Ed’s comment

THE YEAR THAT WAS

What a year 2022 has been. After the first three months spent working (or attempting to) under the National State of Disaster, all restrictions were lifted, and we have been free to host large gatherings and more. It was a dream come true.

However, switching the business events industry ‘off’ and then ‘on’ again has had far-reaching consequences, and 2022 has been a tough year. For example, Kevan Jones writes in his Talking Points column on page 39 that almost 30% of the country’s technicians are now working in the Middle East. This exodus of skills and talent isn’t limited to technical professionals and can be felt across the entire business events value chain – while many small businesses have also vanished.

OPTIMISM HEADING INTO 2023 Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. One homegrown business, Barmotion, has expanded its operations overseas (page 14), while Larna Jackson, business owner of Event Options, shares how her company’s newly acquired (Covid-inspired) skills helped them to successfully host the SA Heart Congress in the midst of terror-attack warnings (page 24). And our six-page spread on wild MICE destinations is a reminder of the incredible natural assets available to us – perfect for creating unforgettable MICE events (pages 16 to 21).

Perhaps these positives are why there is so much optimism for 2023, which comes through in our trends feature on pages 4 to 12. Whether looking at conferences, exhibitions, incentives or venues, many changes that signal progressive shifts within our industry are underway.

But first – it’s time to take a bit of a break. The whole team at Meetings wishes you a wonderful summer holiday and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year, fresh and ready for whatever comes next.

Until next year,

Pippa

Managing Editor Pippa Naude (Pippa.Naude@3smedia.co.za) Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Lee-Ann Alder, Sven Bossu, Glenton de Kock, Rivania Govender, Larna Jackson, Kevan Jones, Scott Langley, Taubie Motlhabane, Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Morwesi Ramonyai

Production & Client Liaison Manager Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

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

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