meetconfex.com
MAY/JUN 2015 • Issue 61
Top acts to entertain guests
HOW TO
write the perfect event brief
10 GIFTS
for delegates, speakers and clients
3D GROUP OF COMPANIES Your full turnkey exhibition solution provider
BIG INTERVIEW The brand allows us to use our imagination to create memorable experiences.” African Hotels & Adventures’ Neil Bald
R50.00 (VAT incl)
Twane Events
in this issue
meetconfex.com
MAY/JUN 2015 • Issue 61
Top acts to entertain guests
HOW TO
write the perfect event brief
10 GIFTS
for delegates, speakers and clients
3D GROUP OF COMPANIES Your full turnkey exhibition solution provider
BIG INTERVIEW The brand allows us to use our imagination to create memorable experiences.” African Hotels & Adventures’ Neil Bald
R50.00 (VAT incl)
ON THE COVER 3D Group is a full turnkey exhibition solution provider. The company’s business units supply all services needed to ensure a successful exhibition. For more, turn to page 8.
FOCUS ON ENTERTAINMENT
10
22
FOCUS ON
ENTERTAINMENT
10 Eventful entertainment Jacqui Higgins on what
BEST PRACTICE
How to use audiovisual effectively
37 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank
makes an event memorable
Successful and stylish events
12 Showstoppers Our top 10
38 Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road
entertainment acts
Sophisticated city weddings
14 C orporate gifts Innovative gift ideas for
40 il Giardino A world of possibility
lasting impressions
41 Monte De Dios Team building with a twist
THE BIG INTERVIEW
42 Montecasino An array of venue choices
16 Creating memorable experiences African
44 Vodacom World Events Adding power to
Hotel and Adventures' Neil Bald on the purchase DESTINATION
of Three Cities Management Company
KwaZulu-Natal
18
your events
46 G arden Court Blackrock Newcastle An oasis of opulence
DESTINATION
47 Garden Court Marine Parade On the
18 KwaZulu-Natal Postcard-perfect events
ocean’s doorstep
BEST PRACTICE
TALKING POINTS
22 Sound advice We ask the experts how to use
49 Frank Lee Rumour-mongering
AV to ensure a successful event
50 SAACI It's business, It’s personal
27 Perfect event brief Terry Sutherland on what your event brief should contain
51 EXSA Excelling@ Exsa’s conference
28 Enough of the ceremonial pomp Helen Brewer
51 Event Greening Forum Paperless events
on the importance of site inspection
REGULARS
30 Communication is key Geoff Donaghy discusses ongoing dialogue between venues
05 Ed’s letter The right to say, I do
and organisers
07 Tidbits Must-know minutia 32 Sound Bite Sheraton Pretoria Hotel’s
MEETING PLACES
Hanroe Erasmus
34 Bite-sized meetings Why you should consider
33 20 Questions Durban ICC’s Scott Langley
restaurants for your next event
36 Ka’ching Casino complexes are an event planner's Mecca
BEST PRACTICE
to create the 27 How perfect event brief
48 Speaker's Corner Why to work with USB 52 Miss Meet Spreading the love
ED'S LETTER Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Journalist Maggie Roodt Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Helen Brewer, Geoff Donaghy,
Sue Gannon, Jacqui Higgins, Adriaan Liebetrau, Terry Sutherland, Raymond van der Berg and Andrej Vladar Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Morgan Carter Client Services & Production Manager
Antois-Leigh Botma
Production Coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Digital & Mmarketing Manager Esther Louw 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 2015 © Copyright. All rights reserved 2015 meetconfex.com 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. 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.
ENDORSED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
MEMBER OF
EARN CPD POINTS BY READING MEETINGS
The right to say, I do L AST MONTH MARKED my two-year wedding anniversary. Now, you might say congratulations or that’s nice, but who cares? Whatever your reaction was, let me tell you why my milestone matters. I got married on 27 April, which is Freedom Day. This is significant because I married a man. Freedom Day is a reminder of our country’s journey to democracy, as this day marks the first post-apartheid elections. The elections were the first non-racial national elections and paved the way for South Africa’s new constitution, which ensures that every South African – irrespective of race, colour, language, gender, status, sexual orientation, or creed – will have his or her basic rights and freedoms protected. South Africa was the fifth country, the first (and only, as of April 2015) in Africa, the first in the Southern Hemisphere, and the second outside Europe to legalise same-sex marriage.
of the event, as a result of the views of the owner, they changed the venue and released this statement: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who engaged on our Facebook page, bringing this matter to our attention. We hear you! We selected Oakfield Farm for many reasons, primarily for its natural beauty and large gardens. It was only after we had secured the venue that we discovered the issue with same-sex marriages. We, as event organisers, are 100% independent from any venue and have no reservations with regards to sexual orientation, race, gender, creed, or age. We believe in love, unity, equality, and mutual respect. We would like nothing more than to make everyone feel completely welcome and, therefore, we have decided to move our event from Oakfield Farm.”
We, as event organisers, are 100% independent from any venue
TAKING A STAND Okay, enough of the history lesson. Let me get to my point. In January this year, Oakfield Farm, one of South Africa’s oldest wedding venues, turned away a same-sex couple . My first reaction was to turn a blind eye – not the most courageous thing I have ever done. But recent events, and an Edmund Burke quote – "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”– have pushed me out of the closet, yet again. The organisers of the Craft Beer, Food and Wine Fair were going to have their event at Oakfield Farm but, due to an overwhelming reaction on social media calling for a boycott
ACT NOW Reading the reactions from people on the event's Facebook page has made me realise that I have to take a stand. I have a voice and I will use it. As event organisers, I urge you to not support venues that discriminate against people in any manner. To the organisers of the Craft Beer, Food and Wine Fair, I salute you. Until next time,
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
DO YOU KNOW A DISTINGUISHED WOMAN WHO HAS MADE THE BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY WHAT IT IS TODAY? Meetings magazine is preparing to celebrate the annual Top 40 Women in MICE. Send in your nominations to martin@3smedia.co.za before 29 May 2015.
5
Any group, any size, any where...
LUXURY
COACHCHARTERS SCHOOL TOURS EVENTS DAILY EXCURSIONS TOURING CONFERENCES CORPORATE FUNCTIONS SPORT GROUPS
+27 (0) 21 380 4400 charters@intercape.co.za www.intercape.co.za
Meetings’ must-know minutia MAKE YOUR OWN WINE
ONE OF THE WORLD’S 10 MUSTSEE EXHIBITIONS The world-renowned Art of the Brick exhibition features over 70 art sculptures created from more than a million Lego bricks, and has been proclaimed as one of the world’s 10 must-see exhibitions by CNN. These one-of-a-kind Lego brick sculptures are the work of US artist Nathan Sawaya. Not only does the exhibition include a six metre tall T-rex skeleton comprised of more than 80 000 Lego bricks, but it also showcases Sawaya’s interpretations of famous artworks such as the Venus de Milo and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. The exhibition is on until 2 August at The Zone in Rosebank. theartofthebricksa.co.za
WIN
Two tickets are up for grabs. Simply email martin@3smedia.co.za, with the subject line, Art of the Brick to stand a chance.
R60 MILLION REFURBISHMENT AT THE PALAZZO The palatial Palazzo Hotel at Montecasino recently celebrated its 14th anniversary with a comprehensive refurbishment, which included the transformation of all rooms as well as the addition of a beautiful new restaurant and function venue. Interior designer David Muirhead and Associates handled the makeover of the rooms, giving them a contemporary colour palette in elegant fabrics and wall finishes. The hotel forms part of the award-winning Montecasino entertainment complex.
Wine enthusiasts can now explore the art of wine blending at The Table Bay Hotel with renowned local winemaker, Rikus Neethling. After breakfast, guests travel to Stellenbosch where they create bottles of their own wine blend under Neethling’s expert guidance. He guides guests through the process of winemaking, which involves an insightful journey of different cellars, tasting various mixes of cultivars from barrels, and finally blending a wine to the guest’s individual taste and preferences. Guests can the take their unique bottle of wine back to the hotel, where the chef and sommelier will pair it to a suitable dish from the hotel restaurant’s menu, or have their own wine blend bottled, labelled and delivered to them at home at an extra cost. +27 (0)21 406 5000 hoteltablebay.co.za
WORLD’S HOTTEST NEW TOURISM EXPERIENCES FOR 2015 The Cape Canopy, situated in a pristine world heritage site within the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, has just been awarded second place on Lonely Planet’s world’s hottest new tourism experiences for 2015 list. The only African attraction to make the prestigious line up, it has been described by Lonely Planet as “vertigo-tinged fun” and “an exciting aerial perspective”. It goes on to say, “It enables you to fly like a fish eagle, one of the many bird species found among the reserve’s rocky mountains, through bright wildflowers and serene pools.” The tour consists of 13 platforms constructed on the cliffs and fynbos-covered mountain slopes above the Riviersonderend gorge and joined by thrilling slides up to 300 m long. Clients will also get to experience a unique bridge-crossing between a narrow sandstone gorge high above a spectacular double waterfall. Two trained guides will accompany each group on the tour, which will also include a 4x4 journey through the nature reserve, refreshments on one of the cliff-side platforms, and a light lunch after the activity. +27 (0)21 3000 501 • capecanopytour.co.za
MOVING UP THE CAREER LADDER From humble beginnings in a small village at Giyani in Limpopo, 24-year-old Thebogo Rikhotso – a butler at The Maslow – is now making his mark in the hotel industry, and going to places he never imagined. After achieving the highest score during a course with the prestigious South African Butler Academy, he travelled to Cape Town to undergo advanced butler training. He spent a month mastering his butler skills at the South African Butler Academy’s state-of-theart campus, overlooking Table Mountain – a sight that he, as a young child growing up in a remote village, never thought he would see up close. Now, back in Joburg, he is enthusiastically applying what he learned. Thebogo joined The Maslow as a public-area cleaner in 2013 after working as a cashier at a fast food chain. His enthusiasm for his work was quickly recognised and he was soon promoted to the position of housekeeper, and then to butler in The Maslow’s Seminar Department.
WELCOME TO DURBAN The Loeries, the largest awards committee for brand communication in Africa and the Middle East, has made Durban its home for the next three years. “Durban is accessible and affordable, offering options to travel by road, which will cuts costs for groups. The year-round warm climate, the concentration of amenities around the venue and the increased seating capacity afforded by the Durban ICC add to the value of hosting the Loeries in Durban,” says Andrew Human, CEO of the Loeries.
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COVER STORY
Successful
exhibitions
A full turnkey exhibition solution provider, 3D Group has the capacity to design, construct, project manage and execute up to 400 exhibitions and events a year.
H
EAD OFFICED IN LINBRO Business Park in Johannesburg, just a fiveminute drive from Africa’s biggest business hub – Sandton, and with offices in the Cape, the 3D Group comprises nine specialist disciplines that work in harmony to provide a professional, turnkey exhibition experience for exhibition organisers and exhibitor companies alike. 3D Design is one of the largest exhibition stand design and construction companies on the continent. It specialises in custombuilt exhibition stands (standard or modular – Octanorm), and is often the recipient of ‘best stand’ awards for stand design and construction excellence. Through the Octanorm global network, 3D Design is also able to complete projects in numerous other countries worldwide.
EXHIBITION INFRASTRUCTURE With over a decade of experience, during which it has grown into preferred supplier status to most of the larger exhibitions and events in South Africa, 3D Shell excels at providing an
8 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
exhibition infrastructure service company to exhibition and event organisers. Its in-house team manages each exhibitor’s individual requirements on behalf of the organiser so that it can focus on selling the show. Its portfolio also includes country pavilions, package deals and specialised exhibition areas such as information points, VIP zones, coffee areas and organiser offices.
EAZIXPO Most recently, 3D Shell launched EaziXpo, an online exhibitor and services management system. Based on workflow principles and housed in the cloud, it does away with the need for the endless paper trail and complicated spreadsheets of data – historically proven to be unreliable because of
human error – to provide an elegant solution for managing all aspects of the exhibition, including money collection for extra services. The shell scheme industry is fast becoming an unsustainable commodity business, with prices being driven down until the supplier is operating close to the bone. As such, the EaziXpo system was developed to give 3D Shell a unique selling point by adding value to all involved in the process. The group’s other businesses not only support that of 3D Design and 3D Shell, but also contract to any company seeking services that support exhibitions and events.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS It was an absolute pleasure working with 3D’s staff at Hobby-X. Ziggy is always a star during build-up, and Eric and Chakalas, who were on site with me during the show, were fantastic. Nothing was too much effort and they were always on time, polite and great to work with. Colette Diamond, project and event manager for iBurst. From my experience, the brand-new EasiXpo system that 3D has designed and is providing to exhibition organisers is an exciting, excellent longawaited service. The industry has, for a long time, needed an efficient system like this to streamline orders. I can also see that there are future possibilities to extend this ordering-online system as it has great potential. Thank you to 3D for being market leaders and making our exhibitors’ lives a little easier. Lynn Chamier, Professional Exhibition Solutions, one of the first organisers to use EaziXpo.
OTHER SERVICES 3D Branding Solutions, for example, carries the Octanorm Vario range of portable display products. The beauty of the Vario range is that the items are connectable, interchangeable and adaptable, giving the exhibitor a wide range of displaying options and configurations to choose from, as well as the opportunity to grow the display as and when required. There’s also a leading-edge audiovisual and IT hire business, which provides equipment and the manpower to install it and ensure it works seamlessly. 3D Furniture Hire started business over 15 years ago with three tables and six chairs. Today, it stocks over 8 000 items including fridges, coffee machines, couches, chairs, barstools and brochure holders in its 1 000 m2 warehouse. Equally long in business, Switched-OnElectrical supplies lighting solutions to not only the 3D Group, but also to a host of other exhibition stand builders and event companies. It stocks over 3 000 fittings from spotlights, hanging lights, colour changing LED lights to chandeliers and specialised lighting, and is conscientiously progressively switching to LED lighting to save the environment, organisers and venues on electrical consumption. State-of-the-art computerised boardcutting machines and a 100 m2 spray booth provide clients with access to 3D’s
team
Meet the
There is no greater combination than talent, skill and experience. At 3D, they pride themselves on 19 years of crafted results.
ONE TEAM • ONE SOLUTION • ONE SPIRIT
JOHN KULLMANN, MANAGING DIRECTOR
CONRAD KULLMANN, SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR customisation expertise for bespoke exhibition stands, shop-fitting, and custom-made point of sale display units. There is also a team of graphic designers and a printing plant capable of printing large scale graphics for use on stands, as well as in smaller formats, to complement the overall exhibition visitor experience.
SPECIALIST SERVICES Finally, due to popular demand from its long-standing clients, the group added 3D Events to its specialist services. The intention is to assist existing 3D clients with year-end functions, product launches, road shows, golf days and sales conferences.
RECENT AWARDS 3D Group was, once again, the big winner at the 2014 EXSA Awards. For the third year in a row, 3D Design was judged as the best design company, while 3D Shell received the best general supply company award. There were also two stand design awards – and Yolisa Zilwa of 3D Shell was named as The Best Young Professional of 2014.
IVOR ALLISON, PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
TONY CANTATORE, FURNITURE DIRECTOR
ANDREW KEYMER, 3D CAPE MANAGER
DYLAN SOLOMON, DIRECTOR OF 3D SHELL
PAULA FERNANDES, MANAGER OF 3D EVENTS
NICK BRAND, 3D CUSTOM MANAGER +27 (0)11 608 1588 • +27 (0)21 702 1089 3d@3ddesign.co.za andrew@ 3dcape.co.za 3ddesign.co.za
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FOCUS ON
For Jacqui Higgins, nothing makes an event more memorable than great entertainment.
