-class venue with a conference and exhibition centre and various boardrooms for any kind of meeting or presentation, with facilities that cater for 8 to 3000 delegates, with world-class chefs and delicious menu options, and a choice of 26 elegantly appointed venues fitted with state-of-the-art technology including free wi-fi. Choose Emperors Palace with a Level 3 B-BBEE status and flexible facilities to suit your every need. Value-for-money is guaranteed. Choose the venue that offers award-winning three to five-star hotels, the finest in dining options and spectacular stage shows - right next door to O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Choose Emperors Palace. The Palace of Dreams.

To book your next event call Peermont Group Sales : +27 (0)11 928 1903 | sales@peermont.com | www.emperorspalace.com

cover story

A strong line-up of

HE'S BACK

arly in 2016, Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) welcomed back Meetings Africa, the continent’s largest business tourism event, which SCC has hosted since its inception in 2004. Last year, Meetings Africa attracted more than 271 exhibitors from 15 countries, 1 308 visitors and 207 international and African association hosted buyers.

Scheduled to return in May is the Arnold Classic Sports Festival, which held its inaugural event in May 2016 and was deemed a striking success, accommodating 48 different sporting codes, with 11 250 athletes and participants, and upward of 50 000 visitors. Added to this festival was a fitness and trade expo featuring 250 exhibitors. The event was attended by sporting celebrities, most notably Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, who made time to visit each sporting code. Also in attendance were the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura; MEC of Sport for Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko; and the Gauteng Sports Council, which ran the volunteer programme. The Arnold Classic gave a wide range of sporting codes the opportunity to participate on a national platform, attracting participants as well as potential participants and spectators. “The overall response to the festival was excitement and enthusiasm, which augurs very well for the 2017 Arnold Classic,” says Shaun Bird, GM for SCC.

THE YEAR AHEAD

BRINGING THE WORLD TO SOUTH AFRICA

SCC has some 50 other major local and international events scheduled for 2017, including 17 confex events, 11 exhibitions, 10 conferences, and numerous other special events and presentations, as well as six major events organised by associations and societies – Evolve (SA Rheumatology Association) Congress in February, Short-term Insurance Summit in March, ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Confex in September, Actuarial Society in October, the Africa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Expo in November, and the 13th PASCAR (PanAfrican Society of Cardiology) Congress, also in November.

Another inaugural event in 2016 returning to SCC in May 2017 is The Dubai Show, which promotes Dubai as an attractive investment and tourist destination for African investors and businesses. The China Homelife Fair, dubbed the biggest Chinese sourcing platform in South Africa, is also returning to SCC in August 2017. In a short six-week period during April and May 2016, SCC hosted four major global events that saw 7 000 room nights booked by the organisers in Sandton – the 2016 Forever Living Products International’s Global Rally, from 17 to 22 April; the Africa & Middle East Conference of the Junior Chamber International, from 4 to 7 May; an ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams) annual

global events

Sandton Convention Centre is enjoying strong growth in local and international events for 2017, on the back of a great 2016 that featured many first-time major global events as well as numerous repeat events

8 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

LET'S TALK NUMBERS So far this year, Sandton Convention Centre will host:

major local and international events:

confex events

exhibitions

conferences

special events and presentations

major events organised by associations and societies

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event, from 12 to 21 May; and the Arnold Classic Africa 2016 multisport festival and expo, from 27 to 29 May. The Forever Living Global Rally accommodated over 10 000 people who took part in meetings, training sessions, dinners, activities and sightseeing trips across Johannesburg and the Gauteng region. The Africa & Middle East Conference of the Junior Chamber International provided a prominent global platform for young business leaders, giving them the opportunity to participate in inspirational sessions, workshops, meetings, JCI programmes, training sessions, and fun events to share best practices, exchange ideas, and focus on solutions for their regions and how they can create positive change across communities. The conference accommodated 380 delegates as well as about 70 local young people who were invited to gain insight and learnings from their peers and industry leaders. The ICOLD 84th Annual Meeting hosted by the SA National Committee on Large Dams, accommodated 1 150 delegates from around the world and featured a significant technical content by way of one-day technical tours, symposia and workshops, and exhibition and study tours.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EXPERIENCES SCC’s impressive line-up of major events in 2016 continued with its third long-running consumer exhibition, The Gateway to Space: The Exhibition, which was the biggest exhibition to be held in South Africa and ran for two months through June and July. The exhibition was assembled by the US Space & Rocket Centre, an official NASA Visitor Centre, and shipped in 18 containers from Budapest, Hungary. It delivered an exciting space experience that included

a look inside the 15 m life-size model of the Mir space station, a Sputnik 1 model, a full-size lunar rover model, an Apollo capsule design for future space exploration, a chance to touch the moon, and 55 other exciting space exhibits. Also in June, the South African Property Owners Association elebrated its 50th Anniversary Convention & Property Exhibition in style at SCC for 1 300 delegates. The convention included a main plenary session and conference, other smaller meetings, and an exhibition. The three-day event culminated in a gala dinner, which served to recognise various areas of the property industry. COP17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ran from 24 September to 5 October and catered to about 2 000 delegates from 180 countries, as well as NGOs and civil society. The entire building was in use for the event, which featured a major conference and separate meetings for 10 days.

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS On a musical note, in September 2016, SCC again hosted the renowned two-day Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, South Africa’s oldest jazz festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017. More than 20 celebrated international jazz musicians enthralled thousands of fans on four stages in 35 captivating performances. “We’re seeing a shift towards people organising exhibitions and standalone events earmarked for specific industries and associations, and with the exchange rate in our favour, we’re also seeing a big upswing in South Africa as a destination of choice for people to host their events here," says Shaun. “We’re taking advantage of this trend and, in cooperation with SA Tourism, SANCB, the City of Joburg, and other convention bureaus, we’re getting the message out to the international community that South Africa is a world-class destination; it’s extremely attractive and affordable, offering all the facilities and services that you would expect in any world-class city, including a wealth of pre- and post-event activities. We’re building the area as a destination of choice for international exhibitions, events and conferences,” adds Shaun.

+27 (0)11 779 0000 l scc.info@tsogosun.com sandtonconventioncentre.com SandtonConventionCentre

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@SandtonEvents

THE HOME OF MEETINGS AFRICA At the official opening of Meetings Africa 2016, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom said that a competitive business events industry will improve the performance of tourism, and a successful and growing tourism industry will provide the means for socio-economic development on a vast scale. “People throughout Africa will benefit significantly from growing the tourism footprint through more jobs and more opportunities to become part of the tourism value chain. Meetings Africa brings Africa together and helps us move forward as a continent united through tourism.” He added that as the meetings and events segment contributes to the overall performance of the tourism sector in South Africa, it has huge potential to contribute to tourism growth in the country. Meetings Africa 2017, which will be held from 27 February to 1 March at SCC, will showcase offerings that range from best services to products that are synonymous with Africa, and that will promote Africa as a whole. “This event is about our continent at its best, it’s about putting our excellent tourism products and services on the world market – from our convention centres, hotels, lodges and restaurants to our professional conference organisers; from our banks, roads, airports and telecommunications infrastructure to our universities and colleges – it’s an opportunity for exhibitors to contribute to advancing Africa,” says Amanda KotzeNhlapo, chief convention bureau officer for SA National Convention Bureau, the owners of the event. Shaun Bird, GM of SCC comments, “Meetings Africa, as the showcase for Africa’s diverse offering of global meetings services and products, is an iconic industry event and one of SCC’s signature events every year. It highlights Africa’s steady climb in the world rankings as a preferred business destination – and we are proud to be the hosts.”

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

#lovesa

a to z of why you need to host your event in South Africa

Affordable The website Rough

Beaches From the golden

Guides Limited classifies South Africa as one of 20 afforable places to travel in the world. No matter where you go, there will always be something that fits your budget, especially if you’re coming from across the shore.

sands of Cape Vidal to the white sandy beach of Paternoster, South Africa’s coastline stretches more than 2 500 km. Whether you’re looking for a fishing spot, memorable surf, a nice long swim or a scenic sundowner spot, there’s a beach for every occasion.

Cape Town

Sir Francis Drake said it best when he wrote, “This cape is the most stately thing and fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the Earth.” Its rich history, cultural diversity, and magnificent scenery are only some of the reasons why The Telegraph has dubbed it the world’s best city.

Drakensberg This magnificent

mountain range stretches over 200 km and forms a natural border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. Nature

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lovers aren’t the only ones who will enjoy this mountain range. Horse trails, white-water rafting, canopy tours, hiking and visiting the San cave paintings are only some of the reasons why thousands of visitors are pulled in from all over the world annually.

Eish! More than just a catchphrase

Franschhoek Known as the

from a Klipdrift commercial, this word is used to express surprise, disbelief or outrage. This wonderful word will also plant itself deep into your vocabulary once you have to start eliminating potential event venues.

gourmet capital of the country, you will be invigorated by this small town’s charm. Eight of South Africa’s top restaurants can be found in Franschhoek, not to mention some of the country’s most esteemed wine farms. Whether you’re hosting a conference, wedding, incentive or simply entertaining clients, Franschhoek is sure to impress.

Grandeur If

you're looking for a truly upscale and distinctive place to stay, you'll find the creme de la creme within this country’s borders. Colonial villas, award-winning spas, five-star hotels – whatever suits your fancy.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Proclaimed to

be the oldest nature reserve in Africa, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park gained its fame for the role it played in saving the southern white rhino from extinction. The park is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal where each of

the big five game animals can be found, along with 86 other special species.

Indaba Derived from

Joburg Central According to

Zulu/Xhosa, indaba refers to a discussion or meeting. The term has become quite common in the South African events community and appears everywhere. The ones you want to pay attention to include the prestigious Indaba Hotel, Investing in African Mining Indaba, Design Indaba, Finance Indaba and Career Indaba, all of which attract a lot of media attention for good reason.

the 2016 Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index, Joburg is Africa’s most visited city and the city of gold wears its name well. If you dig a little deeper than the skyscrapers and urban blight, you’ll find that there’s always something to do and somewhere to go; the revival of the inner city is exposing a brighter, more vibrant side, just ready to be explored.

Kwaito When it comes to South African music, kwaito is king. It’s not simply music, it’s an expression of a uniquely South African culture for the very first generation to ascend into adulthood post-independence. So if you would like to experience true South African culture, put your dance shoes on, loosen those hips and follow the music. TO PAGE 12

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

s o u t h A f r i c a howzit! • sawubona • HEITA • aweh! • MOLO • dumela

Local is Lekker The one thing all

South Africans have in common is our pride. You can see that in the Springbok jerseys worn by window shoppers on a Saturday, or the Kaiser Chiefs bumper stickers decorating the cars on the highway, but most of all, you can see it on a multitude of products in every one of our stores. Proudly South African was established in 2001 to promote buying locally and, since then, hundreds of companies have joined the initiative. Promote local jobs, promote local development – look for the Proudly South African logo on your favourite products.

Mapungubwe Around AD 1050 to

1300, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe thrived as a trading hub. Gold, ivory, copper and exotic beads have been excavated in the (now) national park and can be viewed in a curated museum. If Limpopo province hasn’t ever been on your list of places to visit, this should be reason enough for it to be right at the top.

Nightlife The night owl in you will

Ostrich Yes, the animal. Ostriches

be happy to know that there is no shortage of activities once the sun goes down. On the contrary, whether you’re the type to party until all hours of the night or simply want a chilled evening with sundowners and a good dinner, there are hidden gems in every corner of this beautiful country.

might not exactly be considered a very special bird and we wouldn’t even really encourage you to go to an ostrich farm, but if given the opportunity – treat yourself to an expensive restaurant and order a piece of ostrich steak. You won’t regret it.

Pilgrim’s Rest Declared a National

Monument in 1986, Pilgrim’s Rest serves as a living remembrance of the early South African gold rush. If you’re a bit of a history buff, the museums, old church buildings and historic cemetery should have you intrigued already, but there’s a lot more to do in this quaint little town that should make it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Quirky If you are interested in the weird and wonderful things this world holds, South Africa has its fair share.

12 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

In fact, if you’re looking for something a little different in terms of accommodation, try these places: Butt Nothing, in Port Elizabeth, is self-catering naturist accommodation where you can enjoy your breakaway butt-naked; and Emoya Hotel & Spa, on the border of Bloemfontein, offers you a “shack” experience, complete with traditional clothing and putu pap. Then there are also a few historic castles, wigwams, oxwagons... basically anything you could think of to sleep in for a quirky experience.

Rhythm No offence to the rest of

the world, but rhythm was born on the African continent. So if you wish to host your event in South Africa, keep in mind that you need a bit of rhythm to enhance the experience. Just imagine the effect – vibrance, energy and colour – as the beats add a bit of rhythm to the air.

Soweto With a

history as colourful as the Orlando Towers, this is also a must-see if you want to learn more about South Africa and how it grew into the country it is today. History is not nearly the most interesting part about this place – South Africa’s most famous township. Experience the best of South African culture here through the upbeat music pumping through the streets, traditional food, local soccer matches and the amazing sense of community – before the day is done, you’ll be part of the family. It is also home to Vilakazi Street – the only street in the world that housed two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Traditional Cuisine We couldn’t

resist. We’ve mentioned the ostrich steak, putu pap and let you know where you can get some of these delicacies, but it’s important that this sinks in. South African cuisine is like nothing you’ve ever tried before, so make sure you stay far away from diets, never refuse an invitation and never resist the unfamiliar.

Uber

Now available in most major cities of South Africa, Uber simplifies your

transport needs. There are no car rental fees, no maps, no confusion and it gives you the opportunity to catch up on emails while being chauffeured around. Remember this little convenient app when your delegates need to travel to and from their hotel or the airport.

Variety South Africa really does

offer something for anyone’s taste. This gives you the chance to plan events as elaborate as the Chinese New Year or keep it sleek and simple. Whichever option you go with, there are also further possibilities in terms of budget and size.

Wildlife Whether on holiday,

planning an incentive trip or attending a conference in the big city, there are countless opportunities, all over the country, to see African wildlife. There are few things as beautiful as seeing a pride of lions standing at a waterhole as the sun sets and there is no better place to see this, and more, than Mzanzi.

Xolisa With 11 official languages,

Yebo Yes! That’s what your answer

there is no doubt you’ll pick up a few, Zulu, Afrikaans and Xhosa words during your stay, but this one is unique. Xolisa loosely translates to ‘bring about peace’, which you will most likely experience wherever you decide to venture in this country. Get reintroduced to the Milky Way as you sit under the stars at one of the many nature reserves, enjoy a quiet walk on the beach at Elands Bay, go for a picnic at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and forget you’re in the busy city – whatever you decide to do, embrace xolisa.

should be when asked if you’re hosting your next event in South Africa. Yebo to the bush adventure, yebo to the drum circle, yebo to skilpadjies, pap and wors, and yebo to the experience of a lifetime!

Zest Such a descriptive

little word, and it perfectly concludes this article. If you’re looking for that X-factor, the one thing that sets you apart from your competitors, then this is it! South Africa literally has it all, and you wouldn’t be able to get it more affordably anywhere else in the world.

