Event issue 03_2014

ISSUE 03 | 2014

+ DESIGN CAPITAL 2014 Cape Town shines

+ INNOVATIVE STAND DESIGN Embracing Cutting-Edge Trends

+ TANZANIA Taking Business Events to the Next Level

CONTENTS | 01

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2. Spintelligent Poised for Massive Growth

4. Agritech Expo to put Zambia’s Farming Sector on the Map

5. Cape Town Tourism Leads the Country

6. SACTWU Concludes Local Procurement Agreement for CTIJF

7. SA Tourism Opens Office in West Africa

8. Durban ICC Supports Youth Development Projects

9. The Wedding Expo Will Help You Plan Your Wedding

10. Stand Designers – Bringing Fresh Innovation to the Events Industry

14. Nigel Walker on the Evolution of Events

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Cape Town Jazz Festival

Innovative Stand Design

Takes bold step to have merchandise produced only in SA.

Kim Muller explores the latest trends in exhibition stands.

16. Cape Town World Design Capital 2014

22. A Chat with John Moatshe 24. More International Destinations Make Official Debut at IT&CM China 2014

26. Tanzania – Taking Business Events to the Next Level

28. The Western Cape – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

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26

Design Capital 2014

Tanzania

Cape Town steps up to the plate

Taking Business Events to the next level

30. Events 32. Industry Moves 33. Greening Initiatives at Meetings Africa 2014

34. Associations 36. Directory

02 | NEWS

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SPINTELLIGENT Poised for Massive Growth African Utility Week & Clean Power Africa With more than 5,000 registered visitors, representing 67 countries, 200 speakers and over 200 exhibiting companies, African Utility Week & Clean Power Africa is still the leading utility conference and exhibition in Africa. Attendance grew by 38% in 2013 and the event won the coveted EXSA award for the Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition in its respective category.

This year the event promises even more content for and by the industry, including the Utility CEO Forum which will bring together 20 utility CEOs from across Africa to discuss the future of the energy market.

African Utility Week will also launch its industry awards to honour the continent’s leading power professionals, utilities and energy projects.

• “2013 was the best year since we joined the exhibition and conference 6 years ago. With the merging of Clean Power Africa and African Utility Week, it allowed us an enlarged audience and market segments. We will be back next year.” Dean Pratt, Regional Manager Africa, Marelli Motori - platinum sponsors • “We could not have been happier with the media and PR exposure we received at the event and through our sponsorship of the CEO Forum.” Paul Hinks, CEO, Symbion Power - platinum sponsors

CBM-TEC The new launch Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo and Conference or CBM-TEC, held in Kitwe in April, is set to put the Zambian Copperbelt on the map and the industry seems to agree: the expo is sold out already! Some 1500 mining experts are expected at an industry event that has been described as long overdue for the region.

Says David Ashdown: “Zambia is Africa’s mining hot spot. Compared to other countries, mining makes an unusually large contribution to total export earnings, to total national investment and to total foreign direct investment. These contributions have increased in recent years.

CBM-TEC tackles the future of Zambian mining at the heart of mining operations.”

In partnership with the Electra Mining Africa exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, CBM-TEC is organised jointly by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery and Spintelligent. iPAD DRC and Katanga Mining Briefing: During 2013, Spintelligent’s pioneering infrastructure and mining events in the DRC, namely iPAD DRC and Katanga Mining Briefing, continued to go from strength to strength, with well-established and longterm local institutional and commercial support and steady growth in attendance and sales numbers. More than a thousand high-level delegates attended these events while the sponsorships at the Lubumbashi event almost doubled.

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“IPAD DRC is like the ‘must go to’ institution for the promotion of the mining sector in the DRC.” Felix Mupande, Director General, Cadastre Minier, DRC “This exhibition is important for our visibility on the market as well as acquiring new clients.” Lindsey Domingo, Country Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, DRC – gold sponsors “Very well organized, world class events! The future of our business is with the copper mining houses and so the Katanga Mining Briefing helped us to promote our products, through the exhibition, to different mining houses.”” Esther Musozya, Marketing Manager, Ndola Lime Co LTD, Zambia – silver sponsors

Preferred expansion partner Says Spintelligent’s MD David Ashdown: “Increasingly Spintelligent is becoming THE preferred events and expo partner for organisers wishing to expand a portfolio and launch events on the continent. We will continue to deliver exciting projects in African growth industry sectors including utilities and infrastructure, mining, education, agriculture and defence. We are also focused on the following emerging markets on the continent: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Angola, Mozambique and Zambia.”

04 | NEWS

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AGRITECH EXPO to put Zambia's farming sector on the map

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ambia’s booming agriculture sector will be in focus at the country’s first and only businessto-business outdoor agriculture exhibition, Agritech Expo, which is taking place from 4-5 April in Chisamba. The Zambian National Farmers Union (ZNFU) is a key partner in the event which is expected to draw more than 8 000 of the industry’s leading farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retails, agents and service providers.

Says Mr Ndambo Ndambo, ZNFU Executive Director: “Agritech Expo puts Zambia on the map. It is our first businessto-business international farming exhibition and positions Zambia at the same level as our regional partners.”

A nation on the rise “Zambia is a nation on the rise”, says Agritech Expo Event Director Liam Beckett, “with an economy projected to be one of the 10 fastest-growing in the world between now and 2015. At the heart of this growth is Zambia’s flourishing agriculture sector, accounting for 35% of the nation’s GDP which equates to around $4.5-billon in real money. The expansion of small-scale farming and the development of emerging and commercial farms are the key contributors to growth of the agriculture sector in Zambia.”

Full-scale live agri event “The timing of Agritech Expo is therefore perfect”, he continues, “it is a full-scale, live

agriculture event offering everything from first-hand demonstrations of the latest in large-scale agricultural machinery to live crop trials. We want visitors to really be able to get their hands dirty and be able to experience what is on offer.”

One of the greatest challenges facing farmers across Africa is maximising the potential of their arable land by increasing crop yields. Average crop yields across Zambia are 1.5-2 tons per hectare where there is potential to achieve in excess of eight tons per hectare.

Set on a 24 hectare site at the GART Research Centre in Chisamba, Agritech Expo has seven live crop trials taking place at the event. The fields were planted in November 2013 and will be ready in April 2014. The crop trials will give visitors a first-hand opportunity to see the effects of agro-chemicals on crop growth and development. The outdoor expo will also feature dozens of agro-chemicals, financial services, irrigation and livestock stands.

The expo is free to attend for all agricultural professionals who pre-register, or arrive with an event ticket.

Strong support Agritech Expo boasts strong local industry and institutional support including the ZNFU, Musika, a Zambian non-profit that stimulates private investment in the smallholder market, GART or the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust and USAID, which will offer a comprehensive, free technical workshop programme.

Global agri giant AGCO has already confirmed its exclusive diamond sponsorship for Agritech Expo while Stanbic Bank is a platinum sponsor. Other sponsors include: Afgri, BASF, Seed-Co, SARO, Du Pont-Pioneer, John Deere, Valtra, K2, Kempston, Lindsay, Zamseed and EFE.

Congress on key issues A one-day conference, the Agribusiness Congress, forms part of Agritech Expo and will address key issues facing Zambian agriculture this year, including crop diversification, export and import regulations, innovative finance and supplier relationships.

Event dates and location: Expo: 4-5 April 2014 Conference: 4 April 2014 Location: GART Research Centre, Chisamba, Zambia Web: www.agritech-expo.com Agritech Expo is organised by leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, Spintelligent Pty.

