Meetings May/June 2017

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May/june 2017 • Issue 73

DURBAN ICC Africa’s leading meeting and conference centre

what event apps can teach you

10 WAYS

to ensure your next event is a great success

how to choose the right supplier

WHY AV MATTERS

BIG INTERVIEW “Work hard, be dedicated and you will see it all happen for you – you work and you learn and you take every opportunity that comes to you. Sometimes you make mistakes, but you get up and you move on.”

Dorcas Dlamini, director: Sales for Protea Hotels by Marriott

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May/JUne 2017

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MAY/JUNE 2017 • Issue 73

DURBAN ICC Africa’s leading meeting and conference centre

WHAT EVENT APPS CAN TEACH YOU

10 WAYS

to ensure your next event is a great success

HOW TO choose the right supplier

WHY AV MATTERS

BIG INTERVIEW “Work hard, be dedicated and you will see it all happen for you – you work and you learn and you take every opportunity that comes to you. Sometimes you make mistakes, but you get up and you move on.”

Dorcas Dlamini, director: Sales for Protea Hotels by Marriott

R50.00 (incl. VAT)

the cover STORY The Durban ICC has hosted some of the world’s largest and most prestigious events. This world-class business events facility, makes an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies.

For more, turn to page 6

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included

included

The global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought-after destination.

Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products.

We take a look at the facts and figures for the 2017 show.

Opened in 1984, the Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa’s largest purpose-built exhibition and events venue, is the leading venue of its kind in Africa. Looking at what it has accomplished, it is easy to see why.

with this issue

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.

REPORT BACK ON SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA2017 MEETINGS 27 FEBRUARY 2017: BONDAY

28 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH 2017: EXHIBITION

Go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za

10021423 Meetings Africa Guide.indd 1

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with this issue

GO BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

2016/11/16 3:05 PM

EVENT SHOWCASE 30 F amous Brands gala dinner Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is uniquely able to accommodate and facilitate business and special events in a vibrant beach location

SUPPLIERS

08

32 The visual experience Let Fine-Line Illustrations bring your event to life

20 BEST PRACTICE 14 Event success Darren Natale shares 10 tips to ensure your next event is a huge success

16 How to choose the right supplier Event suppliers

14 FOCUS ON CONFERENCE ADD-ONS 08 The importance of conference add-ons When you plan your next event, it is important to take into consideration how the venue can add value to it

10 Change the way you conference Protea Hotels by Marriott are leading the way with new ways of thinking about meeting success

11 Sandton’s conferencing oasis The FNB Conference Centre offers a tranquil and secure experience

are critical to the success of your event, so chose them wisely

18 Increase engagement Carol Weaving on how technology can increase engagement at your next event or exhibition

19 Event apps – not just for attendees Karmen Vladar on how event organisers can gain great insights about their events from apps

20 Why AV matters Rick Wade on the importance of

REGULARS 03 Ed’s Letter Growing the industry 04 Tidbits Meetings’ must-know minutia 27 20 Questions Event Wizards’ George Sutherland 28 Sound Bite Clico Boutique Hotel’s Marnus Scholly 33 Legal Advice Advocate Louis Nel answers your questions

36 Miss Meet The anatomy of an event planner

using a professional audiovisual company these tips

SPEAKER’S CORNER

12 Making Herstory Dorcas Dlamini, director: Group

29 Executive presence Unique Speaker Bureau

important to give back to the industry

34 Event Greening Forum A greener EGF conference 34 Travelbags A sensory experience 35 ICCA ICCA’s new strategic plan 35 AIPC A force for recovery

22 AV tips Save valuable organising time with

BIG INTERVIEW Sales for Protea Hotels by Marriott, on why it is

TALKING POINTS

is able to pair the right speakers to realise an event’s needs

18

ed's letter Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Content Marketer & Writer Annette Beyers Design Martin Hiller Contributors Rod Cameron, Michelle Hinrichsen,

Darren Natale, Esmaré Steinhöfel, Zoe van Niekerk, Karmen Vladar, Rick Wade 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 May/June 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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growing the industry

I

t really is an exciting time for the team at Meetings magazine. We have launched the Unboxing Series. These specialised workshops have been designed to ensure participants come away with not only information but ideas, all of which can be implemented back at the office. The Unboxing Series is presented by hand-picked experts in their specific and respective field.

In order to give event planners the recognition they deserve we have also launched the Career Progression Programme (CPP). The programme has been designed to help professionals stay up to date with information and trends that are crucial to event planners. The programme will deliver a deeper understanding of what it means to be a professional, along with a greater appreciation of the implications and impacts of your work.

THAT’S NOT ALL FOLKS Over the past three years, Meetings magazine has acknowledged 125 phenomenal women who have made a significant contribution to the industry. The Top 40 Women in MICE initiative has given these women a platform to tell their stories. They are stories that inspire, motivate and ignite.

In order to grow and maintain the momentum of this initiative it is vital to create a community of influential women who are determined to build fruitful professional and personal relationships as well as leverage their reach and resources, creating a global community of economically empowered women. I am proud to announce the formation of the Women in MICE Networking Forum.

Membership to the forum will be open to any female who works in the MICE industry, interested in joining the sector, a student studying in the MICE field or a girl leaner interested in a MICE career.

There will be regular networking events that will fulfil the Forum’s mission, “To shape the future of Women in MICE by providing opportunities for development, fostering valuable connections and facilitating member success through business and career growth”.

Part of the Forum is the Women in MICE Mentorship Programme. In order to grow our industry, it is important that the women who make the Top 40 are advocates for an exciting new generation of industry talent. Those of us that have the skills, knowledge and confidence, should help develop these skills within the up and coming. It is our duty. The Women in MICE mentorship programme aims to do just that.

Mentorship is powerful and incredibly useful in anyone’s career. Being a mentor is about giving back to the industry; it is a fundamental form of human development where one person invests time, energy, and personal know-how assisting in the growth and ability of another person.

To find out more about the Unboxing Series, CPP and the Women in MICE Networking Forum email me at martin@3smedia.co.za.

P.S. Don’t forget to the July/August edition for the 2017 Top 40 Women in MICE list.

@MartinHIller

Meetings’ must-know minutia

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER

NOMINATE YOUR TOP 40 WOMEN IN MICE An initiative that honours outstanding women who have made a difference in the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition industry, Meetings magazine is set to celebrate the annual Top 40 Women in MICE again this year. Do you know such a woman? She does it all with poise and grace, and makes it seem completely effortless. She is the one you call to “make it happen”. She runs a successful operation and makes a difference wherever she goes. Help us give these women the recognition they deserve and nominate that distinguished woman you think makes this industry what it is today. For more info, email martin@3smedia.co.za. Nominations close 31 May 2017.

UNBOX YOUR SUCCESS

What are the benefits?

Through active participation and dialogue, The Unboxing Series is geared to finding solutions and provide thoughtprovoking content for event planners. The workshops have been designed to ensure participants come away with not only information but ideas, all of which can be implemented back at the office. The Unboxing Series is presented by hand-picked experts in their specific and respective field.

COMING UP

In the fast-developing world of business events, it’s easy for professionals to feel overwhelmed by the rate of change and new skills that seem to be required on an almost daily basis to perform their jobs to the highest standard. This is why ibtm africa, in collaboration with Meetings magazine, has launched its Career Progression Programme (CPP), which will help professionals stay up to date with information and trends that are crucial to event planners.

“Knowledge is power. The more you know about your role, the business you work for and its practices, the more valuable you are as an employee and team member,” says Editor of Meetings magazine, Martin Hiller, “You are aware of the changing trends and directions in your profession. The pace of change is probably faster than it’s ever been – and this is a feature of the new normal that we live and work in. If you stand still, you will get left behind, as the currency of your knowledge and skills becomes out-dated.”

The programme will: • ensure your capabilities keep pace with the current standards of others in the same field • ensure that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver a professional service to your clients • ensure that you and your knowledge stay relevant and up to date • help you to stay interested and interesting.

The programme will open you up to new possibilities, new knowledge and new skill areas.

• 24 May – From trash to treasure: Why sustainability matters and what you should be doing right now.

• 28 June – Reimaging your event – from branding to spaces, it is time to turn your event on its head.

The programme will deliver a deeper understanding of what it means to be a professional, along with a greater appreciation of the implications and impacts of your work.

For more info, email martin@3smedia.co.za.

For more info, email martin@3smedia.co.za.

4 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

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cover story

Taking the lead Lindiwe Rakharebe’s inimitable style has helped build new bridges of cooperation for the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) and forge partnerships with key associates in the business events industry, the city and the province.

S

ince taking the reins at the Durban ICC as CEO at the beginning of April 2015, Lindiwe Rakharebe has spearheaded the collaborative efforts of the centre with strategic partners and industry stakeholders, produced impressive financial results, and seen the company make immense economic contributions to the provincial and national economies.

During her tenure to date, the Durban ICC has produced two solid sets of financial results and received clean, unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor-General in both years. During the 2016 financial year, she saw the company

DURBAN ICC’S TRAILBLAZER

Lindiwe Rakharebe

6 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

Lindiwe Rakharebe is personally and professionally committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. As a result, she gives her time to serve on several committees that benefit and raise awareness for the plight of mentally challenged youth in our country. A staunch advocate of gender-equality and women-empowerment issues, she also serves on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network on Preventing Violence against Women and is currently the chairperson of the Small Enterprise Development Agency eThekwini. Lindiwe’s leadership style is characterised by love, respect and open communication, and she places a premium on the importance of work-life balance. She is of the firm belief that nothing supersedes the value of being a mother and the importance of belonging to a family.

generate a revenue figure of R161 million, surpassing the prior year’s performance by R4.7 million. The company also showed a 4.7% year-on-year growth in profits from R31.5 million in 2015 to R33 million this year.

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE EXCELLENCE Lindiwe currently occupies the corner office at South Africa’s first international convention centre, which was opened by former president Nelson Mandela in 1997. The centre has played a pioneering role in attracting international events to our shores since its inception.

The Durban ICC offers the largest flat-floor, column-free, multipurpose event space in Africa.

Incorporating the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, the complex offers 112 000 m² of flexible exhibition and meeting space.

The centre is a versatile venue of enormous dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, big or small, no matter how extraordinary.

International conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts or special occasions – every requirement can be accommodated. Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-of-the-art, technology-driven centre and the team constantly strives for world-class service excellence.

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#africa'sbest NOTABLE EVENTS Over the years, the Durban ICC has successfully hosted some of the world’s largest and most prestigious events and has been the platform for the discussion of many global issues. Notable examples include the recent 21st International AIDS Conference, which attracted over 20 000 delegates to the city, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference – namely the Conference of the Parties (COP 17-CMP7). It has built a reputation as the leading convention facility on the continent and is constantly attracting new international events to Durban.

The centre is set to host the World Economic Forum Africa and the World News Media Congress later this year.

“Each time we host a high-profile event of this nature, it engenders confidence in the rest of the world that the country, the city and the centre can successfully compete at a world-class standard,” notes Lindiwe.

The Durban ICC has succeeded in attracting this calibre of event as a result of a focused, strategic approach to research, destination marketing and the alignment of its marketing efforts with the objectives of the provincial and national development plans. The centre regularly hosts events with academics who lead their fields and encourages them to join forces and bid for global events that could be hosted in Durban.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE GDP By hosting major international events, the Durban ICC attracts thousands of foreign delegates to Durban each year. Apart from the positive

economic impact that these visitors have on the city while they are here, many of them return as tourists in future years with their families and friends. These visitors return to their home countries and spread the word about Durban as a vibrant city, in touch with its African authenticity and the genuine friendliness of its people.

In its role as an economic catalyst, the Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies since its foundation. Tracked by independent researchers over the past 10 years, the Durban ICC’s contribution to the country’s GDP has exceeded R30 billion, not counting its contribution over the first nine years of its operation. During this time, over 80 000 jobs have been created in the local economy thanks to the activities of the Durban ICC.