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FancourtSA

fancourtsa

www.fancourt.com

For Bookings: +27 (0)44 804 0700 or reservations@fancourt.co.za

BIG interview

Innovation defined

Want your event to be a visual masterpiece? Chad Botha, owner of Inspire Furniture Hire and Sales, is the man you need.

he events and exhibitions industry is one of the most stressful in the world. There are constant curve balls and challenges. It is, therefore, very important to know your supplier and know who you can rely on if things go wrong. Inspire Furniture Hire and Sales is a supplier you can trust.

A LEADING COMPANY From its humble beginnings in a small warehouse, Inspire has become the market leader in the South African furniture rental industry in just two and a half years. The reason for this is simple. The Inspire team is headed by industry veteran Chad Botha, who has guided his team in creating a company that understands what makes the events and exhibitions industry tick. “Inspire works with individuals and organisations alike who have an ongoing need to hire or buy exceptional and innovative furniture. We maintain an impressive client listing, which is always expanding, and have formed lasting relationships with other industry leaders,” says Chad. The team prides itself on working closely with each individual client in order to deliver state-ofthe-art events. No matter the requirement, rest

14 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

“Inspire has invested just over R9 million in new stock for 2017. This means that we have added extensively to our furniture offerings. We have the biggest range on offer. Clients can rest assured that we will have the furniture they need for their next event.”

assured – Inspire can deliver and will exceed your expectations.

INDUSTRY LEADER Chad knows that the success of Inspire lies in his team. “Although I believe it is important to be a leader, I firmly believe that we are all a team

and everyone is equal. Although we all have different skills, I believe that each person is just as important as the other,” says Chad. “I do not believe I am a typical manager in any way. I do not have a separate office space. I treat everyone as equals. I believe I lead from the front and I would never expect anyone to do something that I am not prepared to do. If we are short of drivers and I need to drive a truck, I will do it. Although I expect people to respect my position, they must do so because of the person that I am, not because of the position,” adds Chad. With this philosophy and his passion for the industry, Chad has attracted a team of dedicated professionals that are proud to be part of the Inspire family. “I am passionate about what I do; I live and breathe my job. I am very open to trying new ideas and listening to other people’s ideas and contributions. I am also able to adapt to change and develop new products,” Chad explains. His ability to understand the market has resulted in Inspire investing heavily in technology and infrastructure. This means that the company will be able to provide its clients with innovative solutions for their events. “Inspire has invested just over R9 million in new stock for 2017. This means that we have added extensively to our furniture offerings. We have the biggest range on offer. Clients can rest assured that we will have the furniture they need for their next event,” says Chad.

WORKING FOR YOU Inspire continues to improve its systems and

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#successstory

THE MAKINGS OF A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR Chad Botha, owner of Inspire Furniture, shares his advice and secrets on building a business. MY FIRST TASTE IN THE EVENTS INDUSTRY was erecting marquees in the UK. When I was much younger, I backpacked across the world for six years, doing all types of work – from cleaning toilets, to construction, to driving trucks and buses. I even ran a restaurant in Hong Kong. I loved doing different types of jobs and working at different places meeting new people. In 1989, I had just arrived back in the UK from Israel and I saw a job advertised for a marquee erector. I applied and immediately got the job. I will never forget the first night. We worked until 11 pm that night putting up marquees in the rain. I have never been so cold in my life. I worked at the company for nine months and this is where my passion for the industry started. MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT is when I finish a job and I know that my work processes, and is continually finding new ways to provide a seamless service to the events industry. “What makes this job so exciting for me is that not a week goes by where I do not have to come up with a creative solution. There is always a different angle or challenge, and you are dealing with different types of personalities all time,” says Chad, who has been involved in hundreds of successful events over the years. “The focus for us this year is to continue to do what we do best, have fun doing it and move forward to stand out as the market leader,” concludes Chad. For a memorable and beautiful event, don’t forget to choose from Inspire Furniture Hire and Sales’ extensive range of furniture.

inspirefurniture.co.za GAUTENG +27 (0)76 644 0271 info@inspirefurniture.co.za Western Cape +27 (0)73 893 0315 cpt@inspirefurniture.co.za

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contributed to the success of that event. A stand-out event for me was the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I had just started First Impressions and we were awarded the job to supply all the furniture for the Sony events. A lot of the furniture the client required was not available locally and had to be imported. We had finalised all our orders and had about 10 days’ leeway; however, at the time, the dock workers went on strike and all the shipments were delayed. At that stage, I thought, “This is it – it’s over for us.” We would not be able to deliver and we would go out of business. I had to go to plans B and C. Luckily for us, with just two days to go, the stock was released. My staff and I worked round the clock to ensure that all the furniture was delivered to the various venues on time. It was the equivalent of moving 100 houses over two days and we managed to pull it off.

MY GREATEST SKILLS are my abilities to make decisions quickly and multitask. I am able to assess situations, make a call and move forward with it. I am not scared of change and I adapt to situations very quickly. It is important to have situational awareness and know what is going on – while I talk to someone at an event, I am listening and watching what is going on around me, trying not to miss a potential business opportunity.

MY KEY DRIVER OF SUCCESS is communication. Communication is one of the most, if not the most, important aspect of business. I believe in sharing information, not holding on to things and, most important, centralising your information systems. There is much duplication happening in business and a good communication network alleviates this. I believe in having regular meetings, sharing different experiences with the staff, whether good or bad, on a daily basis as well as letting people know how you feel about things. I am a firm believer that you must communicate continually with clients. MY ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY is that you must be passionate about it and be prepared to work long hours. It is highly pressurised – one of the most stressful industries in the world. Learn the industry from the ground up – there is nothing that can replace experience. You can do all the courses available but the best way to learn is from people already in the industry – ask questions and learn from them. MY ADVICE ON STAYING Relevant IN OUR INDUSTRY is to adapt to change, develop new products and continually change. Never become complacent or arrogant – there is always someone out there who will become your competition. There is no room for “I think”, ‘I thought so” or “I assume”. It is either “I know” or “I don’t know and I will find out”. MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

FOCUS ON

The dangers of

greenwashing Angela Barter shares ways to mitigate the risk of greenwashing when communicating your environmental ethos.

ver the past decade, the media and internet have helped create global awareness about key environmental issues, creating a shift in attitude and behaviour among consumers and investors. Seeking value and deeper insight into a company’s long-term sustainability objectives and activities, attentive consumers and investors want to know that the company they

are supporting is not profiting at the expense of the environment or people (such as employees or related communities). The “green” consumers and investors are so mindful and supportive of environment-related issues that they will switch brands, even at a higher cost. This change has prompted many companies to move towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, while also changing the

GREEN GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATION SUCCESS Here are a few guidelines that could help you define your environmental communication messages: • Use clear and understandable language, avoiding vague terms such as “eco,” “green” or “natural”. Also, refrain from misleading, green imagery. • Ensure your environmental claims are based on a specific and genuine

benefit or advantage to the environment and can be substantiated scientifically or by reasonable rationale. • Be factual, honest and truthful. Don’t imply environmental benefits or make irrelevant environmental claims. • Ensure the communication is consistent with the company’s ethics and culture. For example,

16 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

choose marketing materials that limit waste and are environmentally responsible. • Be transparent – provide further information regarding environmental claims on your packaging, as well as through your website, service department or call centre. • Report on the right materiality issues – sustainability reports should go beyond legal compliance.

way they communicate their environmental ethos and actions to stakeholders. As a result, an increasing number of companies want to promote the environmental attributes and green claims of their products and services to capture the attention and loyalty of consumers and investors. This, unfortunately, has given rise to the unethical practice of greenwashing.

GREENWASHING AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS Greenwashing, as defined by Greenpeace, is the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. Sometimes, greenwashing is not done out of malice but instead due to ignorance of environmental issues and laws. It can also be a result of poorly conceived communication efforts, which lead to the promotion of false or misleading environmental claims. The repercussions of exposed greenwashing can cause: • irreparable brand and reputational damage • negative publicity • loss of stakeholder trust and investor confidence.

MOVING BEYOND GREENWASHING Greenwashing is a dangerous gamble with a company's reputation. Inaccurate environmental or green claims or simply

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#gogreen

7 SINS OF GREENWASHING

Sin of the Hidden Tradeoff, committed by suggesting a product is green based on an unreasonably narrow set of attributes, without attention paid to other important environmental issues.

Sin of Worshiping False Labels, committed when a claim, communicated either through words or images, gives the impression of a third-party endorsement where no such endorsement exists.

COMMUNICATION The number one rule is to engage in honest communication. Solid, verifiable evidence that the company's ethics and culture are consistent with their green claims is the very foundation of a sustainable communications campaign. In fact, genuine, measurable environmental initiatives, extending throughout all operations of the business, are a way to build confidence, trust and loyalty among consumers and investors. Done correctly and holistically, sustainable communication is an investment in brand building and reputation enhancement. It will help to: communicate your green initiatives to the right audience with passion, sincerity and integrity; better connect with consumers and investors; encourage environmental stewardship; and tap into the rapidly growing green economy.

A version of this article by Angela Barter originally published on the global, collaborative blog, PR Conversations (prconversations.com) in July 2016.

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Angela Barter is a widely respected PR specialist and sustainable communications strategist. She holds a PGD in environmental management from Stellenbosch University. Angela is also a GCX-qualified residential eco-auditor and carbon footprint analyst certificate-holder. She has sound insight into social, economic and environmental sustainability. She is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa and is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner.

Sin of No Proof, committed

Sin of Vagueness,

by an environmental claim that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information or by reliable third-party certification.

committed by every claim that is so poorly defined or broad that its real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the consumer.

Sin of Irrelevance,

Sin of Lesser of Two Evils,

committed by making an environmental claim that may be truthful but which is unimportant or unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable products.

committed by claims that may be true within the product category, but that risk distracting consumers from the greater environmental impact of the category as a whole.

7 Sin of Fibbing, the least frequent sin, is committed by making environmental claims that are simply false. Source: sinsofgreenwashing.com

Need help? The Event Greening Forum (EGF) aims to promote sustainability within the events sector. +27 (0)82 891 5883 eventgreening.co.za

Image: Heather Yaxley

glossing a “green sheen” over advertising and public relations communications could create a significant risk of negative publicity and irreparable brand damage when greenwashing is exposed.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

FOCUS ON

Your business and the green concept For Pascale Prinsloo, greening is not just a colour, but a lifestyle.

he future of the MICE (meetings,

incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector is a hot topic at the moment. With political uncertainty on the rise and its impact on the economy, businesses face tough decisions for 2017. One trend that has stuck around is the conscientious consideration of the environment and going green – these have increasing importance in business strategy. Greening is listed among the many 2017 trends to focus on and comprises social and environmentally sound business practices that are sustainable and responsible. While the road from paper to digital is paved with good intentions, businesses’ focus should be on long-term green strategies that involve altering behaviours instead of quick fixes. The integrated business strategy that formerly saw green practice as an add-on now calls for a comprehensive holistic approach to business – from IT and e-waste management through to operations and the move to a paperless environment. Integration is more than a smart business strategy but the collective effort of the industry as a whole. Confronting the traditional paper-pushing culture is a daunting challenge. The decision to lead by example has a definitive impact internal processes, product offering and client interactions, and companies can focus on these points to achieve a fully integrated, green business model.

productivity levels. Change in an organisation is never easy but it is essential to remain relevant in a highly competitive market. Companies can begin with the introduction of second screens to reduce printed material and streamline operations – initially a struggle turned into second nature.

ECO PRODUCT OFFERINGS are becoming popular. Many suppliers have come to the table with regard to thinking green - from LED lighting and low-energy devices in audiovisual through to seeded paper that can be planted into flowers or vegetables. Suppliers are continuously innovating and it’s become our job to be aware of such offerings to sell to clients, slowly changing the mindset through the supply chain. CLIENT INTERACTIONS are complex in nature,

INTERNAL PROCESSES are constantly evolving to adapt to changing trends and

18 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

as their decisions impact not only your bottom line but your company’s application of green

policy as well. Brands with purpose are arguably more attractive; customers buy into the why more than the “what”. Leading by example is a strategy followed by many prominent brands; presenting your next proposal on tablets rather than printed documents shows a commitment to your green policy. Changing behaviour is arguably a two-sided coin: external stakeholders (clients and suppliers) on the one side and internal stakeholders (employees) on the other. Collectively taking preemptive action towards a more sustainable business model can see greater rewards for the industry and its contributors as a whole. Pascale Prinsloo is the creative coordinator: Marketing and Social Media for Tourvest Incentives, Meetings and Events. She is passionate about substainability.

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focus on

A greenie’s guide:

Recycling exhibition waste J By virtue of the temporary nature of its projects, the exhibition industry tends to be a wasteful business sector. This makes the introduction of innovative waste management solutions essential.

ustin Hawes, managing director of exhibition and events specialist Scan Display, believes that industry players would be remiss not to pursue ways to reduce and recycle waste. “We really need to make sure that we’re not being wasteful as an industry, and sometimes small changes make a significant impact. We also make sure we offer intelligent solutions that take into account our carbon footprint as a business, and work with partners that help us to practise what we preach,” says Justin. In the last few years, the company has implemented many green practices in its offices and warehouses, partnering with the following organisations to recycle its waste and make it more sustainable:

INTERWASTE Scan Display’s Cape

Town office uses the services of Interwaste to sort through all the waste generated in the production facility. The company ensures that waste generated by companies is recycled rather than sent to landfill.

SEALAND GEAR Sealand Gear upcycles items - they create bags, accessories and clothing from durable materials. Scan Display sends all its Poly-Twill prints to Sealand Gear in Cape Town. These graphics often have

colourful images and Sealand Gear is able to use the fabrics for clothing and accessories.

THE SOWETO SEWING COMPANY Scan Display supplies The Soweto Sewing Company with old graphics panels and banners for upcycling. Scan Display has supported The Soweto Sewing Company for the last 12 years, providing the team with space at its Newtown factory and commissioning it to make the company’s corporate gifts.

STAY GREEN

In addition to working with local companies and communities that help the company recycle its waste, Scan Display is a founding member of the Event Greening Forum. The Event Greening Forum is a nonprofit organisation that aims to promote sustainability within the events sector.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

i n ex hi b i t i on s a n d events

l e a de rs in in n ov a t iv e g re e n s ol ut ions

Modulbox outdoor

Fabric booths

Exhibition stands

Johannesburg +27 11 447 4777

Modulbox indoor

Cape Town +27 21 409 1200

Mo5

Durban +27 31 564 7602

Wing

Port Elizabeth +27 73 236 6618

Justin Hawes | justin@scandisplay.co.za | www.scandisplay.co.za

Gaborone +267 318 2525

Value Creators

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FOCUS ON

Don’t pay more in 2017 Zoe van Niekerk shares four ways to ensure that you are carbon tax ready.

he South African government is preparing to introduce carbon tax in early 2017, with the aim of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon tax will penalise companies and individuals that emit high levels of carbon, and should motivate the switch to clean energy. Carbon emissions are produced from a variety of sources, although the most common sources are burning coal, oil, and natural gas to generate energy for power and transportation. According to Franz Rentel, country director at Climate Neutral Group, electricity emissions are higher in South Africa than the rest of the world, because our power stations use coal to generate electricity. Franz recently spoke about how to organise a carbon-neutral event at the Meetings Africa Green Training, organised by the Event Greening Forum. The global meetings, events and conferences sector makes a big impact on climate change, with more than 70% of an event’s carbon emissions produced by transportation. Although it is difficult to eliminate carbon emissions from an event completely, there are four steps one should bear in mind during event preparations.