Contact: Communications manager: Annemarie Roodbol Telephone: +27 21 700 3558 mobile: +27 82 562 7844 Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.com

NEWS | 05

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Cape Town Tourism Leads the Country

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rowth in Cape Town’s tourism sector remains steady, according to a recent report by Independent News Online.

There are signs of revival in the city’s construction industry, with an almost 48% year-on-year rise in the value of building plans completed between July and September.

The city’s Economic Information and Research Unit recently reported that Cape Town accounts for more than 70% of the province’s economic output. According to the report, the city’s future growth depends on its ability to realise opportunities in industries where it has comparative advantage – tourism, finance and business services, for example.

It has relative comparative advantage over other South Africa cities because of its tourism appeal, with the retail sector benefitting as a result. Cape Town also has the second-busiest container port and airport in the country and is able to attract new investment. Wesgro facilitated three major investments to the value of R219.4-million during the quarter under review. About R56.4-million of this was invested in the media and advertising sector,

creating 2,000 new jobs.

The study recorded a growth in the number of building applications submitted to the city compared to the same period for 2012 and 2011. Most of these plans were for non-residential developments, with a value of R1.28-billion, indicating the boom on commercial developments across the city.

“The city’s large spend on new infrastructure, refurbishment and maintenance of existing infrastructure has created the platform for a growing economy,” said Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Environmental and Spatial Planning.

South Africa remains a premier tourist destination in sub-Saharan Africa and 789 168 foreign tourists visited South Africa in July last year. Europe remains the biggest source market of tourists, with the secondlargest number coming from the US. The quarterly report identified the city’s top six tourist destinations: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope National Park,

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The city’s large spend on new infrastructure, refurbishment and maintenance of existing infrastructure has created the platform for a growing economy.

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the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island.

The Waterfront performed best out of all six, attracting almost 90% of the total number of visits to these six attractions. Table Mountain National Park took second place.

06 | NEWS

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© Kimberleigh Aleksandra

SACTWU

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Concludes Local Procurement Agreement for CTIJF © Kimberleigh Aleksandra

he Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has concluded a ground-breaking local procurement agreement with espAfrika, producers of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). According to a statement released in February, this is the first time in the 15-year history of the CTIJF that all the events’ clothing, textile and leather memorabilia will be completely sourced from local South African manufacturers.

The agreement applies to the purchasing of all clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) products for espAfrika in relation to the CTIJF and all its events, marketing and promotion.

“We further expect this initiative to provide global exposure to for the quality of South African manufactured CTFL products,” the statement said, “It is the first step in a programme to explicitly fuse jazz and fashion in the CTIJF.” According to the agreement, “The parties recognise that the clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) industry is the source of employment for thousands of workers and the source of income for great numbers of families, communities and the unemployed.” espAfrika has committed to undertake that all CTFL products they or their agents procure “will be manufactured in the Republic of South Africa” and that all the products will carry a country of origin label. This is to verify that they are originals and have not been imported from substitutes.

NEWS | 07

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SA Tourism

Opens Office in West Africa

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outh African Tourism recently announced the opening of the very first South African Tourism regional marketing office in Lagos, Nigeria. The first of its kind on the African continent, the Tourism Minister said it was a “momentous occasion” for the Department.

Addressing the West African travel trade and guests in attendance, Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said, “South African Tourism’s new home in Lagos demonstrates and confirms the resolve between our two countries to strengthen our relations for the mutual benefit of our peoples and, indeed, the long-term gain of the African continent.”

He went on to say that it confirms economic

cooperation between the two regions and that the “special and longstanding” relationship that South Africa and Nigeria has is “pivotal towards building an Africa that is economically vibrant and resilient.”

The minister also said that growth in African arrivals is what shielded SA’s tourism industry from the worst of the recent economic downturn. A total of 73,282 Nigerian tourists visited SA in 2012, which is a 13.8% increase compared with the previous year.

At the end of June 2013, Nigerian arrivals continued to grow – a 15.9% growth on the same period in 2013. Ghanaian arrivals to South Africa have also seen record growth – a phenomenal 23.8% in 2012, with a 27.3%

increase by June 2013.

“These numbers represent more than mere statistics to us; they represent a friendship that grows and strengthens each year. They are an indication that we are indeed delivering on our brand promise,” Mr Van Schalkwyk said.

South African Tourism has also officially extended an invitation to the rest of Africa to showcase the continent by exhibiting together at the annual Tourism Indaba from 10-12 May in Durban.

“This new office is our heartfelt and sincere invitation to all Nigerians, Ghanaians and indeed, all West Africans to come and enjoy a memorable holiday in South Africa,” he concluded.

08 | NEWS

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DURBAN ICC

Supports Youth Development Projects

Durban ICC Executive Chef John Moatshe works side by side with graduates of the Ikusasa School of Cooking, Sindiswe Ngiba, Diandra Reuben, and Sandile Ngwane.

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he Durban International Convention Centre has always played an active role in supporting community projects and especially those which invest in the lives of young people. Recently, the Durban ICC has increased its support by hosting and sponsoring two key events aimed at empowering young people in the hospitality industry.

In December, the Durban ICC hosted a glittering fundraising dinner which helped raise over R200,000 for the Ikusasa School of Cooking. This chef school provides the opportunity for underprivileged youth, who are either living in children’s homes or who come from disadvantaged families, to earn

a culinary qualification and secure full-time employment upon graduating. The cooking school was established four years ago as a project of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Foundation Trust, and is based at St Martin’s Children’s Home in Glenwood. On the evening, significant charitable donations were made to towards the tuition of future students of the cooking school. Notable donations were received from the Durban ICC, International Bank Vaults and Tsogo Sun, amongst others.

“The Durban ICC is thrilled to support this initiative and contribute to a brighter future for these young, aspiring chefs from disadvantaged backgrounds” commented Julie-May Ellingson,

the Durban ICC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Founder of the school and outgoing chairman of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Foundation Trust, Sundru Pillay, noted “The support we have received from the ICC has been outstanding; not only have they sponsored this event helping raise a remarkable amount money for the school, but have also provided employment for three of our graduating students in 2014.”

Sandile Ngwane, Sindiswe Ngiba and Diandra Reuben, the three Ikusasa students from the graduating class, have joined the ranks of the Durban ICC as part of the Centre’s Graduate Programme. Over the next year they will gain valuable experience and develop their skills under the guidance of the Centre’s experienced chefs. “We can all do our part in making a positive difference in the lives of young people and especially in ways that impart real skills and equip them for their careers”, added Ellingson. One graduate, Sandile Ngwane noted, “Working at the Durban ICC has been a wonderful experience and I have already learnt so much. This is the first time I have seen catering operations for over a thousand people at a time.”

In addition to this initiative, the Durban ICC was also the key sponsor of the KZN Info Chef Conference, organized by the South African Chefs Association (SACA). This year’s conference was aimed specifically at youth development, under the theme “The Young Chef”, and addressed challenges facing young culinary professionals today. “Conferences of this nature play an important role in raising the skill levels and broadening the horizons of our young, local chefs. We were excited to support such a worthy cause and continue our contribution to the youth development efforts in our province”, added Ellingson.

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Chairman of SACA, Günther Beissel commented, “The Durban ICC is to be commended for its continued contribution towards skills development in the hospitality industry.

By sponsoring this event, they have made it possible for young chefs to learn from industry leaders, gain valuable career guidance and participate in discussion forums around the latest trends emerging in the culinary world.”

NEWS | 09

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THE WEDDING EXPO SA's Biggest Wedding Show Will Help You Plan Your Wedding!

