Meetings November/December 2014

www.saconference.co.za

NOV/DEC 2014 • Issue 58

The good, the bad and the ugly. What has been your weirdest request?

HOW TO Secure sponsorship for your next event

5 stars Why personal touches really matter

SPOTLIGHT SANCB’s Amanda KotzeNhlapo on what to expect at Meetings Africa 2015 R50.00 (VAT incl)

in this issue IN THE SPOTLIGHT

www.saconference.co.za

04 A momentous milestone

The good, the bad and the ugly. What has been your weirdest request?

NOV/DEC 2014 • Issue 58

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo on: • Why South Africa is the top convention destination in Africa and the Middle East

HOW TO Secure sponsorship for your next event

• What to expect from Meetings Africa 2015 5 stars Why personal touches really matter

DESTINATIONS 08 Free State The big sky country 10 Joburg From unique spaces to experiences, the

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DESTINATION

Free State SPOTLIGHT SANCB’s Amanda KotzeNhlapo on what to expect at Meetings Africa 2015

city of gold doesn’t disappoint

R50.00 (VAT incl)

ON THE COVER

BEST PRACTICE

Get your event on the fast track to success with the Gautrain. With this issue of Meetings, we have included ‘The meetings and event planner's guide to the Gautrain’ – everything you need to know about planning on your along the Gautrain route.

14 Need more benefits with that feature?

John Fisher on how to market yourself

16 Securing sponsorships Helen Brewer on how to write a sponsorship proposal

18 The power of effective communication Rob Cameron on why MICE venues need to be proactive in their communities

TALKING POINTS

20 The five-star approach Danny Bryer on why

BEST PRACTICE

personal touches are important

Need more benefits with that feature?

MEETING PLACES

39 On creating expert teams 39 On the importance of event decor

conferences and meetings

27 Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport Convenience and style close to the airport

REGULARS

29 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank

03 Ed’s letter Ending on a high note 07 Tidbits Meetings’ must-know trivia 29 20 Questions Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia

The place to meet in the heart of Rosebank

30 Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road 32 Johannesburg Expo Centre Why exhibition and

Road’s Nikola Jelenovic

event organisers keep returning to the JEC events at your fingertips

about waste INDUSTRY VIEWS

24 Cultural venues Unique and enticing spaces for

34 Tshwane Events Centre Varied and colourful

14

36 SAACI Talk, talk, talk – and do!

36 Event Greening Forum The ugly truth

30 Sound Bite Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The

24 Inspiring venues MEETING PLACES

LUXURY

COACHCHARTERS

Rosebank’s chef Thomas Schmid

68 Miss Meet The meaning of...

Stop dreaming, just do it..

SCHOOL TOURS EVENTS DAILY EXCURSIONS TOURING CONFERENCES CORPORATE FUNCTIONS SPORT GROUPS

+27 (0) 21 380 4400 | charters@intercape.co.za www.intercape.co.za

CCreatiting Expe p riencecess

ED'S LETTER

Publish Publisher Publis her Eli Elizabeth Elizab zabeth Sh Short Shorten orten en Editor Martin Hiller (martin@3Sm (martin@3Smedia.co.za) Smedi ed a.c a.co o.za) Head of Design FrĂŠdĂŠrick Danton Contributors Helen Brewer, Danny Bryer, Rob Cameron,

Zelda Coetzee, John Fisher, Don Jesseman, Alexai Lynov, Tim Nel Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Sub-Editor Beatrix Knopjes Senior Designer Hayley Mendelow Designer Kirsty Galloway Client Services & Production Manager

Antois-Leigh Botma

Production Coordinator Jacqueline Modise Financial Manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Marketing Manager Hestelle Robinson Digital Manager Esther Louw Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Ending on a high note O

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 November/December 2014 Š Copyright.

All rights reserved 2014 www.saconference.co.za 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 vests 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.

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

UR SHOPPING centres are changing.

Boney M is blasting from speakers, a creepy, fat, bald guy is sitting on his throne and plastic pine trees covered in tinsel are popping up everywhere. What does all of this mean? Yep, you guessed it, it is almost time to bid 2014 goodbye. What a year it has been for our industry!

We started the year with a recordbreaking Meetings Africa and welcomed IBTM Africa to our shores. South Africa remained the number one convention destination in Africa and the Middle East and gained three places in the overall ICCA rankings. For more about this phenomenal achievement, read our exclusive interview with South Africa National Convention Bureau’s Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo on page 4.

THE PEOPLE

Our industry wouldn’t be where it is without its people and that is why Meetings launched the Top 40 Women in MICE initiative to honour and recognise the women that have made major contributions to our industry. What these women have accomplished is truly inspiring and I look forward to growing this initiative in 2015.

Let us not forget about the men of our industry. SAACI appointed Adriaan Liebetrau as its new CEO in May and Brad Alder was elected the new chairman of EXSA. Both Adriaan and Brad are hard at work in creating workable solutions to improve and

promote the meetings and exhibition industry.

To all the women and men in our industry, Meetings salutes you.

CLEANER FUTURE

With all our successes, we must also acknowledge our weaknesses. Our industry is responsible for creating a fair deal of waste and as a result we need to wise up on waste.

Meetings is committed to educating our readers on ways to do this and as a result has become a media partner of the Event Greening Forum. Together we can make a difference and have an industry that creates a sustainability legacy.

2015 AND BEYOND

As you brave the shopping malls, ducking and diving from elves and reindeer, just remember that this year gave us a glimpse of what our industry can do and whet our appetites for what is to come. I am looking forward to an even more successful 2015.

Until next year,

MY FAV

IN COLLABORATION WITH

FINDS

MEMBER OF

EARN CPD POINTS BY READING MEETINGS

Leave the hustle and bustle of city living behind when you enter Gardenia Boutique Hotel. Its outdoor space is ideal for intimate and private events. The hotel is private and secure so the exclusivity of your event is guaranteed. Make the most of the glorious Gauteng weather and have your next event at Gardenia Boutique Hotel. Don’t worry about the rain; the hotel’s elegant restaurant is the perfect back-up plan. +27 (0)87 353 9595 | info@hotelgardenia.co.za 14 Portland Avenue, Craighall Park | gardeniahotel.co.za

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

If you glaze over at the mention of ‘technical equipment’, stress not, because with TechRig \RX GRQ¡W QHHG WR Ă€QG \RXU inner AV guru. Thanks to our, formidable team, top-notch equipment and expertise, TechRig takes the stress out of all your audio visual and technical requirements. TechRig are a specialist agency providing technical solutions to the corporate and AV arena to an international standard.

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3

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Momentous milestone The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo has done just that.

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F YOU WERE to ask Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo what she does, she would be able to tell you everything in a concise manner. She knows what she stands for. She has a strong posture and is persuasive and confident. She makes you believe in her. Her commitment and passion towards growing the global meetings and events industry in South Africa is absolute.

One could argue that it is because of this that, in 2011, Amanda was appointed the chief convention bureau officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), which launched in April 2012. SANCB was created to enhance South Africa’s business events capacity and continue to grow the country’s status as a world-class destination for international conventions, exhibitions, incentives and events.

However, Amanda views her job description as just the beginning of what she can do.

Her objectives are clear. “My team and I plan to assist the industry to increase the overall business events agenda in South Africa and drive both awareness and understanding of the power of meetings and events to build international relations and help stimulate economic growth in South Africa,” she says.

RESULTS Two years after SANCB was formed, Amanda and her team’s hard work has paid off. South Africa is currently the number one convention destination in Africa and the Middle East

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and ranks 34th globally, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking for 2014.

“Our industry is united and focused on growing the business events sector through working together,” says Amanda. “In the coming year, and years to come, we will work hard in pursuit of the goals we’ve set ourselves.”

MEETINGS AFRICA

exceptional value for money. Our business event offering is almost unrivalled and offsets the capital costs of getting here.

“South Africa is an infrastructure-rich and capable destination that’s proven its excellent service record, time and time again.

Delegates and event organisers appreciate this when they experience a successful, professionally managed business event,” says Amanda.

South Africa is uniquely placed to lead growth in the African business events sector.”

It’s hard to ignore the positive effect Meetings Africa has had in promoting South Africa as a premier business destination. The show will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year and is recognised and heralded around the world as the place to do business with a continent that’s capable, competent and absolutely committed to service and delivery. Meetings Africa offers buyers from around the world the very best of our continent under one roof.

EXPECTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY With that said, it doesn’t mean that there will be no challenges to make it to the Top 20.

“We are a long-haul destination, which affects the decision-making process with regards to travel. However, once here, delegates realise that South Africa offers

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

In order to promote South Africa, strong international relationships and presence are needed.

“We need to be cognisant of the fact that the growth of many of Africa’s economies and increasing demand for Africa’s resources is stimulating demand for meetings and business events on the continent. As Africa’s largest and most developed economy, South Africa is uniquely placed to lead growth in the African business events sector. We are therefore working hard to build and maintain relationships with the rest of the continent.

“It’s also important that we nurture relationships with the rest of the world, with the buyers and event planners who

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REASONS WHY SA IS THE NUMBER ONE CONVENTION DESTINATION IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST SOUTH AFRICA ITSELF This is a capable business event destination with superbly equipped and professionally run and managed international convention centres; thousands of smaller business event facilities across the country; and skilled and service-orientated people who work in all levels of business events. We offer great service by a dedicated industry.

COMMON GOAL A united and strategically directed industry supported by the SANCB and our industry associations.

SUPPORT SANCB receives support from Government, through the National Department of Tourism, and they work very closely with the industry to nurture publicprivate partnerships that aid in the sustainable growth of our sector.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE Communication of SA’s service excellence track record has been constant in our key markets and this has gone a long way in attracting more business travellers to SA. With growth comes an increased focus on service excellence, which also leads to referrals and increased word-of-mouth referrals.

MEETINGS AFRICA Africa’s premier and best-represented business events exhibition, Meetings Africa, which has grown phenomenally over the past 10 years, has gone a long way in driving business between hosted buyers and exhibitors.

are looking for a platform on which they can interact with what Africa has to offer.

Meetings Africa has been doing this for the past 10 years. This is also something we are able to do extremely effectively when we attend global trade shows,” says Amanda.

Meetings Africa 101 Amanda Kotze-Nhapo, chief convention bureau officer of SANCB, tells Meetings what we can expect from Meetings Africa 2015 – its 10th anniversary.

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hat will be different at Meetings Africa 2015?

The central theme for Meetings Africa 2015 will focus on the show’s 10th anniversary. The show has seen a coming of age of the business events sector where the South African offering is now truly globally competitive, strategic, aligned, capable and collegiate. We are busy finalising a few partnerships with global business events stakeholders that will lift the overall quality of the show. Watch this space.

Why should a supplier (venue/ service provider) exhibit? The show is engineered to service the businessgrowth needs of exhibiting companies and has earned its place as the continent’s premier, and best-represented, business events trade show. It attracts quality vetted buyers from around the world, as well as the cream of African corporate and association buyers. Furthermore, the electronic diary and matchmaking system give exhibiting companies unprecedented access to opportunities. As an exhibitor, your profile is made available to buyers who come to secure deals with businesses offering the services you deliver. Email diary synchronisation, tags and search capabilities make this a seamless and effective system.

Why should an event planner attend? The show offers an unparalleled opportunity to do business with Africa.

Event planners who attend Meetings Africa will have access to destinations that include Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Between them, the destinations represent the biggest, best and most prestigious brands, products and services in the African business events sector. Event planners are provided a platform from which to negotiate profitable deals with new and existing products and service providers.

What can we expect from BOND day?

Educationals will be organised in conjunction with various business events industry associations including SAACI, SITE, EXSA and the Event Greening Forum. We are working on securing speakers from around the world who will come to engage delegates on best global practice, best ways to key into trends and scenarios, and the best way to grow their own footprint and profitability.

Meetings Africa 2015 takes place from 23 to 25 February at the Sandton Convention Centre. For more information, visit meetingsafrica.co.za or follow @SA_NCB

GLOBAL PLAYER Establishing a convention bureau is about putting systems in place that inspire confidence in the industry and assist them in securing more business for the destination. Amanda’s vision is for the SANCB is to be a global front runner in the business events sector. Judging from what she and her team have already achieved, in the past two years since their establishment, there is no doubt that she will achieve this.

MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 IN NUMBERS 8 693 meetings held 819 profiles were set up via the Meetings Africa matchmaking system

10 meetings on average per Meetings Africa participant

169 international buyers 31 association buyers 15 government buyers 500 local corporates attended the Unique Speakers Bureau event.

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

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As always Joburg is jam-packed with events ranging from leisure to business.

Explore the city and see why it is a preferred destination for business, lifestyle, heritage, culture, arts, sports, nightlife and shopping.

Joburg’s annual calendar of events includes a line up of renowned signature events like the like FNB Whisky Festival, DISCOP-Africa (Africa’s TV Content & Adaptation), Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, Soweto Nike Marathon, Soweto Fashion Week, Sansui Summer Cup (horse racing) and Mama Magic Baby Expo.

Top 10 places to visit in Joburg A trip to Joburg is not complete if you haven’t ticked off our top ten things to do: Soweto Apartheid Museum Gold Reef City Newtown Precinct Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens Johannesburg Zoo Neighbourgoods Market - Braamfontein Liliesleaf Farm Constitution Hill Maboneng Precinct

FOR THE LOVE OF COFFEE

Coffee lovers are spoiled with a delectable new range of specialty coffees and designer hot drinks when ea ng breakfast at The Table Bay’s newly refurbished Atlan c. The coffee selec on has been carefully created by the breakfast management team to give guests something out of the ordinary to kickstart their day.

