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Business Events Africa - Vol 44 No 08 - August 2024

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www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Vol 44 No 8 AUGUST 2024

Leaving

Lasting

Impressions


Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 38 years

CONTENTS

VOL

38 NO 12

DECEMBER 2018

10

About the cover

Avianto: A village made in

heaven

Meet at

For over 21 years Avianto, in

Muldersdrift, has been a beacon

of excellence for conferencing,

weddings, team building, exhibitions and

Special Features

10 REPORT BACK | RECORD-BREAKING ICCA CONGRESS CONCLUDES IN

DUBAI

The 57th ICCA Congress, one of the most prestigious events in the

the CTICC

events. Starting as a wedding venue, it

has evolved to become one of top

events destinations in Johannesburg.

12 2019 PREDICTIONS

in Cape Town. The land of sea, beaches,

mountains and vineyards.

Let our experienced team help you create an exceptional event at

the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Enjoy our flexibility and world-class services, not to mention the

exquisite beauty of our mother city, ranked amongst the most

beautiful in the world.

international association meetings industry calendar, recently took place in

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with more than 1 150 senior meetings industry

professionals and association meeting planners from over 75 countries in

attendance.

Business events industry leaders take a look into the crystal ball to see what

2019 may bring…

26

+27 (0) 21 410 5000

sales@cticc.co.za

10

www.cticc.co.za

SUPPORTER OF THE INITIATIVE

netzerocarbonevents.org


Business Events Africa: serving the business events industry for 44 years

CONTENTS

VOL 44 NO 8

AUGUST 2024

The authority on meetings,

exhibitions, special events and

incentives management

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

Cover Feature

COVER STORY

06 Taubie Motlhabane — committed to excellence.

On the pages

Vol 44 No 8 AUGUST 2024

EDITOR’S COMMENT

04 Don’t become the ‘robot voice’.

Leaving Lasting

Impressions

NEWS

05 Unlocking growth: How brand strength

fuels tourism arrivals.

WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY FEATURE

09 From exile to excellence: Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo.

10 The women of Radisson RED Cape Town

leading the charge.

11 Event Synthesis International

is all about collaboration.

12 RX Africa takes active steps to empower

women leaders in events industry.

14 Tourvest MICE showcases its all-women

management team.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

17 Is hospitality the underestimated cog

in South Africa’s female empowerment wheel?

NORTHERN CAPE FEATURE

18 Revealing the Northern Cape: Africa’s emerging

competitive destination for business events.

SAACI CONGRESS 2024

22 SAACI Congress 2024 — embracing change.

28 SAACI announces its 2024 Award winners.

SCAN DISPLAY

30 Exhibiting made easier, more affordable

and sustainable.

MICE MASTERCLASS

33 Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass

cements new connections.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

34 Charlene Hefer excels with her ‘can-do’ attitude.

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE

36 ExpoGuys makes sustainable magic.

About the cover

Taubie Motlhabane, CEO of the

CTICC, reflects on all the qualities

of an effective leader.

TOP CONVENTION CENTRES

38 CSIR ICC is committed to capacity development.

CHEF PROFILE

41 Exciting new flavours for Carnival City.

NAMIBIA

42 Discover a Blend of Business and Leisure

at Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

VENUE NEWS

44 The Forum Company unveils major refurbishment.

45 Icon Villas expands portfolio.

46 Carnival City Casino appoints

new general manager.

MARKET NEWS

47 MSC Cruises to reduce fleetwide emissions.

48 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa

launches their 10 th Awards season.

50 Think Tank reveals six key learnings

for hospitality and tourism.

Association news

AAXO

51 Growing African membership within AAXO

is crucial.

EVENT GREENING FORUM

52 The events guide to ditching single-use plastic.

EXSA

53 Some event security guidelines for events.

SITE

54 The way we travel now — implications of

latest McKinsey research for incentive travel.

Regulars

DIRECTORY

56 Directory of associations.

MARKET NEWS

58 UFI announces upcoming departure

of CEO Kai Hattendorf.

INDEX

58 Index of advertisers and contributors.

THE LAST WORD

59 Towards the future.

42

Published by the proprietor

Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd

(Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS:

PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

TEL: +27 (0)31 764 6977

FAX: 086 762 1867

MANAGING DIRECTOR:

Malcolm King

malcolm@contactpub.co.za

EDITOR:

Irene Costa

gomesi@iafrica.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Vincent Goode

vincent@contactpub.co.za

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER:

Jackie Goosen

jackie@contactpub.co.za

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

Irene Costa

+27 (0)82 558 7387

gomesi@iafrica.com

PUBLICATION DETAILS:

Business Events Africa

August 2024 — Volume 44 No 8

Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and

is published monthly. This magazine is currently

only available in digital format.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Official media partner

Official Journal of the Southern Africa

Chapter of the Society for Incentive

Travel Excellence

Official journal of the

Exhibition & Event Association

of Southern Africa

www.businesseventsafrica.com


EDITOR’S COMMENT

Don’t become the ‘robot voice’

‘Beyond Eventing’ — the theme of this year’s SAACI National Conference was

most apt for today’s changing world.

The congress speakers took a close look at technology and

how it is currently changing the world we live in.

Speakers highlighted the role of AI in our changing world

and how we can no longer ignore the ‘elephant in the room’ —

automation. I really enjoyed the practical examples offered, as

well as the cautionary tales. We feature a complete report-back

on the congress, in this edition.

It goes without saying, that automation continues to change

our lives daily, especially in our professional lives. There are so

many AI options available. We are just beginning to understand

its enormity.

There are many benefits and yes, the benefits are immense.

However, we need to ensure that we don’t become that

‘robot voice’ we all hate from cold-callers. What do I mean? As

much as technology can assist us, it remains a tool that can

assist, but cannot replace the human touch. This is very

important.

Already, we are quite ‘removed’ in our communication —

we no longer make phone calls, but rely on WhatsApp

messages, voice notes, and social media to communicate.

As an example, if we allow AI to ‘take over’ our emails, for

instance, aren’t we losing something fundamental — our

humanness? What I am saying is, to use the tool, but before an

email gets sent, make sure you have also provided your input

— to ensure the connection remains.

The more we disconnect from these daily tasks, the less we

will start to care and with this, we could be moving into a world

of less accountability and integrity. Am I overthinking this?

I understand we all have to move with the times and need to

start making use of these AI tools, but I think using everything

in moderation is wise. The key is to make use of AI as a tool. No

matter how ‘connected you are to your AI, you still need to be

present.

No matter what anyone tells you, the human essence cannot

be replaced. What do I mean? As an example, if you let Chat GPT

write your copy, you need to refine it. Frankly, I can immediately

tell if copy has been written by Chat GPT, or another AI app, as it

lacks authenticity and makes use of tons of adjectives and

repetition. I am sure as time goes by, these AI tools will improve

but don’t fool yourself, you still need to be part of the process.

My biggest fear, is that we begin to completely disconnect,

leading to a world where we are completely removed. As one of

the speakers at the SAACI National Congress said, you cannot

automate an experience.

The business events sector is all about experiences.

So, as you move into a more automated world, have fun

exploring, but try not to lose the human touch. Remember, life

is short, the world moves fast, and our humanness is what

separates us from AI.

In closing, I would like to thank SAACI, for awarding me the

Godfrey King Integrity Award. I have been overwhelmed with

congratulations and best wishes from my industry family. Thank

you.

For those who don’t know, Godfrey King was the founder of

Contact Publications, publisher of Business Events Africa, and a

founding member of SAACI. He was the reason I joined this

industry 20 years ago; he headhunted me way back then, to

take over from him as editor. He was a remarkable man, a

visionary, and my mentor, and I learnt a lot from him over the

years. For this reason, besides the amazing recognition from the

industry, I am really honoured and humbled to have won this

particular award.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

Hospitality Junxtion Alliance

is a full-services Sales &

Marketing Representation

company.

Image courtesy of Blueberry Hill Hotel,

Johannesburg

We dedicate ourselves to

promotiong Venues, Hotels,

Lodges and Event services

through dynamic sales,

marketing and networking

endeavours.

info@hospitalityjunxtion.co.za

4 Business Events Africa August 2024

Passionately Promoting,

Hotels, Lodges &

Event Services

www.businesseventsafrica.com


NEWS

Unlocking growth:

How brand strength

fuels tourism arrivals

In the dynamic landscape of global tourism, the strength of a destination’s brand is a critical

force that can shape travel behaviours, influence decisions, and ultimately drive arrivals.

South Africa has made a concerted effort

to bolster brand perception in a bid to

yield a growing brand to attract visitors

from across the globe.

South African Tourism has invested in

building the brand; and has been on a

journey of brand transformation over the

years, steadily enhancing its appeal on the

global stage.

Awareness levels for SA as a travel

destination increased from 68 per cent to 71

per cent from 2022 to 2023, while positivity

remained stable at 40 per cent. In the USA,

awareness is at 81 per cent and positivity at

56 per cent. Kenya has an awareness level of

51 per cent and positivity at 24 per cent.

South Africa’s global closure ratio remained

strong, with a rate of 1 in 1.34 in 2023,

indicating a high conversion rate of travellers

who seek information about South Africa,

and then visit.

The perceptions of key experiences linked

to South Africa as a travel destination remain

strong. Attributes such as ‘Nature and Wildlife’

and ‘Adventurous’ have witnessed marked

improvements, with scores rising to 6.03/7 in

2023 (from 5.99/7 in 2022) and 5.94/7 in 2023

(from 5.92/7 in 2022) respectively. Moreover,

the enduring appeal of ‘Beautiful scenery’,

‘Experience a different culture’, and ‘Going on

a safari’ underscores South Africa’s strong

appeal as a leisure destination.

SA Tourism has created a Brand Strength

Index, which is a statistical model that

measures the relationship between brand

performance and arrivals. The model

highlights elements that can be leveraged to

improve the score, guiding the creation of

targeted marketing to increase arrivals. The

model focuses on arrivals and considers

brand attributes: functional attributes

(affordability), emotional attributes (stature),

and brand reach (awareness).

South Africa’s brand strength score

increased to 45.6 (2023), up from 43.8 (2022).

The USA, a first-world travel destination, has

an index of 55.7, while Kenya’s score is 41.4

(40 in 2022). Although Kenya, a key

competitor, also made progress in 2023,

South Africa led the way, with the most

significant improvement in brand strength

index scores.

Across diverse regions, the impact of brand

strength varies, but its correlation with

arrivals is evident. In the African land markets,

where the brand strength index reigns

strongest, at 82, high levels of awareness (88

per cent) and positivity (71 per cent) serve as

catalysts for visitor inflow. This score is fuelled

by strong performance in awareness, stature,

and affordability.

Similarly, the Africa Air market, buoyed by

improving brand knowledge and key travel

drivers, has seen a surge in interest in South

Africa, with a brand strength index of 71.

South Africa performs well on the

affordability matrix.

Europe, despite its lower brand strength

index score of 40.1, has witnessed a notable

uptick in awareness, positivity, and intention

to visit. The Americas, however, grapple with

declining awareness (77 per cent to 75 per

cent) and positivity (37 per cent to 35 per

cent), compounded by barriers such as safety,

perceived affordability, and distance to get to

South Africa. Yet, even in these challenging

markets, the desire for South Africa’s scenic

wonders and cultural richness remains

strong.

Understanding the intricacies of consumer

behaviour is paramount in leveraging brand

strength to drive arrivals. Factors like positive

word-of-mouth recommendations, relevant

media exposure, and personal safety

perceptions are pivotal in shaping travellers’

decisions. Addressing safety, affordability, and

the perception of geopolitical stability is

crucial in dismantling barriers to travel and

fostering growth.

As evidenced by the increase in arrivals,

the impact of enhanced brand strength is

tangible. In 2023 alone, South Africa

experienced an astounding 48.9 per cent

increase in total arrivals, showcasing

significant expansion across key regions.

Notably, the African Land market,

constituting the biggest share of arrivals,

witnessed an impressive growth of 52 per

cent, culminating in a total of 6.2 million

arrivals. Moreover, regions such as Asia,

Australasia, and the Middle East experienced

substantial growth, with a notable increase of

60.7 per cent, despite starting from a lower

base.

Furthermore, Europe saw a commendable

uptick of 38.2 per cent in arrivals, while the

Americas and Africa Air markets experienced

robust growth rates of 39.8 per cent and 35.9

per cent, respectively. These figures

underscore how brand strength is a key

driver of tourist arrivals across diverse

geographic markets.

As South Africa navigates the evolving

tourism landscape, maintaining momentum

in brand enhancement efforts is imperative

to sustain growth and strengthen its position

as a premier global destination.

Ultimately, the story of tourism success

hinges on building its brand identity. For

South Africa, this means embracing

affordability, distinguishing itself from

competitors, and maintaining strong brand

awareness. By continuing to build on these

pillars and catering to the diverse

experiences sought by consumers across

various markets, South Africa can thrive as a

well sought-after travel destination.

Data Sources: Brand Information: SAT Brand

Tracker Survey, Arrivals: StatsSA.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 5


COVER STORY

Taubie Motlhabane —

committed to excellence

Setting new benchmarks as a woman leader, Taubie Motlhabane, chief executive officer of the

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), reflects on all the qualities of an effective

leader through a diverse career path marked by impactful roles in finance, government, and

tourism. Raised in the North West province of South Africa, Taubie attributes much of her success

to her upbringing and the values instilled by her mother.

T

he Cape Town International

Convention Centre (CTICC),

South Africa’s premier

convention venue, is a

cornerstone of the African

continent. In the 2022/2023 financial year,

CTICC hosted 427 events, with nearly 275,000

attendees globally.

Taubie is a seasoned executive with over

29 years’ experience in tourism,

communications, marketing, stakeholder

relations, events and general business

management. With a Masters in Global

Marketing from the University of Liverpool

(UK), and a BA in Communication from the

North-West University in South Africa,

Taubie’s extensive education background

complements her impressive professional

journey.

Taubie’s experience as business tourism

manager at South African Tourism allowed

her to promote South Africa as a premier

destination for international conventions,

enhancing the country’s global appeal in

the tourism sector. In Bahrain, Taubie

served as events and marketing manager

at the City Centre Hotel, gaining insights

into the dynamic hospitality industry and

integrating global best practices into her

strategies. Her tenure as head of events for

the City of Ekurhuleni and executive

director of the Tshwane Convention and

Visitors Bureau equipped her with

invaluable leadership skills and a deep

understanding of managing large-scale

events and initiatives.

Throughout her career, Taubie’s roles

have been defined by a commitment to

excellence and innovation, qualities that

now drive her leadership at the CTICC. As

chief executive officer, Taubie continues to

steer the organisation towards greater

prominence. Let’s hear more from her in

this interaction.

How has your life experience made

you the leader you are today?

I am living my purpose, making a

difference in the lives of South Africans

through the work that we do. My team at

the CTICC inspires me tremendously. I feel

extremely fortunate to be the leader of a

group of people who are so passionate

about what they do. They are professional,

ethical, and committed to delivering a

quality service. They inspire me to do more!

As an organisation, our purpose is to

accelerate economic prosperity, opportunity,

inclusivity, creativity, and innovation.

Knowing that I am part of a value chain that

contributes towards a sustainable social

impact within our society is immensely

gratifying. The CTICC is about business, but it

6 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


COVER STORY

What are your priorities for the next

three years?

We understand that our resilience is linked

to adapting to a changing world, with

changing requirements. Within this context,

we adopt a triple bottom line approach,

prioritising people, planet, and profit.

Putting people first: We have cultivated a

collaborative and positive culture within our

business, which is essential for achieving

our goals and priorities. The long tenure of

many employees attests to our positive

work environment. As CEO, I prioritise

human capital matters and uphold the

principles of recognising and rewarding

employees for their valuable contributions.

We emphasise skills development for our

employees and offer work-integrated

learning programs for students, ranging

from two months to a year, to share

knowledge and invest in the youth. Our

commitment to being a people-oriented

business extends to our community

involvement, supporting various local

programs to make meaningful sociois

also about fostering empowerment,

creating opportunities and contributing in a

meaningful way to the lives of the people

who work here, who live in our city, and our

visitors. Personally, I am deeply committed to

these values, they fuel my passion. Knowing

that I am part of this eco-system, making a

tangible difference in people’s lives, motivates

me every day.

What are some of the challenges

facing women in leadership?

The representation of women in leadership

roles in South Africa has been evolving

positively, driven by legislative frameworks,

emphasising gender diversity and

inclusivity. These regulations encourage

companies to prioritise women’s inclusion in

senior positions. At the CTICC, women hold

senior roles, reflecting this trend. There is a

growing recognition of the value that

diverse leadership brings to businesses, with

studies showing that companies with

diverse teams are more innovative, make

better decisions, and perform better

financially.

Educational opportunities for women

have expanded, resulting in a larger pool of

qualified women ready for leadership. While

progress is evident, more can always be

done. The shift from the old sentiment of

needing to be ‘like a man’ in the boardroom

to celebrating women’s unique perspectives

is crucial. Women have a significant role in

future leadership, focusing on making

meaningful connections and heart

connections with teams, contributing to

more holistic and effective leadership.

What have been the highlights and

challenges in your career?

Taubie’s career is marked by numerous

highlights. Her role at the CTICC stands out,

particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CTICC became known as a beacon of

hope when it was transformed into a

hospital, showcasing adaptability and

resilience in the face of unprecedented

challenges. Another significant achievement

was her involvement with the South African

Reserve Bank, where she played an integral

role in the conceptualisation, construction,

and management of the South African

Reserve Bank Conference Centre.

Establishing Association Day at Meetings

Africa, and an educational and networking

platform for the African Association Industry,

is another proud moment for Taubie.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the

challenges, of which there are so many in

this industry! Over the years, I’ve learnt to

have a strong sense of purpose and the

ability to keep focused on the outcomes,

not the challenges. It makes all the

difference when you take the time to

understand what the drivers of the

challenges are. They will eventually lead you

to the best course of action.

I’ve learnt that collaboration is a key

ingredient to success. We don’t exist in

isolation. The more we work together with

our partners to find solutions, the stronger

the solutions will be. It is about building

win-win solutions. As importantly, it must be

about the team. It can never be about any

single individual — it takes a team to

achieve success. In this industry you need a

strong mind and a positive mindset.