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rides and grooms, help is on its way with South Africa’s biggest wedding show!

We know that planning your wedding can be time consuming, overwhelming and stressful! This is why attending South Africa’s most comprehensive wedding show will give you the opportunity to meet face to face with quality wedding industry suppliers – taking the stress out of planning your wedding.

You will find stand upon stand of inspirational table settings and floral designs, cakes of every shape and design, and wedding planners to suit your style and budget. You will also be able to find the perfect venue, stationers, and photographers among the 300 wedding industry suppliers who will be there. All this and more will make sure you leave the Expo inspired!

You will also be entranced by beautiful fashion spectaculars where both local and international gowns will be showcased.

Many exhibitors will be offering discounts, prizes and special show offers, so don’t miss out!

Diarise the following: Date: 05 and 06 April 2014 Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg Time: 09h00 to 17h00 Fashion shows: 11h00, 12h00, 14h00 and 15h00 Cost: R100.00 per person at the door or book on line at www.wedding-expo.co.za

10 | SPOTLIGHT

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STAND DESIGNERS Bringing Fresh Innovation to the Events Industry

Pro Group

By Kim Muller

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very real business event or trade show has a variety of stands – be they large, small, original or boring. Yet we regularly forget how important they are to the industry and how much they impact business.

Freelance journalist Lesley Stones once said in an article, “When you take part in an exhibition, the stand can be a make or break the affair.” And this rings true for many stand designers.

“A beautifully designed exhibition stand is an

essential tool in face-to-face marketing scenarios such as exhibitions,” says Jennifer Gibson, owner of The Exhibitionist, a specialised exhibitionstand company. “It creates an opportunity to differentiate your brand from your competitors and brings an innovative and creative medium to marketing your brand in a 3D form.”

Progroup Manufacturing’s General Manager, Jaques Swanepoel, agrees. “Your exhibition stand creates a first impression with prospective

clients on the show floor,” he says, “An inviting stand will encourage traffic flow onto your occupied space.”

An immense amount of effort and design goes into constructing the perfect stand. The Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) recognises this effort through its annual awards for the best and most innovative stand design.

In 2013, 3D Design, The Exhibitionist, Progroup, SSQ Exhibitions and Scan Display won multiple

SPOTLIGHT | 11

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3D Design

EXSA Best Stand awards for custom-built stands ranging in size from 12 square metres to 201 square metres and over.

But what goes into making a good exhibition stand? The first step is finding the right – and most original – idea. “Scan staff regularly visit overseas shows and conferences for inspiration and to keep abreast of the latest trends in the global industry,” says Heather Hawes of Scan Display. “Scan takes a group of designers and senior staff members to Euroshop, the

world’s leading retail trade fair, which is held in Düsseldorf, Germany every four years. The Scan team always returns from Euroshop inspired with new ideas.”

Swanepoel says that focusing creativity around the exhibitor’s needs also plays a huge role in finding the perfect idea, and SSQ Exhibitions’ Marketing Executive, Laurette Sibiya agrees. “We dedicate hours of strategic planning and research towards understanding the client brand, exhibition marketing objectives,

and the message they intend to communicate.

This understanding is then translated through customised and innovative exhibition designs.”

She goes on to say that a genuine passion for the industry and for excellence are key, and will reflect in the work that’s produced.

Having the perfect idea doesn’t mean that your stand will work out that way, however.

Budget, clients and sustainability also play a part in the design and often stand between the designer and the final product. “The biggest challenges in sustainable stand building in the custom built sector are primarily in the entrenched nature of the industry,” says Swanepoel. “We are constantly chafing against equation of innovation versus time or site versus budget. Recyclable materials are generally pricey, and would need to be reused in the identical structure. Alternatively, many sustainable structures are time consuming.” He goes on to say that Progroup is “tackling this conundrum stand by stand”.

Global and local trends also play a huge role in the design. Many stand designers have noted that 2014 is the year for LED displays. “LED lighting makes it easier and more convenient to backlight and enhance effects on stands in

12 | SPOTLIGHT

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TIPS FOR CREATING AN ORIGINAL DESIGN • • • •

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Always look around and stay open to what is new and current Research emerging trends and techniques Allow for adequate brainstorming time and brainstorm as a team Accurate and detailed client brief, with all details and objectives clarified Good lighting is critical for a successful stand Engaging graphics make a big difference to the stand’s impact Often the simpler the solution is the more striking one Don’t be afraid to try something new – there has to be a way to create it somehow

almost any colour,” says Jacques Jacobs, Head of Design at 3D Design. Hawes echoes his words of wisdom, as does Swanepoel, “Some forthcoming trends we anticipate are printed fabric in invisible frames, LED and halo lighting,

SSQ Exhibitions

The Exhibitionist

matte finishes rather than gloss in paints and laminates, 3D textured finishes to panels and surfaces, amongst others.”

Greener designs are also being adopted more and more often. Hawes explains Scan Display’s greening initiatives at Meetings Africa 2014: “After the event, carpeting will be donated to charities, waste will be sorted for recycling and Bokashis will be used to recycle food waste.

Renewable energy will be used to power the event and trees will be planted to offset the event’s carbon footprint.”

Initiatives such as the Events Greening Forum also tackle sustainability issues in stand design. A number of events companies and associations monitor and create incentives or awards to promote greener

stand design. International associations such as IFES (International Federation of Exhibition and Events Services) and EDPA (Exhibit Designers & Producers Association) also keep design companies abreast of international developments.

Another major trend in the industry is the use of more and more fabric graphics and stretch fabrics. “Fabric is lightweight, making transportation easy. It is easy to store and less likely to be damaged, resulting in regular re-use of graphics,” says Hawes, while SSQ’s Sibiya says that trends are leaning towards “clean and modern designs, inclusive of a lot of technology”. Jacobs agrees, saying that touch screens and interactive media kiosks will be prominent features in the coming year, as well as large graphic banner walls and augmented reality which seems to “have a lot of people buzzing”.

Jennifer Gibson, owner of The Exhibitionist expects more unprocessed products such as raw wood this year, as well as “more versatility in general lighting, task lighting and detail lighting,” she says. “It seems as though a lot more corporates will be exhibiting in 2014 so I think our challenge is to keep creative in designing more mature looking stands while bringing innovation into the existing CI of our clients’ brands.”

SPOTLIGHT | 13

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NOTABLE STANDS OF 2013 • •

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Scan Display

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Scan Display

Scan Display at Markex Johannesburg Standard Bank, commissioned by Eventworx for Euro Finance (Scan Display) Tadbik CLP Group at Propak Africa 2013 (SSQ Exhibitions) Tsogo Sun at Tourism Indaba 2013 (SSQ Exhibitions) Infiniti at JIMS 2013 (SSQ Exhibitions) ERNC at Mining Indaba (2013 and 2014 – Progroup Manufacturing) Elvey Security at IFSEC SA 2013 (Progroup Manufacturing) Konika Minolta at Propak 2013 (The Exhibitionist) Sandvik outdoor stand at Bauma Africa (The Exhibitionist)

3D Design

14 | “PRO” SPECTIVE

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INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT on the evolution of events

Nigel Walker

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igel Walker CMP, Managing Director at Compex highlights the incredible transformation that the events industry has undergone.

How many years have you been in the exhibitions business, and what made you enter this industry?