Meetings’ must-know

MICE ACADEMY PARTNERS WITH RECERTTRACK

The MICE Academy, which administers the Con nuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, has partnered with the Associa ons and Mee ngs Professionals’ Advancement Portal, powered by RecertTrack. The MICE Academy says the partnership will boost its commitment to the value and importance of industry cer fica on with robust knowledge sessions within its CPD Programme, many of which earn a endees CEU credits for other industry cer fica ons, RecertTrack will now provide an online tracking service that will incorporate the CPD requirements. At the same me, members of organisa ons such as Mee ng Professionals Interna onal, Professional Conven on Management Associa on, Interna onal Congress and Conven on Associa on among others will be made aware of the CPD programme and also be able to sign up. miceacademy.biz

SISTERS ARE DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES

The champagne flowed, the sweet and savoury food displays en ced the large gathering of the who’s who in the MICE trade of suppliers and services to let their hair down and enjoy the splendid entertainment. What a morning it was for the MeeƟngs magazine’s Top 40 Women in MICE func on at Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank! This ini a ve recognises the women who have made a substan al contribu on to the MICE industry. Pictured above are some of the Top 40 Women in MICE who a ended the func on.

CONSIDER UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS

Hotel mee ng rooms can feel rather unoriginal and a unique environment can immediately add interest and excitement.

Consider retreat centres, cruise ships or yachts, museums, stately homes, spor ng venues and theatres. Many of these venues work well for special func ons, but they don’t necessarily have adequate mee ng facili es and equipment. Make sure you do your homework beforehand and abide by the Mee ng Planner’s Golden Rule: never select a venue without having seen it in person! For unique venues in Joburg, turn to page 10.

THE OSCARS OF THE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY

EXSA will be hos ng their annual awards ceremony on 26 November 2014 at The Forum l The Campus in Bryanston. EXSA began in 1980 and their awards ceremony con nues to outshine the industry. EXSA is commi ed to the success of its members and their customers. The annual awards recognise member companies for excellence achieved throughout the year, the aim being to encourage healthy compe on and professional standards. EXSA also recognises individual staff at venues, organiser and supplier/ services companies who have gone that extra mile. To book your seat, call the EXSA office on +27 (0)11 805 7272.

CAPE TOWN’S COOLEST SPOT A sea of light, natural space combined with an organic feel makes the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town’s new public spaces fresh, relaxed and comfortable. There are comfortable conversa on areas, as well as what is arguably the country’s longest crackled glass illuminated table that can be used to chill with your tablet, plug in and listen to music, have a mee ng, or simply kick back with a drink. The new restaurant is an oasis of natural calm, featuring a ver cal herb garden. The bar area boasts a coffee sta on as well as a milkshake bar filled with enough decadent ingredients to provide a sugar buzz for a year or six.

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

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DESTINATION • Free State

The big sky country Home to the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Free State offers rich meeting experiences.

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MBRACED BY SIX of the country’s nine provinces, the Free State proudly assumes its rightful place as the heart of South Africa. Essentially an agricultural province, the Free State’s appeal is its scenic beauty, tranquillity and natural attractions – the perfect backdrop for any MICE activity.

The main city, Manguang/Bloemfontein, renowned for its spectacular gardens, is the country’s legislative capital and also the Free State’s meetings capital. Tertiary institutions, hotels, game lodges and casino complexes are popular venues.

DID YOU KNOW? JRR DI Tolkien – best known for his classic fantasy books, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion – was born in Bloemfontein in 1892.

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UNIQUE DESTINATIONS

MUST-USE VENUES

Khaya iBhubesi is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, on the outskirts of Parys. Khaya iBhubesi’s secure and exclusive se ngs, each with its own dis nc ve appearance and ambience, is a showcase of sparkling chandeliers, warm earthy tones, shapes and textures, and is the epitome of African chic. Unique and versa le, the venue dually accommodates conferencing and private func ons as well as various themed evenings.

Khaya iBhubesi offers numerous team-building and other ac vi es. +27 (0)56 818 1613 khayaconference.co.za

If you are looking for something away from the big city, you are in luck. The Free State is synonymous with the hospitality its numerous small towns have to offer. Small towns like Clarens, Parys, Ladybrand, Clocolan and Fouriesburg offer fascinating insights into everyday life in the province. Adequate road infrastructure connects the towns.

ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS The Free State is home to some of the country’s greatest providers of team-building services. Lodged between two magnificent rivers, the Orange and the Vaal, and home to the Maluti Mountains and Golden Gate Highlands National Park, you will be able to find various adrenaline-inducing activities.

With its charismatic locals, expansive plains, vibrant cities, picturesque villages and natural wonders, isn’t it time that you add some Free State charm to your next event?

Emoya Wildlife and Conference Estate, near Bloemfontein, is renowned for its exquisite e func on and conference facili es. The estate offers a variety of halls and venues that you can choose from.

Entertainment such as tradi onal dancers, marimba bands and fire blowers can also be arranged – making your func on more unique. Their professional and dedicated cated management team is always on standby to o ensure the smooth running of any func on n and their chefs provide mouth-watering cuisine. e. +27 (0)51 436 8471 emoya.co.za

The Golden Gate Conference Centre in the Golden Gate Highlands Na onal Park is fully equipped and consists of five venues. The tranquil se ng helps to ease the mind and adds to produc vity.

A team of professional coordinators takes pride in assis ng you to make your conference, mee ng, event or launch hassle-free.

No conference at Golden Gate would be complete without a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village. +27 (0)58 255 1000 sanparks.org

A GUIDE TO HOSTING YOUR NEXT EVENT IN

Clarens K

NOWN AS THE JEWEL of the Free State, Clarens is rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity. It is situated in the foothills of the Malu Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate Na onal Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The town is known for the many art and cra shops that offer the visitor a wide range of curios and original artwork. Another feature that adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings.

VENUES Clarens is filled with charming venues – well suited for any type of event. Andes Clarens Guest House can accommodate up to 160 guests. They make use of well-known caterers and decor specialists, to provide the best possible service. +27 (0)82 562 7673 andesclarens.co.za

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REASONS TO PLAN YOUR EVENT, TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY OR INCENTIVE IN THE FREE STATE FOOD Feast on the various dishes that the Free State has to offer. The province is known as the country’s breadbasket because it produces much of South Africa’s wheat, maize and potatoes. There is also plenty of dairy, beef and lamb, wild game, trout, cherries, apples, peaches and asparagus – a pantry filled with gourmet delights.

No wonder restaurants and chefs are popping up all over the province.

CATERING If there’s one place to relax and meet the Clarens locals, it’s at one of the restaurants. The food is always hot and tasty, and the restaurants buzz with atmosphere. All mee ng venues provide on-site catering.

ENTERTAINMENT Clarens offers a fleet of a rac ons and is an adventure tourism hotspot, with quad biking, paintball, abseiling and white-water ra ing all available nearby. Go on the fossil-hun ng safari or visit the rock art at Schaapplaats Farm. History buffs should head for the Clarens Museum, Surrender Hill and other Boer War sites not far from town.

ACCOMMODATION Clarens has a variety of accommoda on establishments available – choose from bed and breakfasts, self-catering, hotels and guest farms and lodges. Accommoda on is also available on nearby farms and homesteads, nestled in the huge sandstone mountains.

ARTS & CRAFTS Clarens is not short of arts, cra s, tradi onal curios and blankets, art galleries, gi shops, po ery studios, a variety of handmade items, an ques and much more. Spend a day walking around Clarens visi ng all these shops.

FESTIVALS Numerous festivals are held during the year and delegates can attend them while on conference.

Philippolis Witblits Festival in June (a festival featuring traditional homebrewed alcoholic spirits); NAMPO Farm Show (agricultural show) in Bothaville in May; the Bloemfontein Show (agricultural and entertainment festival) in Bloemfontein in April; the Free State Food Fair and Macufe Mangaung African Cultural Festival, both in Bloemfontein in October; the Cherry Festival at Ficksburg in November.

BASOTHO CULTURAL VILLAGE Discover authentic Basotho hospitality, art and tradition at this cultural village, set amidst the splendour of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village is a chance to experience a way of life that integrates comfort and practicality with a unique aesthetic.

ADVENTURE The Free State is a popular destination for adventure. Explore the Golden Gate and Drakensberg mountain ranges and the Orange and Vaal rivers.

QUIRKY TOWNS From The Castle in Clarens to the many antique shops in Parys and Prynnsberg Manor in Clocolan, the Free State is filled with small towns and villages that offer a unique backdrop for a conference.

A CLARENS MUST: CASTLE IN CLARENS THE CASTLE IN CLARENS is a quirky guest house geared towards the o eat traveller looking for something different. It has been dubbed ‘Rapunzel’s Tower’ by the locals and rooms are over the top, definitely fit for a prince or princess.

Let your eyes feast on the decor and object de art that was carefully handpicked from all over the world to tantalise the senses – cornerstones from Windsor Castle, tapestries from Dubai, light fi ngs from America and les from Europe all contribute to an unbelievable experience.

The garden is especially designed to fit in with the Rapunzel fairytale – thorn trees, small pathways, and of course the vegetable garden with the infamous rampion, are all true to the tale.

The Castle sleeps four people in two double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, which have exquisite finishes. A bath suspended 12 meters above ground level is all part of the experience. No detail was spared to ensure that guests can enjoy a true fantasy experience, fit for royalty. +27 (0)83 268 0497 castleinclarens.co.za For more: southafrica.net and clarens.co.za

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

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DESTINATION • Joburg

Venues with a 1

difference

From converted power stations to rooftop venues, Joburg is home to many unique venues that are perfect for your next event. Meetings shares its top picks.

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An iconic venue in the heart of Joburg’s arts and culture precinct, the forum | turbine hall has been designed to accommodate a wide range of requirements with five-star service, state-of-the-art technology, exceptional food, decor and style. The building started out as a power station in the late 1920s and is an integral part of Joburg’s architectural history. It has become a coveted wedding and party venue, as well as the location of choice for corporate launches and conferences. Facilities comprise conference rooms and function venues with a capacity to host exhibitions or conferences varying from 10 to 500 people, dinners for up to 320 and cocktail parties for up to 800.

There is also a trendy upmarket bar, private dining area and chef’s table. theforum.co.za +27 (0)11 492 3888 2 ITALY IN JOBURG

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When you take a seat at il Giardino, in the lively 44 Stanley complex, you could just as well be anywhere in Italy, relaxing in an olive grove next to a soothing dam with braziers to warm you when the weather turns chilly. il Giardino offers patrons delectable homemade pastas, seasonal vegetables, gourmet pizzas and delicious meat, chicken and fish dishes. The Room is il Giardino’s conservatory.

It is a beautiful venue, with long 10-seater tables – perfect for city weddings with a difference, private functions and year-end parties. Special occasions are about memorable experiences, and celebrating life with those close to you. il Giardino offers a gorgeous setting, for up to 150 people, which will make your celebration an everlasting memory. ilgiardino.co.za +27 (0)11 482 4978 3 ON TOP OF THE WORLD

It has been said that one step through the door of Katy’s Palace Bar will take you far away, into a place where the exotic complements the old, where otherworldliness is highlighted by a spectacular backdrop of the Sandton skyline. This beautiful open space can be used for big-impression cocktail parties, corporate events or more intimate sit-down affairs. Katy’s offers an eclectic mix of furnishings and decor, fine arts and artefacts from across the globe; everything that you need to transform your event and transport your guests to another place and time, or wherever the whim takes you. Katy’s can accommodate 350 people cocktail style and 120 banquet style. katyspalacebar.co.za +27 (0)72 607 4235 4 THE GOOD LIFE

More than a bar, Sir James van der Merwe is an experience, a concoction of old-time charm infused with laid-back sophistication and a twist of Joburg. Make yourself at home. Strike up casual conversations, linger over a game of billiards and raise a glass to good company.

Sir James is a specialty bar that caters for the good old times – right now. Easy-going and laid-back with a unique decor that recreates the classic, and mixes in the quirky and a bar fully stocked with the good stuff, this is a fine place to sit back and enjoy the good life. Sir James can accommodate 130 people cocktail style and 60 banquet style. katyspalacebar.co.za/sir-james-vdm/ +27 (0)72 607 4235

Off the beaten track Joburg’s history is dramatic, colourful and varied. Delegates can experience the city by going on one of these tours.

ON WHEELS MULAUDZI Don’t miss this opportunity to discover one of the oldest townships in the country, as well as probably the most enigma c for the people of Joburg, in strong contrast to its upmarket neighbour of Sandton, Joburg’s financial centre, which is situated just a stone's throw away. Alexandra Tours is a group of young, dynamic people who were born and raised in Alexandra, who would like to introduce their friendly township to people from around the globe. Tours are experienced on a bicycle, which allows tourists the opportunity to get much closer to the people living in the township and enjoy this historic region from a truly unique perspec ve. Tours are either two or four hours long, affording busy tourists the op on to add this experience to their visit of Joburg in between other a rac ons, mee ngs or flights. alexandratours.co.za +27(0)71 279 3654

WATCH

ONLINE

SHIVER DOWN YOUR SPINE Daisy de Melker walks the halls of the Supreme Court, Mother Adéle can be seen looking out of a window at the Kensington Sanatorium and you can see Jane Goch mourning the loss of her child. The only problem with these three women is that they have been dead for decades. The Mystery Ghost Bus Tour takes you to some of the haunted places of Joburg, with the guide telling of famous society murders and other homicide stories that gripped local headlines over 40 years ago. The tour ends at the Braamfontein Cemetery, offering a fascina ng glimpse into Joburg’s some mes torrid past. mysteryghostbus.co.za Watch online: saconference.co.za/mysteryghostbus

NOT

TO BE

MISSED

HAVE A COLD ONE The SAB World of Beer is an interac ve tourist experience that delves into the brewing process and the history of beer.