G
ETTING THE ENTERTAINMENT spot-on ensures that your event is
fresh, will be talked about for ages (for the right reasons) and, most of all, impresses the right people. We’ve all been to events where the entertainment is, at best, dull – at worst, it’s embarrassingly awful and damaging. Providing satisfying company events and entertainment is becoming increasingly difficult with tighter budgets and a more diversified work force. Gone are the days when a small cocktail party would suffice. Today companies strive to integrate their events into their marketing plans so they contribute to overall corporate objectives. Events are occasions designed to communicate organisational messages and themes in entertaining ways. “Once your primary objective for the event has been determined you should plan the entertainment to align with the objective and become part of your overall communication language and guest experience,” notes Michael Collyer, CEO, CLA Brand and Event Engineering. Secondary information required to achieve the objectives would be budget guidelines. When giving a brief for entertainment you should
entertainment 10 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
include an entertainment budget which should go hand in hand with your objective brief. This will dictate your options. “In order to create the entertainment language within the budget guidelines, the brief, or event objectives, is the number one consideration, and the budget guides you to use the right entertainment language to achieve your objectives. Event professionals are only as good as their last job and, therefore, want to achieve as much as possible within the client’s budget guidelines while meeting all their communication objectives,” says Collyer.
THE RIGHT FIT When planners get the entertainment right there’ll be praise and smiles all the way. So how do you wow the crowd time and again, keeping it fresh and relevant? Here are some key elements to getting the entertainment perfectly suited to the event: •C onsider the type of event you are planning - other than budget the event category will be a large determining factor for the performance. •K now the demographics of your audience so you can choose entertainment that will appeal to their tastes. •U nderstand the outcome you expect - do you want the entertainment to educate, inspire, reward or set a specific tone for your event? •D epending on your budget you could mix and match different entertainers to create a variety of talent and options. •B e specific regarding your expectations – will it be a 24 piece orchestra and 30 performers or something less extravagant?
interactive entertainment. Other popular trends include urban street dance acts, or flash mobs. These entertainers can put on a show as a duo, small group, or as a large choreographed act. Quick performances by music trios and surprise entrances by marching bands, or opera singers and singing waiters, spice up events with a short burst of musical energy. According to Brooke Greenhill, general manager of Elegant Entertainment: “The entertainment should serve to enhance the overall experience. The magic of music and performance is its ability to create uplifting emotions. This is your chance to engage your guests and it adds the allimportant ‘buzz’ factor.” For technology and gadget lovers, iPad magicians are the perfect act to amaze and entertain guests. iPad magicians perform bespoke shows that include, of course, magic and the use of an iPad! This is entertainment for the digital age, and many high profile brands and events are eager to experience this unique brand of magical entertainment. It doesn’t end here; we are spoilt for choice from mentalists – the modernday magicians that will have your guests’ heads spinning with their card and mind tricks – to funky violinists that play everything from classical to hip-hop. What we know for sure is that themed events are here to stay. At the movies, the roaring twenties and the eighties are all popular themes. Entertainment should set the mood and enforce the theme. “Today›s events are immersive experiences that impact all the senses,” says Collyer. Aligned with this thinking are unexpected delights in the form of edible, or gastronomic, entertainment. The Oyster King supplies cleverly garbed waitrons, oyster schuckers, macaroon or cake pop ladies and champagne servers, all entertaining talking points and delicious additions to any event. Also, part of the latest ongoing trend in entertainment is custom hashtags. Creating a custom hashtag for an event means that all event photos and happenings will be easily accessible, and can be accessed across social media platforms.
When planners get the entertainment right there’ll be praise and smiles all the way
TRENDS IN ENTERTAINMENT Certain forms of entertaining have been around for centuries, such as court jesters, musicians and storytellers. We still enjoy versions of these with strolling, roving or atmosphere entertainers including – mimes, magicians, musicians, caricature artists, human statues, jugglers, and fortune tellers; all of which add a personal touch to any event. Non-entertainer forms of corporate event activities like photo booths, video booths, video/arcade games, and laser tag, offer attendees a different type of
ENTERTAINMENT ON A LIMITED BUDGET There are creative ways around a limited budget, “If you’re on a tight budget the focus needs to be on touch points,” says Michael Collyer. “You can incorporate clever, thrifty ideas into existing elements like giving the welcome cocktails a fun name. You don’t need the world’s best band but a beautiful starter plated on exquisite crockery with a clever message creates an interesting element. A blackboard, with handwritten communication, or a fabulous soundscape, telling the story of the company, are different, yet effective, ways to enhance the event.” Other fun ideas include: • Young, up-and-coming local performers can provide superb entertainment for a fraction of the cost of big-name performers or international stars. • Get creative with the schedule – you may be able to negotiate a lower entertainment rate if the performance or service provided isn’t happening during peak hours or on popular days. Consider featuring entertainment during the day or on weekdays. • A DJ offfers really good value for money and will play for as long ,or as short, a time as required. • Set up a photo booth. • Hire a portrait artist. • Have a murder mystery theme. • Provide a game room with billiards and air hockey. • Arrange a culinary demonstration. • Provide outdoor games such as bocce or crocket.
JACQUI HIGGINS is the media liaison for CLA Brand and Event Engineering. She has a love for innovative technology, show-stopping entertainment and building brands in unexpected ways.
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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
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FOCUS ON
Showstoppers Entertainment is an important part of any event. Meetings has searched high and low to bring you the best of the bunch. SENSUAL SAXOPHONIST With 10 years of experience as a singer and saxophonist, Luan De Beer has perfected a repertoire with a variety of songs that cater for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Having often been labelled as South Africa’s very own Michael Bublé, Luan takes pride in using the charm and style that only Frank Sinatra could adhere to while perfecting some of Frank’s well-known classics, as well as famous hit ballads by artists such as Elton John, Elvis, Joshua Kadison, Queen, Nat King Cole, and many more. Luan is the ultimate all-in-one package to successfully host and entertain any event. With his professional, sexy dancers by his side, and a repertoire for all ages, he’ll knock the socks off any audience and provide that special touch that makes your function uniquely unforgettable. info@luandebeer.co.za
TAILOR-MADE PRODUCTIONS
Colossal Entertainment is synonymous with entertainment experience and encompasses all elements for the successful, breathtaking productions including devising, music editing, choreography, and performance direction. Colossal Entertainment is driven by passion, precision, professionalism, and perfection. Every corporate production crafted by Colossal Entertainment is exclusively directed, devised, and choreographed to suit client needs. The company has been successfully involved in corporate events as an entertainer for yearend company celebrations, brand activations, promotional campaigns as well as product launches. colossal@mweb.co.za
IT'S ALIVE Strolling human tables make a unique meet-and-greet centrepiece at any corporate or private event. The tables will entertain in the character of your choice, create an exciting buzz and meet and greet your guests on arrival with their first cocktail or appetiser of the evening. The human tables are also great for registration and product launches. info@goddessofthedunes.co.za
MIND GAMES A mentalist is someone who can exhibit extraordinary feats of the mind including telepathy, clairvoyance, divination, precognition, psychokinesis, and mind control. This means that a professional mentalist could read your thoughts and predict what you will do or say before you’re even aware of it. Gilan Gork is the renowned South African mentalist, as featured on dozens of television shows, radio interviews and print media. With over 17 years of experience, Gilan has been dubbed by most of his long-standing corporate clients as the ‘Master of Influence’ and he is hired by companies around the world as an expert speaker, trainer, master of ceremonies, and entertainer. Prepare to have your mind blown away. paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com
12 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
DUCKLOAD OF FUN
Rubber Duc is a fresh and quirky trio, hatched in late 2013. Made up of Nick Jordaan, Brendan Campbell and Sheldon Sham, Rubber Duc’s sound is unique and live performances are great fun. The upbeat and feel-good melodies make you bob your head a little and even put on ye old dancing shoes. The band’s unique folk-swing-hop sound immediately gathered them a flock of followers and media attention – its been called Joburg’s hottest new trio and the next big thing – all of this in its first year of existence. Rubber Duc’s melodies are catchy and upbeat, and the lyrics are nostalgic, evocative and clever. Whether performing original material, ducking up covers, or poking fun at the world around us, the band’s live performances guarantee a quacking good time for all. nana@sugarandgroove.co.za To listen to Rubber Duc: WATCH ONLINE meetconfex/rubberduc
Photo live2photo.co.za
LAUGH OUT LOUD Award-winning comedian Deep Fried Man’s quirky, clever blend of music and comedy has seen him establish himself as one of South African top comics. He describes what he does as stand-up comedy with a guitar. He adopted his stage name, a play on his real name (Daniel Friedman), because it went along with the kind of musical comedy he wanted to do, which was an unhealthy kind of comedy. He has also achieved viral YouTube success with ‘An Idiot’s Guide to the South African National Anthem’ – a collaboration with comedian Gareth Woods – and his attempts to poke fun at Helen Zille accidentally got her trending worldwide on Twitter. The highlight of his career so far, though, was playing ‘Ice, Ice Baby’ to Vanilla Ice himself. info@entertainment-online.co.za
Photo Alastair Thorns
MUSICAL BUBBLE Looking for an original concept and eye-catching feature for events that creates a unique wow factor? Then The Cellosphere is what you need. Born out of collaboration between a company in Dubai and local cellist Carol Thomas, The Cellosphere was enhanced by architect Alastair Thorns. The delightful result is a clear, glass-like luminescent sphere, which bathes the performer in light, attached to a glowing stage base. The Cellosphere, when placed centrally as a focal point, is able to command considerable attention within large venues. This enthralling concept has become a sensation at events worldwide. bronwyn@speakersinc.co.za
CREATIVE CARTOONS Martinus Van Tee has sketched thousands of caricatures at hundreds of events throughout South Africa. Caricatures provide terrific entertainment for any event, and can be used for team building, corporate expos, prize-givings, functions, and exhibitions. Martinus can sketch up to 20 pen and ink caricatures an hour. Having their portrait sketched not only provides the guests with a personal reminder of the event, but it also entertains the crowds who watch the likeness coming to life. Corporate branding and logos can easily be added to the illustrations beforehand. Martinus also sketches caricatures from photos, and these can be sketched in watercolour or oil on canvas. These are great as corporate gifts. martinusvantee@gmail.com
SOULFUL SOUNDS
Mi Casa is a band of unique individuals who bring together their explosive talent to create an original sound. The band consists of Dr Dudaj (producer and club DJ), J’Something (vocalist and guitarist) and Mo-T (trumpeter). Together they blend their musical talents to create a sound that incorporates soulful vocals, guitar, keys and trumpet. The band has won numerous awards including five SAMAs. Singing their hits, ‘These Streets’ and ‘Jika’, Mi Casa will give your guests a night to remember. tshepi@34music.co.za
SWING HIGH, SWING LOW SircuSynergy specialises in cirque performance, aerial acts, and aerial acrobatics. This vibrant troupe of talented artists offers a range of remarkable aerial acts, which adds magic and excitement to any event. Founded by Natalie Roberts, who worked and trained in South Africa as well as internationally as a dancer and circus artist, and Orlando Vargas, a circus-trained aerialist and acrobat from Chile, SircuSynergy has performed to critical acclaim. SircuSynergy provides all its own rigging and will tailor an entertainment solution to give your function the wow factor. info@sircusynergy.co.za
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
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FOCUS ON
Corporate gifts set to Are your delegates, speakers or clients getting tired of receiving branded plastic pens and USB flash drives? Meetings shares its top innovative gift ideas that are sure to create a lasting impression.
GREEN FINGERS Even if it’s cold outside, a few beautiful pot plants will mean it’s always summer, somewhere in your home. The Design Team fabric pot holders will help you bring new colours and textures into your home for nature-inspired updates. Use these pot holders to show off your green fingers or use fake flowers to fake it. designteamfabrics.co.za
GET COOKING In cooking and baking, timing can be the difference between a perfectly moist cake and a dried-out mess. So, let the cooking begin and time anything (for up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds, mind you) with the Alessai kitchen duck timer. When the time is up, this little guy will quackquack, so you know it’s ready. yuppiechef.com
SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE Made At Home Handicrafts specialises in handmade conference, corporate and promotional gifts. At MAHH, they understand that every client is unique and they will gladly tailor-make and customise a selection of conference and promotional product solutions to suit your budget. With the inhouse design team and list of specialists on hand, MAHH has been known to create just about anything. Our personal favourite is the personalised key rings as they are small and inexpensive, yet effective, promotional gifts. mahh.co.za
ADD SOME SPARKLES Genevieve MCC is a delectable South African bubbly that’s stylish. Founder Melissa Genevieve Nelsen’s search for the perfect terroir and quality grapes led her to Bot River, where she discovered a beautiful pocket of chardonnay grapes, located in the Van der Stel Pass. The Chardonnay 2011 is the ideal thank-you gift. When tasting this wine, expect delicate and generous bubbles with crisp aromas of lime blossom and hints of minerals, as well as expressive flavours of pear and brioche. genevievemcc.co.za
14 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
EXTRAVAGANT THANK-YOU A Montblanc leather iPad cover is an elegant luxury gift idea. These days, most executives have an iPad or some form of tablet technology. This iPad cover is expertly crafted from genuine leather and is a stylish statement. If budget is not a concern, this is the gift for you. brandinnovation.co.za
BRAIN TEASERS Tactile puzzles stimulate healthy brain activity and are especially helpful for breaking up the brain fog associated with long sessions in front of a computer. The Perplexia Puzzle has four brain teasers and is presented in a polished steel tin. This is sudoku on steroids. brandconnection.co.za
QUICK
CHAT
TRULY SOUTH AFRICAN Anna-Carien Goosen’s original designs reflect her tongue-in-cheek humour and passion for all that is South African. The current Afro Delft Enamelware series tells the story about how passion is often borne in one’s gut. From ancient times, our bowels (as deepest inner parts) have been identified as the seat of our emotions. Hence the Bowel Bowl series comprising of: Fire in the Loins; Heart of Stone and Gut Feel. There are only 20 of each design. Each individual print is meticulously applied by hand and kiln-fired to be durable. This means that no two products are the same. afrodelft.co.za
GO GREEN One of the many ways to ensure a green event is by giving eco-friendly gifts. The Eco-Logical optical mouse and mousepad is ideal for the environmentally conscious delegate. Both the mouse and pad are made from renewable and sustainable bamboo and can be branded. What’s not to love? ecofriendlygifts.co.za
STAY CHARGED Don’t know how you are going to keep your smart devices charged during a rolling blackout? The fantastic solar charger tree is your answer. This eco-friendly bamboo tree with nine solar panels and a 1 400 mAh rechargeable lithium battery inside will ensure that you stay connected. This tree utilises the Sun’s energy to recharge and power a variety of mobile devices. This is the gift that will literally get delegates talking. brandawesome.co.za
ELLEN GARVIE is a PCO, managing member of e-Conference Events and Promotions, and is a member of the PCO Alliance Network.
STEPHANIE MOSS is the MD of Solutions Group. The company manages product launches, roadshows, conferences and incentives.
What are the benefits of corporate gifts?