Naturally, ingredients like quick thinking,

adaptability, and effective communication

are also important.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 7


COVER STORY

economic contributions.

Protecting our planet matters: The

CTICC is intentional about its sustainable

goals. We adhere to various international

standards, including the United Nations

Global Compact. We measure our

operations against the UN SDGs and

prioritise contributions toward net-zero

targets. In 2023, we diverted 600 metric

tons of waste from landfills. We provide

locally produced food and fish listed on the

WWF and SASSI green lists and implement

various water and energy-saving initiatives.

Additionally, we collaborate with clients to

ensure their events are as sustainable as

possible, contributing to our collective

environmental efforts. We also have a

special committee, Nurture our World

Committee, which actively plans, monitors,

measures, and executes our environmental

commitments.

Creating shareholder value: The CTICC

has proven to be a force magnifier in the

Western Cape, and arguably, the country.

In the 2023 financial year, we reported a

total contribution of R5.7 billion to the

national GDP and R5.4 billion to the

Western Cape GGP. Our cumulative

contributions stand at R60 billion to the

national GDP and R51.5 billion to the

Western Cape GGP. These significant

contributions highlight the CTICC’s crucial

economic impact on both the national and

regional economies. We generated over

480,000 additional room nights and

created nearly 11,000 jobs.

Our priority is to build on this success,

with innovation being a cornerstone of our

business. We are committed to

continuously reinventing ourselves and

have recently redefined our ‘why’, ‘what’,

and ‘how’ to emphasise inclusivity,

creativity, and innovation. We have

expanded our services beyond our physical

location, serving other entities in the city

and creating new revenue streams. While

there’s no single solution to maintaining

our status as a top convention destination,

our growth strategy incorporates several

successful approaches that are integral to

our ongoing success. Key to this, is a focus

on future-proofing the CTICC so that we

secure our relevance for decades to come.

Which other female leaders do you

admire and why?

My mother was an inspiration for me. As a

schoolteacher, she was passionate about

education and instilled the value of

independence and generosity in her and

her sisters. She helped us believe that we

could achieve our dreams if we remained

focused and worked hard.

CTICC awards

The Cape Town International Convention

Centre (CTICC) recently received the top

honours at the 2024 Eventex Global

Awards. The CTICC won gold in the

categories of Best African Events

Destination and also International

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and

Exhibitions destination. Additionally, the

CTICC additionally secured a silver award

for versatile venue and was named the

People’s Choice Destination, a Category

determined by public votes.

“We are immensely proud of this

recognition. The competition is tough, and

the standards are high, but these awards

show that our convention offering is

world-class. Cape Town is a much soughtafter

destination, and it is important that

the convention offering is in keeping with

the quality that the destination has

become famous for,” Taubie said.

Some of the biggest events hosted at

the CTICC during the 2023 calendar year:

• Africa Tech Festival (previously

AfricaCom) in November 2023 —

11,000 delegates and visitors;

• Lydian World in November 2023 —

3,500 delegates and visitors;

• Decorex Cape Town in June 2023 —

25,440 visitors; and

• Netball World Cup in July 2023 —

10,000 visitors.

Economic benefits

The economic benefits of hosting events

and exhibitions at the CTICC are significant.

Key benefits include:

• The CTICC contributed R5.7 billion to the

national GDP and R5.4 billion to the

Western Cape’s Gross Geographic

Product (GGP) in the 2023 financial year.

Over the past 20 years, the CTICC has

contributed a total of R60 billion to the

national GDP and R51.5 billion to the

Western Cape’s GGP.

• The centre created or sustained nearly

11,000 jobs nationally, in the 2023

financial year. Since its inception, the

CTICC has created or sustained more

than 156,000 jobs across South Africa.

Hosting nearly 275,000 attendees in the

2023 financial year, the influx of visitors

boosted local businesses, including

hotels, restaurants, and other service

providers.

The overall economic benefits not only

underscore the CTICC’s pivotal role, not

only in the events industry, but also in the

broader economic landscape of Cape Town

and South Africa.

Bids won

The Cape Town International Convention

Centre has secured fifteen bids for the

2023/2024 financial year, once again

reinforcing its status as a top destination

for international events and contributing

to Cape Town’s business tourism.

Contact info

Olivia Bruce

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Tel: +27 (0)21 410 5000

Email: media@cticc.co.za

8 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


WOMEN IN THE COVER INDUSTRY STORY

From exile to excellence:

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo

City Lodge Hotels proudly belongs to the 30 per cent club, a prestigious group of companies

worldwide that have achieved at least 30 per cent representation of women on their board,

and in the C-Suite.

The group’s commitment to gender diversity is evident,

with women making up:

• 45 per cent of the board.

• 66 per cent of the C-Suite.

• 39 per cent of senior managers.

• 64 per cent of middle managers.

• 62 per cent of junior managers.

• 61 per cent of the workforce overall.

As Women’s Month unfolds, City Lodge Hotels proudly

highlights several women across the organisation in our ‘More

Than Employees’ series. Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief

Operating Officer takes the spotlight first, sharing her career

milestones and the personal achievements that have shaped her

career.

Personal influence on professional path

Lindiwe attributes her passion for hospitality to her upbringing,

shaped by her parents’ life in exile during Apartheid. “I may not

have been interested in hospitality had it not been for the life my

parents lived. We lived a life in exile due to the Apartheid regime

making it unpalatable to raise a family in South Africa, and our

life was spent travelling, from a very early age, starting with

Eswatini (Swaziland), where I was born, to Holland, Zambia,

Kenya, and later, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA.”

Living in Zambia, during the height of the liberation struggle,

Lindiwe’s parents were deeply involved in the African National

Congress (ANC). Their home became a safehouse for ANC

leadership, including President Oliver Reginald Tambo. During the

1976 youth uprisings, their home also became a refuge for young

people fleeing the Apartheid regime, and this experience,

described in her book, fostered Lindiwe’s love for hospitality.

Her mother was a home economics teacher, and her culinary

skills were legendary. “I was my mother’s eager helper, as soon as

my eyes could see above the kitchen counter,” Lindiwe recalls. By

the age of five, she had already developed a love for cooking.

“Our home became a haven of hospitality — bums in beds,

mouths to feed, a loving, warm embrace, and comfort to provide,

which my parents shared with everyone in our house, not just

immediate family,” Lindiwe recalls. This, in addition to their

frequent stays in hotels during their travels as a family, exposed

her to the hospitality industry on a personal level, and she chose

to make it her career.

Career achievements and leadership

Lindiwe’s journey in the hospitality industry began at Ecole Les in

Switzerland and Penn State University in the USA, where she

earned a BSc in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management,

graduating in 1993. Her career began at the Grand Hyatt

Washington DC, followed by the Park Hyatt Rosebank in

Johannesburg, where she served on the Executive Committee as

Rooms Director. This early exposure to high-profile roles set the

foundation for her future leadership positions.

Lindiwe later became Chief Director of Tourism Support at the

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and then

General Manager of the InterContinental Sandton Towers Hotel.

Her pivotal role in establishing the first Holiday Inn in Soweto,

now the Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre, showcased her

ability to drive significant projects and initiatives. Serving as Chief

Executive Officer of the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo

Conference Centre further solidified her reputation as a leader in

the industry. Lindiwe was also a Board member of South African

Tourism and chaired the Tourism Transformation Council of South

Africa (TTCSA) from 2019 to 2022. Recently, she joined the

Academic Board of the Swiss Hotel School in Johannesburg.

Lindiwe joined City Lodge Hotels in 2015 as Divisional

Director: Operations and an EXCO member and was appointed to

the newly created position of COO in 2018. Her strategic vision

and leadership have been instrumental in navigating the

company through challenging times, including the Covid-19

pandemic.

A significant recent achievement is the publication of her

debut book, The Syndicate of 22 Natives, a memoir about her

father’s life as a family man, academic, liberation struggle

activist, and the first Chairperson of the Public Service

Commission of South Africa post-1994. This accomplishment

adds a literary feather to her cap, reflecting her multifaceted

talents and dedication to preserving her family’s legacy.

Resilience and innovation in hospitality

Lindiwe credits her work ethic to her upbringing: “It was

ingrained in us that we had to work hard, and nothing comes

easy in life. My father would always say, ‘Hard work pays off.’”

This principle has guided her through numerous challenges,

including the Covid-19 pandemic, which she describes as ‘the

ultimate training in survival for all of us’. The pandemic

underscored the importance of business continuity planning and

resilience, affecting shareholders, stakeholders, guests, staff, and

suppliers.

“The processes you set up in the good years will carry you

through the tough years, and during hard times you will grow

your processes even further,” she notes.

Management’s collective understanding of every aspect of

the hotel business, from cleaning toilets to making beds,

maintaining equipment, to flipping eggs, helped guide and

inspire the team during the pandemic. Many innovations and

offerings, borne out of necessity, are now the norm at City Lodge

Hotels, including online check-in, full food and beverage service

at all hotels, and amenities free of single-use plastics.

“This brings me full circle to how my mother ran our home

and welcomed guests. She didn’t think she was doing anything

that spectacular, but her guests never forgot the crisp damask

tablecloth and the best tableware, making them feel special and

welcome. As Maya Angelou said, ‘I’ve learned that people will

forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people

will never forget how you made them feel.’”

For Lindiwe, innovation is crucial to success, and she urges

aspiring employees to examine the broader scope of hospitality

in their studies, to keep up with trends in the key areas of

environmental, social, and governance (ESG); digital marketing;

sales platforms; customer relationship management; and

sustainability.

“It’s essential to stay up-to-date in new facets impacting the

hospitality industry. Look at what drives innovation, technology,

corporate social responsibility (CSI), management, and

environmental sustainability. Learn how guests of all ages and

backgrounds think and behave, and what drives their choices,”

she recommends.

To the younger generation, Lindiwe advises: “Understand

what you’re getting into and where the world is going. Specialise

in these areas to drive your business to success.”

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 9


WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

The women of

Radisson RED Cape Town

leading the charge

Radisson RED Cape Town is proactively championing diverse, equitable leadership, and

positioning itself at the forefront of the shifting workplace landscape in hospitality.

To mark this month’s celebration of

women empowerment, Radisson RED

is proud to showcase the remarkable

achievements and inspiring stories of its

female leadership team.

The hotel, renowned for its approach to

hospitality, has worked to redefine

hospitality norms for many years. They do

this by challenging norms and traditions in

an industry where leadership has

historically been male-dominated. The

hotel is also renowned for its progressive

stance on inclusivity.

Leonie Andereya, curator and general

manager of Radisson RED Cape Town,

embodies the spirit of determination that

defines the hotel’s approach to women

empowerment.

“I am proud to have achieved a goal I set

for myself over 20 years ago: to become a

mother of two and a GM,” Leonie shares.

“My journey was not a straightforward

climb up a ladder. It was more like a jungle

gym with numerous slides, obstacles, and

diversions. However, I never lost sight of

my goal.”

Leonie’s story is a testament to a struggle

faced by millions of women in the country:

balancing career ambitions with one’s

personal life.

“I hope to inspire other young women –

and my two daughters – by showing them

that you can live your dreams in both work

and family spheres, at the same time,” she

continues. She encourages aspiring leaders

to ignore anyone who tells you that it

cannot be done, and instead find mentors

and supporters who share your vision.”

“Radisson RED is actively creating a

workplace where women can truly thrive,

uninhibited by traditional constraints,” she

added.

“We need to provide opportunities for

women to develop their skills, grow into

leaders, and offer support for work-life

balance,” she said. “And, walking the talk,

Radisson RED is also unconventional in

unlocking non-linear upward mobility in

the career paths of its young talent, many

of whom, are women.”

The hotel also offers concessions for

work-life balance and the familial

responsibilities that women are often

expected to perform, thereby challenging

the unseen societal layer of the glass

ceiling, rooted in deep-seated (and often

unfair) assumptions about women’s roles

and capabilities, and actively dismantling

the invisible barriers holding women back.

Dallareece Vadival, coach and HR

manager, also speaks to the empowering

environment at Radisson RED, and the

experience of working and growing

alongside woman business leaders.

“I have had the privilege to work with a

female CEO and a female GM. They both

made me feel empowered daily, and proud

to be a woman working in the hotel

industry,” Dallareece said.

The hotel’s strategies around this include

mentorship programs, flexible work

arrangements, and a commitment to

promoting from within. It invests heavily in

training and development opportunities,

allowing women like Dallareece to stay

abreast of shifting trends and practices

within the highly dynamic hospitality

space.

At the hotel, mentorship takes on a

unique form. Everyone is encouraged to

learn and teach, creating a dynamic

learning environment that allows for free

Leonie Andereya — GM of Radisson

RED Hotel V&A Waterfront. Photograph

by EBEN Photography.

exchanges of knowledge and experience.

This approach, combined with the

industry’s opportunities for upward and

geographic mobility, has made the hotel a

progressive and welcoming workplace for

women — in an industry where this hasn’t

always been the case.

However, the journey towards

transformation, DEI, and gender parity is far

from complete. Another Radisson RED staff

member, Amanda Spondo, touches on an

important and universal social justice

imperative: “Another change we want to

see, going forward, is more women of

colour in leadership roles within the

hospitality industry.”

10 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

Event Synthesis International

is all about collaboration

Under the dynamic women leadership of Angelique Smith, chief executive officer and Belinda

Aslett, events director, Event Synthesis International, is setting new standards in event

planning, execution and safety.

Event Synthesis International (ESI) is a

leading professional organiser and

management specialist, based in

Sandton, that recently announced its

expansion, with the opening of an office in

the Western Cape. This strategic move

underscores the company’s commitment

to meeting the growing demand for

premium event management services in

the region.

“Our expansion into the Western Cape

marks a significant milestone for Event

Synthesis International,” Ms Smith said.

“We are excited about the opportunities

this new office brings, to better serve our

clients and partners in this vibrant and

dynamic part of the country,” she added.

ESI has established a remarkable

presence in the global event management

landscape. This powerhouse duo combines

strategic vision and creative expertise,

ensuring that every event is meticulously

planned and flawlessly executed.

Ms Smith said: “We are very involved in

the area of skills development, and work

with a database of 210 part time staff that

we train and place onto events. We serve

on all the committees influencing eventing

in South Africa and globally, i.e. Site Africa,

EXSA, AAXO, EGF, SAACI.”

Ms Smith is currently heading up the

EXSA working group and serves on the EGF

management committee, while Ms Aslett

serves on the Gauteng SAACI committee.

“We are trying to give back to the industry

by giving of our time and services. We also

assist by facilitating event management

and safety training. The last training session

held was in Richards Bay, in conjunction

with the Umhlathuze Municipality.”

Event Synthesis International is

renowned for its innovative approach to

event management, offering a

comprehensive suite of services tailored to

the unique needs of each client. From

corporate conferences and international

exhibitions, to bespoke incentive

Angelique Smith.

programmes and intimate gatherings, the

company delivers exceptional experiences

that leave a lasting impression.

Ms Smith added: “Our mission is to

transform ideas into extraordinary events

that inspire and engage. We are committed

to excellence and innovation, and our

global footprint allows us to bring our

expertise to clients around the world.”

“We also collaborate on projects with

Chat’r Xperience and We Are Events,”

Ms Smith said.

With a diverse team of professionals and

a network of trusted partners, Event

Synthesis International seamlessly

manages events of all scales and

complexities. The company’s global reach

and local expertise enable it to navigate

cultural nuances and logistical challenges,

ensuring that every event is a success.

Ms Aslett concluded: “Collaboration is at

the heart of what we do. Our partnership

with clients is built on trust, creativity, and

a shared vision for success. Together, we

create unforgettable moments that

resonate with audiences.”

About Event Synthesis International

Event Synthesis International is a leading

event management company known for its

Belinda Aslett.

creativity, professionalism, and dedication

to delivering outstanding event

experiences. With a commitment to

excellence and a passion for innovation,

Event Synthesis International has

established itself as a preferred partner for

corporate, incentive and leisure events.

For more information, please contact

Angelique Smith, CEO

Event Synthesis International

Tel: +27 60 970 7653

Email:angie@esiglobal.co.za

Web:www.esiglobal.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 11


WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

RX Africa takes active steps to empower

women leaders in events industry

The events industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with women at the forefront

of driving change in crucial areas such as sustainability and collaboration. Despite making

up approximately 77 per cent of the events workforce, women still face challenges reaching

top leadership positions. However, industry leaders are taking note and implementing

strategies to support women’s advancement.

RX Africa, a key player in the South

African events sector, is among those

recognising the need for change.

The paradox of female representation

While women dominate numerically, their

presence in leadership roles tells a different

story. Only 16 per cent of women hold

director positions compared to 32 per cent of

men. At the executive level, a mere 17 per

cent are women. This stark contrast raises

questions about the industry’s structure and

the barriers that women face in climbing the

corporate ladder.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX

Africa, offers insight into this paradox: “Female

event planners often bring a deeper

understanding of people, guided by their

sensitivity and authenticity. Their innate

ability to offer a more nuanced approach

resonates deeply with attendees and

participants. Yet, Ms Weaving also noted,

“Women often face stereotypes that question

their ability to effectively lead and manage

events due to gender bias.”

This juxtaposition highlights an issue: while

women’s skills are valued in execution, they

seem to be overlooked in leadership

considerations. The reasons for this

discrepancy are multifaceted, ranging from

ingrained biases to structural barriers.

However, there’s a silver lining. Many

companies recognise this disparity and are

taking active steps to address it. At RX Africa,

Ms Weaving said that various incentives are

consistently run to recognise the work of their

teams. Regular networking events celebrate

colleagues’ achievements, promote staff

abilities regardless of gender, and maintain a

non-discriminatory environment. Additionally,

ongoing compulsory training, alongside

optional sessions, ensures that equality is an

integral part of the business. This gradual shift

is helping to build a pipeline of female talent

ready to step into senior roles.

For the Decorex Africa team, which is

almost entirely female, advocating for these

women is essential for nurturing diversity,

challenging stereotypes, driving innovation,

achieving economic growth, promoting

social equity, and reflecting the rich cultural

fabric of the nation.