Visitors can take a 90-minute guided tour of the SAB World of Beer through the centre’s seven exhibi on rooms. The tour covers a fascina ng history of beer that begins in ancient Mesopotamia and con nues through Africa and Europe, depic ng Joburg’s mining camp days, as well as a tradi onal Soweto shebeen, in order to provide a backdrop to the brew. A walk through SAB’s sample brewery, a full-scale brew house, gives one an idea of the scale of produc on of a drink most of us take for granted. The tour ends in the legendary Tap Room where the group can enjoy a few cold ones. worldoĩeer.co.za +27 (0)11 836 4900

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

Visit

Work

info@joburgtourism.com www.joburgtourism.com +27 11 214 0700

Play

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DESTINATION • Joburg

24 hours in

Fourways O

RIGINALLY A RESIDENCE and game

farm owned by the Eriksen family, Fourways has grown into Joburg’s fastest-developing commercial and residential hub. Encourage your delegates to stay an extra day and experience all that Fourways has to offer.

FOR BREAKFAST Built in the 1920s, the Eriksen family home, Norscot Manor (named after their Norwegian and Scottish nationalities) is now home to The Secret Garden. Relax on the terrace overlooking the manicured lawns while enjoying breakfast. secretteagar@mweb.co.za +27 (0)11 467 1191 IN THE MORNING Cedar Square offers a unique shopping experience with an array of stores to suit all shopping and entertainment desires. From clothing, dining, leisure and entertainment, electronics, gifts, health and beauty, children’s clothing and toys, home ware, jewellery and accessories – Cedar Square – is the place to get it all. cedarsquare.co.za +27 (0)11 465 0910 FOR LUNCH For the best al fresco dining in Joburg, from artisan pizza to homemade chilli burgers, great summer cocktails and the finest wines from the Cape – there is only one restaurant – Mon Petit Throbb. monpetitthrobb.co.za +27 (0)11 465 5812

IN THE AFTEROON For great entertainment, experience the wonder of the Montecasino Bird Gardens – the only bird park of its kind in Africa and Joburg’s best-kept secret. Here, you can wander along enchanted walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. If birds are not your thing, then try the Hyundai Balloon.

The balloon rises high above the Fourways landscape and offers breathtaking, panoramic

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views of Joburg, Sandton, Northcliff Hill and the Magaliesburg. montecasino.co.za +27 (0)11 510 7000

FOR DINNER With four bars, a lounge area, restaurant seating and a mingling area, Buddha Ta has something for everyone.

The main bar boasts one of the tallest back bar displays in the Southern Hemisphere and certainly indulges the mind’s eye. Two mezzanine levels overlook the excitement and are perfect for private parties, corporate functions and exclusive events. The raised levels allow the exhilaration of the Buddha Ta experience to prevail, yet still offer privacy and intimacy for personal gatherings. buddhata.co.za +27 (0)11 465 8141

IN THE EVENING The spectacular Teatro at Montecasino is a world-class theatre destination, featuring the best musical, dance, drama or comedy entertainment options. The Teatro is acoustically designed for large-scale musical productions and it can accommodate 1 870 people at full capacity.

Despite the vast number of seats, the Teatro has an unmistakable intimacy and no seat is further than 33 m from the stage. Showing until the 30 November is the global theatre phenomenon, War Horse. montecasino.co.za +27 (0)11 510 7472

WHERE TO SLEEP Rustika Guest Lodge, nestled in an indigenous garden setting, offers luxury accommodation. Choose from seven private, beautifully furnished en-suite rooms, each with its own separate entrance and doors leading to a garden veranda. rustikaguestlodge.co.za +27 (0)11 467 0618 FROM TOP Shop till you drop at Cedar Square; enjoy a pizza at Mon Petit Throbb; relax at the Montecasino Bird Gardens; indulge in mouth-watering fare at Buddha Ta; be transported to another world at the Teatro at Montecasino; enjoy a good night's rest at Rustika Guest Lodge

FOLLOW US ON:

BEST PRACTICE

Need more benefits with that feature?

‘What’s in it for me?’ is a good guide for how to go to market but, as John Fisher discovers, very few suppliers remember to talk about anything but themselves.

14 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

A

NOTHER DAY, another destination presentation. Whether you are in the office, at an exhibition or ‘speed dating’ at a so-called workshop, the process of presentation tends to be the same.

Here’s my card, here are some PowerPoints showing pleasant hotels/conference venues/ mountains/local musicians, here’s a DVD of what you have just seen... and if you are lucky, here’s a keyring or possibly a small bag of biscuits.

GETTING THE CONTRACT Now, I’m as fond as the next man of keyrings; but is this really the way to establish a serious business relationship and get the contract signed?

Destinations and hotels do not have the franchise on so-so presentations, of course.

Agencies can be equally unimpressive. If you have ever sat through six agencies pitching consecutively on the same day, you know the meaning of euthanasia. It is no surprise that the last agency in normally gets it in the neck from the frustrated panel who are hearing, for the sixth time, how ‘unique’ this agency’s approach is. All they really want to know, of course, is the price. So can we just cut to the chase?

Then there is the scourge of the exhibitions industry, the attractively named ‘networking workshop’. It starts off well because everyone likes to network. It’s the single biggest reason delegates attend events, but then they ruin it all by adding a workshop. This type of workshop does not involve listening to peers, exchanging information or realising how something goes down for the first time and laughing about it with fellow industry idiots and friends.

No, in this context, a workshop means sitting in front of up to 20 people trying to sell you something, very quickly. The only problem is, by the third one, it all becomes a bit of a blur and you would be hard-pressed to remember your own name, never mind how many rooms the Hotel Splendido has. Still, perhaps you got a free drink or a dinner out of it, so that’s all right then.

TALK ABOUT BENEFITS There is a solution: just do it backwards. Talk about benefits not features. Successful sellers have been doing it for years. You should start with the benefits and if you have to mention any features at all, link them immediately to a benefit to the customer. That way you will have the buyer’s attention from the very

beginning. The trouble is, how do you know what benefit the buyer is looking for? You have to ask or find out.

Clearly this goes against the grain for most people because you cannot talk and listen at the same time. After all, you have your presentation to deliver and the first law of B2B marketing states that no appointment will be conducted without offloading the entire presentation, whether relevant or not.

So, if listening really is the key, how does that actually work in practice?

You have to do some research. Send a pre-meeting questionnaire or ring up and ask. Then think about what you are told and how what you have got might fit the bill.

If you are supplying a client, find out what they have done before, what their delegates thought of the last project, what their biggest problem issue is and how you can become the preferred supplier.

It is quite likely that there will be a dealbreaker such as having more than R10 million turnover, being an approved supplier, having worked in our industry before and so on.

There is a solution: just do it backwards.

Talk about benefits not features All these essential items can be found out before you even put petrol in the car. In the (highly likely) case that they will not tell you beforehand, you can ask these questions before you fire up your iPad at the actual meeting so as not to waste either party’s time.

For suppliers to agencies, particularly hotels, find out where abroad the agency takes their groups. If they are essentially a short-haul agency, then going on about your new openings in Shanghai is not going to help. Ask them about their clients and the type of programmes they do. Someone who does pharma projects is likely to want very different services to those who do call-centre incentives. Ask them upfront about the profile of their delegates and have your material ‘a la carte’ so you can go directly to what suits the brief. Do not scroll through 60 slides to make your point.

else offering a similar service. Agencies will be cagey about fees as the common riposte is ‘can you define what it is you want us to do?’

Usually the client cannot do this, but offering daily rates and typical fees for a similar job would help. Hotels, of course, have their rates, which are updated almost hourly, so it is disingenuous to say, “We will have to send you a quote,” when they actually know the likely rates that day.

WHAT WORKS FOR YOU As in all commercial transactions, each side is weighing up the most advantageous contract they can do; value for money in other words.

So there is always a trade-off between the quoted cost and what you get. Sometimes buyers do not always opt for the cheapest offer because there is commercial value in reliability and honesty. So never be afraid to turn down a potential sale if it does not work for you, the supplier. In the final analysis, both clients and suppliers need to make enough profit to stay in business. So it does not make sense for either party to contract at a loss.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if, at your next presentation, the supplier spent 90% of the time asking you about your business rather than offloading all their product data on you first. Not only would I feel important but they would also get a unique insight into the client’s needs, which is what we are all trying to meet in marketing terms.

So, just to recap about the latest presentation we had this morning. Was that 28 hotels in 17 cities across four continents or was that four hotels in 17 cities that all have 28 rooms? Did the 10th hotel have a spa?

Is the Pope Catholic? Not sure I’m bothered about the answers any more... but I am looking for 70 rooms in Cape Town for November for less than R1 500 a night, half board.

This article is reproduced by kind permission of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine (copyright CAT Publications) JOHN FISHER is a director of FMI Group. He has 30 years’ business experience, as both client and consultant. He has also written a number of business books, speaks French and German, and spends most of his leisure time in Italy.

TALK ABOUT MONEY For many suppliers, rates and fees are rarely discussed at presentations whereas this could be the differential between you and someone

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MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

15

BEST PRACTICE

Securing sponsorships There are different types of gatherings that offer sponsorships at various levels with a wide range of benefits, writes Helen Brewer.

16 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

B

E IT THE ANNUAL association’s conference, a public sector gathering initiative or a conference producer’s hard-hitting, high-flyer event – all event organisers are soliciting to offset costs by encouraging various kinds of sponsorships.

These range from gold, silver and bronze opportunities or various other types of slidingscale brand identity.

Member associations – both trade and occupationally based – are usually the ones that wish to offset catering expenditure or indeed produce substantial profit over expenditure. Yet the reason for co-branding remains the same: increased potential sales contacts through networking to a concentrated target market.

There are other more philanthropic reasons such as association loyalty and support as well as appearing more prominent over

Of course a non-decision-maker can take the information back to the office, but watereddown versions of what is on offer can be misleading of what your brand is attempting to get across to the target market.

PRESENTERS AND CONTENT Both the importance of the topics as well as the level and sophistication of the presentations can be impactful on your brand as poor presentations and delivery can associate your brand in a detrimental manner.

Hence a key question is not only programme content but also whether professional staging and production is a part of the message retention aspects of the programme.

• Delegate listing The database should include not only the delegate’s name and designation but also email and telephone contact details. This database allows the brand sponsor to follow up swiftly, especially with those who have queries or there has been significant interaction during the conference.

SIGNATURE BRANDING An overall branding of the entire conference is a high-risk decision and the organisation considering signature branding needs to be even more convinced as to what they are putting their entire identity to.

PREVIOUS TRACK RECORD STANDARD OF ORGANISING The sponsorship invitation should state whether the organising logistics are being handled by a professionally appointed entity or a planner that has tried and tested abilities within the host’s organisation. Poor conference management can have negative recall associated with your brand.

The decision to associate an organisation’s brand with a conference should not be taken in a hurry TYPES OF VISIBILITY AND BENEFITS

competitors. A high price may be paid for association loyalty and competitive prominence. Some conference hosts do tend to forget the rules as the event date draws nearer and suddenly a brand’s exclusive spot is taken up with a lot of other brands – even those of competitors.

Whatever the reasons, great care should be taken in brand links as the risks are high for a negative impact.

Below is a checklist that should be heeded by the host when looking for sponsorship:

ATTENDEE DEMOGRAPHIC Unless the delegation in attendance is at a level in which decisions regarding your brand can be considered, a lesser level could prove ineffective. Equally the delegate occupational designations should be of the type that would be interested in your product and/or service.

Once demographics, programme content and presenters, as well as the standard of event management has been satisfied, the actual range of brand visibility comes into play.

• Free entry Access to all sessions and functions is the norm and, together with the amount of free entries, provides key personnel to effectively network.

• Free exhibition stand It is an important part of brand identity and allows the range of products and services to be displayed and perhaps demonstrated. It is standard for the refreshments and meals to be in the exhibition area. If not, the brand’s visibility is likely to be curtailed.

• Backdrops Will the brand be effectively visible to the delegation? This is an important issue.

• Visual displays Are there other visual sightings of your brand on plasma screens, websites with hyper-links and the like?

• Menus and other literature Will the brand be prominently displayed on printed material and, if so, will your brand be shown in its corporate colours?

It is a plus factor if there have been previous conferences on which to base some form of track record.

TIMING Brand display should not be only on the days of the conference but also the extensive build-up and following the conference. In other words, the sponsorship invitation should carry a detailed itemisation where and how the brand will enjoy higher visibility.

FINANCIAL INVESTMENT Only once all the information is at hand as to the host’s offer, can an organisation decide whether the financial investment at that particular level is worthy of adding the brand’s association with the conference.

The decision to associate an organisation’s brand with a conference should not be taken in a hurry.

The minimum invitation to sponsor should be six months from the conference dates.

The number within the delegation is of course of importance but the type and level of designation takes precedent.

The contents within this article should form the basis of the sponsorship invitation. If undertaken effectively and with confidence by the conference host, the inclusion of an organisation’s brand can be a most beneficial method of growing business leads.

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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MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

17

BEST PRACTICE

f o r e w o p The

e v i t c e eff tion a c i n u m m o c

gressively g a o t s e u MICE ven s e g r u n ero nments, r e v o g l a Rob Cam c value to lo ir e h t t e gues and a e ll mark o c ly p ities or sim n u m m o c . ssociates a s s e in s bu

18 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

U

SUALLY THE BIGGEST challenge to

a more aggressive communications initiative is just to get going – it’s another task in the middle of what is already a heavy workload. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. Here are 10 project ideas that you could carry out in the coming months as a way of starting a more effective communications initiative in your own city: 1 Carry out an economic impact assessment.