ELLEN The marketing value of corporate gifts cannot be accurately measured, but the benefits cannot be ignored. If delegates do not fancy the item, they will give it to someone else. By doing this, the company will be marketed to people who did not attend the event. STEPHANIE If you want to build a successful business and brand, then you must maintain good relationships with your potential and existing clients, which is where gifting comes in. Corporate gifts are the most fitting way to cement relationships and show your sincere appreciation to your most loyal customers.
What is your view on branded gifts? WRITE STUFF Balmain pens from fashion icon Pierre Balmain, the elite haute couture trendsetter, who brings style and class to business pens. These exclusive designer pens and pen sets bearing the famous Balmain trademark can be branded with any logo, making this a great promotional gift. Our favourite from the range is the Balmain executive ballpoint pen and rollerball set. amrod.co.za
ELLEN Branded gifts will keep the event and the sponsor of the gift in the mind of the delegate long after the event has ended. The more useful the gift, the more likely delegates will use it. STEPHANIE An item that is a statement in itself does not need to be branded. The client or receiver will always associate your brand with that item. This applies to premium gift items such as Carrol Boyes items, and items used for functional purposes such as iPad covers or power banks. Ensure the item is in branded packaging when handing it over at the very least.
Popular gifts to give
CONFERENCES Pens, folders, iPads, iPad covers, business card holders, USB drives, or power banks/chargers. OUTDOOR EVENTS Water bottles, caps, branded sunscreen, backpacks, picnic baskets, camping chairs, or cooler boxes. In winter, scarves and beanies are always winners. GALA DINNERS For men, go for pens, cufflinks, tie pins or wallets; for ladies, gift jewellery boxes, compact mirrors, purses, or jewellery boxes.
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
15
THE BIG INTERVIEW
Creating memorable
experiences
Managing director of African Hotels and Adventures Neil Bald leads the group on an exciting new endeavour.
N
OT ONLY DOES Neil Bald hold a higher diploma in hotel management from Technikon Witwatersrand, a BComm from Unisa, and a sales and marketing degree, but he also has 23 years’ experience at Southern Sun, which is now known as Tsogo Sun. He also spent six years as the director of operations for the Garden Court and Stayeasy brands, using innovative thinking to pioneer change in the two- and three-star hotel markets. These factors make Bald the ideal and unequalled option for leading the group in its newest journey: the purchase of the Three Cities Management Company.
You can meet the AHA team at INDABA from 9 to 11 May 2015 at stand ICC 001
16 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
GROWING THE GROUP AHA is the hotel division of the Tourvest Group, which owns and manages hotels in five African countries and has always had the strategy of significantly increasing the number of hotels and lodges within South Africa and neighbouring countries. It was this strategy that coincided with the Three Cities’ medium-term strategy, which was to divest the hotel division by selling it to a large and credible player in the market and focus on expanding their hospitality education. This prompted the purchase of the Three Cities Management Company by AHA.
THE CHALLENGES “When we acquired the Three Cities Hotel Management Company, we also gained a wellknown brand name. This has presented us with a dilemma: do we keep trading under African Hotels and Adventures, change to Three Cities, use a combination of the two, or come up with an entirely new brand for our portfolio of high-quality tourism properties?” explains Bald. In order to find a solution, which is in the best interest of all stakeholders and will help the group attain its goal of becoming the dominant player in the city hotel and lodge sector, Tourvest contracted a highly respected global marketing consultancy. The equity of the current candidate brands was analysed to establish the negative and positive aspects of each, as well as understand their future potential. This was done through qualitative research, using a combination of one-on-
one, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. While conceptualising this new brand, Bald says they were faced with the challenge of establishing how they could offer a differentiated experience that is still practical and, at the same time, true to how they operate as a group.
A BRAND-NEW BRAND In a rapidly evolving industry, where the consumer’s expectations of hospitality are constantly changing, the group saw the opportunity to add innovation to the local hotel experience and do things differently with its new brand. “The brand allows us to use our imagination to create memorable experiences that leave guests feeling inspired. It allows us to defy convention, every now and then, and try new ways of doing things. It also allows us to look for inspiration outside of the industry, where we are able to reinvent ourselves ahead of category trends,” adds Bald. Being a group that prides itself on providing an exciting experience and unique hotels and lodges, event organisers will be able to ensure that every event is different and stands out in its own way. AHA has set up an events sales team to focus specifically on this market, as it has a significant number of hotels with ideal conference spaces. This new brand will fall under Tourvest’s accommodation and activities portfolio. It offers an array of activities and products through facilities owned or managed by
Being a group that prides itself on providing an exciting experience and unique hotels and lodges, event organisers will be able to ensure that every event is different Tourvest, complemented by a portfolio of hotels and lodges in key tourist destinations.
INCORPORATING INNOVATIVE THINKING In order to ultimately ensure that the guest experience is aligned to the new brand’s promise, Bald says he plans on building the organisational capability by entrenching the values among the staff at every hotel and lodge, with a period of training to instil a new way of working into the organisation. Currently, the group represents and operates a portfolio of properties in Gauteng, Western Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar and Zambia. “The new brand will create interest with property owners that are looking for reliable, exciting alternatives to what’s currently available. Being the only operator that manages both hotels and game lodges, we believe this will allow us to increase our footprint in iconic destinations,” Bald adds.
management company in South Africa, with the goal of the group to become the most dominant within the business events sector, Bald has big plans for the road ahead. He intends on growing the group’s footprint in key business locations by offering ample room capacity and quality conference spaces in major destination cities. It will also grow its current capacity by making use of focused and experienced sales and reservations resources. “Our growth strategy encompasses both hotels and lodges within South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. We are continuously looking to expand our footprint in these sectors. The potential of the new brand is to become a viable alternative to other management companies in both South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.”
GROWING THE FOOTPRINT Aligning his personal career goal of taking the company to new heights, by becoming the most sought-after property
+27 (0)87 740 9292 cro@aha.travel ahagroup.co.za • threecities.co.za
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
17
DESTINATION • KwaZulu-Natal
MUST-USE VENUES
Postcard-perfect Smart and sophisticated, rural and rustic – there is no denying that KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s favourite business events destinations
W
ITH EIGHT DISTINCT destinations,
South Africa’s third smallest province has something for any type of meeting, event or incentive that you are planning. Natural wonders, modern facilities, fascinating cultures and a rich history are all to be found in the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
THE REGION KwaZulu-Natal highlights the diversity of South Africa. Stretching from the sandy beaches
DID YOU KNOW… The first official horse race in South Africa took place at Greyville Racecourse in 1844. The first Durban July (then called the Durban Turf Club Handicap) took place in 1897.
18 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
of Durban, to the hilltops of the Drakensberg range and the grassy fields of the Midlands, it is divided into the following destinations: Durban, Pietermaritzburg/Midlands, Battlefields, North Coast, South Coast, Drakensberg, Zululand and Elephant Coast.
Tucked away in one of South Africa’s most glorious scenic destinations, the Drakensberg Sun Resort offers a place to relax, unwind and enjoy the good things in life. Wake up each day to take in the iconic views of KwaZulu-Natal’s famous Drakensberg mountain range, before taking your pick from a host of things to see, do and experience. For conference groups, there is a choice of facilities and exciting team-building options to provide the ultimate team-building destination. +27 (0)36 468 1000 • tsogosun.com
MEETINGS AND EVENT SPACES Due to its diverse natural environment, KwaZulu-Natal not only offers conferencing venues in the urban areas, but also in its beautiful rural settings with beaches, bush, and mountains. This allows for creative thinking. The range of conferencing venues caters for small and large meetings, workshops, corporate functions, and events. Many of these venues are attached to excellent guesthouses, lodges and hotels.
GETTING AROUND
Whether you want to blow away your customers with a new product launch, put on a stylish car display or fashion show, spoil your employees to make them feel important and valued, or just throw a party for friends and family, Moses Mabhida Stadium has it covered. The stadium has a number of great venues on offer, ranging from large to small. These boast a variety of spectacular views, from the cityscape to the 2010 FIFA World Cup pitch. +27 (0)31 582 8242 • mmstadium.com
KwaZulu-Natal has venues conveniently close to the province’s five airports. There is a network of excellent roads connecting the various towns.
Other venues include: Champagne Sports Resort, Durban International ICC, (p33) Garden Court Blackrock (p46), Garden Court Marine Parade (p47), and Pumula Beach Hotel.
A GUIDE TO HOSTING YOUR NEXT EVENT IN Situated on the spectacular Durban beachfront, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is undoubtedly the brightest star on the Golden Mile. The city’s finest beaches and many other local attractions lie metres away from the long boardwalk. While leisure travellers favour the hotel for its location, family-friendly facilities and attention to detail, business travellers will also find plenty to add to their comfort at this stylish Southern Sun hotel. With a huge variety of restaurants, bars, conference venues, amenities and relaxation areas, you may well find many reasons to relax and unwind amid the inviting atmosphere of the hotel. +27 (0)31 362 1300 • tsogosun.com
5
REASONS TO PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT, TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY OR INCENTIVE IN KWAZULU-NATAL
1 NATURAL ATTRACTIONS From
uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi – South Africa’s oldest game reserve – and Tembe Elephant Park – home to the biggest elephant in Africa – KwaZulu-Natal will leave your delegates in complete awe of its natural beauty.
2 BEACH AND BUSH CULTURE With a range of world-class beaches, recognised surf and shark-diving spots, mixed with pastures peppered with waterfalls, lakes and dams, well-known game reserves and mountain ranges, KwaZulu-Natal is not shy on choice.
Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, is a collection of arranged routes that offers visitors hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and – best of all – shop-till-you-drop, unique arts and crafts. GETTING THERE A quick hour’s drive from Durban and four and a half hours on the N3 highway from Joburg, there is much to explore and do in the Midlands. And, once you have finished ‘Meandering’, there is easy access to the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields route, the Drakensberg, the coast, and the game reserves up the North Coast. VENUES Want to return from your next conference feeling as if you’d had a holiday? Then the Midlands Meander is the place to go. With 29 conference venues, ranging from the affordable to luxurious, rest assured that there is something for everyone. CULINARY FARE The Midlands Meander is a foodie’s heaven. Throughout the picturesque route, you will find delis, farm stalls, artisanal producers, and gourmet restaurants. ACCOMMODATION From self-catering cottages, guest houses and B&Bs to luxury lodges and hotels, there is accommodation to suit any taste or budget. THINGS TO DO Break the day’s conference with a life-changing teambuilding exercise. Why not try horse whispering, a walk in the country, golf, fishing, or even a high-adrenaline zipline through the mist-belt of the Karkloof Forest? SHOPPING The Midlands Meander is famous for its arts and crafts. It was a handful of crafters who started the Midlands Meander in 1985, and that spirit is still alive today. Meander crafters are those that create or manufacture 80% of the product within the boundaries of the Midlands Meander; whether they make quilts, leatherwork, herbal products, handmade soap, candles, furniture, or other craftwork. midlandsmeander.co.za
3 HISTORICAL SITES Let your
delegates relive some of South Africa’s famous battles such as Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, or show them rock art from the San people.
4 FESTIVALS Numerous annual
festivals and sporting events are held throughout the year, and meetings and conferences can be organised around them, ensuring delegates can maximise their stay in the province.
5 MELTING POT OF CULTURE
KwaZulu-Natal is home to the biggest Indian population outside mainland India, as well as the famous Zulu people. As a result of the diverse cultures, delegates can expect mouth-watering fare. No trip to KwaZulu-Natal would be complete without having a bunny chow.
A DULLSTROOM MUST: NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE One of South Africa’s most important historical sites, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, on the R301 just outside Howick, is definitely worth visiting. Until relatively recently, it was just a small bricked area with a plaque. But on the 50th anniversary of this event, in 2012, an impressive steel sculpture and visitor centre were unveiled to give full recognition to the significance of this spot. Designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli, with the help of architect Jeremy Rose, the sculpture creates an optical illusion. From a distance, the 50 steel poles of varying heights look like a random collection of poles, but as you get closer to the sculpture, they merge to form an image of Mandela’s face. christophert@apartheidmuseum.org thecapturesite.co.za
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
19
EPH Productions
BEST PRACTICE
H
AVING GOOD QUALITY AV could
determine the difference between an ordinary event and a fantastic experience that leaves a lasting impression with guests. Comprising two crucial components of an event, the importance and impact of AV should not be underestimated. Whether it is interactive video, enhanced audio or manipulated lighting, the current technological age we live in provides event organisers with endless AV opportunities that can be used to enhance the aesthetic impression your event makes on guests and, ultimately, captivate the audience. In addition to improving the sensory appeal of an event, AV reinforces the message and
22 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
purpose of your event and can act as an extension of brand elements and values. “The use of interactive technology and AV as a creative scenic element can add a lot of impact to even a small-sized event in a cost-effective way,” says Robyn D’Alessandro, national marketing manager of Group Services at Gearhouse.
WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER The most crucial AV elements depend entirely on the client’s objectives and message. In order to make sure that you deliver the right product to the right audience for the right purpose, make sure that you take the following aspects into consideration:
CCPP
Audiovisual elements are now essential to any event. Maggie Roodt investigates how to use AV to ensure a successful event.
• Visual projection is the easiest way to capture attention. Choose the right size screen and make sure that it is positioned correctly in order to maximise visibility and eliminate chances of obstruction. Leon Pheiffer, from EPH Productions, recommends a low pitch of 5 mm or less
MEET THE
EXPERTS
“The use of interactive technology and AV as a creative scenic element can add a lot of impact to even a small-sized event in a cost-effective way.” Robyn D’Alessandro, Gearhouse
“Great AV is the difference between success and disaster. Ensure that you have your AV supplier in the loop right from the planning stages of your event.” Michael Collyer, TechRig Technical Solutions Agency
“I always try and push my team to rather spend time with the client to ensure we understand our client’s objectives so we can get it.” Clint Cawood, CCPP
• Lighting should enhance the stage area and create the required mood. Check that the projector/screen brightness is in harmony with the lighting and aids visibility. “Using the correct brightness for the ambient light in the event environment is a key element to ensure full impact of the AV,” says Neville Leslie, technical director of Performing Arts Technology. • Perhaps the most important aspect of successful AV is reliability. All equipment needs to be high quality and wellmaintained, and your technical staff need to be competent and briefed on the outcomes of the event.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
for LED screens that are being used for presentations, and a high pitch of 12 mm or more for screens used for graphics only. • The best composition of audio is needed to have successful AV. Audio should offer both quality that has been tested, as well as quantity – in the form of back-up equipment.
In order to make sure that event organisers achieve the desired AV effects and that AV suppliers provide the appropriate AV elements to clients, there needs to be very clear communication between both client and supplier. Dylan Alkaster, from Hometown Productions, recommends using an agenda to effectively communicate your AV needs to a prospective vendor. “A detailed agenda, which usually includes location, dates,
“Just about 90% of all our productions have LED screens included. LED Screens are bright and cannot be washed out with lighting and if you have a lot of them, it is awesome!” Leon Pheiffer, EPH Productions
“Our clients’ success is most important and going the extra mile to create a successful event is our end goal.” Neville Leslie, Performing Arts Technology
“AV can change the mood and ambience of an event, capture your audience and make the event memorable.” Jaco Grobbelaar-Brand, Rocket AV
“Nobody cares about what you say, only what you do.” Dylan Alkaster, Hometown Productions
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
23
BEST PRACTICE
TechRig Technical Solutions Agency
5
THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING AN AV SUPPLIER
1 OBJECTIVES First of all, it is crucial
times and subject matter as well as creating a discussion surrounding your needs, can be the best source for an audiovisual company to help you plan your AV needs.”