SET GOALS AND TARGETS

Before the event, set climate goals. Find out what you want to achieve by asking questions. Once the goals have been defined, one needs management’s buy-in. This is key to ensuring a successful lowcarbon event.

Buying carbon credits and supporting local community projects like Wonderbag help to offset an event’s carbon footprint

GAIN INSIGHT

COMMUNICATE

Collect data before, during and after the event. This will provide meaningful insight into the event’s carbon footprint. It will enable one to set benchmarks and will highlight what areas need greater attention going forward.

Communication is vital during the entire process. It is not just about educating suppliers and delegates beforehand, but about ensuring that the green message is communicated until completion of the project. In addition, one should share insights and challenges so that others can learn from your experience and incorporate this information into their events. There has been a recent shift, with organisers, venues and suppliers recognising that events do not have to make a large negative impact on the environment. They can play a positive role by becoming low-carbon or even carbon-neutral gatherings.

Once the carbon footprint of the event has been determined, establish which carbon offset programme(s) will be supported. There are a variety of projects that can be used, including tree planting, buying carbon credits, and supporting a local community project like Wonderbag or Cookstoves.

TAKE ACTION

Zoe van Niekerk is a committe member of the Event Greening Forum. She is also the marketing manager for Scan Display. Zoe is committed to ensuring sustainability.

20 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017 www.theplanner.guru

best practice

The value of meetings Business events play a major contributing role to a country’s GDP. Rod Cameron takes a look at ways to measure the ROI of major events.

ver the past decade, it has become increasingly apparent that, far from simply being an offshoot of the tourism industry, the business of attracting and hosting business events is, in reality, a major contributor to global economic, academic and professional development that contributes in a direct and significant way to a wide range of government policy objectives. The full range of benefits arising from events is never going to be easy to measure with exact precision – but these still need to be taken into account in order to make good investment decisions. The challenge is how to measure the return on investment in as realistic a way as possible. The starting point is a realisation that the myriad of organisations and associations that count meetings, conventions and exhibitions among their key organisational responsibilities don’t do so in order to spend their members’ money on meeting facilities and hotel accommodation. The real reason they support these events is because of what they achieve in terms of business, professional and organisational advancement – and this is where

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the greatest benefits lie for governments and communities as well.

WHY IS ALL OF THIS IMPORTANT? Getting into the game of hosting major events requires a significant investment, usually in terms of developing competitive facilities – and the investor needs to know what they’re getting in return. So, how does one adjust the value model to reality? It begins by recognising that there are three separate value components, each of which requires a somewhat different approach to measurement.

1. PROFITABILITY OF FACILITIES This area takes a lot of attention because it is the most immediate interface with the owner and, in today’s competitive industry, not always the most positive measure. But the point here is that there are few areas where those who generate the majority of the benefit actually pay for the privilege of doing so, to the point where centres, at worst, only require a modest subsidy to secure the range of other benefits associated with events.

2. EVENT-RELATED SPENDING This calculation is a bit more complicated because it reaches out into so many different sectors but, today, it is readily achieved by any number of economic impact assessment models available, which simply extrapolate the associated spending and uncover the real impact it has on income, jobs and derived tax revenues. The results – while highly reliable – are often startling to those who think in terms of only the immediate incomes derived by suppliers like venues.

3. EVENT OUTPUTS These are not just directly economic policy-related – although they include such impacts as inward investment, talent attraction, knowledge transfer and innovation creation that directly benefit the host community. They also include advancements that impact many other areas of government policy and responsibility like healthcare, education and employment readiness but, unlike the first two measures, these are more complex to measure. As a result, while easily of the greatest value to a host destination, these outputs have long been ignored for just that reason.

Rod Cameron is president of Criterion Communications Inc., and serves as an executive director of the Joint Meetings Industry Council and AIPC.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

best practice

10 ways to negotiate fantastic deals with venues

1 2 3 4 5

DO RESEARCH

Do your homework thoroughly; you need to be able to jump into negotiations with full knowledge of what you need and how a venue can accommodate your needs – make sure you know the venue (including all the rooms, spaces and preferred suppliers), your event and your programme (even if it’s a draft of what the programme is going to be) and evaluate your event thoroughly. Make sure you know who the venue’s competition is and what they offer, because it acts as a brilliant bargaining chip. Something else that could potentially work to your advantage is the sales cycle – is it nearly the end of the month or the end of a quarter? Then you may be able to negotiate a better price purely on the fact that they need to close a sale before the cycle closes.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BEST RATE

KNOW YOUR REAL VALUE

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY

When negotiating costs, keep in mind that you need to look beyond the rate of the venue. You need to look at your event costs as a whole – space, catering, accessibility, availability (time-wise), AV and parking. The lowest price isn’t necessarily the best value. Something that might help you evaluate the package the venue offers lies in the concessions – is there Wi-Fi accessibility, does your package include staff meals, and will you have to pay extra for a staff working room, or is that included in the cost? All of these factors give you a better idea of what you’re paying for and whether you’re actually getting your money’s worth at this particular venue.

During the research phase, you need to find out what the total value of your event is. Take into consideration everything from PR to marketing and promotions. Now consider how valuable this event is to the venue. If you’re going to bring in thousands of people, the venue will benefit from your marketing efforts. As an expert in the industry, you can even negotiate on-site training for less-experienced venue staff members.

Understandably, most venues won’t be able to offer you exceptional rates during peak season, but this is why you need to try to work with the venue’s peaks and troughs. Talk to the venue before you confirm a date. Sometimes, a week can make thousands of rands’ difference, so flexibility in terms of when you book the event could very well be a great idea.

22 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

HITCH A RIDE Many venues have multiple events happening at the same time or directly after one another, so if you can plan this well in advance, you could potentially build your event around another event. The easiest way to do this is to make use of the AV installations and production set-up that they’ve already implemented. This can be arranged through the supplier or the other event’s manager, and could help you and the other event manager save on costs.

As an event planner, negotiating with venues can be particularly challenging. Booking a venue at the right price has an enormous effect on your event as a whole – it can make or break your budget. So, how do you negotiate a killer deal with your desired venue? www.theplanner.guru

6 7 8 9 10 BUILD THE RELATIONSHIP

It’s always a lot easier to negotiate with someone with whom you have established a relationship. So, never pass up on an opportunity for a face-toface meeting – it allows you to build a relationship. Focus on the long-term relationship with your venue manager – connect with them with the aim of continuance. Consider the supplier’s perspective – when there is any type of issue, consider their standpoint. How does this issue affect them and how can you work together to solve the problem so both parties benefit? The aim is to work on multiple pieces of business together, so this should be the start of your business relationship – be their partner in support, promotion, PR, marketing and training.

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CONSOLIDATE

When you’re negotiating, don’t talk about a single piece of business – discuss multiple pieces of business. Often, these kinds of talks lead to greater discounts and a better relationship with your venue manager. As an event manager, you might have a few different events coming up, all of which could benefit from what the venue has to offer, so put the suggestion out there. Or, if you’re organising an event for a company that hosts the same event annually, discuss booking in advance for a few years. Build on this idea by negotiating discounts and concessions in exchange for deliverables such as revenues, marketing support and staff training.

READ YOUR CONTRACT

Pay attention to the contract and read it thoroughly before signing. Certain concessions are unnecessary and the exclusion thereof could save you quite a bit of money. Cancellation clauses are also an important thing to go through. The likelihood of cancellation might be zero, but you need to be sure of the implications.

DON’T LIE!

ASSUME NOTHING

Part and parcel of building a strong relationship with venue management is to establish a sense of reliability, professionalism and trustworthiness. So, don’t exaggerate the value or the size of your event. It sets a standard of what they can expect from you and will influence the future of your relationship significantly.

Ask as many questions as you can think of so that you’re absolutely sure of anything that might be important to the success of your event. When you get answers to these questions, keep quiet, make notes and be sure you understand everything that was said. Sometimes, something as simple as this could prevent unnecessary cost incursion.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

best practice

Event apps after the hype For Karmen Vladar, 2017 will be the year of event apps.

ave you heard? Apparently apps are dead. Despite Apple’s App Store turning over revenue of $70 billion, people are downloading fewer apps than they used to and there’s a certain apathy towards them these days. And yet, at Lumi, we believe event apps are set to thrive again. It all comes down to what IT analyst firm Gartner describes as the hype cycle. It might sound like some crazy new mode of transport, but it actually refers to the journey technology goes on, which – like life – has its ups and downs.

HYPE CYCLE In this hype cycle, an emerging technology is new and exciting. It’s creating a buzz and people are talking about it, until, at some point, the talk becomes clichéd and predictable. Then the enthusiasm plummets. Gartner calls this stage the trough of disillusionment – a current example might be Pokemon Go and augmentedreality technology. However, this stage is basically where the success stories are sorted from the also-rans. Developers correct early failures, second- and third-generation products arrive and the market crystallises. Technologies that come out the other side can be confident of mainstream adoption. They’re on what’s called the slope of enlightenment, heading towards the plateau of productivity and broad market acceptability. So, where do event apps find themselves on this scale? Well, even though Lumi has been developing one of the event app’s precursors – handheld keypads – for more than 25 years, it’s generally accepted that the main trigger for the

event app was around four or five years ago. Apps were a big deal, expectations were high and the event app hit the hype high spot. In 2013, Event App Bible assessed more than 300 event apps available. However, the landscape had become too competitive, with too many apps offering the same thing. Some saw it as technology just for the sake of it. Eventually, the event app fell into the trough of disillusionment. But, the story doesn’t end there. I firmly believe the event app is on the up, with mainstream adoption assured. In fact, I’d place it well on its way towards the plateau of productivity. And here’s why:

THE NEED FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Engagement is a hot topic. Business event organisers expect their attendees to be engaged in their meeting or conference and, as such, they search high and low to find something to keep their audiences’ attention. More often than not, this involves technology. This need for greater audience engagement has multiple roots. Personal technologies – smartphones, tablets and the like – have reduced our attention span and, increasingly, we look for immersive experiences to keep us hooked and interested. In particular, millennials have grown up with video games and virtual reality, and the promise of the four-generational workplace will demand even greater thought and diversity. Baby boomers working alongside employees born in the 1990s, with two generations of workers in between, will

24 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

TRUTH vs PERCEIVED OPINION We live in an age where group-think is increasingly prevalent, and there are many experiments that show how we’re influenced by others in our views. So, imagine you’re in a meeting with your superiors. They share an idea with you, but you fundamentally disagree with them. We’ve all been there. What do you do? Share your honest opinion or hold back? Chances are that, more often than not, you’ll err on the side of caution and say nothing. And, despite what you might think, social media also reinforces these inhibitions. The Facebook concepts of “friends” and “likes” herd us into clusters with like-minded people. It sounds great but, in reality, we’re only listening to people who validate our own opinion. So, the need to speak out has never been greater. But why is it relevant to events? When someone feels too inhibited to give their candid view – for personal, political or business reasons – it steers the world in a certain direction.

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Transform events forever Technology to energise and connect your audiences

bring with them different values, working styles and motivations. This makes the job of keeping an audience engaged a greater challenge than ever.

www.lumiglobal.com Gauteng: + 27 87 806 4284 Western Cape: + 27 21 554 4964

need reliable VENUEs?

You only have to consider the recent Brexit vote in the UK and the US election and the shock expressed at the results to see the effect when one group is out of kilter with another. This can be even more likely to happen in a corporate setting, where everybody is thinking too much about their own career to voice their real opinion. Many may disagree with the company line, but keep their views to themselves. As a result, they say less and feel their opinion doesn’t matter, falling into a spiral of silence. The results can be farreaching, from a loss of productivity to high staff turnover and a lack of cohesive drive towards business goals.

survival of the app Returning to the event app – how do these trends point towards the plateau of productivity? Well, it’s clear that for an event app to survive and reach this point, it must provide: Engagement – to keep audiences interested; Flexibility – to enhance engagement; Anonymity – to move away from group-think; Simplicity – to ensure broad uptake. When an event app incorporates these four qualities, it will become just as accepted at a conference or event as a writing pad, pen or drink of water – no hype, but no fuss or worries for the organiser either.

FAST FACTS 14.1 million

The number of smartphone users in South Africa in 2016 statista.com

Reported selfie-related deaths since 2014. Priceonomics

The 2016 South African Social Media Landscape study conducted by World Wide Worx and Fuseware has revealed that Instagram has seen immense growth over the last year, and that Facebook is now used by a quarter of the South African population. In South Africa there are:

13 million Facebook users

7.4 million Twitter users

Karmen VLADAR is a selfproclaimed tech junkie and strong advocate for improving communication and measurement at conferences and events. She is the marketing manager at LUMI.

www.theplanner.guru is the place to find them

8.28 million YouTube users

2.68 million Instagram users

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

In addition to finding top quality venues, www.theplanner.guru highlights various planning tools that you can use. It will also provide you with innovative concepts, creative designs and event trends. With e-books, case studies, webinars and infographics, there is no need to go anywhere else for the information you need and the suppliers you want.

SOUND BITE

A dash of creativity Let award-winning chef Henrico Grobbelaar take you on a culinary journey that will delight the senses.

ow has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? The industry has taken a massive leap forward. There is much better and more advanced equipment available, which modern kitchens cannot do without. There has also been a much greater global influence and a huge range of imported produce becoming available.

What are some of the current trends in the food and beverage industry?

are very easy to prepare and you can add almost anything to them.

What is your number one catering tip? Plan well in advance.

What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? My Thermomix. What dish are you asked to make most often? Jus. What is your favourite food and why? Chicken,

About Chef HENRICO

There is a remarkable rise of turmeric as a trending ingredient, with its antioxidant capabilities, as well as the use of carrots for the beta-carotene. I think another trend will be cutting out dairy as well as increasing the consumption of dark chocolate and reducing the butcher’s yield. And, lastly, there is an increasing focus on vegetables.

because it is a lean protein.

What is the proudest moment in your career as a chef? Winning the San Pellegrino

Are there any foods you just don’t like? Not really. If it

International Young Chef of the World award in 2009 in Italy.

What is the primary mistake people make when catering for conferencing? Including

What is your favourite food memory? My mother’s

starch items like Danish pastries, croissants, muffins, mini pies and the like on the menu, as these foods actually drain energy.

How can one present “plain” food to make it look appealing to delegates? I would suggest cutting the food into smaller pieces and stacking it as high as possible.

What is your favourite dish to make? Ramen noodles. They

is edible, then it is cookable.

Did you eat your veggies as a child? Yes, my dad is sixfoot-seven, so there was no argument there.

What are your favourite foods to cook with? Assorted vegetables.

What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?

Turkish chicken.