The economic legacy is the greatest value of an event, but do you have the figures to show it? An economic impact assessment can add an ‘edge’ to your estimates and make them more credible and even newsworthy.

2 Define your value proposition as a venue in terms of your community values. The value of events goes beyond just their economic impact and includes everything from new knowledge and insights to specific professional development opportunities.

However, these have the greatest impact when they can be seen to relate directly to local issues. By relating selected events taking place in your venue to local concerns (jobs, health, education), you can make a compelling story as to how the venue is advancing community interests.

3 Prepare a briefing for local government on how your venue is supporting their

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economic and community development policies. Government may be your primary investor – but whether or not this is the case, their primary interest is how well they are delivering on the policies that got them elected. By providing specific examples of how certain events are advancing their policy priorities, you can win friends in high places.

Reach out to a business, academic or professional organisation. Allies are everything and when your allies are recognised and respected members of the community, your own status increases.

By communicating the value of your venue to local organisations, you can create the basis for a mutually beneficial relationship that will pay dividends when you need supporters.

Review your upcoming events for linkages to government policy priorities.

Governments have their own urgencies, so they may not make the connection between the activities of the venue and their own priorities unless it’s pointed out to them. Choose events that demonstrate this relationship and bring them to the attention of relevant officials. Don’t limit your actions to the most obvious groups, like economic development and tourism, when you can readily relate to others such as health, education, technology and investment.

Encourage an incoming client to leave a community legacy. You can make an event and its legacies more obvious by encouraging clients to reach out to the community – this may fit well with their own agendas. Even something as simple as a public presentation related to the conference topic will attract local media coverage and demonstrate those greater values to a community that may otherwise not be aware an event is taking place.

Send local media a press release highlighting the benefits to be generated by an upcoming event. Like government officials, local media have their own priorities and may not have the time or inclination to dig into an incoming event in order to discover its broader implications.

If you take the initiative – and maybe even arrange access to key participants – you’ll not only increase the chances of better coverage but establish an ongoing relationship for the future.

8 Feature a local ambassador in a thank-

you advert. Sometimes it’s hard to speak publicly about the value of an event without looking like you’re self-promoting.

This, however, is not a problem when you’re recognising the achievements of a local individual who has helped secure or organise a national or international event. The message is the same, but much more acceptable, and may even lead to others coming forward to support similar initiatives.

9 Make a presentation on the role of the venue to a local community organisation.

Every destination has numerous organisations concerned in various ways about the welfare of the community and many may have no idea of the role a venue, and the events they host, plays in supporting these. It takes only an hour out of your life to attend and present – but the repercussions may be significant, particularly when you have no idea of who the people in the room may be and what connections they may have.

10 Challenge your staff to come up with community relations ideas. Everyone has a potential role to play and their own unique set of connections and working relationships in the community. Take advantage of your relations with colleagues and local industry organisations by looking for ways to join forces in developing ideas on how to spread the message more effectively.

Take a moment to think about what you as either a venue or an individual can do with even one or two of these ideas – because everyone has an opportunity to communicate, even if it’s simply among neighbours and colleagues. In the end, the way that our industry and you as a professional working in it are regarded will be a product of how your community regards its importance – and that’s a matter of how well and how consistently we advance our image and our value.

ROD CAMERON is president of Criterion Communications, a strategic management consultancy based in Vancouver, Canada. He is the faculty head for the AIPC Academy.

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MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

19

BEST PRACTICE

The

five-star approach

The business of conferencing is complex and detailoriented. It’s also a very important service offering for hotels, writes Danny Bryer.

T

HERE ARE AS many different

requirements as there are potential clients and, as such, conferences and events can become costly. These days especially, the directive is often to tighten the budget and do without the luxuries.

Even so, an effective and pleasurable conference involves making delegates feel at ease, well taken care of and safe. Conference organisers will usually line up a number of venue options from which to choose.

THE DIFFERENCE It is true that standards for assigning star ratings vary across the world. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa prescribes specific criteria for being classified as a five-star hotel. These criteria are based on a descriptive facilities-based checklist. Item for item, most of the requirements can be met by a hotel – and charged for – yet the experience of one hotel can vary considerably from another. Conference organisers are

20 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

looking for the same thing that standard hotel guests want, even though they sometimes over-fixate on the price. In reality, true fivestar service is about discussing and clearly defining unique needs; and then providing it. It’s the personal touch, leaving the client feeling like this conference was put together just for them, with their specific and unique needs considered.

Hotels need to work on a simple service formula: success equals results minus expectation. This means that it’s all about anticipating and understanding customer expectations and unique needs. Then delivering a result that doesn’t just meet, but exceeds those expectations.

When it comes to making a difference, the details are hidden in plain sight. Did the hotel remember which six guests were vegetarian and which three were vegan? Was the audiovisual or presentation equipment in top order and provided – without fuss and sans technical hitches – by specialised

technical staff? Obviously, when the client experiences that superior level of engagement from the hotel, it reflects well on the hotel and the event organiser, and return or referral business becomes a given.

A Cornell University of Hotel Administration study noted that a 200- to 300-room establishment could entertain around 5 000 interactions between staff and clients per day. That’s a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong. Or, looked at another way, a lot of opportunities to make that client feel like they would really not settle for anything less than what you offer.

The most important thing to remember about people staying at your hotel or utilising your facilities is that they’re probably out of their comfort zone. They need assurance in the form of that personal interaction. I believe that’s what separates the true five-star approach from an ordinary, simply expensive hotel, and it makes a huge difference.

DANNY BRYER is director of sales, marketing and revenue at African Pride Hotels. African Pride Hotels is the luxury brand of Protea Hotels – the largest hotel brand in South Africa.

The meetings and event planners’ guide to the

Gautrain Tourism Map

Delegates on the move Get G et yyour our e event vent o onn tthe he ffast ast ttrack rack tto o ssuccess uccess w with ith tthe he G Gautrain. autrain. W With ith sspeeds peeds o off 1 160 60 kkm/h m/h and a nd a access ccess tto o ccommercial ommercial hhotspots, otspots, tthe he G Gautrain autrain iiss a ssafe afe a and nd rreliable eliable m means eans o off p public ublic ttransport. ransport. A esult, vvenues enues a nd p laces o nterest a long tthe he G autrain sstations tations a nd b us Ass a rresult, and places off iinterest along Gautrain and bus rroutes outes a are re p proving roving p popular opular w with ith e event vent o organisers. rganisers.

Gautrain and predictable TTake ake tthe he G autrain ffor or a cconvenient onvenient jjourney ourney a nd p redictable ttravel ravel ttimes. imes. LLeave eave tthe he behind. ttraffic raffic b ehind.

8

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE THE GAUTRAIN

Need to convince your delegates to use the Gautrain? Here’s how:

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SAVING TIME If you live in Pretoria, you do not need to wake up at 04:30 to ensure that you arrive at your breakfast event at 07:30 in Johannesburg and vice versa. It is the quickest and safest trip you will take between the two cities.

STRESS RELIEVER You will not get stuck in traffic, ensuring that you will arrive on time for your function and you will also be calm.

COST-EFFECTIVE With petrol being at an all-time high, it makes financial sense to use the Gautrain.

Places to see, things to do There is an abundance of places of interest located near the Gautrain stations and along the bus routes that are waiting to be explored. Here are our favourites:

TIME MANAGEMENT You can catch up on your reading or work on your way to the function.

NETWORKING You never know who you may be sitting next to; it’s a good place for networking.

GO GREEN By using the Gautrain, you can halve your carbon footprint as you will be spending less time on the road.

SAFETY FIRST The Gautrain prides itself on passenger security.

BE MERRY Had a little too much to drink at your function? Don’t drink and drive – use the Gautrain. Just make sure you have someone to fetch you when you arrive at your end station.

FROM PARK STATION Ć Feel the beat of JoburgÊs CBD by spending time in the Maboneng Precinct ă home to several retail, restaurant and entertainment venues.

How to get there: The MaboÊgo provides a private shuttle service to and from the neighbourhood, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. mabonengprecinct.com

FROM ROSEBANK STATION Whether you are looking to unwind, have a gourmet meal, watch one of the latest movies or are in the mood for serious retail therapy, Rosebank Mall is the place to shop.

Ć Joburg Theatre is AfricaÊs leading home of live entertainment, presenting world-class international and home-grown theatre. If you have never attended a production at Joburg Theatre, you have missed out on a truly special experience.

How to get there: In walking distance from the station

How to get there: Bus route J1: CBD

rosebankball.co.za

joburgtheatre.com

FROM SANDTON STATION Ć Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Rivonia is Liliesleaf.

Once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge for its leaders, today Liliesleaf is one of South AfricaÊs foremost, award-winning heritage sites.

How to get there: Bus route S3: Rivonia

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liliesleaf.co.za Ć A towering sculpture of South AfricaÊs favourite son holds court over Nelson Mandela Square. One of the largest open public spaces in the country, the Square adjoins Sandton City. There is always a song or a dance in the air at the Square.

How to get there: In walking distance from the station nelsonmandelasquare.co.za

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FROM MIDRAND STATION With its awe-inspiring dome and soaring minarets, Nizamiye Turkish Masjid is a sight to behold.

Lose yourself in its richly ornamented spaces that speak of traditional Turkey.

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How to get there: From the station you are able to catch a metered taxi. +27 (0)11 024 5857

FROM PRETORIA STATION No visit to Tshwane would be complete without a visit to the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa or, as it is more commonly referred to, Pretoria Zoo. The zoo is a whopping 85 ha and houses over 8 000 mammals, reptiles, fish and birds.

How to get there: Bus route P4: PTA Unisa ă GroenKloof nzg.ac.za

6

IDEAS ON HOW TO USE THE GAUTRAIN AS PART OF YOUR EVENT INCLUDE A PRELOADED GOLD CARD On the first day of the conference have a member of your organising committee meet delegates at their preferred station to give them their card. This will be the first contact you have with delegates so use this opportunity to set the tone of your event.

MARKET YOUR EVENT AROUND A STATION OR ROUTE Use the distance from your chosen venue as a marketing tool. Delegates may want to attend your event knowing that they can use the Gautrain to get there. The SPAR Women’s Challenge took place at SuperSport Park, which is less than 1 km walk from the Centurion station. Participants who used the Gautrain did not need to worry about parking or traffic congestion when the event ended.

The Gautrain Facebook page promotes events that participants can attend by using the Gautrain.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONÊS PROGRAMME From the Union Buildings in Pretoria to Soccer City in Johannesburg, fascinating places, attractions and destinations are scattered along the Gautrain’s train and bus routes. Plan the accompanying person’s programme around these attractions. For delegates from outside Gauteng, travelling on the Gautrain is a must.

DIFFERENT VENUES There is no need to limit conferences to one venue. Have the conference in Pretoria and let delegates see the sun set over Johannesburg’s iconic skyline as part of your cocktail party. Just ensure that delegates are on the last train back.

SECRET DESTINATION LAUNCHES Keep delegates guessing where they are going by including a bus trip as well as a ride on the Gautrain. There are many great venues along the route that are perfect for any type of activation or product launch.

GAUTRAIN AS THE VENUE If your type of event or a part of it allows, hold it on the Gautrain itself.

Refer to the map on the previous page for more must-see places and things to do.

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

PARK STATION

CONSTITUTION HILL

A

s a multipurpose heritage site, Constitution Hill offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues.

LOCATION Constitution Hill is within walking distance from Park Station and is on a Gautrain bus route.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The site boasts 13 venues, spread over three buildings. These venues are ideal for conferences, live performances, banquets, product launches, cocktail evenings, private functions and corporate events. Constitution Hill can accommodate 380 pax banquet style and 1 000 pax cocktail.

ACCOMMODATION There are a number of reputable hotels and guesthouses in the area.

CATERING Professional catering can be arranged.

+27 (0)11 381 3100 info@constitutionhill.org.za constitutionhill.org.za

THE BANNISTER HOTEL

F

or the best quality at the most affordable price, The Bannister Hotel is fast becoming the venue of choice in Braamfontein.

LOCATION The hotel is located opposite the Neighbourgoods Market and is 700 m from the Gautrain Park Station.

AFRICAN SKY REEF HOTEL JOHANNESBURG

B

usiness travellers favour the African Sky Reef Hotel Johannesburg as a refreshing location.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES With a seating capacity of 80 cinema style, the hotelÊs 75 m2 multifunctional space is perfect for conferences, private dinners or an intimate music concert. The restaurant is 170 m2. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

LOCATION Located in the financial district in Joburg, the hotel is only a five-minute walk from Park Station. The hotel is on the Gautrain bus route.

ACCOMMODATION The hotel boasts 31 comfortable en-suite rooms ensuring a good nightÊs sleep.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Two well-appointed conference rooms that can seat up to 80 pax each or be integrated into one venue to seat 160 pax.

CATERING The hotelÊs restaurant and bar is a great place to watch the world go by. The kitchen can cater for specific requests. If you want to explore the city, the hotel is close to some of JoburgÊs best bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

+27 (0)11 403 6888 reservations@bannisterhotel.co.za bannisterhotel.co.za

ACCOMMODATION The hotel offers well-appointed, modern accommodation in 120 en-suite rooms.

CATERING A variety of dining options is available.

+27 (0)11 689 1000 reservations@reefhotels.co.za reefhotels.co.za

Joburg’ s venue of choice bannisterhotel.co.za +27 (0)11 403 6888/7888 stay@bannisterhotel.co.za

75m2 mutifunctional space Luxury accomodation Afforable prices Mouth-watering dishes 700 m from the Gautrain Park Station

ROSEBANK STATION

SANDTON STATION

54 ON BATH

W

ith its 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.