RISK FACTORS Apart from choosing the appropriate AV company, it is also your responsibility to take all the risk factors into account, to avoid potential problems arising during the event. “Be sure of what the event’s AV needs are and, if possible, include your AV supplier in the planning phase as soon as possible. They will be able to assess whether or not the plans are viable,” advises D’Alessandro. Equipment could potentially pose a problem if the AV supplier sub-hires equipment that they aren’t particularly familiar with, or if they have low-quality equipment that may be prone to glitches. Another risk is the matter of power distribution. Take the AV supplier for a site visit beforehand to ensure that the venue will be able to accommodate the electrical needs. “It should be the AV company’s responsibility to let the client know if more power is needed. However, for most medium venues, there should at least be a 32 A supply as an
independent connection,” says Clint Cawood, managing director of CCPP. Projectors and screens pose a risk in areas of visibility and safety. The brightness of the display should be in accordance with the lighting of the venue, so as to allow optimal visibility, and the placement of projectors and screens should be done while keeping safety hazards in mind. These may fall and injure guests, so your supplier must have a proper risk assessment process in place as well as good public liability insurance. Other safety measures such as fire exits, retardant material, fire extinguishers and medical support should also be made available, as well as a back-up plan should something go wrong. “The AV setup should take place the day before the event with live run-throughs of all presentations, speakers and entertainment. However, any number of things can go wrong at an event such as power outages, faulty equipment, and running out of equipment supplies. For this reason it is vital to use a reputable AV company, with an excellent crew, who have developed contingency plans should things go awry,” adds Michael Collyer, CEO of TechRig Technical Solutions Agency.
WAYS TO ENSURE THE PERFECT AV BRIEF What to tell your AV supplier Accurate venue details Number of guests Budget Entertainment and technical rider Event details Objectives and expectations Order of events
24 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
What to ask your AV supplier Are your technical personnel professional, competent and presentable? Can the venue accommodate your needs? Can you work within my budget? Do you understand the AV requirements and can you achieve my objectives? Do you own the equipment you use or are you sub-hiring? Have you done similar events successfully and do you have a reference list? What is your back-up plan should something go wrong?
to determine your objectives and specific requirements. You need to know exactly what message you want to carry across to the audience and how you picture AV elements helping you do this. Establish exactly what kind of event you want and what kind of effect the AV elements should create.
2 HOW ESTABLISHED THE AV FACILITY
IS It is up to you to determine which AV supplier is most suitable to your event. Be it in-house or independent, research your options thoroughly. Track social media accounts, ask about previous successful events and seek testimonials from clients. How established the company is also determines how professional and experienced the technicians are.
3 CAN THEY MEET EXPECTATIONS Make
sure the AV supplier has a clear view of what your objectives are and is realistic about reaching your goal. The equipment used should also be in line with the technical requirements.
4 BUDGET RESTRICTIONS Be very clear
with your AV supplier about what your AV needs and budget limitations are. Make sure that you are on the same page regarding financial restrictions and ask if your budget is feasible. Jaco Grobbelaar-Brand from Rocket AV suggests not to always go for the cheapest option. “A lot of smaller AV companies use cheap equipment which can be detrimental to your event,” he says.
5 PROFESSIONAL IMAGE The AV
facility you choose should put forth a professional image from the beginning of the planning up to the execution of the event. Choose an AV supplier that will be able to advise you on your event and how to achieve your objectives. The professional image should be carried over to a presentable image at the event – the crew should be dressed appropriately, make sure the setup is presentable and that all cables and wires are safely hidden.
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8TH- 9TH JUNE THE CSIR, PRETORIA
Learn the Hidden Power of non-verbal Communication
Leadership in Times of uncertainty
How to Build a Happy Sandpit
Don’t Film Yourself Having Sex!
Prof Nick Binedell
Colin Browne
Emma Sadlier
Marketing Guru
Richard Mulholland
Gilan Gork
FOR EVERY EXHIBITION AND EVENT SPECIALIST THERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU AT THIS INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
EXSA office: 011 805 7272 Email: exsa@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za
BOOKINGS
NOW OPEN!
Brought to you by:
EXSA
EXHIBITION & EVENT
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES + 27 (0)11 494 1920 • expocentre.co.za
Innovating for the future In an industry that’s continually experiencing growth, one needs to stay up to date with all the current developments to invest in a promising future. JEC CEO Craig Newman shares his vision of the industry’s future.
A
s chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC), Craig Newman has a front-row seat to the development and growth of the industry. This being said, his optimistic view of the direction in which the local industry is heading is an experienced and welleducated opinion.
RELATIONSHIP-FUELLED INDUSTRY According to Craig, South Africa’s exhibitions, conferences and events industry is doing well. It is seeing a growing number of international companies making significant investments in the local sector
through mergers, acquisitions and the establishment of new events. He contributes this growth to relationshipbuilding. “The power of face-to-face communication and marketing has, for years now, demonstrated its unwavering success. We, as human beings, like to deal with other human beings,” he says. Various companies from different respective sectors – ranging from mining and construction, food and beverage, plastics and packaging through to retail, as well as IT and communication – have all come to realise the value of face-to-face communication. Business success relies on the availability of a sector that specialises in this kind of communication. Seeing as the global industry is driven largely by cross-border trade and globalisation, Craig emphasises that “business cannot function without the development of face-to-face
communication and the building of long-term relationships.”
A LEADING CONVENTION CENTRE
The JEC is one of the leading exhibition, conference and events venues in South Africa and leaves no need unmet. It is one of the country’s largest venues built for the purpose of exhibitions, conferences and events, and one of Joburg’s most popular landmarks. Through its location, size and dedicated staff, the centre has earned the reputation of being able to host world-class events. Craig attributes this beaming reputation to exceptional service and attention to detail. “We go the extra mile to provide our clients with an excellent service offering, first understanding their requirements and then doing whatever we can to meet them.” The JEC’s range of venues enables the hosting of any
As an active member of the South African exhibitions industry, Craig Newman has developed a deep understanding of the market. His knowledge and experience have been tantamount to the excellent turnaround strategy for the JEC. Craig has successfully turned the JEC into a highly profitable business, year on year. In 2014, he was elected to the main board of directors at UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, which was followed by being appointed to the UFI executive committee. He now also stands as the vice-chairperson of UFI's Middle East Africa chapter, as the African representative.
10
REASONS WHY THE JEC IS UNIQUE
1 LOCATION The JEC is conveniently located with ease of access to all
of Johannesburg's major arterial
highways and within a 30-minute
Through its location, size and dedicated staff, the centre has earned the reputation of being able to host world-class events
drive from O.R. Tambo International
2
Airport and Lanseria Airport.
ACCOMMODATION It is also within 15 minutes of a variety of choice
3
hotels, ranging from three to five stars. FACILITIES The variety of exhibition,
conference and event facilities on-site make the JEC ideal for hosting any
event, and always to absolute worldtype of event, be it a high-end cocktail party for a product launch or an exhibition of considerable size. The JEC plays host to a collection of world-class trade shows and events such as Automechanika, the Joburg Motor Show, and Electra Mining. It is also home to South Africa’s most established consumer show, The Rand Show, which is in its 121st year. With all these significant and popular events under its belt, the JEC is a proud leader and ambassador of the industry.
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
The JEC has stayed true to its reputation for delivering world-class events for clients and delegates alike, irrespective of the size. The venue has undergone a series of refurbishments over the years to ensure that it can continue to accommodate its clients’ growing needs and hold its reputation as a leading national and international exhibition, convention and events centre. A passion for excellence and a commitment to staying relevant and innovative, while adding that essential personal touch, is what has kept the JEC at the top of its game.
DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD In order to make the industry as successful as possible, it is crucial to stay relevant and ensure that everything one does enhances the reputation of the industry. “This is one of the reasons why we choose our partners so carefully and continue to
endorse them as the best in the business,” says Craig. He goes on to add that innovation is a key factor that will drive the industry forward. One should find fresh ways to achieve the usual goals, and then keep adjusting these goals to gradually achieve more and more. Because this is a dynamic industry, it is important not to get left behind. Focusing on incorporating innovation into your strategic planning will drive and refresh your business, and help clients get the absolute maximum value for their events investment. Despite the tough economic climate, the JEC remains positive and continually contributes to promoting the events industry. “We believe that spreading a positive message about the industry, its potential and what it can do to help promote other industry sectors, is what makes us an ambassador for its success,” Craig adds.
THE FUTURE
When asked about the JEC’s plans for the future, Craig says that the company is looking into global opportunities and expanding its portfolio. “We are attracting the attention of international partners and clients, and demonstrating the enormous potential of the events industry in Africa.” n
class standards.
4 SIZE The JEC covers over 50 000 m2 of covered space and the outdoor space is over 100 000 m2.
5 FLEXIBILITY The JEC’s many
multipurpose venues allow it to cater
for any function, be it a small, intimate function for 10 people or massive
6
exhibitions for over 100 000 people.
CATERING Five-star in-house catering ensures that all will be treated to a memorable culinary affair.
7 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES A registered helicopter landing, managed by
Capital Air, ensures that your event has something extra special.
8 SECURE PARKING There is safe
parking for up to 20 000 vehicles.
9 AWARD-WINNING The JEC has worldclass facilities, validated by the receipt of the coveted PMR Africa Award in 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2014
10 PARTNERSHIPS The JEC prides
itself in selecting partners that adopt the same values for growth and
development, always putting the client first.
CLOCKWISE The Johannesburg International Motor Show calls the JEC its home; the JEC was custom-bulit for the Rand Show where minstrels are a common sight; the JEC offers over 100 000 m2 of outdoor space, making it ideal to host Electra Mining; no matter the size of the event or its theme, the JEC will cater for all your needs; with 50 000 m2 of covered space, any indoor event can be hosted; JEC is the proud host venue for the Gauteng leg of Ultra Music Fest, the world's premier outdoor music event; the JEC can cater for a small, intimate event for 10 people or large events of up to 100 000
A truly unique venue Having served the exhibition, conference and events industry for over three decades, the JEC is one of Joburg's best-known landmarks.
I
n 1984, the JEC, or as it was then known, the National Exhibition Centre, opened. It was inititally bulit to host the Rand Easter Show. Today, the JEC has become one of the leading multipurpose venues in sub-Saharan Africa and hosts exhibitions, conferences, cocktail and themed events, product and media launches, as well as private and intimate functions such as weddings and year-end parties. The JEC has the
capacity, experience, resources and strategic partnerships in place to ensure that it can meet the demands of any event.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Although the JEC is probably best known for one of Johannesburg's much-loved consumer exhibitions, the annual Rand Show, it is also home to several other well-known exhibitions, including: • Africa Expo
• African Farmers • AfriWater • Automechanika • Aircon-Vent Africa • BAUMA • Johannesburg International Motor Show • IFAT • Electra Mining • Elenex Africa • Interbuild Africa • Process Show • Propak • Soweto Festival. n
Innovation through dedicated mobile app
The JEC, industry-first, mobile app will provide a range of benefits to all of its exhibition, conference and event organisers, as well as visitors.
T
he JEC mobile app is an extension of the venue's website with loads of added capabilities. “First, it provides detailed information on all of the events being held at the venue, as well as the dimensions and capacity of all indoor and outdoor facilities at the JEC. The GPS-enabled facility maps can be integrated with your existing conference or exhibition floor plan,” says Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre. With multiple logins for organisers, visitors and delegates, the JEC app also provides notifications of upcoming events, special offers, rates and galleries.
We were delighted to introduce China Sourcing Fairs to the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This is the ideal venue for this unique brand, meeting all our requirements as well as those of our exhibitors and visitors. Wendy Lai of China Sourcing Fairs The versatility of the JEC venue enabled this year’s theme, featuring cars and racing, to be executed with style as artists and performers were driven on stage in a range of vehicles. Organisers of Channel O Africa Music Video Awards The inaugural show provided timeless memories and, in February 2015, we raised the bar. We plan to grow the event in South Africa for many years to come so that Ultra South Africa becomes a destination festival that music fans should experience at least once. As Ultra expands to other parts of the globe, giving the festival new heights, there may not be a more beautiful location in South Africa than the JEC. Russell Faibisch, founder, executive producer and CEO of Ultra Music Festival and Ultra Worldwide
UNIQUE BENEFITS
The app provides a number of unique benefits for exhibition, conference and event organisers, where they can generate additional revenue through the sale of sponsorship, banner ads and enhanced listing offers. Organisers can collate data on the most viewed content and popular sessions at any event. They can also use the app to send live updates and push alerts to inform users of the latest news and offers. The JEC app also provides a valueadded proposition for exhibitors,
where they can create a unique profile to promote special offers and list key contacts for meetings. They can list various session details and create QR codes that can be used on exhibition stands. Further benefits for visitors using the JEC app include the ability to manage schedules, plan ahead and gain the most out of their visit to any exhibition and event, maps – providing easy navigation – and the ability to connect with other delegates, speakers and exhibitors on the community section. “With an existing platform and layout already in place, including integrated registration and ticketing solutions, this is a highly cost-effective solution for all our organisers, exhibitors and visitors,” says Craig. He goes on to say that the JEC app eliminates the tedious and time-consuming need to map out dimensions of indoor and outdoor floor space. In fact, organisers can save up to 80% on costs of app development for their specific event with this existing interface. “We are very proud of this latest launch and hope that all of our stakeholders will take full advantage,” he concludes. n
The JEC is South Africa's largest purpose-built exhibition, convention and events venue. Now, 30 years after its establishment, the JEC stands out as a leading venue of its kind and a proud ambassador of the industry
The SAB Extravaganza went off seamlessly
Meet the team
Dynamic staff for a leading venue
CEO With over 20 years of industry experience, Craig has made a phenomenal contribution to the SA exhibition and events industry. He has turned the JEC into a profitable business.
General manager Hannes provides the expertise required for seamless logistics and operations of every event. He is a highly dedicated individual who has been with JEC for over 17 years.
Marketing and sales executive Securing new clients and fostering good working relationships is paramount to the success of JEC. With this in mind, Karabo handles the JEC’s business development.
Exhibitions and events manager Desrae uses her 13 years experience at JEC assist clients in the logistical planning of each and every event, ensuring that all events held at the JEC are a success.
Administrative and financial assistant Tracy knows that first impressions make a lasting impact and as a result her warm smile and attention to detail leave a lasting impression with the JEC’s clients.
Security manager With over 14 years experience within the industry and with an invaluable knowledge of JEC, Prince makes sure visitors are welcome from point of entry at the gate.
ZF Cleaning JEC has fostered excellent working relationships with Ziad. An extremely valuable service provider, he keeps the grounds, halls, buildings and toilets in a constant state of cleanliness for both visitors and clients.