Carol Weaving.

“Our country’s rich cultural diversity should

be reflected in its design industry, and

championing women ensures this is

accurately and fully represented,”

commented Bielle Bellingham, executive

creative director of Decorex Africa. “Often,

women design with a focus on community

and social impact, leading to projects that

benefit society as a whole. By supporting

their work, we foster a more inclusive and

forward-thinking industry.”

12 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

Esther Mpofu.

Balancing act of the ‘superwoman syndrome’

The demands of the events industry can be

particularly challenging for women trying to

balance career ambitions with personal life.

Esther Mpofu, sales executive at FAME Week

Africa, describes this struggle: “As women, we

often grapple with the ‘Superwoman

Syndrome,’ balancing work, family

responsibilities, and travel demands.”

This balancing act is further complicated by

industry-specific challenges. Ms Mpofu points

out that night-time networking, essential for

career progression, can pose safety concerns

for women. Such realities force many women

to make difficult choices between career

advancement and personal safety or family

responsibilities.

Diverse perspectives on industry dynamics

Not all women in the industry view their

experiences through the same lens. Olivia

Gradidge, marketing manager at Africa Travel

Week, sees women’s collaborative nature as an

asset: “Women have a natural motherly nature

to the way in which they work. Collaboration

and inclusivity come naturally to them.”

“However, this perspective, while positive,

could inadvertently reinforce stereotypes that

pigeonhole women into specific roles or

expectations. It’s crucial to recognise that

women’s approaches to work are as diverse as

women themselves,” she said.

This diversity of perspectives and leadership

styles is increasingly seen as a strength in the

industry. Companies that embrace a range of

leadership styles often report higher innovation

and better problem-solving capabilities.

Travel: empowerment vs. additional burden

Travel within the events industry offers both

empowerment and challenges for women.

Reante Naidoo, buyer and digital director, RX

Africa, views travel as a liberating experience

that fuels personal and professional growth.

Ms Naidoo stated: ”Travel is an incredibly

liberating experience for a woman… from

planning, to paying, to arriving and soaking up

all the new possibilities a new place has to

offer — the entire experience is full of

discovery and empowerment.“

Similarly, Penny Fraser, sales and

partnerships director of travel, tourism &

creative portfolios, (MipAfrica & FAME), noted:

“Travel inspires women professionally by

exposing them to new skills, cultural

understanding, and innovative thinking,

sparking problem-solving and creativity.”

However, both acknowledge the duality of

this empowerment. While travel can open

doors for career advancement and economic

opportunities through community-based

initiatives and supporting women-owned

businesses, it also exacerbates work-life

balance struggles. To mitigate this, some

companies offer ’travel budgets’, allowing

employees to bring family members on longer

trips, recognising the importance of

supporting employees’ lives outside of work.

Sustainability: a new frontier for female

leadership

Sustainable event practices are emerging as an

area where women are taking the lead. Ms

Gradidge noted: “As natural nurturers, women

approach projects uniquely. We tend to

prioritise sustainable and ethical tourism

practices in the workplace.”

This trend offers new avenues for women

to showcase leadership skills and drive

industry innovation. The focus on

sustainability aligns well with growing market

demands and provides opportunities for

Reante Naidoo

women to shape the future of the industry.

While it’s important to avoid reinforcing

stereotypes about women’s ‘nurturing’ nature,

the leadership in sustainability demonstrates

how women are carving out new niches and

redefining industry standards.

For the Decorex Africa team, which is

predominantly female, advocating for women

is essential to nurturing diversity and driving

innovation. “Our country’s diverse culture

should be represented in its design industry,

and championing women ensures this,” Ms

Bellingham said. “Women often design with a

focus on community and social impact,

leading to projects that benefit society as a

whole. By supporting their work, we foster a

more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.”

“We’re seeing women lead the charge in

creating more sustainable and collaborative

events,” Ms Bellingham said. “Their unique

perspectives and approaches are reshaping

how we think about event planning and

execution.”

Challenges and opportunities

The future of the events industry holds great

promise, especially as it embraces the full

potential of its diverse workforce. Ms Mpofu

envisioned a significant shift: “I see more

women in C-suite roles, thriving as leaders in

what has been a male-dominated industry.

Gender equality policies and a supportive

workplace culture are crucial.”

Ms Mpofu also highlighted the importance

of amplifying women’s voices: “It’s essential to

ensure women’s perspectives are validated by

including them in event programmes and

discussions. I hope to see more diverse

stories, particularly those by and about

women, gaining prominence in TV and film.”

The combined efforts of trailblazers such as

these women, and innovative organisations

like RX Africa, are setting the stage for an

events industry shift. As more women ascend

to leadership roles and diverse voices gain

prominence, the future looks not just

inclusive, but dynamic.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 13


COVER WOMEN STORY IN THE INDUSTRY

Tourvest MICE showcases its

all-women management team

“Since South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy, this year’s Women’s Month is a little bit

more significant than in the previous years. As we remember the visionary and brave 20,000

women marching to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the draconian pass

laws, Tourvest Women are humbled to be standing on their shoulders towards building a brighter

future and sustainable jobs for all Tourvest employees,” said Thembi Kunene-Msimang, chief

operating officer of Tourvest MICE.

Thembi has two decades of experience

in the tourism industry. She joined

Tourvest MICE in 2019.

“I am thrilled to find myself leading a

highly professional team which is so

passionate about the business events

industry, it makes my job as their leader so

much more enjoyable. I couldn’t have asked

for a better balance in life, and I am grateful,”

she said.

Thembi said: “Although not by deliberate

design, I find myself with an all-woman

management team whom I am immensely

proud to call my sisters in tourism. Each of my

general managers are active agents of

change and social transformation, particularly

here in the workplace. The celebrations

during this special month allow us to take

stock of our achievements at Tourvest MICE

and the journey travelled thus far, and to

clearly articulate our plans to tackle the few

challenges that remain for us to fully position

ourselves as a service provider of choice.”

Thembi added: “Further empowering,

strengthening, and deepening the skills of

Thembi Kunene-Msimang.

women remains a competitive advantage for

Tourvest MICE. The encouraging feedback we

get from our clients affirms us constantly.

“I am grateful for the wonderful Tourvest

MICE ladies that make each day at work

stress-free and enjoyable, while delivering

shareholder value.”

Thembi Kunene-Msimang —

chief operating officer

Thembi is a dynamic leader of our Tourvest

MICE team and leads her management team

by giving her GMs a voice in leading this

team under her leadership to the successes

we have achieved.

Herewith some insight into our GMs:

Laurinda Schroeder.

Laurinda Schroeder —

regional manager new business coastal

and MICE

I have been privileged to work at Tourvest for

16 years. I believe that I have mastered the

work-life balance quite well by ‘being present’.

When I am working, I am all-in, and give it

everything and similarly, when I spend time

with family, I switch off from the day’s work to

be present with them.

To any young woman considering a career

in MICE, I would say that you are making an

amazing decision at Tourvest specifically, as

there is such a diverse array of roles, from

being a part of operations, where you get to

see an event coming to life, to travelling the

world. In a strategic role, you get the

opportunity to collaborate with different

people daily, and in sales, you have

opportunity to feed the hunger of bringing in

new clients daily and seeing the difference

we make in their lives.

I love the culture at Tourvest and the many

opportunities we receive. It is such a dynamic

company and team that I enjoy so much — it

does not even feel like work. If you can

achieve this, then work becomes your ‘home

away from home’.

Outside of work, I love spending time with

my family and having fun outdoors and

doing creative things with my son. My family

is very passionate about sports, and cooking

relaxes me.

My greatest achievement in my current

position is being able to master all aspects of

travel as a result of my work experience,

where I worked my way from the bottom up

and have worked in every team within the

MICE space. This allows me to sell with

confidence, as I know what it means to be an

executive in the MICE space.

Robyn Ireton — general manager

incentives, sports and global

immersions

I have been with Tourvest for 12 years and I

am currently the GM for incentives, sports,

and global immersions, and I am still finding

my work-life balance.

14 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


WOMEN IN THE COVER INDUSTRY STORY

Robyn Ireton.

My advice to young women considering a

career in MICE would be that you need to

own your career and take the time to try all

the aspects of MICE and find your ‘home’.

At Tourvest, the people I work with have

become my family and friends. We are

passionate about what we do, and it shows in

our output. I love how everyone jumps in to

help each other where needed, without a

grudge! We are one team!

Outside of work, I love rugby and spending

time with my family.

In my current role, I enjoy collaborating,

locally and globally, from the initial proposal

to creating the programme and seeing it

become a reality.

and to believe in your ability to be successful.

As a woman of colour, I carry within me the

resilience of generations who have faced

adversity with grace and determination.

Remain humble, and grow a teachable spirit.

Enjoy the journey, and celebrate the victories

— especially the small ones.

It is genuinely refreshing to be part of a

team at Tourvest, that works so harmoniously

towards the same goal. For me, what I enjoy

most is the work-life balance, collaborative

team environment, and the company culture

and values.

Outside of work, I enjoy exercising,

running, and holistic wellness. I love cooking,

and find it to be the most relaxing and

enjoyable activity. I also enjoy travel,

watching a good drama series, nature, and

outdoor activities with my kids.

One of my greatest achievements in my

current position, as a woman of colour, was

being able to demonstrate that it is possible

to overcome systemic obstacles and achieve

leadership positions. I acknowledge that, in

my pursuit of success, I stand on the

shoulders of giants, like my mother, who

represents a heritage of perseverance and

tenacity.

The advice I would give young women

considering a career in MICE, is to go for it! If

you have a passion for travel, love

collaborating with people, and enjoy the

adrenalin of managing large events, then this

is definitely the right choice. The satisfaction

after a successful event makes it all

worthwhile, and you cannot wait for the next

one!

I love that we, at Tourvest, are market

leaders and trendsetters. I love that we are

technology-driven. In my personal MICE

environment, I am valued. There is trust, and

there is collaboration within the various

divisions in MICE. We are like a family, and this

is most important.

Outside of work, I enjoy baking and

cooking. I love spending quality time with my

husband and my family. This means the

world to me. I get a lot of satisfaction from

helping the elderly in my community, as this

gives me personal satisfaction, and makes

me feel content.

Janine Abrahams.

Janine Abrahams — general manager

associations and congresses

I have been with Tourvest for 18 years.

Balancing work-life and family can be

challenging, but it’s essential for overall wellbeing

and fulfilment. I’m quite a workaholic,

but balance is imperative for my holistic

wellness. I am therefore intentional about

fostering quality relationships with my family

and friends. This requires me to be present in

the lives of my children e.g., helping them

with school homework, attending sports

events, etc. As a Christian, God provides me

with the strength, courage, and wisdom to

live a balanced life.

My advice to young women considering a

career in MICE is that it’s important to trust

Sajidah Tawildar.

Sajidah Tawildar — client general

manager conferences and events

I have been employed by Tourvest since

2019. I began my employment at Tourvest

Destination Management in 2019 and

subsequently moved to Tourvest Travel

Services, post-Covid with the MICE team

(then known as the IME team).

I am still learning how to manage my worklife

balance. To be honest, currently, there is

no work-life balance due to crazy deadlines. I

really would love to master this skill and

admire those individuals who can do just

that. I need to have control of all my projects

within my team and this is the reason why I

am constantly busy. I need to master the art

of delegating, first, before I can manage my

work-life balance. I am blessed to have a very

understanding spouse — together, we

manage our family commitments.

Zandi Nkosi.

Zandi Nkosi — client general manager

strategic meeting management

I have been with Tourvest for 2-and-a-half

years. I manage work-life balance by setting

boundaries between work and personal time,

taking breaks throughout the day, scheduling

time for hobbies and interests, and

delegating tasks when possible.

I will advise young women considering a

career in MICE to have a qualification related

to Travel and Tourism, be passionate about

the travel industry, must be willing to travel

and work long hours, and practice relaxation

techniques.

I enjoy the culture and working

environment at Tourvest and, outside of

work, I enjoy hiking on weekends and enjoy

spending time with family.

My greatest achievement in my current

role was being part of the TTS mentorship

programme pilot study.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 15

Zandi Nkosi (Nomasonto).


Your Dream Event

Crafted by Experts

at Tourvest MICE

Our seasoned team brings years of knowledge to

create the perfect event, just for you.

Call us today to begin your journey to an unforgettable event.

T: 011 790 0000 | C: 082 443 2078 | laurinda.schroeder@tourvest-ime.com

16 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Is hospitality the underestimated cog in

South Africa’s female empowerment wheel?

Addressing female empowerment in South Africa – creating greater opportunities for women,

ensuring more equitable workspaces, and fuelling career advancement – is a multifaceted issue.

It requires concerted investment from policymakers, deliberate actions by business leaders and

employers, and a collective drive to prioritise it wherever we can.

By Bryony van Zyl, chief people officer at Dream Hotels & Resorts

As we explore new avenues for

transformation, I believe that

hospitality and tourism offer

enormous potential to upskill women and

to improve their social and economic

standing within their homes, communities

and society at large. Here are several

reasons why the sector’s role in female

empowerment shouldn’t be

underestimated.

Hospitality provides access to some of

South Africa’s most remote and

distant areas

South Africa’s vast landscape and

incredible natural beauty mean that

hospitality and tourism providers can often

be found in some of its most remote and

difficult-to-access places. These areas often

have little to no local industry, and are

home to small communities of people with

few economic prospects. While women

make up 56 per cent of the labour force in

urban environments, they comprise just 40

per cent in rural areas.

This presents hospitality providers with a

unique opportunity to recruit locally, and

to prioritise the recruitment of women as

much as possible. In doing so, they stand

to positively influence the families and

communities of which these women are a

part of.

It affords room for growth

In South Africa, only 40 per cent of learners

who begin Grade 1 complete matric. Many

job seekers entering the market don’t have

the education or experience necessary to

walk into skilled positions. This challenge is

a contributing factor to the country’s

unemployment crisis.

Hospitality, however, requires a large

number of entry-level positions. This low

barrier to entry is an advantage: it provides

job seekers, including women, with the

opportunity to start earning an income

while learning on the job. Individuals with

the attitude and ambition have the

potential to move on from those roles in

time, into more skilled and higher-earning

positions.

Of course, this assumes a level of

responsibility on behalf of hospitality

providers. Those who invest in learnerships

and on-the-job training, and encourage

internal hires, are likely to make a material

difference to the professional

advancement of their female employees.

Transferable skills open up

opportunities for future employment

and entrepreneurship

Many of the skills that hospitality and

tourism require and nurture are essential

and transferable across other businesses

and sectors. By investing in their

employees, operators stand to teach their

employees skills they need, not only to

further their careers elsewhere, but to start

their own businesses, too.

Entrepreneurship has been identified as

a critical component of South Africa’s

future economic success. Among women,

nurturing entrepreneurs has been shown

to formalise economic activities and to

improve women’s economic and social

power.

The sector meets the next

generation’s professional demands

As Gen Z enters the workforce, there’s a lot

about the hospitality and tourism sector

that meets their professional and personal

wants and needs. Gen Z tends to prioritise

working environments that are varied and

stimulating, that offer a number of different

avenues, and demonstrate concerted

investment in the social and economic

welfare of the communities of which they

are a part. A critical ingredient in the

working philosophy of today is purpose.

Hospitality providers are poised to

leverage this, and to encourage young

women beginning their working careers to

find meaningful and sustainable long-term

careers in the industry. At Dream Hotels &

Resorts, we ensure our employees are able

to support initiatives that are important to

them through our Touching Dreams

initiative, which works with local NGOs and

partners to uplift our local communities.

Of course, there is always room for

improvement. Like most sectors in South

Africa, hospitality has a history of being

male-dominated, and implementing more

programmes and interventions would help

women to progress better and quicker in

their careers. But the opportunities are

there. If properly leveraged, they have the

potential to make a substantial difference

to women working today and the

generations to come.

About Dream Hotels & Resorts

Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream

Hotels & Resorts is to deliver dynamic and

exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa

that connect local and global travellers to

our communities in a sustainable and

relevant manner. With a growing portfolio

of over 23 properties, including exclusive

membership and ownership opportunities,

we have adopted a more purposeful

approach to the guest experience, leading

with greater compassion and intent, while

creating a healthy balance between our

actions, our communities, and the

environment.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 17


NORTHERN CAPE FEATURE

Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre (MSICC).

Revealing the Northern Cape: Africa’s emerging

competitive destination for business events

Nestled in the heart of South Africa lies an undiscovered gem for business events—the Northern

Cape. This expansive region, often overshadowed by more prominent destinations, is rapidly

emerging as a premier location for corporate gatherings. Combining breathtaking natural beauty,

rich cultural heritage, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Northern Cape offers a compelling

proposition for businesses seeking extraordinary event experiences.

Conferences and meetings

Strategically located and easily

accessible via major national

highways and the centrally

positioned airports in Kimberley and

Upington, the Northern Cape is home to

superior venues. Leading the charge is

Kimberley’s Mittah Seperepere

International Convention Centre (MSICC), a

versatile facility capable of hosting

conventions, exhibitions, product launches,

and gala dinners for up to 1,000 delegates.

In addition, hotels throughout the

province offer fully equipped meeting

spaces, accommodating up to 600 guests

in Kimberley, 250 in Upington, and 200 in

Springbok. These multipurpose venues

provide ideal settings for a range of

corporate events, from intimate meetings

to grand conferences.

A mosiac of diversity — the Augrabies Falls.

18 Business Events Africa August 2024

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NORTHERN CAPE FEATURE

A mosaic of diversity

Diversity lies at the heart of the Northern

Cape’s appeal. From the vast expanses of

the Kalahari Desert to the rugged Atlantic

coastline, the province showcases a rich

tapestry of landscapes. Delegates can be

inspired by the majestic Augrabies Falls,

the historic significance of Kimberley’s Big

Hole, or the surreal beauty of the Kalahari

and Richtersveld. Such environments not

only stimulate creativity, but also foster

meaningful connections and lasting

memories.