Twenty-one years ago, so this year is like a coming of age. The attraction of the industry remains the same; the face-to-face interactions; the engagement with all of our senses, but particularly those of sight, feel and hearing, and today what is of interest is that the sense of touch, with the use of different textures is becoming increasing important. The industry is deeply rooted in emotions, with marketing and activation coming alive in a number of dimensions. There is nothing dull or routine about being in the exhibition and events industry which makes it very exciting; you need to constantly reinvent what you are doing, why you are doing it and how you are doing it.

What is Complete Exhibitions hoping to accomplish this year?

Please give an overview of the highlights.

We are currently implementing a complete rebranding and positioning strategy. As the company has evolved and developed, we have over the last few years grown from a company that is best known for the provision of shell scheme for exhibition stands, registration

areas, poster walling and other conference and exhibition (‘Confex’) infrastructure into a more holistic event-focused organisation.

From our firm exhibition infrastructure roots, and because many clients prefer to deal with a single service provider, it has been a natural extension of our service offering to provide an extensive audio-visual component, including lighting and staging. An additional two core pillars include the provision of event infrastructure, such as marquees, bedouins, fencing, toilets etc, and a full custom and design exhibition stand facility. For 2014 the goal is to integrate, market and implement these into a well-rounded, solution-orientated approach to providing a service to clients, but it is epitomised within our value statement of: Inspired • Sustainable • Solutions • Delivered.

What are the main challenges that the events industry faces, and what is being done to combat these challenges?

Training and Professional Designation - It is probably true to say that training is an area that requires focus. There is often no time for training, which is often undertaken on-the-job and on-the-go. It is also possibly true that small and medium-sized companies pay the SDL levy as if it is a tax, with little regard to what the return on investment in training can actually be.

An attitude that perhaps has been reinforced with the very recent reduction in the Mandatory Grant refund being decreased from 50% to ‘only’ 20%. The joint strategy that a number of industry Associations lead by EXSA and SAACI, with IFEA and TPSA, in the form of CEP (Africa) could be a significant step in the right direction.

The industry must drive this initiative.

A largely ‘invisible’ challenge will be the full implementation of the new B-BBEE Codes in October. The question needs to be asked (and answered) as to why after millions, if not billions of rands having been invested in training and indirectly through SDL levies, and after so many years (10 – 20) are there so few non-white middle and senior managers in the industry – particularly amongst the organisers and service

companies; why does the industry not reflect the country’s demographics; why can the industry not retain skills and appeal as a career?

Since you started out in the industry, what are the main things that have changed?

Technology: Twenty one years ago, there were no iPads, no smart phones, the mobile phone was the size of a brick, the web was virtually non-existent; email addresses were utilised only by a few; fax was the king of communications; there was no social media [Facebook was launched in February 2004!].

Conference registration was undertaken by index cards. There were no laptops.

Competition: this has significantly increased and become more sophisticated. The number of market entrants increases all the time – however this is balanced with the closure of companies – particularly service companies. This is way it is important for clients to engage with a wellestablished service provider.

What are the top trends to watch in the coming years?

Social media – the evolution from ‘simple’ social interaction into a complex and structured approach from a B2B perspective.

Privacy – to be addressed by POPI, but maybe the stable door has been open for too long?

Investment - Continued and enhanced investment into the exhibition and event sector by international companies.

Partnerships and J.V.’s – driven by the management of costs and R.O.I. Companies in ‘traditional’ distinct event sectors of venues, organisers and service providers will increasingly cooperate; more ‘preferred’ suppliers and possibly an increase in ‘exclusively supplier arrangements (which I believe will be counter-competitive and against the interests of the end client).

Technology – increasing technology-based events: continued evolution of apps and tabletbased events; Tracking technology and targeted advert media depending upon complex analysis of who is looking at what.

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CAPE TOWN World Design Capital 2014

By Lesley Stones

FEATURE | 17

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t’s no accident that Cape Town looks so gorgeous.

While the beauty of the mountain, ocean and beaches give the city a huge natural advantage, a strong streak of design and innovation running through it also influences its aesthetic look and feel.

So it’s fitting that Cape Town will spend 2014 celebrating its status as the world’s Design Capital, joining previous titleholders including Torino in Italy, Seoul in South Korea and Helsinki in Finland.

While many awards recognise individual achievements in design, the World Design Capital (WDC) award is unique because it focuses on the broader impact of design on urban spaces and the citizens who live there. It’s a wonderful opportunity for cities to show off their accomplishments in attracting and promoting innovative design and to highlight their successes in urban revitalisation.

This is the first time an African city has earned the designation. Perhaps it was inevitable that Cape Town would win, since the annual Design Indaba has done so much to pave the way. The Indaba is a globally recognised event founded

by Ravi Naidoo to promote design as a core competency of Cape Town. Every year an international audience of experts participates in multi-disciplinary displays and discussions that challenge the local

designers to achieve greater heights.

But you don’t have to attend a particular event to experience the vibe and vibrancy of Cape Town’s instinct for design. Just take a stroll around its main design districts: Bree Street, The Waterkant and Woodstock. The Waterkant is a bohemian area of cobbled streets lined by European style houses that have transformed into offbeat boutiques.

Bree Street in the city centre is another design magnet, with décor, fashion and jewelry boutiques. Woodstock is the most famous artsy area, largely thanks to the Neighbourgoods Market, which worked like a magnet to attract designers to open studios in the vicinity.

The fact that Cape Town has been chosen as the Design Capital of the World came as no surprise to William Parkin, Design Manager of eventing company GL Events Oasys. “The Mother City has always fondly been considered as South Africa’s most creative capital,” he says.

William moved to Cape Town years ago as a budding artist looking for like-minded people with an edgy appetite for innovative aesthetic sensibilities with whom he could bounce around fresh ideas. “Just hanging out and about in Cape Town is inspiring – it is impossible not to encounter the way in which artists and designers have literally transformed every inch of the city into their creative playground,” he says.

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All of these projects are united by their use of design and design-led thinking to help us drive the social and economic change we want and need.

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Cape Town was announced as the 2014 titleholder two years ago by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

Then an International Advisory Council (IAC) helped Cape Town Design NPC develop a programme for the year, with the overarching theme of “Live Design.

Transform Life.”

The wide-ranging activities span exhibitions, workshops, competitions, films and photography. The initiatives that these events will highlight include recycling solutions, public infrastructure, regeneration projects, low-cost housing, large scale developments, public art,

18 | FEATURE

services that have been redesigned, heritage tours, urban tours, open streets and open studios. There are examples of health facilities creating new spaces, new systems and new ways of serving their audiences.

Other design projects focus on educational methodologies, low-cost feature phones and low-energy computers. The year will also celebrate beautiful things that people typically associate with the word ‘design’, like art, objects and even food and wine, designed purely to lift the human spirit.

Devising the programme demanded a huge amount of public and professional participation. To identify and assess what sort events or activities to include, the organising committee staged two calls for public submissions. More than 1,200 projects were nominated, and a 10-day exhibition of shortlisted projects was held last year during the Open Design Festival at City Hall. Finally 465 projects were selected.

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille says the diversity of the projects reflects the determination of Capetonians to position their city as the design and creative hub of the continent. “The central thesis of the City of Cape Town’s approach to the World Design Capital 2014 is to use excellence in design, to design the change we want to see in our city, using the very building blocks of which our city is comprised. All of these

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Driving awareness and educating people about the “gritty and the pretty” has been at the forefront of creating a platform of success for WDC 2014.

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projects are united by their use of design and design-led thinking to help us drive the social and economic change we want and need,” she says.

Cape Town Design CEO Alayne Reesberg says driving awareness and educating people about the “gritty and the pretty” has been at the forefront of creating a platform of success for WDC 2014.