Main Event Catering On the catering side, and where food plays an integral role to the success of any event, JEC relies on Dian, who works closely with the JEC team and has gained exclusive food and beverage rights at the JEC.
and the team at JEC are a pleasure to work with. It’s a well-designed, world-class venue that is perfectly suited to hosting large crowds of people. We will definitely be back. Bibi Burness, organiser for South African Breweries Extravaganza The event was such a great success that General Motors is coming out to do it again in November. We were delighted by the spectacular response and the fantastic service we’ve come to expect from the JEC. Gugu Zulu, spokesperson for General Motors We participate at a number of international mining exhibitions worldwide and have been supporting the Electra Mining brand for a number of years. The venue has always been great from an accessibility point of view, considering the size of the equipment we bring in. Cindy Bailing, marketing services representative for Joy Global The JEC continues to be one of our favourite facilities to use for warehousing. Not only because of the convenience we enjoy in terms of proximity, but also because of the ease of access. Christo Visser, operations and logistics manager for Polyoak Packaging
The spaces
Bird’s-eye view of the JEC
T
HE JEC WAS designed as a multipurpose facility, proudly offering exhibition halls with over 50 000 m2 of covered space, as well as over 100 000 m2 of outdoor space, with an arena that can comfortably accommodate up to 20 000 people. This ability to adapt and transform is part of what has made the JEC a venue of choice for so many years.
For over three decades, the JEC has hosted shows and exhibitions of various sizes. “We’re geared towards meeting the demands of any event,” Craig Newman, JEC CEO says. “JEC has the capacity, experience, resources and strategic partnerships necessary, across a broad client base. We always aim to deliver a world-class experience in a truly African city,” he adds. n
THE JEC BY NUMBERS 1984
50 000 m2
the year JEC was established
of covered space
30 min
100 000 m2
from O.R. Tambo International Airport
of outdoor, multipurpose space
4 000 m2
of conference rooms encompassing
5-star
catering facilities
20 000 people
can be accommodate a multi-purpose arena
15 000
parking bays
BEST PRACTICE
6
WAYS TO ENSURE THE PERFECT EVENT BRIEF
If the mere thought of compiling an event brief that accurately conveys your brand’s needs has you breaking out in hives, worry not. Terry Sutherland has put together a list of the essential elements your event brief should contain. 1 A BACKGROUND ON PAST EVENTS It’s essential that the company is familiar with the types of events that you have held in the past. Crucial information to include: What was the event about? Who were the guests? What were the expectations of this event? The length of this section differs – it can be as short as two lines, or as long as two pages. Your background must be explained in such a way that the event company walks away with a thorough understanding of your brand’s previous events.
2 THE HOLY COWS As you may have guessed by the name, this section of an event brief contains the meat of the brief. This is where you’ll include absolute no-nos, for example, don’t use red as a decor accent if that’s the colour of the competing brand’s logo, or, don’t use a particular caterer if the company has had a dismal past experience with them. Include as much information here as possible, including specifications such as an aversion to the colour pink, or the fact that under no circumstances are Brand X’s products to be used.
3 THE RATIONALE The rationale explains the reasons behind the event – what does your company want to achieve by holding
this event? What message needs to be conveyed? What needs to be done to create an emotional connection with the guests? What is the best way of achieving this? For example, if you’re planning an internal educational event for a workforce consisting of semi-literate employees, achieving these objectives could involve the use of an educational play. In short, what are the most audience-appropriate means of achieving this?
4 THE OBJECTIVES The objectives of an event are influenced by your marketing objectives. These can range from wanting people to walk away with a clearer understanding of the brand, wanting the EXCO team to get closer to the staff, or wanting to motivate employees or inform clients about a new product or services.
Importantly, your objectives must line up with your demographics.
6 THE BUDGET The amount of money allocated to an event plays a pivotal role in directing the ways in which your event is able to meet your brand’s objectives. Including a stringent budget in your event brief ensures that an event company doesn’t spend hours conceptualising creative ideas that are impossible to realise within a limited budget. If you’re not strict with your budget, the event’s expectations can end up running away from you. Make absolutely sure that your event planning company is aware that it is working within a fixed framework, in order to avoid any costly last minute additions.
TERRY SUTHERLAND is the founder of The RSVP Agency and has extensive experience in the development of RSVP solutions for clients across industries.
5 THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF YOUR GUESTS Factors including the age, gender and occupation of your guests dictate the way that your event needs to communicate with them. While a line-up of cutting edge bands will resonate with one segment, it won’t be appreciated by a guest list consisting of older guests who’d prefer a jazz quartet, for example. In the same vein, nouveau-cuisine might appeal to a certain demographic, but alienate another.
rsvpagency.co.za
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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
27
BEST PRACTICE
Enough of the There exists the impression that site inspections are little more than social outings. The fortunate attendees can eat, drink and be merry to their heart’s content. This couldn’t be any further from the truth, Helen Brewer explains.
28 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
W
E HAVE ALL BEEN involved in one type of site inspection or another. For most MICE venues, with or without accommodation, the goal is to show off the facilities to potential clients and also attempt, through the guests, to spread word of their venue. However, most of these site inspections are questionable. Shotgun invitations are coupled with the assumption that, with sufficient food, plenty of drinks plus possible overnight accommodation for family and friends, bookings are a mere phone call away. It’s so much easier to book beds and transport and, as a result, the MICE component is viewed with irritation. There is a limited understanding that without the MICE component as the launch pad for all
the other profit centres, there would not be such a healthy bottom line.
THE SERIOUS BUYER It is time for MICE venues to start treating site inspections with care. For the serious buyers of MICE space, there is the expectation of a serious, well-informed and -managed site inspection with venue management who know their product. The buyer wants the venue personnel to be capable of answering the majority of questions confidently and without hesitation. These insights come from Raymond van der Berg, head of conferencing at the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). For Van der Berg, site inspections “require planning and must be structured to ensure a lasting impression that can lead on
WHICH VENUE IS BEST? Raymond van der Berg, head of conferencing at SAIMM, provides a case study on how you can compare venues after your site inspections. General Venue type Number of delegates Location Clients Event design
A SITE INSPECTION IS the physical examination of a property or commodity to confirm that it meets the standards of the contract and client. It should be an official on-foot inspection of the property grounds to look for faults or errors. SITE INSPECTIONS ARE NOT sun, fun, an informal holiday or a time to be wined and dined.
to long-term business opportunities. Are you aware that the average client inspects three venues prior to making a decision? This means a venue only has a 33.3% chance of securing the business. Yet a MICE venue has only one chance to make a good impression,” says Van der Berg. Some of the factors a potential client needs to consider are: • venue type and location • real venue capacity (not the capacities quoted within the marketing materials) • delegate demographics • programme design • dates and timing • actual contract arrangements • type and quality of the catering • support services • safety and security aspects • green policy.
Van der Berg elaborates as to how the potential client evaluates a venue: “The location of the venue as well as access, parking, accommodation, and venue amenities – including technical capabilities – all play a vital role in the decisionmaking process.”
FIVE SENSES The soft attractions such as the appearance, smell, touch, taste, flexibility, image and personnel attitude should not be overlooked. In other words, the overall ambience of the entire facility must be taken into account.
In the next edition of Meetings, we will concentrate on the manner in which venue personnel should undertake the allimportant site inspection.
Date Budget
Hotel 200 Out of town Middle/senior 2 to 3 days. Conference, exhibition, cocktail and dinner July R1 million
Criteria Location and transport Parking Accommodation Venue amenities Technical capabilities Gastronomy Support services Safety security Green policy Sight Hearing Taste Smell Touch Proprioception Flexibility Staff attitude Image Travel Travel time Business time Subsistence Parking Car hire
Venue 1 Great Good Great Good Good Good Poor Good Average Good Good Good Average Good Good Poor Poor Good R5 280 3 hours 1 hour R20 R65 R500
Venue 2 Good Great Good Great Great Good Great Great Average Good Great Good Great Good Great Great Excellent Excellent R5 280 3 hours 1 hour R20 R65 R500
Based on the assessment between the two venues, which do you believe the client selected? This article was first presented by RAYMOND VAN DER BERG, head of conferencing at SAIMM, and HELEN BREWER, of the MICE Academy, at a MICE Academy breakfast briefing held at Hackle Brooke. The briefing was sponsored by Cardinal Leisure.
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MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
29
BEST PRACTICE
Communication is key Venues and organisers need to have good ongoing communication in order to ensure successful delegate turnout writes Geoff Donaghy.
A
S EVENTS EVOLVE, organisers will
inevitably have new expectations of venues. These will take a lot of forms, from new spatial arrangements to different kinds of services. But one topic we can guarantee will be on the table on a regular basis is technology – specifically, what will the future bring that both planners and delegates will want to be able to access and how will we, as centres, be able to accommodate them? This can only be resolved to everyone’s
30 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
satisfaction if both centres and organisers are involved in the conversation – and if both are prepared to face up to some tough decisions. You only have to look back 10 years to realise how little we can predict about the direction technology will take in the next 10. But we need to, at the very least, narrow the range of possibilities somewhat and act on those things within our control if we are to be at all prepared. Here are some things worth thinking about.
ASSOCIATED COSTS Whether in the form of new equipment or servicing, time has shown that not only can associated costs be substantial but that it isn’t always easy to collect from users, in this case delegates, particularly when we live in a world where access is seen as something that should be free. This may work for smaller clusters such as retailers but becomes problematic when you are talking about the demands of thousands of users in a convention centre environment. This needs some creative thinking and cooperative decision-making, in conjunction with clients, sooner rather than later so that there is some kind of approach established when the time comes to address future growth in an area that is already a challenge.
accommodating this extra audience demands different servicing and even layouts to reach its full potential. New forms of presentation, up to and including virtual speakers will bring new requirements as well, and we must assume that as these capabilities increase and become more affordable there will be greater use of them across the board, rather than just in specialised cases as it is now. That discussion can and needs to be informed by realistic assessments by organisers as to what their future needs may be – again, a joint conversation that recognises that everyone has a stake in the outcome.
STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS Venues will also have to create structures and systems that can readily adapt to future technology changes, possibly on a very large scale. The imbedded technology that seemed like such a good idea 20 years ago was proven to be a very bad idea when the direction of that technology changed drastically and one can only assume that equal surprises await us in the future. The challenge will be to ensure that facility design can accommodate any number of possibilities without massive structural disruption, and that is something we need to be encouraging our architects, and others who must think through building configurations, to be working on even now. In that same regard we all need to recognise that every new technologically-enabled development will have spatial counterparts that will also need to be addressed. For example, the growth of hybrid meetings is only in its infancy but already it is clear that
EXTRA VALUE All these developments mean we will all have to focus even more on the experiential dimension of our respective products to make sure that there is added value to actually being in attendance at future events in a time when it is easier to participate without actually being there. Both organisers and venues continue to say that this extra value is about the opportunity for personal interactions and networking but, here again, technology is enabling those aspects as well, in ways not imagined a decade ago. We need to be thinking about what we, as both planners and venues, can do to enhance the experience component of our product so that we will always have incremental value to offer, whatever direction technology may take – and again, that’s a joint task with a shared outcome. Venues know their buildings and a lot about both their present and future capabilities. Organisers are in the best position to anticipate the direction that new demands may take. Good ongoing communication between the two is the best possible means of making sure delegates will continue to get what they want – which will, in turn, encourage them to attend these events in the future. It’s a worthwhile investment on both our parts.
GEOFF DONAGHY is AIPC president, CEO of the International Convention Centre Sydney and director: Convention Centres, AEG Ogden.
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31
+27 (0)11 326 4000 •+27 (0)82 820 5382 • +27 (0)82 416 8873
H
ow has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? Our guests have become a
lot more educated with regard to food and beverage, due to television programmes and social media and, because they are more educated, I feel they now have higher expectations.
What trends do you see in the food and beverage industry? Currently, there is a big trend for artisanal products such as homemade breads, craft beer, smoked meats, etc.
What would you identify as the primary mistake people make when catering for conferences? Not knowing your guests' demographics and expectations.
How do you present ‘plain’ food in a way that makes it look appealing to delegates? I am not a big believer in elaborate garnishes; rather plate the food neatly with clear lines, in high-quality crockery. Be careful not to overcomplicate things.
What is your number one catering tip? Ask your guests as many questions as possible to ensure that you know exactly what they want. Describe yourself in three words Passionate, playful and creative.
What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? Currently, my favourite toy is my bandsaw in our in-house butchery.
What dish are you most frequently asked to prepare? Roast lamb.
What is your favourite food memory? The first time I went to a ‘fancy’ restaurant as a little boy and I had duck breast with pumpkin fritters. It was the first time I ate ‘real’ food.
What is your favourite dish to make? I love to work with
Natural born
anything meat related, but my favourite cooking method is low (temperature) and slow.
What is your favourite food and why? I really enjoy a braai. It gives me time to spend with family and friends and gets me outdoors.
Did you eat your veggies as a child? I loved them; my favourite to this day is Brussels sprouts.
Do you have a favourite wine? Not really. I’m currently in love with the whole craft beer scene, my favourite being Bonecrusher.
Where is your favourite place in the world? My most
ABOUT CHEF HANROE Executive chef Hanroe Erasmus has accomplished a lot within the food and beverage industry. He has won numerous awards such as the Taste of Joburg restaurant festival, which he won for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013, and he received the Dish of the Festival Award for his kudu Wellington as well as his rooibos-smoked springbok loin and truffled samp. He also received the Protea Hotel’s Food and Beverage Achiever of the Year Award and was appointed the director of the South African Chefs’ Association in 2014. He has been the executive chef at Sheraton Pretoria since the start of 2015.
32 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
favourite place is home and second is the Maldives.
What do you most love about your job? Being a chef is not a job, it’s a lifestyle; and I love every part, and every second, of it. Why did you decide to become a chef? To be honest, I did not decide to become a chef. I was born to be a chef and I know that if I were to have become anything else, I would not have been happy.
The first, biggest and best of people’s lives are impacted positively as a result of the dialogue which takes place and the resolutions which are passed at these global events.
What has been the biggest change in the industry that you have seen? Technology
For Scott Langley, working toward a shared vision has made the Durban ICC Africa’s leading meetings and conference centre.
H
ow do you see the meetings, conferences and exhibition industry at the moment? I believe that the business events industry reflects the economic realities of the country as a whole, although the industry is performing significantly better than the sluggish growth rate demonstrated in national economy in recent times. While business is still tough for many sectors, the need for direct interaction through meetings and business events remains strong as organisations strive to find solutions to the prevailing economic climate.
What drew you to the industry? I love the fact that untold thousands
has brought the biggest changes and will undoubtedly continue to impact the events experience and the way venues aim to meet their clients’ requirements. Conference delegates and exhibition visitors are a lot more tech-savvy than ever before, and are becoming more demanding of faster and faster response times.
Why should one use Durban ICC? Three simple reasons: THE FIRST The Durban ICC was South Africa’s first international convention centre. Opened in 1997, it pioneered the international business event industry in SA. THE BIGGEST It offers the largest column-free, flat floor event space in Africa. THE BEST As voted by our clients at the World Travel Awards, the Durban ICC has been voted Africa’s Leading Meetings and
Conference Centre 13 times over the last 14 years.
What has been your career highlight so far? I have enjoyed each company I have had the privilege of working for, but I particularly love working at the Durban ICC because of all the amazing events we host. Every week, the centre is completely transformed into something new, depending on the type of events being hosted.
What three words describe you? Communicator, motivator, instigator.
What quote best describes you? “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least” – Stephen R Covey.
How would you describe yourself as a leader? I believe
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Stephen R Covey. If you could speak any language, what would it be and why? isiZulu, because we should all be able to speak at least one African language.
What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? Mopani worms, on a dare.
What do you do in your spare time? Any time I can catch a game of cricket, I’m there! Also, taking advantage of the awesome Durban weather, I have just bought a board and am learning to surf.
What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? A cricket bat, a rubber ball and my surfboard.
that people will work incredibly hard and give you their best if we are all working towards a shared vision.