Modern facilities, timeless hospitality

The Northern Cape’s rugged charm is

complemented by modern amenities and

world-class facilities. Kimberley, the

provincial capital, offers state-of-the-art

conference venues that can accommodate

gatherings of all sizes. Whether planning

an intimate seminar or a large-scale

convention, event organisers can trust the

province’s infrastructure and professional

support services to deliver a seamless

experience. Additionally, a wide range of

accommodation options ensures comfort

and convenience for delegates throughout

their stay.

ripe with opportunities for collaboration

and investment. Initiatives such as the

Northern Cape Innovation Forum foster a

culture of creativity and research,

positioning the region as a hub for

groundbreaking developments.

Commitment to sustainability

In an era where sustainability is crucial, the

Northern Cape stands out as a leader in

responsible tourism and eco-friendly

practices. The province is dedicated to

preserving its natural heritage through

community-driven initiatives and

conservation efforts. Business events held

here can align with sustainable practices,

allowing delegates to engage in

meaningful CSR activities or experience

eco-conscious venues amidst stunning

landscapes.

Seizing the opportunity

As the business events landscape evolves,

the Northern Cape emerges as a

destination of choice. Its unique blend of

natural beauty, modern amenities, and

cultural vibrancy offers an unparalleled

backdrop for memorable gatherings.

Whether seeking inspiration, forging

partnerships, or exploring new

opportunities, delegates will find that the

Northern Cape exceeds all expectations.

Join us in uncovering this hidden treasure

of South Africa and discover why the

Northern Cape is Africa’s emerging premier

destination of choice for business events.

Key highlights

1. Diverse Meeting Venues: The province

offers a variety of meeting venues,

including the Mittah Seperepere

International Convention Centre in

Kimberley, accommodating up to 1,000

delegates. Additionally, hotels across the

region provide versatile spaces for various

events, ensuring accessibility and

convenience.

2. Incentive Travel: The Northern Cape

offers unique experiences for incentive

travel, from thrilling outdoor adventures

to immersive cultural encounters.

Rewarding delegates with unforgettable

journeys, the province sets the stage for

inspiring experiences.

Gateway to African ingenuity

Beyond its natural allure, the Northern

Cape serves as a gateway to African

innovation and entrepreneurship. With

thriving industries such as mining,

renewable energy, innovative knowledge

economy, and agriculture, the province is

Sieze the opportunity — Tswalu Kalahari - Motse Spa.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 19


NORTHERN CAPE FEATURE

3. Event Support Services: The Northern

Cape Tourism Authority provides

comprehensive services to facilitate

successful events. From bid support to

negotiating rates with suppliers and

managing logistical arrangements, the

Authority leverages its local expertise to

ensure seamless execution.

4. Pre- and Post-Tours: Complementing

business events, the province offers a

variety of pre- and post-tour options,

allowing delegates to explore the region’s

natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The Northern Cape Economic

Development, Trade, and Investment

Promotion Agency

The Northern Cape Economic

Development, Trade, and Investment

Promotion Agency (NCEDA) serves as the

leading authority in promoting tourism

and facilitating business events in the

region. Committed to excellence and

innovation, the Agency works

collaboratively with stakeholders to

showcase the Northern Cape’s unique

offerings to global audiences.

Our services

NCEDA’s expert local knowledge ensures

the best conference, meeting, or event

experience in Southern Africa. We assist

planners in finding the most appropriate

venues and service providers, and provide

destination information tailored to event

profiles. Our services include:

• Bid support for national and international

events/conferences/meetings.

• Access to current databases of Northern

Cape products.

• Negotiation of preferred rates with hotels,

tour operators, etc.

• Airport welcome and departure desk.

• Delegate boosting, hosting, and site visits.

• Pre- and post-tours, and an accompanied

person’s program.

• Assistance with local logistical

arrangements.

Contact info

Dianna Martin

General Manager: Marketing and

Promotions | Business Tourism

Email:

dianna@experiencenortherncape.com

Web:www.experiencenortherncape.com

20 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 21


SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Angelique Smith, Belinda Aslett and

Sithembiso Chirenje, Event Synthesis

International.

SAACI Congress 2024 — embracing change

By Irene Costa

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.

Kim Roberts, Mise-en-place Solutions

and Corné Koch, Wesgro.

“The world we knew is gone, it’s time to start changing and embracing the new.”

These words by speaker Muzi Kuzwayo, set

the scene on day one, for what was to

come at the SAACI National Annual

Congress 2024, which took place at the

Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

from 28-30 July.

Themed, Beyond Eventing, the SAACI

National Congress pushed boundaries as it

unpacked technology as never before, by

debunking myths and offering practical tips on

how to incorporate automation through AI, into

everything work-related and highlighting the

importance of human touch. The congress also

looked at mental health and wellness, inclusion,

and gender fluidity, coaching and mentorship,

social media, technology, and innovation in the

business events sector.

In her keynote address, Minister of Tourism,

Patricia de Lille, said that the government had

identified three key development areas for the

next five years, which should also be introduced

to the business events sector. These priorities

are driving inclusive economic growth and job

creation, reducing poverty, and building a

capable, ethical and developmental state. “We

have a unique opportunity to redesign the next

five years of tourism, together,” Minister de Lille

added.

On point with the congress theme, Beyond

Eventing, Minister de Lille, said: “We also need to

demonstrate how we will use technology to

grow the industry and improve the events and

conference digital infrastructure. We need to be

at the forefront of what’s new and exciting, to

maintain South Africa’s position as a top events

and conference destination.”

Minister de Lille also challenged the sector,

with the assistance of SAACI, to identify the

industry’s regulatory and legislative stumbling

blocks, to find solutions and to address them.

Day two of the congress primarily focused on

the future of technology, automation and

mentorship.

Johan Steyn spoke on automation and

making use of your common sense when it

comes to automation. He said that certain

things can already be automated, such as

admin, but there are things that cannot be

automated, like experiences. Mr Steyn said that

you should approach automation cautiously,

and explained how de-automating your

business could be the answer to your success.

Speaker, Vumile Msweli tackled how to

empower your organisations, by redefining

careers and human capital in a tech-driven

world by reconsidering the value we place on

things. Samke Mhlonge challenged delegates to

be more proactive, instead of reactive, and to

build Community.

The Community blueprint for this is:

C – Common Problem

O – Onboarding Strategy

M – Monetisation Strategy

U – Unique Selling Proposition

N – Nurturing the Community

I – IT and Tech Requirements

T – Team

Y- Yield

Continuing the theme of community, Ralph

Hamann asked how the business events sector

could become more inclusive in finding ways to

work with and empower the diverse

communities in South Africa. According to

SAACI Master of Ceremonies,

Nonhlanhla Khumalo.

22 Business Events Africa August 2024

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SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Mr Hamann, this can be achieved by building

venues in these areas and conferencing outside

the major cities.

Boitumelo Kgoebane highlighted the

importance of mental health and wellness.

“Burnout is real,” she said.

Revel Harris provided a frank discussion on

inclusion and gender fluidity in the workplace.

He highlighted some of the injustices that still

occur in our country today.

Other themes discussed were coaching and

mentorship, social media, technology, and

innovation in the business events sector.

Bjorn Hufkie from the South Africa National

Convention Bureau kicked off the final day, by

highlighting the importance of the business

events sector, to claim its space as a leader in

job creation and economic development. “We

cannot do it by ourselves,” he said.

Mr Hufkie explained that the industry needs

to be more deliberate in how it spreads

business across South Africa, by hosting more

large-scale conferences, expanding to

underperforming markets, and bidding for

more events.

Mr Hufkie also touched on the Bid Support

Programme that is available to the industry

when bidding for conferences, exhibitions,

meetings, and incentives.

The panel discussion, Expectations for the

Future, comprised of industry experts: Londi

Khumalo; Frank Murangwa; Nina Freysen-

Pretorius, Nonnie Kubeka, Herkie Du Preez, and

Ross Wilson. The panelists offered life

experiences and insights into the current

landscape, with sustainability being key and

how business today needs to make an impact.

They also agreed, that as much as technology is

important, nothing can replace the human

element.

Xolisa Dhlamini from Sanlam spoke on

sustainability for future generations.

Finally, Dean Furman, acclaimed author,

keynote speaker, and AI innovator left delegates

in awe of how AI can be incorporated into our

sector’s everyday lives. His top tips were most

practical, and he shared some great AI apps that

can be used for presentations, programme

design, and so much more.

Mr Furman used an example of a cupcake, to

help people understand how to get better

results from their AI and technology.

“You start with your objectives, which are the

foundation of the cupcake’s recipe. Then, you

add more context, which is the icing. And finally,

you put the cherry on top of the cupcake. This

includes finer details, such as role, audience,

format, and tone,” he explained.

Mr Furman unpacked AI by showing

delegates how using generative AI more

effectively can save time.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Seen at the SAACI National Congress 2024

An unconventional congress setup, by Urbantronic.

Angelique Smith, Event Synthesis

International and John Arvanitakis,

Chatʼr Experience.

Glenton De Koch, chief executive

officer of SAACI.

Dr Vumile Msweli.

Ralph Hamann.

Johan Steyn.

Samke Mhlongo.

Business Events Africa August 2024 23


SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Neil Mouton, Boast Events and Doné

Louw, Nelson Mandela Bay Convention

Bureau.

Londi Khumalo, Niche Partners; Elmarie Swanepoel, Southern Sun and

Melisa Tsotetsi, Unique Speaker Bureau.

Nadia Lombard, Century City

Convention Centre and Carla

Abrahams, President Hotel.

Rendani Khorommbi, Joburg Tourism;

Hulisani Thabela, City of Tshwane and

Nitta Sukha, SA Tourism.

Jaques Fouche, Be-Moved and Kim

Roberts, Mise-en-place Solutions.

Veruschka Rugbeer, Peermont and

Merryl Fairfoot, SANCB.

Glenton De Kock, SAACI and Nico

Vilakazi, SANCB.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company; Lihle Dlamini, Eastern Cape

Parks & Tourism Agency; Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Convention Bureau; Philile

Moreko, Gauteng Convention Bureau.

Boitumelo Daniels, TBCSA; Tshepo Maseko, SANCB and Deboraba Mooketsi and

Mpho Motshegoa, North West Tourism Board.

24 Business Events Africa August 2024

Corné Koch, Wesgro; Mdu Biyela and

Jackie Motsepe, Durban KZN

Convention Bureau.

www.businesseventsafrica.com


SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Madeleine Mitchell and Thaania Mbali,

Central Events and Conferencing Office.

Mmbatho Sikhakhane, SANCB and Mdu

Biyela, Durban KZN Convention Bureau.

From the SANCB, from left: Anga Malatja, Merryl Fairfoot, Bjorn Hufkie,

Gugu Nchunu and Anele Ntese.

Bjorn Hufkie, SANCB, Ester Ndilula,

Namibia Convention Bureau and

Frank Marungwa, ICCA.

Esti Venske, Cape Peninsula University

of Technology and Ansu Colditz,

XL Millennium Travel.

GK Ghono, Beach and Bush

Teambuilding.

Revel Harris.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

One of the teambuilding exercises.

Londi Khumalo, Niche Partners and

Bongiwe Nzeku, SANCB.

Business Events Africa August 2024 25


SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Khosi Tyobeka, Zimasa Travel and

Bongiwe Nzeku, SANCB.

Sakhile Ndhlovu, Qiniso Ndlovu, Bongiwe Nzeku, Nico Vilakazi and Zinhle Nzama,

from SANCB.

Bongiwe Nzeku, SANCB and

Mqondisi Gumende, The OMG.

Swazi Dlamini, SANCB and

Veruschka Rugbeer, Peermont.

John Arvanitakis, Chatʼr Experience;

Nonhlanhla Khumalo, MC, and

James Angelou.

John Arvanitakis, Chatʼr Experience

and Bjorn Hufkie, SANCB.

Caylynne Fourie, EGF and

Londi Khumalo, Niche Partners.

Reyno Wepener, ATKV, and Thaani and

Carla Abrahams, The President Hotel.

Ester Ndilula, Namibia Convention Bureau; Jaques Fouche, Be-Moved and

Corne Koch, Wesgro.

26 Business Events Africa August 2024

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SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Kavitha Dhawnath, Gearhouse and

Levin Slabbert, Lagoon Beach.

Panel Discussion, from left: Londi Khumalo, Niche Partners; Ross Wilson,

Urbantonic, Nina Freysen-Pretorius, The Conference Company; Frank Marungwa,

ICCA, Nonnie Kubeka, Gauteng Convention Bureau and Herkie, Strong PR.

Herkie Du Preez, Strong PR and

John Arvanitakis, Chatʼr Experience.

Zinhle Nzama, SANCB and Glenton De

Kock, SAACI.

Melisa Tsotetsi, Unique Speaker Bureau

and Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA.

Mqondisi Gumende, The OMG.

Bjorn Hufkie, SANCB.

Kelsey Ruhrmund, Herkie Du Preez and

Rhoda Kekana, Strong PR.

Boitumelo Kgoebane.

Dean Furman.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Xolisa Dhlamini.

Madeleine Mitchell, Central Events and

Conferencing Office and Jaco Du Plooy,

Hotel Sky.

Business Events Africa August 2024 27


SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Central Events and Conference Office receiving the Business Events Community Award.

SAACI announces its 2024 Award winners

The SAACI Enkulu Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of the members in the

business events sector.

The Business Tourism Community

Award went to the Central Events

and Conferencing Office (CECO).

SAACI motivation: CECO has

transformed business tourism in its region,

making an extraordinary impact on the

social, cultural, and environmental fabric of

its community. Their dynamic team has

developed a comprehensive offering that

has quickly become the ego-to resource

for all event needs, whether you’re a staff

member, student, alumnus, or an external

client. Their one-stop-shop approach has

simplified the complex world of event

planning, making it accessible and efficient

for all.

From intimate meetings to large-scale

sporting events, from academic

conferences to film shoots, CECO has

demonstrated an exceptional ability to

cater to diverse needs with precision and

excellence.

The Sustainability Impact Excellence

Award went to Cape Town International

Convention Centre.

SAACI motivation: The CTICC has set a

new standard for sustainable business

practices. They have demonstrated an

unwavering dedication to finding

innovative ways to mitigate their

environmental impact while simultaneously

advancing people and providing them with

new opportunities to grow.

The CTICC’s approach to sustainability is

holistic, embodying the triple bottom line:

People, Planet and Profit.

Irene Costa receiving Godfrey King Integrity Award.

28 Business Events Africa August 2024

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SAACI CONGRESS 2024

Irene Costa, editor of Business Events

Africa is the winner of the Godfrey King

Integrity Award. “I am humbled and

honoured to have received this award and

look forward to working with SAACI and its

members for many years to come. Thank

you SAACI.”

SAACI motivation: The award recognises

Irene’s unwavering commitment to quality,

often investing considerable time and

effort to overcome challenges in gathering

information, verifying facts, and presenting

complex industry issues in an accessible

manner.

The high-quality content she produces

provides SAACI members with a

competitive edge, keeping them informed

about industry developments, best

practices, and emerging trends.

Irene’s dedication to excellence, her

proactive approach to industry journalism,

and her significant contributions to SAACI

and its members makes her an ideal

recipient of this award.

Under her leadership, Business Events

Africa has become synonymous with

excellence.

CTICC receiving the Sustainability Impact Excellence Award.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 29


SCAN DISPLAY

Exhibiting

made easier,

more affordable

and sustainable

Would you like to reduce your annual exhibiting costs?

Do you need an impactful solution for road shows?

Do you want a stand design that can be adjusted for each exhibition you attend?

Are you looking for sustainable solutions?

This is all possible with Scan Display’s

Fabric Pop-up System.

Portable

The Fabric Pop-up System is a portable

display system that can be used to create

powerful exhibition stands. It’s a walled

display structure made from collapsible

frames on which you attach graphics. It can

be easily assembled and compactly packed

away by one person without any tools,

making it ideal for travelling exhibits such

as road shows.

Fabric graphics

The fabric graphics have some notable

benefits:

• Fabric graphics can be washed and

reused multiple times.

• Fabrics graphics aren’t easily damaged

during transportation and storage.

• Fabric prints are affordable.

• Fabric graphics are lightweight, making

transportation easy, cost-effective, and

eco-friendly.

• Fabric graphics have the option of

backlighting. By using backlit fabric and

an LED curtain clipped into the back of

the frame, graphic walls are transformed

into lightboxes. This produces an even,

vibrant light that will make your

exhibition stand ‘pop’.

Modular design

The Fabric Pop-up System’s modular design

also offers unrivalled flexibility. Much like

Lego blocks, you can mix and match

different structures, creating endless set-up

options. This gives you the freedom to

book different stand sizes and positions at

different shows.

Packages

Scan Display offers 27 packages of predesigned

display configurations.

Alternatively, you can purchase individual

walls (straight or curved, and of varying

heights) and bulkheads, or request a

custom-designed exhibition stand using

the system.

Accessories

The Fabric Pop-up System comes with a

variety of accessories, including:

• Counters

• Shelves

• Brackets to mount screens

• Clip-on LED spotlights

• LED curtains for backlighting (for walls

and counters)

• Stabilising feet

Affordability

The cost-saving potential of this product is

significant when you consider:

• The product itself is very affordable to

buy and is built to be re-used.

• You can add parts as needed, to update

your exhibition stand over time.

• Fabric graphics are affordable, so your

marketing message can change as often

as you need it to.

• You can do your own set-ups, so there is

no labour cost involved.

• It is easily transported, so it is ideal for

exhibitions or promotions in different

cities worldwide.

Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan

Display, describes the product as a gamechanger.

This is because it empowers

customers to take control of their own

exhibition stands and displays. “It also has

great potential for use across Africa,

because it’s durable, easy to use and

transport,” he added.

Scan Display first used the Fabric Pop-up

System at Meetings Africa 2018 and has

used it at every subsequent Meetings

Africa show.

This year, Scan Display exhibited at

Meetings Africa 2024 using the same

hardware it has used since 2018. But, the

entire 2024 stand was backlit with LED

curtains, creating an extremely eyecatching

display, and the latest graphics

will be reused for other activations

throughout the year. This is the perfect

example of how efficient a sustainable

solution can be.