AWARD WINNING The Durban ICC has also established itself as a world-class convention centre, having been honoured with several international awards and accolades. In the last year, the centre has also received several other accolades including being ranked in the Top 15 Convention Centres in the World at the Apex Awards, administered by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC). The Durban ICC was notably the only centre in Africa to have made the Top 15 list despite several entrants from the continent.

Commenting on this recognition, Lindiwe adds, “The AIPC Apex Awards are the authoritative benchmark for international service excellence and one of the most esteemed and respected accolades in the entire meetings industry worldwide. It is a great honour for our dedicated and passionate team to receive this tribute. This accolade emphasises our position as Africa’s leading convention centre, a title that we strive to live up to every day.

“Service excellence is the heartbeat of the Durban ICC team and this commitment is expressed through its Gold Status certification from the international AIPC Quality Standards Programme. This is the highest international accolade a convention centre can achieve for its service levels and the quality of its facilities,” concludes Lindiwe.

+27 (0)31 360 1000 sales@icc.co.za | icc.co.za

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DURBAN ICC In NUMBERS R4.3 billion During the past financial year, the Durban ICC once again made an immense macroeconomic contribution to Durban, KwaZuluNatal and South Africa. The centre generated a total of 1.2 million delegate and visitor days, which resulted in a total contribution of R4.3 billion to South Africa’s GDP.

#1

The centre has been voted “Africa’s Leading Meeting and Conference Centre” at the World Travel Awards no fewer than 15 times in 16 years.

9 976 jobs

A staggering R4.1 billion was added to the province’s gross geographic product and no less than 9 976 jobs were sustained as a result of the centre’s activities this year.

5 stars

OVER

300 m

The sheer size and scale of the centre is astounding. The building itself is over 300 metres in length – longer than three football pitches or large enough to park four Airbus A380s nose to tail.

Demonstrating its commitment to quality, the Durban ICC is five-star graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and maintains its ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000 and OHSAS 18001 certifications ensuring the highest international standards in quality management, environmental responsibility, food safety and health and safety. The Durban ICC is the only convention centre in the country to hold all four of these certifications.

one of Top 15 Convention Centres in the World at the Apex Awards.

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

7

F OC U S O N

The importance of conference add-ons Successful meetings and conferences are built on the content of the facility – the value it adds to your event – much more than just the context. So when you plan your meeting, conference or corporate event, it’s important to take into consideration how your chosen venue can add value to your event.

O

ne of an event planner’s greatest fears in using a venue for the first time is that it might not exceed or, even worse, even meet their expectations.

Now sometimes this is due to the fact that the service delivery was less than perfect or something might have gone wrong during the course of the event; but more often than not, it’s due to the fact that there simply wasn’t anything that set the experience apart from any other event.

One would think that with competition being what it is between South African venues, they

8 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

would do everything in their power to set themselves apart from the rest and to provide an unforgettable experience to anyone who uses their facilities, but this doesn’t happen as often as we’d like it to. Times have changed and standards have been raised. Fast turnaround times and free Wi-Fi simply don’t count as value-adds anymore. These are pretty much considered common courtesy.

WHAT ARE ADD-ONS? A conference add-on contribute to the wowfactor. It inspires photographs, it’s what’s

squished into an over-full handbag, it’s what other event planners point to as they express how something will be perfect for what one of their clients are looking for in their event. It’s the cappuccino on arrival, the candy station on departure, the stress ball on the table, the lip balm for speakers and the box of breath mints for attendees. Every little thing lights a spark in someone who could be a venue’s next client or could attract their next client.

As an event organiser, you want to make your event memorable and that’s why you need to choose a venue that has the same priority. Your event should be the talk of the industry – that’s always the aim – but in the same breath, your venue should want to plant seeds of satisfaction.

Look for venues as excited by your ideas as you are; venues who go above and beyond and leave your guests walking away satisfied and impressed not only by the event, but by the experience.

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#EVENTextras

What conference add-ons truly make for memorable experienceS?

Stephanie Moss

Viviene Barberis

Celeste Whitaker

Director, Stephanie Moss Solutions

General manager, Cardinal MICE

Director, Fizz Marketing

INTERESTING SPACES

THE SMALL THINGS

Wi-Fi ACCESS

Venues need to have interesting spaces available whether it is for break-away casual sessions or flexible formal conference-style seating with ambiance and attention paid to look and feel. Schoolroom, and cinema-style seating doesn’t crack it anymore.

Simple things like free photocopying adds value during the conference.

Venues should provide event organisers with a fully inclusive price and no hidden costs. It adds an immense amount of value when these costs include other free or partially subsidised services such as a skilled AV and IT on-site technician.

Social media is still on the rise and the trend of extending events online in the form of live video, live tweeting and sharing to platforms like Snapchat and Instagram is one that is extremely important for event stakeholders.

With this in mind, I believe venues should be providing high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi access to delegates, exhibitors, and separate Wi-Fi access to speakers and the organising team.

CATERING Food has to be an experience and a culinary delight. It needs to be experiential and interactive and visually appealing. Snacks in the conference room during conference sessions should be more appealing – to keep delegates busy and to liven up the conference tables. Be it caramelised popcorn and jelly babies or interesting centrepieces to stylise an otherwise boring conference table. And biscuits just won’t do during the coffee break any longer – venues should consider stylish savoury snacks; low-carb, high-protein foods; colourful and appealing looking seasonal fruits; and sorbets and fruit shots served by “theatricalstyle head waiters/chef-type staff”.

venue coordinator It’s useful to have a dedicated venue coordinator from the time of enquiry through to event completion. This provides organisers with a point of contact that is familiar with all their requirements.

Parking Venues should consider providing dedicated delivery parking close to the set-up site for equipment and branding material and should allow for the redemption of parking tickets for off-site parking.

digital screens Another add-on to improve the delegates’ experience at venues is to provide digital screens to welcome, direct, engage and share info and Twitter feeds. If the venue has these screens installed as a permanent feature, then event planners can “plug and play” into the system and avoid having to hire additional screens.

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For the first and only time in South Africa, Maarten Vanneste, CMM, from the Meeting Design Institute in Belgium, a well-known author, innovator, strategist and plenary presenter at IMEX, Convening Leaders, EIBTM and many other global platforms, will be lead presenter of the Meeting Design Master Class.

DETAILS Cost R5 395 excl. VAT Dates 5 - 6 June Time 09:00 - 18:00 Venue CSIR ICC, Pretoria

ROOM UPGRADES Guaranteed room upgrades with group bookings are a good valueadd to offer – just the way the Asian hotel groups do. Rooms given free of charge, based on the size of the group booking being made is also a good incentive. Rooms for conference organisers should be confirmed and freely offered upfront without having to submit a special request.

The Event Architecture International Master Classes aim to introduce global thought leaders to our local industry, to build on existing competencies and to create unique selling points to boost your career and business – in short, to unlock your genius, to professionalise and advance our industry and to expose opportunities for innovation.

BOOK NOW Corné Engelbrecht +27 (0)12 349 2301 +27 (0)82 925 9241 corne@confsa.co.za

5 - 6 June 2017 CSIR ICC, PRETORIA The difference between a triumph and a flop is determined by the choice of venue. Guests will remember the decorations, atmosphere and experiences long after the keynote speaker’s main points are forgotten. Venues need to provide unique spaces for today's events

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

9

In proud partnership with

Hosted by

F OC U S O N

Change the way you

COnference Protea Hotels by Marriott is leading the way with flexible workspaces, game-changing technology and new ways of thinking about meeting success.

PROTEA HOTEL FIRE & ICE! BY MARRIOTT PRETORIA MENLYN

PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT ZEBULA LODGE

AFRICAN PRIDE MOUNT GRACE COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA

Feel the buzz from the moment you step into this hotel’s slick social spaces. Conveniently located just off the N1 on the Garsfontein offramp, within easy reach of Pretoria CBD, this one-of-a-kind hotel offers a world of fantastic experiences inside and out.

Golf estates abound in South Africa but none can match Zebula, a stunning and totally unique lifestyle destination, a mere two-hour drive north of Johannesburg, in the magnificent malariafree Waterberg region of the Limpopo province.

Located on 1 600 hectares of pristine bushveld in the shadow of the Waterberg mountains, Zebula commands a most spectacular setting.

Experience the luxury of time at African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa. Nestled among the ruggedly beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains, merely an hour's drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, the African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa invites you to relax and refresh your mind, body and spirit.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

• When you book a 24-hour conference, you can include one of the following: a two-hour game drive, a one-hour quad bike safari, a 30-minute massage or a one-hour elephant interaction.

• Team building, conflict resolution, group dynamics or simply good old-fashioned fun – from paintball to archery and clay target shooting – Zebula offers a range of activities that will add enormous value to your event.

• Zebula offers small conference venues at various premier homes on the estate, all of which offer a level of privacy, space and luxury ideal for the more intimate conference. The lodge has six conference venues, with the largest being able to accommodate up to 220 delegates.

• All of the conference venues either look out on to the golf course or the estate, providing a relaxed atmosphere for all your delegates.

• The specialist conference sales team is situated on-site.

• At the property, you will have the luxury of using one of the 16 conference venues.

• African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa offers a hassle-free experience when booking groups and conferences.

• It offers a variety of teambuilding options.

• Various banqueting themed options are available.

• It offers themed tea/coffee breaks as part of its normal day-conference package.

• It has a dedicated events team to ensure your event runs smoothly and successfully.

• Specialised wine and food pairing group events with the sommelier are offered.

• Ample breakaway venues are available.

• There is a dedicated team-building area called Lekgotla.

• Five types of accommodation, adding up to 121 rooms, are available.

• There is an award-winning spa.

• On-site are two restaurants (one is a fine-dining restaurant) and a ladies bar.

• Complimentary golf cart service is offered.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE? •G reat location - right next to the highway and within very close proximity to various attractions in and around Pretoria, including Menlyn Mall, Time Square Casino and the Menlyn Maine precinct.

•Y ou can drive a vehicle into the larger downstairs venue.

•A mple secure and covered parking for 250 cars.

•A ll venues are universally accessible and have natural light.

•U nique tea and coffee breaks as well as canapéstyle luncheons are available.

•A great list of preferred suppliers - from decor to AV companies.

•C omplimentary uncapped Wi-Fi with the ability to personalise the Wi-Fi passwords.

• F ire, life and safety is in line with international guidelines.

•O utdoor areas are open and flexible – you can put a marquee and stage over the pool.

For more, visit www.marriott.com

10 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

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focus on

DID YOU KNOW?

a conferencing oasis

FNB Conference Centre offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Sandton Gautrain station

Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg’s premier business district, the FNB Conference Centre is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a tranquil and secure experience in the busy metropolis.

I

deally located on Grayston Drive, the FNB Conference Centre allows easy access to the Gautrain station, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, with a string of some of the finest dining and entertainment spots.

Extensive renovations have recently been completed at the FNB Conference Centre. The dining room, the bar and eight conference rooms have been completed. A number of smaller projects have been concluded around the complex in order to enrich guests' experiences, including a deck area outside the auditorium, enhancing the area for outdoor tea breaks and finger lunches while conferencing.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The boardrooms comprise the uBukhosi Suite seating 20 people, the Executive Boardroom seating 30 people and the Executive Dining Room seating 20 people. Both uBukhosi and the Executive Dining Room are suitable for private dining functions. An additional offering when booking the uBukhosi Suite and the Executive Boardroom is personalised butler service, while the uBukhosi Suite also offers a private lounge.

There is also a portable video conferencing unit available, which can be used in a number of conference rooms. Spacious public lounge areas are also available for networking sessions between meetings. Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference centre and

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secure, complimentary parking is provided on the premises.

CATERING WITH A DIFFERENCE While the buffet lunch is the popular choice for conference delegates, the centre also offers the option of finger lunches - a surcharge applies.

Kosher and halaal requirements can be arranged through external providers with 48-hour notice.