“We are creating some magic around how we showcase the hundreds of projects that will be recognised as part of the official programme, as well as events and exhibitions that are going to certainly position Cape Town as a design destination beyond 2014,” she says.

“We will use the opportunity to identify, nurture and promote projects that offer tangible evidence of how design can improve lives, within our uniquely South African and African context. Our focus will be on projects that bridge historic divides, reconnect our city in structure and in spirit, rebuild social and economic inclusion, and reposition Cape Town for a sustainable future,” Alayne said.

“I am confident that the projects we have recognised for the official programme are

true to the overall theme of ‘Live Design.

Transform Life’ and through design and design thinking, improve lives for people who are challenged every day in their communities.”

The projects were initially grouped into four themes: • African Innovation: Global Conversation: African ideas that speak to the world.

• Bridging the Divide: Design that reconnects our city and reconciles our communities.

• Today for Tomorrow: Sustainable solutions for people and planet.

• Beautiful Spaces: Beautiful Things: Inspiring architecture, interiors, food, fashion, jewellery, craft, art and creativity.

The final projects were then re-organised into six clusters: • Lifestyle Enhancers: Design that gives meaning through fashion, arts, culture, sports and recreation.

• Business That Builds: Design that adds value to the economy through innovation, finance, systems and social entrepreneurship.

20 | FEATURE

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Sustainability Solutions: Design that focuses on efficiency and resilience related to food, energy, water and the natural environment.

• Connections That Unite: Design that elevates communication, transportation and social cohesion.

• Education That Elevates: Design that shares knowledge through schools, exhibitions and skills development.

• Community Improvement: Design that improves health, wellness, housing and urban development.

“The projects in the programme capture the indomitable South African spirit that sees something made from nothing, covering initiatives that are concepts and ideas to newly hatched projects, to mature businesses. All of which address a particular issue or need and seek to find solutions through design, driving collaborations across disciplines, while improving lives socially and economically,” says Alayne.

Dilki de Silva, Secretary General of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) believes the content will interest people from around

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the world. “As global communities look to design to address social, cultural and economic issues, Cape Town is poised to showcase a significant innovation-driven growth model through this programme of events,” she said.

William of GL Events Oasys believes the kudos of this award will inspire even greater achievements and creativity in the future. “Now that the city has officially been recognised as The Design Capital of the World, we can only imagine seeing an even greater influx of creative types,” he says. “It is inevitable that this phenomenon will be conducive to a greater design synergy, which in turn will catapult our local exhibition designs to a whole new level. Clients will expect a more innovative approach towards design that complements the character of the latest aesthetic trends.”

Over the last decade William has witnessed a dramatic shift in the expectations of clients staging exhibitions.

“They have been placing more emphasis on the look of the stand and are willing to spend more. There has been a definite move away from modular systems to more

custom-made stands. We can surely expect this trend to continue.”

One of the first events of the year was a Design Gala in February to celebrate the merits of design and designers from Cape Town and to recognise the contributions they make. A highlight still to come will be the Design Policy Conference on October 22 and 23 for practitioners and policymakers to review design practices from around the world, inform the development of design policies, and showcase the value of design in development.

The Cities Exhibition from November 21-28 will present an international showcase of design that has social impact and reflects Cape Town’s winning ethos of “Live Design. Transform Life.” As the year ends, a Convocation Ceremony on November 28 will feature the official hand-over of the WDC title to the next city to win this important accolade. *The Clock Tower at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the information hub for WDC 2014, showcasing interesting projects and transformative design. Details of events throughout the year can be found on: www.wdccapetown2014.com.

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22 | “PRO” SPECTIVE

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The Durban ICC has put systems in place to guarantee that the quality of our food remains at the highest possible standard regardless of the number of meals being prepared.

“ JOHN MOATSHE A Chat with

John Moatshe

The Durban ICC is renowned not only for its fantastic venue, but also for its excellence in hospitality and catering. To what do you owe your success?

Creating memorable dishes for event attendees and conference delegates must be a pressurised job! How do you ensure top-quality food on such a huge scale?

The Durban ICC has always had a proud history of culinary excellence and we constantly strive to produce a five-star experience for our guests. We pay close attention to the feedback we receive from our clients and try to benchmark ourselves against the best establishments in the world.

I have had the privilege to travel on exchange programmes with other international convention centres, including Kuala Lumpur, Adelaide and Qatar to stay abreast of global culinary trends and share my experience with them.

The Durban ICC also takes advantage of the technology available, such as the blast-chillers and combination-steamers in the Cook-Chill system we operate. The Centre has also recently renovated and upgraded the main kitchen facility, ensuring that it stays on a world-class standard for years to come.

Food quality is one of the fundamental factors in creating a memorable banqueting experience.

The Durban ICC has put systems in place to guarantee that the quality of our food remains at the highest possible standard regardless of the number of meals being prepared. Our chefs are well-trained, ensuring that they have a thorough understanding of the product specifications, appropriate cooking methods and the worldclass cook-chill system we operate.

The Centre is ISO22000 and HACCP certified and adheres to highest international food safety standards. We also have a Food Safety team which meets weekly to ensure that the necessary procedures and process flows are adhered to.

Please talk us through the current catering trends Today’s consumers are more interested than ever in what they eat and where their food comes from and that is reflected in the current menu trends. There is a greater focus on healthy and enjoyable cuisine with a variety of wholesome, natural options.

Presentation and portion size trends are also changing. Previously, large buffets were the order of the day, but more and more clients are requesting smaller, individually plated dishes.

This gives us more opportunity for creative presentation of the dish, further enhancing our guests’ overall experience.

OFFICEBOX | 23

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REVOLUTIONIZE the way you buy stationery Save up to 40% with safe, easy online ordering and next day delivery

By Claire Alexander

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fficeBox is an innovative delivery subscription package which is set to revolutionize stationery procurement in South Africa.

Launched in August 2013, OfficeBox is already on both the Grindstone Accelerator and Sanlam Enterprise Development programs, and has been identified by Knife Capital , who were awarded SA’s Venture Capitalist of the year award for a 2nd year running by Acquisition International magazine , as one of the Top 10 Early Stage companies to watch.

The business model is simple. Stationery is charged at cost. Subscribe to a monthly delivery package from as little as R100 for either 1, 3, 5

or 50 deliveries per month to take advantage of this amazing saving. Login and shop online for anything from pens, to filing solutions to your tea and coffee requirements, at cost.

Subscription is billed on the first of each month, whilst orders are invoiced immediately and payable within 30 days of statement.

The unique, powerful online ordering system licenced by Realmdigital allows customers fast order processing, comprehensive management and an efficient tracking tool. Orders received before 12h00 are guaranteed next day delivery, which together with the ability to price compare online whilst you’re shopping, ensures your time is spent

more efficiently on other business priorities.

“The first of its kind in South Africa, OfficeBox facilitates the easy and affordable online ordering of all your stationery needs, with next day delivery anywhere in South Africa.” says Ruari Richardson, co-founder and Director OfficeBox South Africa.

“With a focus on customer satisfaction and a guarantee of the lowest prices, saving you up to 40% on your monthly stationery bill, OfficeBox is set to change the way businesses procure their stationery” adds David Adams, co-founder and Director OfficeBox South Africa.

For more information visit www.officebox.co.za

24 | SPOTLIGHT

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MORE INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS Make Official Debut at IT&CM China 2014

IT&CM China 2013

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reater emphasis is being placed on Chinese market by CVBs, NTOs and Corporates. Not only are more international destinations making their debut at this year’s IT&CM China, their participation comes with added significance as it is fronted by their Convention Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) or National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). This surge in new support from official agencies including Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), has in turn enabled more suppliers in those private sectors to gain inroads into China.