Quail – they are so small and very tricky to work with.

What is one ingredient you can’t cook without?

Who in the food world do you most admire? Luke

Olive oil.

Dale Roberts. He has broken every boundary in the South African food industry over the past few years and, despite his countless accolades, he remains incredibly humble.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef? The first day I saw a chef jacket. I grew up not being exposed to those kinds of things and one day I saw a chef in uniform and he just looked so trendy. It seemed to me like the perfect uniform.

26 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

What would be your “Death Row” meal, as Anthony Bourdain puts it? A glass of milk.

Henrico Grobbelaar is one of South Africa's most creative and celebrated young chefs, with a long list of accolades and an enviable resume, which includes: Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2009, San Pellegrino International Young Chef of the World 2009, executive chef to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland 2010, 2010 FIFA World Cup, captain of the South African IKA Culinary Olympics team in 2008, 2012 and 2016, and part of the national culinary team since 2005. Henrico didn’t always want to be a chef; he wanted to be an engineer. Although the crisp, white chef’s jacket always held some type of mystery and fascination, he qualified as a polymer engineer in 2001. Swimming against the tide, Henrico made the seemingly radical decision to exchange a career in engineering for that of chef, and hasn’t looked back since. Instead of enrolling at a chef’s academy, he peeled vegetables for three years under Australian chef Michael Bridgeman, as an apprentice chef. He then joined Garth Stroebel and Paul Hartmann at what was then their brand-new South African Culinary Academy, and graduated top of the class. Under Stroebel and Hartmann, the world of cuisine revealed itself to be every bit as rich and exacting as he had anticipated. His rise to fame hasn’t been meteoric. It has been steady and consistent. After more than a decade in the industry, Henrico joined Southern Sun The Cullinan in February 2016 as executive chef.

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INNOVATION BEGINS HERE

World-class conferences and events at Cape Town's leading business destination

overview

The home of unforgettable events Century City Conference Centre and Hotel has been praised as one of the Western Cape’s best business events assets. One visit to the centre and it is easy to see why.

reating personal experiences for guests is of extreme importance to joint CEOs Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor, who travel extensively around the world in an effort to stay up to date with the latest meeting and event trends. “There is no doubt that we offer a world-class service at the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel,” says Gary. The versatility of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel is proving to be the distinguishing factor in the growing interest in the venue. According to Gary the ability to take over the entire centre for an event is an especially attractive offering. “Companies are showing significant interest as the venue allows them to not only host a large number of delegates under one roof but they can also brand the entire facility while exhibiting to their specific target market,” he says. The venue was designed with this exact purpose in mind. “It was designed with the conference organiser in mind, which ensures the versatility and functionality of the space, but, at the same time, we also made sure that it spoke directly to the needs of the delegates attending conferences,” he adds. Organisers of corporate or association conferences, exhibitions and confexes are viewing the centre as their first choice thanks to the space being easy to work in, says Glyn.

Century City Conference Centre

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AN EXPERIENCE At the same time, with two hoteliers at the helm, it is no longer just a space. “All conference centres sell space and, for the most part, they are functional and work well.We ensured that we could tick that box, but we take it a step further,” says Glyn. “We sell an experience. Every last detail is carefully attended to, making sure the delegate has a memorable event.” Gary agrees, “The centre has all the features we believe set us apart from any other conference venue in South Africa.We believe, without a doubt, that we have put the needs of event planners first.This, coupled with our incredible flexibility, offers clients a blank canvas to treat the venue as an extension of their own brand.”

A SUCCESSFUL 2016 And the figures are backing up this statement. Several large international associations have committed to hosting their conferences at the centre in 2017, while inquiries into the facility and what it offers are increasing. Century City Conference Centre and Hotel has put its money where its mouth is, and is proving to be the premier venue to host a conference in Cape Town.The new kid on the block has already exceeded its target of 50 000 delegates in the first year of operation, having met the target set for the year within eight months of first opening its doors. According to Glyn, the immediate interest in the conference centre saw the initial mandate of creating an additional event and meeting space for the domestic market needing to be revised to incorporate the vast international events sector, with the result being that business is booming.With at least 60% of 2017’s operating budget already booked and forward bookings already into 2020, the centre has managed to ensure that several corporate conferences are returning to

www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

Cape Town rather than rotating, as is the norm, to other venues both locally and internationally.

REPEAT BUSINESS “This is a major coup for the centre,” says Glyn.“Return conferences are a significant win as these events usually work on a rotational basis and they don’t usually rotate to the same country, much less the same city, within a certain time period.This is a very positive development. At least 35% of the conferences that took place in 2016 have booked again in 2017.” Gary attributes this to the high level of focus placed on event planners and guests at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel.“Travellers are encouraged to consider our venue as a ‘home away from home’.We have invested heavily in creating a hotel that is flexible and can meet guests’ needs on any level, while the conferencing venue is easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing and meets the latest trends in the world.”

CREATING TRENDS This includes a top-of-the-range refreshment station with imported coffees and teas, which is open throughout the day.“We are doing everything we can to be trendsetters and not just follow others’ lead,” says Gary. Delegates at the centre are not limited to tea breaks to access good-quality coffee, but are able to sit down for a drink at any time during and between sessions.“It might seem small and trivial, but being able to have a coffee when they want is important to a delegate. It is these small, but unique, attributes that make guests feel special and create an experience,” says Glyn.

MORE THAN JUST BRICK AND MORTAR There is no doubt that the centre is an impressive building with all the right offerings. But, what makes this

Century City Conference Centre

a truly remarkable facility is its people. Staff members have been handpicked by Gary and Glyn; and like the CEOs, they are all about hospitality. By doing this, the right culture has been formed at the centre. It is a culture that promotes learning, and creates an environment in which staff want to work collaboratively to create successful events. In order to provide the best possible service to their clients, staff train, train and train some more. “Training and skills development are crucial in the hospitality sector and can make all the difference to a delegate’s experience,” says Gary. “Mentorship is a crucial part of this and we work hard towards creating an environment in which our employees are not only learning but being inspired as well.” These are Glyn and Gary’s secrets to success.

MEET THE CEOs

HANDS-ON APPROACH With Gary and Glyn at the helm, there is no doubt that Century City Conference Centre and Hotel will continue to enjoy the success it experienced in 2016. “Glyn and I are extremely passionate about our facility – so much so that you will not find a marketing and sales manager at the frontline; you’ll find the two of us.We want clients to know that they can speak to us directly and that what they have to say is taken seriously.We are about building relationships with our clients,” says Gary. During the last two weeks of December, the centre closed its doors in order to implement the various suggestions Gary, Glyn and their team received throughout 2016. “At the end of the day, we strive to make event planners’ lives easier.Thanks to the feedback we continually receive, we are able to improve our offerings, thus cementing us as a firm favourite with event organisers,” concludes Glyn.

"We have all the features we believe set us apart from any other conference venue in South Africa. We believe, without doubt, that we have put the needs of event planners first." Century City Conference Centre and Hotel joint CEOs Glyn Taylor, left, and Gary Koetser

events@ccconferencecentre.co.za l www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

FACTS & FIGURES

CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE AND HOTEL IN NUMBERS 3 982

events have been held at the centre since opening in February 2016

200 Mbps fibre connection – one of the fastest in the country

65 000+

500 MB

through the doors since opening, exceeding 2016 target

per day per delegate and unlimited usage for hotel guests (at the hotel)

delegates

4-star

mixed-use rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa for its sustainability efforts

venues

across the centre

125

bedrooms at Century City Hotel

600

bedrooms in walking distance from Century City Conference Centre

200 m2

of outdoor event space

Century City Square is ideal for cocktails, exhibitions, launches and music concerts

1 200

free Wi-Fi

delegates can

be accommodate in one room

R15 million+

large halls

4783 kg

of chicken drumsticks

of lamb cutlets

1 216 kg

360 kg

822 kg

391 kg

of beef fillet (whole)

of Coss lettuce

mixed salad packs

2000 kg

of butter

119

cases of egg

191

boxes of muffin mixes

cases of Danish pastries

seater business lounge with boutique buffet refreshments

•4 000 m² state-ofthe-art Virgin Active gym located opposite the centre as well as a 5 km running trail

•C ape Town City Centre • V&A Waterfront • Durbanville wine route

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1 380 kg

of beef fillet (portions)

meeting rooms

•C ape Town International Airport

Century City Conference Centre

1338 kg

of chicken breasts

(ranging in size from 30 m2 to 118 m2)

5-minute WALK TO

•B louberg beach

4 982 kg

15-minute drive to

• Table Mountain

Century City Conference Centre and Hotel has, since 20 January until 30 November 2016, ordered:

of lamb leg

contributed to the Century City economy thanks to an agricultural conference for 900 delegates that was held at the centre. That’s over R15 million for just one conference.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

• 400+ stores in the upmarket shopping mall, Canal Walk

THREE months to decide on what coffee to use at the centre and hotel

meet the team

STEPHAN LLOYD

WALDA MEYER

ABBAS ABRAHAMS

An unexpected phone call led to Stephan's appointment as general manager of the Century City Conference Centre. His passion, drive and flair for business make him a great asset to the management team. Stephan is excited by the prospect of the vast number of inspiring and creative local and global events being hosted at the conference centre.

Walda is a seasoned service professional with 13 years of hospitality experience under her belt, combined with a can-do attitude, her management style is a breath of fresh air. Walda is an inspiring, powerful leader who is sure to raise the bar in the local hospitality industry. Using her ability to implement consistent procedure, and the value she places on her staff, has proved instrumental to the success of the hotel.

Executive chef Abbas Abrahams is no stranger to creating delicious, locally inspired menus, featuring unique and sustainable ingredients. With thirty years of culinary experience under his belt, and a membership to the prestigious Disciples d’Auguste Escoffier association, chef Abbas is both a leader in the kitchen and a role model for many young industry professionals.

KIM WEBER

MAGGIE RAMIAH

Kim’s journey at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel began after gaining many years of hospitality experience at a variety of notable establishments. Forming an integral part of the opening of the world-class CCCC&H features as a highlight of her career. Her role entails skillfully ensuring the running of the business, Kim – who is driven by constant selfimprovement - is proud to have sight of the business’ growth from the ground up.

Maggie has a true passion for people, and is skilled at implementing processes that grow the business by bringing out the best in its employees. Her career journey from waitress to HR Operations Manager at a reputable hospitality establishment is testament to her belief in sheer hard work. During her time as Human Resource Manager at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, Maggie is proud to have discovered a resilience she didn’t know she possessed.

DID YOU KNOW?

General manager: Century City Conference Centre

General manager: Century City Hotel

Executive chef

The centre runs an ongoing training programme for staff. But training does not stand alone. Incentive programmes to motivate and inspire staff are just as important. Management has opted for a fun and collaborative approach that sees all of the staff divided into various ‘houses’ each represented by a different colour.They compete in challenges and programmes where they are rewarded through various incentives. It is also great for team building.

Human Resource Manager

Business Optimisation Manager

elf t. its men s ide op f pr evel , staf l e ot aff d une e's d H rs st 16 J entr n e a ste on e c ntr t fo ions n th e o a e C th rat o nc ent eleb phot e r nfe onm y c r a Co nvir h Da d fo y t e ut ose Ci n o r y ing a 16 Y 30 p u t 0 t f n 2 Ce crea t of ge o a r n o pa the case As der stair un nic Century City Conference Centre ico

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EVENT SHOWCASE

Flexibility is key THE ORGANISER

“The collaboration between the hotel and the conference centre was appreciated – the staff worked towards the same goal, making this event a true success.” Jana King is the general manager of Songhai Tourism and Events (STE). In this role, she focuses on entrenching the STE brand and positioning the business as Africa’s leading provider of meeting, incentive, event and conference solutions to a wide variety of corporate clients — both nationally and internationally. Jana brings extensive events and incentive management as well as corporate travel experience to her position at STE.

Century City Conference Centre

Century City Conference Centre and Hotel successfully combines functionality and style. But this is not the only reason why it is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most sought-after event venues. Jana King tells us why she will keep coming back to the centre. WHAT WAS THE EVENT? It was a national roadshow for a financial institution. The event consisted of a one-and-a-half-day conference with an awards dinner. It was attended by 410 delegates. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE AND HOTEL? The event required a modern venue that the client had not been exposed to before. The space needed to accommodate a large stage build as well as the delegates without feeling cramped. We needed twin accommodation on the same property for the delegates who stayed overnight as it needed to be centrally located for Cape Town-based guests. The centre ticked all the right boxes. WHICH MEETING AND EVENT SPACE DID YOU USE? We needed exclusive use of the ground floor foyer for refreshments breaks and lunch; conferences took up halls A, B & C; and Hall D was used as a rehearsal venue for entertainers as well as a smaller boardroom upstairs. WHAT DID YOU DO FOR CATERING? Menus were submitted based on our brief. We requested healthy food options, steering away from too many carbs for the tea breaks. Dinner was a buffet menu and catered for all the various dietary requirements from the delegates.

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH THE STAFF? We needed exclusivity of certain areas in order to fulfil the client’s expectations. This could prove challenging, but the dedication and professionalism of the staff ensured that there were no hiccups. Last minute changes and challenges were immediately dealt with, proving that the staff are flexible and efficient – two important traits event planners also seek out. The staff at Century City Conference Centre and Hotel make it happen. They were always visible on the floor and readily available. YOU HOSTED THIS EVENT IN DURBAN AND JOHANNESBURG AT SIMILAR VENUES. WHY WAS THIS VENUE YOUR FAVOURITE? The feedback from my team and the client proved that they enjoyed the overall look and feel of the venue as well as the hotel. They felt that it speaks to the requirements of an event, whether it be a conference or a dinner. At this venue, the main event spaces are located on the ground floor, making them easily accessible to all delegates (no need to have to go up and down stairs). We were able to serve lunch to all the guests in the core assembly foyer outside the conference room and the load-in and -out bays are easily accessible. Small details have been considered for corporate guests such as plug points for laptops and phone charging and water points at regular intervals. The venue is fresh and vibey. And there is on-site parking!

www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

century city hotel

ABOUT CENTURY CITY

Divine design

Century City Hotel offers guests the opportunity to seamlessly connect or seriously disengage. It is an eclectic mix of industrial and chic, leather and linen, open spaces and intimate areas – juxtaposed to create a place that truly inspires.

ork-life balance is becoming increasingly important. Business travellers are actively seeking more satisfaction from their professional lives, often extending business trips to include leisure activities. The contemporary Century City Hotel has been created with exactly this in mind; from the chic bedroom design to extraordinary dining and quirky signature cocktails. Together, the management and design teams have created a trademark style that blurs the line between home and office, offering a sophisticated experience from the minute a guest checks in.

THE CONCEPT As an independently owned and managed hotel, the team is able to be flexible and offer a personalised service. The hotel offers an inspiring yet functional space, expertly designed to facilitate everything from business meetings to a simply relaxing timeout. Stylish lounge pockets, modern dining areas, practical work spaces and a luxurious veranda make Century City Hotel a destination for any occasion.