A popular venue for post-event drinks and snacks or for hosting braais and outdoor events is the Liquid Lounge bar next to the pool. The coffee shop is open weekdays for speciality coffees, confectionaries and light meals.

INTERESTING EVENTS RECENTLY HELD AT THE CENTRE •G ala dinner with an art exhibition •R ock concert in foyer •A conference that had interactive sessions throughout the centre as well as spaces for delegates to do yoga and pilates •T eam building on the volleyball court with inflatables followed by a braai • Potjiekos competition on the volleyball court.

FNB CONFERENCE CENTRE IN NUMBERS 12 conference rooms 3 executive boardrooms each fully equipped with 140-seater auditorium AV and presentation

with access to an outdoor technologies patio and the gardens

200 delegates

+27 (0)11 269 8000 bookings@fnb.co.za | fnbconferencecentre.co.za

is the maximum number that can be accommodated in the conference rooms (depending on the seating style)

4 syndicate rooms

are available which are well suited for interviews and breakaway sessions

120 contemporary en-suite bedrooms

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

11

big interview

making herstory In 2017, Women in MICE launched its mentorship programme. Now if you’ve been a part of the event industry for long, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the women chosen to bear the honour of being one of this year’s mentors is none other than Dorcas Dlamini, director: Group Sales for Protea Hotels

by Marriott.

12 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

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#mentorship

From a very young age, Dorcas has shown immense drive. When she was old enough to go to nursery school, Dorcas convinced her mother – a grade 1 teacher – that she was already ready to go to primary school with her brother. Her mother probably knew that her little girl would be up for the challenge because at 16, she finished school and was ready to face the adult world.

After studying web design, Dorcas took a chance and started with an entry-level job at Protea Hotels. She had no experience in the industry, but had the attitude to learn and to deliver – and that’s what mattered. This is where her journey started and the sky is still the limit for this young lady.

JOURNEY TO THE TOP After joining Protea Hotels in 2003 as a junior sales coordinator, Dorcas took over the position of national sales coordinator after only working for the company for a year. Then, in 2008, she was promoted to regional sales manager: Western Cape, fulfilling the role for the KZN and Eastern Cape regions as well. In July 2010, Dorcas became the sales manager for government.

The year 2014 acted as the perfect payoff for a decade in the industry. Dorcas received the Association of South African Travel Agents’ prestigious 2014 Future Leader in Travel award and, shortly after this, she was promoted to sales director of Protea Hotels – a proud member of Marriott International.

In March 2016, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) appointed Dorcas as vice-chair of the association owing to a need for finding an individual with a great deal of skill and knowledge. With her bubbly personality and can-do attitude, Dorcas is helping SAACI reach new heights in the business events industry.

Dorcas aims to help people from her old neighbourhood, family, friends and colleagues see how much potential they have and grow that potential into a successful career. So many people lack real opportunities yet have great potential. Through nurturing this potential, these individuals could grow into successful business people and, more importantly, they can contribute to a stronger and more successful industry and country.

“I want to wake up and be better than I was yesterday. It’s not about winning awards though. I simply want to learn something new every day and try to make a difference in at least one person’s life,” says Dorcas.

ADVICE AND MENTORSHIP Reaching such heights in such a short time is generally unheard of but Dorcas doesn’t have a complicated formula. She claims it’s simple: “Work hard, be dedicated and you will see it all happen for you – you work and you learn and you take every opportunity that comes to you.

Sometimes you make mistakes, but you get up and you move on.” Obviously her unquenchable thirst for achieving her goals helps too, but that’s a common trait in any true idol.

“In order to grow our industry, it is important that the Women in MICE mentors are advocates for an exciting new generation of industry talent. Those of us with the skills, knowledge and confidence should be helping to develop these skills within the up-and-comers. It is our duty,” explained Martin Hiller at the Women in MICE mentorship programme launch.

This is exactly what Dorcas Dlamini does in her everyday life and it’s what makes her the perfect Women in MICE mentor.

If you would like to become a mentor or know of someone who would benefit from the programme, please email Martin at martin@3smedia.co.za.

Dorcas Dlamini was a Top 40 Women in MICE 2016 recipient.

This initiative recognises the phenomenal women who have made a significant contribution to the industry. She is pictured here receiving her award with Meetings editor Martin Hiller

PAYING IT FORWARD As we all know, people in South Africa aren’t always able to go to university or college, whether it’s because of financial constraints, their educational background or other logistical issues. This, however, need not be a death sentence for a young adult’s dreams.

“I am very aware of the responsibility I have,” says Dorcas when talking about creating opportunities for the younger generation.

“Young people need to have someone to look up to and realising that there are other people with a similar background or circumstance to yours makes it easier for you to realise that opportunities exist.”

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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

13

best practice

event

success

Creating an event is hard. There’s so much to consider, so much that could go wrong. And that’s just with a small event. The bigger the event, the bigger the risk, and it can be daunting to even know where to start. Darren Natale shares 10 tips that he has learned along the way to ensure your next event is a huge success.

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DON’T CREATE TOO EARLY Often, the mistake

DEVELOP A STRATEGY Now that

UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE Do you

is made when starting your job with the venue or theme. This is important, of course, but before you start, it is really important to ask the question ‘why?’

Why are we doing this event? Why will people want to attend? Ask as many questions as you can and collate that information into something that you can refer back to. At the beginning of the process, you must fully understand what the intended outcome is – the why.

you’ve got your ‘why’, you’ll need to shape it into a simple strategy that will allow you to build the event from the ground up.

In a way, the strategy is the vision (or the end point) and it should map out a simple way of getting to your desired outcomes. Take your thinking, research and communication and put it into a one-page strategy. It will really help you to stay on track and communicate with your stakeholders clearly.

really understand who your audience is? You might carefully consider what food to serve or what venue to use, but how often are you making decisions based on what you like and not what your audience needs in order to meet the event’s objectives?

It’s so important to really understand your audience.

My favourite way to do this: imagine your audience is one person and write a one-page description about who they are. This might include facts like they’re female, 29 years old, etc.

But it can also include fun stuff like they love G&Ts or their favourite colour is green. The more you can describe them, the more you will understand them.

Create an event that’s right for them.

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BRING YOUR STAKEHOLDERS ALONG FOR THE RIDE

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE The secret

Collaboration is one of the cornerstones of delivering a successful event. Often, you’ll have multiple stakeholders that you need to consider and get on the same page as you. Your stakeholders might include organising committees, your boss, your client, suppliers, or even your own colleagues. It’s critical that they know what’s happening each step of the way so there are no surprises. For example, show them your strategy and get them to agree on it early in the piece. It will save you mountains of stress later on.

to flawless execution is in the planning and preparation. If you can really think through the event in detail before you go on-site, you’ll be in a better position to manage the inevitable obstacles that you can’t prepare for.

Painstakingly plan every detail so the unexpected becomes less of a burden.

A good rule of thumb is: if for some reason, suddenly, you can’t be on-site, could someone step in, take your notes and run with it, without needing any handover? If you can say yes, then you’re ready to begin.

Live events are like live theatre; there will always be something that happens that you’re not expecting www.theplanner.guru

#toptips With a delightfully niche combination of law school and drama school, Darren Natale’s keen eye for strategic detail, combined with his essence of creativity, has instilled in him the discipline, intuition and guts to create truly exceptional experiences for his clients. He has worked with some of Australia’s largest companies producing events, directing forums and training their people across presentation skills, media, team building, leadership and management.

Darren now leads a team of dedicated creative professionals at Aesthetic with the same energy, passion and love for what he does that started his career more than 20 years ago.

Take the online Q&A test and start gaining credits. www.theplanner.guru

6 7 8 9 10

BE READY TO BEGIN Creating an

experience or event can be hard. Long hours and pumping adrenaline are exhausting. No matter how busy you are in the lead-up, make sure you are ready to begin.

That means sleep well, stay hydrated and try to keep a clear head. Noone will benefit if you’re still writing nametags at 3:00 when bump-in is in three hours. Start the delivery of your event fresh.

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ALLOW THE EVENT TO MANAGE ITSELF, SO YOU CAN MANAGE THE FIRES

If you’re well prepared, management of the event will take care of itself. The only thing you should be doing on-site is putting out the fires that will spark.

Live events are like live theatre; there will always be something that happens that you’re not expecting.

So don’t worry if things are going wrong. Just fix them and move on, ready for the next fire.

SAY THANK YOU

I know this one sounds pretty obvious, but relationships are critical in the events industry.

A client of mine, who is the CEO of a multimilliondollar company, personally thanks every crew member after each and every event. This assures him of loyalty and hard work on his projects. It’s also just good manners and, as we all know, good manners go a long way. So when it’s over, stop, smile, and thank everyone.

DEBRIEF, MEASURE, ANALYSE When the

craziness is over, you might feel like breathing a sigh of relief and moving on to the next thing. But you’ll never get better unless you take a moment to discuss and analyse how you did. This is true for you as an individual and for the wider team involved. At Aesthetic, we survey everyone involved in an event, from client stakeholders to our suppliers. The information we gather from that exercise is invaluable. Your measurement should also link back to your strategy.

Did you meet your objectives? As part of your strategy, what did success look like? Did you hit those benchmarks? Measuring your level of success is the only way to ensure that next time, you’ll do an even better job.

START THINKING ABOUT ‘WHAT’S NEXT?’ I like to think of these 10 steps as a circle. So really, number 10 takes us back to number 1 – ask lots and lots of questions.

Take the information that you’ve learned and start to think of the next step in the journey towards meeting your overall objectives. It’s also a great way to get over the inescapable post-event blues.

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

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best practice

How to choose the right supplier 1 No matter how you swing it, the importance of event suppliers can’t be understated. They are critical to the success of any and all events, whether they are caterers, stand builders, or suppliers of decor, furniture or audiovisual equipment.

S

peak to any event planner and they’ll confirm that, on average, for every 150-guest event, there will be about 40 people involved in supplying everything for it (this includes set-up and deliveries).

As you may very well know, the handful of people you have on-site doesn’t come close to the number of people employed by your suppliers. This essentially means that you’re dependent on your suppliers’ staff members to make sure everything happens in accordance with what you and your client envision. It’s very important for you, as the event planner, to be able to trust these suppliers and the people

16 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

who work for/with them. Suppliers are integral to the success of your event. Not only is your reputation on the line with every decision made, but you need to know that when things go wrong, and they very often do, the people who act as your support system (the suppliers), will follow through and be able to improvise. Because vendors are so integral to the success of your events, it’s important that you can trust them and select the event vendors who will follow through as well as make things right when things don’t go as planned.

Here are four things you can do to help ensure the event vendors you hire will be there for you:

ASK YOUR FELLOW PLANNERS FOR THEIR FEEDBACK ON SUPPLIERS THEY’VE USED

Have you ever wondered why word-of-mouth advertising is so sought-after? It’s quite simple: it’s more trustworthy when it comes from a client versus a supplier.

Also, people love to complain, so if you give them half a chance, they will. What this all comes down to is that simply asking another event planner about a specific supplier will give you a very good indication of whether they’re worth your money.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to network with your competitors in this industry.

Relationships with your fellow event planners can be priceless for many reasons. In this case, specifically, it gives you honest feedback about certain service providers. Sometimes, these relationships can also assist in finding reliable vendors. Rumours about suppliers who go above and beyond are always useful for current and future events.

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2

INSPECT THE SUPPLIERS’ CAPABILITIES AND OPERATIONS

Most service providers ask for a deposit prior to the event. This is completely understandable and very much a standard in the industry, but would you want to put down a sizeable deposit without knowing what you’re paying for? Of course not; and neither will your client. It is, thus, very important to know as much as you possibly can about your suppliers’ capabilities and the stability of their operations before putting down the deposit.

The most important thing to find out, right from the start, is whether the supplier can actually deliver. The best way to do this is to get a sense of what they’ve done in the past or how their delivery compares to your expectations. Some suppliers, like photographers, videographers, marketers and designers, will have portfolios for you to look at, while other suppliers may be willing to invite you to their next event as an observer to see what they can do.

