meetconfex.com
Invitation wording secrets every corporate event planner should know
Mar/Apr 2015 • Issue 60
Johannesburg
EXPo Centre
HOW TO
increase audience engagement at events
Bringing the world to Africa
10
trends that are dominating exhibition stands
BIG INTERVIEW I am known to be a visionary and I am told I have a pleasant smile, which is an added bonus.” Jacaranda Events’ Ricky Da Costa
R50.00 (VAT incl)
Cover photo Rukes
in this issue on the cover Johannesburg Expo Centre’s location, size and dedicated staff have gained the centre the reputation of being able to host worldclass events. For more, turn to page 6
focus on EXHIBITION STANDS
10
Focus on
EXHIBITION STANDS
10 X-factor stands We ask the experts how to ensure that your stand has the wow factor
meeting places
12 Trendspotting The top 10 trends for exhibition
34 Unique experiences Why boutique venues are
stands in 2015
growing in popularity
13 5 ways How to attract people to your stand 14 Great giveaway ideas What you should be
37 il Giardino An ideal venue for stylish urban events 39 Monte De Dios A picturesque villa
giving away
40 Emnotweni World-class venues in the Lowveld
16 How green are we? Where do exhibitions fit into
42 Southern Sun The Cullinan Conference with an
the green equation
opulent twist
17 The power of exhibitions The most effective
44 The Blue Train A royal experience
way to position your brand
18 Let them have food How Barmotion spices up
talking points
your exhibition stand or event
47 Frank Lee The good, the bad and the busy 48 SAACI A busy start to the year
THE BIG INTERVIEW 20 Inventive eventing Jacaranda Events’ Ricky
destination
Da Costa on making an impression on South
Mpumalanga
Africa’s events scene
Regulars
best practice
03 Ed’s letter Found – one silver lining
24 You have been invited Terry Sutherland shares
05 Tidbits Meetings' must-know minutia
her invitation wording secrets
32 Sound Bite Val du Charron’s John Easingwood
26 9 ways Karmen Vladar on how to increase
plates up fresh, high-quality food
engagement at events
33 20 Questions Sandton Convention Centre’s
28 Professional planner standards Helen Brewer
Lorraine Strydom is doing it her way
on self-regulatory factors for the industry
The perfect backdrop for your next event www.vdcwines.com • stay@vdcwines.com • +27 21 873 1256
49 AIPC How far have we really come? 51 MICE Academy How to stay relevant
22 Mpumalanga The place where the sun rises
hotel-supplied AV is a huge no-no
gigantic gremlin
50 IBTM Africa Bringing the world to Africa
Destination
30 Hotel AV – no thanks Michael Jackson on why
22
49 Event Greening Forum Greening’s
BESt practice
28 Professional planner standards
46 Speaker's Corner An African footprint 52 Miss Meet Ode to the meeting planner
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ed's letter Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Journalist Maggie Roodt Head of Design Hayley Mendelow Contributors Helen Brewer, Rod Cameron, Farzanah
Caster, Judith Chinkumbi, Sue Gannon, Michael Jackson, Lynn Mcleod, Shinu Pillai, Terry Sutherland and Karmen Vladar Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Morgan Carter Senior Designer Frédérick Danton Client Services & Production Manager
Antois-Leigh Botma
Production Coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Marketing Specialist Philip Rosenberg Digital & Marketing Manager Esther Le Roux Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham
Advertising Ruth Baldwin +27 (0)11 233 2600 ruth@3smedia.co.za
published by No. 4, 5th 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 March/April 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
Found – one silver lining L ately, it seems that every local news outlet is reporting on doom and gloom. Sure it is rather alarming that because of the shenanigans of Eskom, South Africa is literally stuck in the dark ages. And yes, we are going to have to pay more taxes and more for fuel but, while we are on this pothole-covered road, let us not forget our sense of humour.
Let’s face the fact that our industry is filled with humorous tales. It is important to be able to laugh at ourselves and the situations in which we find ourselves. After all, laughter is said to be the best medicine. My favourite event mishap involves a troop of mischievous monkeys and is sure to tickle your funny bone.
unfortunately, the local monkeys mistook these for an early Christmas present. “A miscommunication with the venue in question resulted in the event managing team having to pack and deliver welcome baskets to our guests’ rooms at the last minute. Since the venue had originally said they’d do this for us, we didn’t have keys to the rooms. This didn’t seem to be a problem until we realised that as soon as we’d put the edible welcome gifts outside each room, a troop of gleeful monkeys would descend on what they no doubt thought of as manna from heaven. An amusing scenario – for everyone except the event planning team.”
MONKEY BUSINESS
LEARNING BLOCKS
Here is the first-hand account from the event planner: “While a venue in the great outdoors can make for a stunning event, it does come with its own challenges. While we’d prepared for any eventuality, the one thing we hadn’t counted on was being outsmarted by a troop of marauding monkeys. Yes, that’s right, an event consisting of 200 delegates was almost brought to a standstill, thanks to a bunch of apes. We’d compiled luxury welcome baskets for the entire guest list;
At least the team learned some valuable lessons and a silver lining was found. I would like to believe that the monkey business that is going on in our parliament will produce its own silver lining. Until then, try not to focus on the bad; look at the funny side of life. If that doesn’t work, I know this issue of Meetings will keep the blues away.
LOL
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MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
From its state-of-the-art conferencing facilities and plush comfortable rooms to its relaxing pool deck and trendy new Glass Lounge venue, The Cape Milner is Cape Town’s meeting place, and meeting space, with personalised attentive staff offering an engaging experience. capemilner.com • reserve@capemilner.com • + 27 21 426 1101
3
Experience Extraordinary There’s a place where meetings, conferences and corporate events are transformed from ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. A destination, at the tip of the mighty African continent, where two oceans meet in the shadow of one of earth’s seven natural wonders. Where creativity comes to life, the unforgettable is experienced, and the impressions created last a lifetime. This place is Cape Town International Convention Centre. And to experience it is to experience extraordinary.
To transform your special event into an extraordinary experience contact CTICC: +27 21 410 5000 sales@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za
Meetings’ must-know minutia STRIKE GOLd
THE LONGEST DINING TABLE IN THE WORLD The Greyville Exhibition and Events Company based at Greyville Race Course in Durban will make an attempt to beat the existing world record for the longest dining table in the world on 27 April 2015. The attempt will include serving 2 000 diners on the table and will include the participation of Durban restaurants, hotels, corporate companies, tourism bodies, clubs and charitable organisations as well as private individuals and families wanting to be part of the record-breaking attempt. The event will include a full day of local and international entertainment, bands and musicians as well as cuisine of the highest standards for the Durban public to savour. Currently the record stands at 1 286.75 m achieved by Ölvin, Bistro Cantor and C&D Fast Food in Loviisa, Finland, on 30 August 2014. worldrecord@Greyvilleevents.co.za
Take a walk on the dark side and discover the full-flavoured refreshment of Savanna Dark, South Africa’s first premium apple cider in a black bottle that is pure gold on the inside. In true Savanna style, it certainly is a tad unconventional, but there’s no reason to be afraid of the dark. Slow brewed and slightly mysterious, it’s not as dark as you think, with a surprisingly golden hue and crisp, bold taste. Simply put – it’s pure golden, full-flavoured bliss with the distinctively dry Savanna taste. Be sure to serve this drink at your next event.
The Blue Wilderness team offers an exceptional team-building experience with their Swim with Sharks package. While no diving experience is required, beach launching and swimming in a group are experiences that rely on team effort and trust. Once in the water, trust becomes the key focus as sharks, instead of being a threat, are an opportunity to test how well a team works together. Learning to trust one another in a team is one of the most difficult things to do both in life and in a work place. Blue Wilderness believes that trust and teamwork allow a company to produce better outputs. They can also customise experiences, if required. +27 (0)83 303 1515 • bluewilderness.co.za
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
HE SAID IT “It is estimated that the business generated by the 184 qualified buyers at Meetings Africa 2015 could bring 54 000 convention delegates – worth nearly R1 billion in revenue – to our shores in the next two years.” Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom at the opening of Meetings Africa 2015.
SWIM WITH SHARKS
WHAT’S HOT According to the National Restaurant Association the following are the top five food trends: 1 Locally sourced meat and fish 2 Locally grown produce 3 Environmentally sustainable produce 4 Heathy meals 5 Natural ingredients and minimally processed food. Source these for your next event.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) achieved its first universal accessibility audit, with an outstanding result of 83% for Mobility Accessibility from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa at the end of last year. The CTICC was designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that all feel welcome. The world-class facilities at the centre offer full wheelchair access, designated drop-off points and parking bays for people with disabilities; toilets have been specially designed for the physically challenged, elevators have Braille inscriptions, and tables and chairs adhere to universal accessibility requirements. +27 (0)21 410 5000 • cticc.co.za
MEETINGS l mar/apr 2015 •
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Justin Lee Photography
C O V ER ST O R Y
Gateway into Africa
Johannesburg Expo Centre’s (JEC) location, size and dedicated staff have gained the centre the reputation of being able to host world-class events.
6 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
S
outh Africa’s exhibitions, conference and events industry is doing its part to attract international visitors and global investment to African shores. Having celebrated three successful decades in the industry last year, the JEC is ready to target more worldwide events as it aims to meet and exceed international standards. This is according to Craig Newman, CEO of the JEC, who says that South Africa’s exhibition, conference and events industry is fast becoming one of the country’s most important industry sectors. “Last year marked a turning point for us,” Newman says. “We have more international events being held in our halls more than ever before, some for a second or third time, and this is excellent news for the JEC and the local sector.” By spreading the word about South Africa’s exhibitions, conference and events industry capabilities, its successes and potential – and what it can do to help promote other industries – Newman and his team are
CLOCKWISE JEC is the venue of choice in Gauteng for Ultra Music Fest – the world’s premier electronic music festival; the JEC offers over 100 000 m2 of outdoor space making it ideal to host Electra Mining; the Johannesburg Boat Show and the SA Outdoor Lifestyle Show calls JEC home
proud ambassadors for the success of the local industry.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISERS “South Africa is well positioned within the international exhibition sector, with many global events planned and hosted here by international organisers,” explains Newman. “In a short space of time, the South African exhibition industry has seen a series of new joint ventures, purchases and investments from Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. These include organisations such as Messe Frankfurt, UBM Montgomery, Terrapin, Fleming Gulf FZE, Reed Exhibitions and Fierra Milano.” The benefit for South Africa is that wellestablished international brands bring with them large international exhibitors who bring credibility and critical mass to an exhibition, not to mention the host venue. In 2014, Messe Frankfurt announced its 56% majority stake in South African trade
fair organiser South African Show Services (SASS). This portfolio includes some of the JEC leading events, including: the Johannesburg International Motor Show, the AMID Motorcycle Expo, the Johannesburg Boat Show and the SA Outdoor Lifestyle Show, as well as Automechanika South Africa.
as the perfect venue to host this prestigious exhibition due to its size, flexibility and most importantly ease of access,” says Nico Vermeulen, executive director of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.
Automechanika JIMS The Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is a 12-day automotive exhibition and lifestyle show taking place at the JEC from 14 to 25 October 2015. Running in conjunction with two additional events, the Johannesburg Truck and Bus Show, and Auto Shop, the shows collectively offer a complete representation of the motor industry, serving sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa as host country. “JIMS is an excellent platform for the local motor industry to promote itself as one of the major success stories of democratic South Africa. With this being the tenth motor show to be held at JEC, the venue presents itself
On the trade front, the fourth edition of Automechanika, South Africa’s leading international trade fair for the automotive industry targeting trade visitors from the sub-Saharan region, returns to the JEC from 6 to 9 May 2015. Over the years, Automechanika South Africa has built up a reputation as the leading meeting place for the automobile sector in Southern Africa. The show offers a unique spectrum of products from the fields of automotive parts, car washing, workshop and fillingstation equipment, IT products and services, accessories, and tuning.
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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C O V ER ST O R Y
“Africa is an upcoming region of great importance to us and we take pleasure in inviting the Southern Africa, automotive community to participate in this event. Africa is expected to be the fastest-growing economic region from 2015, which means that the question is no longer ‘why do business in Africa?’ but rather ‘how do we achieve this?’” says show director Philip Otto. “The ‘how’ is using Automechanika South Africa as a business platform to reach into the rest of Africa,” says Michael Johannes, brand manager of Automechanika worldwide.
BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA The rising importance of Africa in the world’s construction and mining markets is taking centre stage at this year’s BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA from Munich, Germany. The international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles runs from 15 to 18 September 2015 at the JEC. Elaine Crewe, CEO of BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA, believes that South Africa is the perfect platform for this international event. “Firstly the move to JEC has allowed BAUMA to show its true potential because of the vast indoor and outdoor spaces. As investors look towards developing countries for new growth, the mining and construction industries are set to profit. “The need for infrastructure is a great opportunity for those present in these sectors to provide services and products throughout developing countries. The growing number of
8 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
CLOCKWISE The Johannesburg International Motor Show calls the JEC its home; no matter the size of the event or its theme, the JEC will cater for all your needs; the JEC was custom built for the Rand Show where minstrels are a common sight
international entrants into the African market is a telling sign of just how important Africa is becoming,” she says.
THE FUTURE South Africa’s business events industry is a success story of how a local industry sector is now competing on an international scale, “On a global front, this is a very mature business sector, driven largely by cross-border trade and globalisation. Companies from all over the world are recognising the power of the African economy and not just purchasing its products and services but selling to its increasingly global marketplace. South Africa is the obvious choice as a gateway into Africa – and as a leading exhibitions, conferences and events venue, we’re ready to prove that we can seize the new opportunities presented to us,” says Craig.
+27 (0)11 494 1920 info@expocentre.co.za expocentre.co.za
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A publication that makes my life easier!
OUT JULY
EXHIBITIONS GAME CHANGER
2015
Successful exhibitions require planning, hard work and choosing the right suppliers.
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For stand organisers
• Pre, during and post show do’s and don’ts • Useful checklist and tools • Insight from industry experts • Exposure to leading exhibition industry suppliers and their products
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More information
The Exhibition Planner is produced by the Meetings and SA Conference team. Contact them today and book your space in this essential industry tool. Ruth (011) 233 2600 or ruth@3smedia.co.za| www.saconference.co.za
FOCUS ON
X-factor stands The exhibition industry
W
ith elements such as green
the bar. Maggie Roodt
stands, outdoor graphics, international stand design trends and the growing need to incorporate technology that dominates exhibitions, it is difficult to create a stand that is truly unique. Exhibition stands allow for direct interaction with the customer and are the best medium to help realise a variety of goals through only one marketing endeavour. Put the stand back into outstanding by pushing the boundaries of exhibition trends.
asks the experts how to
SIMPLICITY AND RELEVANCE
entails having a competitive edge by striving to outdo other stands and keep raising
ensure that your stand has the wow factor.