Century City Conference Centre

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Travellers are encouraged to consider the hotel as a ‘home away from home’. The 125 superior rooms and deluxe suites can sleep up to two people per room. There is also the option of interconnecting rooms, which cater perfectly to families. For those who prefer to have a night in, there are 20 premium television channels to choose from, and the in-room takeout is beautifully packaged as a deli delivery from the Square Cafe & Wine Bar. During breakfast, hotel guests are treated to bottomless cappuccinos, espressos or hot chocolate at no additional cost.

CULINARY FEASTS The Square Cafe & Wine Bar, which is on the hotel premises and spills out onto the bustling Century City Square, offers relaxed dining from a choice of delicious meals from the a la carte menu, as well as home-style dishes from the Harvest Table, which works on a “weigh-andpay” system. There are also gorgeous deli items such as fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches and confectioneries for sale for those on the go. Designer details such as custom-made furniture, black subway tiles and colourful Le Creuset crockery make this a refreshing dining destination.

Century City is ideally situated between the renowned winelands and picturesque beaches of the Western Cape. The location offers a myriad of leisure options, all within walking distance from the hotel. For those looking for a spot of retail therapy, Canal Walk – one of Africa’s largest shopping centres – is just around the corner.There are also a number of attractions that are sure to appeal to the health-conscious traveller, such as a choice of walking, cycling and running trails set in a picturesque, safe and secure environment. The Western Cape is seen as one of the world’s leading leisure destinations, with Century City pegged as the ideal eco-tourist destination. Century City is at the forefront of sustainable development aimed at reducing the area’s carbon footprint.The Century City Square development itself is registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa for a Green Star mixed-use rating. Century City is home to Intaka Island, a 16 ha wetland conservation.The ecologically sensitive pans and reconstructed wetlands help filter the water of the surrounding canals.The worldclass Century City Conference Centre and Hotel is committed to sustainable practices throughout its operations and strives to minimalise the impact thereof on the environment.

events@ccconferencecentre.co.za l www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

TRANSCEND CONVENTION

Designed as the hub and pivotal point of the precinct, the Century City Conference Centre’s bold architectural form is matched only by its even bolder unseen features – world-class connectivity, electric creativity and unparalleled choice to make any event truly unforgettable. • 1 900 guests can be accommodated across 20 customisable venues

launches and cocktail parties

• The venues include four large halls, three of which may be combined to cater for up to 1 200 delegates • Eleven meeting rooms, ranging in size from 30 to 118 m2

Tel: 021 204 8000

• A spacious, open-plan foyer suitable for exhibitions,

events@ccconferencecentre.co.za

• An 80-seater business lounge with boutique buffet refreshments • Century City Square, an outdoor event venue of 1 200 m2

www.ccconferencecentre.co.za

20 questions

The key to

success

Working in the exhibition industy is not a typical nine-to-five job. It is often categorised by long working hours, complex project plans, indispensable organisation and always a challenge or two. And, that's why Dean Gunningham loves it. have a long way to go to grasp the true potential or relationship that technological features and face-to-face engagements can have.

What drew you to the business? I’m not entirely sure… it just sort of happened. I was initially interested in the opportunities that face-to-face engagements provided for brands and this interest has grown into one that is fascinated by the variety of opportunities there are to ensure people can meet and network.

ow do you see the industry at the moment? The

economic climate internationally has created an opportunity for us to support international exhibitors and conference organisers; there is a keen interest in holding events and meetings on our shores. This interest in South Africa will continue to draw international visitors and brands alike, and we need to gear ourselves up to understand what support they require and how we can provide both them and our local clients with ultimate value for money.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry? The introduction of technology and the ever-changing landscape in this regard. I think we

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What have been your career highlights so far? The growth of the company, opening different departments and expanding them to support our business model. Personally, being awarded my CEM at EXPO EXPO in 2015 – I was the first representative in Africa to achieve a certification in event management.

Why should one use Compex? You can expect

to receive quality service and products when working with us. One of our great strengths has been the people we employ.. We build relationships with our clients, and we want them to know they can call us any time of the day or night, and we will try our utmost to assist them.

What have been the most memorable events you have been involved with? There have been a few: International Bio Stand in San Diego, because of the experience to work internationally; building Mining Mentality on the Melody Cruise Liner – it provided me the opportunity to learn that nothing is impossible, and that we can build an exhibition in almost any environment; and working on events that have greater purpose such as promoting education and development to the youth of our country.

What has been the best and worst advice you have received? The best: “There are significant problems, and there are inconveniences. The way you deal with these things is what matters.”As for the worst, “It can’t be done.”

Who is your celebrity lookalike? My wife would like to think Richard Gere, but I’m not really sure about that one.

What quote best describes you? “You shouldn’t focus on why you can’t do something, which is what most people do. You should focus on why perhaps you can, and be one of the exceptions.” Steve Case, co-founder of AOL.

About DEAN Dean, operations director of Compex, has a

What superpower would you like to possess? The power to turn some tight budgets into an endless vault of money!

What are you addicted to? Change.

Tell us something about yourself that few people are aware of. I have a love for cooking and often prepare the meals at home.

If you could speak any language, what would it be? Mandarin, because I think we have a lot to learn from Chinese business practices and culture.

Who would be your ultimate dinner guest? Richard Branson. He took his same processes and systems and applied them to many businesses that offer diverse products and services and succeeded.

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? Black pudding, funnily enough in Abu Dhabi.

Where is your favourite holiday spot and why? Mozambique, because of its natural beauty and relaxed vibe.

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy being outdoors with my family.

What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? A lighter, raft-building kit and Wells (our head shell-scheme builder and my right-hand man).

Are you a dog person or cat person? Definitely a dog

varied history that prepared him for his current role. He joined the company with a very clear focus – to make Compex one of the most competitive exhibitions and events organisations in the country. He has been with Compex for 11 years, initially heading up sales to ensure that the company could reach its envisioned growth objectives. Dean is now responsible for the more strategic planning and organising in the business, especially from the perspective of operations and sales.

person – they are man’s best friend after all.

What would your obituary say? I’m not sure about this one, but it does lend some food for thought.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

event Showcase

A venue with a difference From formal dinners and cocktail parties to conferences presided over by Table Mountain, the Two Oceans Aquarium offers a truly spectacular setting for unforgettable events.

the brief The RGA Reinsurance Company of South Africa Limited cocktail party is a highlight on the company’s calendar. The venue needed to comfortably fit 90 guests, provide catering and be uniquely different.

he setting at the Two Oceans Aquarium alone is bound to make it a memorable affair, but it’s also the staff’s attention to detail and the unique treatment of each event that will ensure an unforgettable experience. For the RGA Reinsurance Company of South Africa Limited cocktail party, the Two Oceans Aquarium was the ideal venue.

WHY TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM? Ideally situated in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is renowned for its magnificent displays,

28 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

as well as its unique functions and conferencing venues. This world-class facility is the ideal place to thrill and capture the imagination of guests and colleagues. Due to its proximity to the V&A Waterfront, there is plenty of secure, under-cover parking. • MEETING & EVENT SPACES The cocktail party was held in the brand-new I&J Ocean Exhibit – a majestic space offering views of marine life through a vast, seamless window. Gentle rays glide by and turtles steal the limelight as they invite you for an immersive underwater experience through a full acrylic tunnel. According to the event organiser, “Guests enjoyed welcome drinks while admiring the various exhibits. In the absence of daylight, the multitudes of colours were even more striking and wondrous. Then, moving through a room pitch dark except for the blue glow of jellies, the attendees arrived in the main venue. Here, they danced the night away in front of the huge acrylic panel separating them and the multitude of sea life.” The space can accommodate up to 180 guests for an elegant dinner and 360 guests for a classy cocktail affair. In addition to this venue, the Two Oceans Aquarium offers three other venues each boasting their own remarkable views of one of the Aquarium’s displays. You can also rent out the entire Two Oceans Aquarium and let guests mingle and explore the

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galleries of enchanting underwater sea creatures for an event unlike any other they’ve been to. The possibilities are endless with what can be done in this diverse venue – you can set aside tranquil sit-and-relax areas, dance floors and dining spaces all within the ever-entertaining underwater wonderland. (Note: Only available after closing time.) •D ECOR The Two Oceans Aquarium venues are home to some of South Africa's best marine life, and with this as your backdrop, any decor used will simply add to the breathtaking venues. This function had a Thanksgiving theme and the event organiser brought in pumpkins and other fruit typical of the fall season in the United States, where Thanksgiving is celebrated. To give it that extra bit of glam, some of the pumpkins were gold. • CATERING All catering and beverage requirements are expertly handled by the experienced staff at the venue. The chef brings creative menus and gastronomic flair to the catering arrangements to suit the function brief. Vegetarian, kosher and halaal meals can be catered for. A one-stop bar management service provides all liquid refreshments, from exotic cocktails to wines, beers and spirits. •O NE-STOP SHOP The Two Oceans Aquarium provides basic equipment (AV equipment, furniture,

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cutlery, crockery and glassware) with a booking, which also includes free access to the aquarium until 6pm for events planned during the day. The team can also provide you with evening tours with knowledgeable guides, waitrons and bartenders, and recommendations on trusted outside vendors, like florists, entertainers, decorators and photographers.

PERSONALISED AND EFFICIENT SERVICE The I&J Ocean Exhibit and a few other venues form part of the public Aquarium and, as a result, are available for set up after 6 pm. This should not be seen as a deterrent, as the staff at the Two Oceans Aquarium are able to transform a room quickly and efficiently. One of the reasons for this is that each event hosted at the venue is assigned an on-site event manager to ensure that the entire event, from booking to build-up and breakdown, runs smoothly.

+27 (0)21 418 3823 l functions@aquarium.co.za www.aquarium.co.za

ALEXANDRA ZAKHAROVA brings a splash of diversity to the Sorrento Events team. She is Russian born and South African bred. With a history in the fashion industry, she has a flair for all things beautiful. Alexandra describes herself as a full-time food, art and champagne lover. “At Sorrento, we promise to deliver a high-end, bespoke and stylish experience. In order to do that, we need venues that can help transform our ideas into a memorable experience. The Two Oceans Aquarium is renowned for its magnificent marine displays as well as its distinctive functions and conference venues. It is a perfect fit for any event – from boardroom meetings to glittering galas. I look forward to hosting another event at this spectacular venue as it is an extremely pleasant and exciting environment to work in and has friendly staff. The displays give a sense of awe and wonder and promise to give every event held there that extra bit of flair.”

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

PHOTOS: Michelle du Toit from Sorrento Events

The organiser

event Showcase

THE DETAILS CLIENT UD Trucks Southern Africa FUNCTION UD Trucks Southern Africa Brand Day VENUE The revamped Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. This was the obvious venue – test-driving circuit, learning about fuel consumption and centrally located. DATE 8 - 12 November 2016 NUMBER OF GUESTS 700 customers, dealers and media members were informed and entertained during a four-day relationship exercise. On the fifth day, UD Trucks treated staff to a fun-filled family day.

THE BRIEF Event Wizards was asked to deliver an event where the concept, decor, entertainment and food were of an exceptional standard similar to events held by the company in other countries. Duties included: • Assisting the in-house event manager with sourcing and booking the entertainment and MC • Working closely with the in-house event manager on briefings as well as rehearsals for entertainment and MC • Providing technical riders and set-up for entertainment and MC • Organising the overall event catering • Setting up a work and registration station in the reception area with a dedicated registration team • Building of presentation stations • Doing set-up in stations, pits and tracks • Providing a workable floor plan to ease the flow of the activities • Planning and setting up of all decor, tables, chairs, stages and tents as per concept • Briefing of waiters and barmen • Organising overall event sound, AV and technical equipment • Planning fun elements for the staff fun day.

30 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

Out of this world events Event Wizards exists to design wonderful celebrations. That is why the team was hired to create a magical event for UD Trucks Southern Africa. Meetings chats to George Sutherland, managing director of Event Wizards, who lets us in on how he exceeded his client’s expectations. How did you go above and beyond to “wow” the client? Well, this entire event was signed, sealed and delivered in less than one month. Lastminute requests were dealt with swiftly and the entire event went smoothly – up front and behind the scenes. Besides fitting the brief, the final ‘look and feel’ was fresh and the client could host their guests with pride. How did you add a sustainability aspect to this event? In the spirit of the UD strategy, which includes looking at waste management and fuel consumption, we restricted our usage of transport and once-off decor items. We used potted plants

instead of fresh-cut flowers to soften areas. All marketing material and stalls were designed with future use and longevity in mind and no paper or throwaway cutlery landed in our bins. Let’s talk about… EVENT DECOR We stuck to the very apt but corporate colours of silver-grey, white and red. Working with our ‘racing’ environment, the carpeting was chequered while the green

patches and zen gardens reflected the Japanese heritage of the company. CATERING Very upmarket and innovative cocktail menus were designed and served by roaming waiters. Delightful offerings trending throughout the week included, flammkuchen with pancetta, chicken liver crème brûleé and snoek quenelles with nastergal preserve. ENTERTAINMENT Sasha Martinengo is a brand ambassador for Formula One

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QUICK CHAT WITH THE CLIENTS Rory Schulz, marketing director, and Carien de Wit, events manager, both from UD Trucks Southern Africa, share their thoughts on working with Event Wizards. and has profound knowledge of the sporting and motoring industry. He was the perfect MC choice for this event. He needs very little direction and has the ability to put fun into information. As for the musical entertainment, our brief said: ‘give our guests energy and fun’. We went with Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels – need I say more? Did you rent equipment/ decor? We used the services of professional baristas, AV, lighting and flooring companies. Being a very busy time of the year, we had to rely on our

trusted suppliers in the industry for assistance. How would your clients describe Event Wizards? They are reliable and never over-promise but rather deliver those small requirements most people overlook. They are quick-thinking and can not only tackle any challenge but will also ensure success. They are masters at conceptualising an event and managing all facets of it until the very end. They are resourceful enough to deliver delightful results where others thought it was impossible and with an agility that seems almost… like magic.

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How did Event Wizards exceed your expectations? Event Wizards are always willing to help, no matter the request, and make a plan to get the job done. They go the extra mile, every step of the way. Would you use Event Wizards again? Yes, for sure. They are professional, reliable and operate with a sense of class and quality not easily found elsewhere. We know that when we use Event Wizards, we don’t have to worry about any of the items they are responsible for. We know it will be done in time, with style, and to the advantage of our company and our guests. They are also open to ideas and constant feedback, taking on our exacting requirements and getting the job done. What were your experiences working with the Event Wizards team? The whole team are absolute pros at what they do. From the food and decor, to AV, branding and entertainment, they fulfil each task to the highest possible standard. We love their creativity and unique take on what can sometimes be seen as a one-dimensional topic, and how they turn it into something significant and memorable.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

out of this world events Event Wizards exists to design wonderful celebrations. We are resourceful enough to deliver delightful results where others thought it was impossible and with an agility that seems almost…like magic!

We provide the perfect mobile bar & hospitality solutions! Contact us now for all your 2017 events.