Talking to staff members may also be helpful, but it really depends on what that staff member is responsible for and how long they’ve been with the company.

Financial stability is another important factor.

You’re paying a large amount of money into their bank account long before they actually have to incur costs to deliver, so is this supplier going to be able to fulfil their promise when the time comes to incur the costs? This is a hard thing to determine, but if there is any way that the supplier can prove their financial stability to you, all the better. You simply need a guarantee that they won’t become insolvent before you need them to deliver, but after you’ve already put down a deposit.

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3

RUN THROUGH HYPOTHETICAL PROBLEMS AND FIND MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SOLUTIONS

One of the most important traits an event planner can possess is handling a crisis effectively.

There are only a few professions where so many different things can go wrong. It may be due to the many different factors that comprise an event, or the number of outsiders that play major roles, but regardless of the reason, your suppliers and their staff should be able to think on their feet just as much as you should. A supplier should have such a grasp on their area of expertise that, if faced with a crisis, they can immediately find an alternative solution.

For this reason, it is an excellent idea to set up a series of scenarios of what could potentially go wrong at the event, pertaining to their role of course. Go through these scenarios with them and ask them how they would address and solve each problem. If you are happy with their response and the time they take to respond to each scenario, then you know you’re dealing with the right kind of person.

4

ADDRESS POTENTIAL CONCERNS IN THE CONTRACT

No matter how sure you are of a supplier’s competence and trustworthiness, it’s always a good idea to include penalties in case of missed deadlines or failure to perform. This applies even more so if you or your client have any concerns about whether a supplier will be able to perform.

To incentivise the supplier, you can also counter these penalties with extra compensation if a certain target is achieved.

This helps to build your relationship with the supplier and pushes them to go the extra mile and make your event a success.

The most important thing to remember is that you have a responsibility towards your client to protect their investment and do your utmost to make sure their event is a success. Of course, the success of the event also has a major impact on your career and reputation, so everything is always on the line. Do your research, go the extra mile for your client, and your well-chosen suppliers will go the extra mile for you.

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17

best practice

increase engagement Carol Weaving shares her top five ways to use technology to implement event entertainment that garners attention and boosts engagement at your next event or exhibition.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

TREASURE HUNT

Let event-goers create buzz for you by using a point-scoring system for tweets, shares and mentions about the event.

Prizes could go to the best or the highest number of tweets and shares. Make scores readily available on an event app or big screen to attract attention and encourage more competitive participants to move up the scoreboard.

Use an event app to provide clues and award points or badges for each clue solved. Send participants to secondary sessions that are normally poorly attended, direct them to sponsors’ stalls, or ensure that they answer questions and retain important information about the industry or event that would normally get the lost in the ‘noise’.

Encourage more competitive participants

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FACILITATE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Award points for the most personal connections made during a specific 15-minute window during the day or at a specific networking opportunity. Visitors need to make personal connections to grow their career and business. To make this exercise valuable, they need to obtain unique information such as an e-mail address or connect on social platforms to obtain a point.

DAILY SURVEYS

CHECKPOINTS

Set aside a part of the daily programme that gets voted in or out by participants or ask for their likes and dislikes in the programme the day before. If they complete the daily survey before a certain time, you might want to reward them with a free coffee. You will have to think on your feet, but if you are giving visitors what they want to see – now, instead of promising it next year – you can be sure that they will be back.

This may seem similar to the treasure hunt but, in this instance, RFID (radio frequency identification) wristbands are used to reward participants who visited the most exhibits and checkpoints.

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

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Go beyond expectations

SONA ADDRESS The State of Nasrec 2017 For Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC), 2017 will not be without its challenges, but resilience, determination and working towards a common goal could be the recipe for an industry game changer.

T

he economic hangover that came with the turbulent market conditions that prevailed during 2016 still lingers in light of current political uncertainty, and this will always have a direct impact on investor confidence. However, the show must go on and there are still a multitude of golden opportunities for the exhibitions, conferences and events industry.

“We knew that 2017 would be a challenging year but we need to focus on creating opportunities for business. For a start, we need to look at how to change global perceptions about hosting events in Africa, and start by making South Africa look like an appealing option that provides a multitude of advantages for international stakeholders that are looking to host events in our country,” says Craig who is also the vice chair of the Middle East Africa Chapter of UFI.

WORKING TOGETHER “It’s true that Africa doesn’t host as many international exhibitions and conferences and events as the UK, Europe or North America - but by working together as venues, organisers and service providers - we can create greater confidence and

10 reasons to host your event at

Craig Newman demonstrate our passion, capabilities and experience. We also have the eagerness and attitude to grow by creating successful and sustainable events in Africa,” says Craig.

He also believes that by getting more government stakeholders involved and by getting their endorsement for key events, the industry can help build credibility and confidence.

SUCCESSFUL START Closer to home, the JEC has had a very positive start to 2017, having successfully hosted South Africa’s edition of the global phenomenon, Ultra Fest with Ultra South Africa taking place at the end of February.

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The venue is flexible – “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.

Expo Centre Nasrec

@jhbexpocentre1

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With multipurpose facilities that provide over 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.

Not to mention Johannesburg’s most iconic exhibition, Rand Show, which ran during April 2017 and welcomed over 200 000 visitors.

UFI Global Congress Scheduled to take place in South Africa this year, the UFI Global Congress 2017 will showcase Africa’s diverse products, world-class facilities, and services. It is also where African associations and African meetings professionals come together to promote the sector.

The global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa’s potential as a sought-after destination.

The congress, which will take place from 1 to 4 November 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre, will bring large organisations from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the United Kingdom that invest in exhibitions.

The congress will connect Africa with the rest of the world while offering a platform to facilitate business opportunities, the sharing of information, and face-to-face networking. It will be a platform for those seeking new opportunities in emerging markets and for those who would like to launch their businesses locally, to meet with big potential partners from the international arena.

“We look forward to hosting an event that will entrench our industry in the minds of the global marketplace, and seeing the industry grow in leaps and bounds from there,” concludes Craig. n

3

A multipurpose arena for 20 000 people, with 20 000 parking bays, 24-hour security and five-star catering facilities, leaves very little for the demanding client to ask for. All your needs will be met.

4

Some of Gauteng’s finest 4- and 5-star hotels surround this venue of choice.

expocentre.co.za

Heroes of the JEC

Meet some of the staff members working behind the scenes to bring you exhibitions, conferences and events of the highest standard.

Maintenance team Hamilton Tshabalala, Paul van Wyk, Matthew Motswakae and Dumisani Zondi ensure that all facilities within the Expo Centre are in an excellent working condition. If anything goes wrong at any time, these are the men to call.

Thandi Ngomane and Lazarus Pule Head chefs at Main Event Catering Company Thandi and Lazarus are responsible for creating all of the delicious meals that are enjoyed at the Expo Centre.

“I’ve been working for Main Event Catering for a few years now.

I love my job,” says Thandi. As for Lazurus, “I work hard and I take great pride in every meal I prepare. Only the best will do!”

5

All service providers that you could possibly need for your event are available onsite. There is no need to go anywhere else.

Prince Moloi

Kenneth Chrestene

Recall Effective Security Service Prince is the head of security services at the JEC. “I have been working at Recall Security for 10 years now. I am extremely passionate about my job and in the time I’ve been here, I’ve learnt a lot about managing security for all types of events and exhibitions.

Every situation is different and must be approached accordingly.”

ZF Cleaning Company Kenneth is the cleaning supervisor for ZF Cleaning Company - one of the Expo Centre’s in-house service providers. “I’m settling into my new position very well.

The work we do is essential to the overall impression of the venue, so my work is important to me.”

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The venue achieved top honours at the PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards in 2016 in the Top Exhibitions and Events Venue category, winning its 3rd Diamond Arrow award and 5th PMR. africa award in total.

7

Mahatsi Developers CC Mahatsi Developers has been with the Expo Centre for the past 11 years. This hard-working maintenance team ensures that the grounds are always in pristine condition for all events and exhibitions

dynamic staff for a leading venue

A team of passionate, professional and highly dedicated staff work with you to ensure that your event is a great success.

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Lanseria Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport are a mere 30 mins away.

The venue is accessible from all major highways.

9

The centre is affiliated to EXSA, SAACI, SOJO and UFI, all of which are major industry associations.

CONTACT

10

Capital Air manages a registered helicopter landing pad on the premises.

expocentre.co.za

+27 (0)11 494 1920 l info@expocentre.co.za @jhbexpocentre1 Expo Centre Nasrec

expocentre.co.za

Funfaire at Rand Show

The Rand Show – The Expo Centre’s darling Since its transformation from a premier agricultural show that began in 1894, the Rand Show has been building on its legacy to ensure that it remains a “must-do” for every South African family.

T

he Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) has been home to the Rand Show for the past three decades, entertaining families, connecting them with brands, introducing them to the latest products and exposing them to great show bargains.

“In all those years, we have watched in awe as this show has evolved,” says JEC CEO Craig Newman. “It’s amazing to think that it began as an agricultural show 123 years ago and now it is easily the biggest consumer show on the Southern African events calendar.”

SANDF at Rand Show

A TREAT FOR THE SENSES With each year, the Rand Show grows in popularity and stature. “It has evolved

Expo Centre Nasrec

@jhbexpocentre1

into the family-oriented, lifestyle-rich show that we all know and love today,” says Craig. “It is also a worthwhile marketing investment for the brands and businesses that choose to exhibit.”

The Rand Show delights with 10 full days of entertainment, exhibitions, and demonstrations that would not be possible at any other venue. The audience is given an exciting tour of themed shows, offering everything from lifestyle and home decor to fashion, science and the animal kingdom.

WHERE ELSE BUT AT JEC The Nasrec grounds provide the perfect setting, with over 100 000 m² of outdoor exhibition space and multipurpose exhibition halls that provide over 50 000 m² of space under roof.

“When a show has been around for as long as this one has, there is a certain standard that is expected and we need to deliver on that,” says Craig. So as the

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must-attend events

THE CLASSIC CAR SHOW

An annual treat for classic and custom car lovers, the Classic Car Show is an old favourite at the Expo Centre and returns on 2 July 2017. Throngs of car enthusiasts descend on the show grounds to view over a thousand vehicles, including muscle cars, street rods, European favourites, custom pick-ups, and Corvettes. Aside from the impressive American constituent of cars, the show includes several British and European classics, as well as Toyotas, Hondas and Golfs. What began in the car park of a restaurant in Johannesburg south has become the biggest Gauteng-based classic car event on the motoring calendar.

monorail at Rand Show

IFAT AFRICA

From 12 - 14 September 2017, local and international representatives from the environmental sector will meet at the Expo Centre for the second instalment of IFAT Africa. This is the follow-up event to IFAT Environmental Technology Forum Africa, which took place for the first time in 2015. IFAT Africa 2017 will focus on water, sewage, refuse and recycling. “The current water crisis is one of the most serious environmental problems facing Southern Africa,” says Stefan Rummel, managing director of MesseMünchen. “This event will provide a platform to discuss solutions to these problems and present relevant technologies.”

Rand Show audience descends on the venue each year, the JEC team and their service providers manage entrance, parking and security with a flow and panache that would be difficult to rival.

“Our mission has always been to offer professionalism, flexibility and hospitality so that we can provide our clients with world-class service,” says Craig. “We want to ensure that your experience always exceeds your expectations.” n

Johannesburg Expo Centre

It is easily the biggest consumer show on the Southern African events calendar

AUTOMECHANIKA

Automechanika is South Africa’s leading international trade fair for the automotive service industry, targeting trade visitors from the sub-Saharan region. Taking place from 27-30 September 2017 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Automechanika is considered to be the quintessential event for the automobile sector. As one of 12 Automechanika fairs held in Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa, Automechanika Johannesburg is a rich showcase of products, technologies and services.