For more information

Justin Hawes

Email:justin@scandisplay.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)11 447 4777

Web:www.scandisplay.co.za

30 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


Six shows, one re-usable stand

Meetings Africa 2018 Meetings Africa 2019

Meetings Africa 2020 Meetings Africa 2022

Meetings Africa 2023 Meetings Africa 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 31


| |

Fabric Pop-up Stands

With double-sided backlighting and vibrant fabric graphics

// Portable

// Modular

// Re-usable

// Sustainable

// Cost-effective

32 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


MICE MASTERCLASS

Africa Business Tourism and MICE

Masterclass cements new connections

The seventh edition of Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass was recently held from 16-

17 July 2024 at the BDO office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This year’s MICE Masterclass focused on

equipping businesses on how to

monetise their businesses through

sustainable revenue generation in MICE. Held

in a hybrid format, the programme was

attended by delegates throughout Africa,

physically and virtually.

The in-person event provided a platform

for honest industry conversations, one where

delegates could learn from speakers as well

as fellow delegates and their real life

experiences. The importance of collaboration

and partnerships came through, and the

connections made over the two days was

most valuable.

Executives and officials of convention

bureaux, tourism departments, tourism

boards/authorities, municipalities, tourism

development agencies, meeting planners,

professional conference organisers,

professional event organisers, destination

marketing companies, MICE industry

suppliers, youth and women in tourism,

students, SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups

in Africa travel and tourism participated in the

Masterclass.

Since its inception in 2018, over 1,500

African industry professionals have

participated in this programme. The

Masterclass is the only pan-African-focused

MICE and business events professional

development and training programme in

Africa. Designed and delivered annually as

a professional development and refresher

program by renowned African and

international industry practitioners and

professionals, strategic partners for the

program included BDO, ICCA, SAACI, UN

Tourism, and SITE Africa, and many other

partners.

UN Tourism acknowledges that the MICE

sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors of

the global tourism industry. The success of any

business/MICE destination and organisation is

hinged on the competencies of specialist

knowledge possessed by its workforce, hence

the need for this Masterclass. It is therefore

against this background that ATP has

designed and is ready to deliver the annual

Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass.

Themed ‘Unlocking optimal economic

value and revenues for Africa MICE

Destinations and Businesses’, this year’s diverse

and comprehensive Masterclass was

presented by a faculty comprising some of

the world’s most experienced leaders and

experts in the MICE industry. Some of the

speakers included Adele Hartdegen, chief

executive officer of Johannesburg Expo

Centre; Professor Dimitrios Buhalis,

Bournemouth University Business School, UK;

Angelique Smith, chief executive officer of

Event Synthesis International; Papy Luzala,

head of commercial & government affairs,

Africa; Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, business events

industry expert; Nicanor Sabula, chief

executive officer, Kenya Association of Travel

Agents (KATA); Edward Abankwa, founder and

chief executive officer, Pinnacle Sports and

Events Management, UK, and more.

This professional development programme

provided a holistic view of the opportunities

for the Africa MICE industry. It focused on

current issues, trends, and key standards, while

providing a tangible approach to leveraging

current and future opportunities. It equipped

delegates with a clear picture of what the

Africa MICE Tourism Industry is (and is not), as

well as all the essential practical knowledge

and skills delegates require, to be successful in

their businesses.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 33


PERSONALITY PROFILE

Charlene Hefer excels with her ‘can-do’ attitude

Charlene Hefer, 44, portfolio director: mining & industrial Specialised Exhibitions, a

division of Montgomery Group, began her exhibition career in sales on the security

portfolio. Charlene had been in the sector for 14 years, when she joined Specialised

Exhibitions in 2010 and has held her current position for the last 10 years.

Charlene said: “I like to think of myself

as motivated, positive, and

enthusiastic. This is what drives me

in both my personal and business

life. It helps me have a ‘can-do’ attitude and

face any challenges head-on. Taking on a

leadership role in the exhibitions industry

has been very rewarding, and being part of

a global exhibitions company has given me

the opportunity to take a central role in the

strategic vision of the company. Balancing

work/family life is of great importance to

me, and the ‘can-do’ attitude serves me

well when juggling time to ensure this

balance is achieved.”

Where do you see the exhibition

sector in Africa at present, and where

do you see it heading in the future?

The year 2023 witnessed the full recovery of

exhibitions, with revenues reaching a

comparable level to 2019, on average. This is

according to the UFI Global Exhibition

Barometer of January 2024. In South Africa,

revenues from 2023 – compared to 2019 –

were at 85 per cent, and revenues from 2024

– compared to 2019 – are expected to be at

94 per cent. This shows a positive upswing

in the industry. We see this reflected in our

exhibitions, with this year’s Electra Mining

Africa being the biggest ever, with a 30 per

cent increase in the number of exhibitors

compared to 2022. There is positive support

from the industry and we see this

continuing, going into our 2025/26 shows.

Montgomery Events Africa is the regional

arm of Montgomery Group that manages

all of its exhibiting in East Africa. They have

launched and established some of the

leading exhibitions in the region in the

fields of security, packaging, fire, health and

safety, and food and hospitality. They have

also seen growth in their exhibitions and

are expecting this growth cycle to

continue.

The UFI report also pointed to an

overwhelming consensus that generative

AI will affect the industry primarily in sales,

marketing, customer relations, R&D, and

event production. It’s a welcome addition

to the exhibitions industry, enabling us to

further deliver exceptional events that fit

current and future expectations of our

stakeholders.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Alberton. After

completing my studies, I started at a

gasket manufacturing company, where I

was involved in everything from admin,

sales and procurement, to getting

involved in the factory. I then moved on

to publishing, where I spent 10 years,

34 Business Events Africa August 2024

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

before moving on to the exhibition

industry.

How long have you been in the

exhibition sector?

I have been in the industry for 14 years. I

began at Specialised Exhibitions, in sales

on the security portfolio, and was involved

in launching the occupational health and

safety show before being promoted to

portfolio director of the mining and

industrial portfolio in 2014.

This industry is unique, offering a variety

of daily challenges that keep it exciting.

What I truly love about this field is the

people. It demonstrates the power of

teamwork, transforming an empty space

into a fully-fledged exhibition in a matter

of days, only to dismantle it and start

anew. I also enjoy interacting with our

stakeholders and witnessing the growth of

our exhibitors, as a result of our events.

What has been the biggest change

you’ve seen in this sector?

The use of data analytics and digital

marketing for events has evolved

significantly. Now, achieving a much more

targeted and specific reach enhances the

impact of exhibitions.

What role does your family play in

your life?

Family plays a very important role in my

life. Family makes life worth living and is

the reason we do what we do! My 12-yearold

daughter keeps me busy and

challenges me every day. I also have the

most amazing parents, a wonderful sister,

and the cutest little niece who keeps me

on my toes!

What would you change in your life if

you could when looking back?

I don’t believe in regrets, and everything

happens for a reason. As such, I wouldn’t

change a thing.

Do you have any hobbies?

As mentioned, my daughter keeps me

really busy. She is a keen showjumper, and

as such, most of my free time is spent on

the farm, with the horses or on the side of

an arena during competitions. However, if

I do get a spare second, I enjoy baking and

decorating cakes. Everything from basic to

sculpted ones.

What is your favourite sport?

I love watching rugby — it is great for

getting family and friends together, to

share. I also watch a lot of showjumping.

What do you do for leisure?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and

family, and our two dogs. If I have a little

more time you will find me in the Kruger

Park.

What is your secret to success?

The only way is through hard work and

dedication. You have to be willing to go the

extra mile to succeed in all aspects of your

life.

What has been the most embarrassing

moment in the industry?

Oh goodness! You can’t succeed without

making some mistakes along the way. I

would say that one of the standout

embarrassing moments was a small event

that we arranged, in Botswana, as part of a

lineup of events. Due to some

miscommunication and certain cultural

nuances, only ten people arrived, when we

expected over 100! At least our celebrity

speaker for the event was understanding

and, on the upside, we did manage to

feed more than one charity with all the

leftover food.

What has been your biggest challenge

in this sector?

Re-inventing mature exhibitions, year after

year, to ensure that they stay pertinent,

relevant, and the best that they can be for

all stakeholders.

What is your pet hate?

People who always try to take the easy way

out, as opposed to putting in the hard work

and doing things properly.

What is the most memorable place

you have ever been to, and why?

I have been fortunate enough to travel to

some amazing countries and destinations.

From an overseas point-of-view, I would say

Český Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. It is

an amazing place to walk through, with the

castle, the streets — it has been so well

preserved and it creates the feeling that

time stood still there.

On African soil, I would say the Okavango

Delta. There is just something magical

about watching a sunset on a mokoro.

What type of holiday would you avoid

at all costs?

I will try my utmost to get out of a camping

holiday… There is something to be said

about having your own chalet or hotel

room and all the little comforts it offers.

If you could be anyone for the day,

who would you be and why?

Amelia Earhart — she was such an amazing

woman, not afraid to push the boundaries.

She had such faith in herself and her

abilities.

What is your favourite city?

I love New York — it has such a unique

energy that makes it special.

What is your favourite book, film, TV

programme?

I love reading anything by James Patterson

or Lee Child. From a TV programme

perspective, you are most likely to find me

watching Law and Order, Special Victims

Unit.

There have been so many great movies

over the years and quite a few stand out.

However, The Green Mile will always remain

one of my old-time favourites.

How do you relax?

Around family and friends and when I take

time out to visit the African bush.

What is your favourite food?

Anything my Mom cooks!

Who is your favourite movie star?

Bruce Willis or Sandra Bullock.

What is the most impulsive thing you

have ever done?

Signed my daughter up for horse riding

lessons!

Who is your role model?

I don’t have one specific person — I try to

learn a little from everyone around me, as

they all have different strengths and traits

that I admire.

What advice do you have for anyone

entering this industry and hoping to

follow in your footsteps?

It is a tough industry, that requires hard

work and extra hours. If you are willing to

bring this to the table and work with the

amazing people in this sector, you will learn

and succeed.

What is your dream for the future?

My dream for the future would be to raise

my daughter to believe in herself, to work

hard and most of all, to be happy and

grateful for what she has and will achieve

in life.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 35


SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE

ExpoGuys makes

sustainable magic

Together, consciously working towards more sustainable operations, ExpoGuys confidently

started 2024 with a fresh mindset and operational plan. So far this year, we have experienced

many more highs, than the inevitable lows, which always arise when implementing a new way of

doing things.

By Nicholas de Klerk, ExpoGuys

ExpoGuys recently entered a new era

in its approach to sustainability with

installing solar panels, making their

operation independent of Eskom.

There is no point in trying to give a

chronological account of the year so far, as

it flew by at a pace that took us all by

surprise and had us perform at an Olympic

level.

With exhibitions at times running

concurrently at various venues and cities,

meticulous planning, from inception to

execution, was most important. The

ExpoGuys team were able to execute all

projects with a very high standard and

resulting in happy clients.

The IEC National Results Operational

Centre, for the 2024 General Elections, was

undoubtedly, one of the high points of our

year so far. The joint efforts culminated in a

final product that left an impression and a

delighted client. ExpoGuys’ dedication to

excellence was evident in every aspect of

the facility’s design and operation. From

logistics to technical specifications, every

aspect was meticulously managed to

create an environment that not only met

but surpassed the highest standards.

Apart from this proud moment, we have

also been busy on various other fronts. There

were many exhibition infrastructure projects,

from measuring and marking out hall layouts,

laying carpets, building shell schemes,

installing electrics, to installing reception

counters at the entrances. The more projects

that we acquire, the more we learn to deal

with challenges as they happen. It is all part

of the learning process.

36 Business Events Africa August 2024

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SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE

Being a main service provider can bring a

set of headaches and surprises. On site, one

tries to deal with each exhibitor’s requests

as quickly and efficiently as possible, but

each exhibitor sees themselves as the most

important one, which can become quite

intense. Hats off to our staff members on

site, who have become adept at overseeing

these situations.

Special features in an exhibition venue,

for the organisers, add to the ambiance of

an exhibition. This is where our designers

have fun, excelling at producing designs

that are striking, decorative, and tell a story

— all these things elevate the visitor’s

experience.

Back to basics, designing exhibition

stands — from the basic clear space booth,

to special pre-designed stands – including

special package stands – offered by the

organiser, to unique custom-designed

stands and, to a lesser degree, custom-built

stands.

ExpoGuys, designed and built ANEW

Hotels’ stand at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024.

This stand was awarded the Best Green

Stand Award, confirming ExpoGuys’

commitment to sustainability. It also proves

our point that system stands can ‘stand out’,

and is undoubtedly the most sustainable

direction to go in terms of producing

exhibition stands. A stand with more multiuse

components will always be the most

sustainable option. This does not mean that

there cannot be originality in such a stand.

Our designers are able to produce iconic

pieces of décor items that can be used

many times, in different applications and

colours, that make a fresh impact every time

that they are used.

The more ways that things can be

produced in-house, the more sustainable

our products become. This has also proven

to be the case with us now having an

upholstery department that keeps our

furniture in tip-top condition, as well as

being able to create custom pieces of

furniture, which then becomes a new multiuse

asset.

The size of the ExpoGuys printing

department has also doubled and can now

produce more fabric prints. These can be

used for full graphic wall applications. The

two fabric printers can print up to three

metres wide, and any desired length, and

together with the three vinyl printers, using

eco-solvent ink, are constantly kept busy.

The more that can be produced in-house,

the more sustainable and cost-effective

operations become, as opposed to

outsourcing, which adds to costs.

ExpoGuys is committed to becoming

more sustainable and has developed a

grading system for all the stands we

produce. This grading system takes flooring,

structure, lighting, branding, and furniture,

into account. Each of these categories has

various options, which then have either a

silver, gold, or platinum rating. For example,

in flooring, a 32mm substrate floor will rate

silver, whereas a laminate floor will rate

gold, and a carpet-tiled one will rate

platinum. It is calculated on how reusable it

is, its maintenance, volume in transporting,

and man-hours to install and remove. On

hand-over, the client is presented with

either a silver, gold or platinum certificate.

We look forward to the remainder of

2024, knowing that we are on top of our

game and that we are as kind as possible to

the environment, so that there will be a

future for us all.

Contact info

Pat Cronning

Email: pat@expoguys.co.za

Cell: 083 281 5584.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 37


TOP VENUE CONVENTION NEWS CENTRES

CSIR ICC is committed to capacity development

The CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC), which opened its doors in 1978, was

the first international standard convention centre built in South Africa when the Council for

Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the early 1970s identified a need for a

professional world-class facility to host business events.

Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, CSIR

conferencing and accommodation

group manager, said: “Our history,

location, and track record of hosting

knowledge-based business events mean we

are well-resourced to offer conference

organisers suitable facilities and services. The

CSIR ICC understands that it has a direct

positive effect on stimulating economic

development, creativity, and innovation

through its facilitation and hosting of

knowledge-sharing business events. These are

of great benefit to local and regional

knowledge communities, as well as the

internationally represented diplomatic corps,

and the CSIR ICC is set up to provide the best

possible setting.”

Award-winning

The CSIR ICC has received numerous awards

over the years as one of the establishments in

the tourism industry with the best social,

economic, and environmental practices. To

date, the CSIR ICC has been voted the ‘Best

Conference Venue’ in Pretoria by the Pretoria

News and the Rekord newspaper readers

respectively, for five consecutive years. The

continuous accolades that the Centre

receives are testimony to the uniquely worldclass

experience the ICC offers its clients.

The CSIR ICC offers superb facilities and

quality service, with conference, function, and

exhibition venues that can accommodate

events of 500, to a small group of 10 delegates

and guests, with groups as large as 1,000 being

accommodated at times. Flexibility, service

excellence, and professionalism are key to what

the International Convention Centre offers its

clients.

Capacity Development

The CSIR ICC has diligently committed to

capacity development by annually

appointing in-service trainees who are

studying towards relevant industry-related

qualifications, many of whom have been

subsequently employed by the CSIR on a

full-time or part-time basis.

The programme exposes the students to a

real-life environment that links the value

generated from day-to-day work to

organisational impact. The learning experience

challenges the students to move beyond their

established classroom routines into professional

real-world situations.

Tebatjo Maja, acting executive chef of CSIR

ICC, said: “As a chef, it is exciting to have the

opportunity to start your career, especially in

the culinary arts field. I am also thrilled that the

organisation is able to provide upcoming chefs

with exposure and experience in the early

stages of their careers.”

The CSIR ICC remains a contributor to

community development by providing access

to resources to communities through a variety

of initiatives.

38 Business Events Africa August 2024

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TOP CONVENTION PERSONALITY MICE MASTERCLASS

VENUE CENTRES PROFILE NEWS

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 39


VENUE NEWS

Contact Details

Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria

t: +27 12 841 3884 e: icc@csir.co.za

www.csiricc.co.za

40 Business Events Africa August 2024

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CHEF VENUE PROFILE NEWS

Exciting new flavours

for Carnival City

“I am just a young man who came from a small village, who wants to make a name for himself

and his family.”

As a child, Mthatha-born Mahle Mihlali Vellem would

sit on the kitchen counter for hours, watching his

mother prepare meals, little knowing that her passion

would become his and that one day he would be doing the

same for thousands of guests at Sun International hotels.

“The way that I got into the industry was very unusual. At

first, I loved watching my mom cook all different kinds of food

— I was intrigued. Then, when I started going out to

restaurants, I was curious as to how they could turn such

simple ingredients into spectacular and mouth-watering

dishes. I also used to watch street vendors preparing different

kinds of street food, which I wanted to elevate,” Mahle said.

“After school, I enrolled at the HTA School of Culinary Arts,

where I had an opportunity to polish my skills, graduating two

years later with a diploma in professional cookery,” Mahle said.

This 29-year-old executive sous chef joined Carnival City &

Entertainment World on 1 June 2024. He is currently

responsible for running back-of-house for the kitchens in the

hotel, casinos, Salon Privé, banqueting, and staff canteen, with

three sous chefs reporting to him.

His goals for the next five years are to make a name for

himself in the industry and become an executive chef at a

luxurious establishment. Other goals include becoming a

published recipe book author, and a brand ambassador for a

local food brand.