A fresh new way to ensure a successful event by providing professional mobile bar services We offer a large variety of unique refreshment bars perfectly suited to your event We customize our bars to suite your specific requirements and are able to become an extension of your brand

Speaker's corner

On the right track Events manager at the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction Marlé Lötter shares how Unique Speaker Bureau’s suggestion to pair MC and entertainer Al Prodgers to their awards dinner resulted in the occasion enjoying prestige and uplifting good humour, all within budget.

THE DETAILS

Marlé Lötter Events manager at the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction THE EVENT The 2016 Steel Awards Dinner. This is the flagship event of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction. It serves to award and inspire excellence in the use of structural steel by South African steelwork contractors. The main gala dinner was held at Emperors Place, with 630 guests. On the same night, two satellite dinners were held in Durban and Cape Town. THE SPEAKER Al Prodgers, represented by Unique Speaker Bureau, was the MC and comedian at the Gauteng event. Al is an international corporate entertainment MC and hilarious stand-up comedian. He also specialises in using improvisation techniques and humour to get companies and people to “lighten up for a change”. He seamlessly includes relevant messaging, works to a brief, accommodating special requirements (taking into account unique sensitivities), and is an effective corporate communicator. www.theplanner.guru

What do you look For in a speaker? • ABILITY TO ENGAGE WITH THE AUDIENCE The speaker must have excellent communication skills and, as MC, appeal to an audience of between 500 and 800 guests. The speaker also needs to control the flow of the event and step in if anything unforeseen should happen, like a break in a visual production or a power glitch. • ONE-STOP SHOP With restricted budgets, over recent years, it has made economic sense to combine the MC/entertainment aspects in one person. However, especially with comedians, we need to know that the person will read the audience well and present clever humour with enough respect for the particular group. • ADDING VALUE It is great to get the feeling that the speaker is keen to ‘add value’, like bringing certain content, getting into a character or wearing a costume (at times) to support a special theme at the event. • ABILITY TO BE BRIEFED While one knows that good speakers have tight schedules, a speaker must be willing to set aside time for a thorough briefing session with the client, either in person or by telephone/Skype. I need to be convinced that the person contracted will respect how important the event is to us and, hence, also not underestimate what is needed to execute the script supplied effectively and in the required synergy with the technical team, as the main feature of the event concerns a visual production with breaks and awards on stage. • PROVEN TRACK RECORD You cannot keep using the same speaker indefinitely, and without having actually listening to a speaker first-hand, choosing a speaker can be tricky. When dealing with USB, you know you are getting a speaker of a high calibre. Why was this speaker chosen for this event? I booked Al Prodgers on recommendation by USB for another event and he worked well with the team, the

audience and the script. I knew he would be perfect for the awards dinner. Al went to great lengths before and during the event to ensure that it was a success. How do you rate his delivery and suitability for the audience? Al worked brilliantly with our audience who are largely linked to the mostly male engineering industry, although he never offended any female guests. He brought good humour but also maintained the prestigious element of the event. Would you recommend this speaker for other events? Absolutely! Why use USB? I love the fact that the speakers from the USB stable have been chosen for their presentation content, professionalism, expertise, experience, depth and collaboration. Throughout the year, USB hosts speaker breakfasts where you get access to the speakers in order to get insight into the value that they can bring to your conference, event or interventions. MEETINGS l January/February 2017 •

HEAR THEM, SEE THEM, BOOK THEM… USB the Premier League of Professional Speakers offers just that! DIARISE 16 JANUARY 2017 www.theplanner.guru

USB Annual Showcase in Johannesburg Contact 2017 Paul • at USB: MEETINGS l january/february +27(0) 11 465-4410 or leanne@uniquespeakerbureau.com to discuss your speaker requirements.

s u p p l i e r s • Te a m b u i l d i n g

# unzipadventure Canopy Tours is a fun, exciting and accessible zipline adventure for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. No special physical strength or fitness is required (a zipline is, after all. downhill!) and, as it normally takes about two hours, it is easy to fit into most itineraries. With seven official Canopy Tours around the country, there’s always one nearby.

KARKLOOF CANOPY TOUR has been built in a spectacular valley of the mistbelt Karkloof Forest Reserve. The tour includes long, swooping slides over the treetops of the forest, stops below a 15 m waterfall and takes in wide views across the Karkloof valley. Expect to hear the loud calls of the samango monkey, see a rare orchid or catch the flash of an emerald cuckoo as it flies past. +27 (0)33 330 3415

MORE INFO canopytour.co.za

in the magnificent Tsitsikamma forest, with most of the platforms built around giant Outeniqua yellowwoods of up to 700 years old. Hold your breath as you slide from tree to tree through the forest, stopping at each new platform while your guides tell you a little more about the surrounding ecology. If you are fortunate, you will spot a pair of Knysna loeries or the brilliant red plumage of the elusive Narina trogon. +27 (0)42 281 1836

concept one step further as 11 platforms have all been individually designed and built within the cliffs and rock faces of the ancient Magaliesberg mountains. This tour takes people on a journey through the ecology and geology of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world - estimated to be 2 500 million years old. Watch out for the shy klipspringer jumping from rock to rock below you or look up to spot an endangered black eagle. +27 (0)15 535 0150

spectacular, as it traverses down a deep narrow gorge crossing three magnificent waterfalls that each tumble nearly 20 m into the river below. Cliffside platforms provide bird's-eye views of the waterfalls and gorge, and allow clients to experience this previously inaccessible environment for the first time. It’s the perfect setting to see a host of colourful butterfly species and even the giant kingfisher as it flies up the river. +27 (0)83 866 1546

TSITSIKAMMA CANOPY TOUR takes place

34 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

MAGALIESBERG CANOPY TOUR takes the whole canopy tour

MAGOEBASKLOOF CANOPY TOUR may well be the most

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#teambuild

useful

info

DRAKENSBERG CANOPY TOUR is set within the towering cliff faces and trees of the beautiful Blue Grotto forest in the central Drakensberg and promises an unforgettable adventure as you glide along a series of 11 steel cables and platforms built within and above the upper forest canopy. A first for South Africa, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour includes an elevated rock face walkway that offers clients uninterrupted treetop views over the forested valley below. +27 (0)36 468 1981

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MALOLOTJA CANOPY TOUR is situated in the pristine Malolotja Nature Reserve in northwestern Swaziland alongside the popular Piggs Peak route. This tour is set in one of the last truly remote mountain wildernesses left in Southern Africa, and takes place alongside the rocky crags and sheer mountain slopes of the reserve. The reserve boasts an abundance of game animals and birdlife and is well known for the prolific display of wildflowers in spring. +268 7633 5749

• Canopy Tours depart every half hour from 8 am to 3 pm and are conducted in most weather conditions. Suitable for anyone between the ages of 5 and 75, Canopy Tours are great for nature lovers, families, corporate groups and thrill seekers alike. Two nature guides accompany each group, which is generally limited to eight people per group for a more enjoyable experience. • Safety is paramount and the Canopy Tours have been built in accordance with strict civil engineering standards. Rigorous maintenance schedules have been put in place to ensure the long-term safety of each system. • Due to the nature of the activity, environmental impact studies were undertaken at each site to ensure that the Canopy Tours would not harm the surrounding forest or environment in any way.

CAPE CANOPY TOUR is the largest Canopy Tour within the group and consists of 13 platforms, 11 slides and a suspension bridge above a double waterfall. It takes place among the fynbos-clad mountain cliffs of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, which is a listed Unesco World Heritage Site. The gorge in which the tour takes place is very large – which means the tour has over 2.6 km of ziplines, the longest being 340 m and the highest being 115 m above the river below. The Cape Canopy Tour was named the second best new attraction in the world by Lonely Planet in its ‘World’s Hottest New Attractions for 2015’ guide. +27 (0)21 300 0501

DID YOU KNOW?

anopy Tours South Africa C believes strongly in the principle of community involvement and upliftment, and has employed and provided skills training for members of the surrounding communities to work as Canopy Tour guides. This generates far-reaching benefits for the communities around each Canopy Tour site and ensures that clients are contributing not just to the conservation of South Africa’s forests and wilderness areas, but also to the upliftment of the local habitants. Canopy Tours has created around 150 full-time jobs to date.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

destination • Cape Overberg

A short drive

over the mountain

The Overberg region stretches along coasts with beautiful beaches, and over mountain ranges abundant with birdlife and fynbos. The roads will take you on a journey through valleys with picturesque vineyards and idyllic landscapes. What more could you ask for from your next event destination?

Luxury has a new home It may be best known for its championship golf course – rated among the top five in the country – but the Arabella Hotel & Spa offers much more than 18 holes in a spectacular setting. A short drive from Hermanus, South Africa’s whale-watching capital and home to the best land-based whale watching in the world, the 145-room, crescent-shaped resort hotel looks out over the Bot River lagoon, which forms the eastern coastal border of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is the largest natural lagoon in South Africa. The unique luxury resort, acclaimed as a leisure destination, is also considered to be one of the Western Cape’s premier event and conference facilities. Conferences, board meetings, team-building functions, product launches and social events are arranged with consummate professionalism and catered for in a variety of luxurious, easily configurable venues, all architecturally designed to harness natural light and allow the beauty of the environment to lend a unique ambience to professional and social engagements. The Kogelberg Centre harnesses spectacular views over the golf course, the lagoon and the nature reserve. The double-volume space measures 453 m2 and can accommodate up to 400 people (cinema style). The room is flanked by a pre-assembly area that accommodates up to 150 people standing and, in combination with the surrounded terrace, up to 350 guests at any given time. +27 (0)28 284 0000 l marriott.com

did you know? PICTURESQUE BEAUTY At Gaikou Lodge, guests are invited to enjoy world-class accommodation and service at a venue tucked away at the foot of a magnificent mountain kloof, set on 16 hectares of sheer beauty. Gaikou Lodge is infused with modern, cosmopolitan flair while at the same time honouring the architectural traditions of the Southern Cape. Gaikou has it all for business conferences – a spacious reception area for seminars and discussions, a wide veranda for al fresco breakfasts and lunches, and overnight accommodation for the entire team (delegates and speakers). The veranda is also the place for a casual braai or gala evening. In addition, the setting for teambuilding exercises could not be better, with mountain hikes, horse riding and fishing opportunities either on the property or adjoining it. For additional recreation, Swellendam’s nine-hole golf course is within easy reach. +27 (0)28 514 1133 l reservations@gaikoulodge.co.za gaikoulodge.co.za

36 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

WHERE TWO OCEANS MEET

L'Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. For this reason, it is a prime destination. L'Agulhas also boasts the oldest working lighthouse (150 years old) in South Africa, which has an interesting museum to visit. The name L'Agulhas means needles – referring to the jagged rocks of the coastline as well as the fact that a compass shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north at this spot.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT Tri Active Tented Lodge is surrounded by forests and orchards and is nestled in the heart of the Elgin Valley. With easy access from the N2, it provides an excellent venue for a variety of occasions. The Tri Active Conference Centre offers a great alternative from the standard city venues and gives your group the opportunity to escape the city and venture into the magnificent valley of fruit, fynbos, flowers and vineyards. The conferencing facilities cater for up to 100 people for day conferences (theatre style). Activities and energisers for breakaway sessions to freshen mind and body are offered. The lodge comprises 12 twin-bedded units with en-suite facilities, built on permanent bases. They are roomy and comfortable and are fully equipped to lodge. +27 (0)21 844 0975 l info@triactive.co.za triactive.co.za

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#DISCOVERCTWC

Things to do in THE CAPE OVERBERG country living Black Oystercatcher is a family-run wine farm at the cool southernmost tip of Africa. The farm, situated between the small towns of Elim, Bredasdorp and L’Agulhas, offers the versatility to host any function: the charm of the unique wine farm setting for weddings, the fun and vibrancy for private functions and parties, and the practical facilities for corporate functions and conferences. The largest venue can seat up to 200 people. Guests can breathe in the fresh air, savour the wonderful fresh herb and vegetable garden (you can even pick them to spice up your meals) and enjoy the beautiful views over the Elim area (with a glass of wine of course). More active delegates can explore the area on bicycle or foot and see the spectacular biodiversity of the area. +27 (0)28 482 1618 l venue@blackoystercatcher.co.za blackoystercatcher.co.za

close to nature Nestled between Montagu and Barrydale, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a three-hour drive from Cape Town. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts the sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, wide open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna, and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3 500 years. Explore all this from your choice of three different luxury lodges. Sanbona is a place to relax and feel inspired, a magnificent reserve of 54 000 hectares where big cats roam free. Get away from it all and give your team the chance to focus on business strategy and development, without being interrupted, in a truly relaxed and inspiring environment. An entire team-building experience can be tailored to suit your individual requirements, from stargazing, understanding conservation and retracing the steps of the San people, to tracking cheetahs and getting a glimpse of the white lions that call Sanbona their home. +27 (0)21 010 0028 l sanbona.com

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SWEET TOOTH

Chocolatier Richard von Geusau crafts sublime, handmade chocolates from the best Belgian couverture. It’s impossible not to drool while browsing the Von Geusau range of truffles and slabs. The town of Greyton has adopted Richard and so have many others, including some of the country’s finest hotels and wine estates. Richard has worked with the masterful Kevin Arnold at Waterford Wines – a collaboration that resulted in a worldclass wine and chocolate pairing. The romantic 15-year Von Geusau journey has delighted many. It is a journey we all need to partake in at some point in our lives. Von Geusau is chocolate from the heart. +27 (0) 28 254 9100 vgchocolate.co.za

SPOOKS AND ALL The Bredasdorp Museum is primarily a maritime museum whose primary theme is shipwrecks along the dangerous Southern Cape coast and their influence on the development of the Strandveld. There have been approximately 130 shipwrecks off the Southern Cape coast since 1673. This dangerous section of coast is known as the graveyard of ships. The museum also documents the rich history of the area – well worth checking out. With so many shipwrecks, there are no shortages of ghost stories. There are two stories, in particular, that you might hear told at L'Agulhas – the young woman who survived a shipwreck only to make it up to one of the caves where she died, and the man who was rather unpleasantly decapitated in an accident in the area, whose ghost too is said to roam the area. Spookdraai is the name given to the entrance of the bay at Cape Agulhas. The Spookdraai hiking trail takes in the historical landmarks and natural phenomena of the area. The hike takes roughly two hours to complete. It also includes incredible fynbos, and the vleis and birdlife of the area. Bredasdorp Museum +27 (0)28 424 1240

IT’S ABOUT ADVENTURE

Slap-bang in the middle of some of South Africa’s most legendary and breathtaking mountain trails, Trail’s End is the perfect base to relax and have fun exploring the delights of the Overberg with family and friends. Trail’s End is a hotel created specifically for those with a passion for adventure. Situated in Grabouw – well known for some of the best mountain trails in South Africa, this hotel is perfect for thrillseekers and adventure sports enthusiasts. +27 (0)21 859 5193 l info@trailsend.bike l trailsend.bike MEETINGS l January/february 2017 •