Johannesburg Expo Centre

expocentre.co.za

Changing lives

Community and social upliftment are important causes to the team at the JEC. LETSEMA LA BANA Letsema La Bana is a support programme that is hosted each year at the centre during the Rand Show, in conjunction with the SAPS. It is a special initiative for the widows and orphans of SAPS officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Letsema La Bana means “joining hands for the children”, which captures the poignant purpose and collaborative effort that is characteristic of the day. The Rand Show 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of this programme, honouring the inspiring men and women who dedicate their lives to public service. “This programme continues to grow in support year on year, and we are grateful for the diligent efforts of Craig Newman and his team,” says Lt Col Julia C Claassen, SAPS spokesperson.

INKWENKWEZI PRIMARY SCHOOL AND RIVERLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL Over the past six years, the JEC has been involved in an annual corporate social initiative with two schools. Last year, it collected 700 blankets for Inkwenkwezi Primary School and Riverlea Primary School.

The JEC staff also assisted both schools with repairs and refurbishments.

“We are grateful for the donations and constant support that we receive from the JEC and its associates,” says Mr M Lekgalake, principal of Inkwenkwezi Primary School.

“We at Riverlea Primary School would like to extend our sincere thanks to the JEC team for everything they did for the learners of our school,” says Mr M D Elephant, principal of Riverlea Primary School.

UFI and its role in the local industry The 2017 UFI Global Congress will shine a spotlight on Africa.

U

FI is the leading global association of the world’s tradeshow organisers, exhibition centre operators, national and international exhibition associations, and partners of the exhibition industry. With over 700 members from 84 countries, UFI’s main objective is to represent, promote and support its members, and it plays a major role in promoting trade fairs and exhibitions globally as top marketing and communications tools.

More than 900 international trade fairs bear the UFI approved label, which serves as a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike.

The 84th UFI Global Congress, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 1-4 November 2017, will bring

Expo Centre Nasrec

@jhbexpocentre1

Dr Andreas Gruchow, UFI President and Craig Newman, vice chair of the Middle East Africa chapter of UFI and CEO of JEC signing the congress hosting contract. large organisations from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the United Kingdom that invest in exhibitions worldwide.

“This congress will connect Africa with the rest of the world while offering a platform

to facilitate business opportunities, the sharing of information, and face-to-face networking,” explains Craig, who is also the vice chair of the Middle East Africa Chapter of UFI. “It will be a platform for those seeking new opportunities in emerging markets, and for those who would like to launch their businesses locally, to meet with big potential partners from the international arena.

“We want the members of our local industry to offer their full participation and support. UFI is a global organisation, which gives us the opportunity to promote Africa and to create awareness of the business opportunities available here. Therefore, we ask that the industry take advantage of the opportunities that the event will bring, through either exhibiting or sponsorship," concludes Craig. n

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things to do near the JEC Planning a pre- or post-trip? Why not consider adding one (or more) of these great spots, located close to the JEC, to the itinerary?

the JEC IN

NUMBERS 50 000 m2

of covered space

100 000 m2 of outdoor space Credo Mutwa Cultural Village is well worth a stop. Credo Mutwa is a Zulu traditional healer and artist.

He has made some interesting predictions over the decades. Of particular interest is a painting done in 1980 depicting his possible prophecy of 9/11.

Vilakazi Street where both former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived.

Mandela’s house has become a museum and is open for public tours. Dr BW Vilakazi, after whom the street is named, was a poet, novelist and intellectual, who wrote in numerous indigenous languages.

4 000 m2

of conference rooms

30-min drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport

Orlando Towers is for the thrill seekers. Bungee jump from the suspended bridge or simply spend the day relaxing at Chaf Pozi, the local shisa nyama at the foot of the cooling towers.

Regina Mundi is the largest Roman Catholic church in South Africa. Officially opened in 1962, the church gained a place in the history books when it opened its doors to anti-apartheid groups and provided shelter to activists.

During the student uprisings in 1976, protesting students fled to the church.

The police followed the students into the church, firing live ammunition. Bullet holes are still visible in the church ceiling.

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum is located not far from the spot where 12-year-old Hector was shot on 16 June 1976, during the Soweto uprising. Hector has become an icon of the fateful day – mostly due to a photo published by Sam Nzima – of the dying Hector carried by a fellow student.

Johannesburg Expo Centre

Johannesburg Expo Centre

5-star in-house catering

20 000

vehicles can be parked safely on the grounds

20 000

people can be accommodated in the multipurpose arena expocentre.co.za

GO BEYOND

EXPECTATIONS With Southern Africa’s largest fully-contained exhibition, conference and events venue.

Prime location situated just 15 minutes from a variety of three, four and five-star hotels and accessible from all major highways Over 50 000 m2 multipurpose exhibition halls Located 30 minutes from both OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport Five-star catering facilities Professional in-house cleaning services

For the ultimate location without limitations, contact us today: 011 494 1920 marketing@expocentre.co.za | info@expocentre.co.za www.expocentre.co.za

best practice

Event apps – not just for attendees You’ve probably read enough about event apps by now to understand the value they can add to your events, especially for attendees.

Increased audience engagement, more networking opportunities, gamification... with so much to offer your delegates, an event app is a must. But what about the benefits event apps bring to you, the organiser?

Karmen Vladar investigates the three main ones.

1

2

WERE THEY INTERESTED?

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

Put simply – understand what people liked and do more of that next time! Event apps allow you to see all sorts of data about your event. By looking at which parts people were most engaged with, you’ll be able to take the best bits and make your next event even better. Seeing a significant spike in people viewing a speaker profile or content after their session?

Then make sure you book them again. Take a look at attendance to see which sessions were the most popular and consider more of the same for your next event. If your event app has a Q&A function, take a look at some of the questions and answers, and use these to help plan speakers, sessions and topics for your next event.

For event professionals, feedback from delegates is invaluable and can play a vital role in planning your next event.

Back in the day, you’d send a follow-up email asking attendees to complete a survey about the event. All the usual questions about sessions, venues, etc. would be in there but, as we’ve already seen, an event app provides you with enough real-time feedback and data that there isn’t such a need for this. The feedback doesn’t end there. Social media integration and discussion boards within the event app make it really easy for organisers to monitor what attendees are saying about the event. Monitoring this will help you make adjustments for your next event, as well as give you insight into the topics and subjects that attendees have found interesting to plan more of the same. And if you’re really not ready to abandon the traditional post-event questionnaire just yet, most event apps now include some kind of survey function, which makes the whole process much easier.

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DID THE ADVERTISING HIT THE SPOT? Sponsorship can be crucial for events and conferences. Event apps offer loads of opportunities for sponsors to advertise and the best ones allow you to give feedback on the data collected, providing advertisers with all-important ROI. But, as well as demonstrating the worth of your event to sponsors, these numbers are another source of useful information when you’re planning your next event. Was there a stand-out banner ad and what was it for? How many leads did exhibitors and sponsors generate via the app? All this data can be used to not only help with marketing activities during the event (if one sponsor is proving popular, maybe sell them some push notification spots?) but also gives you a much clearer picture of your typical attendee for next time.

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

MEETINGS l MAy/JUne 2017 •

Bridge the audience engagement gap Technology to energise and connect your audiences

3

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

19

best practice

why av Matters Rick Wade knows that using good-quality AV equipment, with the proper execution by highly skilled professionals, will almost always result in a favourable end.

S

tudies show that the use of AV in classrooms is highly effective as it better stimulates students, resulting in improved grades. The same is true for all types of events that require audience connection and participation.

Based on my experience, here are some important factors that every planner should consider when sourcing AV solutions: • AV EQUIPMENT Specifying certain equipment for a job is not enough. Although it can add value, the latest is not always the greatest.

It has to be of high quality, well maintained, and even tested to be able to deliver a fully seamless customer experience.

•A V SPECIALIST Professionals who have a wealth of experience in installing and using the gear are the ones to look out for. A well-qualified project manager should be on hand to help every step of the way. They must be experienced enough to be able to give technical advice from the conceptual design and planning through to trouble-free execution. They must have a technical team of equal calibre at their disposal for support.

•A V COMPANY Reliability and credibility are two significant words when deciding which AV company to go for. Organisers should do a bit

20 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

more research than just looking at the quote.

A proven track record of running a series of successful events must be seriously considered before working with them. Check out their qualifications and certification.

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ENGAGE A PRO AV COMPANY 1

They turn a concept or idea into reality. They can visualise your technical concepts using 3D CAD drawings, 2D and 3D renderings as well as photorealistic renderings and VR presentations of the event to give a realistic impression.

2

The audience is able to grasp the message and connect with the brand properly.

3

They enhance human interactions and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

4

AV pros provide substantial value and help in overcoming the challenges presented by the event by identifying and reducing potential hiccups from the beginning.

5

And if something goes wrong (as it sometimes does), these pros know exactly how to troubleshoot and find alternative ways to make sure the show goes on. Their technical knowhow differentiates them from the amateurs.

If they have all of the above, their event is off to a good start. However, there’s always the budget. Sometimes, it is being squeezed to the point that it is difficult to work with.

THE NEED FOR AV COMPANIES There are loads of reasons why AV companies exist. Our part in delivering a promising event, whether it’s a small meeting or a big conference for thousands of people, is extremely important and should not be underestimated.

AV companies, like ours, invest to raise the standard of our products (tools and equipment) and services (manpower) through training and even collaborating with the manufacturers.

TRENDS In the world of AV, the use of VR (virtual reality) in events is now a trend around the world.

Clients are able to get a quick impression of ideas for corporate events, new products are easier to grasp, spaces can be experienced in 3D and with a 360-degree perspective. VR technology enables the audience to immerse themselves in a virtual world in real time anywhere, sales staff experience a training session on product specifications in a brand new way, draft designs or spatial concepts are

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need reliable VENUEs?

made more tangible for customers and their suppliers. Some pro AV companies provide consultation on the use of these innovative technologies, analyse possible usage scenarios, and create corresponding applications.

Expert event planners know that it is important to get the right kit for their event to be a success. They are fully aware that they can never get this outcome if they do it themselves or leave it in the venue’s in-house system. As AV professionals, it’s our job to achieve their goal and to make life easier.

Expert event planners know that it is important to get the right kit for their event to be a success

Rick Wade is the general manager of Neumann&Müller Event Technology. Rick‘s passion, drive and dedication to his work has put him at the forefront of the events industry. Rick has spent almost 30 years in this profession and has worked on prestigious events such as The World Music Awards, The Brit Awards, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 50th Birthday, and the G8 Summit at Buckingham Palace. He has toured with top-notch artists such as Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Elton John, and Tom Jones over the years. His on-the-ground local knowledge and experience have been instrumental in delivering top-quality technical services for events – some of which have won accolades in the industry. He has provided technical equipment along with expertise to some of the UAE’s biggest shows such as Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve and the UAE National Day celebrations.

Take the online Q&A test and start gaining credits. www.theplanner.guru

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

21

www.theplanner.guru is the place to find them 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.

best practice

AV Tips

Organising an event or conference and need integrated AV and/or IT? Don’t know how to start? These tips are simple, but will save you a lot of time when organising your technical support.

LIGHTING AUDIO STRUCTURES POWER RIGGING AUDIO VISUAL DAYLIGHT SCREENS SETS THEATRE EQUIPMENT RENTALS SYSTEMS INTEGRATION GRANDSTAND SEATING PORTABLE VENUES ICT SOLUTIONS

f o t i b e l t t i l and a

Magic

1

Define the objective of your event • What

is the goal of your conference?

• How

do you want to make the objective clear to your visitors?

• What

kind of experience do you want to achieve?

Don’t stress out; leave the details to the specialists

3

specify your wishes/necessities •W hat kind of general solutions do you need?

•W ill the programme include a spectacular opening ceremony?

•D o you need IT support as well? Think about presentation management or ‘branded’ digital signage for example.

•D o you want to integrate the corporate identity of your event into the technical solutions?

•W ill your conference include break-out sessions? If yes, how many?

•D oes the venue offer enough rooms to accommodate your visitors/delegates?