Mahle said: “I believe in flavour, so that is always important

when I create dishes. There are certain items on the menu that

are close to my heart, as they remind me of my family, such as

the fileto (a pasta dish), salmon poke bowl, Korean chicken

poke bowl, and smoked salmon and smashed avocado.”

Fresh out of cooking school, Mahle was hired at Sun

International’s Time Square in Pretoria, in 2017, as a chef de

partie. “Being part of the opening team of Time Square was a

huge opportunity for someone just starting out in their career,”

Mahle said.

At the Pretoria gaming and entertainment hub, Mahle

worked his way up to sous chef and ran two restaurants under

the guidance of chefs Adrian Vaughan, Nonkosi Vellem, and Jaco

Truter. “They taught me a lot about how an operation works,

how to deal with staff, and set me on my leadership path.”

His most recent posting was to set up the restaurant at Sun

City’s new luxury Leloko Villas, where he had the opportunity

to expand his creative juices. “I had to create the menu from

scratch — playing around with flavour profiles and touching

places in me that I did not know existed. When I look at the

menu, I can proudly say I’ve done well, and I’m pretty sure my

mentors would agree that they have done their job — now

it’s my time to spread my wings and fly, showcasing what they

taught me.”

Mahle said: “After four months of running Leloko, I then

had an opportunity to run the Sun City Hotel, which was a

massive step in the right direction, as the original Sun City

hotel is very busy and demanding. This helped me build

character as a leader over my three-month period there. I

was then approached by Carnival City to be its executive

sous chef, an opportunity I could not forego because it was

another step up in my career and growth as a chef.”

“Now that I have established myself as a chef (and that I can

cook, and cook well), my current position is actually less about

cooking, and more about strategic thinking. I compile menus

and recipes, manage budgets, and delve into the business side

of the kitchen, and manage it and the people,” he said.

Mahle is spreading his wings wide across the Sun

International group, gaining valuable culinary experience

whilst also mentoring younger staff by teaching them new

cooking methods. “I am proud to be succeeding on this

journey that began with my mother, and hope to one day

pass my passion for cooking on to my children.”

From a guest trends perspective, he said: “Many are going

plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and so forth,

due to health reasons.”

From an industry perspective, he said these are the

current local trends:

• Commitment towards sustainable packaging.

• Rising cost of raw materials through recycling.

• Increased demand in ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.

• Increased demand for ethically sourced food.

• Growth in carbon-neutral initiatives.

Relationally, Mahle said: “I am married to my lovely,

beautiful wife, Lerato Bathabile Mtsweni. We have been

married for a year. We have one child, a baby daughter,

named Zoe Khanya Vellem.”

For leisure, he loves to watch football and read recipe

books or recipes on the internet. “When I get the time, I also

like to play some video games.”

His hobbies include playing rugby, reading comic books

and listening to music.

Mahle said: “The youth tend to not have the knowledge

and understanding of the industry. They enter F&B thinking it

is like something they watch on TV, or that they will make it

overnight. They first need to understand the fundamentals

and values of the industry.”

Mahle’s advice for those wanting to become an executive

sous chef, is: “You must always be focused, grounded, and do

not let the power of your position go to your head. Learn as

much as you can from the people around you, because you

may never know what skills they possess, skills that you may

need in the future.”

What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is garlic and herb marinated lamb cutlets,

served with celeriac puree, rainbow carrots, charred baby

onions, tenderstem broccoli, and citrus jus. It pairs beautifully

with the 2010 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste.

What trends are emerging in the conference

industry with regard to food?

Healthy food in the industry has become more in demand. This

also affects the conferencing industry. People are becoming

more health conscious. For example, there is a trend for plantbased

food.

What has remained constant in this industry?

The discipline, passion, drive, and hospitality fundamentals.

What is your favourite beverage?

Margarita and Corona.

What is your favourite food?

Pasta.

What is your pet hate?

When people who are not passionate about what they are

doing. Procrastination, tardiness, laziness, gossip, poor

planning and complaining. Rather show up passionate —

because it translates the dishes you produce, and facilitates

how your career will develop.

What is your great love?

My great love is my wife and daughter.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 41


NAMIBIA

Discover a Blend of Business and Leisure

at Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino

When planning your next business trip to Namibia, look no further than the vibrant capital city of

Windhoek. A destination that seamlessly blends the charm of Africa with modern amenities,

Windhoek offers a unique experience for the discerning business traveller. And, at the heart of this

bustling city, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino is the ideal accommodation of choice.

Ahaven for business travellers

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino is

more than just a place to stay; it’s a

haven designed to cater to the

needs of the modern business traveller. The

hotel offers a range of amenities that

ensure a productive and comfortable stay.

Every detail has been carefully considered,

from high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art

business centres to spacious and wellappointed

rooms.

Whether you’re hosting a client meeting,

conducting a presentation, or simply need

a quiet space to catch up on work, Avani

Windhoek has you covered.

The hotel’s bistro-style restaurant, the

Pantry, offers a casual, yet inviting

ambiance, making it the perfect backdrop

for a productive business meeting, as you

sip on expertly brewed coffee, and indulge

in a light bite from the Pantry’s delectable

menu while discussing business matters.

Beyond business: leisure and

relaxation

After a long day of meetings and

negotiations, unwind and recharge at Avani

Windhoek Hotel & Casino. The hotel’s casino

offers a variety of gaming options, providing

a fun and exciting way to relax and socialise.

If you prefer a more tranquil experience,

head up to Stratos Restaurant and Bar, and

enjoy a refreshing cocktail, or smooth

whiskey, or alternatively, a dip in the hotel’s

pool.

42 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


NAMIBIA

Join the Avani DISCOVERY loyalty

programme

As a member of the DISCOVERY loyalty

programme, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits

and rewards during your stay at Avani

Windhoek Hotel & Casino. Earn D$ with every

booking and purchase you make during your

stay at the hotel. These D$ can then be

redeemed for future accommodation

bookings, upgrades, and food and beverage

during your next stay. It’s a great way to make

the most of your business travels and

experience even more value.

Discover Windhoek: a city of

opportunity

Windhoek offers a wealth of opportunities for

business travellers. From networking events

and industry conferences, to exploring the

city’s vibrant cultural scene, there is always

something to see and do, and, with Avani

Windhoek Hotel & Casino as your base, you’ll

be perfectly positioned to make the most of

your time in this dynamic city.

So, the next time you are planning a

business trip to Namibia, choose Windhoek

and experience the best of both worlds: a

thriving business environment and a relaxing

and enjoyable stay at Avani Windhoek Hotel

& Casino.

For bookings visit avanihotels.com/en/

windhoek.

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino –

Business Traveller

Combine work and pleasure in one effortless Avani

stay. Savour local delicacies and international

favourites at live cooking stations at Dunes. Relax

and get down to business at your leisure.

From ZAR 3,735 per room per night, offer includes:

Modern accommodation Daily buffet breakfast

Choice of lunch or buffet dinner with soft drinks

and/or local beer at The Pantry Complimentary

laundry (max 4 pieces per stay)

Complimentary parking

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Book directly on avanihotels.com/en/windhoek

Business Events Africa August 2024 43


VENUE NEWS

The Forum The Campus.

The Forum Company unveils

major refurbishment

The Forum Company, one of South Africa’s leading events and conferencing companies, is proud

to announce the completion of a significant refurbishment at its flagship venue, The Forum The

Campus, and the opening of a new venue, The Forum Hyde Park, in October 2024.

Revamped Forum The Campus:

a blend of sophistication and

innovation

Set within light-filled courtyards, The Forum

The Campus now boasts a major

refurbishment designed by Tonic, under the

guidance of managing director Glynis Hyslop.

The refurbishments and renovations

include:

• New seating and styling

The gallery and bar areas have been

refreshed with contemporary seating and

styling, creating an inviting atmosphere for

guests.

• Advanced audio-visual upgrades

The larger auditorium has been fitted with

state-of-the-art AV equipment, ensuring

top-notch presentations and events.

• Updated seating

The smaller auditorium now features

comfortable new seating, enhancing the

overall experience for attendees.

• New carpeting

The entire venue has been outfitted with

new carpets, adding to the elegant

ambiance.

• Sophisticated colour palette

A refined neutral palette, enhanced with

muted blues and greens, providing a

perfect backdrop for The Forum’s art

collection, which includes works by some

of South Africa’s top emerging artists, many

acquired at the Turbine Art Fair, over the

years.

• Replanted courtyards

The courtyards have been replanted to

create serene, green spaces for relaxation

and socialising.

• New lighting installations

Modern lighting throughout the venue

ensures a warm and welcoming

environment, as well as being more

sustainable.

Natural light still remains a key feature of

The Campus, offering numerous benefits

such as enhanced mood, productivity, and

overall well-being. The venue’s design

maximises natural light, creating a perfect

environment for any occasion.

Introducing The Forum Hyde Park:

an oasis in the city

The Forum Company is excited to introduce

its latest venue, The Forum Hyde Park, also

designed by Tonic. This new space, opening

in October 2024, is set to be an urban

sanctuary featuring sophisticated green and

white marble, rooftop gardens, and

adaptable spaces suitable for both leisure and

corporate events. The venue’s design, set

within Hyde Park Shopping Centre, offers

safety, elegance and a refined experience for

all types of gatherings. The Forum Hyde Park

is poised to become a premier destination for

events in Johannesburg, providing a

sophisticated setting for both intimate

gatherings and large-scale corporate

functions. With its modern amenities and

versatile spaces, it is designed to meet the

diverse needs of today’s event planners and

clients who want something unique and

special in a high-end and central location.

Hyde Park.

44 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


VENUE NEWS

Icon Villas expands portfolio

The villa rental market in South Africa is expanding rapidly and it’s estimated that about thirty

specialist villa rental companies are active in this market.

Following the increased demand for

private villa rentals in Cape Town, Icon

Villas has just added another two prime

villas to its portfolio. Icon Villas was the first

rental company to specialise in the Cape

region where it has, over the past 28 years,

established its niche in prime villas. Twenty of

these magnificent private residences are

bookable exclusively through Icon Villas.

Therese Botha, founder of Icon Villas

confirms the upward trend and said that they

have seen a marked increase in enquiries for

multi-generational family travel, as well as

groups and corporate travellers.

“It is evident that more and more guests

have come to recognise and appreciate the

advantages of choosing a villa stay, which

offers all a hotel does, but even more. This

includes privacy, space and flexibility, with

conveniences such as dream kitchens for

foodies who love entertaining, and gardens

with swimming pools, and outdoor dining

areas that suit the South African lifestyle,”

she said.

Symphony of Light, one of the new Icon

Villas, is perfectly suited for extended stays.

Located in a private estate in the heart of

Bishopscourt, the stately residence features

immaculate, inviting décor and five en-suite

bedrooms. Special attractions include a

magnificent kitchen and voluminous living

areas that include a pyjama lounge, as well as

sprawling lawns with a jungle gym and a large

swimming pool.

Phezulu, the most recent addition to the

Icon Villas portfolio, is filled with immersive,

luminescent installations, original art, and

high-end furniture pieces. A sensual feast

with an adventurous use of colour and

texture everywhere, the six-bedroom villa

hugs the slopes of Higgovale below Table

Mountain, offering endless views and

impeccable entertainment areas, with easy

access to the city attractions.

Therese explained: “Since we started Icon

Villas, our portfolio has grown and developed

into three categories, ranging from our topend

Bespoke Villas which come with bells and

whistles, to our luxurious Essential Villas, as

well as our intimate Pocket Villas, which are

friendly on the pocket.”

Icon Villas currently books around 100

different private villas in the Western Cape,

ranging from City and Beach villas, to

Winelands and Country villas. “Although

about 85 per cent of our bookings are

international, we do have a good number of

South African clients booking villas. Repeat

guests form a significant part of our business

model. Cape Town events, such as the annual

Mining Indaba for instance, attract

corporates, who return year-on-year, many

who prefer the convenience of a spacious,

serviced villa suitable to executive meetings

and entertaining.”

Icon Villa clients have the option to add on

services such as an in-house chef and butlers,

and have access to a concierge service that

provides insider tips and bookings for

sightseeing excursions, guided tours,

restaurants, wine estates, and other local

experiences.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 45


MARKET VENUE NEWS

Carnival City Casino appoints new

general manager

Sun International is pleased to announce that the group has appointed Bryan O’Connor

to the position of general manager for its Carnival City Casino & Entertainment World property

in Brakpan.

Mr O’Connor’s introduction to casinos

began over 20 years ago at Sugar Mill

Casino in KwaZulu Natal, as a training

officer. He first joined the Sun International

group in 2015 as group food and beverage

manager (F&B) for Casino Operations after

Sun’s acquisition of Headline Leisure

Management (HLM).

In 2017 he was moved to the newly built

Time Square Casino complex in Pretoria,

where he played an integral role in setting up

the new F&B Department. By 2020 he was

promoted to operations manager of the unit.

Sun International chief executive officer,

Anthony Leeming, said: “In addition to Bryan’s

gaming and F&B background, he brings

valuable experience in the leadership and

management space. His knowledge of casino

operations, coupled with his commitment

and passion made him the natural choice to

head up Carnival City. I would like to

congratulate him and to wish him well in his

new role.”

Mr O’Connor has a National Diploma in

Hospitality Management as well as a BTech

HRD Degree. He said: “I am honoured to be

stepping into this position, and I look

forward to working alongside the team at

Carnival City to ensure that we go above and

beyond meeting the expectations of our

guests.

“In my spare time, I enjoy longdistance

running. The reward in that comes

from setting and then achieving my goals

and targets. I am looking forward to also

meeting up with other local runners.”

46 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


MARKET VENUE NEWS

MSC Cruises to reduce fleetwide emissions

MSC Cruises will see its fleet of ships’ emissions reduced by up to 15 per cent in 2026, thanks to

the introduction of a new itinerary planning optimisation tool named OptiCruise.

The line has developed a new

mathematical model with OPTIMeasy, a

research company affiliated to the

University of Genoa, that comprehensively

examined numerous factors that influence

the planning of each of MSC Cruises’

itineraries, to achieve the optimum level of

efficiency for a sailing, while maintaining or

enhancing guest satisfaction.

Voyage planning within the global cruise

industry has traditionally been heavily

weighted towards the attractiveness of ship

destinations for potential holidaymakers.

OptiCruise broadens the scope

substantially, to include numerous other

aspects that influence an itinerary’s efficiency,

including sequencing of the port calls,

departure and arrival times at ports, a ship’s

speed, the appeal and attractiveness of

destinations for a holidaymaker, shore

excursions, and operational costs such as fuel,

port charges and food provisions.

The tool’s algorithms use all the

information to identify optimised itineraries,

continue to appeal for guests, while allowing

for energy efficiency.

Cruise ship itinerary planning typically

takes place two years before sailing, and

OptiCruise’s benefits will be evidenced in

2026, when MSC Cruises’ fleet will number 24

ships.

MSC Bellissima was chosen to evaluate the

prototype technology over 12 months as the

ship sailed between seventeen ports in the

Mediterranean Sea.

MSC Cruises’ strategy to achieve net zero

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for

its marine operations is focused on three key

areas — ship and engine technology,

operational efficiency, and renewable

fuels. OptiCruise comes under the operational

efficiency focus, with the cruise line making

greater use of digitalisation to drive

efficiencies in energy consumption.

Michele Francioni, chief energy transition

officer, MSC Cruises, said, “We have identified

and developed this new technology to

optimise the decision-making process of

itinerary planning with the aim to further

reduce emissions across our fleet from 2026.

“The OPTIMeasy team calculates that the

average fuel savings made, and emissions

reduced by using OptiCruise are in the range

of 10-15 per cent, which is a significant step

forward in our ambition to achieve our net

zero greenhouse gas emissions target by

2050 for our marine operations.”

OptiCruise was developed as part of the

European Union’s funded Project CHEK, that

was established to investigate and trial

several low-carbon shipping opportunities,

including energy technologies and innovative

ship designs.

The mathematical model was accepted for

development by Project CHEK, as it was

recognised as a factor that could substantially

reduce emissions, not just for MSC Cruises,

but across the entire cruise industry.

The CHEK Project is part of the EU’s

Horizon research and innovation

programme and is led by the University of

Vaasa in Finland. The consortium includes, as

well as MSC Cruises, the World Maritime

University, Wärtsilä, Cargill, and Lloyds

Register, among others.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 47


MARKET NEWS

Woman of Stature Awards South Africa

launches their 10 th Awards season

The esteemed Woman of Stature Awards South Africa proudly launched their 10th Awards

season, kicking off Women’s Month with a prestigious event held on Thursday, 1 August, at the

Eagle Canyon Golf Estate.

In a fitting tribute to a decade of

empowering and celebrating South Africa’s

phenomenal women, the VIP media launch

was an afternoon of inspiration and

recognition. The event was masterfully hosted

by Nicole Capper, the acclaimed Woman in

Media 2024 winner, whose engaging presence

set the tone for an unforgettable event. Guest

speakers included the 2024 overall winner,

Annemarie Mostert, and 2023 overall winner,

Prof. Corne Davis, WOSA Directors Hazel Bango

Moyo, and Tandi Potgieter, as well as the chief

executive officer and founder of the Woman of

Stature Awards, Charlotte du Plessis. Their

inspiring words underscored the importance of

the Awards in recognising and empowering

women nationwide.

“We are thrilled to mark this milestone with

a season that promises to be our most

impactful yet,” said Ms du Plessis, reflecting on

the Awards’ journey and their ongoing

mission to honour exceptional women across

various sectors.

The Woman of Stature Awards South

Africa is more than just an awards ceremony; it

is a movement that recognises and empowers

women who have excelled in their respective

domains. Exciting new categories have been

introduced this year, including the addition of

Woman in Sport. “This is particularly apt as we

celebrate the achievements of our female

South African Olympians,” Ms du Plessis noted.

This new category will honour the women’s

exceptional contributions and successes in the

sports arena, reflecting the Awards’

commitment to recognising excellence in

diverse fields.

The directors of the Woman of Stature

Awards South Africa highlighted that these

awards have a long and distinguished history.