Are you a dog person or a cat person? I’m actually a cat
What are your hidden talents? I enjoy playing
person, but we have a dog at the moment. Our next dog will definitely be a cat!
guitar, but the talent part is pretty hidden.
What superpower would you like to possess and why? Mind control. Imagine the possibilities.
What is the best and worst advice you have received? The best advice: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The worst advice: “Don’t work outside your job description, they’re not paying you for that.”
What are you addicted to? Winning.
What would your obituary say? He lived, laughed, loved and left a legacy.
ABOUT SCOTT Scott Langley is the marketing and sales manager of the Durban International Convention Centre. He holds a B.Com Degree in Tourism Management from the University of Pretoria and has held several marketing management positions in the hospitality industry around the country.
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
33
MEETING PLACES
Bite-sized South Africa’s top restaurants are well known for their flavoursome culinary creations, impeccable service, knowledgeable staff and an elegant setting infused with a comforting touch of friendliness. They are also adding meeting and event requirements to sweeten the deal. Meetings shares its top picks.
KWAZULU-NATAL The Factory Cafe is situated in a 1917 warehouse in the heart of Umbilo. The massive volume, bare-faced brickwork, exposed beams, and elegantly geometric lettering provide the perfect architectural backdrop for any event. The Factory can host gigs, corporate functions and highprofile conferences. It can gladly accommodate your catering, decor, lighting, sound, and presentation needs. Certain tables in the cafe and sections of the Colombo coffee roastery can be reserved during regular trading hours for a minimum spend per person or a flat rate. And the coffee is amazing; the baristas are friendly and the Wi-Fi is free. +27 (0)31 205 3283 • info@factorycafe.co.za
34 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
GAUTENG Overlooking the Tuscan-inspired gardens of the Palazzo Hotel is the Medeo Restaurant. Headed up by executive chef Gerard Vingerling, Medeo offers one of the best al fresco dining opportunities in Joburg and is an ideal venue for romantic dining, celebrations and business meetings. A new menu has also recently been launched, inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean and keeping in touch with the Italian spirit of simplicity, freshness and quality. Dining at Medeo is a true culinary experience and the best of local and international wines including Tsogo Sun’s rare auction wines are on offer. The Cafe Rialto bar and lounge provides an elegant destination for informal meetings or pre-dinner drinks. +27 (0)11 510 3000 palazzo.dining@tsogosun.com
KWAZULU-NATAL When it comes to the legends associated with The Oyster Box, one of its finest gems is the celebrated Grill Room restaurant. Another is Hendry Pakiri, who has worked at the hotel for 50 years and still oversees this elegant dining room as maître d’. With a history stretching back almost 60 years, the Grill Room has always been the epitome of style and fine dining in Durban. Under the leadership of executive chef Kevin Joseph, the menu is an inspired combination of enduringly popular dishes – created by Bea Tollman, president and founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection – signature dishes, and contemporary new creations garnered from around the world +27 (0)31 514 5018 restaurants@oysterbox.co.za
QUICK
CHAT
Whether it is a private dining room in a restaurant or a boardroom at a hotel, event planners are looking for out-ofthe-box venues for their smaller events. Meetings chats to Rob Jasper, the general manager of Palazzo Hotel. Why do you feel event planners are opting to use hotel boardrooms and private function spaces/ restaurants? Hotels offer CAPE TOWN Housed in the old Reserve Bank building is Mint, Taj Cape Town’s informal, all-day dining restaurant. Mint specialises in innovative international and local fare. Diners can expect to find a menu that consistently tempts their senses, taste buds and appetites. This intimate three-level restaurant has a spectacular open-plan show kitchen, allowing guests to glimpse cuisine being created. An impressive floor-to-ceiling wine wall and mezzanine level (perfect for private functions) add to the ambience. While a ceiling-height sliding glass facade, opening on to St Georges mall, allows Mint diners to experience outdoor dining under the trees. Mint’s setting and tasteful modern decor create a relaxed atmosphere where every guest feels at home. The a la carte menu and light meals are ideal for business lunches, dinners and celebrations. +27 (0)21 819 2000 • restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
CAPE TOWN Crown Restaurant & Wine Bar is situated on the picturesque Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville, just 20 km from Cape Town. It is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, dating back to 1702. Crown Restaurant is stylish, trendy and beautifully decorated, and has spectacular views overlooking the Boland mountains and local vineyards. The restaurant is a true countryside haven just minutes away from the buzz of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan city life. Crown caters for a wide variety of discerning customers including, but not limited to, local and international business folk needing a stunning venue to entertain customers or a break-away from corporate life, romantic diners, and family and friends planning a fun get-together. The slogan – ‘Royally Replete’ – is an apt description of how you feel once you’ve experienced the hospitality that Crown has to offer. +27 (0)21 975 0383 info@crownrestaurant.co.za
personalised service and the advantage of having all meeting and event services in one place. Events are generally reducing in numbers so the smaller spaces are ideal to cater for this. Hotels are also equipped with generators, which means there will be no interruptions to your conference or event during loadshedding.
What should event planners consider when choosing such spaces? Track record,
flexibility and location are key.
What are the advantages?
Cost containment is achievable as smaller spaces don’t generally have huge overheads, and allow flexibility in pricing and delivery. Accommodation is available for multiple-day workshops and events.
Why would you recommend these spaces?
They offer the opportunity to be able to tailor events to the client’s requirements and budgets, while ensuring that delegates experience hotel service at the highest level.
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
35
MEETING PLACES
Ka’ching
QUICK
CHAT
Casino complexes offer stress-free events by taking control of all your requirements. You will hit the event jackpot at these venues.
GAUTENG Enter the magical world of Montecasino – a truly magnificent and diverse precinct where excitement and fun are combined with business and pleasure; where meaningful relationships are built and special memories made. Montecasino has a range of 17 upmarket venues across the complex and hotels suitable for any event from 10 up to 650 people. Montecasino has three hotels, with a total of 619 bedrooms, offering luxury accommodation with a range of room types. The team of highly skilled professionals will assist you every step of the way to provide a one-stop-shop experience. For more, turn to page 42. +27 (0)10 492 1600 • montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com montecasino.co.za
What sets Silverstar Casino and Entertainment complex apart from the rest is its take on old-fashioned glamour and glitz that brings to mind the days of big-time movie sirens and unfettered sophistication. Meetings chats to Shane Collinson, director of operations and complex general manager. Why should you consider hosting your next function at a casino venue? Casino complexes offer stress-free events as they have all the required facilities and services on-site. At Silverstar Casino, our stylish conferencing facilities accommodate up to 580 delegates, we offer a five-star catering experience, and our on-site audiovisual experts use the latest technical equipment to ensure that your event is professional and hassle-free.
What other activities are available, if a delegate does not want to gamble? Delegates can enjoy an unparalleled selection of entertainment and a superb choice of restaurants. At Silverstar, you can relax and unwind at Soulstice Day Spa, watch a movie at the cinema, catch a live show at The Globe, and play a game or two at the Magic Company. There are seven restaurants to choose from. EASTERN CAPE The five-star Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre, Casino and Spa, in Port Elizabeth, charmingly captures the grace and detail of Victorian architecture, while incorporating every modern convenience. The result is a refreshing blend of refinement and urban vogue set against the azure backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Approved suppliers of audiovisual equipment, shelf schemes, decor and entertainment are also on hand to help make the event extra special. Shuttle services to and from the airport, and between the hotels along the strip, can be arranged if necessary. +27 (0)41 507 7777 • conventions.boardwalk@suninternational.com suninternational.com
36 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
Whether you are planning a corporate launch, intimate business meeting, private function or even a seminar, this venue is nothing short of inspiring for any type of event. Take the stress out of planning your event with the help of stylish conference facilities at Silverstar Casino on the West Rand. +27 (0)11 662 7479 • silverstar.reservations@tsogosun.com silverstarcasino.co.za
MEETING PLACES • Gauteng
5
REASONS TO HAVE YOUR NEXT EVENT AT CROWNE PLAZA JOHANNESBURG – THE ROSEBANK
1 FLEXIBLE EVENTS Crowne Plaza
Johannesburg – The Rosebank has the capacity to host various-sized events – from boardroom meetings to cocktail parties and fashion shows.
2 TRANQUIL SETTING Crowne Plaza
Johannesburg – The Rosebank offers conference facilities in a quiet and relaxed environment. Three of the rooms offer an abundance of natural light and can be set up in a variety of layouts that adapt to the specific needs of any event.
3 LOCATION Its convenient location,
Successful and stylish events Looking for a venue that takes the success of your event as seriously as you do? At Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank your success matters.
A
COUNTRY’S CURRENCY is usually a good reflection of the nation’s financial and economic success. That’s why the seven dedicated meeting and conference rooms at Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank have been named after Africa’s top performing currencies. The largest of the seven meeting rooms, Dalasi/Pula, provides comfortable theatre-style seating for up to 300 guests
and serves as an elegant cocktail venue. The four smaller meeting rooms boast the latest conference technology: digital signage, ceiling-mounted projectors and screens, teleconferencing facilities, and flexible, personally controlled light and temperature settings – all within a tranquil environment. The Executive Boardroom, emphasised by natural lighting, boasts audiovisual connectivity, a large LCD screen, and video conferencing capabilities.
VENUES AND CAPACITIES
GLTIZ AND GLAMOUR
Room name
Currency’s country Nafka Eritrea Cedi Ghana Kwacha Zambia Dinar Algeria Pula Botswana Dalasi Gambia Dalasi/Pula – Executive Boardroom
Max capacity (theatre) 18 30 40 60 100 160 300 14 seats
But don’t just limit Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank to conferencing. The hotel is capable of hosting various functions and events. It has been the proud home of SA Fashion Week for the last five years. The trendy Circle Bar, with its crystal illuminating light pods that can be booked individually or all together, is ideal for a number of events and social gatherings. The hotel lobby, with its stylish sunken lounge, pool deck
close to the Sandton Convention Centre and within walking distance from the Rosebank Gautrain station and Rosebank Mall, makes it the ideal destination for business travellers and leisure guests.
4 DEDICATED STAFF The team at
Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank will make your event a memorable experience. The staff are flexible to meet the needs of their clients.
5 COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI 350 MB
complimentary wireless Internet per delegate is provided, ensuring that delegates are connected at all times.
and Fresh restaurant, is available for hiring – for whatever event or function you would like to host. The venue also specialises in city weddings with a focus on style and exquisite attention to detail.
A LITTLE SOMETHING Elegantly furnished with state-of-the-art facilities in all the meeting rooms and managed by a team driven to see your conference succeed, Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank should be your next event and conference destination. Book your conference or event, for 50 delegates or more, with accommodation and each delegate will receive a branded Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank notebook or drink voucher at the Circle Bar. T&Cs apply.
+27 (0)11 448 3600 reservations@therosebank.co.za therosebank.co.za
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
37
MEETING PLACES • Gauteng
Sophisticated weddings
city
Offering everything an event organiser might require to create the perfect city wedding, the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is the ideal place to say, I do.
I
F YOU ARE LOOKING to plan the
metropolitan wedding of the year, which will leave a lasting impression with guests, the world-class facilities and unsurpassed service make Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road the ideal destination. Whether you are planning a simple and intimate wedding or an extravagant affair, wedding packages are catered to meet your specific needs. Mesmerise your guests with a magnificent view of the Sandton skyline from the ninth floor, which has 180-degree views of the city, and balconies opening onto a terrace from where guests can enjoy a cocktail with the sunset in the background. The wedding party can enjoy a sense of
38 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
privacy with 24-hour secure parking and private lifts to the ninth floor, which open to a preassembly area that can be used for a sociable welcome drink before the proceedings. The Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road, will assist you every step of the way and ensure that planning a wedding is an exciting and stress-free experience. Preferred suppliers can assist you with securing: • a wedding planner • a wedding official • cake, flowers and decor • music, entertainment and staging • photography and videography • wedding and bridesmaid dresses • hair stylists and make-up artists.
Mouth-watering cuisine is prepared for all functions and wedding organisers are spoilt for choice between many delicious menu options or creating a tailor-made menu instead.
+27 (0)11 282 0000 conferencing@hisandton.co.za hisandton.co.za
MEETINGS RECOMMENDS
Offering wedding organisers everything they require on a silver platter, the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is perfect for a city wedding with a difference. The magnificent views, excellent cuisine, and professional service will make your wedding an unforgettable event.
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
39
MEETING PLACES • Gauteng
of the event, this venue can accommodate between 40 to 60 guests. An aspect that makes events at il Giardino truly unique is that everything from cuisine to decor can be customised to suit the individual’s needs. One even has the option of hiring the restaurant and courtyard to create more privacy.
WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER •C AKES WITH FLAVOURS that change
A world of A restaurant and venue that offers almost anything the imagination can conceive, il Giardino adds new meaning to versatility and variety.
L
OCATED IN THE trendy 44 Stanley
complex is il Giardino, a chic urban gem brimming with possibilities. Being one of the top restaurants and function venues in Joburg, it is fully equipped to accommodate any event, from an intimate meeting to a largescale celebration. The Italian-style olive grove and picturesque Tuscan setting make il Giardino stand out as a truly beautiful venue. Not only are there different venue spaces, but there are an expansive variety of activities and products that will leave guests with no need unmet.
40 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
MEETING SPACES The Room at il Giardino is a spacious and elegantly decorated venue that can be booked for weddings, conferences and private functions. Featuring long, whitewashed tables that can be adjusted or removed to suit the event, it can accommodate up to 120 guests. If you are looking for a more intimate function, il Giardino Decor across the street is a beautiful, small venue with sophisticated antique furniture, lavish chandeliers and a closed-off courtyard, providing ample space for guests to enjoy the function. Depending on the requirements
regularly, the cakes create excitement in the form of diversity. Not only are they delicious, but they are artfully decorated, making them masterpieces in their own right. Seeing as one slice of cake will leave you wanting more, it is a good thing that these cakes are also on sale. •C ORPORATE GIFTS Instead of the standard gifts, give your corporate guests one of their many olive products paired with a fine wine, all put together in an attractive parcel. •C RAFT BEER Keeping up with the current trends, they also offer craft beer such as Brewers & Union and Copperlake. •E NTERTAINMENT il Giardino has numerous exciting events for the public to attend and often hosts poetry readings, book launches and live music. •O LIVE OIL TASTING Indulge in the imported olive oil, which comes in three varieties: Coratina, which is grown in Italy and has the strongest taste; Frantoia from Tuscany; and Mission, which was introduced by the missionaries of Spain. These are also for sale. •T EAM BUILDING Choose exciting teambuilding options such as having delegates make their own pizza or having teams make dishes and compete against each other. •W HISKEY PATIO For those who enjoy a good-quality whiskey, the whiskey patio offers guests a unique whiskey tasting experience. Guests can indulge in the variety of quality whiskies while learning more about each brand. •W INE TASTING If you would rather skip the whiskey, you can choose to attend wine tasting at il Giardino instead. The wine tasting experience is not to be missed.
+27 (0)11 482 4978 info@ilgiardino.co.za ilgiardino.co.za
MEETING PLACES • Gauteng
Team building with a With a variety of activities, luxurious accommodation, and professional staff to add a personal touch, Monte De Dios is the perfect venue for team-buliding events that will leave delegates enthusiastic and inspired.