2

Never think you have to figure out, by yourself, what you need in terms of AV •M ake it clear to your supplier what the objective of your conference is and they will support you in facilitating a tailor-made solution.

•D on’t feel embarrassed if you do not know what you need in terms of equipment.

4

Be prepared on the operational details (they seem obvious, but are actually quite convenient) •H ow many people will attend your event?

•W hat are the operational hours? When can we build up or break down?

•W hat is the name, location and layout of the venue?

•W ho is the contact person onsite during build up/during the event/break down?

•D o you have sub-sessions during your event and how many rooms do you need?

•W ill you work with presentations during the conference? If yes, how many?

22 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

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.

REport back on SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, africa SOUTH AFRICA2017 meetings 27 FEBRUARY 2017: BONDAY

28 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH 2017: EXHIBITION

Go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za

2017 report back

Meetings Africa

– Africa’s premier business events show In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought-after destination. Meetings Africa showcases the continent's diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent. We take a look at the facts and figures for the 2017 show.

24 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

theme:

n HOSTED INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

nM eetings Africa’s return on investment (ROI)

37

sustainabilitY ROI: 2016

• 245 international and regional buyers • 68 759 potential delegates • R2 billion estimated economic impact • 73% of the buyers have never been to South Africa

ROI: 2017

• 243 international and regional buyers • 115 483 potential delegates • R2.3 billion estimated economic impact

HOSTED BUYERS n Hosted buyer numbers Target

Actual

International hosted buyers

176

178

African association buyers

55

65

Local corporate buyer

150

83

(note: these are provisional stats)

countries represented

Country Buyers USA 34 Uruguay 1 UAE 9 United Kingdom 10 Turkey 2 Thailand 3 Switzerland 3 Sweden 1 Spain 1 Singapore 4 Russian Federation 3 Republic of China - Taiwan 1 Poland 9 New Zealand 2 Netherlands 7 Mexico 3 Malaysia 7 Korea 1

Country Kenya Italy Indonesia India Germany France Ethiopia Egypt Denmark Colombia China Canada Brazil Botswana Belgium Austria Australia Argentina

Buyers 2 3 2 1 5 8 1 6 7 1 20 6 4 1 2 2 2 2

n Hosted buyer categories • International associations • Africa associations • Incentive

• Corporates • Event management • Venue finder

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exhibitors n exhibitor numbers Target

Actual

Total exhibitors

285

296

African exhibitors

17

18

African sharing exhibitors

50

50

(note: these are provisional stats)

The hosted buyers were very impressed with Meetings Africa 2017, and here are some comments from them:

5 574

"The arrival experience at the airport, Gautrain and welcome could not have been better. It was well organised and we always felt there was someone there to help. The hotel accommodation was perfect and the exhibition itself was very compact and easy to navigate. It was very targeted to the consumer, with plenty of new destinations to discover. It was a great event with a cocktail reception and arrangements made for the hosted buyers. The post tour makes the difference. It was a first time for most of them and they really enjoyed seeing what South Africa has to offer. They have left with a very positive impression of the country and with so much knowledge, which would have been impossible to accomplish without physically taking them to the country."

Alejandro Badell Director: Intermediary Sales and Global Sales Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

pre-scheduled meetings.

12% increase from 2016

18

African countries represented 01. Botswana 02. Ethiopia 03. Kenya 04. Lesotho 05. Malawi 06. Mauritius

HOSTED BUYERS' FEEDBACK

07. Madagascar 08. Mozambique 09. Namibia 10. Reunion Island 11. Rwanda 12. Seychelles

13. South Africa 14. Swaziland 15. Tanzania 16. Uganda 17. Zambia 18. Zimbabwe

n Exhibitor breakdown •A ccommodation and conference venues •A frica

• Services • SMME Development Zone

"I have been to many shows and have been an international traveller for over 20 years. I must say, Meetings Africa was one of the best-organised events I have attended. The exhibitors at the show were very well trained/versed in their destination. It didn’t even feel like they are force-selling. And as for the post tour – I can’t find the words to say thank you for introducing our small group to Sadie and her fabulous local team and the beautiful Port Elizabeth. It was such an amazing experience, and I will never forget or stop talking about the beautiful beach town. South Africa is definitely on my horizon to sell. I can’t wait to share my knowledge with the rest of the community and organisations that I belong to." Saira Banu Kianes CMP (USA) "Meetings Africa is a wonderful one-stop platform where I met everybody that I could do business with. This visit makes me even more optimistic about bringing our business events to South Africa. The post tour to Limpopo was a wonderful experience. The show was an all-embracing and enlightening trip for me." Maggie Tan CEO, Magenta Global (Singapore) "I enjoyed Meetings Africa and the post tour very much. I love to explore small places' potential and Kimberley definitely has a lot of it. The trip was a fantastic mix of culture, wildlife and art. I truly can't wait to get back and I have already shared with my friends and colleagues the hidden diamond that is South Africa". Elina Jutelyte Owner, Endo-Exo (Belgium) "Thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you provided not only with Meetings Africa, but a spectacular post tour to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park. It was thrilling and exciting. Seeing that region of South Africa was unforgettable.

The sheer beauty of Blyde Canyon was the experience of a lifetime and I am extremely appreciative." Jerry Vaughn President, CEALS - Meetings and Incentive Programs (USA)

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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

25

2017 report back

hosted buyer programme Heading up the International and African Hosted Buyers programme for Meetings Africa, Merryl Fairfoot, sales manager for the SANCB, explains how the programme works.

How does Meetings Africa set about finding the right buyers?

The selection criteria for Meetings Africa are as follows: • International Buyers must preferably not have attended Meetings Africa in the past three years, unless they have new business to place and have placed confirmed business since their last attendance at Meetings Africa.

• Preference is given to buyers who have not attended Meetings Africa previously or have never been to South Africa and are unfamiliar with what we have to offer.

• Buyers must be decision-makers within their organisation and have the authority to place business.

• Buyers must be from the MICE industry and have a track record of placing business outside of their region.

• Buyers must have potential business to place in Africa within the next two years, or within the next two meeting rotations (in the case of associations).

Right buyers are sourced in the following ways: • SANCB collates a database of clients that we (along with our stand sharers) meet at

26 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

international tradeshows such as IMEX America, IMEX Frankfurt, CIBTM, and IBTM World. From this database, we remove the names of buyers that have attended Meetings Africa in the past three years so that we do not recruit past buyers.

Potential buyers are then sent an application email inviting them to apply, with a unique registration code. This is to ensure that we can track where the invitation originates from and also prevents buyers from forwarding the invitation to apply to friends and colleagues who may not meet our selection criteria.

• The following are also sent unique codes and requested to assist in recruiting potential buyers: 1. V enues such as convention centres and hotel groups 2. South African Tourism country offices and international representatives 3. Provincial and city convention bureaus or business tourism units 4. DMCs • International and African association buyers are individually selected and targeted from the SANCB Top 30 List of Association

Buyers, which we continuously develop and update, as well as our African association database and the ICCA and UIA databases.

What is expected from the buyers?

They need to : • attend a minimum of 10 meetings with exhibitors per day (20 in total) • attend two full days of the tradeshow from 10:00 until 17:00 • attend a networking function • if relevant, to participate in either a pre or post tour of a region of their choice.

How does Meetings Africa accommodate buyers when on-site?

We provide: • economy return international flights and business-class flights for the USA buyers due to travel time • domestic flights if participating in a pre- or post tour • accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis in either a four- or five-star hotel for the duration of the show • a hosted buyers lounge with refreshments and a full lunch provided during the show • a networking evening with food and refreshments provided • a dedicated shuttle service between the official hotels and Sandton Convention Centre as well as between the Gautrain station and hotels on arrival and departure • Gautrain cards to travel between the airport and their hotels and dedicated welcome desks at the airport • a gift voucher for the sustainability village.

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20 questions

An event wizard George Sutherland is resourceful enough to deliver delightful results where others thought it impossible and with an agility that seems almost like magic!

How do you see the MICE industry at the moment?

Difficult times usually bring the best out of creative people.

Although companies cut back on budget, there are certain events that are a must for them to keep their brand ‘alive and out there’.

Although a challenge, I experience that most companies in our industry still manage to maintain and improve on the standard of the events.

What excites you most about the industry? Building relationships to such an extent that you feel the same excitement and loyalty towards the brand as the clients themselves.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen? Moving away from the unnecessary frills in decor and spending the bulk of budgets on the technical aspects like lighting and visuals for the event. The industry is more focused on items that are meaningful and can add to a lasting impact, namely informative and interactive experiences. There has also been a movement away from the formal schoolroom and cinema set-up for conferencing to a more relaxed, enjoyable semi-lounge/café set-up, thereby delivering a more memorable experience and strengthening the ‘want to come back’ feeling.

What have been your career highlights so far? Besides

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moving into our current offices, which I love, the highlights of my career have been my clients that return every year with greater challenges and minds open to new concepts.

Why should someone use Event Wizards? We deliver fresh ideas, we are not scared of the unknown and always have a solution to the problem, whether it be budget, venue or time constraints.

What has been the most memorable event you have done and why? All of them are – it is like asking which one is your favourite child!

What has been the best and worst advice you have received? I am better at giving advice – good and bad! The best came from my parents, who insisted that I always act on my instincts, follow my dreams and believe that there will always be a solution if it doesn’t work out. If I ever got bad advice, I probably did not listen as I cannot recall any.

What best describes you? The ‘Why?’ Guy.

Who do you think your celebrity lookalike is? I do have a doppelganger but he isn’t a celebrity.

What superpower would you like to possess? To multimillion-task.

About George

After a career in the high fashion industry here and abroad, enjoying the shows and fairs and the structuring thereof, George Sutherland decided that a new challenge was needed. The choice was obvious. The competitive environment of the events industry where one can never dare say ‘I’ve made it!’

What are you addicted to?

My job and trivial knowledge.

What don't people know about you? I am an open book – people know everything about me.

If you could speak any language, what would it be? Cantonese.

What do you do in your spare time? Eat out and make clever plans.

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? A bowl of baby eels in Madrid.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want? A

Who would be your ultimate dinner guest? Christiane

telephone connection, a guest list and starched napkins.

Amanpour – I like knowing what is happening in the world and she would put things into perspective for me.

Are you a dog or cat person? With out a doubt, a

Where is your favourite holiday spot? Kuala Lumpur.

What would your obituary say? Why did you start

It’s a city with enormous positive energy and a multilayered culture.

something even when you knew you wouldn’t be able to finish?

dog person.

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

27

SOUND BITE

Delivery on flavour The moment that Marnus Scholly stepped into a professional kitchen, he knew that he wanted to create culinary masterpieces that would delight.

How has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? It has become a lot more professional. The spotlight is on the chefs, and guests expect even more today.

What is your number one catering tip? Get prep done before service.

What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? A sharp knife. The rest is up for discussion.

What are some of the current trends in the food and beverage industry? Guests want natural and local food with an emphasis on flavour and sustainability.

They are also more willing to try something different. On the beverage side, we see a lot of microbreweries, gin and big retake on wines.

What would you identify as the primary mistake people make when catering for conferencing?

What dish or element are you asked to make most often? Currently, it is our deboned braised lamb shoulder served with artichokes and courgettes served with a lamb jus.

What is your favourite food? Cheese – the craft, the taste, the smell, the complexity.

Need I say more?

Are there any foods you just don’t like? That is a big no. I have to try everything.

Underestimating the value that good food brings to a conference. It can be simple, but it needs to deliver on flavour.

Did you eat your veggies as a child? I had no choice.

How can one present “plain” food in a way that appeals to delegates?

crème caramel I made. It was in a pastry kitchen some years ago. I was amused by this simple yet complex dessert. The sauce is bitter sweet and the crème caramel just holds together with that creamy velvety texture. It is pure delight.

Keep it clean and remember to showcase all the ingredients.

What is your favourite dish to make? A good beef rump roast, rosemary potatoes and deep earthy-flavoured roast vegetables is always a winner. But the simplicity of a crème brûlée cannot be underestimated.