10 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
Many exhibitors waste large amounts of money in search of the wow factor. Instead of splurging on something that might not give you the desired return on investment,
rather focus on linking the wow factor to your product or service. Determine how the element you will be involving in your exhibition relates to the product and make the connection clear to customers. The inventor of a new product could be showcased to provide a more informative exhibition experience or you could hire a celebrity who is currently well known in the industry. While the stand should be relevant, keep it simple and do not overwhelm the visitor with too much information. Describe and promote the product in the most efficient and concise way.
DESIGN Do not conform to the norm of stand design or aim for an elaborate stand. Instead, design a stand that is applicable to the product or
MEET THE
EXPERTS
up the stand space and create cleaner lines of geometric and angular structures.
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA The benefits of having advanced technology on a stand are not limited to attracting curious technology enthusiasts; it is also a great way of encouraging customer interaction. Customers can explore the product or browse a digital product brochure, engage in surveys, and will also be more willing to enter their contact details on a digital form. Instead of relying solely on basic promotion, include technology to demonstrate the product or service. Keep in mind that technology and social media go hand in hand, so interact with visitors on social media during the exhibition by tweeting or posting about your stand and promotions, and also make use of this tool for pre-show advertising. A strong presence on social media acts as instant and effortless marketing for your brand.
"We always try to give back to the industry because we appreciate that, if the exhibitions industry is a healthy one, we will have a prosperous business.” Conrad Kullmann, group sales and marketing director at 3D Design
“Our commitment to greening and sustainability is translated into our designs and business practices.” Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display
SUPERB STAFF
TOP LEFT Standard Bank stand designed by Scan Display TOP RIGHT AND ABOVE Stands designed by 3D Design
service, which will help reach company-specific goals. Determine who the target market is and what elements would be most appealing to them, including easily accessible information as well as aesthetic allure. Take full advantage of the benefits of strategic lighting to focus on the essential areas of the stand, and create visual interest by incorporating colour and graphics. Current international stand design trends focus on minimalist angles that open
Create an exceptional exhibition experience for visitors by having professional, informed and enthusiastic staff on the stand, ensuring your product won’t be forgotten. The staff on your stand should understand the goals of the stand as well as how their individual roles work together in achieving them. Staff should spend an optimum amount of time with visitors in which they provide essential information on the product in a clear way and interact with every stand visitor. You will attract more visitors by word-of-mouth advertising if customers have an exceptionally positive experience at your stand. The people make the stand, so maintain a vibrant energy.
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“Adding a modern twist to a stand and space functionality ensures we turn our client’s ideas into reality.” John Soare, inspiration manager of Compex
“Being part of the worldwide GL events group, we aim to incorporate international trends with local needs to offer clients the best solution.” Adèle von Well, business development and marketing manager at GL events
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
11
FOCUS ON
can also prove to be more cost-effective than elaborate stands, as these angles require less material. A key focal point is creating open spaces to ensure smooth traffic flow.
6
Bold colours Exhibition colour trends prove to be the most versatile as they change at a rapid pace and can be quite fleeting. The current colour trend involves combining both conservative and dynamic colours. Colours such as white and grey act as neutral palettes with vibrant colours like orange and blue used to accentuate features.
7
height and strategic lighting Stands are increasing in height in order to attract attention. The trend is to use raised gross flooring on the stand and have a tall structure on the stand itself. Height is added where key features are accentuated, often adding light for greater emphasis. Exhibitors are demonstrating creative use of light in order to highlight certain areas of a stand.
South Africa National Convention Bureau stand at Meetings Africa 2014. Designed by ConCept G
Trendspotting
8
Meetings takes a look at the top 10 trends that are dominating exhibition stands. 1
Creative use of LED screens
and digital fabrics, which come in a vast variety of colours and textures, and allow exhibitors to stay true to their brand identity. They are also easier to transport and may be reused at future exhibitions. Fabrics are being used both as accents as well as comprising entire booths.
LED screens have become a fundamental element of any successful stand. Flexible LED screens are being wrapped around corners and posts and one can also see dynamic and extensive LED screen walls enhancing exhibition stands.
2
Audiovisual and interactive technology The elimination of paper trails has given rise to more elaborate audiovisual displays and increased use of technology. Augmented reality demonstrations attract visitors allowing for interaction and the generation of leads. Touch screens and tablets are being used to display products, collect customer information and interact with customers by allowing them to post to social media feeds displayed on the stands.
3
Printed graphics Graphics panels have been replaced with printed graphics
12 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
4
5
Custom-designed stands Budget cuts have gradually eased and exhibitors are not financially obligated to opt for standard designs anymore. Stands are now being tailored to accommodate detailed brand requirements and are catering to the specific target market and company’s goals in mind. inimalist angles and open M spaces Walls and frames are a thing of the past. Geometric and pointed structures with clean lines are being used to open up stand spaces. This shows a trend towards bolder stand design and
Natural finishes and materials Global design trends have introduced natural elements, such as untreated timber and metal, to go along with the use of fabrics. The trend is to use metal to create a European look, often combining it with timber. Metal is growing in popularity as it is more resilient than wood and can be transported to other exhibitions without being damaged. Translucent material is also being used to display full-wall graphics.
9
Sustainable stands Even though it is not exactly a new trend, the greening of exhibition stands remains an essential element. Exhibitors are constantly seeking new and improved ways to be environmentally friendly, and this also influences stand design aspects such as incorporating natural elements and making use of more technology.
10 Elements of hospitality The exhibition industry is placing great focus on creating social ambience within stands. The trend is to create a comfortable space for visitors such as comfortable seating and coffee stands. This encourages visitors to engage with an exhibitor for longer.
Scan Display stand award at Markex 2014
5
Ways to attract people to your stand
1 Get to the point Customers know what they want and often don’t have much time to spend browsing stands. Provide a clear indication of what product or service you are offering in order to optimise stand efficacy. You can do this by making marketing material clearly visible and available on the stand. Be sure to have product samples on display as this will invoke interest and give stand staff the opportunity to promote the product.
2 Design a seductive stand One of the simplest ways to attract attention with a stand is to use the stand’s design and location to reach your specific goals. The stand structure should be open and accommodative, creating room for easy traffic flow and interaction. Make your stand alluring to the customer by creating height and using lighting to enhance features on the stand. Add to aesthetic appeal by using colour, motion and bold graphics as well as incorporating international trends such as using unfinished timber.
3 Engage and interact Add as many interactive components as possible to the
stand. This will encourage customers to engage with stand staff and inspect the product or service. You can do this by offering refreshments such as bubble tea, having branded and innovative giveaways on hand like USB car chargers and product samples, or running quick and easy industryrelated competitions. The promise of a useful free product or service will certainly draw customers to a stand. Other ways to promote interaction is to provide customers with an area in which they can comfortably sit and relax or charge their mobile phones while being informed about your product or service.
4 Make use of trendy technology Appeal to all five senses and give customers a comprehensive experience by incorporating leading technological elements on an exhibition stand. Not only will this draw people in but it will also demonstrate an advanced and up-to-date company image as well as successful change adaption. Making use of touch screens, iPads, flexible LED screens that wrap around corners, and audiovisual displays in a strategic manner will encourage more people to visit a stand.
Do not neglect mobile phones and make a mobile show application available to make interaction between visitors and exhibitors more convenient. Online ticketing systems and service manuals will not only make exhibitions a more sustainable business practice by reducing the amount of paper used, but will allow for smoother business transactions. Include social media as well by offering promotional products in return for a like or follow.
5 Select exceptional stand staff Exhibition stand staff are responsible for promoting a product in the most accurate and efficient way, and can change a great stand into an outstanding one. Brief your staff daily on targets, key messages and the role of each team member. Ensure that they are well informed, motivated and presentable. They should be approachable and able to draw customers in. Stray away from the norm of promotional staff in plain clothes and make an exhibition stand interesting by adding innovative and unique aspects to your brand. Dress staff in clothes that will make visitors curious and want to enquire about the product.
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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FOCUS ON
Great giveaway ideas Promotional products such as stress balls and branded pens are easily discarded and forgotten. Make your exhibition stand extraordinary by handing out innovative and useful giveaways.
E
xhibition stands and everything they entail are constantly evolving, including the smaller aspects such as what kind of items are used to promote a brand. Giving away useful promotional products not only draws customers to a stand, but it also allows for brand remembrance as people will see that branded USB flash drive and be reminded of your product or service, making it convenient for them to contact you. Instead of sticking to the norm of conventional giveaways, rather consider one of these innovative and new ideas.
TOuch-screen cleaning cloth This can be used for cleaning tablets, phones, laptops and even reading glasses, making it a very useful
14 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
item to give away and consequently a great branding opportunity. Branded car chargers An item that would benefit almost anyone, USB car chargers can be used for any kind of phone and is a unique way of brand promotion. Lip balm People will appreciate the availability of lip balm and will continue to use it after the exhibition. Hand sanitiser Exhibitions often involve networking, shaking hands and being exposed to many people. This promotional product is not only practical but will definitely make your brand stand out for being inventive. Tablet stylus pen Instead of handing out branded pens, go digital and provide people with an easier method of navigating tablets.
Because the popularity of tablets has rapidly grown, providing a good-quality stylus will earn a considerable amount of attention. Refreshments Branded water bottles can be found everywhere at an exhibition, so offer customers something unique like a cappuccino or bubble tea. Barmotion has unique food and beverage mobile bars that will entice people to your stand. See page 18 for more. USB flash drive It is a wise decision to give away flash drives, as they are items that people use often and won’t easily misplace or throw away after use. This is a way to ensure that you continue to remind people of your product long after the exhibition.
Design by DK Design – for Designs Solutions that exceed Client Expectations Realised by ConCept G
E P
Enthrall engage
e r a e W www.conceptg.co.za info@conceptg.co.za Tel: +27 861 222 678 Active Members of :
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in
&
Inspire
A C
Bespoke Exhibitio and ns m tan e t s ds Sy
creative
W O T
N
ure truct s a r Inf nt e Ev
going beyond the ordinary
FOCUS ON
How green are we? Exhibitions are among the three most powerful and costeffective forms of marketing. Sue Gannon wants to know how greening fits into the equation.
E
xhibitions, by their very nature, are not the most eco-friendly marketing medium, with large quantities of waste thrown away after every exhibition or event. Justin Hawes, our ‘Mr Green’ for the exhibition industry, formed the Event Greening Forum (EGF) several years ago, to bring attention to this phenomenon of waste and what to do with it and tackle the problem head-on. He challenged both venues and suppliers/stand builders to discard their waste in more eco-friendly ways, to look at the lighting and powering of shows, and the materials used when building stands and shows. Just by using fluorescent lights and LED bulbs, we know that we can save substantial amounts on electricity as well as cut down on the power grid. ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ became our mantra.
IMPORTANCE OF GREENING EXSA, as a founder member of EGF, recognised the importance of greening within the industry and created the prestigious Green Stand and Green Exhibition awards for the annual awards evening. The awards were created in 2012 with the assistance of the EGF, and aim to encourage all EXSA members to question their responsibility towards the environment, and even the local community and their cultures. The awards were designed to join the industry’s creative and competitive energy in order to discover, reward and publicise great ideas while saving the planet – or at least trying to.
SUPPORT Surveys have also shown that consumers are more likely to support environmentally
16 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
Scan Display won the 2014 Green Stand Award for its stand at Markex 2014
responsible businesses, indicating a change in thinking. People want to do their bit towards sustainability and greening, and being more responsible in their purchasing – from food to cars – and hopefully more and more exhibitors will be mindful of the greening initiatives available to them. The EXSA Green Stands Awards are judged according to the six elements that are part of building an exhibition stand. Judges assess the extent to which stands have incorporated environmentally sustainable principles into design, materials, operations, transport, impact and innovation. Greening the design and design process of the stand is achieved by using a robust design that will last a long time, or a modular design that can easily be transported and set up in various configurations.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS The use of local sustainable materials such as wood, as opposed to importing materials and minimising packaging of products, also plays a role in greening exhibition stand materials. Setting up recycling bins and sourcing local catering both play into the operations of the stand. At the same time, the transport used for getting the stand to the venue is just as important; reusable packaging helps improve
the green footprint, while products travelling long distances from suppliers to the venue can only increase the carbon footprint. Exhibition stands that have a larger impact on the local community, create jobs, public awareness, increase community support and have a charity aspect to them all go beyond being green. Greening exhibition stands has also lead to a number of innovative practises, and processes in which technologies have been developed and utilised, another element that is judged. The Green Exhibitions Awards are also run according to strict criteria laid down by the EGF. Contact the EXSA office (exsa.co.za or +27 (0)11 805 7272) for more information on these prestigious awards or for the application forms for stands or exhibitions if you are planning on going green this year.
Having been involved in organising many well-known exhibitions, SUE GANNON joined EXSA as general manager and has raised the profile of the organisation.
The power of exhibitions For Compex, there is no better way to position a brand than through exhibitions.
S
uccessful positioning enables a brand to gain instant
recognition and differentiate itself from competing brands. Exhibitions have over the years proven to be a significant platform upon which such brand positioning can be attained. To continue to provide such a platform, the organisers within, and the suppliers to, the exhibition and event sector must take note of the current trends and developments within the sphere of brand management and exhibitions, and marry these two together. Inevitably, service companies will need to adapt their offerings in order to be highly evolutionary in nature. The integration of interactivity, connectivity and the implementation of strategies that enhance the interface between the exhibitor and their clients will need to be adopted. Integration will be a key strategy in order to maximise the impact that an exhibitor can have. Dean Gunningham, director of Compex says: “A stand builder can no longer only focus upon the physical structure; the most successful designers will integrate solutions that inspire and deliver upon activation and platforms for engagement.� An exhibition stand is not an end in itself; it is simply a platform, a stage, upon which an exhibitor has the opportunity to showcase a brand and engage with a specific target audience, providing a focused vehicle for marketing and sales. Thus exhibitors will need more than ever to diligently select the trade shows and events in which they participate, in order to optimise their return on investment, and leverage the opportunity to enhance their brand.
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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BUILD WITH EXPERIENCE We believe in the power of engaging experiences that bring people together, innovative solutions that support cuttingedge events, and a seemingly endless service offering that consistently delivers superior outcomes. TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY. 011 234 0604 exhibit@compex.co.za www.compex.co.za
FOCUS ON
Let them have food
Barmotion spices up your event by adding an extra element of hospitality.