LOCATION The hotel is in walking distance from the Rosebank station. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to the Gautrain.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES 54 on Bath offers a range of options that cater to your function requirements. Here you can 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.

ACCOMMODATION The rooms at 54 on Bath are elegantly styled with views over the garden or over the abundantly green city skyline. There are 75 en-suite rooms available.

CATERING 54 on BathÊs skilled executive chef will consult on special menus and catering to ensure that your event is a culinary success.

HOLIDAY INN SANDTON, RIVONIA ROAD

A

world-class brand combined with local hospitality, the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is one of the ultimate destinations on the Joburg MICE scene.

LOCATION Located one block away from the Sandton Gautrain station.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is an extremely stylish venue for corporate and other events.

An entire floor of the hotel is dedicated to six conference venues ă three conference rooms seating up to 70 pax, cinema style, and three boardrooms seating up to 16 pax.

ACCOMMODATION The hotelÊs 301 spacious and classically decorated rooms provide the ultimate in comfort and style.

CATERING 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

+27 (0)11 344 8500 54onbath.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

CROWNE PLAZA JOHANNESBURG ă THE ROSEBANK

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

W

W

ant your event to have a certain je ne sais quoi about it? Then the Crowne Plaza Johannesburg ă The Rosebank is the place for you.

LOCATION Crowne Plaza Johannesburg ă The Rosebank is within walking distance (200 m) of the Rosebank Gautrain station. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to the Gautrain station.

ith world-class facilities, professional expertise and a myriad of services, Sandton Convention Centre is the ideal venue at which to have your next event.

LOCATION Its central position in Sandton provides easy access to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Sandton Gautrain station, major hotels and shopping centres.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES There are seven conference venues, with the largest able to accommodate 300 pax. The hotel offers unique conference packages or can be custom-made to your requirements. It features a large lobby area that can easily allow for vehicle launches, as well as space to erect marquees for larger events.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The centre offers unlimited potential with over 22 000 m2ñ of state-of-the-art meeting, exhibition and special event space. Multiple events can be staged simultaneously on four main levels, and 10 000 visitors can be accommodated at any one time. A team of highly trained staff is on hand to provide support services.

ACCOMMODATION The hotelÊs 318 elegantly furnished rooms and suites provide beautiful views of upmarket Rosebank.

ACCOMMODATION The centre offers easy access to more than 5 000 hotel rooms (ranging from economy to deluxe).

CATERING A variety of dining options is available.

CATERING There are numerous dining options available.

+27 (0)11 448 3600 reservations@therosebank.co.za rosebank.co.za

+27 (0)11 779 0000 scc.info@tsogosun.com saconvention.co.za

CENTURION STATION

MIDRAND STATION

GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE

S

urrounded by beautiful gardens sprawling over a 30 ha property, Gallagher Convention Centre is conveniently positioned in the business hub of Gauteng.

LOCATION Located in Midrand, between Pretoria and Joburg, Gallagher is on a Gautrain bus route.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES With five purpose-built groundfloor exhibition venues offering approximately 25 000 m2 of exhibition space, and 19 multipurpose venues, Gallagher can accommodate up to 12 000 pax. With 12 versatile conferenceand boardrooms, the centre is the perfect setting for functions.

ACCOMMODATION There are a number of reputable hotels and guest houses in the area.

CATERING The internationally acclaimed team of chefs is able to cater to every taste or cultural requirement, while the kitchens have been certified by the National Independent Halaal Trust.

CENTURION LAKE HOTEL

I

ts excellent location, tranquil setting and commitment to personal service have made Centurion Lake Hotel a firm favourite with conference organisers.

LOCATION The hotel is ideally located between Midrand and Pretoria. Complimentary pick-up from the Centurion Gautrain station is available.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES With a range of venues, equipment and seating plans to suit your every requirement, you can concentrate on your success while the hotel staff take care of the details. The hotel boasts six fully equipped conference rooms which can accommodate up to 200 pax in comfort and style.

ACCOMMODATION Guests are accommodated in 160 deluxe en-suite rooms.

CATERING Every culinary taste will be catered for. The hotel is serviced by Brunos Resturant, Deli and Bar.

+27 (0)11 266 3000 gallagher@gallagher.co.za gallagher.co.za

VODACOM WORLD EVENTS

C

ompetitive rates, exceptional catering, versatile venues and an easily accessible, central location have made Vodacom World Events the venue where fantastic events happen.

LOCATION Vodacom World Events is a five-minute drive from the Midrand Gautrain station.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The centre has the capacity, versatility and technical capability to produce a range of event experiences ă 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, which can be divided in half, and the Talk 100 and 200 tiered auditoriums.

+27 (0)12 643 3600 centurion@legacyhotels.co.za legacyhotels.co.za

AFRICAN PRIDE IRENE COUNTRY LODGE

W

ith lakeside views that rival most paintings, African Pride Irene Country Lodge is an upmarket hotel with luxury accommodation, a finedining restaurant, conference, function and wedding venues and also boasts a spa.

LOCATION Situated between Midrand and Pretoria, Irene Country Lodge is a five-minute drive from the Centurion Gautrain station.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Combining old-world charm with superb modern convenience, Irene Country Lodge is the ideal conference and banqueting venue with the latest facilities, excellent service and unsurpassed luxury. The conference centre can seat up to 80 pax banquet style.

ACCOMMODATION There are a number of reputable hotels and guest houses in the area.

ACCOMMODATION The lodgeĂŠs 74 rooms are reminiscent of the comforts of an old countryside manor but reflecting a unique South African flavour.

CATERING There are numerous dining options available.

CATERING There are numerous dining options available.

+27 (0)11 653 6580 vodacomworldevents@vodacom.co.za vodacom.co.za

+27 (0)12 667 6464 lodge@irenecountrylodge.co.za irenecountrylodge.co.za

PRETORIA STATION MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The Manhattan is a pictureperfect venue for your special function. Whether it is a wedding, a corporate function, an anniversary or a birthday celebration, the staff go all out to ensure that your plans transform into a memorable event. The meticulous attention to detail sets the hotel apart while vast experience in the hospitality industry ensures a smooth delivery of the ManhattanÊs promise.

Colorado Suite can accommodate up to 70 pax without a dance floor and up to 50 pax with a dance floor. New York Suite can accommodate from 50 pax to 200 pax. An adjoining area is used for dancing.

ACCOMMODATION The Manhattan Hotel offers both the business and leisure traveller a stylish and elegant experience.

Accommodation consists of 163 double rooms, 42 suites and 10 executive suites, all with luxury en-suite bathrooms.

MANHATTAN HOTEL

T

he Manhattan Hotel welcomes you to a world of perfection, fine dining, glamour, comfort, convenience, luxury and relaxation.

LOCATION Manhattan Hotel is the closest hotel to the Pretoria Gautrain station. The Pretoria Gautrain station is a mere 250 m from the hotelÊs doorstep. Even though it is within walking distance, the Manhattan Hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the station.

CATERING With 110 dishes on offer at breakfast, lunch and supper, it is no secret why Manhattan Hotel is so popular. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu is not to be missed with a variety of mouth-watering delights on offer. In addition there is live entertainment during lunch and dinner. Luxuriously furnished public areas make Manhattan Hotel the ideal place to meet up with friends or colleagues for a drink after a long dayÊs work.

+27 (0)12 392 0000 marketing@manhattanhotel.co.za manhattanhotel.co.za

where smart minds

meet

transfer knowledge facilitate collaboration inspire innovation

CSIR

International

Convention Centre

NATURALLY HOSPITABLE s GLOBALLY ACCESSIBLE

Pretoria/Tshwane | www.csiricc.co.za | +27 12 841 3884

HATFIELD STATION

SOUTHERN SUN PRETORIA

S

ophisticated and elegant, Southern Sun Pretoria is situated in the stately Gauteng city of Pretoria. This contemporary hotel is favoured by politicians, diplomats and embassy officials, due to its proximity to local embassies, government offices and the CBD of South AfricaÊs administrative capital.

LOCATION The hotel is a seven-minute drive from the Hatfield Gautrain station and is on a Gautrain bus route.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The hotel offers uncompromised conferencing solutions and conference facilities in Pretoria. From themed events and specialised menus to detailed event planning, the hotelÊs team of dedicated banqueting managers are available to assist in planning the perfect meeting, conference, convention or even a private function.

ACCOMMODATION When searching for the perfect hotel rooms in Pretoria, the rooms at Southern Sun Pretoria make a bold statement through chic, modern design and decor. The 240 rooms offer a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere where guests can enjoy their spacious, luxurious rooms.

CATERING Southern Sun Pretoria dining brings you a world of flavours and tastes in a stylish setting. +27 (0)12 444 5500 sspretoria.reservations@ tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

VILLAGE RIDGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

T

he Village Ridge Boutique Hotel is the ideal space for intimate functions.

LOCATION The hotel is close to the Gautrain Hatfield station.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Five elegant rooms can be set up according to your specifications.

ACCOMMODATION There are 28 en-suite rooms situated in six individually standing houses.

CATERING Delectable cuisine and impeccable service is the standard at the LÊEpicurien in-house restaurant. +27 (0)12 460 4900 info@villageridge.co.za villageridge.co.za

CSIR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

T

he CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) offers its clients value-added services such as on-site exhibition management, parking shuttles, uncapped Wi-Fi, accommodation and transport services, an organiserÊs office, storage space, pre-event delivery service, speakersÊ lounge, media booths, VIP suites, butler services and in-room services for VIPs ă at no additional cost.

As a further benefit to CSIR ICC clients, Gautrain Gold Cards are available for sale at the centre. To assist first-time Gautrain and Gautrain bus users, the CSIR ICC offers step-by-step information sheets that explain how to reach the CSIR ICC. LOCATION The CSIR ICC is ideally situated in the science and technology hub of Pretoria. The Gautrain H2 Lynnwood bus, departing from the Gautrain Hatfield station, offers commuters to the CSIR ICC a hassle-free travel alternative from Gautrain stations around Gauteng.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The CSIR ICC offers superb facilities and quality service with conference, function and exhibition venues that can accommodate events of 500 pax, to as little as 10 pax and guests, with groups as large as 1 000 being accommodated at times. Flexibility, service excellence and professionalism are key to what the CSIR ICC offers its clients.

ACCOMMODATION The CSIR ICC event coordinators can arrange overnight accommodation and bus transfers between hotels and the centre on your behalf. Delegates attending events at the CSIR ICC are eligible for special rates at most Pretoria hotels.

CATERING The experienced team of chefs at the centre offers great menus with a distinctive flair. Gastronomical delights abound from pastries to buffets and plated meals, cocktail fare, barbeque functions and gala banquets. Religious and medical dietary requirements are catered for with ease and the centreÊs executive chef takes great pleasure in creating personalised menus to suit each individual clientÊs requirements. +27 (0)12 841 3884 icc@csir.co.za csiricc.co.za

O.R. TAMBO STATION

GARDEN COURT O.R. TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Need to arrange an event?

E

njoy the ultimate in convenience and comfort at Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport.

LOCATION Located just a few minutes away from the airport, this hotel is the ideal choice for travellers needing somewhere to rest during a stopover or for those travelling to Joburg for meetings, conferences or other business events.

will map it out for you!

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES With a bespoke selection of venues available at this hotel, planning your event has never been simpler. All venues have natural light and open onto an idyllic landscaped garden.

ACCOMMODATION There are 253 en-suite rooms, each equipped with all the comforts you need for a peaceful stay.

CATERING There are numerous dining options available.

+27 (0)11 392 1062 gcortambo.reservations@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

INTERCONTINENTAL JOHANNESBURG O.R. TAMBO AIRPORT

T

he luxurious InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is perfectly located for business in both Sandton and the East Rand CBD. LOCATION The hotel is situated a safe 68.7 m walk from the international arrivals hall and 300 m from the Gautrain Rhodesfield station.

MEETING AND EVENT SPACES The hotel boasts seven boardrooms, two conference rooms and a private cocktail restaurant. Clients can enjoy permanent video conferencing facilities in one of the executive boardrooms. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

ACCOMMODATION There are 138 en-suite rooms.

CATERING The hotel is serviced by The Quills Restaurant and Bar.

SA CONFERENCE DIRECTORY has for the past 20 years earned the reputation as an indispensable resource for event organisers. Find comprehensive listings of venues and service providers, indexed CZÞTFSWJDF BOE SFHJPO GPS FBTF PG SFGFSFODF The 2015 edition includes a brand new section – The Meetings and Event Planner. This section brims with JOEVTUSZ USFOET BEWJDF IBOEZ UJQT BOE UPPMT GPSÞ FWFOU QMBOOJOH BOE JO EFQUI JOTJHIU GSPN JOEVTUSZÞFYQFSUT

SA CONFERENCE DIRECTORY Your first step to a successful event Be sure to receive your copy this January To pre-order www.3smags.co.za s +27 (0)11 233 2600

+27 (0)11 961 5400 meetings@icairport.com intercontinental.com

THE MEETINGS&EVENT

www.saconference.co.za

O.R. TAMBO STATION MEETING AND EVENT SPACES Kopanong has 14 uniquely designed conference venues offering spacious flexibility by means of opening partition doors, creating a space that can hold up to 600 pax in theatre-style seating. The outdoor space allows for cocktail functions for up to 850 pax. After a day of conferencing, delegates will be able to relax in beautiful gardens surrounding the koi fish ponds and enjoy the harmonious aura of Kopanong. Free Wi-Fi is available in all the meeting rooms, the dining area and all the public areas except the hotel rooms.

KOPANONG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

T

here is no better venue that evokes the spirit of Africa.

Meaning Âmeeting placeÊ in SeSotho, Kopanong is the ideal setting to host your next event.