28 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017

What is your favourite food memory? The first

When did you know you wanted to be a chef?

The moment I stepped into a professional kitchen, I was

ABOUT Marnus

Marnus Scholly is the head chef at Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank, Gauteng. He is a graduate of The Chef School for Food and Wine and has a diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts. Marnus started his career in KwaZulu-Natal, after which he relocated to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. In 2015, he joined Clico Boutique Hotel. “I am very respectful of classic cuisine and love to embrace it with a bit of South African culture. I am passionate about teaching and sharing all knowledge across the board. The ‘team’ is the core of what we do here at Clico, and I aim to create an environment where we can all learn, create and develop,” says Marnus. hooked. The pace, the focus, the teamwork, the end result; it all just made sense.

thyme, garlic, mire poix, eggs, sugar, cream and goodquality meat.

What is the proudest moment in your career as a chef? I would like to stay

What is one ingredient you cannot cook without? Butter.

humble and consider my career as a journey. Currently, working at Clico Boutique Hotel is a dream come true. This 36-seater restaurant, with its beautiful design, boasts a great team. I am also proud to be a part of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

What are your favourite foods to cook with? I love

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

Sugar – some days it can be a bit temperamental.

What’s your “death row” meal, as Anthony Bourdain puts it? Steak, eggs and chips.

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Speaker's corner

Executive presence For Ocean Makalima, speakers need to add value to institute events. As a result, she works with the Unique Speaker Bureau, as it is able to identify the right speaker for the institute needs.

THE DETAILS Ocean Makalima Manager: Communication and Marketing, Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officials (CIGFARO)

THE EVENT CIGFARO hosted its Women in Leadership Seminar at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani from 9 to 10 March 2017. More than 100 people attended.

THE SPEAKER Lynn Baker is a certified world-class speaking coach, executive presence consultant, professional speaker and successful businesswoman. In addition to this, she was recently appointed as the programme director for the Henley Business School – Executive Speaker Programme. During her varied business career, Lynn has worked for large corporates both locally and internationally, with a specific focus on sales, marketing and customer service. In 2006, she attended a Disney Quality Service course at Disneyland, Florida, and implemented many of the Disney Customer Service philosophies at Montecasino Corporate Events, which she ran for 10 years. In 2010, she returned to her passion of public speaking and completed a course with World Class Speakers in the USA, where she qualified as the only certified world-class speaking coach in Africa.

Lynn now combines her passion for public speaking and customer service by delivering fast-paced and fascinating presentations on the captivating subject of customer experience.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BOOKING A SPEAKER FOR YOUR EVENTS? • THEY MUST KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE AUDIENCE I am always wary of speakers who do not ask who is attending the event.

Speakers need to ask who will be attending, their job role, their age group, their level of education and, most importantly, the expected education objective of the event. It is vital that the speaker understands the calibre of people that attend the institute events and the correct protocol when addressing them.

• THEY STIMULATE INTERACTION Speakers must not only be performers but moderators as well. They must be able to facilitate conversations, enhance critical thinking and move event attendees to take responsibility for their learning.

• THEY CONTRIBUTE WITH MEANINGFUL CONTENT Speakers need to give their audience content that will help them in either their professional or personal lives.

WHY WAS THIS SPEAKER CHOSEN FOR THIS EVENT? This event draws participants from the public sector from all nine provinces, which includes the municipalities as well as national and provincial departments. Senior government personnel, ministers, MECs, MMCs, municipal councillors, government finance, auditors, and performance and risk officers were in attendance. Having heard Lynn before, I knew she would be a perfect fit for the Women in Leadership Seminar. Her talk on executive presence empowered all individuals who attended the seminar. She added great value to the event.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS SPEAKER FOR OTHER EVENTS? Absolutely. Lynn exudes an

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Lynn Baker - a top professional speaker, Certified World Class Speaking Coach, business image consultant and successful business woman energy that is magnetic and possesses charisma that is captivating.

WHY DO YOU USE USB? USB is my one-stop shop for when I need professional speakers to address delegates in the public sector. USB not only offers professional service but is very reliable, making my job of running a smooth conference 10 times easier.

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29

CLIENT SPEAKER BREAKFASTS IN 2017 SHOWCASING RENOWNED AND FRESH PREMIER LEAGUE, SPEAKER TALENT. Contact Paul on 011 465 4410 / paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com to discuss your speaker requirements or go to www.uniquespeakerbureau.com to find out more.

USB is producing GURUS, a business TV show that exposes untapped wisdom reaching audiences through CNBC Africa. Gurus is proudly brought to you by Unique Speaker Bureau, one of the world’s leading speaker agencies.

event Showcase

THE DETAILS CLIENT Famous Brands for Steers, Debonairs and Fishaways FUNCTION Famous Brands franchisee conference with gala dinner for the three brands VENUE Durban ICC for conference and Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani for the gala dinners DELEGATES 1 400.

The gala dinners were held over three nights (1st evening 600 pax; 2nd evening 500 pax; 3rd evening 300 pax)

THE BRIEF For this conference, HiSide Events had to arrange a threeday conference at the Durban ICC. Accommodation needed to be close by, and a unique venue needed to be sourced for the gala dinner.

the brightest star Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani’s great location, easy access and endless views of the Indian Ocean makes it the perfect choice for your next meeting, special event, conference, incentive trip or event in Durban.

A

n iconic Durban hotel, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani invites guests to experience a modern full-service stay on Durban’s sun-kissed beachfront. Sweeping Indian Ocean views along the 7 km promenade have set the scene for exceptional events for nearly five decades.

Fifteen conference venues, 734 bedrooms and a team of banqueting and event organisers ensure Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is uniquely able to facilitate any event.

From product launches to conferences, and executive board meetings to birthday bashes. The hotel has the capacity to meet your needs.

WHY SOUTHERN SUN ELANGENI & MAHARANI? As the client is in the hospitality industry and has high expectations for catering and service delivery, it was imperative that the chosen venue for the gala dinners and accommodation would be able to deliver. With this in mind,

30 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

the obvious choice for the HiSide team was Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. At this hotel, which is only a fiveminute drive from the Durban ICC, the customer is really put put first. Whether you need a venue with the best views in Durban or you need a place for conference delegates to sleep, this is a hotel that delivers. The events are customised to your needs – whether it stretches over a few days or a few hours, and whether your group is for 5 or 500.

• MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The 15 venues can be transformed to be event-suitable – from white weddings to black-tie and all manner of business events. Relaxed breakaway rooms, elegant dining venues, classy cocktail affairs or large-scale meetings and seminar spaces can be accommodated, all under one roof. The largest space, the Great Ilanga, is over 400 m2 and is suited to banquets, large seminars and events with a seating capacity of 500 people cinema style. Suites 1-5 can be used as one large venue – ideal for exhibitions or subdivided into five, smaller rooms

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The organisers

The team at HiSide Events sees everything in life as an event of some kind. Their passion is making sure events work, creating an experience that is enjoyable for all who attend. Whether you want to inspire your guests, entertain them, motivate them to challenge the norm, fix what’s not working too well, transfer knowledge, show them where you want to take them or just to put some fire in their bellies, the team will make it happen for you.

offering breakaway rooms or training classrooms for up to 60 people each. Sky venue has space for 150 in cocktail configuration. A glass marquee was specially erected for the gala dinners outside the Elangeni Tower. This provided beautiful sea views and created a unique experience for the guests. One of the greatest advantages was that the guests did not need to travel by coach to get to the gala dinner, which is the norm for most conferences – they could simply walk.

• CATERING At Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, the executive chef oversees all your catering requirements.

Take your event beyond break-time coffee and biscuits with an innovative and customised menu. Whatever dietary requirements, themed menus, or unique catering requests you have, the team brings it to the table. This was evident for all three gala dinners. Because the gala dinners were being held in the glass marquee close to the beachfront, a temporary serving kitchen had to be built. According to HiSide’s group director, Trudi Freed, “Chef Shaun Munro is one of the most humble and accommodating chefs I have ever met. He designed each menu – starter, main and dessert – to complement the specific event. There was a shortage of lamb in the country at the time of the event, but Chef Shaun and his

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team pulled out all the stops to deliver on the agreed menu.” With over 300 guests needing to be served each night, banqueting manager, Diya Reddy managed the waiters like a true professional, ensuring that everyone received the meals timeously.

• ACCOMMODATION At Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, you will enjoy stunning views and exceptional amenities as well as accommodation that you can truly escape to with attentive service that makes the difference. The accommodation includes an unparalleled choice of 734 bedrooms – each thoughtfully appointed and comfortably furnished.

PERSONALISED SERVICE The staff are very accommodating and they went above and beyond their duties to ensure that the gala dinners exceeded expectations.

“There was never a no; only ‘let’s see how we can make this work’. This proved vital as , on one of the nights, there was a tropical storm that could have easily seen the dinner cancelled owing to safety risks. But, due to an all-hands-on-deck approach from the hotel’s general manager right down to housekeeping, the dinner went on,” says Trudi.

“I highly recommend Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. General manager Samantha Croft is an absolute true leader, getting her hands dirty when she needed to and taking every detail into consideration. Her work ethos is mirrored by her staff. The event and banqueting staff not only deliver to expectations, they exceed them. They always had our best interests at heart and take pride in what they do. If you are looking for a venue where events are seamless and the staff professional and efficient, look no further than Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. Your dream event will be made a reality here".

Trudi Freed Group director

+27 (0)31 362 1300 tsogosun.com

MEETINGS l May/JUne 2017 •

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suppliers • Visual communication

The visual

experience Nicolene Louw is an illustrator and the owner of Fine-Line Illustrations — a visual communication company that will add value to your next event.

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t is becoming harder and harder for event planners to come up with novel ways to engage their audiences. People are so saturated with amazing experiences, especially technological and digital inventions.

Fine-Line provides an additional tool for event planners to capture people’s attention. They visualise the event through live drawings as the event progresses. By the end of the event, the storyline of the event and a summary of the content have been captured.

is that her perspective is very different from the organisers’, who are embedded in the culture of the company. “Some of the comments have been that it is valuable to see how I interpret the content, as it is probably a step closer to how the client and the outside world interpret what they do,” says Nicolene. She continues, “I often include portraits of the people. They love seeing themselves in the drawings.”

OUTPUT AND PRESENTATION Nicolene works traditionally with markers on large sheets of paper pasted against the wall or on an easel. “I have worked digitally as well, with the drawings projected on screens. However, I find that people enjoy the tactile quality of large, real-life drawings that takes up physical space and that they can look at in detail,” says Nicolene.

After the event, Nicolene takes the pictures to be professionally photographed and then digitally enhances it. She sends the clients high-resolution digital copies of the images, which can be used in reports, training and even on corporate gifts. The hard copies are also couriered back to the client, giving them a permanent remembrance of their event.

UNIQUE, USEFUL, UNDERSTATED It may sound like an odd concept – illustrating an event from start to finish – but it’s an extremely useful way of recording not only the progression of the event, but also the information itself and how it is presented.

This technique is especially effective for information-dense events. Nicolene prepares for the events well in advance and goes through the content of all the papers to have a good understanding of what will be presented.

“This is exhilarating, as I learn about a new field of knowledge each time, whether it be labour migration, evidence-based approaches to development, the relationship between conservation and development, the future

32 • MEETINGS l may/JUNE 2017

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH of human resources, financial trends, etc. I absolutely love what I do. Drawing for a living and learning about new things all the time is a childhood dream come true” says Nicolene.

Some of the clients that Fine-Line Illustrations serves include the United Nations (UNOCHA, UNFPA, ILO), Oxfam, Just Associates, Nedbank, Absa, Discovery, Deloitte, Bankserve, PPC, Nando's, Edcon and many more. Their response is always overwhelmingly positive.