B
armotion is a dynamic company that
offers a fresh-new way to ensure a unique event by providing professional mobile bar solutions to the corporate and events industry in South Africa. Their well-trained and dedicated team will use their combined 10 years' experience to make any event a success. They have put all their efforts into finding the right brands and advanced equipment as well as streamlining logistics in order to allow their clients to enjoy the event without worry.
WHAT THEY DO Their services include a variety of different refreshment bars.You can hire one of their speciality mobile bars for exhibitions, company training days, product launches and other corporate events. They provide all the equipment necessary to set up and run the bar and will travel to any destination in South Africa.
WHAT THEY OFFER Bars can be customised to suit the event and needs of the guests. They are able to convert their standard bars into a green bar on request. The bars are divided into three main categories: beverages, cold treats and food and snacks.
BEVERAGES Cappuccino bar Barmotion’s cappuccino bars use ultramodern Italian La Cimbali machines and an exclusive blend of Central and South American washed Arabica combined with East and Central African beans, guaranteeing delicious coffee. Guests can also choose from a variety of other warm beverages such as espresso, spiced chai, mocha and white hot chocolate as well as combining delicious syrups with their coffee.
18 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
Crush bar The crush bar is a sure-fire way of providing guests with a refreshing drink on those hot summer days. Choose a fruit crush made from additive-free fruit puree and 100% fresh fruit juice or opt for a creamy frappe instead to satisfy your nagging sweet tooth. Health juice bar Ideal for the healthconscious and vegetarians, this is a perfect option if you would like to provide your guests with healthy and delicious refreshments. Health smoothie bar The smoothies are made with pure fruit juice, fresh fruit pieces and low-fat yoghurt. The seasonal fruit calendar determines flavours, however they also offer vegetable and lactose-free smoothies. This is a great option for events such as wellness days and corporate breakfasts. Hot chocolate bar Come the chilly winter months, your guests will love a steamy, sweet beverage. Barmotion’s hot chocolate bar is sure to bring the heat to an event with everything from traditional hot chocolate to flavoured drinks such as caramel or white hot chocolate. These are all served with decadent garnishes like mini marshmallows and cream. Milkshake bar Incorporate a retro element into your event or stand by offering guests an array of delicious milkshakes made from 100% quality ice cream. Flavours range from traditional options like vanilla to double-thick gourmet shakes such as cherry and nougat.
Gelato bar This Italian-style ice cream will prove to be a decadent refreshment spot for guests. Customise your gelato bar by offering four flavours. These flavours come in a diverse variety, including cookies and cream, Belgian chocolate, and fig and honey. Soft serve bar The soft serve flavours come with a choice of several exciting toppings and syrups, as well as the more eco-friendly option of serving it to guests in wafer baskets and sugar cones instead of plastic cups.
COLD TREATS
FOOD AND SNACKS
Frozen-yoghurt bar A sensible and healthier choice for warm weather, their frozen-yoghurt bars offer fresh and low-fat frozen yoghurt. Guests can choose from many different flavours and then customise their frozen yoghurt with toppings like nuts, fudge and syrupy sauces.
Cupcake bar Barmotion will ensure an outstanding cupcake bar by allowing their dedicated cupcake artist to bake and decorate all cupcakes. Pizza bar Guests will flock in masses to the bar boasting what is guaranteed to be one of the most mouth-watering snacks available. Pizza
MEETINGS
top picks Bubble-tea bar This exotic Taiwanese drink will certainly be a hit with guests. It consists of an iced tea base, fruit syrup and tapioca balls. Guests can customise their own bubble tea and enjoy the delicious flavour.
meetings recommends
Barmotion is a refreshing, vibrant and dynamic company that serves the corporate and events industry in South Africa. They offer a green option, which converts a standard bar into an eco-friendly bar for your event. Barmotion believes in giving back and that’s why they donate extra stock from events to charities in the area.
bases are imported from Italy and served New York-style, which is sliced into quarters with all the toppings you can imagine. Popcorn bar Having this bar at your event will provide guests with either spiced or plain popcorn. They can walk around an expo or sit in a conference while nibbling on this light and healthy snack. Pairing this bar with a soft-serve bar could create a quaint oldfashioned atmosphere. Soup bar you need to serve a nutritional and delicious light meal to guests, a hearty cup of soup is just the thing you are looking for. Every soup bar can serve three flavours and also offer a selection of breads and croutons. Wrap bar Wraps are nice compact snacks that won’t have guests messing over themselves. The Barmotion wrap bar serves freshly made wraps with fillings like hummus, basil pesto and chicken strips.
Crepe bar Provide guests with the lightest golden brown crepes with delicious fillings like chestnut spread or strawberries, and reap the word-of-mouth brand promotion rewards. They make use of circular professional crepe machines to ensure perfect crepes at the bar.
BRANDED BARS In order to maximise exposure and improve brand awareness, you can turn any of the above bars into a branded bar. Barmotion provides you with different branding solutions in the form of branded shot glasses, serviettes, plates and many more. They will act as an extension of your brand and promote your business through their services.
Sushi bar This Japanese food is sure to be popular among guests because it is not only delicious, but also very trendy. Barmotion’s professional sushi chefs will use the freshest ingredients to give your guests exceptional sushi.
BARMOTION 0861 WE ROCK (93 7625) info@barmotion.co.za barmotion.co.za
Waffle bar Offer your guests a sweet indulgence in the form of authentic Belgian waffles or waffles on a stick. These treats can be made with your ingredient of choice such as black cherries and almonds, served with gelato or dipped in chocolate.
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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T H E B I G I N TER V I E W
Inventive
eventing General manager of Jacaranda Events Ricky Da Costa thinks outside the box and uses his industry experience to ensure the company leaves a prominent impression on South Africa’s events scene.
B
eing an aviation enthusiast who got his private pilot’s licence before he got his driver’s licence, Ricky Da Costa has always had elevated ideals. He started his eventing career with Terrapinn, which was called AIC at the time, and then moved to the Tshwane Events Centre which allowed him to experience the other side of service delivery to the events industry. This experience entailed building and improving the second largest exhibition venue in the country and brought him to the realisation that innovation is the key to success. Now he hopes to bring that same innovative entrepreneurial spirit to Jacaranda Events. As general manager, he is responsible for the strategic direction and everyday running of all facets of the company. Even though he admits it is a challenging venture, he is very excited to embark on this new journey. Challenging as it may be, however, Ricky is confident that he will add a unique element to Jacaranda Events by making use of his knowledge of the exhibition and conference industry, and thinking outside
20 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
the box. “I am known to be a visionary and I am told I have a pleasant smile, which is an added bonus,” he says.
The inspiration Jacaranda Events is an innovative eventing solutions company that offers exclusive service solutions at Tshwane Events Centre as well as across South Africa. It was established following a series of inventive initiatives launched by Tshwane Events Centre a few years ago. These initiatives were aimed at supplementing the income generated by venue rentals. Over the years, these initiatives have significantly grown to such an extent that they have become a fully fledged business. These two companies share a mutually beneficial relationship, as the services offered by Jacaranda Events directly benefit from those presented by Tshwane Events Centre. While the events centre will
provide venues for conferences and other functions, Jacaranda Events will be in charge of the conference and catering platforms.
An eventing company in essence The aim of Jacaranda Events is characterised by four distinct business disciplines. These are: • event logistical support •h ospitality, which incorporates the events centre, on- and off-site catering services as well as the brand-new Jungle Café, which is open to the public six days a week for various functions • a marketing service division, which specialises in event marketing, product launches and activations • a n eventing arm that will assist clients in project managing events. Jacaranda Events strives to apply the entrepreneurial spirit boldly and provide innovative and profitable solutions to the
events industry by providing quality event logistical support, conferencing, catering, events creation and marketing services. It is unique because it is part of an established and well-known event and conference facility that has already established client ties such as national, local and municipal government structures. However, Jacaranda Events is also able to increase its reach by servicing other areas for business as it is not exclusively tied to the Tshwane Events Centre.
The difference “These are competitive times and service providers, therefore, need to provide innovative solutions at competitive prices,” says Ricky. Jacaranda Events ensures unique eventing opportunities and experiences by being closely associated with the Tshwane Events Centre. Its collection of professionals hailing from the events industry is geared
towards an entrepreneurial spirit that delivers innovative and profitable solutions to the events industry.
The future One will no doubt start seeing a strong presence from Jacaranda Events within the events industry. Its first client is the annual Tshwane Business and Agricultural Show, which will take place in August. The company will be involved with the logistical support, catering and marketing of the event. There are also many more exciting prospects on the horizon. Watch this space.
+27 (0)12 327 1487 ricky@jacarandaevents.co.za
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ce d o sv tein r asttion rap • Mpumalanga
must-use venues
The place where the rises
sun
Looking to host your next event in a place that boasts spectacular scenic beauty and an abundance of wildlife? Then Mpumalanga checks all the right boxes.
H
ome to the Kruger National Park
and world-class conference facilities, Mpumalanga is ideal for delegates who want a bush experience.
THE REGION Mpumalanga lies in the east of South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal, and borders Swaziland and Mozambique. In the northeast, the land rises towards mountain peaks and then ends in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. In the eastern region lies the southern half of the magnificent Kruger National Park.
DID YOU KNOW… Remember the nursery rhyme, There was an old woman who lived in a shoe? One can only guess that this rhyme was the inspiration for the shoe house that you can visit when driving on Abel Erasmus Pass in Mpumalanga.
22 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Mpumalanga boasts numerous conference and exhibition facilities, including custombuilt centres, facilities at hotels and game lodges, educational institutions, and theatres. Mpumalanga is also the home to the magnificent Mbombela Stadium.
Sabi River Sun Resort is only 14 km from the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate and is within easy reach of other Mpumalanga attractions. This means that delegates will have plenty to see and do throughout their stay. There are three conference venues with the largest venue being able to accommodate 200 delegates in cinema style. Resort accommodation is provided in the form of 60 hotel rooms. Sabi River Sun Resort boasts an 18-hole golf course, tailor-made theme menus and exciting team-building options. +27 (0)13 737 4600 • tsogosun.com
THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE No visit to Mpumalanga would be complete without a visit to the Kruger National Park, which offers two million hectares of flora and fauna including the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world), the Makhonjwa mountain range in Barberton with rock formations dating back 3.5 billion years, and the mining village of Pilgrim’s Rest, majestic waterfalls and cultural villages.
GETTING AROUND Mpumalanga is highly accessible, with a network of excellent roads and railway connections, as well as a number of small airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Mbombela Stadium may be smallest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums (43 589 capacity) but it is certainly one of the most iconic. Being close to the Kruger National Park, the stadium’s look and feel was inspired by its surroundings. It features a cantilever roof supported by 18 giraffe-like cranes coloured in bright orange and seating done in a zebra-like pattern. The stadium has a 180-seat auditorium. On-site catering is offered. +27 (0)13 757 4600 • mbombelastadium.com
A guide to hosting your next event in Kruger National Park, Skukuza is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River. The Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre is a 500-seater conference centre and is equipped with state-ofthe-art audiovisual equipment and translation booths, making it suitable to host any highpowered multilingual conferences. The centre’s 690 m² floor space and 5 m ceiling height make it suitable for other uses that include product launches and exhibitions. The Skukuza rest camp has ample accommodation and offers a wide range of activities to spice up the conferencing experience. +27 (0)12 426 5025 • sanparks.org
5
reasons to plan your event, team-building activity or incentive in Mpumalanga
1 FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY With numerous
five-star guest houses and game reserves with conference facilities, Mpumalanga has become a haven to delegates seeking an African experience without compromising on comfort.
2 THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Visit
the largest game reserve in Africa. The park stretches for 352 km, from the north to the south along the South Africa-Mozambique border. Things that delegates can do in the park: spot the Big Five, hot-air balloon safari, visit cultural villages, elephant-back safari, and stay in a luxury bush camp.
3 PANORAMic ROUTE Mpumalanga is
home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in South Africa. Blyde River Canyon is the largest green canyon in the world, stretches over 26 km and is over 800 m deep. Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a series of enormous potholes that have been carved by pebbles swirling around in the pools where the Blyde and Treur rivers meet and become one. God’s Window is a picturesque view point. Lisbon Falls is the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga.
Dullstroom
GETTING THERE Dullstroom is easily accessible by car. VENUES There is a large selection of conference venues in and around the Dullstroom area, some accommodating up to 120 delegates. • Walkersons Hotel and Spa has three conference rooms – the Tapestry Room seats up to 20 delegates; the Walker Room can seat up to 120 delegates; and the Highland Room can seat up to 12 delegates, depending on seating arrangements. • Valley of the Rainbow is the perfect venue for companies and groups looking for a place for strategic planning sessions, small conferences, hosting clients and team building. There are conference facilities for up to 40 delegates. • The Dullstroom Inn specialises in mini-conferences. The staff believe the key to success is flexibility. Delegates can spend the afternoon learning to fly fish, with all the equipment provided, or round off a productive day in the inn’s pub, where the atmosphere is perfectly suited to themed evenings. CULINARY FARE Dullstroom is well known for its superb eateries and pubs, offering visitors to the area a wide array of choices – from coffee shops serving up light breakfasts, to haute cuisine restaurants. Not to be missed is a visit to Wild about Whisky. This cozy little whiskey bar boasts the largest whiskey collection in the Southern Hemisphere. The staff are extremely well versed in all things whiskey and will guide you through your tasting. Choose a theme or design your own tasting. wildaboutwhisky.co.za ACCOMMODATION From self-catering cottages, guest houses and B&Bs to luxury lodges and hotels, there's accommodation to suit any taste or budget. THINGS TO DO Although Dullstroom is well known for its fly fishing, there are a host of other pastimes to occupy delegates. The area surrounding Dullstroom is scenic (especially in summer) and lends itself towards hiking or mountain biking. For the more adventurous, there are other more challenging activities. For delegates who want to relax and unwind, let them pamper themselves in one of the spas.
SHOPPING Dullstroom Art Gallery promotes emerging artists by providing a platform for local artistic expression. For all things trout, go to Milly’s Trout Store for fresh, frozen, smoked and cured pies, pates and a whole lot more. Don’t miss Artefacts & Other Finds at the entrance of the town (from the Belfast side). It might look like you have stepped into a junk shop, but among the old pots are beautiful pieces of art and antiques. dullstroom.biz
4 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INTERESTS
Pilgrim’s Rest is a little town that is lost in the 1800s. The town is small enough for you to explore it on foot. Delegates can visit the local Ndebele ladies and see how they manufacture artworks that cater for their Ndebele cultural needs. There is a wide selection of other arts and crafts available that they can purchase, or they can take part in the annual Gold Panning Championships, held every year in September.