What sets these awards apart is the prestige

of being nominated. Nominees undergo a

rigorous adjudication process, audited by

their partner MGI RAS, ensuring the integrity

and transparency of the selection process

and the winners.

Nominations for the Woman of Stature

Awards 2025 are now open. We invite the

public to nominate exceptional women who

have significantly impacted their communities

and industries.

To nominate a candidate, go to:

www.wosawardsglobal.com.

Awards Ceremony

The South African Awards Gala Evening will be

held on 12 April 2025 at the Indaba Hotel,

bringing together thought leaders,

influencers, and dignitaries to celebrate the

achievements of our extraordinary nominees.

The evening will feature keynote speeches,

live performances, and the much-anticipated

awards presentation.

For more information

Tandi Potgieter

Email:

communications@wosawardsglobal.com

Tel: 072 986 2641

48 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


YEAR-END MARKET EVENTS NEWS

From left: Nicole Capper, Annemarie Mostert, Prof Corne Davis.

PREMIER

C O N F E R E N C I N G

From left: Danelle Dreyer, Marika Opperman, Tandi Potgieter,

Tshegofatso Mathe, Nicole Capper.

P r i m e

L o c a t i o n s

Reabetswe Makokwe and Charlotte du Plessis.

2024 Overall Winner Annemarie Mostert.

Annemarie Mostert, Charlotte Du Plessis, Shereen Hunter.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Nombulelo Guliwe, chief executive

officer of SA Tourism, said: “We eagerly

anticipate continuing our collaboration

with Minister De Lille to advance and expand

the tourism sector, fulfilling our mission to

increase travel to and within South Africa,

thereby contributing to inclusive economic

growth.”

Ms Guliwe emphasised that, with

international tourism expected to fully

recover in 2024 — driven by strong demand,

enhanced air connectivity, and the continued

recovery of China and other major Asian

markets, SA Tourism looks forward to working

with Minister De Lille, to create an enabling

Cape Town | George | Knysna | East London |

environment for the sector’s growth through

Mpongo Private

collaboration

Game

with

Reserve

various

|

stakeholders.

Pinetown | Port

Edward | Richards “Our country Bay | boasts Sani Pass natural | beauty, Scottburgh rich |

Umhlanga culture, | Sandton stunning | Midrand landscapes, | an OR incredible Tambo |

Pretoria array | of White tourism River offerings, | Bloemfontein

warm hospitality,

and quality-assured facilities and

establishments.”

International tourist arrivals from January

to April 2024 BOOK totalled TODAY 3.2 million, representing

an 11.1 per cent increase when compared

with info@premierhotels.co.za

the same period 2023.

Ms

premierhotels.co.za

Guliwe also expressed gratitude to the

096 111 5555

Business Events Africa August 2024 49


MARKET NEWS

that will always need human interaction. And there isn’t a

country that embodies this more than South Africa.

The country has become known for its warm hospitality

and was recently named the friendliest country in the world.

Tourists still want a personal touch and experiencing new

cultures is part of the appeal of travel — something which

robots can’t replicate. South Africa should capitalise on its

reputation for making people feel at home, and highlight the

authenticity and warmth with which the country welcomes

tourists to its shores.

Think Tank reveals six key learnings

for hospitality and tourism

South Africa’s tourism industry needs to capitalise on the

country’s diverse, open spaces and warm, friendly people. This

was an overarching theme of the second annual Hospitality

Industry Think Tank, spearheaded by Dream Hotels & Resorts

and supported by leading industry players.

The event was an opportunity for all members of the

industry to discuss the most pressing issues affecting

hospitality and tourism and to develop new solutions

and innovations to move these sectors forward.

Attendees agreed that while other parts of the world are

plagued by over-tourism, South Africa has the capacity and

willingness to welcome tourists. However, obstacles such as

insufficient marketing budget and visa restrictions for certain

countries, prevent the tourism industry from reaching its full

potential.

The Think Tank addressed challenges and embraced

solutions, which left the audience feeling optimistic and

inspired. Drawing on discussion points from the various

panels, the hospitality industry needs to consider the

following:

South Africa is more than just Cape Town and

Kruger National Park

The country is fortunate to have incredible selling points,

such as the wildlife of the bush, Table Mountain, and the

Cape coastline. However, as an industry, more needs to be

done to market everything that South Africa has to offer. The

world-famous attractions need to be seen as hooks, and

tourism players should strengthen these hooks to encourage

visitors to explore other parts of the country.

Not only is South Africa known for its open spaces across

berg, beach, and bush, but it also boasts world-class

gastronomy and adventure tourism, and offers almost

unrivalled value for money. Better collaboration between the

government and the private sector and across the entire

industry will help ensure that South Africa is marketed as the

diverse and multifaceted destination it truly is.

Gen Z and Sustainability — two major topics

you can’t ignore

There’s no escaping the topic of sustainability, it’s a primary

focus for any business today. And no one cares more about

sustainability than Gen Z — the generation that will

increasingly travel the world and seek new experiences in the

years to come.

The good news for South Africa is that despite the longhaul

flight from just about anywhere outside of Africa, Gen Z

visitors don’t plan to curb their travels to faraway countries

any time soon. However, they are seeking out properties and

experiences that are sustainable and environmentally

conscious.

Every organisation in hospitality needs to consider not

only profit, but people and the planet as well. An important

step on this journey is to embed sustainability into an

organisation’s culture, meaning that every staff member –

from cleaning to general management – buys into, and is a

part of the solution.

Human interaction trumps robot intervention

There is growing concern that AI is after people’s jobs, which

causes anxiety for many young adults entering the

workforce. The hospitality industry, however, is one industry

Digital hospitality is the future

While robots won’t ever replace smiling faces, the effective

use of AI will allow the industry to become more efficient

and improve the service offered to customers. Hospitality

providers who aren’t embracing new technologies to

streamline their operations and enhance the guest

experience, will be left behind. This is especially true when

appealing to younger travellers, who expect a certain level of

digital enablement, from researching and booking a holiday,

right through to tech-advanced rooms.

Tourism can help solve youth unemployment

Hospitality is one of the few industries that operates in both

rural and urban areas in South Africa, and, with the right

programmes in place, it can significantly impact our

country’s unemployment crisis.

Not only is the hospitality and tourism industry one of the

largest employers within smaller towns and communities,

but it also isn’t dependent on depleting resources, like the

mining sector for instance. Industry players must ensure that

they are properly integrating into the communities in which

they operate, by empowering and upskilling the local citizens.

Strategic government collaboration is needed

While there’s still work to be done before the government

truly realises the value that tourism brings to the local

economy, it’s come a long way. A few years ago, there was

no such thing as a tourism minister or a tourism satellite

account, but today the government recognises the role that

the industry plays in creating jobs, enriching communities,

and bringing money to South African shores.

A key area that still needs to be addressed is the issue of

visa access, particularly for countries such as China and India,

which have huge tourism potential for South Africa. Through

the right collaboration with Home Affairs and other

departments, the industry is hopeful that issues such as

these will be addressed.

The general sentiment is that working with the

government needs to be seen as a partnership and that the

private sector needs to come up with solutions rather than

criticising and showing animosity.

Overall, the main takeaway from the event is that if

industry players work together for a common good, the

hospitality sector has the potential to truly change the

trajectory of South Africa’s economy. Industry members

cannot operate effectively in silos, and the only way to truly

grow tourism in the country is through effective

collaboration.

All the panel discussions from the Hospitality Industry

Think Tank can be viewed here.

50 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


Growing African membership

within AAXO is crucial

MARKET AAXO NEWS

The AAXO Youth Chapter offers a unique platform for young professionals in the exhibition

industry to showcase their creativity and engage in meaningful discussions on industry

challenges.

In addition, members can expand their

professional network and increase their

visibility within the industry. Through

exclusive educational and training

programmes, the Youth Chapter aims to

enhance the knowledge and skills of its

members, providing them with valuable tools

to excel in their careers.

The AAXO Youth Chapter is more than just

a networking opportunity; it’s a space where

young professionals are able to expand their

professional networks, increase their visibility

within the industry, and develop their careers.

Through exclusive educational and training

programmes, members will enhance their

knowledge and skills, equipping them with

valuable tools that are required for them to

excel in their careers.

Introducing the AAXO Youth Chapter

Committee

AAXO is immensely proud of the selected

committee members for the newly

launched AAXO Youth Chapter. These

individuals represent some of the brightest

young minds in our association and the

industry at large. The selected members

are:

• Anazi Piper, Vuka Group.

• Suad Khan, Dogan Exhibitions and

Events.

• Yaseen Dalvie, DMG Events.

• Yvonne Komane, Scan Display.

• Amanda Dube, DMG Events.

• Ngcali Ngotsho, Messe Frankfurt SA.

• Stephen Campbell, Vuka Group.

• Mthandazo Ndzuzo, Messe Frankfurt SA.

• Harris Kubjane, AI Media.

Bringing together their experience in

the exhibitions industry, the AAXO Youth

Chapter aims to bridge the gap between

established industry professionals and the

younger generation. By creating support

structures, mentorship programmes, and

an environment where young

professionals can thrive, the Youth Chapter

will play a crucial role in contributing to

the industry’s development and

innovation.

As we move forward, the AAXO Youth

Chapter is committed to fostering a

community where young professionals

can not only grow, but also lead the way in

shaping the future of the exhibition

industry.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 51


EXSA EVENT NEWS GREENING FORUM

Image by Julita from Pixabay.

The events guide to ditching single-use plastic

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental impact, South African businesses have a unique

opportunity to lead the charge toward sustainability. And what better time to begin than right after

Plastic Free July?

As an event planner in Africa, you

understand the challenges we face:

load shedding, water scarcity, and a

growing awareness of our environmental

footprint. But let's be honest, "green fatigue"

is real. Nobody wants to be lectured at a

conference or feel guilty about enjoying a

cocktail.

So, how do we make plastic-free events in

Africa exciting, not exhausting?

First, a dose of reality: The average event

attendee generates a staggering 1,9kg of

waste daily. For a 1,000-person, three-day

conference, that's the equivalent of 2.6

compact cars headed straight for the landfill.

And the culprit? Single-use plastic, is used for

minutes, then haunts our environment for

centuries. Most single-use plastics are used

for less than 15 minutes before being

discarded, and experts predict that by 2050,

our oceans will contain more plastic than fish.

The good news is that ditching disposable

plastic isn't just about responsibility; it's about

innovation and standing out in the

competitive events landscape. It's about

showcasing Africa's ingenuity and

commitment to a sustainable future.

Here are six relatively easy ways to host a

plastic-free event:

1. Embrace African Ingenuity

Trade plastic name tags for plantable seed

paper badges that blossom into

indigenous flowers or herbs. Showcase

local artisans by offering reusable tote bags

made from traditional fabrics as event

swag.

2. Hydration with a Twist

Install refill stations with locally sourced,

filtered water, and offer branded reusable

water bottles with African-inspired designs.

You can host a “BYOBottle” sundowner,

where attendees can mingle and compare

their eco-chic water bottle choices.

3. Tech Meets Tradition

Embrace the digital age with online

registrations, event apps featuring local

wildlife guides, and interactive digital

agendas showcasing African art and

culture.

4. The Zero-Waste Buffet

Who said sustainability couldn’t be

delicious? Elevate your catering game with

a fully edible buffet. Imagine plates crafted

from wheat bran, cutlery you can munch

on, and water pods encased in seaweed —

a true culinary adventure that leaves no

trace behind. Challenge your guests to

embrace this innovative dining experience

and leave no waste in their wake.

5. Engage and Inspire

Make sustainability a highlight of your

event. Host a ‘Plastic-Free Pledge’ wall,

where attendees can commit to reducing

their plastic use. Organise interactive

workshops on upcycling plastic waste into

art or practical items.

6. Greenest Vendor Wins

Publicly showcase a ‘green rating’ for each

supplier at your event, based on their

plastic reduction initiatives. Think of it as a

friendly competition where ecoconsciousness

takes centre stage. This not

only motivates vendors to up their green

game but also educates attendees about

the importance of sustainable sourcing. It’s

a win-win for your event’s reputation, and

the planet.

This is your opportunity to take what you

learned during Plastic Free July and show

the world that African events are

environmentally conscious. By embracing

creativity, innovation, and a touch of African

flair, you can create events that are truly

unforgettable while treading lightly on our

precious planet.

About us

The Event Greening Forum is a non-profit organisation

that promotes sustainability within the business events

sector. To find out more, please visit

www.eventgreening.co.za.

For more information, please contact:

Lynn Mcleod

Tel: 082 891 5883

Email: lynn@eventgreening.co.za

52 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


EXSA NEWS

Some event security guidelines for events

Event security refers to the measures and protocols designed to ensure the safety and security

of participants, attendees, staff, and property during various events, such as concerts, sports

games, festivals, conferences and private functions.

By George Skazikis of Evsol

Event security is essential, to mitigate

potential risks and create a safe

environment for everyone involved. It

includes:

Assessing Risks: Organisers study potential

security risks, to create a customised security

plan.

Security Plan: A detailed plan is based on the

risk assessment, outlining security measures

and needed resources.

Crowd Control: Managing crowds is vital,

including entry points, access control, and

avoiding overcrowding.

Access Checks: Security checks such as ticket

validation, bag inspections, and metal detectors

are used. VIP areas have strict access control.

Surveillance: Cameras and security staff

monitor the event for suspicious activity.

Security Personnel: Trained staff, such as

guards and ushers, are deployed to ensure

attendee safety.

Emergency Response: Protocols for

medical incidents, fires, or security breaches

are prepared, with first-aid stations and

evacuation plans.

Communication: Effective communication

is vital for coordination, and contacting

authorities if needed.

Law Enforcement Collaboration: Event

security teams often work with local law

enforcement to address criminal activity.

Contingency Plans: Plans for unexpected

events such as bad weather or power outages

are in place.

Training: Security staff are trained in conflict

resolution, emergency response, and

customer service.

Crisis Management: In major incidents,

protocols minimise harm, and coordinate

responses.

Post-Event Assessment: After the event, an

evaluation is done, to improve security for

future events.

Overall, event security is a critical

component of event planning and

management, to ensure the safety and wellbeing

of all participants and the event’s

success.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 53


SITE NEWS

The way we travel now — implications of

latest McKinsey research for incentive travel

Recent research from McKinsey into the way we travel now is crammed with exciting,

actionable insights for organisers of incentive travel programmes. While the McKinsey

research focuses on leisure, the trends here tend to replicate themselves in incentive travel as,

after all, the travel reward is specifically designed to motivate and reward an individual, thus

appealing to the same human triggers.

The McKinsey research is a deep well of

rich content and merits time and

attention. I pulled out three takeaways

for organisers of incentive travel

programmes.

Overarching takeaway: the widening

generational gap

One overarching takeaway from the McKinsey

research is, perhaps, the widening gap between

the generations, with boomers and millennials

clearly and definitively at opposite ends of the

travel preference spectrum. Given the dramatic

changes in workplace demographics with Gen

Y and Z already featuring a significantly in work

environments and traditionalists and boomers

rapidly exiting stage left, this timely McKinsey

research could be taken as a handbook on

programme design for the coming generations

of incentive travel qualifiers.

SITE has been flagging this for quite some

time with, most recently, Meetings & Incentive‘s

Ashley Kreuger, the young leader representative

on SITE‘s international board, delivering a

compelling TEDTalk-style presentation on the

topic to a packed room of incentive travel

professionals in scintillating Sydney. The

McKinsey report bootstraps all that Ashley had

to say, validating it, and elevating it beyond

mere opinion or viewpoint to the realm of fact

and knowledge. So, what’s in the report?

1. Make it international — NextGen want

to travel far

First, some context. As we know, incentive travel

re-bounded spectacularly post-Covid but the

re-bound involved a double down on national

and regional travel and, in broad terms, an

avoidance of international and long-haul travel

(the exception was US incentives to Western

Europe which continued and continue to

proliferate). The McKinsey report, however,

highlights how younger travellers are

particularly excited about international travel,

planning a nearly equal number of international

and domestic trips in 2024, no matter their

country of origin, whereas boomers are

planning to take roughly twice as many

domestic trips.

By

Pádraic Gilligan,

founder, SoolNua

and chief

marketing officer,

SITE

Gen Y and Z are intrepid explorers and want

to get beyond their region and continent.

They’re part of the Ryanair/EasyJet generation

in Europe for whom getting on and off planes

was no different to getting on and off buses or

trains. They’ve seen more places by the time

they join the workforce than previous

generations saw over their entire lifetime.

They’re unlikely to be massively motivated by a

domestic or regional travel reward as they’ve

certainly “done that, seen that”. They want to

visit Bhutan or Zanzibar or Prince Edward Island

or Belize. But, more than that, they want

experiences, not superficial visitation.

2. Make it authentic — NextGen want

experiences, not visitation

Young travellers will try to save money on

What we’re all about: motivational experiences

Why we do it? Business results!

Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational

experiences that deliver business results.

Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool

across diverse industries, regions and cultures.

Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make

personal connections that sustain professional growth.

Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek

the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary

experiences. That organisation is Site...

Contact

Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com

www.sitesouthernafrica.com

www.siteglobal.com


SITE NEWS

flights, transport, shopping, even food but they

absolutely won’t economise on ‘experiences’.

Their travel is, in fact, defined by the

experiences they have which, in turn, create

meaningful and authentic connections with

the places they visit and build out enduring

memories which become they stories they tell.

But what are these experiences? How do they

differ from normal destination visitation?

Where normal visitation may involve

accommodation in a chain hotel, a city tour,

some high street shopping and dinner in a

local restaurant, an experience might involve

an edgy boutique hotel in a neighbourhood

area or a homestay, sharing meals with a local

family, taking a cookery class, attending a local

festival. Experiences involve engagement and

immersion, deep cultural connection,

opportunities for learning and personal

growth, forging indelible memories.

To save money, the first thing that a boomer

will cut from the vacation will be the

experience. It’s the last thing to be cut when it

comes to GenY!

3. Make it personal — NextGen want to

craft their own trips

Travellers today are delighting in crafting their

own trips — and this phenomenon is shared

across the entire spectrum, critical to GenY and

Z, but by no means exclusive to them. Amongst

the 5,000 individuals across the globe who

responded to the survey, less than 1 in 5 of

them had any use for a travel agent or advisor.