Clients love seeing their sometimes very abstract content being visualised. Nicolene says that one of the advantages of being an outsider

Fine-Line is a natural extension of Nicolene’s core illustration business. She still does a lot of traditional illustration work (editorial illustration, children’s books, advertising, etc.), but Fine-Line has become a complete, separate business with a focus on events, corporate and business clients.

nicolene@fineline.co.za fine-line.co.za | nicolenelouw.co.za

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legal

Legal advice

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) QUESTION What can I do to ensure that freelancers do not place photos from my event on their social media accounts?

ANSWER

Advocate Louis Nel answers your burning questions.

Photographs fall into the IP category and must be guarded with great circumspection, as these ultimately form part of your brand and marketing efforts.

The best way to deal with this challenge is to address it in a detailed, written contract. It may even be possible to protect the event by the registration of a trademark. Detailed records of the actual creation should be kept and the issue should be addressed in employment contracts. If there is no contract in place, then the photographer owns the IP as the creator of the work.

THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS QUESTION Planners are required to deal with a variety of third parties when planning an event (venue owner, event sponsor, vendors). Are the legal issues the same for each of those relationships?

ANSWER I would say the issues are more or less generic. The following needs to be address in a written contract: • trade references must be provided and checked • i nsurance – details, copy of policy and guarantee that premiums are paid • c laims-handling procedure • terms and conditions they trade under • i ntellectual property – use of each other’s’ trademarks and copyright: who owns what • staff training • site visit • expectations and deliverables including KPIs and SLAs • statutory compliance such as CPA, POPI, NCA and RICA • payment terms • details of shareholders, directors and auditors • greening • liabilities • indemnities • warranties and guarantees.

TAKE NOTE

These answers provide a brief overview of the topic and are not intended as advice. As every situation depends on its own facts and circumstances, only independent, professional advice should be relied on.

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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

33

Yours Eventfully is a full service event Your Turnkey Specialist Provider planning & creative design company.

Exhibitions, Events, Displays & Presentation Products We organise corporate events, expos JHB: 011 794 4478 and exhibitions, corporate and CT: 021 422 1230 promotional gifting and design.

DBN: 074 066 7118 admin@theexhibitionist.co.za 011 794 3989 www.theexhibitionist.co.za events@yourseventfully.co.za 076 174 3706

www.yourseventfully.co.za

Comprehensive in-house printing solution.

• 3.2m roll to roll, 1200dpi, 6 colour + W - UV ink.

• 2.5m Flatbed, 6 colour + W - UV ink 100mm thickness (Auto detect).

• Digital Cutter with various cutting blades.

POWERHOUSE Printing • Laser • CNC

011 794 3989/079 556 9324 printing@powerhouseplc.co.za

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

GREENING views

Keeping green with the Event Greening Forum

A greener EGF conference The fifth EGF conference will take place on 27 July 2017 at Valverde Eco Hotel in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, writes Zoe van Niekerk.

T

his year’s conference aims to inspire and equip business leaders to pave the way for a better, more sustainable future. It will delve into issues surrounding carbon offsetting, the risks of greenwashing, and business best practices, as part of the theme ‘Sustainability: The Business Case’.

When planning a green event, conference or exhibition, a number of things need to be considered to ensure its success.

“As the Event Greening Forum, we wanted to support not only one of our members but also a venue that has gone the extra mile in promoting and implementing sustainable practices in its organisation.” says Greg McManus, EGF chairman.

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.

industry views

Here are just a few things that Valverde Eco Hotel is doing to ensure the venue walks the green talk: WATER CONSUMPTION Valverde Eco Hotel has implemented a number of water-saving initiatives. These include the installation of a grey-water recycling plant. The filtered water is collected into two dams. The hotel has also installed lowflow shower heads, toilet flush diverters and water-wise drip irrigation, ensuring water is only used where needed.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Valverde Eco Hotel has installed solar geysers for all guest rooms and the hotel’s kitchen. The hotel

South African Travel Womens Club, Johannesburg

This year’s conference will see the introduction of the Sustainability Village concept. The idea behind the village is to do away with traditional gifting for speakers. Each speaker will receive a gift voucher that they can spend at the on-site vendors. This enables the speakers to choose from a selection of hand-crafted, Africa-inspired items to come.

Conference tickets are available from eventgreening.co.za.

For Michelle Hinrichsen, entertainment adds to any event – as long as it’s the right entertainment.

T

TRAVELBAGS

NEW TO THE 2017 CONFERENCE

A sensory experience

Travelbags how travel impacts the industry

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.

has also started the process of converting all its lights to energyefficient bulbs, with 70% of the lighting already converted.

WASTE MANAGEMENT The hotel separates paper, glass, cans and organic waste on-site. The waste is then sent to nearby plants for recycling. Worm farms and Bokashi assist the hotel with the creation of fertiliser and compost for use in the venue’s gardens.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS Not only does Valverde Eco Hotel grow some of its produce in-house, it also supports local farmers in the area when additional produce is required.

PROCUREMENT Sourcing environmentally friendly suppliers can be a challenge, but Valverde Eco Hotel has located a number of key suppliers who assist with supplying eco-friendly chemical products, from washing powder and cleaning products to guests’ amenities.

hink about the last piece of music you listened to. What do you remember about it? You may have certain feelings associated with it. For example, if you hear a song you like playing in a restaurant, it’ll bring up specific feelings you have about that particular song. It’ll actually feel like you’re listening to it for the first time, and your brain remembers the happy place that song took you to and the euphoria you experienced.

eXCITE THE SENSES There are specific reactions to music that the brain, and even the body, stores after experiencing a memorable song, whether it was a good or a bad experience. The point here is the importance of the entertainment factor. At our Travelbags lunches, we always feel that we want our guests to enjoy a sensory experience – taste amazing food, see beautiful decor, smell familiar scents that evoke good memories and hear music that evokes feelings of happiness and good times.

34 • MEETINGS l May/June 2017

Our number one priority is to assist our lunch sponsors to make sure all our guests’ senses are entertained and satisfied Entertainment makes your event special.

Our number one priority is to assist our lunch sponsors to make sure all our guests’ senses are entertained and satisfied. The quickest way to build a relationship with a potential client is by entertaining them. If you provide a memorable entertainment experience, you instantly form a relationship.

Travelbags is well aware of the powerful effect that entertainment at events can have. That’s why we emphasise this factor. It’s not enough to just talk about the features of your product or service. To truly leave an impression that lasts for years and can influence future customer decisions, the entire event – including the entertainment – has to delight their emotions in a variety of ways.

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

ICCA’s new strategic plan

industry views ICCA on association meetings

Association meeting planners can rely on ICCA to help shape the value of international association meetings, writes Esmaré Steinhöfel.

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CCA represents the main specialists in organising, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events. It consists of over 1 000 member companies and organisations in almost 100 countries worldwide. ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities.

Esmaré Steinhöfel is ICCA’s Africa regional director.

ICCA is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

THE BEGINNING ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents. Their first and foremost aim was to evaluate practical ways to get the travel industry involved in the rapidly expanding market of international meetings and to exchange actual information related to their operations in this market. This initiative proved to be well timed as the meeting industry expanded even more rapidly than predicted. As a result, representatives from all the various sectors of the meetings industry globally applied for ICCA membership.

WHY BECOME A MEMBER? ICCA is now one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international meetings. With its new strategic plan, launched in 2015, ICCA aims to get closer to association

industry views

FAST FACTS • I CCA's head office is based in the Netherlands. ICCA's regional offices are based in Malaysia, South Africa, the UAE, the USA and Uruguay.

• ICCA’s mission is to be the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry, creating competitive advantage and business opportunities as well as successful outcomes for association meetings.

For Rod Cameron, meetings, conferences and exhibitions are some of the most potent weapons for fighting international terrorism.

R

eports from some prominently affected destinations – such as Paris, Brussels and Istanbul – suggest that the strength of events and their associated attendees relative to other types of visitors show the kind of resilience formerly seen in connection with rebounds following global economic and security-related incidents. In fact, in some destinations affected by such incidents, meetings were barely impacted even as overall visitor numbers were significantly down.

These kinds of observations are not new. Both hotels and airlines have previously noted that the earliest signs of recovery following major incidents were seen in people travelling to attend events. Furthermore, this group tended to be among the biggest generators of economic impacts among various visitor groups.

BUSINESS AS USUAL But another effect is being observed that may even further underline the beneficial influence that events have in the face

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For more information, contact Esmaré at Esmare.s@iccaworld.org or on +27 (0)84 056 5544.

A force for recovery

AIPC on the role of conference centres

Rod Cameron is the executive director of the Joint Meetings Industry Council and the faculty head for the AIPC Academy.

meeting planners and make them truly part of the ICCA community. All companies and organisations that have a strategic commitment to provide top-quality products and services for international meetings should consider ICCA membership as part of their long-term plans.

International meeting planners can rely on the ICCA network to find solutions for all their event objectives: venue selection; technical advice; assistance with delegate transportation; full convention planning or ad hoc services.

ICCA members represent the top destinations worldwide, and the most experienced specialist suppliers.

of terrorism incidents – namely, the role that such events play in restoring and demonstrating the stability of a destination in the face of such incidents. The fact that a city has managed to retain important and usually high-profile events in the face of incidents that may be deterring other visitors has a moderating effect on the overall image of a destination as a place to visit, and projects exactly the right kind of message about a city when it may need it the most.

This suggests a very specific tactic for cities that are unfortunate enough to experience terrorist attacks: do everything possible to retain these events. Not only are they demonstrably more likely to carry on with their original plans, but the fact that events are so visible to a wider audience suggests they can actually act as very effective promotional vehicles for a “business as usual” message to the world as a whole.

Understanding that meetings and conventions can be a potent force for economic restoration should give governments yet another reason to put a priority on growing and maintaining this sector.

MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2017 •

35

M ISS M EET

The anatomy of an event planner BRAIN for organising and anticipating EYES of a lynx to make sure they will notice every minor detail

HAIR – another event, another grey hair EARS are bionic so they can listen to everything

NOSE is powerful for smelling trends

SHOULDERS are large – out of necessity

MOUTH to negotiate, inform, communicate, blah blah, host, demand, compliment, present, network and enjoy the champagne at the end of the event

HEART to be passionate about what they do

Illustration: Nicolene Louw l nicolene@fine-line.co.za

FINGERNAILS to bite to de-stress

LEGS are ready to run after anything innovative (or to put out a fire!)

index to advertisers AHA

IBC

Gearhouse

CTICC

OBC

Johannesburg Expo Centre

Durban ICC

OFC

Khoja Group

Event Wizards Fine-Line Illustrations FNB Conference Centre

36 • MEETINGS l MAy/JUNE 2017

1 3,32 11

22 Pull out 4

Rand Club

2

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

30-31

South Africa National Convention Bureau

23-26

The Exhibitionist

33

Madex/Markex 5

The Maslow

IFC

Protea Hotels by Marriott

Unique Speaker Bureau

29

Lumi

21 10,12-13

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unique durban conferencing

aha Alpine Heath Resort

aha Hotels & Lodges offers renowned conferencing venues in the Zulu Kingdom, ideal for any style of event. Enjoy the breath-taking mountain views of aha Alpine Heath Resort, the splendour of the Umgeni River from aha Riverside Hotel and the exclusivity of aha Gateway Hotel, located in the Umhlanga hub.

aha Gateway Hotel

aha Riverside Hotel

RESERVATIONS : 087 740 9292 | cro@aha.co.za | www.aha.co.za

SIZE DOES MATTER

Big.

Spaces

Better.

Options

Best.

Experiences

It’s been said that size doesn’t matter, but when it comes to creating extraordinary experiences for your guests, delegates or attendees, we have to disagree. That’s why we recently expanded the CTICC with the sole aim of giving our clients and guests more…

More space. More flexibility. More award-winning cuisine. More attention to detail. More convenience.

More breathtaking views. More parking. More facilities.

All of which give you more opportunity to transform your meeting, event, conference or show into a truly extraordinary experience.

To discover the massive positive impact our bigger and better convention centre can have on your brand or business, contact the CTICC today on +27 21 410 5000 or email sales@cticc.co.za