5 OUTDOOR PARADISE For the adrenaline
junkies, Mpumalanga offers hiking trails, mountain biking trails, canoeing, white river rafting, mountain climbing and abseiling.
A DULLSTROOM MUST: MRS SIMPSON’S RESTAURANT No trip to Dullstroom would be complete without having a meal at Mrs Simpson’s. Whether you need just wining and dining, or to organise a function, they have what you need. Owners Bryan and Stephen have created the place in the spirit of the divorcee, Mrs Simpson, who became the late Duchess of Windsor. She married King Edward VIII who abdicated the English throne to wed her. Mrs Simpson was well known for her huge collection of shoes, handbags and gloves, and has provided inspiration for the restaurant decor. When you go to Mrs Simpson’s be sure to bring a pair of shoes or a handbag to donate to the ever-growing collection. As for the food – it is hearty, cooked with love and local ingredients, and simply delicious. +27 (0)13 254 0088 • mrssimpson@dullstroom.net • mrssimpsons.co.za
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
23
b e s t p r a c t ic e
You have been invited to…
Terry Sutherland shares the invitation wording secrets every corporate event planner should know.
24 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
N
o matter what type of corporate
event you’re tasked with planning, one thing they all have in common is their reliance on the right invitation wording. If you can’t convince your guests that your function is one worth attending, you’re off to a dismal start. Regardless of whether the event in question is a gala dinner, an internal golf day or an annual bash, your invitation copy can make or break your event. While all
event managers know that first impressions last, not all are aware of how crucial invitation wording actually is. Here are some insider tips to make the best possible impact.
CRAFT COPY THAT ECHOES THE ESSENCE OF THE EVENT If you’re organising a team-building treasure hunt, you’ll want to adopt a tone that’s amicable and enthusiastic. Colloquial language and
Changing your wording slightly to “Anne, ABC Attorneys would like to celebrate with you at this year’s fundraiser,” will yield better results.
ALWAYS SEND YOUR INVITATIONS FROM AN INDIVIDUAL YOUR GUESTS ARE FAMILIAR WITH Invitation wording that contains the name of a broker, sales person or manager who’s met or worked with a guest has a substantially higher clickthrough rate than invites sent on behalf of a company or department. By acknowledging the fact that your guest has some sort of relationship with an individual from your brand, you’re cultivating a sense of familiarity. This goes a long way in positioning an event as one that your guests will want to be a part of.
MAKE YOUR INVITATION WORDING THE STAR OF YOUR INVITE Your copy should
slang can be used but aim to keep this to a minimum. If you’re planning a gala dinner with VIPs, your wording should be courteous and formal. Avoid sounding casual, your wording should denote an air of exclusivity and sophistication. The copy you use paints a picture of what guests can expect, so don’t be afraid of using adjectives to elevate generic invitation wording into something that’ll intrigue. There’s a vast difference between an invite that says: “Dear Ms Brown, you’re invited to attend our annual fundraiser,” and “Dear Ms Brown, we’d be honoured if you joined us for an evening of good will and celebration at our annual fundraiser.”
AN INVITE THAT DOESN’T REFER TO YOUR GUEST BY NAME IS AS AN UNFORGIVABLE OFFENSE I can’t stress this point enough. An invite that reads: “Dear guest, you’re invited…” should never,
ever be sent. By addressing your guests by name, your communication becomes personal, as opposed to being merely generic correspondence. If you’re missing the names of several guests, make sure that you don’t end up sending them an invite that says: “Dear Name…” If this is a concern, rather compose your invite as follows: “Hello there” – this is vastly better to the awkward alternative.
form the majority of any invitation you send. This is for two reasons: one, spam folders are much more likely to block image-riddled emails, and two, your copy needs to contain all the necessary details pertaining to the event. Simply having your company’s logo and “You’re invited to our Christmas party” won’t cut it. Keeping images to a minimum ensures your invite lands in the intended inbox, and quickly conveys the fundamentals of your function. Event planners who approach their invitation wording as one of the most crucial elements of an event, enjoy the satisfaction of one that’s well attended. Putting as much thought into your invitation wording as you would into the choice of venue or catering is a fail-safe way to guarantee that any event is nothing short of a roaring success.
TERRY SUTHERLAND is the founder of The RSVP Agency and has extensive experience in the development of RSVP solutions for clients across industries.
GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO YOUR SUBJECT LINE This is the most important part of your invitation as it’s the first thing a guest reads. It determines whether someone chooses to open your invite, or send it straight to their trash folder. Always include your guests’ name, and aim to make your copy as enticing as possible. It’s unlikely that anyone will open an invitation with the subject line: “Anne Brown, you’re invited to our fundraiser”.
rsvpagency.co.za
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MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
25
b e s t p r a c t ic e
9
Ways to increase audience engagement at events
For Karmen Vladar, the success of an event lies in ensuring that attendees are actively engaged before, during and after the event.
T
he more intellectually and
emotionally invested your audience becomes, the more likely it is that they’ll enjoy your event, tell others and help market your next event for you. Here are nine ways you can make that happen.
BEFORE THE EVENT
1 PROMOTE YOUR CONFERENCE WITH
TEASER CONTENT Get attendees to look
forward to your event by sharing a sample of the content they will experience at the event. Teaser content could include clips from keynote speakers, a sneak peek of new technology on display, photos of the set-up or other bite-sized content. Giving away sample content is the same strategy grocery stores have successfully used for decades to promote products.
2 STAGGER THE RELEASE OF EVENT
INFORMATION To create anticipation for
your event, strategically delay the sharing of some information. For example, if you have five keynote speakers, instead of announcing all five at once, you could reveal one speaker a day. This creates curiosity and gives people a reason to return to your website.
3 SURVEY YOUR AUDIENCE How well do you know your audience? While in the process of accepting speaker submissions,
you should be able to match speakers with topics you’re certain your audience wants to learn about. Before the event, ask attendees questions that will help guide your decision making for the event.
4 PROMOTE THE CONFERENCE APP If you’ve invested in an event app, encourage attendees to download it, create a profile and begin organising a schedule. Pre-commitment ensures that attendees will be ready and able to navigate the conference once they arrive.
DURING THE EVENT
5 ENABLE AND ENCOURAGE
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION DURING PRESENTATIONS Real audience
engagement involves transforming attendees into participants. Presenters have, understandably, struggled with audience participation since hand-raising isn’t an efficient way to measure opinions and gain feedback, especially with larger crowds. Well, now there’s an app for that. By using a realtime polling and messaging app, presenters can create a direct connection with their audience, asking questions and getting responses, instantly. Giving the audience a way to participate keeps their attention focused on the presentation and turns a device that’s a distraction into a device for interaction.
6 PROVIDE NEW AND UNIQUE
EXPERIENCES Imagine the event is over and attendees are back at work. When a co-worker asks an attendee about the conference, what do you want the attendee to say? One of the reasons so many conferences focus on new technology and trends is that it’s interesting and gives people something to talk about.
7 DISPLAY SOCIAL CONVERSATIONS Behaviour is contagious. To inspire people to share thoughts and images from your conference, display a tweet wall with the conference hashtag. Showing aggregated Twitter activity will help attendees feel involved in a shared experience.
AFTER THE EVENT
8 POST-EVENT SURVEY Surveying attendees shows them you care about their opinions while also providing you actionable feedback you can use to create better events in the future.
9 REPLICATE THE OFFLINE EXPERIENCE ONLINE To keep attendees engaged after
the event, you need to provide content they can easily consume and share. Some ideas for content to get you started are compiling the experiences into a video, sharing favourite moments from the event in a blog post, and sharing images from the conference. If you capture enough media at the event, you’ll have promotional material until your next event.
Karmen Vladar is the marketing manager at Lumi (previously IML). In 2009, she worked at the head office in the UK, where she gained insight into international business events industry.
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26 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 Create Engaging Events and Conferences with Lumi’s Interactive Technology Lumi offers an entire suite of engaging technology solutions, from proprietary devices to complete conference, meeting and research apps.
Gauteng: +27 12 349 1093 Western Cape: +27 21 554 4964 info-za@lumiinsight.com lumiinsight.com
For business and leisure the City of Johannesburg is the most visited city in Africa for the 2nd year running. Voted by MasterCard Global Cities Index 2014
From its natural beauty to its magnificent architecture, delicious cuisine and vibrant people, Joburg is an event planner’s City of Gold.
N
O MATTER WHAT you call it – Johannesburg, Jozi, Joburg, or eGoli – it is an extraordinary city. From its humble beginnings as a mining town, Joburg has grown into a vibrant metropolis. With incredible infrastructure, a dynamic transport system and a rich culture, it’s no wonder the world cannot stay away.
HOSTING EVENTS
A versatile business and mega-events destination, Joburg is capable of handling a vast array of events, be it a small meeting, a massive international gathering, convention, concert or sporting event. Offering the best access to versatile venues, technology, dynamic stand design, and audiovisual equipment, there is something suitable for any type of event, on whichever scale. Joburg’s event friendly environment provides excellent infrastructure and telecommunications – the quality demanded by the growing, vibrant MICE industry.
GETTING AROUND
Transport in Joburg is multifaceted, with metered taxis, minibus taxis, a railway system, bus services including the city’s Rea Vaya buses and the dynamic Gautrain, getting around in Joburg is no hassle.
BRING SUNSCREEN
Joburg enjoys some of the best weather with a subtropical highland climate – bright and sunny, with short, late afternoon downpours in the summery months of October to April, often accompanied by electric thunderstorms.
MELTING POT OF CULTURES
Joburg is a diverse cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of first-world sophistication and emerging growth vitality, an event of any budget can be a success here. Diverse cultures, languages, colours and customs make for an event planner’s dream; with so many options to choose from, this worldclass city is a must-use destination. There is something for everyone here. n
2014 accolades for Joburg • Joburg is the most popular destination city in Africa for the second year, according to the 2014 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. • Joburg rated second Most Inspiring City in the World, just below Hong Kong, in annual Good City Index. •N ow considered by the prominent arts publisher Phaidon to be one of the 12 Art Cities of the Future, Joburg continues to reinvigorate itself. It is enhancing its reputation as a global African city and in turn continues to support South Africa`s ever-growing and expanding artistic and cultural spheres. Joburg was also named one of the Four Emerging Art Cities You Should Know by Wall Street Journal. • T ravel Start named Joburg one of the 15 best cities to live in Africa.
Must-use venues
From converted warehouses to plush venues, Joburg is home to many unique venues that are perfect for your next conference, meeting or event.
Sandton venue
Sandton Convention Centre is a leading multi-purpose convention venue adjacent to the country’s top shopping and entertainment complexes, Sandton City. With over 22 000 m2 of convention, exhibition and special event space, the Sandton Convention Centre is the perfect location for any event. The 12-storey structure is designed and built to provide convention, exhibition and special event space over five main levels. The Sandton Convention Centre has a passionate team of highly-skilled professionals who will provide everything you need to host an unforgettable event. +27 (0)11 779 0000 |scc.info@tsogosun.com saconvention.co.za
Inner city venue
the forum|turbine hall has been designed to
accommodate a wide range of requirements and offers five-star service, state-of-the-art technology, exceptional food, décor and style. turbine hall is located in the heart of Joburg’s arts and culture precinct, Newtown. The facilities comprise conference rooms and function venues with a capacity to host exhibitions or conferences varying from 10 to 500 pax, dinners for up to 320 and cocktail parties for up to 800 pax. There is also a trendy upmarket bar, private dining area and Chef’s Table. With plenty of parking, turbine hall is the perfect venue for any event. +27 (0)11 492 3888|info@theforum.co.za|theforum.co.za
Rosebank venue
54 ON BATH has a signature blend of luxury and style, not to mention its sought-after location in Rosebank; it is no wonder that 54 on Bath is a firm favourite with event organisers. The hotel is within walking distance from the Rosebank Gautrain station. Choose from three well-appointed and flexible meeting rooms for up to 120 pax as well as a boardroom for 20, located on the second floor. The 75 en-suite rooms are elegantly styled with views over the garden or over the abundantly green city skyline. The chef will consult on special menus and catering. +27 (0)11 344 8500 | 54onbath.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com
Must-use venues
Soweto venue
The Walter Sisulu Square in Soweto is a
township entertainment centre that embraces a unique historical background. Celebrating what township life represents, the Square provides a historical experience while allowing you to embrace the freedom of the present. With a large multi-purpose, four-levelled conference hall, which can accommodate 1 600 pax cinema seating and dinning foyers that can take up to 600 pax at any given time, the Walter Sisulu Square will give delegates a memorable event experience. +27 (0)11 945 2200 | charlotte@dijalo.co.za waltersisulusquare.co.za
Sandton venue
Katy’s Palace Bar takes inspiration from the
great palaces of India and the towers and turrets of the Sandton skyline. There is a total venue space of 500 m2 which is made up of various adjoined spaces – the main open floor space, a mezzanine level overlooking the venue and an outside covered patio. The venue can accommodate 350 pax cocktail style and 120 pax banquet style. With possibly the best views of the Sandton CBD, the vibe is one of eclectic ecstasy, tasteful decor and great music. +27 (0)72 607 4235 | info@katyspalacebar.co.za katyspalacebar.co.za
HOLIDAY INN SANDTON, RIVONIA ROAD
Sandton venue
combines a world-class brand with local hospitality. The hotel is located one block away from the Sandton Gautrain station. An entire floor of the hotel is dedicated to six conference venues – three conference rooms seating up to 70 pax, cinema style, and three boardrooms seating up to 16 pax. The hotel’s 301 spacious rooms provide the ultimate in comfort and style. With a kitchen located on the conferencing floor, all your catering requirements will be taken care of. +27 (0)11 282 0000 | conferencing@hisandton.co.za hisandton.co.za
Inner city venue
Garden Court Milpark is convenient location and great conference offerings make this hotel one of Joburg’s best kept conferencing secrets. The hotel is situated within the academic precinct of Joburg, offering close access to many of the city’s local attractions and hotspots. The hotel features state-of-the-art conference offerings and business guests can stay up to date with self-service workstations. Five meeting rooms, with the biggest seating 140 pax, are available. +27 (0)10 219 1000 | gcmilpark.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com
Inner city venue
THE BANNISTER HOTEL offers quality at the most affordable price. The hotel is fast becoming the venue of choice in Braamfontein. With a seating capacity of 80 cinema style, the hotel’s 75 m2 multifunctional space is perfect for conferences, private dinners or an intimate music concert. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available. The hotel boasts 31 comfortable en-suite rooms, a restaurant and bar. The kitchen can cater for specific requests. If you want to explore the city, the hotel is close to Joburg’s best bars, restaurants and coffee shops. +27 (0)11 403 6888 | reservations@bannisterhotel.co.za bannisterhotel.co.za
Fourways venue
Montecasino is a truly magnificent and diverse precint where excitement and fun are combined with business and pleasure, where meaningful relationships are built and special memories made. Montecasino has a range of 15 up-market venues across the complex and hotels suitable for any event from 10 up to 650 pax. Montecasino has three hotels with a total of 619 bedrooms, offering luxury accommodation with a range of room types. Their team of highly skilled professionals will assist you every step of the way to provide a one-stop conference experience. +27 (0)11 367 4250 | montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com montecasino.co.za
Midrand venue
VODACOM WORLD EVENTS offers competitive
rates, exceptional catering, versatile venues and is easily accessible. The centre has the capacity, versatility and technical capability to produce a range of event experiences - from fashion shows, banquet dinners, car and company launches to conferences, exhibitions, weddings, concerts and stage productions. Vodacom World Events comprises the Vodadome, the Talk 500 ballroom facility and the Talk 100 and 200 tiered auditoriums. +27 (0)11 653 6580 | vodacomworldevents@vodacom.co.za vodacom.co.za
Rosebank venue
CROWNE PLAZA JOHANNESBURG - THE ROSEBANK is within walking distance (200 m)
of the Rosebank Gautrain station. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to the Gautrain station. There are seven conference venues, with the largest able to accommodate 300 pax. The hotel offers unique conference packages which can be custom-made to your requirements. The hotel’s 318 elegantly furnished rooms and suites provide beautiful views of upmarket Rosebank. +27 (0)11 448 3600 | reservations@therosebank.co.za therosebank.co.za
Things to do & places to see
World-class things to do and places to see With the multitude of places to see and fun things to do in Joburg, delegates are bound to find entertainment to suit their tastes and budgets.