MEETINGS' TOP 10 TEAM-BUILDING PICKS Activities Amazing race Chocolatiering Crazy casino evening Fear factor Fencing Giant foosball Laser war games Murder mystery dinner Movie making Pirate master raft building
Description Compete in teams to complete tasks in different locations in record time and be the first at the finish line. Learn the art of making confectionaries by moulding, sculpting and painting chocolate. A fun-filled casino evening that uses real chips. Test your limits by engaging in three activities based on the popular TV show. Improve courage, stamina, speed, and agility by engaging in sword-style duelling. Replace the plastic foosball players in this life-size simulation. This high-tech combat team game is safe and realistic for any number of players. Use your investigative skills to determine who the murderer is and how it happened. Each team will have to do an informal production with limited and funny resources. Divide into teams, design and build a raft, and then test your skills by taking to the water.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: a day at the spa, activity race, archery, bridge building, creative building, creative painting, creative thinking, crazy games, fire walking, interactive drumming, interactive karaoke, kiting, laser clay pigeon shooting, minute to win it, music quiz, night laser clay pigeon shooting, orienteering, paintball, quad iqembu, quad trail, scavenger hunt, six nations cocktail competition, survival of the fittest, target shooting, travel the world, 4x4 iqembu.
E
VEN THOUGH THIS Spanish-style equestrian venue – nestled at the foot of the Bronberg mountain in Pretoria East – is the first choice for many weddings, conferences and gala dinners, its outstanding team-building options prove it is a truly versatile venue, which is ideal for motivational days, themed evening events, corporate entertainment, and corporate hospitality.
TEAM BUILDING Monte De Dios works in conjunction with Laser Adventures to offer fun corporate team-building activities that are specially designed to promote teamwork, bonding, leadership skills, and team performance. The venue can cater to the team building needs of any corporate group, from a small group of five people up to large companies with 700 delegates. All team-building events can be customised to suit your individual needs, such as managing the time you have available, working within your budget, as well as ensuring that the team-building activities meet the goals you have set for your delegates.
CATERING The venue also offers catering in the form of a selection of set menus. Whatever your requirements are, Monte De Dios will be sure to create the team-building experience you envision. Monte De Dios offers companies a truly exciting range of activities to choose from.
+27 (0)71 100 3305 info@montededios.co.za montededios.co.za
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
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MEETING PLACES • Gauteng
An array of With upmarket conference facilities, luxury accommodation and professional staff trained to make any event a unique experience, there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose Montecasino to host your next event.
42 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
E
NTER THE MAGICAL WORLD OF Montecasino – a truly magnificent and diverse precinct where excitement and fun are combined with business and pleasure. It is the place where relationships are built and memories made, and where creative and energised events are held.
LOCATION Easily accessible, Montecasino is located in Fourways. The Gautrain bus service stops at Montecasino and links directly to the Sandton Gautrain station.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The complex has 17 conferencing venues with different capacities. A team of highly skilled professionals will assist you every
step of the way to provide a one-stop-shop experience. Montecasino is ideal for hosting boardroom meetings as well as catering for large groups in multipurpose venues. The various venues include: • The Pivot Conference Centre is adjacent to Southern Sun Montecasino, The Pivot comfortably accommodates up to 250 seated guests in nine wellappointed rooms, all with natural light. • In the heart of the main complex, La Toscana has ample space for registration as well as a main auditorium that accommodates up to 200 seated guests and comes with a full audiovisual system, a built-in dance floor, a standard stage, standard banqueting chairs, a dressing room, as well as upstairs private venues.
VENUES AND CAPACITIES Room name Cinema THE PIVOT CONFERENCE CENTRE Verona Suite 300 Verona 1 80 Verona 2 60 Verona 2 & 3 160 Verona 3 60 Firenze 60 Siena 60 Livorno 30 Arno – Pisa – Lucca – LA TOSCANA 220 MONTECASINO BALLROOM 200 THE PALAZZO Soave 50 Castello 50 Rosa – Boardroom –
Schoolroom
Banquet
Cocktail
Boardroom
190 50 40 140 40 40 40 20 – – – 120 200
250 60 40 140 40 – – – – – – 200 400
350 130 100 220 100 60 50 40 – – – 800 600
– – – – – – – – 8 16 18 – –
35 35 – –
40 40 50 –
50 50 80 –
– – – 10
Whether an early-morning breakfast meeting is on the cards, a leisurely lunch, a client dinner or a quick coffee break, guests will find an array of eating spots on the Piazza, at the hotels on the complex, or within the main complex.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES
• The Montecasino Ballroom is a 675 m² private function venue that boasts an impressive 360 m² welcoming foyer. In addition to registration tables and branding opportunities in the foyer, the Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests for a banquet. There is also a picturesque balcony that leads to a smoking area. • The Montecasino Conference Room has a foyer that can accommodate cocktail tables, signage, as well as a buffet or tea and coffee station. • Palazzo has the Soave and Castello conference rooms, which can each comfortably accommodate 40 guests. Rosa is a European café-style venue set in the hotel’s rose garden and is available for intimate and exclusive functions. It seats 50 guests at one long table or various smaller tables. The Boardroom is ideal for smaller executive meetings.
No matter what your group size or budget, Montecasino has your accommodation covered. There are three hotels on the complex, each with its own unique look and feel. • Palazzo epitomises true style and luxury, with world-class facilities. Accommodation comprises 246 bedrooms that vary from the luxurious three-bedroomed Palazzo Penthouse to comfortable standard rooms. • Southern Sun Montecasino has 194 bedrooms; a restaurant with a beautiful pool deck; as well as a highspec gym. • SunSquare Montecasino is located on the Piazza. It boasts 197 rooms with views over Fourways as well as the Italian-styled Piazza. The complex also boasts a casino, theatres, a number of restaurants, a bird garden and a musical fountain situated on the outdoor Piazza.
1 VARIETY OF MEETING AND EVENT
SPACES Montecasino boasts 17 venues with different capacities. This means that you can host a variety of events ranging from business breakfasts to conferences and even weddings.
2 HOSPITALITY PACKAGES Montecasino’s skilled and dedicated hospitality team specialise in offering creatively designed and brilliantly delivered packages, coupled with either a special event, concert or theatre entertainment.
3 ACCOMMODATION Situated on the
complex are three magnificent hotels catering for annual conferences and events for large corporations. The variety of room options available is perfect to meet any delegate’s needs.
4 CULINARY FARE The experienced
banqueting team will work with you to ensure that all culinary tastes or dietary requirements of your delegates are catered for. With numerous award-winning restaurants within the complex and hotels, delegates and guests will be spoilt for choice.
5 LOCATION Montecasino is easily
accessible via Gauteng’s major airports and highways. It is 18 km from Lanseria Airport and 36 km from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The Gautrain bus pick-up point at Montecasino provides a direct link to the Sandton Gautrain station.
Montecasino offers a variety of venue options that can be customised to create the exact effect you want. With a variety of restaurants, as well as staff who will assist you every step of the way, Montecasino is more than ideal for any function.
MEETINGS RECOMMENDS
CATERING Each hotel’s food and beverage department will be able to assist you with your catering needs. Furthermore, conference delegates and guests will be spoilt for choice with the large variety of restaurants and coffee shops at Montecasino.
5
REASONS TO HAVE YOUR NEXT EVENT AT MONTECASINO
+27 (0)10 492 1600 montecasino.conferences@tsogosun.com montecasino.co.za
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CO VE S TPRLAAPC E S • G a u t e n g M EE T IRN G
5 1
2
to your events Make your event an unforgettable one by hosting it at Vodacom World Events.
V
ODACOM WORLD EVENTS is a lifestyle
destination, renowned for its five-star conference and events facilities. The services are as adaptable, versatile and extensive as the facilities and the events team is capable of producing every type and size of event – from gala parties, stage productions and weddings, to music concerts, corporate events, seminars, luncheons and cocktail parties.
MEETINGS RECOMMENDS
Competitive rates, exceptional catering, versatile venues and an easily accessible, central location have made Vodacom World Events the venue where fantastic events happen.
44 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
Vodacom World Events is conveniently located near a number of hotels in Midrand and is a fiveminute drive from the Midrand Gautrain station. The centre is on the first floor of Vodacom World Midrand. Free, secure parking is available.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The centre has the capacity, versatility and technical capability to produce a range of events, from fashion shows, banquet dinners, and launches, to conferences, exhibitions, weddings, concerts and stage productions. Vodacom World Events comprises: •G IG ROOMS Four 92 m2 rooms ideal for meetings and breakaway events.
OCATION Vodacom World Events is L conveniently located for out-of-town visitors who benefit from its close proximity to several three- and four-star hotels in the Midrand area. The venue is a five-minute drive from the Midrand Gautrain station. USTOMISED SERVICE Defined by its C professionalism and attention to detail, Vodacom World Events’ customised service ensures that your event will always run as it should – seamlessly.
3 TOP EVENT SUPPLIERS Vodacom
World Events has partnered with some of Joburg’s top event suppliers, ensuring that your event is in the best hands at all times.
4
5 LOCATION
REASONS TO HAVE YOUR NEXT EVENT AT VODACOM WORLD EVENTS
VARIETY OF SPACES No matter
what type of event you’re having, the selection of venues on offer at Vodacom World Events will suit your event needs perfectly. EEPING THE LIGHTS ON With K uninterrupted power supply, Vodacom World Events will keep your event powered during loadshedding.
•T ALK 100 AND TALK 200 Both these
auditoriums are perfect for seminars, presentations, graduation ceremonies and training. •T ALK 500 This venue consists of 1 000 m2 of floor space that can be decorated and lit up to suit any events. Talk 500 can be divided in half. •V ODACOM DOME This distinctive, spacious and purposefully designed venue – with large dressing rooms, uninterrupted power supply and expansive kitchen facilities – is ideal for any theatrical event experience.
CATERING There is no need to bring in your own catering at Vodacom World Events. You can choose mouth-watering fare from one of the following caterers: •V ICKY CREASE This distinctive cuisine is glamorous, playful, comforting, cosmopolitan and always supremely delicious. It is created from the freshest ingredients, and presented with earthy panache and a contemporary twist. • BY WORD OF MOUTH The chefs at By Word of Mouth have a variety of skills and culinary experience, not to mention creative flair and flexibility. They relish the challenge of a spectacular formal banquet, as well as a
relaxed dinner for eight. They love to create fabulous food – whether it’s a Moroccan feast, a superb wedding dinner or a good old South African braai. • CLASSIQUE CUISINE By consulting with their clients, Classique Cuisine will prepare special menus to ensure your event is a culinary success.
OUTSTANDING EVENTS The centre boasts top-of-the-range technical equipment ensuring that all your audiovisual needs are taken care of. Vodacom World Events offers its clients flexibility and service excellence to ensure that your event will be an unforgettable one.
+27 (0)11 653 6580/2 vodacomworldevents@vodacom.co.za vodacom.co.za
VENUES AND CAPACITIES Room name 1x Gig room* 2x Gig room* 3x Gig room* 4x Gig room* Talk 100 Talk 200 Talk 500 Talk 500 N Talk 500 S Vodacom Dome
Size (m2)
92 184 276 368 208.7 208.7 1 140 570 570 1 150
Cinema 60 120 180 – 188 188 800 400 400 1 000
Schoolroom 45 60 – – – – 550 240 240 600
Banquet 60 120 210 220 – – 600 250 250 600
Banquet
Banquet
(dance floor)
(dance floor and buffet)
– – – – – – 550 200 200 560
60 120 210 270 – – 500 200 200 500
Cocktail
Exhibition stands (3 m x 3 m)
50 50 150 220 – – 1 000 500 500 800
– – – – – – 40 – – 35
*The Gig rooms fit a different number of people depending on your preferred layout.
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
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MEETING PLACES • KwaZulu-Natal
MEETINGS RECOMMENDS
An oasis of
tranquillity Beautiful natural scenery, personalised service and various entertainment options make Garden Court Blackrock Newcastle a must-visit hotel.
T
HIS HOTEL IS an oasis of modern
you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Chelmsford Nature Reserve, or an informative and cultural journey of the Battlefields Route, or even watch a film at the Victorian Theatre.
accommodation, spacious outdoor gardens and warm hospitality. The hotel is linked to the Blackrock Casino which offers on-site entertainment and dining options for guests.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES
LOCATION Garden Court Blackrock Newcastle lies in the heart of the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, surrounded by the historic Battlefields. It is perfectly situated halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, which makes the hotel an ideal location for a conference or getaway. There are many local attractions in close proximity to the hotel for guests to explore –
The conference centre at Garden Court Blackrock can accommodate workshops, meetings and conferences for between 10 to 200 guests. Beautiful gardens and outdoor scenery give event planners the option of hosting outdoor functions or breakaway sessions.
Garden Court Blackrock Newcastle offers a truly unique event or holiday experience with attentive staff, scenic gardens, modern accommodation and popular tourist attractions nearby.
The rooms are all styled in soothing neutral palettes, featuring elements such as raw timber, which create a contemporary yet classic look. All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities, selected DStv channels, individually controlled air conditioning, an electronic safe, as well as free WiFi.
SERVICES AND FACILITIES Guests can visit the fully equipped gym for a workout, then relax in the sauna, followed by a dip in the beautiful pool. The Mid-City Grill is an elegantly designed restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, ranging from seafood to beef and lamb dishes. The restaurant is also open daily for breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner. Visitors who enjoy poolside lounging on the beautiful pool terrace have the option of enjoying light à la carte meals and beverages from the Celebrations Bar, which is open 24 hours a day.
ACCOMMODATION With only 80 en-suite rooms, the hotel guarantees personalised and attentive service.
VENUES AND CAPACITIES Room name Balele Executive Boardroom Imbizo
46 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
Cinema – – 192
Schoolroom – – 200
Banquet – – 150
Cocktail – – 180
Boardroom 14 5 –
+27 (0)34 328 1777 blackrock.hotelreservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com
MEETING PLACES • KwaZulu-Natal
On the ocean’s Ideally positioned on the Golden Mile, Garden Court Marine Parade provides event planners and guests with a blend of comfort, high-quality service, and luxurious facilities.
O
NE OF DURBAN’S most iconic
beachfront buildings, Garden Court Marine Parade boasts a rooftop swimming pool with a panoramic view of the Golden Mile and the Indian Ocean, conference facilities, 346 stylish bedrooms, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar.
LOCATION The hotel is situated only 33 km from the King Shaka International Airport, and is within easy access of Durban International Convention Centre, as well as the Suncoast Casino complex (to which the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle). Its convenient location on the Golden Mile allows guests to explore the wide range of places to visit, from uShaka Marine World to Moses Mabhida Stadium.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Garden Court Marine Parade is able to host any type of event – from a small conference or intimate meeting to sizeable launches and cocktail parties – with elegance and flair. The refurbishment of the conference facilities has already been completed and the meeting spaces now have a contemporary, urban feel with simple lines and uncluttered space. There are four well-equipped meeting rooms that can accommodate between 20 and 350 delegates. The pool deck on the 30th floor is the perfect spot for cocktail parties.