With each pavilion sized between 54m2 to 96m2, the large-scale presence of these destinations evidence the buoyant outlook and significance placed on the buying potential at IT&CM China, and the Chinese MICE market.

Over 50 co-exhibiting companies are expected to be featured in the exhibition showcase under these new destinations.

According to a recent forecast by COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, 98 million crossings from Mainland China are expected in the second half of 2013 to the first half of 2014, with Chinese outbound travellers spending a total amount of USD 129 billion. Such stellar projections have caught the attention of destinations around the world, with anticipation that the MICE industry will also experience parallel benefits.

A case in point is Abu Dhabi, whose inaugural participation at IT&CM China is driven by its stakeholders on the ground who are conscious of and eager to pursue China’s huge MICE potential. Elaborated Sophia Cao, Country Manager – China, of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, “The China market is at the forefront of our plans, as we have everything needed to serve this exciting market. Our products and services are tailored specially for the Chinese travellers.

For example, Mandarin and Cantonese staff and tours are a big part of many hotels and attractions in Abu Dhabi.”

Also keen to harness on the remarkable growth of the Chinese outbound market is first-time exhibitor Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, though the destination has already experienced immense benefits from its bilateral and business relationships with China for decades. “China is a primary market for Sri Lanka’s tourism and MICE tourism. We expect to receive at least 100,000 Chinese outbound travellers this year, a 50% increase from 2013, based on the present enthusiasm that the market has for our destination,” said Vipula Wanigasekera, General Manager of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Meanwhile, destinations like Japan, Macau and Taiwan fronted by Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and MEET TAIWAN respectively, are returning to the show with

renewed emphasis on China.

Japan’s more than 100% increase in their exhibition showcase commitment to IT&CM China is amongst the show’s largest this year. Hajime Nakasugi, Director of JNTO Shanghai office expressed, “Our participation at IT&CM China 2013 was extremely fruitful, and we are confident that more Japanese MICE organisations can benefit from the opportunities at the show. With a 100sqm pavilion this year, Team JAPAN will be present to explore collaborations with China’s outbound demand.

We are excited to meet the Chinese buyers that IT&CM China will deliver this year as this buying sector is at the top of our priorities.”

Lauding IT&CM China’s ability to provide quality Chinese buyers, Nagasuki continued, “The Chinese market, especially in the Shanghai region, is one of the most important market for us. We want to continue to engage these buyers in their local city as it is the best way to promote Japan and to procure prospective leads.”

Also making a return to IT&CM China with expressed confidence is MGTO with a 20% larger booth. Similarly, MEET TAIWAN explains why China is a market they need to focus on. Kyleen Hsiech, Project Manager said, “We have always viewed China as our main market primarily because of our language and geographical proximity. In 2013, several notable Chinese companies held large-scale corporate meetings and incentive travels here. This year, we aim to further grow our share of the China market through promotional events in 6 Chinese cities, including our participation at IT&CM China.”

Other new exhibiting companies include corporate brands Oberoi Group, HG Travel, Compagnie Du Ponant and Euromic. New exhibitors comprising of CVBs, NTOs and Corporates are expected to make up 40% of IT&CM China 2014’s exhibition showcase.

For more information on IT&CM China, visit www.itcmchina.com

26 | COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

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TANZANIA Taking Business Events to the Next Level

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ften described as the best place to go on safari, Tanzania has a classic African setting. From the plains of the Serengeti National Park, visitors can watch the annual migration of millions of wildebeest. Some of the best, powdery white beaches on earth can be found in the Zanzibar archipelago, a semi-autonomous part of the nation. Avid explorers can even take a hike up Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.

But Tanzania is not just a colourful and inviting country for tourists; it also has a lively business-events industry. Dar es Salaam and Arusha are main convention cities with numerous conference and meeting venues – often part of luxury hotels and resorts. One of Dar es Salaam’s most popular trade fair venues is the Diamond Jubilee Hall Exhibition Centre, with a spacious interior and adept hosting and organisational services.

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Dar es Salaam and Arusha are main convention cities with numerous conference and meeting venues – often part of luxury hotels and resorts.

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What’s Happening Now Tanzania International Trade Expo Taking place at the Saba Trade Fair Grounds between 13 and 15 March 2014, Tanzania International Trade Expo offers unlimited opportunities to do business with the East African Community. It showcases all sorts of consumer and industrial products, including services, machinery and technology of the highest standard.

3rd Annual East Africa Oil and Gas Summit 2014 The third edition of the East Africa Oil and Gas Summit takes place on 27-28 March 2014. The two-day conference will cover all aspects of East Africa’s oil and gas industry, from growth, challenges and opportunities in the sector to urgent, new and future oil and gas developments.

Key Venues Arusha International Conference Centre Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is a state-of-the-art edifice located midway between Cairo and Cape Town. It can accommodate up to 1,350 delegates in the main auditorium and was built by the Government of Tanzania to enable and encourage business tourism to the

nation. The AICC also has ample office space available to rent, as well as hospital services and residential housing units for international personnel working at Arusha.

Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre The Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) is the latest convention centre in Dar es Salaam. Named after Tanzania’s first president, these ultramodern facilities offer sophisticated audio-visual, communications and information technology. The complex has a variety of meeting rooms and halls which accommodate between 10 and 1,003 people.

Since November 2013, the JNICC has been under the management of the AICC. Saba Trade Fair Grounds One of the best-recognised exposition centres in Dar es Salaam, the Saba Trade Fair Grounds, offer event organisers modern and spacious facilities for all manner of seminars, meetings, conferences and social gatherings. It covers 36,100 square metres with multiple exhibition halls and outdoor space. Its main hall is approximately 4,000 square metres in size, and skilled staff are available to support event planners.

Getting to Tanzania by Air Air Tanzania is the nation’s flag carrier. It provides extended regional services to a variety of east, west and central African nations as well as limited international flights.

A wide selection of international airlines offers connecting flights to the country.

Climate Much of Tanzania’s climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid, while the north western highlands are cool and temperate. Zanzibar has a warm, coastal climate that attracts tourists from across the world. Most rainfall takes place between March and June, with occasional rains from October to December. The central plateau tends to be dry and arid throughout the year.

Population 48,261,942 (July 2013 estimate, CIA World Factbook)

Did you know?

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Mercury was a Parsi, and spent his upbringing on the island and India until he reached his mid-teens.

28 | REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

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THE WESTERN CAPE Where Mountains Meet the Sea

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enowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity and world-class wine and cuisine, The Western Cape is an inviting tourist and business-events destination.

The province is home to the nation’s oldest city, Cape Town, often referred to as the Mother City. Cape Town is also the centre of the Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, two of the Western Cape’s most beautiful places. More than just a garden, Kirstenbosch is part of a nature reserve. The 36 hectare garden is part of a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. It borders the national park.

Other places of great natural beauty are

Stellenbosch Winelands, the Swartberg, Cederberg and Drakenstein Mountains, and the Garden Route that runs along the coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and other towns along the Garden Route have a number of trails and coastal areas to explore. About an hour outside of Cape Town is Hermanus – a small, but beautiful whale-watching town. Those who travel to the interior will find the Klein Karoo, a semi-arid wilderness where ostrich farms abound. Situated in this region near Outshoorn are the Cango Caves, spectacular underground dripstone caverns with their vast halls and towering formations.