Cultural tour
THE APARTHEID MUSEUM illustrates the rise and
fall of apartheid. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a uniquely South African experience. A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells the story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid in South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is essential. +27 (0)11 309 4700 | info@apartheidmusueum.org apartheidmuseum.org
Eat Out
Hard Rock Cafe Johannesburg is the latest addition to the iconic Nelson Mandela Square. The Cafe features dining on the square, seating over 90 pax on the Hard Rock terrace. The Cafe seats over 200 pax and features aged leather American diner-style banquette seating. +27 (0)11 784 3144 | hardrock.com/cafes/johannesburg/ smm@hrcjohannesburg.com
Full day out
THE JOBURG ZOO opened in 1904 and houses around 2 000 animals on 81 hectares. Five of the animals at the zoo are world-record holders: the largest rodent (capybara), the tallest mammal (giraffe), the smallest canid (fennec fox), the largest predatory bird (Andean condor) and the fastest land mammal (cheetah). Visitors to the zoo get to see tigers, elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and bat-eared foxes, among others. The zoo offers smell, hear, touch and feel programmes throughout the year, as well as feeding-time visits and talks on the weekends. +27 (0)11 646 2000 | jhbzoo.org.za
Cultural tour
LILIESLEAF FARM was once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge for its leaders. Today, Liliesleaf is one of South Africa’s foremost, award-winning heritage sites, where the journey to democracy in South Africa is honoured. Take time to tour Lilisleaf Farm where people from diverse backgrounds, but with a common vision, met to discuss South Africa’s emancipation from an oppressive apartheid regime. Today the farm is a repository for those conversations, and a place where the fruits of a free and equal South Africa are recounted and celebrated. +27 (0)11 803 7882/3/4 | nic@llt.co.za liliesleaf.co.za
Cultural tour
CONSTITUTION HILL is a symbol of South Africa’s Full day out
GOLD REEF CITY is where Joburg comes to play, eat and relax. The centre is comprised of a theme park and casino, and offers the widest range of attractions. Join the young at heart and test drive any of the more than 30 adrenaline boosting rides. +27 (0)11 248 6800 | goldreefcity.co.za goldreef.reservations@tsogosun.com
unique and triumphant democracy. Situated on a hill overlooking the bustling Johannesburg city and the fostered suburbs, Constitution Hill provides a unique perspective of Johannesburg and its rich history. The site is home to the Women’s Gaol museum, Number Four museum, and Old Fort museum. These areas host gripping exhibitions with themes that showcase South Africa’s rich heritage and advocate human rights. +27 (0)11 381 3100 | info@constitutionhill.org.za constitutionhill.org.za
Things to do & places to see
Ten facts about Soweto 6
Soweto, a syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships, is SA’s largest township. Rich with history, heritage and culture, Soweto’s diversity offers a unique experience for everyone. 1 Recent years have seen Soweto
become a site of massive development projects, including tarring the roads and greening the township, making Soweto a major tourist attraction in the country.
2 Soweto is the most populous black
urban residential area in the country, in excess of two million residents. Thanks to its close proximity to Joburg CBD, it is also the most metropolitan township in the country.
3 Soweto is a result of segregationist
planning, created to house black labourers working in mines and other industries in the city, away from the city centre.
7
8 4 E ven adrenaline junkies can
experience thrill and exhilaration in Soweto, taking a swing or a bungee jump – the first of its kind in the world – from one of the old power station cooling towers in Orlando.
5 With a rich political history,
Soweto was the scene for the massive violent expression of outrage in 1976, which spread from there to the rest of the country. Other politically charged campaigns to have germinated in Soweto include the squatter movement of the 1940s and the defiance campaigns of the mid to late 1980s.
9
hris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, C the only hospital serving the Soweto sprawl, with close to 3 000 beds, is the biggest academic hospital in the world. Soweto is home to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have had two Nobel Peace Prize winners as residents, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Mandela House and Tutu House are just a short distance apart. T he Soweto Marathon, a great sporting and community building event, saw more than 21 000 runners participate in 2014. In Kliptown is Freedom Square, a place where the Freedom Charter was adopted as the guiding document of the Congress Alliance. The charter was the guiding document of the ANC and envisaged an alternative non-racial dispensation in which “all shall be equal before the law.”
10 The 2010 FIFA World Cup final was
held in Soccer City, which is located within the outskirts of Soweto. It can seat almost 95 000 spectators and is a popular venue for international artists. Its design was inspired by African pottery.
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
b e s t p r a c t ic e
Professional planner standards For Helen Brewer, the trilogy of preparation, presentation and participation are key factors in creating a selfregulator for the industry.
28 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
I
t was the sterling efforts of the human
resources sector of the economy that set the scene some three years ago that put standards in place for their industry. Human resource management is a complex series of requirements which have been established by the industry for the industry. Whether private or public sector HR practices, the industry has its own independent monitoring methods, which ensure the
standards in place are upheld. No legislation is deemed necessary and it is noticeable that other professions have followed suit, such as accounting and auditing, forensic practices, and financial consultants. The buy-in from the various sectors’ main employers has been nothing short of phenomenal in each instance. These tremendous efforts have proven conclusively that industry sectors can realise
Summit undertaking to commence the standards process.
Independent planners’ approach The MICE Academy was approached by independent planners as they wanted their concerns regarding the industry’s method of doing business with third parties addressed. Their main issues revolved around three specific aspects, namely: •P rocurement A preferred suppliers list of planners is generally based on a set of criteria which does not necessarily focus on the actual planning requirements for that specific type of undertaking. Hence the fall out in meeting the deliverables even with a service level agreement in place is disappointingly high. •P roposals The manner in which proposals are requested from small business undertakings can be onerous in the extreme with too many instances of acquiring the ideas and themes without regard to the planner’s possible intellectual property rights. •P ayment structures An emotive aspect of planning which continues to witness increasingly savvy end-users and even smarter venues squeezing the independent planner into more time and motion without adequate remuneration on the one hand and questionable payments on the other hand.
the inherent weaknesses within their professions and set standards in a responsible, self-regulatory manner without government intervention. In its simplest descriptive form, standards give us a yard-stick on which to base success. The meetings and events industry needs to follow suit and should implement its own professional planner standards.
JUSTIFICATION Hackle Brooke’s Event Industry Summit was an initiative to bring the industry together from both the supplier and buyer perspective proved an inaugural undertaking of significant proportions. It was clear from the discussions and ultimate outcomes that the meetings industry needed standards. The call for standard guidelines is being constantly confirmed via Hackle Brooke’s social media in which the database has swelled to well over 1 000 individuals who have been calling for a 2015 Events Industry
THE NEED FOR A BUYERS’ CIRCLE ACCORD With the notions of the differing types of supplier and service inputs it is deemed essential that an approval body consisting of the organisations with a sizable annual MICE spend are the prime industry decision makers and indeed beneficiaries to be the signatories to the Professional Planner Standards. These signatories will be a selection of buyers who are corporate and association end users with a collective annual spend in excess of R1 billion. They will be collectively known as the Buyers’ Circle. Is this a watershed year in which the competent prosper and the less experienced are exposed? The MICE Academy’s prediction is that it is unlikely to set the world on fire due primarily to many entrenched relationships and the luck of sometimes getting the planning on target for no specific reason of standards or not. Yet it is more than likely the ground swell of Professional Planner Standards
THE DYNAMICS OF A TRILOGY In order to establish the base standard guidelines, The MICE Academy has agreed to facilitate the second Events Industry Summit’s conceptual programme based on the concerns raised by independent planners. The trilogy consists of: • Phase 1: Exploration of procurement, proposals, payments The establishment of a range of methods and challenges currently practiced. •P hase 2: Determination of procurement, proposals, payments From the outcomes of Phase 1, guidelines will be debated, adjusted and agreed •P hase 3: Confirmation of procurement, proposals, payments The first set of standards will be approved and signed by the Buyers' Circle.
implementation being watched closely by our international colleagues with similar concerns. In turn it is predicted the bottom line of establishing standards will ultimately impact on the entire industry. Let us not forget that the smallest and perhaps less significant aspect of the MICE pie is the actual planning component which in many instances is a mere small line item sometimes lost within the midst of vast commissions. Yet without the initial decision to have a MICE gathering the real money-spinners of multi-billion rand amounts spent annually on travel, accommodation, meals, transport et al would be greatly depleted.. For ongoing information go to miceacademy.biz
Helen brewer is a director of the MICE Academy. She has been involved in the MICE industry for over 35 years and has immense knowledge and experience to assist with best practice.
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Take the online Q&A test and start accumulating credits. miceacademy.biz
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MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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b e s t p r a c t ic e
30 • MEETINGS l Mar/Apr 2015
Hotel AV – no thanks For Michael Jackson, hotel-supplied AV is a huge no-no.
W
ith tighter budgets being the new norm, conference organisers are often tasked with seeking out lower-cost alternatives or even to avoid certain budget items from the conference planning process altogether. When this happens, it can be so tempting to think of using in-house, hotel-supplied AV equipment. After all, it’s just a projector or two, and a bunch of clip-on microphones, right? Surely, nothing could go wrong with those…
CONFERENCE FAILURE Don’t ever make the mistake of believing that in-house audiovisual is the route to follow in preference to hiring the services of a professional AV company. It will only take you along a sure-fire route to conference failure. Here’s why: Hotels aren’t really in the conferencing business. They really are in the venue, accommodation and food business, and that’s not the same thing as being a true conferencing supplier. Most hotels, or even meeting facility venues – in truth – only offer AV services as an add-on; like they did (and continue to do in desperation) with the landline telephone next to the bedside table that no one really wants. Bedside landlines were nothing more than a blatant attempt to generate additional revenue, in the pre-mobile days, from travellers who had no other way of phoning home to tell loved ones they were safe. Do you remember being outraged at what they charged? I do, and that memory will live with me for a very long time. I’m also reminded that hotels get it wrong so often, even when they aren’t trying
to extract additional revenues and want to be seen as offering valuable additional services. Like the distracting, free shoeshine machine you often see parked next to the hotel elevators. You know the ones. You’ve even stood there and used them while you’ve waited for an elevator to descend from the 15th floor. They just don’t work well and you know it. Reminding yourself, as you did while last using one for the umpteenth time, that you even knew this from the previous time you’d stood and waited for the elevator. There’s even a new price gouging scam in hotels that relates to the provision of Wi-Fi services for both guests and conferencing delegates alike, which is currently causing as
meeting; it’s invariably going to be a lowerlevel employee who is actually on the payroll under a totally different job description and generally wouldn’t know a lumen from a lamp post. The real meat of any conference or meeting day is in the audience enjoying the (hopefully) professional and polished delivery of the presenters’ content. The message really needs to be seen and heard.
AV SUPPLIERS Professional speakers, like me, come to learn very quickly that the presence of a (usually) black T-shirted AV technician in the back corner of the room responsible for installing, driving and supervising the sound and lighting for the day is absolutely essential in terms of supporting their own performance. If we rate them so highly, it’s a good reason to remember that for any presenters you might have who perhaps aren’t so competent, they are even more necessary. Professional AV suppliers who specialise in providing high-quality, state-of-the-art and relevant audiovisual equipment are there to deliver you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your event can run without any glitches. Never ever cut them out of your budget.
Most hotels, or even meeting facility venues, in truth only offer AV services as an add-on much anguish – if not more – than the great bedside phone rip-off ever did, but that’s the subject of another article on another day. Let’s get back to the in-house audiovisual issue. I find, on average, that hoteliers install woefully inadequate technology levels by purchasing low-cost projectors, with insufficient lumens for large group projection, as well as the cheapest forms of microphones that they can find. Invariably all this equipment tends to be outdated and has been constantly abused by people who have had no idea how to use it, store it or protect it for years on end. As to having someone dedicated on-hand who is meant to assist and help set-up the in-house technology for your conference or
Michael Jackson has carved out an enviable reputation over the past 15 years as one of the best business-to-business speakers and facilitators on the global professional circuit by speaking at around 160 conferences and seminars each year across Africa, Asia, Europe, the USA and the Middle East; to audiences ranging from factory workers to Heads of State. theothermichaeljackson.com
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
31
A slice of
heaven
Val du Charron Wine and Olive Estate head chef John Easingwood's focus is on fresh, high-quality seasonal food, perfect for your next Western Cape event.
What is your favourite food and why? I love Thai food because it is hot and spicy.
What are some of the trends you see in the food and beverage industry? Slow foods, Banting and organic food are proving popular.
What would you say is the numberone mistake people tend to make when it comes to catering for conferences? Event planners tend to over complicate their menus. Less is more.