TOURISM

destination • Gauteng townships

JOBURGS’ BEST KEPT SECRET Soweto Hotel & Conference Centre is the first four-star luxury boutique hotel offering African hospitality in the heart of Soweto. The conference room and two executive boardroom facilities are state of the art. Two of the facilities, named after female liberation icons, Helen Joseph and Winnie Mandela, are located at the top of the hotel and can accommodate 8 and 14 guests respectively. The venue’s vantage point ensures your conference delegates a spectacular view of Soweto. The conference room located on the mezzanine level can accommodate up to 60 delegates in comfort. With Soweto’s soulful traditional cuisine, delegates will be treated to culinary feast. The in-house restaurant, The Jazz Maniacs, named after a prominent musical group of the 1950s, can accommodate up to 60 guests and features live jazz music by local musicians on request. The hotel features 46 deluxe rooms and two presidential suites, each with a stylish historical footprint in the decor. All rooms boast a full complement of amenities including business desks, high-speed internet access and international direct dial access. + 27 (0)11 527 7300 l reservations@sowetohotel.co.za l sowetohotel.co.za

home away from home The View Guest House has an interesting story to tell. In 1999, owner and savvy businesswoman Sheila Sekhitla successfully converted her home into a four-star establishment that caters to international guests and hosts a variety of events – from executive boardroom meetings to conferences for up to 150 people. Besides the conference room, there is also a separate dining area that is ideal for banquets of up to 60 people. Guests can expect mouth-watering fare, as there is a variety of traditional African cuisine as well as a continental menu available. Located in the well-known township of Tembisa, The View is only a 20-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport and is close to some of Gauteng's main highways. For those delegates wanting to spend the night, there are nine air-conditioned luxury rooms. There is also a spa on-site, which is perfect to help guests de-stress after a long day. Secure parking is available as well as lock-up garages for up to 10 cars. Sheila's key to her success is simple - passion for people, for service excellence and for the hospitality industry. +27 (0)11 926 1731 l theviewguesthouse@54.co.za l theviewguesthouse.co.za

Township venues So you think you know Gauteng? Think again! Embark on a journey through living history and contemporary culture in Gauteng’s townships. There’s food, dance, storytelling, bike rides, music, art, walking tours, theatre – and even wine tasting. Meetings shares its top meeting and event spaces.

be PART OF THE FAMILY Situated in Diepkloof, which forms part of Soweto, Lolo's Guest House is a previous winner of the AA Travel Guide Award for Traditional Accommodation Township Experience, offering accommodation facilities and service of the highest standard. Patronised by overseas visitors, Lolo's Guest House has appeared in the New York Times. Your hostess, Mrs Mabitsela, is a retired teacher who shares her wealth of first-hand knowledge of the turbulence in Soweto in the 70s with her guests. The guest house has a lapa, which doubles up as a conference room that can host up to 30 delegates. There are five en-suite double rooms and one double room with separate bathroom. +27 (0)11 985 9183 l lolosbb@mweb.co.za

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ON THE RIVER’S EDGE Situated on the outskirts of Vereeniging, Ga-Mhlanga Lodge offers delegates a unique conference experience. With attention to detail and a customer-centric approach, the staff at the lodge go out of their way to ensure that each event held there is a success. Ga-Mhlanga Lodge has a spacious conference room that is ideal for most types of functions. There are 22 luxurious bedrooms and ample parking is available. The lodge is also the ideal venue to explore the city. It is a 10-minute drive from Vaal Mall and the Three Rivers shopping complex as well as the Vaal River. The staff will also help you plan custom packages to the Kruger National Park, Free State meteorological sites, the Cape Garden Route and other attractions throughout Southern Africa. +27 (0)83 510 2913 l gamhlangalodge.co.za

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

destination • Gauteng townships

three township add-ons a secret garden Tswingwana Guest Lodge derives its name from a Tswana word meaning garden. Offering a relaxed, peaceful and secure environment where one awakens to the tranquil sounds of chirping birds, it’s easy to see why the lodge is a popular West Rand event venue. Famed for its friendly welcome, Tswingwana is the perfect setting for a breakaway, conference, intimate wedding or special birthday party. There are three function rooms to choose from – the largest seats up to 300 delegates. The outdoor pool area provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor events and cocktail parties. The lodge offers an ideal atmosphere for a romantic getaway in eight luxurious, en-suite rooms and a cottage. +27 (0)11 210 3900 l nazo@xavier.co.za kfourie@xavier.co.za l tswingwana.co.za

not to be missed WINE NOT? The 12th edition of the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival runs from 3 to 5 March 2017 at the Soweto Theatre, and is set to reinvent Soweto's wine and food experience. sowetowinefestival.co.za

CREATIVE STROKES

The Maboneng Township Arts Experience is a fascinating initiative that is aimed at giving local small artists a global platform from which to sell their work. This is achieved by using the homes of these artists and turning them into unique museums and galleries in which they can showcase their work. These gallery homes, in Alexandra, are then opened to art enthusiasts looking for an art scene that breaks the rules. The walking tour is conducted among the homes and shops of the township, and includes local heritage sites, art centres, craft centres, and graffiti routes. There are personal art workshops that are conducted from the homes, as well as dancing and drumming workshop. Booking is essential and tours last about two hours. +27 (0)21 824 1773 maboneng.com

THE PLACE OF STORIES The Credo Mutwa Cultural

Village is located in the heart of Soweto. It consists of a remarkable collection of buildings and sculptures, which attempt to document African art, culture, folklore and architecture. The village is also a journey into the mind of one of South Africa’s most intriguing cultural figures. Credo Mutwa is a controversial figure to say the least; he is one of Africa's foremost sangomas. He is also a firm believer that aliens walk among us, coming and going as they please. Despite his colourful life, he is highly regarded as an artist, cultural commentator and, most recently, for his work in conservation. In 1974, in an attempt to enlighten Africans to their own greatness as well as to protect their cultural heritage, Credo began to fill a site in Soweto with sculptures, images and stories from African folklore. He continued this work on and off for 12 years, training other artists to help him complete his vision. In 1986, he abandoned the project, leaving everything to fall into a tragic state of neglect and disrepair. In 2006, a restoration project was undertaken under the guidance of Musa Ntanzi, a student of Mutwa. This restored Sowetan cultural village is situated beneath the Oppenheimer Tower, another famous landmark, which affords visitors a panoramic view of Soweto. The village consists of recreations of tribal homesteads and an exotic array of sculptures from Zulu chiefs and tokoloshes to gods of creation and aliens. The site is surrounded by gardens containing plants like the wild olive, aloe, plumbago and the canary creeper, which are used in traditional African medicine. The site is a must-see on any tour of Soweto – especially for lovers of art, African culture and the esoteric. Entrance is free.

THREE-WHEEL ADVENTURE Lebo’s Soweto tuk Kasi conference Whether you're hosting a meeting, conference, workshop, training course or a social event, Lapeng Village Guesthouse, located in Daveyton, is ready to welcome you and help you create a memorable event. Lapeng Village offers superb cuisine, fully equipped meeting and conference facilities, as well as secure parking. It also boasts an impressive outdoor venue with its rock pool. There is a pub on-site, which is open to residents and guests only. There are nine luxurious bedrooms, tastefully furnished to ensure your comfort. Each room is air conditioned and equipped with a TV and telephone. You will also be connected while having a conference at Lapeng Village, as the venue offers free Wi-Fi. For those seeking some entertainment while staying at Lapeng Village, Carnival City and Emperors Palace are only a short drive away. +27 (0)11 424 2832 l reservations@lapengvillage.co.za lapengvillage.co.za

40 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

tuk tour takes you to the backstreets of Soweto as well as the famous historical sites around. Move easily from neighbourhood to neighbourhood in the three-wheeler while you casually meet and greet people along the way and step out in the various areas to take in the culture, life and history. The half-day (four hours) tour will introduce you to Soweto’s famous historical sites as well as many hidden spots. Get introduced to Soweto’s history and life today, learn some of the local phrases and then cruise around greeting people. Get a taste of Soweto by stopping at the local shebeen for some drinks; be brave and taste the popular cow cheek meat and chicken feet; and buy snacks as you pass street stalls selling fruit, ice lollies and other popular township snacks. At the end of the tour, you can also taste some traditional beer. This tour will teach you about Soweto during apartheid, the freedom fighters’ struggle for freedom, political icons and today’s life and culture in a democratic South Africa. +27 (0)11 936 3444 l lebo@sowetobackpackers.com sowetobackpackers.com

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CONFERENCE

BANQUETS

LUXURY SUITES

EPSOM BISTRO

CHIEFâ€™S BOMA

MOWANA SPA

INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG

Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre. It is a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups and leisure travellers. The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people. Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements.

Phone: +27 11 840 6600 | Email: indaba@indabahotel.co.za Website: www.indabahotel.co.za

featured venues • Gauteng

THE RAND SHOW

Host your 2017 event at the JEC C Over more than three decades, the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) has kept pace with the remarkable growth of the local and global exhibitions, conferences and events industry, evolving into a worldclass facility that’s unlike any other.

42 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

onsidered one of the top exhibition and event venues in Southern Africa, the JEC is letting potential clients know why it’s the ideal venue to host their events in 2017.

WHAT IT OFFERS An award-winning venue located just south of Johannesburg, the JEC is South Africa's largest purpose-built exhibition, conference and event venue. With multipurpose facilities that provide more than 50 000 m² of indoor space and over 100 000 m² of versatile outdoor space, the JEC offers a unique setting that can accommodate any client. “Our strength lies in the diversity of our facilities, which enables us to host anything from an international music festival to a professional trade exhibition,” says CEO

Craig Newman. “Our unique facilities include a clubhouse that can seat up to 200 people, providing the perfect setting for corporate dinners and events, as well as a monorail, a 4x4 track, a registered helicopter landing base, and a mini golf course.” Smaller upmarket facilities include the Black Eagle and Bateleur conference centres, which provide up to 4 000 m² of space for important business meetings, while individual gates and entrances for each hall provide ease of access for event build-up and break-down. Other features include a multipurpose arena for 20 000 people, with 20 000 parking bays, 24-hour security and five-star catering facilities. The JEC also has its very own fire pool. “The lake is a biodiverse environment that contains fish and other species, and it has been used extensively as an exhibition area for boats and other structures,” explains Craig. “During the Rand Show, the lake is used as a stage area for exhibitions and, in future, we plan to offer it as an additional set for films.”

LIGHTS, Camera, Action If you hadn’t yet heard, the JEC added film production to its arsenal of services in 2016, with the launch of Studio Joburg – a fully-

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EXSA GALA DINNER

AUTOMECHANIKA

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL

BAUMA AFRICA fledged film and television content hub. Studio Joburg is the result of collaboration between the owners of the JEC “Our strength and a consortium lies in the of leading film practitioners, and diversity of our will give the city facilities, which of Johannesburg enables us to host its very own anything from Universal Studios. Studio Joburg will an international see facilities within music festival to the JEC converted a professional into a film-making trade exhibition.” hub, with additions made to include a CEO Craig Newman film school, postproduction facilities and office space. There are also long-term plans in place to create an amusement park with studio tours, park rides and themed precincts. “Our vision is to create a place where families can spend the day together, eating in themed restaurants and seeing films being shot,” says Craig.

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INVESTING IN ITS FACILITIES In order to remain relevant and keep up with the needs of its clientele, the JEC constantly reinvests in its facilities. “As a large venue with significant foot traffic throughout the year, we need to ensure that our facilities are always of a high standard and that they never fall short,” explains Craig. “We have also recently renovated the toilets to ensure that they remain at the standard that clients and visitors have come to expect. We have always received positive feedback regarding the cleanliness and supply of our ablutions, which is thanks to our excellent cleaning staff. It is all part of the commitment we’ve made to our clients and stakeholders – to always provide the best possible experience.”

and willingness to go the extra mile. “We have to ensure that we stay relevant in an environment that demands excellence in every way,” says Craig. “I believe that 2017 will be a tough year, so we will have to raise our game to expand in a very tight economic environment.”

HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE EXPO CENTRE So why should you choose the JEC to host your next event? “We have the capacity, experience, resources and strategic partnerships to host any occasion, regardless of size, across a broad client base,” says Craig. “As a dedicated and awardwinning exhibition, conference and events venue, we are more than prepared to meet the unique demands of every event.”

AWARD WINNING Confirming that the JEC is delivering on its objectives, the venue achieved top honours at the PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards in 2016 in the category for Top Exhibitions and Events Venue. The awards rate South African venues according to 17 attributes: facilities, catering quality in relation to cost, cleanliness, office facilities, parking facilities, reputation, value for money and more. Other attributes include environmentally friendly structures, facilities for disabled persons, security,

+27 (0)11 494 1920 l info@expocentre.co.za expocentre.co.za Expo Centre Nasrec

@jhbexpocentre1

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

Showcase Holiday Inn Sandton

On Friday the 11th of November the Cullinan Suite Conference venue on the 9th floor Holiday Inn Sandton was transformed into a festive Casino theme party for the Holiday Inn Showcase. The Holiday Inn Sandton Team, led by recently appointed General Manager Anthony Batistich put a wonderful Casino Royale themed event together to showcase the services and facilities of the hotel. In the main hall was an indaba style workshop desks where guests could sit down and be informed on the various initiatives and programmes the hotel has to offer. This includes the IHG Rewards Club and IHG Business Rewards, a global loyalty programme for conference bookers and event organisers. Eris Property Development group also had a stand where guests were able to see a 3D virtual tour of the 129 Rivonia Development that is coming up next to Holiday Inn Sandton. The 3 billion rand multi use development will have 2 floors of retail, 35 000square meters of office space and house 2 new head offices in Sandton. Professional Passenger Services who manage the transport desk at the hotel and TCH Bonisa who handle the AV & tech in all the venues also had information desks present, informing guests of their services and offerings.

Holiday Inn Sandton, 123 Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2148 To book call: +27 (0)11 282 0000 or email: reservations@hisandton.co.za

SANDTON

Another exciting feature was the Roulette & Black Jack tables that were supplied by Flush Royale Entertainment. Guests were entertained by real casino croupiers from Monte Casino and playing on real casino tables. The only element that was not real was the money, but the “fake cash” did its job very well. Executive Chef Rodgers Mahasi and his team had delicious live cooking stations displaying the type of cuisine that his team is able to prepare. SAB Miller kindly sponsored some of their new craft beer Carver’s Weiss. Guests were also entertained by the smooth sounds of live Jazz by the GuruLogic band. The SA’s Got Talent semi Finalist played all their big hits and make a great band of live events like these. A photobooth and selfie wall added to the fun and festivities of the day. The chips fell right for some who the guests attending as 25 prizes were given away at the lucky draw and guests were entertained till late that evening. The Holiday Inn Showcase was a great success and the team from Holiday Inn Sandton really showed off their services and facilities, especially the beautiful 9th floor Cullinan Suite overlooking the Sandton Skyline.

@HISandton

Holiday Inn Sandton Rivonia Road

featured venues â€˘ Eastern Cape

For those seeking conveniently located venues within the Eastern Cape, Hemingways Casino, Hotel & Entertainment complex brings its signature style, sophistication and service to ensure the success of your function.

ituated in the scenic coastal city of East London, Hemingways takes inspiration from the Key West home of renowned author Ernest Hemingway. The complex, consisting of Southern Sun Hemingways hotel and Hemingways Casino and Entertainment Centre, is a blend of classical architecture and tropical flair.