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Getting to the Western Cape by Air

15th Cape Town International Jazz Festival The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception.

Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14,000 to 34,000 in 2013. Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the festival takes place on the 28th and 29th of March at the CTICC. Artists on this year’s line-up include US performers Snarky Puppy, The Foreign Exchange, Erykah Badu and Lalah Hathaway, Hiatus Kaiyote from Australia and a number of local artists such as Jimmy Dludlu, Jimmy Nevis, Shane Cooper, Kirk Whalum, The Muffinz, Ological Studies, Mi Casa and many more.

© Soft Focus Photography (www.shutterstick.com)

What’s Happening Now Design Indaba Conference & Expo Dubbed “the Conference on Creativity”, the Design Indaba Conference and its sister expo are all about how design, creativity and innovation can positively impact the world.

This year will be of particular consequence as Cape Town has been named the World Design Capital of 2014. Hundreds of design projects across the city are already underway and the Design Indaba Conference and Expo, which take place between 26 and 02 March, will serve as a platform for designers and creative businesses to showcase their wares and market themselves.

Key Venues Cape Town International Convention Centre The award winning Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), located on Cape Town’s northern foreshore, offers world-class facilities and innovative design. Among its many facilities are two auditoriums, top-of-the-range technology and ergonomically designed seats with writing tablets. The auditoriums have seating capacities for 1,500 and 620 guests respectively, complete with stages and screens, six translation booths and a projection rooms. There is 11,399m² of dedicated, column-free exhibition and trade-show space. The exhibition halls are sub divisible and can be configured into separate venues for smaller exhibitions, banquets or conferences with access to power, water and data connections.

State-of-the-art audio visual equipment together with a solid sound and information technology infrastructure means the CTICC can offer packages of fully integrated technology solutions. In addition, its commitment to becoming a leading environmentally sustainable convention centre has seen it take environmental responsibility in all facets of its operations with innovative sustainable strategies and green goals.

Cape Town International Airport is an awardwinning airport with high-quality service. It is situated about half an hour outside the city and is easily accessed via shuttle, taxi or on the motorway. Numerous international and domestic flights land here every day from London, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. George Airport is located at the heart of the Western Cape’s Garden Route and offers mainly regional flights through Kulula and South African Express.

Population 5,822,734 (2011 Census)

Climate The Western Cape generally has a mild, Mediterranean climate, although inland and coastal temperatures usually differ. Dry and very sunny summers warm the coast with lows of 15 degrees Celsius and highs averaging 27 degrees. Winters are relatively chilly, ranging between 5 and 22 degrees.

Although the Western Cape climate is mostly pleasant, the famous “Cape Doctor” does batters the coast from time to time.

At intervals, these winds forcefully sweep across the landscape, clearing the air from pollution and giving them the nickname.

They have been known to literally sweep locals and visitors off their feet.

You Need to Know About Cape Town was designated World Design Capital 2014 at the International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress in October 2011 in Taipei. This prestigious designation puts a global spotlight on the city’s creativity, making it a focal point for the international design community, with design-focused projects and events hosted throughout the year. To see or take part in these projects, visit www.wdccapetown2014.com.

Did you know?

Table Mountain’s peak, Lion’s Head, has not seen a lion for over 200 years. After once thriving in the area, and no doubt giving their name to the smallest peak at the western tip of the mountain, the last lion was shot in 1802. Leopards followed in the 1820s, but the area is still home to some incredible nocturnal cats like the small, Lynx-type Caracal, and the far rarer African Wild Cat.

30 | EVENTS

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MARCH SUCCESS SUMMIT SA 01-02 Johannesburg, South Africa NEXT GENERATION PAYMENTS CONFERENCE 05-06 Cape Town, South Africa

SIGN AFRICA 12-13 Cape Town, South Africa

HOBBY-X 06-09 Johannesburg, South Africa

INDIA’S CLOTHING AND TEXTILE TRADE SHOW 13-14 Cape Town, South Africa

MUSIC EXCHANGE 06-09 Cape Town, South Africa

CAPE GETAWAY SHOW 14-16 Cape Town, South Africa

NWJ BRIDAL & EVENT SHOW 07-09 Durban, South Africa

INDIA’S CLOTHING AND TEXTILE TRADE SHOW 17-18 Johannesburg, South Africa

DECOREX 20-23 Durban, South Africa

DISTRIBUTECH AFRICA 17-19 Cape Town, South Africa

HOLI ONE COLOUR FESTIVAL 21 Cape Town, South Africa

POWER-GEN AFRICA 17-19 Cape Town, South Africa

SABC BABA INDABA 28-30 Johannesburg, South Africa

CARDS & PAYMENTS AFRICA 18-19 Johannesburg, South Africa

CAPE TOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL 28-29 Cape Town, South Africa

LABEL SUMMIT AFRICA 10-11 Cape Town, South Africa INFECTING THE CITY 11-15 Cape Town, South Africa OMNI-CHANNEL RETAILING CONFERENCE 12-13 Johannesburg, South Africa

FOOD AND DRINK TECHNOLOGY AFRICA 18-19 Johannesburg, South Africa RETAIL WORLD AFRICA 18-19 Johannesburg, South Africa

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ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO 24-26 Victoria Falls, Zambia 17th AUTOEXPO KENYA 27-29 Nairobi, Kenya

THE WEDDING EXPO 05-06 Johannesburg, South Africa

AGFOPEX NIGERIA 29 April – 01 May Lagos, Nigeria

AFRICA ECO INDABA 10-12 Johannesburg, South Africa

COSMEX NIGERIA 29 April – 01 May Lagos, Nigeria

IT&CM CHINA 2014 15-17 Shanghai, China

HOMEX NIGERIA 29 April – 01 May Lagos, Nigeria

Llandudno, Cape Town © Jess Novotná

April

AFRICA TRAVEL WEEK 28 April – 0 May Cape Town, South Africa

32 | INDUSTRY MOVES

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New Manager: Marketing and PR Appointed for Compex

Lorin Bowen

It is with great pleasure that the appointment of Lorin Bowen into the position of Manager: Marketing and PR at Compex® can be announced. Lorin will join Compex® as soon as her responsibilities at SAACI have been concluded. Lorin is well known throughout the Conference and Event sector having recently been the GM for SAACI, and previously held the position as the marketing manager for the Indaba Hotel.

Dean Gunningham, Director of Compex® says that “Complete Exhibitions is currently being repositioned and rebranded as Compex®, this is thus the ideal time to make such an appointment.

The company has grown from its solid foundation in exhibition project management to become a key exhibition and event supplier, delivering inspired solutions across a broad spectrum of services.

The company focuses upon four core service pillars, namely, that of Shell Scheme, Design / Custom Stands, Audio-Visual and Event Infrastructure (marquees and Bedouins). Lorin will thus play a pivotal role in Compex® as we position ourselves as ‘more than just an exhibition company’”.

Melbourne CEO to Lead BestCities in 2014

Karen Bolinger

BestCities Global Alliance is pleased to announce Ms Karen Bolinger, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) as the 2014 Board Chair.

With more than 20 years industry experience particularly in high level marketing and branding, Ms Bolinger brings a wealth of expertise to the role. As well as leading the very successful and busy bureau team in Melbourne, Ms Bolinger is the Australia Chair for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Treasurer and Board member of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), Board member of Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and a member of the Victorian Advisory Board for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Since joining MCB in 2011, Ms Bolinger has been deeply involved with the bureau’s partnership with BestCities and is an active exponent for the continued growth of the alliance through her existing role on the BestCities Expansion Committee.