What is your number one catering tip? Preparation – from choosing your ingredients right through to plating. Always be prepared.
What is your favourite kitchen equipment or gadget? A sharp knife. How do you present ‘plain’ food in a way that makes it look appealing to delegates? I use the most succulent garnishing, fresh from the farm’s wonderful herb garden.
What dish are you asked to make the most often? My vodka gazpacho. It’s a crunchy Bloody Mary.
What is your favourite food memory? Cooking mussels fresh from the sea on the beach as a teenager.
What is your favourite dish to make? Definitely a rack of lamb. The meat is rich and delicious and a South African firm favourite.
Did you eat your veggies as a child? Yes I did.
Do you have a favourite wine? Black Countess from Val du Charron of course.
about chef John Chef John Easingwood completed his training under the guidance of chef Peter Ahern at The Mount Restaurant Professional School of Cookery and Management. He has worked as a sous chef at The Mount Restaurant and The Big East Restaurant and Wine Bar. He has also assisted in lecturing and training of trainees with the City and Guilds of London Curriculum. Throughout his career John has been involved in many product launches and functions.
32 • MEETINGS l Mar/apr 2015
What is your funniest kitchen incident? What happens in the kitchen stays
D
escribe yourself in three words. Cuddly, personable
and diligent.
What do you most love about your job? Being able to interact with my guests. I am not bound to the kitchen so I can converse with my clients and get their feedback on their meals in person and immediately.
in the kitchen!
Where is your favourite place in the world? Arniston, as my days are filled with beach walks with my beautiful wife and furkids, as well as lots of wine and food.
Why did you decide to become a chef? I wasn’t accepted to become doctor but I was good with a knife.
Doing it her way Lorraine Strydom’s determination and passion for the industry has resulted in her winning the EXSA award for best employee for two consecutive years.
H
ow do you see the meetings, conferences and exhibition industry at the moment? The industry
audiences added value through ‘confex’ shows.
is showing continued signs of growth. The Sandton Convention Centre’s (SCC) major source of business continues to be meetings, conferences and exhibitions, with an increase in the diversification in the types of shows we are hosting and the prevalence of lifestyle and consumer experiences now being hosted at the centre. A number of the convention centre’s signature shows have increased their offerings and given
busy and challenging industry. Once you are in, you won’t want to get out.
What drew you to the industry? This is an exciting,
What has been the biggest change in the industry that you have seen? The biggest change that stands out for me is the significant increase in consumer and lifestyle shows being brought to the market, as well as the influx of local companies bringing in international ‘travelling’ shows, creating an exciting aspect to the industry.
conferencing, accommodation and entertainment. The building offers 22 000 m² of convention, exhibition and special events space over four main levels.
The worst: “Go faster, it will be fine.”
What has been your career highlight so far? It would have
What do you do in your spare time? Read, breakfast
to be winning the EXSA Award for Best Venue Employee for two consecutive years.
runs with my motorcycle friends, ride my bicycle or go for a hike.
What three words describe you? Professional, loyal and diligent.
What quote best describes you? “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow. So today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.” – Dalai Lama
How would you describe yourself as a leader? Decisive
What are you addicted to? Dry white wine.
What superpower would you like to possess and why? Teleportation so that I can get to see the world. Life is too short to worry about airports.
What three things would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? Firstly an RV, lots of books and barrels of wine.
Are you a dog person or a cat person? Definitely a cat person, but I love dogs too.
and independent.
What are your hidden talents? Now that would
Why should one use the SCC? TThe SCC is an
be telling!
iconic part of the Sandton skyline and is located in the commercial heart of Joburg. Being part of the Tsogo Sun group, SCC clients benefit from access to a one-stop shop for booking
If you could speak any language, what would it be and why? Spanish, as it speaks to me – it sounds beautiful, lively and descriptive.
What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten? Mopane worms – yuck.
What is your favourite holiday spot and why? I love the African bush. It is peaceful and relaxing, with the added treat of allowing you to watch the country’s unique wildlife.
What is the best and worst advice you have received? The best advice was from my mom: “Always think about it first.”
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Nelson Mandela. I had seen him a few times at the SCC and waved at him, but never had the chance to talk to him.
What would your obituary say? Depends on who’s writing it... most probably: ”She walked to the beat of her own drum.“
about Lorraine Lorraine Strydom is the sales manager for exhibitions at the Sandton Convention Centre. In her current position Lorraine has facilitated a number of shows. She also served on the Board of EXSA as Venue Forum Chair during 2013 and won the EXSA Best Venue Employee Award for two consecutive years in 2013 and 2014.
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33
m e e t ing p l a c e s
Unique
experiences With an increase in the demand for smaller conferences and the need to make events memorable, boutique venues are gaining in popularity. Meetings shares its top picks.
A V I A N T O
Freedom to be Productive
Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift
011 668 3000
info@avianto.co.za www.avianto.co.za
nationwide As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated – graduations, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places. The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. For those with more official agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. The fully equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities. For more, turn to page 44. +27 (0)12 334 8459 • bluetrain.co.za
GAUTENG Hyatt Regency Johannesburg is the place to have your Johannesburg convention, meeting or conference. Take advantage of the fully modernised conference rooms and the outstanding professional planning and catering expertise for which Hyatt is world renowned. Hyatt Regency Johannesburg meetings feature an unmistakable air of professionalism and sophistication. Whether you are planning a small executive retreat or a company-wide conference, our experts will make sure you’re at your best from start to finish and Hyatt can assure you quick and convenient service. Planning a successful meeting at Hyatt is easier than ever when you use our online meeting event solution. +27 (0)11 280 1234 • johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com
34 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
KWAZULU-NATAL Beverly Hills conference facilities offer a small yet superb selection of venues in uMhlanga Rocks that are ideal for board meetings, intimate conferences, launches, cocktail evenings or banquets. Situated within easy reach of Durban and its international airport, your guests can enjoy a peaceful location outside of the hustle and bustle of a city that is known for its ocean views and scenic surroundings. Events can be planned with assistance from our experienced team, who will ensure that your function receives the attention to detail you require – from themed decor all the way through to menus. Adding even more to our event offering is our tailored Beverly Hills Conference Stay Over package, which is exclusive to conference guests and organisers. +27 (0)31 561 2211 • tsogosun.com
4
reasons to use a boutique venue
1 PERSONALISED SERVICE One of the
distinguishing features of boutique venues is their attention to detail and personal service. Delegates can expect to get the royal treatment when attending a function at a boutique venue.
2 SOMETHING EXTRA Boutique venues WESTERN CAPE Nestled at the foot of
the magnificent Paarl Rock is a small, luxury hotel like no other. Grande Roche is a place where history intersects with modern comforts, where the atmosphere of a bygone era brings a sense of gracious, unhurried living. This celebrated five-star hotel is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and boasts beautiful gardens and award-winning cuisine at its elegant Bosman’s Restaurant. The conference venue, with an open-air amphitheatre, sits on the upper slopes of the estates, in the midst of vineyards and plum orchards, with a backdrop of Paarl Rock. Whether it’s an international conference, a board meeting, a cuttingedge product launch or a high-profile company summit, Grande Roche will take care of your needs. They know it is the little details that matter. +27 (0)21 863 5100 • granderoche.com
can give your event that X-factor. These venues offer everything that big venues do, such as space, catering, audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi, as well as a little something extra. Forget the complimentary pen and pad, boutique venues can offer delegates personalised gifts and attention.
3 PERFECT SPACES If you’ve seen one
conference or meeting room, you’ve seen them all. Perhaps not. Big box event venues are designed to do one thing – hold people. If you’re looking to inspire creativity, change your vantage point from a bland white room to a beautiful botanical garden, old manor house or even an ocean view.
4 CREATIVE CATERING Traditional event
venues are likely to offer traditional event food. At boutique venues, your options are only as limited as your imagination. Simply coordinate with the catering staff ahead of time and most of your needs can be met.
MEETINGS l mar/Apr 2015 •
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N
Constitution Boardoom – African Presidential Roundtable
Freedoms that so many imprisoned here had fought for and won. Not only is Constitution Hill a National Heritage it is also home to the Flame of Democracy and beam of light outside the Constitutional Court in the Awaiting Trial block which were lit by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe with a flame ignited by former President Nelson Mandela. The Flame signifies the commitment of the country to Democracy, Human Rights and Constitutionalism. The Mahatma Gandhi bust in the Number Four prison was unveiled by Her Excellency, Ms Pratibha Devisingh on 3 May 2012. This is a poignant reminder to all who pass through the prison walls of Constitution
Peter Morey www.petermoreyphotographic.co.za
owhere can the story of South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Situated on a hill overlooking the bustling Johannesburg city and the fostered suburbs, Constitution Hill provides a unique perspective of Johannesburg and its rich history. Constitution Hill is one of South Africa’s most education-orientated heritage sites. Thousands of citizens including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, Albertina Sisulu, Fatima Meer, Esther Barsel, and many more were imprisoned at Number Four, Women’s Jail, and the Old Fort, now known as Constitution Hill. The site that once stood firmly and supported segregation and later apartheid is today the Home of the Constitutional Court, the guardian of the basic Human Rights and
Woman’s Jail
Human Rights Conference
Hill of the sacrifices and contribution made by this physically fragile icon but who had through his teachings and life made such a phenomenal impact on the world as we now know it. The fight for Freedom in all its forms is not the fight of the minorities, but should be embraced by all in an endeavour to upholding the Constitution and entrenching Democracy, Human Rights and Freedom. As a multipurpose and unique Heritage Site Constitution Hill offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, available for hire. This is a prestigious location for your meetings, conferences, performance events, receptions, screenings, parties and product launches. Constitution Hill offers
Old Fort Parade Ground – 1200 pax room
dramatic venues in three prisons and heritage buildings, dating back 100 years. Some of these spaces are used to host gripping exhibitions with themes that reveal South Africa’s rich heritage and advocate human rights. Furthermore, Constitution Hill is an imperative platform for Heritage, Education, and Tourism related programmes. Constitution Hill is in Johannesburg and is ideally located with easy access from your major highways and from the airport. The Gautrain bus stop is in close walking distance to Constitution Hill which makes access to and from the airport very convenient and onsite secure basement parking is available.
CONSTITUTION HILL 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | t +27 (0)11 381 3100 | f +27 (0)11 381 3108 info@constitutionhill.org.za | www.constitutionhill.org.za
m e e t ing p l a c e s • G a u t e n g
meetings recommends
il Giardino provides the best service, fresh food and a lovely atmosphere for any type of event.
Elite
events
il Giardino and The Room at 44 Stanley is the location of choice for stylish urban events.
S
ituated in a series of 1930s industrial buildings that have been converted and transformed into the trendy 44 Stanley is il Giardino and The Room – some of the top restaurants and function venues in Joburg.
combination of both atmosphere and cuisine ensures a distinguished event experience. There is live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
VENUE LOCATION 44 Stanley is centrally located and easy to access from all major areas. Their intertwining pathways connect an array of eclectic shops, forming a collection of everything from interior design studios and speciality boutiques to stylish coffee shops and a beer yard. The remodelled old buildings are a valuable component of the city’s architectural history and embody the vibrant Joburg lifestyle.
THE RESTAURANT This family-run restaurant is nestled in an Italian-style courtyard underneath an olive grove. il Giardino offers a wide variety of Italian dishes including homemade pasta and gourmet pizzas. A tasteful
Regardless of the type of function, The Room at il Giardino is fully equipped to cater to any kind of celebration. Here you can enjoy a chic city wedding or host a unique work conference or function with a touch of Tuscany. They also have a Cape Dutch-style guest house with five rooms available . •C apacity The Room can accommodate 110 to 120 seated guests. One can also opt to reserve the courtyard and restaurant if you would like more privacy and space. Companies can also host smaller corporate events in one of the private function rooms that can take up to 40 guests. There is safe underground parking for all guests next to the gym. •C atering There is no need to hire caterers, as il Giardino can meet all your
catering needs. For weddings, they offer interchangeable plated menus that make it easy to accommodate any specific dietary requirements you or your guests may have. They provide a variety of set menus for other functions. Vegetarian options are also available. •D Ecor Apart from the Italian theme of the venue adding to the decor, guests are seated at several rustic 10-seater tables. You could choose candelabras as centrepieces or pick floral arrangements instead, in which case il Giardino will be able to provide you with flowers. •S ervices The venue provides a fully operational bar with bar staff as well as the services of their chefs and waiters. They also have Wi-Fi available if you require access to the Internet. • Accommodation For guests who are travelling to il Giardino for an event, the Garden Court Milpark Hotel is within walking distance of 44 Stanley.
+27 (0)11 482 4978 info@ilgiardino.co.za ilgiardino.co.za
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m e e t ing p l a c e s • G a u t e n g
A picturesque villa
The breathtaking panoramic views and excellent facilities make Monte de Dios the ideal venue for your next function.
T
he natural landscape and tranquil scenery of this Spanish equestrian villa form the ideal setting for a truly sophisticated function.
LOCATION Monte de Dios is situated in the East of Pretoria against a mountain forming part of a beautiful landscape of rolling hills. It is within easy access of the N1 highway yet tucked away to create a private ambience.
OUTSTANDING EVENTS Whether you are hosting a small intimate wedding or an extensive corporate conference, Monte de Dios will be able to cater to your every need. The venue can seat up to 400 guests and has state-of-the-art lighting, sound and other electrical equipment available on-site with experienced technicians on hand to guarantee that your event runs smoothly. They also boast a high-speed Wi-Fi connection ideal for corporate functions. Any additional equipment that may be required can be provided by preferred supplier EPH Productions. Conference packages can be customised to suit the unique requirements of your event. The full-day package includes a full English breakfast, morning tea, lunch, high tea and dinner, which can be served either plated or buffet-style.
ACCOMMODATION
Venues and capacities Name Plaza de Fuego (Square with outdoor fireplace)
Max 150
Plaza Fuente (Square with garden and water) Salon de Majorca (Ballroom) Capilla inside (Indoor reception area) Capilla outside (Open air area for function) Salon Bodega (Indoor wine bar and lounge) Sala de Conferencias (Conference room)
200 600 100
The rustic and elegantly decorated main house situated on the estate has six double rooms, each with its own lavish en-suite bathroom. Here guests can warm up in front of a majestic fireplace or find solitude in the privacy of their luxurious room. Bridal parties can receive relaxing spa treatments by the side of the pool before getting ready for a fairytale wedding.