Cinema 150 350 150 50 100 50 250 –
Taking exceptional pride in offering uncompromised service and facilities, and boasting a magnificent panoramic view, Garden Court Marine Parade is the ideal destination for a memorable function or fun-filled holiday.
and enjoy a cocktail with light meals. A wide range of banqueting menus are available and can be tailored to accommodate special dietary requirements.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES CATERING The refurbished Garden Grill offers breakfast and a buffet-style dinner. Guests seeking a lighter meal can visit the informal lounge
VENUES AND CAPACITIES Room name DHS 1 DHS 1 & 2 (D) DHS 2 Glenwood Glenwood and Hilton (D) Hilton Kearsney Michaelhouse
MEETINGS RECOMMENDS
Schoolroom 72 200 72 21 42 21 150 –
Banquet – – – – – – – –
Cocktail – – – – – – 120 –
Boardroom – – – – – – 75 14
All 346 rooms enjoy a 180 degree ocean view and offer individually controlled air conditioning, free WiFi, selected DStv channels and a host of facilities. There are six unique duplex suites, each with a separate downstairs bedroom allowing privacy for upstairs meetings. The hotel also offers a self-service workstation for travelling businessmen, and the Bike & Saddle – which offers bicycle rentals as well as eco-active excursions. This art deco style building is currently undergoing a R 100 million refurbishment due for completion in September 2015, which is sure to make it an even more exceptional hotel.
+27 (0)31 337 3341 gcmarineparade.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com
MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015 •
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12
REASONS TO WORK WITH UNIQUE SPEAKER BUREAU
1 TRANSPARENCY All direct bookings are handled by USB with a standard preagreed management commission based on the level of speaker, thus eliminating any possibility for inflated prices.
2 TAILOR-MADE PROPOSALS USB has a market niche comprising corporate speakers and MCs with solid credentials across a broad spectrum of topics.
3 TARGETED APPROACH Sourcing professional speakers directly can be a frustrating and time-consuming exercise. USB speakers tend to specialise in specific subject matter aimed at the business sector. A complete understanding of its speaker’s capabilities and portfolios, coupled with industry experience, means USB focuses on suitable recommendations based on an upfront client/bureau briefing process to ensure a perfect fit.
4 QUALITY ASSURANCE Each level or category of speaker differs in capability, performance and fee. USB will guide you through a properly detailed selection process according to your budget.
5 THE POWER OF SYNERGY USB nurtures collaboration between speakers, MCs and clients at events, which impacts directly on the event creating a great conference spirit with seamless transitions.
6 INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE USB explores and studies the marketplace, continuously providing solid advice on speaker abilities and skill sets while also scouring the international and local conferencing landscape for emerging trends and professional talent.
7 ADDED VALUE While speakers have predetermined pricing, USB is entrusted to negotiate and secure the best speaker pricing deal for all concerned.
8 FULL-SERVICE SOLUTION USB handles all the contractual obligations between the client and speaker, including performance aspects, overseeing the briefing process, required travel, accommodation and other logistics. As a result, breaches are rare and in extreme unforeseen situations, a replacement equivalent level speaker will be provided.
9 INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT USB’s programme for emerging talent and rising stars is designed to develop an ever-growing pool of talent.
10 COLLABORATION Pro-active initiatives keep our clients up to date. USB clients receive invitations to the annual showcase, mini-showcases, breakfasts, and speaker corners throughout the year.
11 SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION The essence of a professional speaker is to share knowledge and experience. This mindset is woven into the everyday activities at USB. Their ethos, to be a positive influence, uplift, and continue to learn, educate and raise standards, makes their charitable contributions an all-inclusive activity between the USB staff and speakers.
12 GROWTH INTO AFRICA USB speakers have presented at conferences across Africa and are passionate about serving and growing further across the continent. Established satellite offices have created a continental network of professional speakers.
48 • MEETINGS l MAY/JUNE 2015
OFFICES: South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria & UK. Tel: +27 (0)11 465 4410 paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com www.uniquespeakerbureau.com
TA L K I N G P O I N T S
FRANK LEE
Rumour-mongering
An exhibition industry expert’s frank views
Most industries are beset by rumours, and ours is no exception. For Frank Lee, most often, these rumours are just that – rumour.
SPEAKING
T
FRANK LEE is not a member of the Meetings publication team and is a completely free-minded and independent individual who is here to encourage change.
HE THING IS, while we can all enjoy a good rumour, we have to at least acknowledge that rumour can harm the industry and the businesses involved, even when proven to be untrue. Case in point: the recent rumblings that the 3D Group had crossed the fence from the supplier-to-the-exhibitionsindustry pasture to the exhibitions-organiser pasture. Now, founding brothers John and Conrad might believe the grass is greener on the other side, but they’re not entirely without grey matter, having grown their supplier business from nothing in 1995 to one of the industry stalwarts in 2015. So, I wasn’t entirely surprised to read in the latest edition of EXSA’s newsletter that John stated he would resign if anyone could prove that the 3D had hopped the fence. It’s a bold challenge, but given that the company lost a major exhibition client because of the uncertainty (rumour has it!), I can understand why he’s taking such a principled stand. On the topic of dodgy dealings, one of EXSA’s board members has admitted that his company used some
nefarious business practices that are at odds with EXSA’s own code*. This begs the question, will EXSA ask him to step down? Or will EXSA, given that this company has agreed to ‘pay back the money’ (where have I heard that phrase before?), rule that admission of guilt and restitution are sufficient to prevent the entire industry from being painted with the same, unclean brush? I hope further chastisement is called for and we soon find ourselves voting for a new board member.
ON A HAPPIER NOTE Another positive episode for us all was Power & Electricity World Africa 2015. Terrapin Events put on a really large (all three halls were full) and professional event that included a conference and expo. Congratulations on your 350 exhibitors, 600 conference delegates, 150 speakers and 6 000 attendees from 26 African countries. *All companies, on becoming members of EXSA, are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that states that they will conduct their business in line with EXSA’s code.
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Do you know a distinguished woman who has made the business events industry what it is today? Meetings magazine is preparing to celebrate the annual Top 40 Women in MICE. This initiative honours women who have made a difference in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition industry. We all know her, that dame who makes everything seem effortless and easy. She’s the one you call to “make it happen”. She runs a successful operation, she can make a difference wherever she goes. Always looking cool, calm, and collected.
WE SALUTE THESE WOMEN! Send in your nominations to martin@3smedia.co.za before 29 May 2015.
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TALKING POINTS
It’s business, It’s personal
INDUSTRY VIEWS SAACI's take on keeping current
The build-up to our 29th SAACI Congress has officially begun, writes Adriaan Liebetrau.
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HIS YEAR, Cape Town – our mother city – will bear witness to a new, innovative approach to our congress. With this year’s theme, ‘It’s business, It’s personal’, we aim to present a programme that is relevant to our sector and to your business, regardless of whether you own your company or work in an organisation.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ADRIAAN LIEBETRAU is the CEO of SAACI. He has many years of experience within the conference and events industry.
Thaamir Moerat, enterpreneur, sales guru and author of Mama I sold you, will deliver the keynote under the ‘It’s business’ theme. Thaamir brings with him years of experience in sales; as we are in the tourism and hospitality industry, one of our key trades is sales. The keynote presentation under the theme of ‘It’s personal’ will be delivered by Zelda la Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela. Other changes this year include the Sunday welcome function being a lunch; the evening function is now a reconnect evening; and the Sunday forum meetings have
been replaced with industry feedback sessions to set the tone for the congress.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS Monday and Tuesday will have over 30 different sessions covering matters that affect business as conferencing and events organisers, venues, and service suppliers. As technology has become an integral part of business events, there will be a strong focus on bringing technology to our members. Make sure you register now on saaci.org under the congresses, 2015 tab. Pre-arranged packages at local hotels will be available. We are currently working on dedicated companion programmes in order to ensure that you can make the most of your travels. The 29th SAACI Congress will take place from 2 to 3 August, and will be co-hosted by 15 On Orange Hotel (Sunday), Cape Town City Hall (Sunday evening), The Westin (Monday and Tuesday), and ArtsCape Crystal Foyer (Monday evening).
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THE WORK WE DO IS GUIDED BY FOUR KEY PRINCIPLE PILLARS:
THE PILLARS THAT GUIDE US 1) SAACI Community 2) SAACI Intelligence 3) SAACI Academy 4) SAACI Into Africa
FOUR KEY TRIBUTARY PILLARS SUPPORT THEM: 5) Branding & Communication 6) Stakeholder Engagement 7) Sustainability 8) Future Focus
Association Hub 158 Jan Smuts Avenue 4th Floor, East Wing Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
@SAACIOfficial
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Tel: Fax: Email: Web:
SAACI Head Office P.O. Box 381 Parklands, 2121
SAACI Official
in
SAACI Official
www
+27 (0) 11 880 5883 +27 (0)86 218 6817 info@saaci.org www.saaci.org
www.saaci.org
TA L K I N G P O I N T S
INDUSTRY VIEWS EXSA - giving a voice to the industry
Excelling@ EXSA’s conference The world’s leading exhibition organisers will descend on Pretoria for EXSA’s annual conference in June, writes Sue Gannon.
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Having been involved in organising many well-known exhibitions, SUE GANNON joined EXSA as general manager and has raised the profile of the organisation.
ET TO PROVIDE delegates with the benefit of insights and experiences from international and local thought-leaders, this year’s conference theme is Excelling@, which leaves it up to your own imagination as to what you would like to excel at. Whatever it may be, EXSA will show you how. This will be achieved by having plenary speakers cover broad topics; breakaway sessions facilitated by industry experts to inform and inspire delegates; and master classes focusing on organisers, suppliers and venues as well as practical business tools. “I am extremely excited by the speaker line-up and programme, which has been tailored to deliver exceptional value and relevant exclusive content for members and interested companies in the exhibition industry,” says Bradley Alder, EXSA chairman.
PLENARY SPEAKERS •R ichard Mulholland, founder of Missing Link, a specialist strategy company. Mulholland’s dynamic way of thinking took him from rigging lights at rock concerts to telling CEOs what to do and how. •G ilan Gork, South Africa’s renowned Mentalist, dubbed the ‘Master of Influence’, who specialises in presentations of thought-reading, psychological influence, predictions and body language. • Colin Browne, author of How to Build a Happy Sandpit – a ground-breaking book based on research conducted with more than 60 South African businesses on how their culture drives success. •E mma Sadleir, author of Don’t Film Yourself Having Sex, will share insights on the legal, disciplinary and reputational risks of social media. • Wayne Duvenage, chairperson of Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, will talk about service excellence.
THE DETAILS
DATE 8 to 9 June • VENUE CSIR International Convention Centre • COST R2 950 for members and R3 950 for non-members; Young Professionals (under 35) R1 450 for members and R1 950 for non-members. All prices exclude VAT. Ticket prices include the gala dinner • BOOKINGS +27 (0)11 805 7272 or aimee@exsa.co.za.
GREENING VIEWS Host carbonneutral events
Paperless events Having traditional printed materials at events is often wasteful and ineffective. For Andrej Vladar, mobile technology offers a solution.
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ANDREJ VLADAR is the lead technical and operations manager for Lumi South Africa. He specialises in the implementation and usage of all the company’s mobile offerings.
RECENT STUDY revealed that 70% of all printed conference materials are left at the hotel when delegates leave. It also highlighted that 90% of delegates use either a smartphone or a tablet. With such a high number, it makes sense to offer your client’s a mobile solution that will enhance their event experience. Going paperless can be a positive and strategic move for your event as it supports environmental initiatives. By using an app, you can reduce paper waste by placing the event agenda right in your clients’ hands. You do not have to concern yourself with printing out large quantities of delegate packs in preparation for your event.
ADVANTAGES Most people shy away from having an event app developed due to the perceived high costs but if you take into consideration the cost of printing, distributing and storing materials, having an event app may be the cheaper option. Last minute changes to your conference itinerary can be easily done with an event app which means you do not have to print additional meeting packs. This is
environmentally friendly, saves you time and doesn’t have an impact on your budget.
NEW EXPERIENCES Besides reducing your carbon footprint, event apps allow for delegates to experience the event in new ways. Your most common event app will contain a series of customised pages including a welcome message, conference agenda, guest speaker biographies, logistical information and venue maps or even an interactive seating plan. Delegates are also able to view guest speaker presentations. In addition to this, the more advanced event apps allow for delegates to be provided with ongoing communication throughout the event. This means that delegates are able to connect with each other and presenters by utilising searchable attendee lists, instant polling, self-paced surveys, attendee-toattendee messaging, interactive discussion board, social media channel integration and user photo galleries. Event apps will be branded according to your event. A paperless conference has so many advantages so what are you waiting for?
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T H E B A C K PA G E
Illustration - Stefan Kruger krugers.223@gmail.com
Spreading the Miss Meet wants to know, has the event bug bitten future generations?
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HAVE ALWAYS assumed that my two daughters, aged 5 and 10, would be cured of wanting to be in the events industry after witnessing the hours I work, and my accompanying sweat and tears. But it would appear that when the event bug bites, it bites proper and that, even at their young age, there is no turning back.
THE SIGNS
MISS MEET, a professional event manager, shares her personal experiences within the meetings, events, incentive and exhibition industry.
A few years ago, I started realising that my oldest daughter enjoyed organising and coordinating. It comes out in various areas of her life: • There is always a specific structure or thinking behind how she packs her cupboard – a very practical and structured approach. Her school clothes are on the most reachable shelf as she needs these daily and her smart weekend wear is higher up as she only needs to access these once a week. • When she bakes, she first unpacks all the ingredients and utensils required before attempting the recipe, always making sure she has everything before she starts. • Her school books are divided into separate coloured folders according to subject, much like an event project plan. There are many more examples I could give, but what sealed the deal for me was when she asked if she could help me at a Mandela Day initiative last year. Being a little humanitarian at heart, I assumed that the charity work was the driver for her; but when we got to the event, I realised that it was this, combined with the excitement and adrenalin of the event organising, that captivated that little heart and
mind of hers. Without wanting to ooze with too much pride, I must tell you that I was astounded by her willpower, drive and determination to finish what she had set out to do. The event was a massive CSI initiative that had attracted 5 000 people and ran from 08:00 till 16:00 on a Friday. We were on-site from 02:00 on the Friday morning and only left after 19:00 that evening. With less than three hours sleep the night before, she didn’t even blink when I woke her. She just jumped out of bed, proudly put on her crew shirt and couldn’t wait to get on-site. At the event, she basically shadowed me and did odd jobs for me such as collecting and handing out crew t-shirts, packing meals for the crew, tidying up tables, and filing papers. She also took part in the CSI part of the event later in the day. She gave more than her 67 minutes for Mandela Day. She was on her feet the entire time at the tender age of nine and not once did she ask to go home or even complain.
IT IS ALL ABOUT PASSION So, is this the proverbial event bug that has bitten? No, I would like to believe that she wasn’t bitten but rather that my passion and love for what I do, paired with the often breathtaking results and memories of the work is what has captivated her. In the same way, all of us in this industry – working with the love that we do – are moulding a generation that will continue the work with pride, love and passion. So, I dare you, go out there and spread this infectious thing we call event and meeting planning.
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 3D Design OFC African Hotels & Adventures 16 Cape Canopy Tours 3 Champagne Sports Resort & Pumula Beach Hotel 20 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank 37 Durban ICC 4 EXSA 26 Gearhouse 25
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Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road 38 il Giardino Degli Ulivi 40 Intercape 6 Joburg Tourism IBC, LI & Bellyband JEC Pull-out Markex LI Monte De Dios 41 Montecasino 42
SAACI 50 SCC OBC The Westin Cape Town 2 Tshwane Events Centre IFC Tsogo Sun Garden Court Blackrock Newcastle 46 Tsogo Sun Garden Court Marine Parade 47 Unique Speaker Bureau 48 Vodacom World of Events 44
SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG | SOUTH AFRICA POTENTIAL RELEASED