“As a BestCities founding partner, MCB has

strong ties with BestCities and we value the power of the strategic relationship with our nine partners,” Ms Bolinger said.

“As such I am delighted to take on the role of Board Chair for 2014 and look forward to continuing the excellent work of my predecessors.”

One of Ms Bollinger’s first roles will be to host a breakfast for visiting media at the MCBowned Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne next month.

“More face-to-face meetings with clients and media are a key focus for the alliance this year and AIME will provide the first opportunity for us sit down and talk to PCOs, meeting organisers and media about what’s in store for 2014.”

“Following the successful launch of the Business Events Centre last year in Houston, we will also focus on developing additional client benefits that offer practical value to an association as well as to continue expanding into new markets through our Regional Affiliate Programme. For partners there is the annual internal quality audit in March as well as media and client events to attend at IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America.

“One of BestCities’ most important business development activities is the Client Workshop which will be held, this year, in Cape Town in December, providing an amazing opportunity for meeting planners and partners to come together and experience the best that South Africa’s most dynamic city has to offer.”

Ungerboeck and UFI join forces

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is pleased to announce a three year agreement which will see Ungerboeck Software International Inc. become UFI’s dedicated Software Partner. Ungerboeck’s quality event management system will be applied to all UFI events through May 2017.

Paul Woodward, UFI Managing Director, described the agreement saying, “UFI has had a good working relationship with the Ungerboeck team for many years, so we are delighted to extend this to a new level of collaboration. UFI’s eight events around the world each year are critical to delivering the networking benefits that our members so value. So, it is vital that they are managed with state of the art systems such as those which we will use as a result of this new partnership.”

At the partnership agreement signing, Thorsten Kolbinger, Ungerboeck Managing Director EMEA, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded alliance. “Ungerboeck has been working with exhibition and tradeshow organizers around the world for over 15 years,” explained Kolbinger. “UFI has really helped us connect with exhibition leaders and I am personally thrilled that we now have a chance to work even more closely with such an important industry ally.”

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GREENING INITIATIVES at Meetings Africa 2014

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outh African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has been an early adopter of the trend towards hosting greener events. During recent years, it has shown its commitment to sustainability by incorporating a number of green practices at Africa’s largest business events show, Meetings Africa.

the country earlier this year included greening tips. These tips were also emailed to all exhibitors •

For the first time, all plants used at the show and by exhibitors on their stands were locally-sourced and indigenous: Yellow Wood; Natal Mahogany; Motherin-Law’s Tongue. These plants grow well outdoors and were donated to community projects after the show.

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In addition to renewable energy being used to power the halls, this year exhibitors were able to buy renewable energy to power their individual stands. This is the first time this has been done in South Africa.

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Meetings Africa used the branding from last year’s show. This means that last year’s corporate clothing was re-used by show personnel.

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Caterers on the show floor used organic waste recycling. Kitchen staff were trained to use the Bokashi bins composting system which was used to recycle all organic waste in the kitchens.

The following green practices were implemented at Meetings Africa 2014:

First Time Initiatives •

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Three green meeting spaces were included in the design of the show.

These areas were made exclusively from up-cycled and salvaged materials: the walls and floors were made from wooden pallets; old painted tyres were used as ottomans and planters; lanyards from previous Meetings Africa shows were used for seat webbing; and chandeliers were made from old bubble wrap.

The meeting spaces had living walls of Spekboom, an indigenous plant that is prized for its water-wise and pollutionfighting characteristics. These plants were donated to charities after the event.

The meeting spaces included water bars, where filtered water was served in recyclable cups.

For the first time, Green Stand Awards were the only awards presented to exhibitors. Exhibitors submitted a brief motivation about their stand’s green design principles. Stands were judged in Small, Medium and Large categories by an external panel. The winners in each category received a certificate and a Bokashi kit (which uses a Japaneseinspired fermentation process to convert food waste into compost).

To encourage exhibitors to green their stands, a Green Stand Design Workshop was hosted in Johannesburg towards the end of 2013. The workshop targeted both stand builders and Meetings Africa 2013 exhibitors.

The Exhibitor Briefings hosted around

Initiatives that have been done before •

As we have done before, we donated re-usable elements to charities after the show: the carpeting used in the exhibition hall and the indigenous plants used in the hall and on exhibitors’ stands will go to worthy causes.

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The show organisers bought Renewable Energy Certificates to power the show.

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The organisers used an online Services Manual to minimise printing of order forms, and paper use.

•

Executive Stand Fabric Package options were available again this year – this encourages the re-use of exhibitors’ fabric graphics.

•

Service providers have pledged to do their part to be green with regard to their involvement at Meetings Africa, and to use green practices in their offices, where possible.

Travel agents committed to book direct flights for visitors, and use the Gautrain and shuttle services where possible.

Hosted buyers were encouraged by travel agents to offset their own flight-related carbon footprint by planting trees.

•

The caterers served traditional South African foods, made from locally-produced, seasonal and, as far as possible, organic ingredients.

They served several vegetarian options.

Seafood was approved by the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI), coffee by Fair Trade, and wines came from members of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI).

To discourage visitors from drinking bottled water, the caterers sold bottled water at a premium, and the extra money will be donated to Food & Trees for Africa.

•

Exhibitors were able to buy a tree from Food & Trees for Africa to offset their carbon footprint from attending the show.

•

Bokashi had a stand at the show where exhibitors were able to buy a kit.

•

An eco-audit was done at the show, with all the greening initiatives monitored and measured by an independent consultant.

The results will be used to improve the greening of future events.

34 | ASSOCIATIONS SA Tourism © www.greatstock.co.za

Incentive Travel Expected to Grow at a Significant Pace Site recently reported in its annual forecast that incentive travel was set to continue to grow at a significant pace through to 2016. “Incentive travel is not only a contributor to the industry but to the overall economy,” Kevin Hinton, Chief Staff Officer at Site and the Site International Foundation said in a statement, “Companies that use incentive travel to drive performance confirm that it pays for itself many times over and has a positive impact on future economic investments and job growth.”

In February Site re-confirmed this when the association joined 13 fellow members of the Convention Industry Council to release data on the Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy. The new figures show significant increase in meetings participation, direct spending, tax contribution and job growth between 2009 when the study was last conducted and 2012.

According to Site, under the category of Incentive Meetings, over 67,000 motivational events and incentive travel programmes were held in 2012 with over nine million delegates. Compared with the 2009 study, the number of programmes remained consisted, while the number of delegates increased by almost 10%.

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ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Summit Concludes in Rome The ICCA meeting for Mediterranean members took place in Rome, Italy in early February. Aside from reflections on trends and market perspectives, an update was given on congress governance in those countries that do not have a national convention bureau.

The annual meeting of the International Congress & Convention Association’s Chapter brought 70 members from Croatia, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco and Turkey together for two days of work in which ICCA members confronted each other on themes of common interest.

“I believe that the main object[ive] of the Summit – that of being a moment of aggregation and cohesion between members of the Mediterranean area – was fully satisfied,” Martin Sirk, ICCA’s CEO said in an official statement. “From my point of view, the exchange between members on the themes of market and business is the best way to realise that most problems are common to all countries and that solutions can be shared”.

The Summit of the Mediterranean Chapter came to a close with a presentation by the city of Antalya, the city to host the ICCA International Congress on 1-5 November 2014.

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ASSOCIATIONS | 35

36 | DIRECTORY LISTINGS

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Showgroup

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Tourism Grading Council of SA

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Zambia International Travel Expo

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