LOCATION Kopanong is conveniently located near O.R. Tambo International Airport and within easy access of highways leading to Joburg, Sandton, Tshwane and Midrand. There is a complimentary shuttle to the airport.

ACCOMMODATION Kopanong is comprised of 80 fully detached chalets, with a total of 240 bedrooms, situated on six acres of undulating landscaped gardens. This haven of peace and tranquillity blends with the traditional ethnic feel of Africa with a luxurious style of its own. Each chalet consists of three individual rooms with private entrances, which can, on request, be opened up via inter-leading doors for use of the entire chalet.

CATERING With the warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere of Moshate Restaurant, delegates can expect KopanongÊs chefs to prepare the finest local cuisine combined with continental specialities. In addition, delegates will be spoilt for choice with the selection of cocktails, fine wines, whiskeys, gins and other spirits as well as a variety of coffees at Imbizo Bar.

+27 (0)11 749 000 sales@kopanong.co.za kopanong.co.za

All you need to know GAUTRAIN TIMETABLE ă ALWAYS BE ON TIME For timetable information, please download the Gautrain app. It is simple and easy to use. Ć

Displays bus tracking on maps

Ć

Recalls last station selected

Ć

Alert message for disruptions

Ć

Station swap for the return trip

Ć

Fare information

Ć

Timetable information

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE GAUTRAIN Gautrain's train, bus and p parking services are fully integrated and may be used separately or jointly by transferring from one to another. These services are all accessed by means of your Gautrain Gold Card. These cards can be purchased from all ticket offices and ticket vending machines at any Gautrain station, as well as at selected outlets in the vicinity of the bus routes.

THE GAUTRAIN BUS SERVICE A valid Gold Card is required to board a Gautrain bus; these can be purchased at the stations.

Your Gold Card will need to have a minimum balance of R20 to board a Gautrain bus. Bus tickets cannot be purchased on the buses.

TAGGING IN Simply touch the Gold Card to the ticket reader on the fare gate and wait for the green light and beeping sound to indicate validation. Pass through the glass barrier, board the train, sit back and relax. Upon leaving the train, touch the card to the ticket reader at the fare gate, wait for validation and pass through.

BUS STOPS Find your nearest bus stop by using the Gautrain app, asking a Gautrain staff member at your nearest station or view the tourism map provided. Please note that all Gautrain bus stops are identified by the sign on the right.

STATION

OPENING TIMES

CLOSING TIMES

Park

05:09

21:30

Rosebank

05:10

21:20

Sandton

Approximately 04:35

Approximately 21:35

Marlboro

05:15

21:15

Midrand

05:25

21:10

Centurion

05:25

21:15

Pretoria

05:15

21:20

Hatfield

05:10

21:30

Rhodesfield

05:15

21:00

O.R. Tambo

Approximately 04:50

Approximately 21:20

Kindly note that security may not open the gates to the stations any earlier than the published times

DESTINATION

INTERCHANGE

JOURNEY DURATION

ă Hatfield

Marlboro

48 minutes

ă Pretoria

Marlboro

42 minutes

ă Centurion

Marlboro

34 minutes

ă Midrand

Marlboro

24 minutes

ă Marlboro

09 minutes

ă Sandton

15 minutes

ă Rosebank

Sandton

24 minutes

ă Park

Sandton

28 minutes

FAST, EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT

Sit back, relax and experience time convenience on Gautrain.

Using the Gautrain system to get from the Airport to Pretoria or Johannesburg has never been this easy. You can relax on board and avoid the hassle and bustle of the traffic, whilst enjoying the view, arriving on time at your next destination.

BENEFITS OF USING THE GAUTRAIN • • • •

Convenient and reliable Safe and secure Environmentally friendly Affordable

*Allow from 28 – 90 seconds “dwell time” at each station for passengers boarding / alighting. Please add extra time when planning your journey as you may be required to change trains depending on the route you are taking.

Stations open from 5am and close after 9pm.

For a detailed timetable for all stations please download the Gautrain App.

SMS “Alert” to 32693 for service updates

www.gautrain.co.za www.gautrain.mobi

Call Centre: 0800 Gautrain

All things

Croation

and more geared towards the travel side of hospitality. Gradually I developed my passion for hotels. The turning point was my traineeship in Ghana. My ‘serious’ hotel career started with Sandton Sun and subsequently InterContinental Sandton Towers hotel where I worked with a number of truly inspiring leaders.

What has been the biggest change in the industry that you have seen? In Joburg, ever-growing competition; at times supply exceeds demand and one needs to be really smart and always one step ahead in order to achieve results.

Hard work and dedication have paid off for Nikola Jelenovic.

H

ow do you see the meetings, conferences and exhibition industry at the moment? This plays a significant part of the revenue stream for hotels that offer conferencing facilities. In spite of the anticipated slowdown due to recession, I feel that with the right offer, hotels can still compete successfully and achieve great results.

How did your career in the hospitality industry start?

Initially I was somewhat confused

Can you please give us a short description of your career path so far? What positions have you had in the past? I started as a night receptionist and worked up through the rooms division departments by holding positions such as front office manager, rooms division manager and deputy general manager.

Why do feel that the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is a popular venue? The hotel has a

the night and I had to look after his Georgina kit in between his visits to Joburg.

great location and we strive to be innovative and provide excellent service.

What are you scared of?

Snakes.

What makes you laugh?

What are your best traits as a leader for your staff?

My own clumsiness.

Teams are an integrated part of every leader’s success. Teams that have vision, passion and clear goals are able to overcome any obstacle, and success inevitably follows. Having fun in the process is also the key. I’d like to think that I can motivate my team to achieve this.

What quote best describes you? If you do not succeed at

What superpower would you like to possess?

None, I am happy as a human.

Superpowers scare me.

What three words describe you? Passionate, stubborn, caring.

What are you addicted to?

Cannot live without chocolate.

What is the best and worst advice you have received?

first try, try again.

What have you learnt the hard way? Many things, I used to ‘just go for it’; now I am wiser.

If the Croatian president were coming to stay at the Holiday Inn Sandton, what Croatian dish would you ask your chef to cook for him and describe the dish? My family originates from an Island on the north coast of the Adriatic Sea known for the exceptional quality of its lamb meat. Our cuisine is also strongly influenced

by Mediterranean flavours, therefore a combination of both will make good impression on a visiting dignitary from home.

The best advice: if you work in hospitality be ready to break rules.

The worst advice: be quiet, do not make waves, and just blend in.

Being an avid Croatian football supporter, what do you think they can do better to improve their game? In spite of leaving World

What is your favourite holiday spot and why?

Cup painfully soon I think the team performed well, considering the tough group they had. As always in Croatia, we speculate a lot and mix politics with football.

My advice for them would be to be proud and stay focused on the game.

Anywhere in the Far East – love the culture, calmness and hospitality.

Who is your favourite author and why? I love books by Paolo Coelho – great wisdom in a simple way.

What is the most bizarre request you have had from a guest? It is too bizarre to mention, so I will share the second closest.

We had a guest who was George during the day and Georgina during

Who is your celebrity crush and why? Jeannie D. Well. What can I say, she is just plain gorgeous and incredibly talented!

ABOUT NIKOLA JELENOVIC Nikola Jelenovic, Jelenov is the newly appointed general manager for Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road.

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

21

But

ter

Enjoy food with friends

ed bok choy sear

H

ow has the food and beverage industry changed over the past five years? Running a F&B department as a profitable business has become a strong focus for every chef in the last few years.

Competition is tough, so you have to adapt quickly to new trends and be very aware of the market requirements.

What are some of the trends you see in the food and beverage industry? There is a strong focus on healthy food, sustainable ingredients and nose-to-tail (using all the edible parts of an animal) cooking.

I come across is a lack of planning. This puts a lot of pressure on most people involved.

As the saying goes, ‘by failing to ExecuƟve chef Thomas Schmid was born and raised in prepare, you are preparing to fail.’

Germany. He completed his chef training there and went on to work in Swiss skiing resorts for two years before How do you present coming to South Africa in 1991. Career highlights include: ordinary food in a way catering for Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday party at the that makes it look Sandton Conven on Centre, being recruited by a new appealing to delegates? company start-up in Dubai to conceptualise and develop I plate my food in a clean and a new restaurant in Dubai Mall and co-hos ng the cooking structured way so as to not look TV show, Food with Friends. @ChefThomasThe1 cluttered. I also use garnishes.

22 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

1 2 3 4

CATERING TIPS KNOW the demographic makeup of your group PLAN your times diligently COMMUNICATE correctly DOUBLE-CHECK everything

You have to adapt quickly to new trends and be very aware of the market requirements

What is the most common catering mistake at conferences? The most frequent mistake

ABOUT CHEF THOMAS

4

poached salmon on

At Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank, executive chef Thomas Schmid prepares the most scrumptious meals.

What dish are you asked to make the most often? Believe it or not, chicken and beef.

What is your signature dish?

Butter poached salmon on seared bok choy.

What is your favourite food and why? I absolutely love foie gras – it has a unique taste to it. Of course it must be ethically sourced.

Why did you decide to become a chef? My older brother started cooking at home and all the women in the family loved him for doing that. I thought to myself, if I start doing the same thing I might have the same reaction. I fell in love with food and decided that this is what I want to do as a profession. +27 (0)11 448 3600 therosebank.co.za

MEETING PLACES

Inspiring venues Cultural venues provide unique and enticing spaces for conferencing and functions. Meetings shares its top four venues.

GAUTENG Walter Sisulu Square is the place where, on 26 June 1955, over 3 000 an -apartheid ac vists made their way through the police to gather on a dusty square in Kliptown, Soweto. This was the Congress of the People, who met to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alterna ve vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state. Walter Sisulu Square is SA’s first township entertainment centre. The square boasts a four-star hotel and a three-storey mul purpose hall to suit any func on.

In addi on to this, The Square is home to The Venue @ STIC (Soweto Tourism Informa on Centre). This is an all-purpose venue perfect for medium-sized conferences, cocktail func ons and themed dinners. There are two open spaces, 10 Pillars and Freedom Foyer, which are ideal for concerts and product launches. waltersisulusquare.co.za

NORTH WEST Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village boasts conference facili es and African team-building ac vi es, which makes it an ideal venue in the North West for corporate ou ngs. Lesedi will breathe new life into company conferences, func ons and special events. Enjoy the spirit of ubuntu at this unique cultural venue where the music, song, and warmth of Africa’s hospitality await you and the lifestyle of her people will enthral you. lesedi-conference.com

WESTERN CAPE

De Goewerneur Restaurant has a unique home in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town. The restaurant presents its guests with a rich variety of South African cuisine with an emphasis on the influences of Malay, Dutch and French cooking passed on through South African history. The restaurant offers workshops and conference facili es for small businesses. castleofgoodhope.co.za

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2 WESTERN CAPE Matjiesfontein offers a truly unique conference, 250 km from Cape Town. The town provides an unrivalled se ng for seminars, conferences or workshops. The old Court House built in 1897, provides a historic backdrop for a small party or seminar with sea ng for around 60 guests. The Transport Museum features old vintage cars, trains and bicycles within a private garden and courtyard se ng. The main Car Hall can accommodate large corporate func ons in its spacious double-storey interior. Matjiesfontein offers 58 guest rooms. The Lord Milner, a graded three-star heritage site hotel, offers 16 classically furnished suites. A variety of other accommoda on op ons in the grounds include comfortable garden and courtyard rooms, and a swimming pool suite. matjiesfontein.com

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REASONS TO HAVE YOUR EVENT AT A CULTURAL VENUE HISTORY Museums and historic buildings reflect the past and in addition to learning something from the event content, delegates will walk away from the event with a greater understanding of South Africa’s history.

CULTURE Delegates visiting cultural villages will be treated to an authentic South African cultural experience.

PEOPLE Historic towns have re-enactments of how people used to live. Delegates will get to experience the past first-hand.

CSR By having your conference at a cultural village, you can use local crafts as delegate gifts, which will benefit the local community.

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MEETING PLACES • G a u t e n g

Convenience and comfort Enjoy convenience and comfort at Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport.

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ONFERENCE FACILITIES at Garden

Court O.R. Tambo International Airport are designed to offer a range of flexible options combined with an ideal location.

Specific conference requirements can be arranged with the hotel’s in-house team to ensure your event or conference gets the attention it deserves.

LOCATION

VENUES AND Room name Imbizo 1 Imbizo 2 Imbizo 3 Imbizo 4 Imbizo 5 Imvelo Ingadi Inhlaba Zimbali

The hotel is a few minutes’ drive (3 km) from O.R. Tambo International Airport and within close proximity to the Rhodesfield Gautrain station. A complimentary shuttle service to and CAPACITIES from the airport is Cinema Schoolroom Banquet Cocktail Boardroom available. There is 50 40 40 50 – ample parking at 50 40 40 50 – the hotel.

50 40 40 50 – 50 40 40 50 – MEETING AND 80 60 60 80 – EVENT SPACES – – – – 12 The conference – – – – 18 facilities at this – – – – 12 hotel comprises – – – – 12 nine venues, each providing varying Plan an event to remember at Garden seating layouts Court O.R. Tambo – the fuss-free opƟon for Cou Joburg Jobu conferencing. to meet your

MEETINGS RECOMMENDS

requirements. Seating layouts include cinema, cocktail, boardroom, banqueting and school room – allowing plenty of flexibility to plan your event.The spacious Imbizo rooms cater for up to 80 guests in a cinema or cocktail layout. There are also four smaller rooms that are ideal for meetings for 12 to 18 guests.

A brand new venue designed specially to host sports teams has recently been added to the hotel's facilities.

All venues have natural light and open up onto an idyllic landscaped garden.

The conferencing team is able to provide an assortment of equipment through their trusted supplier network. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

ACCOMMODATION Ample accommodation is available on-site, ensuring that guests never have to travel too far after the event has come to an end.