Unlimited 120 40
RESTAURANT AND TEA GARDEN The Fuente Tea Garden is the perfect place to meet a friend for morning coffee or enjoy a light lunch in the shade while the children enjoy themselves in the play area. One could also opt for dinner at the Bodega restaurant situated inside the wine bar and lounge. Here you can enjoy the divine cuisine. Bring the family for a hearty Sunday lunch.
OTHER SERVICES
meetings recommends
Monte de Dios is an equestrian and conference venue with the finest facilities, outstanding catering and professional staff.
Organising your event and assuring everything goes according to plan does not need to be stressful. The experienced coordinators and event management team of Monte de Dios will cater to all your needs and support you every step of the way to bring your vision to life. A fully functional 150 kva generator as a backup power supply, so you will not be left in the dark in case of an emergency. Guests can be pampered at the spa or opt for a more adventurous activity and go horseback riding. One can also attend monthly events such as craft beer evenings and wine tastings or watch an open-air movie screening while indulging in a delicious picnic basket.
+27 (0)71 100 3305 info@montededios.co.za montededios.co.za
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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m e e t ing p l a c e s • M p u m a l a n g a
World-class venues in the Lowveld
With modern infrastructure and array of offerings, Emnotweni is able to host any type of event and exhibition.
T
HE EMNOTWENI COMPLEX has size and scale to cater for a variety of events. The complex offers an array of entertainment options, which include restaurants, a casino, cinemas, a multipurpose conference centre as well as a choice of two hotels. It also adjoins to the Riverside Mall, one of the larger shopping centres in the region.
LOCATION Ideally positioned in the heart of Nelspruit, and within close proximity to the Kruger
40 • MEETINGS l Mar/apr 2015
National Park as well as just 22 km from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, makes this the perfect destination to mix business with pleasure and explore the Lowveld region.
MEETINGS AND EVENT SPACES No matter what the size or nature of the function, Emnotweni has you covered: •T he Arena is a world-class venue and has played host to well-renowned musical artists, comedy shows and high-tech exhibitions. The Arena can host up to
5
reasons to have your next event at Emnotweni
1 ONE PORT OF CALL With a choice of hotels, hospitality and conference venues across the complex, Emnotweni has a centralised reservation call centre where you can book all your requirements. One phone call is all it will take to book your next event.
2 LOCATION With only a 45-minute
drive to the Kruger National Park, delegates will be able to combine a bush experience as part of a conference or team build getaway. Emnotweni is only a 30-minute drive from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, making it easily accessible from any major town.
3 SPACE Emnotweni boasts one of the
largest conference venues in Nelspruit – The Arena. This multipurpose venue seats up to 770 people and can host a variety of events ranging from business breakfasts and exhibitions to large-scale concerts.
4 ACCOMmODATION The two hotels
situated within the precinct – Southern Sun Emnotweni and StayEasy Emnotweni – are all within easy walking distance and offer a combined total of 224 bedrooms.
5 PARKING Ample, secure and easily
accessible underground parking at Emnotweni ensures that delegates will be able to park with ease.
770 people for cocktail functions and 500 people for a banquet or conference. It boasts state-of-the-art equipment and a massive floor space of over 700 m2. •T he two Cycad rooms located at Southern Sun Emnotweni are ideal for hosting business meetings for up to a maximum of 60 people. Both rooms have floor-toceiling windows with doors leading out to the gardens. The rooms are well equipped, private and fully serviced. Day conference packages are available, which include venue hire, standard conference equipment, refreshments and lunch. • S tayEasy Emnotweni offers a wellappointed meeting room that caters for meetings of up to 16 people which includes standard equipment, stationery and tea and coffee in the venue hire.
Catering The Emnotweni Arena is serviced by a state-of-the-art kitchen with a variety of
Ideally located within close proximity to the Kruger National Park, Emnotweni has the perfect space for your next event in the Lowveld. It is one of the largest conference venues in Nelspruit, offers various accommodation options and mouthwatering fare.
meetings recommends
menus to choose from for any type of event. Southern Sun Emnotweni prides itself on home-style cooked meals with a large selection to suit all preferences.
Accommodation & Facilities Two hotels located within the precinct provide comfortable accommodation with a range of room types, services and facilities: • S outhern Sun Emnotweni boasts 109 spacious rooms with a choice of standard, executive and suites, all with modern facilities. The hotel has a fitness centre, a restaurant and bar, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool set in landscaped gardens. • S tayEasy Emnotweni provides comfortable accommodation with 115 standard rooms. Other facilities include a breakfast room, self-service work station and an outdoor swimming pool area. Both hotels offer complimentary daily Wi-Fi for overnight guests.
+27 (0)13 757 4300 emnotweni.reservations@tsogosun.com emnotweni.co.za
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m e e t ing p l a c e s • W e s t e r n C a p e
D
elivering a unique experience, guests can be assured that all needs and requirements will be met with opulence and flair. The colonial-style architecture of the exterior of the building is carried throughout the hotel – high ceilings, sweeping staircases, a welcoming reception area, a balconied mezzanine level as well as majestic columns in the pool area with a spacious deck.
LOCATION
Conference with an
opulent twist
Experience sophisticated luxury when you have your next event at Southern Sun The Cullinan.
42 • MEETINGS l Mar/apr 2015
Southern Sun The Cullinan has become a notable landmark in Cape Town situated within walking distance to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and within easy reach of the V&A Waterfront. Guests can make use of the complimentary shuttle service that operates on a regular basis to and from the V&A Waterfront.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACES With classic style and personal service, Southern Sun The Cullinan is the perfect property to host meetings, launches or cocktail parties. There are seven meeting rooms in the hotel, with various layout options that can accommodate from 12 to 160 people. All the meeting rooms are located on the mezzanine
5
reasons to have your next event at Southern Sun The Cullinan
1 LOCATION The hotel is perfectly
situated close to the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town International Convention Centre, with easy access to and from the N1 highway. A daily complimentary shuttle is available to and from the V&A Waterfront on a regular basis.
2 Parking Southern Sun The Cullinan level and are fully serviced. The pool deck can be used for private functions and is ideal for cocktail parties and launches. Interactive cooking stations can be arranged. Special packages that are inclusive of catering, refreshments, parking and other amenities can also be arranged. Southern Sun The Cullinan can also assist with any conference equipment that you may require. There is a fully-equipped business centre for the convenience of guests who need suitable work space.
CATERING Southern Sun The Cullinan has a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste, appetite, occasion and celebration. All your catering needs will be taken care of with a wide choice of menu options. The elegant Peach Tree Restaurant is available for private functions. Lindsay Venn, executive chef has catered to an impressive number of A-list guests, from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Manchester United Football team and has
With luxury surroundings and a team of dedicated event planners that will assist in making your function a spectacular and memorable occasion, Southern Sun The Cullinan is the venue of choice in Cape Town.
meetings recommends
has plenty of underground parking with direct access to the hotel.
helped establish Southern Sun The Cullinan as one of the country’s most prestigious and sought-after hospitality destinations.
3 UNIQUE tea breaks Creative
tea breaks are a speciality at this hotel. The team of chefs will prepare and serve the ultimate teabreak experience.
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES The hotel boasts 394 stately hotel rooms including 18 suites with full butler service, all of which have spectacular views of Cape Town landmarks such as Table Mountain, Table Bay harbour, V&A Waterfront and the city centre. Rooms have been lavishly decorated with rich finishes and furnishings, luxurious private bathrooms and many in-room amenities to make your stay comfortable. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered to all overnight guests. For those in search of relief from busy days, Mangwanani Spa provides a variety of relaxing treatments in tranquil surrounds.
Venues and capacities Room name Aloe Disa Fynbos Lilly Protea 1 Protea 1 & 2 (D) Protea 2 Rooibos Waterblommetjie
Size (m2) 80 47.7 51.6 80.7 49 119 70 43.2 48.75
Cinema 70 30 – 70 55 155 77 30 30
4 the perfect pool deck The hotel has an exquisite pool deck ideal for al fresco dining, cocktail parties and even product launches.
5 Variety of spaces The hotel’s
seven venues are privately positioned and flexible to host small to large sized groups.
+27 (0)21 415 4000 sscullinan.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com
Schoolroom 24 20 – 34 24 84 30 18 18
Banquet 50 20 – 50 40 100 50 – –
Cocktail 70 30 – 70 50 150 70 – –
Boardroom – – 12 – – – – 12 12
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
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co m ee ve t ing r s tprlaapc e s • N a t i o n w i d e
royal
A experience On The Blue Train, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey
A
n experience on The Blue Train is one that will go unrivalled until your return journey. Here every guest is treated as royalty and indulged to the point of complete contentment. A rich history of military service, refurbishments and modernisation contribute to the distinguished character of this train. The Blue Train is the epitome of luxurious modern travel with breathtaking views of Southern Africa’s landmarks, exceptional service and elegant facilities.
‘Suite’ dreams The De Luxe suite will set the standard for elegant and sophisticated living. Guests can relax in a lavish lounge during the day
44 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
and retire to an exquisite bedroom after a five-star dinner in the dining car. Fall asleep on a heavenly cloud of goose down and 100% percale-cotton bedding, and ensure your utmost comfort by making use of the individually controlled air-conditioning system to maintain the ideal temperature or heat up your compartment with state-of-the-art under-floor heating. The en-suite opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom has scented bath salts and lavish monogrammed towels. Guests can take in the stunning panoramic views or choose to occupy their time with the electronic entertainment options. Each of the De Luxe coaches has four suites, with the choice of either a double bed or
twin beds. The Luxury Suite is extravagance in its most quintessential form. Guests can once again choose between the option of a double bed or twin beds and enjoy some increased freedom of movement as every suite is extended by an extra metre of space. Each suite offers the same facilities as the De Luxe suites, but with an added private digital interactive entertainment system with a selection of CDs and DVDs on Blu-ray DVD player to keep guests entertained as well as a spacious and luxurious bathtub in the golden bathroom. The Luxury Suite coaches each contain three suites. All guests can use the telephones in their suites to call their personal butler who will cater to their every want and whim.
meetings recommends
The Blue Train offers a unique way of experiencing some of Southern Africa's magnificent landscapes and landmarks. On this train, luxury assumes a new dimension, allowing you to experience a meeting, seminar, think tank, company incentive or get-together with a difference.
On-board services Luxury personal service comes standard and the professional staff on board the train are at your service at all times. Other services include snacks and beverages served in your private suite on request, a limited laundry and valet service, safes in all the suites, as well as a van for luggage that you will not need during your stay to give you more space in your suite. The telephone system runs the full length of the train, allowing guests to contact their butlers whenever the need arises.
Conferencing Other than offering luxurious modern travel, the train also offers you the opportunity to celebrate events and milestones such as engagements, significant birthdays or graduations in a memorable venue with a special ambience. Companies may also opt to host corporate events in the Conference Car, adding a unique element to any work function. The Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 people boardroom-style and is fully equipped with audiovisual and technical equipment as well as free Wi-Fi.
The road forward
Lounging around There are two spaces in which guests can have a drink, relax and enjoy the company of other guests. Visit the wood-panelled Club Car for an after-dinner cognac paired with a hand-made Cuban cigar. Here guests are able to play a game of chess or cards, watch the view ahead on the driver's eye-view camera or quietly indulge in a book. The elegant Lounge Car is perfect for afternoon high tea, enjoying a glass of fine port after dinner or for leisurely taking in the scenic panoramas of the countryside.
Cordon blue The exquisite cuisine on board The Blue Train lives up to its five-star reputation. In order to
keep guests satisfied and ensure variety, the on-board chefs routinely update and alter the menus. They use only the freshest ingredients to create masterpiece meals that are artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine china. The professional chefs can cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Guests can feel at ease knowing that their needs will be met, from kosher and halaal meals to gluten-free vegan varieties. The sophisticated Dining Car can comfortably seat up to 42 guests and, in the event of having more guests on the train, they will serve meals in two sittings to ensure comfortable dining. The decadent cuisine and tasteful background music will provide guests with the most aristocratic of dining experiences on board The
When going on the southbound trip, the train departs from Pretoria railway station and arrives at Cape Town railway station 27 hours and 1 600 kilometres later. There is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley. The northbound journey leaves Cape Town and arrives in Pretoria the following day. The stopover at Matjiesfontein will give guests the opportunity to explore colonial architecture that boasts Victorian buildings.
+27 (0)12 334 8459/8460 +27 (0)21 449 2672 info@bluetrain.co.za bluetrain.co.za
MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
45
An African footprint By expanding into Africa, Unique Speaker Bureau aims to inspire, create and drive sustainable change throughout the continent, writes Judith Chinkumbi.
T
oday the classical perspectives to building any business and its brand have literally been turned upside down across most dimensions. This is because the power has shifted from the business owners and its managers to the customers, who now determine the success or failure of a business. This reality is more so from a brand perspective, where one customer complaint has the potential to end any business, irrespective of its size.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES I found myself at an insurance company where my role included, among other things, producing a culture that enabled delivery
of wildly ambitious objectives. To do this, the entire business was resolute about questioning conventional ideas, breaking barriers and being relentlessly passionate about using only the best of the best, be it specialists, service providers or employees. Therefore, when it came to planning strategy sessions, the imperative was to make the event not only impactful, fun, and thrilling, but also life changing. In order to achieve this feat, the task at hand involved looking high, low, far and wide for the best venue, spicing that up with some good team-building activities and, most importantly, finding that one individual that would bring content that set the right tone and delivered life changing experiences. This feat was achieved when Unique Speaker Bureau (USB) was discovered.
USB speakers have already started to impact businesses outside the boarders of South Africa which is evident from the growing demand for USB speakers and the positive customer feedback. USB’s speaker development programme has also attracted a lot of interest and is set to build on an already blossoming pool of speakers across Africa. The objective of the speaker development programme is to build capacity and expertise to deliver the same level of service and impact as that which has resulted in USB earning its reputation as the preferred speaker bureau in South Africa. USB has assembled some of the most outstanding experts across various business disciplines ranging from social media, scenario planning, marketing, sales, change management etc. and any discerning business leader who is serious about results should put the USB service offering to the test. USB’s promise is to continue to build on its ability to turn its customers into USB brand ambassadors by consistently delivering bespoke, relevant and cutting edge content and solutions to Africa’s businesses.
THE POWER OF USB The ability of USB to consistently deliver on assignment briefs and to exceed expectations, while offering highly competitive rates, resulted in me becoming a brand ambassador. I am now facilitating the extension of the USB franchise to other African Countries. USB now has a presence in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe and has plans to expand to Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana.
uniquespeakerbureau.com
Born and raised in Zambia, Judith Chinkumbi eventually ended up in South Africa where she has been exposed to the management consulting, banking and insurance industries.