LOCATION The complex offers easy access to the East London Airport as well as local beaches and

46 â€˘ MEETINGS l January/february 2017

attractions. The Hemingways complex features movies, restaurants and entertainment. With over 150 retail outlets, delegates will be able to go shopping at the adjacent Hemingways Mall.

Venues AND capacities Room name Meeting Room 1 Meeting Room 2 The Venue The Venue A The Venue B

Cinema 25 25 780 300 300

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The Venue@Hemingways is a multifunctional venue that can accommodate an extensive range of functions, from conferences, elegant

Schoolroom 16 16 585 200 200

Banquet 16 16 540 240 240

Cocktail 700 300 300

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banquets and weddings to an intimate cocktail function or stylish product launch, catering for groups of between 10 and 780 guests. This venue offers state-of-the-art sound as well as lighting systems, and includes a mobile stage. In addition, Hemingways also offers two smaller conference meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 20 delegates each. The professional banqueting and events team is available to assist in planning creating the perfect function with specialised menus and detailed planning.

ACCOMmODATION Southern Sun Hemingways offers a choice of 108 en-suite rooms designed with your comfort in mind. Guests have a choice between standard, superior and executive rooms, as well as suites and one luxurious presidential suite. The hotel

boasts views over the Nahoon Valley and Indian Ocean, providing the perfect backdrop to relax and unwind after a fullday conference. Free, highspeed Wi-Fi is available in each room.

CATERING The hotel’s restaurant, Key Largo, overlooks the beautiful gardens and offers a superb dining experiences with a wide variety of choices from the grill buffet or the á la carte menu. For business guests wishing to seize to the day, the restaurant opens early in the morning, enabling them to enjoy a healthy breakfast before setting off. Latitudes Action Bar situated between the hotel and the casino, offers mouth-watering meals, live entertainment. Café Felix provides delicious family favourites with garden views and a welcoming charm. For private functions, a wide variety of menus are available.

+27 (0)43 707 7557/7581 thevenue.hemingways@tsogosun.com hemingways.co.za

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5 REASONS TO HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT HEMINGWAYS 1 ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES With 814 m2 of conference and meeting space, Hemingways is one of the leading event venues in East London. This means you can host any type of function with ease. 2 LOCATION The complex is located at the top of the Nahoon Valley, with easy access to East London’s beaches and city. The complex offers a casino and shopping centre with a wide variety shopping and entertainment options. 3 CATERING With a number of restaurants throughout the complex, guests are in for a culinary journey. The chefs are dedicated to creating the most amazing dishes and delicacies, guaranteed to give your event a classy and tasty touch. 4 STYLISH OFFERINGS The architecture and decor of the hotel is inspired by Ernest Hemingway, with the sub-tropical ambience of a relaxed, yet sophisticated island lifestyle. The unique decor adds to the delegate’s experience. 5 DEDICATED TEAM The events team will assist you in creating your next successful event in the Eastern Cape.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

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Ta l k i n g p o i n t s

New look and focus

industry views EXSA – giving a voice to the industry

For over 30 years, EXSA has been improving the exhibition industry. Phumulani Hlatshwayo shares what we can expect going forward.

L Phumulani Hlatshwayo is the general manager of EXSA. He brings a wealth of experience in the development and implementation of robust operational processes to the association.

ast YEar EXSA relaunched its brand, bringing changes to every facet of the association, including a fresh new logo and four strategic pillars. With members at the centre of all future plans, EXSA will undertake to go back to its roots and build a stronger community, to give a platform to new voices and members, as well as to improve the importance of the exhibition and events industry. In other words – connect, engage, learn and grow. This is about more than just a new logo; this relaunch represents a more forward-looking approach that involves actively finding more benefits to better serve members. Our evolved strategy is centred on helping companies innovate, connect, and grow through the opportunities presented by the industry. We also look forward to launching new activities and programmes that will allow EXSA to serve as a vibrant and connecting force in the industry. Through its new brand, EXSA will work to maintain relevancy, as well as grow and develop the exhibition industry by listening to members and anticipating what they want and need. For more information about EXSA or to become a member, email info@exsa.co.za.

the four pillars that make up EXSA are: CONNECT with national and international industry professionals through association alliances, as well as with each other through networking opportunities, surveys and events – including the annual EXSA Conference, CEO round table discussions and speed networking events. ENGAGE with like-minded industry professionals through our forums, including organisers, suppliers, venues and young professionals, where information and knowledge in the industry are shared and debated on to develop and find solutions to possible challenges within the industry. LEARN through industry resources available to all members, as well as from industry experts at seminars, workshops and the EXSA Conference. Members are also encouraged to make use of the EXSA Academy (exsaacademy.co.za), launched this year, to upskill, train and accredit their employees. GROW through shared knowledge, opportunities for skills training and networking.

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MEETINGS l January/February 2017 •

THE WORK WE DO IS GUIDED BY FOUR KEY PRINCIPLE PILLARS:

THE PILLARS THAT GUIDE US 1) SAACI Community 2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa

FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM: 5) Branding & Communication 6) Stakeholder Engagement 7) Sustainability 8) Future Focus

Association Hub 158 Jan Smuts Avenue 4th Floor, East Wing Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

@SAACIOfficial

Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

SAACI Head Office P.O. Box 381 Parklands, 2121

SAACI Official

www

+27 (0) 11 880 5883 +27 (0)86 218 6817 info@saaci.org www.saaci.org

www.saaci.org

ta l k i n g p o i n t s

industry views AAXO – for the exhibition organisers

What this year will bring 2016 was a groundbreaking year for AAXO. Carol Weaving shares what 2017 has in store for the organisation.

ast year, we presented the first ever Exhibition of Exhibitions, featuring renowned international speakers, hosted our extremely popular Training Days and Exhibition Industry Sleepover, as well as launched the ROAR awards, which saw exhibitors get recognition for the first time ever. Concurrently, we forged ahead with our vision to introduce credibility, responsibility, accountability and professionalism to the industry. This is something AAXO has made great strides in. The AAXO badge of approval is an example of this. Thanks to the introduction of this badge, exhibitors enjoy the assurance that organisers who display this badge are AAXOapproved and adhere to our strict code of conduct.

Carol Weaving is the chairperson of AAXO and also the managing director of Reed Exhibitions.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING In an industry that is rapidly advancing technologically and that needs to adapt to international trends, we believe that 2017 will see out-of-the-box thinking to harness the opportunities and mitigate some of the challenges experienced by the emerging world. Educating organisers and

industry views

UFI GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY We look forward to the UFI Global Exhibitions Day in June, which will provide an excellent opportunity for AAXO to represent Africa and integrate knowledge from a substantial share of the global exhibitions community. The second annual Exhibition of Exhibitions, set to take place in the second half of 2017, promises to be another groundbreaking industry highlight. As a business, AAXO’s overriding mandate is to uphold exceptionally high standards within the exhibition industry and unlock its full potential. In 2016, we were able to lay the foundation for real growth in our industry and the hard work continues as we look forward to an eventful 2017.

Event planners take note

The MICE Academy - promoting industry best practice

Helen Brewer on why the MICE Buyer Circle is being taken notice of and why you should be a part of it.

HELEN BREWER is a director of the MICE Academy. She has been involved in the industry for over 35 years and has immense knowledge and experience to assist with best practice.

exhibitors on how to navigate the ROI of the various avenues of technologies available will remain a focus. According to UFI, the targeted use of social media in the exhibition industry is largely underutilised and user-generated content and live streaming are set to become paramount as companies learn to successfully reach their tech-savvy audience.

hose who plan on behalf of their corporation, association and public sector entities have called for the opportunity to provide inputs on a range of planning issues. These are the salaried planners who are required to prudently spend on behalf of their employer in ensuring their experiences – at the coal face – are collated to form a pattern of event improvement. Procurement departments take cognisance of various on-site as well as competence observations, hence the MICE Buyer Circle has become a serious requirement. With this in mind, the MICE Buyer Circle will be a sign-up process for salaried buyers to provide their inputs, both online or at gatherings, in order to reach consensus. In turn, it is intended that the collated inputs will be shared with the travel and MICE trade sectors for the purposes of consideration to improve MICE effectiveness and bottom-line improvements. The first two topics put forward for 2017 are:

SUPPLIER SERVICE DELIVERY Several buyers have commented on the lack of MICErequirement knowledge inherent within the supplier

50 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

community. A number of venue personnel in particular continue to be trained purely on the prime income-generating aspects of catering and accommodation, without sufficient thought that without the MICE gathering, the wide range of hospitality income generators would not take place.

SAFETY AND SECURITY COMPLIANCE It should be a standard procedure for suppliers and services to put forward their compliance certification if an emergency occurrence should take place. This could be as simple as paramedic accessibility to gathering assembly points. Public liability adherence may seem of limited importance yet the number of MICE suppliers and services not conforming is far from acceptable. The Tourism Grading Council should be provided with as much input as possible, especially from the organisations that constantly investigate and book a wide range of suppliers and services on a regular basis. We should not lose sight of the number of buyers that suppliers and services have challenges with in terms of conforming to the rules of use. In this regard, the MICE Buyer Circle will welcome comments from the MICE and travel trades.

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Ta l k i n g p o i n t s

industry views

Are you a successful event planner?

Travelbags how travel impacts the industry

Michelle Hinrichsen explains why you should become a member of Travelbags in 2017.

D Michelle Hinrichsen has been involved in the travel industry for over a decade. She is the owner of Iconique Brands and is the current president of Travelbags.

TRAVELBAGS South African Travel Womens Club, Johannesburg

o you want to give yourself the competitive edge? “Yes!” you say? Then Travelbags is for you. Travelbags was founded in 1958, as a non-profit organisation, and it was the exclusively male clubs that were the fashion at that time that led to its formation. Support for the organisation has grown over the years and, as result, it has opened its membership to female members. This membership is by invitation only and forms part of the Top 100.

BENEFITS The 200-plus members benefit from monthly lunches, which provide excellent networking opportunities. These lunches also allow sponsors to market their products directly to the travel industry, on a one-to-one basis, and let’s not forget, monies raised at these lunches are donated to the sponsors’ charity of choice. Travelbags will give you access to hundreds of people in the travel industry. It’s the perfect opportunity

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for a wedding planner to introduce a honeymoon package, or an incentive planner to throw in travel incentives. How about a sponsored travel prize to increase attendance?

TRENDS Get to know the trends of the travel industry by getting to know the people within the industry. Grow your company by giving it the edge – I mean, who doesn’t enjoy travelling and networking? I know I do! As one member puts it, “Travelbags is an excellent platform to network with fellow colleagues in the travel and events industry. The events are well organised and always fun. I strongly recommend that you become a member to enjoy all the benefits of being part of Travelbags.” Today, Travelbags has become one of the largest clubs of its kind in South Africa, and its part affiliation to the International Federation of Women's Travel Organisations has put the club on the map on an international level.

MEETINGS l january/february 2017 •

Introduction Nestled in a crook of the Magalies River in the lush and fertile valley of the Magaliesburg Mountains and only an hour and fifteen minutes away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, De Hoek Country Hotel is the ideal place to celebrate life.

De Hœk Enquiries & Reservations

Whether you come to stay for a romantic getaway, an executive conference, a bespoke wedding or just to unwind in a tranquil setting; you’re bound to enjoy our warm hospitality. Coupled with excellent 5 star service and superb cuisine, De Hoek proudly continues to satisfy a wide clientele from all over the world.

t: +27 (14) 577 9600

The successful team, with the continued loyalty and commitment of the De Hoek staff, continue to uphold the values that make the award winning hotel, a prized gem in a highly competitive hospitality industry.

e: celebrate@dehœk.com

e: reservations@dehœk.com

t h e ba c k p ag e

A good culture fit In 2017, Miss Meet will be working with clients that are aligned with her beliefs. She tells us why…

Illustration: Nicolene Louw

or a number of reasons, 2016 encouraged me to take stock of my company’s relationships with clients and suppliers. What I have finally realised, this year, is that these relationships directly affect how my business operates, feels, thinks and how it is perceived by others. I have, therefore, made a conscious decision to align my business with clients and suppliers that have a similar culture fit to my business. When a company and its clients are a good cultural fit, they align on important factors. They appreciate and share the core values that influence each other’s actions, attitudes, decisions and results. This means a more productive and healthy relationship. For me,

it also means that I can sleep better at night without that knot of regret in my stomach.

WHY A GOOD FIT IS IMPORTANT A misfit in terms of culture does not necessarily mean that one party is wrong and the other party is right. But it does mean that the parties do not sit around the same fire on important and strategic issues. I give just one example of this culture misfit, which has given me many sleepless nights. It is the approach to finances. Money has never been a driver for me. Like every other business owner, I want to make money, but it isn’t what encourages me to do the job. You cannot excite me by dangling an incentive or a bonus in front of me. I am

encouraged to do the work because of the excitement, belief and passion I feel for a specific project. I struggle to work on a project that I do not believe in, regardless of the financial reward. I have had to work with a number of clients that are so focused on profit that I feel they get lost along the way and lose sight of the event objective and, in some cases, they lose their relationships with people because their relationship with the money has taken over. This puts us at loggerheads in terms of certain approaches and means that we are not aligned – not healthy for business. Once again, this does not make me right and them wrong – we just have different ideas on what is important. In the words of Angel Anzola, “Surround yourself with like-minded people. Success is a group activity.”

index to advertisers Barmotion 32 Canopy Tours 34 Cape Town Convention Bureau 36 Century City Conference Centre IFC, Pull out Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank 2 CSIR ICC Insert De Hoek Country Hotel 51 Event Wizards 30 Fancourt South Africa 13 Fine-line Illustrations 5 Gauteng Convention Bureau 3, 38

52 • MEETINGS l January/february 2017

Hemingways Casino, Hotel & Entertainment Centre 46 Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road 44 ibtm africa 4 ibtm arabia 48 Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre 41 Inspire Furniture Rentals & Sales 14 Johannesburg Expo Centre 42 Khoja Group 6 Lumi 24 Peermont 7 Rand Club IBC

SAACI

SAB World of Beer

OBC

Sandton Convention Centre

OFC

South Africa National Conference Bureau Supplement Scan Display

Tourvest I.M.E

Tsogo Sun

Two Oceans Aquarium

Unique Speaker Bureau

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The SAB World of Beer is a sophisticated five-star conference and event venue in Johannesburg’s trendy Newtown area. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has become one of the country’s top attractions for foreigners and locals alike.

Accolades

Conferencing

Beer Tours

The SAB World of Beer is a popular conference venue and tourist attraction, having achieved a five star rating for its various conference facilities

The SAB World of Beer, graded by the Tourism Grading Council, is a fivestar conference and event venue situated in the heart of Johannesburg.

The SAB World of Beer is a fun-filled beer showcase that explores the rich history of beer. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has become one of the country’s top attractions for foreigners and locals alike.

SAB World of Beer ...the venue with a difference you’ve been looking for!

(011) 836 4900

events.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com

www.worldofbeer.co.za

tripvisor

www.tripadvisor.co.za

Enjoy Responsibly. Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of 18.

@SABWoB