There are 253 en-suite rooms, each equipped with all the comforts you may need for a peaceful stay. The hotel boasts a new, fully equipped gym.

CATERING Delegates will be able to dine at the on-site buffet restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner alternatively, Rosie O’Grady’s Pub is an excellent venue for light a la carte meals and drinks.

+27 (0)11 392 1062 gcortambo@tsogosun.com tsogosun.com

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can you guess the logo’s? a big thank you from IHG in association with holiday inn sandton, rivonia road and crowne plaza johannesburg - the rosebank We think you deserve a little something for choosing to book your conferences, meetings and residential accommodation at our two hotels.

So how does a shopping spree on us sound? Or dinner out with friends?

with BusinessClub, it’s totally up to you This is how it works. Every time you spend on both day and residential conferences, you earn BusinessClub points that are redeemable at participating hotels, restaurants and SA retailers. Use it for air miles or free nights.

Can you guess some of the stores you can redeem your points?* 1

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the more points you collect, the more rewarding life becomes

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Oh and if personal rewards are a no-no at your company, we’ve got that covered too. Use your points to treat your colleagues to a delicious dinner, or perhaps host your next office party at one of the hotels.

Join BusinessClubTM and start earning points

Visit: www.businessclub.ihg.com or email businessclub@extrabold.co.za where a dedicated Sales Manager will assist you through the process

JOHANNESBURG - THE ROSEBANK

* ANSWERS: 1. Adega Restaurants 2. Edgars 3. NuMetro 4. @home 5. Markham 6. CNA 7. Musica 8. NetFlorist 9. Exclusive Books

MEETING PLACES • G a u t e n g

The heart of Rosebank Whether it’s for a meeting, event, function, business or leisure, Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank is the place to meet.

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ONVENIENTLY LOCATED two blocks from the Rosebank Gautrain station and the new Rosebank Mall, with 160 new stores and additional parking spaces, Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank definitely caters for the business, meetings and leisure traveller.

The hotel has 318 elegantly furnished guest rooms. The Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage Programme also guarantees all our guests a luxurious night’s rest with aromatherapy treatment, dedicated quiet zones and guaranteed wake-up calls, or your room is free.

After a long day of work, why not relax at the Amani Spa – located inside the hotel – and enjoy one of their signature treatments or book one of the corporate packages available for conferencing clients. Take a dip in the hotel’s rim-flow pool or sweat it out in the fitness centre with state-of-theart equipment.

MOUTH-WATERING FARE At the Butcher Block Steakhouse, you will be treated to triple-A-grade rump, fillet and sirloin steaks. The restaurant was voted best steakhouse of 2013 and rated best restaurant in Rosebank, by Trip Advisor. If meat is not your thing there is also Fresh Restaurant, where expert chefs take pride in making use of the freshest ingredients to capture the art of good food, is for you.

Looking for that great cup of coffee? Head to the Crowne Café, located inside the hotel lobby. The Crowne Café is known to have the best cappuccinos and chocolate bar in Rosebank, with a takeaway option for you to utilise.

Make sure to have some sundowners and drinks at their famous Circle Bar, with its colour-changing pods, fine selection of local and international beers, wines and signature cocktails. The Circle Bar also offers platters and snacks to enjoy.

FUNCTIONS Book your year-end or year-starting event at Crowne Plaza from R395 per person. Their dedicated Crowne Plaza meetings director will be assisting you in making your event with them a success – from the first planning meeting until the last guest leaves. Tailor-made packages to suit any budget can be arranged.

QUICK

CHAT

The team at Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank will make your event a memorable experience. MeeƟngs chats to the banque ng team: (from le ) Smangele Thage, Tamara-Jayne Richardson, Nivashni Naidoo and Sizakele Ramashetsa.

SMANGELE THAGE

Banqueting coordinator • What are the unique selling points of hosting an event at the hotel?

Our hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Rosebank, within walking distance of the Rosebank Gautrain station and the new Rosebank Mall. We have various venues available that can accommodate 5 to 300 people, including our funky Zen Garden and famous Circle Bar. The hotel offers gym facilities as well as the award-winning Amani Spa and Butcher Block Steakhouse.

TAMARA-JAYNE RICHARDSON Assistant banqueting sales manager • Why should a professional conference organiser (PCO) book his or her function or event at Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank? All PCOs who book with us earn commission. We have qualified and trained staff to ensure all events run smoothly. We really go out of our way to make sure every event we host on our beautiful property wows our guests.

NIVASHNI NAIDOO

Meetings director • What makes hosting an event at your hotel special? Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank is known as the place to meet. In my role as meetings director, I personally liaise with clients to ensure that all their needs are met. We are flexible and creative, also offering customer service consistently. In the hospitality industry, you need to be courteous, tactful and diplomatic. At this hotel, we have the events industry in our blood. We seek the thrill of successfully executing a big event.

SIZAKELE RAMASHETSA

Banqueting coordinator • What are your top tips for pulling off a great event? Make a great impression from the second you have contact with the guest, always pay meticulous attention to detail and be aware of your guests’ needs.

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

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MEETING PLACES • Gauteng

Conferencing in the city

MEETING ROOMS The first floor of the Holiday Inn Sandton is a prime mee ngs and conferencing venue in the heart of Sandton. It boasts six state-of-the-art conferencing rooms that can accommodate up to 70 guests comfortably at one me.

Due to the ever-changing needs of their delegates from conference to conference, the venues and packages allow event planners flexibility to customise their sea ng arrangements and equipment requirements to suit their every desire.

Also located on the first floor is the Business Centre. Guests and delegates can make use of the computers and prin ng facili es to make any last-minute changes to their presenta on, or to check on their emails while wai ng for a mee ng.

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GUEST ROOMS For the overnight delegate, the Holiday Inn Sandton offers guests star-quality accommoda on and service in a sophis cated se ng to round off the perfect conference.

The hotel offers 301 spacious and melessly decorated rooms that afford guests the opportunity to unwind and relax in style a er a long day’s conference. Each room comes standard with blackout curtains, a selec on of premium satellite television channels and tea- and coffee-making facili es. Luxuriously comfortable beds imported from the USA, coupled with your choice of pillow type from the pillow menu, promise guests a great night’s sleep no ma er how stressful the day has been. Before going to bed for the night, why not stop by the Skye Bar on the ninth floor?

Enjoy your evening with a cocktail while you take in the views of the Sandton night skyline in opulent comfort.

START THE DAY The Chairman Bar, located on the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Sandton, is an 18-hour coffee bar serving a variety of refreshments and snacks. The friendly baristas are well trained in the art of making the perfect cup of coffee, so whether you order a cappuccino or an espresso, you are guaranteed the perfect way to start your day every me.

Also on offer are a variety of freshly baked pastries cra ed to pair perfectly with your hot beverage. If coffee isn’t your thing, The Chairman is also a full-service bar offering a wide selec on of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, making this the perfect loca on for informal business mee ngs and a erwork drinks.

The Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road, provides stylish accommodation, conference facilities and culinary fare – perfect for a conference with an overnight stay.

Meet the team Expect to receive unsurpassed service from the sales team at the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road.

H HAILEY MISIC, director of sales aand marketing • What are your greatest str I am very driven and strengths? self-motivated.

• What is a salesperson’s most important role? People buy from people they like and trust. Clients have become more knowledgeable about what hotels are available in different locations and what prices competitors are offering, so it becomes important for the salesperson to then work with the client to show where they can get real value or where their needs can be best met.

JESSICA MAIN, sales manager • What skills does a salesperson need? It is important for salespeople to know their products in and out, and to be good listeners.

S SESHENI NADESAN-NAIDOO, ssales manager • What is a salesperson’s most im important role? A salesperson’s most important role is to ensure that the client and the business’s best interests are always at heart.

KEDIBONE MABOE, sales manager • What drives you? I am driven by people, technology and travel.

• What are your favourite things about working at the hotel? The environment I work in and the building itself. I love the grand entrance, the dazzling chandeliers and, of course, the great views from Skye Bar.

F FULUFHELO MAAKE, ssales manager • What are your greatest str The ability to interact strengths? with clients and closing deals.

• What are the words you live by? It always seems impossible until it’s done.

BUSISIWE NXUMALO, sales coordinator • What drives you? I am driven by passion and a love for my job. I take pride in going the extra mile for clients, as well as assisting and driving the team I work with.

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MEETING PLACES • Gauteng

No place like home The ability to accommodate the requirements of both thier exhibitors and visitors has seen many exhibition and event organisers return to the Johannesburg Expo Centre.

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ANKED AS ONE of the world’s largest

mining shows and Southern Africa’s biggest trade exhibition, Electra Mining Africa took place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) from 15 to 19 September, together with co-located shows Elenex Africa and Transport Expo. A show like Electra Mining demands a venue that provides easy access for a high number of visitors and flexibility, structure and easy access points for exhibitors to set up their stands and demonstrations quickly and efficiently. The JEC is that venue.

IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS Over 100 000 m2 of exhibition space was used by the 890 local and international exhibitors, from the mining, industrial, electrical and machine tools industries, who showcased their

32 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

latest innovations, products, services and technologies at Electra Mining.

More than 35 000 visitors from South Africa, Africa and other parts of the world attended the five-day show to view live demonstrations of the newest machinery and cutting-edge innovations. Simulation booths enabled visitors to experience state-of-the-art products and on-site entertainment provided light relief during the busy days.

“The support received from exhibitors and general business for the 2014 show has been outstanding. The visitor experience at Electra Mining Africa is like

no other trade show on the continent,” says Gary Corin, managing director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, which organises the biennial show.

According to Bernadette Wilson, group public relations manager from Multotec, the Expo Centre is unlike any other venue in Africa. “There are no other venues in subSaharan Africa that could accommodate the requirements of an exhibition of this size and stature. We are thrilled with the results and the centre’s ability to accommodate the requirements of both our exhibitors and visitors.

“We take great pride in our reputation as a venue of choice for shows of this magnitude,” says Craig Newman, CEO of JEC. “It’s gratifying to see our event organisers return year after year, and it’s important that we meet their requirements and ensure that our facilities accommodate the needs of their exhibitors and visitors.”

The JEC is an exhibition and event specialist that partners with your brand

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3 CLOCKWISE The JEC is home to Electra Mining Africa, which showcases millions of rands’ worth of equipment from across the globe, as well as a number of high-profile conferences; over 100 000 m2 of outdoor exhibition space was used by the 890 local and international exhibitors of Electra Mining; the JEC can host large events of up to 100 00 people – this year, the centre was home to the Ultra Music Fest

Cindy Bailing, marketing services representative for Joy Global, adds: “We participate at a number of international mining exhibitions worldwide and have been supporting the Electra Mining brand for a number of years. The venue has always been great from an accessibility point of view, considering the size of the equipment we bring in. The show itself always provides a great platform for us to interact with the delegates and our peers.”

The event showcases millions of rands’ worth of equipment from across the globe, as well as a number of high-profile conferences.

According to the event organisers, exhibitors did not hesitate to book for the next show and by the time Electra Mining Africa 2014 drew to a close, nearly 40% of exhibitors had already jumped to secure their spaces for Electra Mining Africa 2016. “This demonstrates the show’s success and status as a world-class event that draws high volumes of quality exhibitors and visitors,” Corin says.

globally recognised marketing tool that sets a benchmark in the industry and acknowledges the efforts of company personnel in every position.

“The JEC is a multipurpose venue, offering clients flexibility and a team of highly competent individuals working behind the scenes,” says Newman. “We’ve hosted some of the biggest and best trade fairs on the continent and it wouldn’t be possible without the exceptional group of people that make up our team. The award is a way of indicating your competency in your industry to peers and clients. More importantly, it shows your team that their hard work is being recognised and that is why we are so proud to have received this award. It’s reassuring to our employees when they can see that we are achieving our objectives.”

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REASONS WHY THE JEC IS UNIQUE LOCATION The JEC is conveniently located with ease of access to all of Johannesburg’s major arterial highways and within a 30-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport. It is also within 15 minutes of a variety of choice hotels, ranging from three to five stars.

FACILITIES The variety of conference facilities on-site make the JEC ideal for hosting any event, and always to absolute world-class standards.

The JEC offers warehousing and storage facilities.

SIZE The JEC covers over 50 000 m2 of covered space and over 100 000 m2 of outdoor space.

FLEXIBILITY The JEC can cater for small, intimate events of 10 people or large events of up to 100 000.

CATERING Five-star in-house catering ensures that your delegates will be treated to a culinary affair.

UNFORGETTABLE EVENTS The JEC is an exhibition and event specialist that partners with your brand, ensuring your needs are meet.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES A registered helipad, managed by Capital Air, ensures that your event has something extra special. The staff at the JEC are on hand to not only meet your needs but exceed your expectations.

MULTIPLE ENTRANCES The JEC boasts multiple entrances with all infrastructural requirements provided.

SECURE PARKING There is safe parking for up to 20 000 vehicles.

10 AWARD-WINNING The JEC has worldclass facilities, validated by the receipt of the coveted PMR Africa Diamond Award in 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

11 PARTNERSHIPS In line with its new +27 (0)11 494 1920 info@expocentre.co.za expocentre.co.za

partnership with BFree Events Group and Stadium Management, the JEC provides safe and secure parking for patrons of all big events taking place at Soccer City.

AWARD-WINNING VENUE Reinforcing its status as a world-class events venue, the JEC bagged the PMR Africa Gold Award for Best Exhibition and Events Venue in September.

PMR Africa is an organisation that provides consulting, research and risk management services to companies in every industry. The purpose of the annual awards is to enable the winning companies to advance in their respective industries by providing them with a

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MEETING PLACES • Gauteng

Varied and colourful events Tshwane Events Centre offers space, variety and flexibility to its clients; allowing for truly memorable and successful events.

