8
REPORT BACK MICA MARKET
Mica injects
a fresh breeze into the group
This year’s Mica Market catchphrase ‘Bringing our A game to the table’, was exactly that, with a superbly planned, executed and informative event which took place in Cape Town.
O
n Monday, 5 August Mica retailers,
trade days after the perfect opportunity to source
leading authority with years of experience on
suppliers and other Mica guests
product at the best possible prices.
employee engagement and workplace culture.
gathered together in Cape Town for a
The night held more surprises as guest were
three day Mica event. Traditionally this
He also helps companies to improve their
shuttled to Gold Restaurant, an authentic African
bottom-line results by growing its people and
event used to be hosted at the Wild Coast Casino
food and entertainment affair of note – all sponsored
creating winning workplace cultures.
and Hotel. The change of scenery was a fresh
by Plascon. It is hard to describe this experience,
breeze to most retailers who agreed that a
but it was well worth it. While honouring African
Gavin is no stranger to Mica. He has entertained
change was necessary and it added much
culinary traditions, the restaurant combines modern
and motivated Mica retailers in the past with his
excitement to the event.
flavours and techniques to serve up a sophisticated
thought provoking talks. This one again was a
African feast. It serves a 14-dish tasting menu in
remarkable insight too.
Delegates were accommodated at the Cullinan
Second to take the stand was Gavin Sharples.
and Waterfront Hotel, both Sun International hotels.
generous individual and shared portions. Each dish is
They are located next to each other, with the venue,
brought to the table with country of origin, cooking
no-nonsense manner and cuts to the chase in a
the famous CTICC just a short walk away.
techniques and spicing explained.
fun way. He speaks on matters that relate to the
The first night was a meet and greet, with old
The entertainment is an array of storytelling
Gavin delivers ideas and strategies in a
individual and how the individual can and does
friends and colleagues getting together at the
through music, singing and dancing. Guests at
affect the success of a company. He speaks on
Grand Africa Café & Beach and a Mont Blanc
Gold Restaurant cannot help but be swept up
change, action and truth. If we don’t continuously
dress-up evening sponsored by Prodist. Although
in the excitement of archetypal African stories
change and innovate and do things differently we
the weather was cool and windy, the venue was
told through live entertainment. This includes
will die. He is a massive disciple of action and that
cosy and guests warmed up quickly once they
Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of
the actions we take or do not take will determine
started moving to the tunes of the proudly
the marimba and djembe drums. A nice surprise
our success or our failure.
South African Band, Prime Circle.
to finish off the night was a performance from
On Tuesday morning, retailers had an opportunity
authentically African entertainer, Freshly Ground.
Members enjoyed an afternoon at leisure. Some went exploring, others caught up with work
to meet their suppliers at their respective product
On the Wednesday morning Mica introduced
stands. This afforded them an opportunity to first
the guests to two speakers sponsored by Matus
their hotel rooms, resting before the nights award
examine and try out some of the latest – and old
and Academy Brushware. First up was Stef du
ceremony sponsored by Duram, and the beautiful
faithful products available to the market. These
Plessis with a remarkable story to tell. Stef is a
celebrity master of ceremonies, Jo-Ann Strauss.
Eureka.
Gedore.
Glue Devil.
Ruwag. SEPTEMBER 2019 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
Matus.
or meetings, and a few headed to the privacy of
