WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE IN 2023?

Managing Editor Pippa Naude (Pippa.Naude@3smedia.co.za)

Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders

Head of Design Beren Bauermeister

Contributors Lee-Ann Alder, Sven Bossu, Glenton de Kock, Kwakye Donkor, Herkie Du Preez, Rivania Govender, Kevan Jones, Cheryl Norwood-Young, Didi Okoro Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Morwesi Ramonyai, Yolanda Woeke

Production & Client Liaison Manager

Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk

Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina

Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising

Vanessa De Waal

+27 (0)84 805 6752 | Vanessa.DeWaal@3smedia.co.za

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Publisher Jacques Breytenbach

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Meetings JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

There was a palpable buzz at the Meetings Africa 2023 launch event, held at @Sandton Hotel on 26 January. Not only was its new look revealed (fresh, inviting and contemporary), but a panel discussion delivered a feast of food for thought on the question of how we can best, as a continent, work together to promote the wonderful destinations that make up Africa. To find out more about what the show promises, as well as meet the SANCB’s dynamic new acting chief convention bureau officer, Zinhle Nzama, turn to page 4. (She’s also featured on our cover!)

In keeping with an African theme, this issue also features five leading African MICE destinations (page 8), a snapshot of the African MICE sector by Africa Tourism Partners’ CEO, Kwakye Donkor (page 18), continental research findings,

African Perspectives on the MICE Industry Report

MISS MEET IS feature an ‘Off the Record’ column. This is a space for anyone in the business events space – from organisers to venues, suppliers and clients – to submit an anonymous opinion piece on any issue, experience or idea that they have. By keeping it anonymous, we are hoping to cultivate a space to air the things that might otherwise not be given a platform.

I’m excited by the opportunity this creates to spark conversations, especially as it is very easy for us to exist in our own social and professional ‘bubbles’ – an observation made by our very first ‘Off the Record’ contributor when discussing the topic of transformation. Please give it a read on page 44.

If you have something you would like to address – positive or negative, humorous or serious – please send it to me directly, at pippa.naude@3smedia.co.za . It will be handled confidentially.

There’s plenty more to discover in this issue, including a selection of favourite venues as nominated by local event organisers (page 21), while ‘Could business events be getting a bad rap?’ on page 30 tackles some of the issues currently plaguing the business events sector and which pose a reputational risk to our professionalism.

I hope you enjoy the read; your feedback is always welcome!

Until next time,

© Copyright 2023.

All rights reserved. www.theplannerguru.co.za

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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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In the early evening of 23 December 2022, a fire broke out at exhibition and events supplier Scan Display’s Cape Town foreshore offices. The fire resulted in part of the facility being destroyed. A security guard saw smoke coming from the building and quickly alerted the security company, which in turn alerted the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services Department. The fire department managed to contain the fire, preventing damage to some of the stock, vehicles and equipment.

The company’s Cape Town staff rallied over the Christmas break and the production facility was quickly reinstated in nearby premises. Thanks to this dedicated team, Scan Display was swiftly up and running again in the new year.

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) held its latest AGM on 26 January 2023, where it shared its performance and achievements for the 2021/22 financial year.

Some of the highlights include hosting 226 events (compared to 53 in the previous financial year), which saw the venue welcoming over 127 000 guests.

Revenue was also up, reaching almost R100 million compared to just over R52 million in the previous financial year, and a turnover of more than R98 million compared to R43 million in the 2021 financial year.

The CTICC also continued to contribute positively to the economy. It contributed R1.1 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and an additional R1.1 billion to the Western Cape’s gross geographic product (GGP). This means that, since 2003, when the CTICC opened its doors, it has contributed a total of R53.2 billion to the GDP and R45 billion to the GGP.

Through its activities, the centre has also been able to create or sustain over 2 000 jobs in the 2022 financial year, and 145 000 jobs since it opened.

Madagascar has lifted its travel ban on flights from South Africa, enabling Airlink to resume flights between Johannesburg and Antananarivo.

Airlink had to suspend its service to Madagascar for the past three years due to travel bans, initially as a result of Covid-19 and subsequently due to a political fallout between the two nations.

Return flights to Madagascar resumed on 30 January and will run weekly, increasing to three flights a week from 14 February 2023. A daily service will be reinstated as demand increases.

As Madagascar’s capital and main commercial and economic hub, Antananarivo is Airlink’s immediate priority. The resumption of services to Nosy-Be – a popular destination for the MICE market – will be considered in due course.

Sun International’s only beachfront resort, Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward, has been honoured by being named the winner of the 14th annual Luxury Lifestyle Awards category ‘Best Luxury Beach Resort in South Africa’.

In the past year, the resort has seen millions spent on upgrades to new and existing facilities, following improvements made leading up to Wild Coast Sun being raised from a three- to a four-star resort, in 2020.