46 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
OFFICES: South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria & UK. Tel: +27 (0)11 465 4410 paul@uniquespeakerbureau.com www.uniquespeakerbureau.com
ta l k ing p oin t s
Frank Lee
The good, the bad and the busy
An exhibition industry expert’s frank views
The next couple of months will be busy ones. Frank Lee wants to know, why the poor planning?
Speaking
M
ay has to be the worst month on the exhibition stand designers and builders' calendar. And it has been so for years. Why? Come on, you don’t need to ask! It’s the month when all the really big shows run concurrently. Say it with me: “Africa Health 5 to 7 May; Automechanika 6 to 9 May; Marketing Indaba 9 to 11 May, and Africa Automation 5 to 7 May.”
SAY IT ISN'T SO 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.
That’s some serious amount of exhibition space that will need to be built and broken down in just one week. I’m hearing that some contractors have been told they’ll get one day – 24 hours – to build an entire show, I can only hope that this is not the case with these shows . That’s got to break some health and safety legislation; I mean, crews will need to be on-site 24/7...and then no doubt be hauled off to the next one. How’d the industry get into this situation? Where’s the planning?
Talking of planning, like others in the industry, I was waiting with bated (fetid?) breath for EXSA’s new marketing plan. It should have been revealed at the annual general meeting on February 18, did you like it? Did it say anything different? I wasn’t there, you see. Or maybe I was...
MOVERS AND SHAKERS One man we won’t be seeing around at industry events is Mark Strydom, who is stepping down as CEO of Oasys GL Events. Good luck, buddy; enjoy the days ahead. One man we should be seeing a lot more of is Brian Prowling, who is back at Oasys. What’s that I hear, Brian? Yes, third time’s the charm! Finally, isn’t 3D Group’s sales and marketing director, Conrad Kullmann, just the biscuit? I mean, hijacking the microphone from Master of Ceremonies Proverb at the EXSA awards function to declare his undying love for Professional Exhibition Solutions’ Lynn Chamier in front of all of us took some cojones, or maybe just a pitcher of tequila. Hand me that bottle... MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015 •
47
markex I
I
I
I
t a l k ing p oin t s
industry views SAACI's take on keeping current
A busy start to the year SAACI has been hard at work to bring its members the best of business events, writes Farzanah Caster.
S
AACI has been busy – we launched our new website, released the programme for the 29th SAACI congress, grew our social media presence and we welcomed new corporate members.
at international best practices and trends to ensure that we present to you a world-class experience. The congress will be held in Cape Town from 2 to 4 August.
CORPORATE MEMBERS WEBSITE
Farzanah Caster is the new public relations coordinator for SAACI. She studied photography through Vega in association with the Umuzi Photo Club.
Our new website saaci.org has many new, exciting features, all based on the core principles of our eight pillars. The website allows our members to network with the entire membership base. The website is installed with a wiki powered search engine. It also allows members to easily filter a specific service that they might need.
CONGRESS The 29th SAACI congress programme is now available and registration is open. We want to assure our members that this year’s congress is going to be mind-blowing as we look
We would like to welcome on board our new corporate partners, South African Airways. Members can now enjoy discounted rates and special offers from them. To encourage members to do business with fellow members, our member-to-member benefits have also been expanded.
OTHER CHANGES At the beginning of the year we started our own internship programme. It’s a 10-month programme that will empower the interns with knowledge in the work place and our industry. In addition to helping to grow the capacity at our head office, we have insourced our public relations and secretarial services.
48 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
15-17 April 2015 / Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
WTM Africa 2015 visitor registration is live! All travel and tourism professionals are invited to register now. Hosted Buyer Application is open! Register and apply now at wtmafrica.com
ta lckoing v e rpsoin tra ts p
GREENING views
Greening’s gigantic gremlin
Host carbon neutral events
According to climatepath.org, air travel accounts for up to 90% of the overall carbon footprint of the event, writes Lynn McLeod.
E
ven if there is no air travel, ground transportation and accommodation can account for up to 70% of your event’s carbon emissions. This is due to the use of single-occupancy vehicles. As a result transport is an important area for greening interventions. By implementing small changes, you can make a significant impact on lowering your event’s carbon footprint and reducing harmful emissions. Lynn McLeod is currently the secretary for the Event Greening Forum, with over 35 years of local and international experience in the exhibition industry.
industry views
AIPC on the role of conference centres
THINK ABOUT THE VENUE THINK ABOUT TRANSPORT Every event needs transport and as a result you need to find innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions. The most effective way is to encourage delegates to use public transport. In Gauteng, Gautrain and its bus services as well as the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System are safe, efficient and affordable means of transport to get your delegates to your event. Join the public transport revolution in Cape Town with the MyCiTi bus service which meets strict Euro emissions standards. These forms of transport are the environmentally friendly way to travel. If you are hosting an
Choose a venue that is accessible via public transport and if your event runs over a few days, select a conference venue that has on-site accommodation. This will reduce car travel as delegates will be able to walk. If accommodation is not available on-site, then find a venue within walking distance (or a bike ride for the more active delegates) of a hotel. In addition to this, source service providers located close to the venue. By encouraging your delegates to think about their transportation needs, and by providing them with solutions to reduce their carbon emissions, you will be able to significantly decrease your event’s carbon footprint.
How far have we really come? For Rod Cameron, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
T
ROD CAMERON is the executive director of AIPC
event in a city that does not have reliable public transport, hire a coach or encourage carpooling. If your event does include international delegates and videoconferencing is not an option, provide group airport transfers instead of individual transfers. If your delegates need a car, encourage them to hire environmentally friendly cars which have low CO2 emissions.
en years ago, in an article entitled ‘Ten things we need to explain about our industry’, we said that we’re not tourism. We really have little to do with the leisure sector. In fact, we’re much more connected to the areas of business and economic development. Now, this distinction is more important than ever. If our events are seen as simply providing an excuse for a paid holiday at someone else’s expense – which can happen when there is too much focus on the leisure side of a conference or convention programme and not enough on what they actually achieve – our importance will be at best devalued and at worst cut off from the kind of support that is required to maintain the momentum of the industry into the future. We saw this happen in the depths of the recent recession, when there was regular political outrage in many places over the perceived spending of public money on convention participation. It’s still alive and well today in the form of travel and meetings attendance restrictions that are usually among the first (and lengthiest) cutbacks imposed by many governments in the face of ongoing economic
uncertainties. In fact, a recent survey of more than 100 convention centres world-wide registered government policy decisions as the top perceived risk to their business recovery and growth prospects.
SOLVING THE PROBLEM Such a perception problem won’t be solved overnight – but as an industry, there’s a lot we can do to start moving things in the right direction. At the top of the list is the way we characterise our destination products: more emphasis on their business, professional, institutional and intellectual qualities and less on the golf courses and nightlife, would go a long way toward convincing dubious audiences of the serious intent of meetings and conventions. Putting more focus on what these events achieve in terms of business and professional outcomes rather than just how much spending they generate in the host community would also help. It was true then and it’s still true now: we’re all about economic, professional and academic advancement – but while we may have come to believe it ourselves, we still have a long way to go in convincing others.
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t a l k ing p oin t s
industry views
Bringing the world to Africa
IBTM 2015 – what to expect
IBTM Africa is where events and incentives industry decision-makers meet for business adventures across Africa, writes Shinu Pillai.
T Shinu Pillai is the exhibition manager of IBTM Africa.
he second edition of IBTM Africa, the leading inbound event for Africa’s meetings and incentive industry, taking place in Cape Town from 13 to 15 April, as part of Africa Travel Week, will bring together up to 60 African and Indian Ocean suppliers and international buyers over three days for business, networking and education. The show offers an exclusive opportunity for top level international decision makers to connect and engage with African and Indian Ocean exhibitors including destinations, venues, hotels, DMC’s and MICE support services over three days of one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, networking and education. In addition to their diary of up to 36 pre-scheduled business appointments with MICE exhibitors, qualified buyers will benefit from complimentary accommodation and transfers as well as a substantial contribution towards international flights to Cape Town and will have the opportunity to apply to attend a post-event tour. Africa holds enormous potential for the MICE industry with great investment in infrastructure. The rapidly growing demand for meetings industry suppliers in Africa has been reflected in the unprecedented interest witnessed from international hosted buyers who applied to attend the first IBTM Africa, and is expected to pave the way for the 2015 event.
HOSTED BUYERS Top international companies included in the line-up of hosted buyers participating in the show this year include: Lbddz (US), HelmsBriscoe (Turkey), Maesse Marketing Consulting (Germany), Blaycation (Canada), The Scienomics Group (US), Inception Global (UK), Jjgrt (US), Paragon Europe (Belgium), Speed Sailing International (UK), AstraZeneca (Russian Federation) and Abbott (United Arab Emirates). “As a hosted buyer, it will be key to meet the local experts who can curtail travel and incentive solutions for our business. I am hoping to meet a few like-minded travel partners that can act as my ‘go-to’ suppliers in Africa,” says Mark Stiles, chief vacation officer: Blaycation, Canada. Yakub Khan, purchasing manager, Gulf & Levant region: Global Sourcing Global Purchasing Services, Dubai agrees. “Attending IBTM Africa is very important for our business as it allows us to understand the destination and what Africa has to offer us in terms of events, incentives, meetings, hotels, site-seeing, team-building activities and so on. I am planning for a couple of events in Cape Town and Africa, so this event will provide me with a lot of value and information,” he adds.
Shinu Pillai (far right) with a few of the IBTM 2014 exhibitors
criteria including their purchasing authority, their annual MICE business, their annual budget and future business to place in Africa. They will also be first-time attendees at IBTM Africa. Successful applicants will be senior decision-makers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, South America and Russia, therefore representing a cross section of the most senior meeting and incentives planners in the industry.
FEEdBACK
SELECTION PROCESS
Suresh Puri, Spice Travel, India, a hosted buyer at last year’s show, was very impressed: “It’s very well organised and full of quality, and I see it on both sides – not only the buyers but also the exhibitors, who are representing the region very adequately. So my impression is that the intimate one-to-one sessions give buyers an opportunity and insight into the products the region has to offer. My compliments to organiser Reed Exhibitions.”
Meetings and incentives professionals who apply to attend this event as hosted buyers will be qualified under strict
To find out more about IBTM Africa visit ibtmafrica.com
50 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
Ta l k ing p oin t s
How to stay relevant Keeping your knowledge and skills current is essential to secure MICE business. 3S Media and the MICE Academy’s CPD online programmes are key to unlocking your potential.
W
ith the changing world in which we interact and communicate, it has been internationally recognised that individuals with years of experience and knowledge should be effectively kept up to date regarding a vast variety of methods and manners in which tasks and operations are undertaken and evolve. CPD is viewed internationally as a process of lifelong learning on a regular basis.
WHAT DOES CPD MEAN CPD stands for continuing professional development. It refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience you gain both formally and informally, beyond any initial training.
ONLINE MICE CPD PROGRAMME In partnership with Meetings magazine, the MICE Academy has developed an online MICE CPD programme to keep planners on trend. Based on the various education and training articles published in Meetings, the MICE Academy tests its subscribers via an online Q&A. These tests contribute to the overall credits needed to receive CPD recognition. The MICE CPD process helps you manage your own development on an ongoing basis. Its function is to help you record, review and reflect on what you learn. It’s not a tick-box document regarding training you have completed or a gathering of attendance certificated – it’s broader than that.
For more info visit: miceacademy.biz or meetconfex.com; email: info@miceacademy.co.za or martin@3smedia.co.za
THE KEY FEATURES OF THE MICE CPD PROCESS ARE: • non-commercial, well-designed reading material authored by experts in their respected fields • scientifically designed Q&A tests to assist event planners in gaining additional credential acceptance • assistance to event planners in attaining other accreditations • easy-to-use online testing, allowing question backtracking and instant credit scoring results • personalised records of tests taken and scores achieved for event planners • ongoing MICE Academy updates and scorecards to keep you on track • high-visibility acknowledgement for gaining required accumulated credits.
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Think differently Think creatively Think success
Think CPD Outcomes-based to prove your knowledge and skills
Wherever you see this symbol, you can start earning credits
For more info: miceacademy.biz • info@miceacademy.co.za • +27 (0) 11 3264000 •+ 27 (0)82 820 5382 • +27 (0)82 416 8873
t h e b a c k pa g e
Ode to the
meeting planner How do I love thee, job? Miss Meet counts the ways…
I
n last night’s dream, I was Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner flick My days were filled with orchids, tastings and many hot grooms from which to pick I was thin, gorgeous, composed with make-up always in place, Basically I was Queen in this event space. But sure as can be, I heard alarm bells in my head… Oh no it’s not in my head… it’s the alarm clock next to my bed! That’s when I realised this had all been a dream I’m not J. Lo, but a real-life meeting planner – it would seem! While running the water to take a bath of speed I check my mails for last-minute things the client may need. In a few minutes I go on-site and put shoulder to the wheel To pull off an event for a client of steel!
Miss Meet, a professional event manager, shares her personal experiences within the meetings, events, incentives and exhibitions industry.
Suppliers to meet, staff to brief and a guest list to sort Instead of gym, this is my daily sport! The hours tick by faster than you can think No time for a bite to eat or water to drink. There are goodie bags, signage and banners all over the joint I’m praying we get this sorted before guests arrive at the registration point. The feeling of butterflies and nerves almost brings me to tears One would think I would be used to this after so many years. But the team pulls together and lends hands here and there Everyone scurrying around to finish this affair. We’ve pulled it off and are ready to go Eat your heart out, Madame J. Lo!
index to advertisers 3D Design OBC Avianto 34 Barmotion 18 Compex 17 Concept G 15 Constitution Hill 36 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg The Rosebank 38 Cape Town International Convention Centre 4 Emnotweni 40
52 • MEETINGS l MAR/APR 2015
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“There really is no greater combination than real talent, skill and experience.” Make the right impression. Choose 3D Group for all your exhibition and shop fitting needs.
One Team - One Solution - One Spirit EXHIBITION STAND DESIGN | EXHIBITION INFRASTRUCTURE FURNITURE HIRE | ELECTRICAL HIRE EXHIBITION SERVICES | SHOP FITTING JOHANNESBURG 4 Neutron Street, Linbro Business Park, Linbro Park, Johannesburg PO Box 1795, Marlboro, 2063 Johannersburg, South Africa 3d@3ddesign.co.za | TEL: 011 608 1588 | FAX: 011 608 0591
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CAPE TOWN 9 Westlake Drive,Westlake, Cape Town, 7945 andrew@3dcape.co.za TEL: 021 702 1089 | FAX: 021 702 1537
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