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RE YOU LOOKING for a venue that is flexible enough to meet all your requirements and provide turnkey solutions to ensure easy event planning? Look no further than Tshwane Events Centre – it’s a true blank canvas awaiting the artist to fill it with imagination, innovation, creativity and colour.

PRETORIA’S GEM The Tshwane Events Centre has been part of the Pretoria landscape since 1929 and has hosted some of the most memorable events in the country’s history. The centre is home to the Independent Electoral Commission’s Operational Centre during national and provincial elections. It is also synonymous with the annual Pretoria Show, which is attended by thousands of families from all over the country.

KEEPING UP WITH THE TRENDS Over the years, the Tshwane Events Centre has kept up with national and international trends to maintain its status as one of the best conference facilities and events locations in the country. The centre is the second largest exhibition venue in South Africa.

The centre is a multipurpose facility that can accommodate more than 50 000 visitors simultaneously. There are 11 exhibition halls that vary in size and can accommodate a variety of functions, from large-scale indoor exhibitions to music concerts and sporting events.

The centre has excellent auction facilities for every type of live-animal auction. Other infrastructure services include on-site banking facilities, telecommunication services including Wi-Fi access, top-class catering facilities as well

From dazzling year-end functions to family and sports days, Tshwane Event Centre offers turnkey solutions ensuring successful events

DID YOU KNOW? Tshwane Events Centre is the ideal venue to have an outdoor cinema, music fes val or an open-air art exhibi on.

The turnkey services are not restricted to the centre; they can provide the same packages to events not held on the premises.

EVENTS WITH A DIFFERENCE

as easy access and secure parking for up to 3 500 vehicles.

Over the last few years, the centre has also carved a name for itself as a premier conference facility able to host up to 300 delegates at a time.

TURNKEY SOLUTIONS The Tshwane Events Centre is more than just a venue – it offers a full and comprehensive turnkey service to suit any client requirement and budget. Services range from event logistical services and catering to event and project management as well as registration and accreditation management.

At the Tshwane Events Centre, the A–Z of event planning will be taken care of. By using the turnkey services on offer, clients can enjoy a one-stop shop when it comes to their events, allowing them a stress-free environment to engage productively with their customers, while having the peace of mind that stressful and time-consuming project planning has been effectively attended to. Each function and event is allocated a project manager to run it on behalf of the client.

The centre is highly flexible, with multiple areas within its boundaries suitable for any kind of event. Clients can mix and match facilities to create an unforgettable experience. For example, a client can book a conference room with breakaway rooms, a venue for a gala dinner and outdoor space for team-building activities – all on one property. In addition, the general freedom organisers have on the property allows for the creative process to blossom and allows for unforgettable and amazing events.

THEMED FUNCTIONS Its size and ability to host any conceivable event has put the centre among the leading convention and events centres in South Africa.

From themed events, murder mysteries or haunted dinners to raves and music concerts as well as sport days, Tshwane Events Centre is flexible enough to accommodate any event.

it is a picnic or braai with live music or a carnival complete with popcorn, candy floss and a clown or two – one thing is for sure, a family day at Tshwane Events Centre will be a memorable one.

LARGE-SCALE EVENTS The centre boasts 82 000 m2 of covered exhibition space and open and multipurpose areas. The main arena is able to accommodate an impressive 25 000 people. The South African National Defence Force – for its yearend function – converted the centre’s halls into a military parade ground complete with demonstrations, tanks and all sorts of military hardware with ease.

Tshwane Events Centre’s facilities are flexible enough to be able to accommodate any event organiser or tenant’s needs and provide space for any conceivable event.

Coupled with comprehensive turnkey logistical solutions, tenants or event organisers enjoy and experience a full bouquet, which is not only cost-effective but extremely convenient.

FAMILY DAYS With its large open spaces, ample parking and catering amenities, Tshwane Events Centre is able to host large groups with ease and comfort. It is for this reason that the centre is the first choice for government departments, and private companies’ family days. Whether

+27 (0)12 327 1487 ricky@tshwabac.co.za tshwhane-events.co.za

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

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TALKING POINTS

Talk, talk, talk – and do!

INDUSTRY VIEWS

Looking back on 2014, Zelda Coetzee sees a mixed bag of successes and challenges.

SAACI's take on keeping current

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O MUCH HAS happened at SAACI. We have a new CEO and a new head office. We have increased member-to-member benefits and sealed corporate partnerships. We have conducted a number of member surveys and arranged focus groups.

THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ZELDA COETZEE is the SAACI national chairperson.

INDUSTRY VIEWS

Our position statement on commission paid to professional conference organisers is being finalised and we are working closely with the national convention bureau to conduct definitive research about the business events industry in South Africa. We are working with government around the realignment of BEE codes for the tourism industry and we have stepped up our representation on industry forums such as the CEO’s forum, which is coordinated by the Tourism Business Council.

Our national congress in the remote town of St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal was an absolute highlight and we look forward to taking the event to Cape Town next year.

Two very serious challenges came to the fore this year. First, the immigration regulations proposed by the Department of Home Affairs caused a major stir. A lot of consultation and dialogue still has to take place around this issue.

Second, the proposed 10% tourism levy in KwaZulu-Natal, to assist with a bid fund so that the province can attract more large-scale international and local conferences and events, has caused much concern.

Understandably, more business events will mean more business in the province, but it is a sensitive matter that needs thorough consultation and research. Once again, there is a need for a major discussion around this that will lead to a positive outcome.

Let us hope that talks don’t just remain talks. SAACI is committed to meaningful engagement around these issues, so that in 2015, we talk less and do more!

I wish the industry a blessed festive season and a profitable New Year.

The ugly truth about waste

On keeping green with EGF

Every event needs a waste management programme in order to reduce the harmful effect it can have on the environment, writes Tim Nel.

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TIM NEL is an account executive at Scan Display and a member of EGF. This forum aims to promote sustainable and ethical business practices within the events industry.

OUR CHALLENGES

LECTRA MINING IS a popular exhibition that takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre and attracts thousands of visitors. It was during this exhibition that several members of the Event Greening Forum (EGF) learnt about event waste management from Zihad Khaan, manager at ZF Cleaning.

One of the first things an event organiser needs to do when working on an exhibition like Electra Mining is to submit a waste management plan to the City of Johannesburg. This plan would include a projection of waste to be generated, what kinds of waste will be generated and how this waste will be removed and recycled. It was disconcerting to learn that not all event planners do this.

RECYCLING BINS Most plans will include the placement of recycling bins in and around the venue. Although the bins have separate openings for different kind of recyclables, not every event attendee will adhere to these guidelines and will

36 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

throw away their waste in any of the openings. This is not ideal, but ZF Cleaning has a dedicated team of waste sorters, who separate non-recyclable materials from the recyclables.

After sorting through the waste on each day of an event, the various materials are sent to recycling depots and weighed.

Values are used to calculate profits for the team and are also important for the post-event report, in which a cleaning company needs to state how much of the various kinds of waste were generated during the event.

CONSCIOUS OF WASTE It is interesting to learn a little more about the waste management process that a company such as ZF Cleaning goes through in preparing for, during and after, an event.

It encourages you to be more aware of the importance of recycling both for the environment and the surrounding community. Let us hope that venues, organisers, exhibitors and visitors to events will become more conscious of waste and more cooperative in terms of how to make a lesser impact on the environment in an event or exhibition environment.

Need to arrange an event?

HOW WHERE WHAT SACONFERENCE DIRECTORY

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TA L K I N G P O I N T S

INDUSTRY VIEWS On expert teams

Create the perfect meeting Having an expert team translates into MICE offerings that are flexible, writes Don Jesseman.

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DON JESSEMAN is the newly appointed hotel manager for Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank.

In his new role, Jesseman will be responsible for the full management of all operational departments within the hotel.

INDUSTRY VIEWS On event decor

VERY EVENT IS different with its own needs and objectives. The location and venue capacities of the hotel’s meeting spaces play a part in the decision when choosing a venue; however, in order to make an event a success, it is vital that the entire hotel staff (from the manager to the cleaners) go the extra mile and that tailor-made packages are offered.

Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank is a great location with unsurpassed service and innovative meeting packages.

CREATING HOTELS THAT PEOPLE LOVE This passion stems from the hotel’s management. They pride themselves as being industry leaders and they are as focused on looking after their staff as they are in creating a great hotel that people love. A happy team is productive team.

STRONG LEADERSHIP INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS At Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank, the conference staff know that, by working together with the event planner, they can create, inspire and solve virtually anything. It is this reason that the hotel is fast becoming Rosebank’s meetings and event venue of choice. Any occasion can be catered for. Event planners can rest assured knowing that each time they use the hotel for their event, the staff will find innovative ways to

Managing an innovative team is not an easy task and as a result it is important to have a manager that has great insight into people, is a meticulous planner and a service and results - driven individual. It is also important to have a manager that is a great communicator and has an eye for detail. Strong leadership is a direct driver in creating successful teams.

It is these teams that will be able to handle all the details of your meeting with ease, leaving you free to succeed.

5D sensory delights Magnificently memorable moments entice all the senses, leaving the recipient holistically inspired.

A

ALEXAI LYNOV is the CEO of 3D Deco. The company delivers curvilinear, awe-inspiring events and exhibition decor.

ensure that the event stays ‘fresh’. This is because, at Crown Plaza – The Rosebank, all staff have a great passion for what they do.

CCORDING TO Microsoft’s Canadian insights lead, Alyson Gausby, when all of our senses are engaged, the whole brain is stimulated, providing the opportunity for total recall. How does this affect the eventing arena? When guests leave your function having had a fulfilling experience, they will associate a connectedness with your brand and/or company. This is what building relationships is all about. It is no wonder that when 3D Deco launched its sensory range in April this year, it received a ‘high five’ from event planners who are looking to take their business to a new level.

At any event or exhibition, decor is an obvious visual statement that creates an immediate impression when the attendee walks in; then there is the chef to indulge the taste buds and the musical director to scoop one along through enchanting sounds that establish a theme. What about the other senses?

Here, 3D Deco returns. The company have added signage onto certain decor items that entice you to ‘touch me’ and ‘smell me’. Many people are drawn to touching the smooth, stretch products. These pieces are also lightly fragranced with the finest natural oils, used in minimal proportions, transporting guests along their journey.

VISUAL STATEMENTS Founded and established in 2000, 3D Deco is an innovative high-tech, futuristic design studio that delivers a product of the highest quality. The design novelty is exclusive – making it a rare commodity, giving 3D Deco a definite edge in the interior design, event decor and alternative branding industry.

REMEMBER MY NAME Whether you want to leave a lasting impression on staff members, potential clients or suppliers, entrance them all with your originality and panache. 3D Deco is available to transform your next event or expo into a 5D space of sensory delight.

MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014 •

39

T H E B A C K PA G E

The meaning of...

For Miss Meet, the dictionary just doesn’t provide accurate definitions for what goes on at events.

T

RUTH B BE TOLD, I have never come across s a single correct definition or explanation expl of all the different aspects that th make up our industry. As a result, based on my many years of experience, experien I have started putting together my own event glossary.

Below are some so of my more creative definitions. JJust a quick disclaimer – all definitions are unapproved by any meeting or event ev body. Still, I know they will agree.

ACCREDITATION The best (and most diplomatic) way to keep out dodgy wannabes w at your events.

MISS MEET, a professional event manager, shares her personal experiences within the meetings, events, incentive and exhibition industry.

BUFFET T The menu choice you go with after the last five years of preplated, pre-selec pre-selected foods have resulted in complaints about abou underdone fillet, allergic reactions to th the he prawn prawns and helpings being far too small.

of the attendees actually bothers to read this, judging by the number of calls that one receives after this letter has gone out.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE The branded signs event managers put up at an event to help attendees find the correct venues, but as with the confirmation letter, they are the only ones that actually see and read these.

EVENT DISCLAIMER If I kill you it’s not my fault.

FLOOR PLAN A precise and schematic drawing of a function room indicating specific requirements that goes out the window when you arrive onsite and realise that in practice it just ain’t gonna work.

SOUND CHECK The hour before the event is scheduled to start, all the audiovisual equipment will actually be working.

After that, it’s touch and go.

TWO-WAY RADIO A wireless radio that keeps you in contact with your team on-site and also gets you access to prettymuch anywhere (basically a form of accreditation). It’s right up there with the clipboard.

CLIPBOARD A small board with a spring clip at the top, used for holding papers, providing support for writing and giving you complete access to the entire event.

PROMO GIRLS Leggy blondes and brunettes that have mastered the art of making 40-something males believe that they still have it.

CONFIRMATION LETTER A letter that an event manager sends out to attendees to answer any questions that may possibly arise. In reality, this is a waste of time because none

WALK-IN A person that arrives at your event unannounced and has the gift of making you feel that it’s all your fault that their name is not on the list.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS CLA Brand and Event Engineering 13 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank 23 Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank 28 CTICC OBC Gautrain OFC Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport 27 Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road 31 IBTM Africa 38

40 • MEETINGS l NOV/DEC 2014

Intercape Jhb Tourism Johannesburg Expo Centre Panda Hospitality Holdings SANCB Tshwane Events Centre TechRig WTM Africa

1 6 & 11 IBC IFC 2 26 3 25

GAUTRAIN SUPPLEMENT ADVERTS African Hotels & Adventure – Kopanong Constitution Hill CSIR International Convention Centre Manhattan Hotel The Bannister Hotel

Experience Extraordinary There is a place where conferences 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. Here, creativity comes to life, today’s ideas and visions become tomorrow’s reality, and impressions and bonds are created that last forever.

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