The reason? Control. The second-most-cited

reason? They simply enjoy the planning

process. According to McKinsey, “today’s

travellers tend to view the planning process…

as a treasure hunt,” and they pride themselves at

finding treasure all along the way in terms of

the coffee shops and restaurants they book, the

experiences they take, the cool places they find

to stay in.

And, when it comes to sources of inspiration

for trips, the ‘personal’ plays out strongest with

word-of-mouth from family/friends twice as

important as, say, a destination’s website.

Implications for planners of incentive

travel experiences

The first two takeaways are easily implemented

in the planning process. Clearly, when dealing

with younger demographics, pitch

international destinations and be sure to build

the programme inclusions with the local

knowledge and insight of a professional DMC

whose entire MO is focused on delivering once

in-a-lifetime, authentic destination experiences.

The third takeaway is decidedly, and

decisively, more challenging but, perhaps,

therein the reason why it merits analysis. At

present our approach to incentive travel is to

make programme execution effortless,

seamless and frictionless. “These qualifiers have

risen to the top, like cream in a milk bottle, now

it’s time for them to lie back, relax …”

But is that truly motivating for NextGen

qualifiers? Do they want a ‘frictionless’

destination experience, all sand, sea and

sunshine or do they want the destination to

impact on them deeply leaving its mark

physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually?

The research is telling us that this is what

NextGen wants… they don’t want passive

visitation, they want active experiences. They

want to be personally involved in the choices,

they want to curate themselves… Seems to

me that they want what Cesare Pavese called

the ‘brutality of travel’.

So, how can we tweak programme design to

deliver on this?

Pádraic Gilligan is co-founder of SoolNua

with Patrick Delaney and serves as chief

marketing Officer for the Society for Incentive

Travel Excellence.

Building back Exhibitions and Events together!

The founding Associations of the SA Events Council have consistently provided essential information and support on event

safety, business relief and venue capacity. Ensure you are ready for business by engaging with your association today.

hello@saeventscouncil.org


DIRECTORY

SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION

FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY

EXSA OFFICE

www.exsa.co.za

SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE

TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

SA EVENTS COUNCIL

EXCO AND HEAD OFFICE

Chairperson

Jaques Fouche

e: jaques@be-moved.co.za

c: +27 (0)60 993 7542

Vice-chairperson

Gheeta Payle

e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com

c: +27 (0)61 609 8585

Treasurer

Alex Wrottesley

e: alex@intoafrica.co.za

c: +27 (0)79 429 1627

Chief executive officer

Glenton De Kock

e: ceo@saaci.org

c: +27 (0)82 575 7565

Membership Services & Operations

Tracey-Lee Abdulla

e: members@saaci.org

t: +27 (0)84 492 1515

REGIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Eastern Cape Chairperson

Neil Mouton

t: +27 (0)61 423 9920

e: ec.za@saaci.org

KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson

Kavitha Dhawnath

c: +27 (0)83 607 2006

e: kzn.za@saaci.org

EXSA Chairperson

Sibusiso Mncwabe

EXSA Vice Chairperson

Jacqui Nel

Treasurer

Ismael Atanasi

Gauteng Chairperson

Kerry-Lee Bester

Western Cape Chairperson

Liam Beattie

Western Cape Vice Chairperson

Nic Curle

KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson

Ashona Maharaj

Director

Gavin Burgess

Director

Kimendrie Pillay

Director

Ross Wilson

Co-opted Director

Daniel Chemel

Co-opted Director

Steve Marsden

President

Tes Proos

c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676

e:tes@crystalevents.co.za

Treasurer

Peter-John Mitrovich

c: +27 (0)82 318 1889

e:peter-john.mitrovich@grosvenortours.com

Sustainability

Daryl Keywood

Southern Africa Development

Brad Glen

East Africa Development

Chris Munyao

Young Leader Programme

Peter Mwanja

Africa Convention Bureaus

Rick Taylor

North Africa Development

George Fawzi

Board member at large

Rick Taylor

East Africa (Rwanda)

Chris Munyao

North Africa

George Fawzi

North Africa support

Brad Glen

e:hello@saeventscouncil.org

Chairperson

Raylene Johnson, CEO: TEBCO-SA

Interim treasurer

Glenn van Eck, Chairperson: CEPA

Spokesperson

Projeni Pather, Chairperson: AAXO

Members

Kevan Jones, Executive Director SACIA

Sharif Baker, Chairperson TPSA

Tes Proos, SITE President

Justin Hawes, Managing Director: Scan Display & Event

Greening Forum Treasurer

Sibusiso Mncwabe, Chairperson EXSA

Justin van Wyk, Chairperson SALPA

Mike Lord, Chairperson ESC

Arthur Goldstuck, PSASA Exco Member

Esmare Steinhofel, Chairperson: ICCA Africa Chapter

Advisory Members

Prof Nellie Swart, Associate Professor: Tourism

Management

Corne Koch, Head: Convention Bureau (WESGRO)

Tiisetso Tau, AAXO member

Daryl Keywood, SITE Member

Bheki Twala, TEBCO-SA Executive

Kim Roberts, SAACI Representative Western Cape

Robyn D’Alessandro, PR/Social media, Vivo Visual

Voice CC

Gauteng Chairperson

Mary Mahlangu

c: +27 (0)81 574 9493

e:jhb.za@saaci.org

Secretariat & Events

Mariaan Burger

c: +27 (0)82 557 8041

e: info@siteafrica.africa

Western Cape Chairperson

Ansu Colditz

c: +27 (0)82 457 8071

e:wc.za@saaci.org

Learning Ambassador

Esti Venske

c: +27 (0)83 482 9276

56 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN

EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

EVENT GREENING FORUM

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS &

CONVENTION ASSOCIATION

SACIA — Southern African Communications

Industries Association

c: +27 (0)82 555 5556

e: kevan@sacia.org.za

Executive director: Kevan Jones

46 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways,

Johannesburg

t: +27 (0)87 265 5840

e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za

Association coordinator:

Anthea Buys

e:anthea@aaxo.co.za

Chairperson

Gary Corin, Specialised Exhibitions

e: Gary.corin@montgomerygroup.com

Vice Chairperson

Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing

e:projeni@exposuremarketing.co.za

Venue Committee Chairperson

Cornelle du Preez, Gallagher Convention Centre

e:cornelled@gallagher.co.za

Treasurer

James Bull, Informa Tech

e:James.bull@informa.com

Immediate Past Chair

Devi Paulsen-Abbott

e:devi@aaxo.co.za

Board of Directors

Adele Hartdegen, Dogan Events

Errol Bryce, Vuka Group

Joshua Low, dmg Events

Tracy Gounden, Messe SA

179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000,

Parklands 2121

t: +27 (0)11 447 4777

e:info@eventgreening.co.za

w:www.eventgreening.co.za

Management Committee Members:

Chairperson: John Arvanitakis (Chat’r Xperience)

Vice Chairperson: Neo Mohlatlole (7 Colors)

Treasurer: Justin Hawes (Scan Display)

Secretariat: Lynn McLeod (individual)

Morwesi Ramonyai (Borena Energy)

Gavin Burgess (Technology Partners)

Grace Stead (Steadfast Greening)

JP van Schalkwyk (Up-A-Tone Events)

Sonja van Rooyen (Specialised Exhibitions)

Emma Kumalo (Chat’R Xperiences)

Angelique Smith (Event Synthesis)

Joey Swart (Take Note Events)

Louis Nel (Louis THE Lawyer)*

*Co-opted

They are joined by the EGF’s associate member

representatives, who are:

AAXO: Anthea Buys

EXSA: Doug Rix/Lee-Ann Alder

Fedhasa: TBC

IFEA Africa: Janet Landey

The MICE Academy: Helen Brewer

PCO Alliance: Melody Barber

SAACI: Glenton de Kock

SACIA/TPSA: Kevan Jones

SA Roadies: TBC

ICCA African Chapter

Chairperson:

Taubie Motlhabane

Cape Town International Convention Centre

t: +27 (0)21 410 5000

e:Taubiem@cticc.co.za

Deputy Chairperson:

Frank Murangwa

Rwanda Convention Bureau

t: +250 788 358 454

e: frank.murangwa@rcb.rw

Secretariat:

Esmaré Steinhöfel

ICCA Africa Regional director

c: +27 (0)84 056 5544

e:esmare.s@iccaworld.org

www.iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter

www.iccaworld.org

OTHER ORGANISATIONS

OF INTEREST

ABTA — African Business Travel Association

Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123

t: +27 (0)11 888 8178

c: +27 (0)83 679 2110

e: monique@abta.co.za

w: www.abta.co.za

Founder: Monique Swart

ASATA – Association of Southern African

Travel Agents

PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010

t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61

e: barbara@asata.co.za

e: general@asata.co.za

Office manager: Barbara Viljoen

Council of Event Professionals Africa

Kevan Jones

e: kevan@sacia.org.za

t: +27 (0)11 083 6418

c: +27 (0)82 555 5556

Chairperson: Glenn van Eck

Magnetic Storm

c: +27 (0)82 800 2616

e: glenn@magnetic.co.za

FEDHASA National Office — Federated

Hospitality Association of Southern Africa

PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157

c: +27 (0)82 552 9862

e: ceo@fedhasa.co.za

w: www.fedhasa.co.za

PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of

Southern Africa

t: +27 (0)11 462 9465

c: +27 (0)83 458 6114

e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za

w: www.psasouthernafrica.co.za

SATI — South African Translators’ Institute

Executive director: Marion Boers

t: +27 (0)11 803 2681

e: office@translators.org.za

w: www.translators.org.za

SATSA — Southern Africa Tourism Services

Association

Box 900, Ferndale 2160

t: +27 (0)11 886 9996

e: pa@satsa.co.za

w: www.satsa.com

SKAL International South Africa

Secretary: Anne Lamb

t: +27 (0)21 434 7023

c: +27 (0)82 708 1836

e: anne@yebo.co.za

w: www.skalsouthafrica.org

STA — Sandton Tourism Association

t: +27 (0)83 558 5445

e: secretariat@sandtontourism.com

w: www.sandtontourism.com

TBCSA — Tourism Business

Council of South Africa

Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

Box 11655, Centurion 0046

t: +27 (0)12 664 0120

e: comms@tbcsa.travel

w: www.tbcsa.travel

w: www.tomsa.co.za

Member relations manager: Boitumelo Moleleki

TGCSA — Tourism Grading

Council of South Africa

Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146

t: +27 (0)11 895 3000

f: +27 (0)11 895 3001

e: enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za

TINSA — Interpreters/Translators Network

of Southern Africa

e: info@interpreter.org.za

t/f: +27 (0)11 485 2511

c: +27 (0)83 249 0010

w: www.interpreter.org.za

TPSA — Technical Production Services

Association

c: +27 (0)82 555 5556

e:kevan@sacia.org.za

w: www.tpsa.co.za

Executive director: Kevan Jones

TTA — Tshwane Tourism Association

Box 395, Pretoria 0001

t: +27 (0)12 841 4212

e: secretary@tshwanetourism.com

w: www.tshwanetourism.com

Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte

Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande

Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen

e: membership@tshwanetourism.com

SABOA — Southern African Bus Operators

Association

Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128

t: +27 (0)11 511 7641

e: saboa@saboa.co.za

w: www.saboa.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 57


THE MARKET LAST NEWS WORD

UFI announces upcoming

departure of CEO Kai Hattendorf

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announces that Kai Hattendorf will leave

UFI at the end of 2024, having been the CEO since 2015.

Ijoined UFI in 2015, and these past ten

years as the association’s chief executive

officer have been an amazing journey,

serving the global exhibitions and business

events industry,” says Kai Hattendorf. “A role

like this is a stewardship for every person in

office, and part of that stewardship is to find

the right time to pass on the baton to a new

leader. I could think of no better time to do

this than the coming months, and as part of

UFI’s centennial, where we recognise the

achievement of the past while preparing for

the challenges of tomorrow”, Kai continues.

Founded in 1925 in Milan, UFI will embark

on a year of special programmes and

activities to mark the organisation’s

centennial at the 2024 Global Congress that

will take place from 20-23 November in

Cologne, Germany.

“UFI has an extremely strong team in place

in Paris and the offices around the world,

thanks to the amazing work Kai is doing,

together with our chief operating officer,

Adeline Vancauwelaert, in recent years,” said

Geoff Dickinson, UFI president. “On behalf of

the UFI leadership, I cannot highlight enough

how Kai’s tireless work over the past ten years

has driven UFI’s growth and development

through good times, as well as the pandemic

— the worst crisis we all had to face in our

lifetime. Kai’s commitment to our industry is

unparalleled, and we will make sure to see

him off in style towards the end of the year.”

The UFI leadership team, led by Mr Dickinson

and supported by Ms Vancauwelaert and

Mr Hattendorf, is managing the process of

recruiting UFI’s next CEO.

Index of advertisers and contributors

ADVERTISER PAGE EMAIL WEBSITE

AAXO 51 aaxo@aaxo.co.za www.aaxo.co.za

Avani Windhoek 42-43 windhoek@avanihotels.com avanihotels.com/en/windhoek

CSIR ICC 38-40 icc@csir.co.za www.csir.co.za

CTICC FC,IFC,6-8 media@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za

Event Greening Forum 52 info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za

Event Synthesis International 11 angie@esiglobal.co.za www.esiglobal.co.za

EXSA 53 exsa@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za

Mjunxtion 4 yolande@mjunxtion.co.za www.mjunxtion.co.za

Northern Cape 18-21 businessevents@experiencenortherncape.com www.experiencenortherncape.com

Premier Hotels & Resorts 49 info@premierhotels.com www.premierhotels.com

SAACI 29 info@saaci.org www.saaci.org

SA Events Council 55 hello@saeventscouncil.org www.saeventscouncil.org

Scan Display 30-32 justin@scandisplay.co.za www.scandisplay.co.za

SITE Africa 54 info@sitesouthernafrica.com siteglobal.com/chapter/site-africa

Tourvest 14-16 laurinda.schroeder@tourvest-ime.com tourvest-mice.co.za

58 Business Events Africa August 2024

www.businesseventsafrica.com


THE MARKET LAST WORD NEWS

Towards the future

The new hospitality industry is constantly striving to offer guests something special and stay

abreast of ever-changing consumer demands. From the US, to China, in Africa, and other

jurisdictions, researchers and owners/managers alike are analysing opportunities. Change is

happening and fast, and I’ve tried to capture some of these trends that are driving results.

By Mark Jakins

Guests are seeking more personalised

experiences that meet their discerning

cultural, lifestyle and time management

needs — this is in a world where diversity is

growing, as is the need for the industry to

acknowledge this.

Hospitality groups and owners are pushing

hard to optimise digital guest experiences.

Guest experience technology is likely to

dominate hospitality investment in technology

and that desire to achieve a competitive

advantage. Some of these recipient focus areas

include contactless check-in/out, automated

communication tools, online payment

authorisations, digital tipping, and keyless entry.

Travellers are continuing to prioritise health

and wellness for themselves, in their travel

arrangements and choices of location, hotels

and other tourism facilities — there’s a new

consciousness, for the value of both physical

and mental health.

The business and leisure blurring

phenomenon, Bleisure Travel, is also increasing

— and not just before or after work events, to

explore the destination. Today, guests often stay

longer and even bring family or friends along.

The trend of working while on the road is also

popular among digital nomads, the selfemployed,

or employees with flexible work

contracts. Beware the hospitality establishments

that don’t offer high-speed Wi-Fi, co-working

areas, rooms with workstations, or work-fromhotel

packages (some of these include themed

business community events gatherings of local,

like-minded business folk, cocktail snacks, onsite

technical support, printing, a meeting room

for conference calls or presentations).

Real, authentic information is continuing to

gain traction as a means of gaining business —

even if everything is not entirely positive. As

owners or managers build a hotel’s reputation,

the latest stats show that over 80 per cent of

people always read reviews before booking

their stay, while three-quarters of travellers value

online ratings over a hotel’s own marketing or

brand info. If properties increase satisfaction

scores, room rates can be increased, and

occupancies will surely follow.

The much-hyped Artificial Intelligence (AI)

tidal wave is now crashing on fertile shores and

becoming the norm. Hospitality marketers and

agencies are using communication campaigns

with personalised replies, revenue management

systems feature AI reliance for pricing

optimisation — and marketing platforms are

aggregating guest data and clear demand

trends distilled into targeted campaign

recommendations.

Probably the best example of the use of AI in

hospitality is in China, where high-tech hotels

have been created that lower management

costs and improve efficiency, replacing manual

work like cleaning, room service delivery, etc.

with systems and robots. Facial recognition

check-in at hotels is becoming a reality in China,

as well as the use of AI-powered computers that

mine data to provide tailored customer

experiences. This also adds to the unique

physical and design experience enjoyed by

guests of hotel brands.

One big challenge most hospitality

companies are facing, in the adoption and

implementation of Hospitality AI, is the

investment cost involved, including the

acquisition of the hardware, instruments,

gadgets, installation cost, and cost for hiring and

training of operators and employees. All these

expenditures are needed to ensure the smooth

setup and efficient running of the technologies

to benefit the tourism and hospitality industry.

As tourism in Africa grows, security for

travellers is becoming a crucial hospitality trend.

Ensuring safety enhances tourists’ experiences,

protecting them from potential threats and

fostering peace of mind. Improved security

measures not only attract more visitors, but also

contribute to sustainable development and

economic prosperity in the region, making it a

vital focus for the hospitality industry.

Over the past few years, the hospitality

industry’s biggest challenge has not just been

attracting customers, but also finding and

retaining staff. Many hotel groups have begun

making internal changes and improvements,

including offering staff free or low-cost

accommodation, increased wages, reduced

peak-time working hours, and considerable

investment in training programmes to motivate

staff! This will improve culture and positivity, and

position hospitality as a prospective industry of

choice to work in.

Finally, according to The Expedia Sustainable

Travel Study, 90 per cent of respondents are

looking for greener ways to travel, and 75 per

cent are willing to pay extra for environmentallyfriendly

options — and the trend shows that

sustainability is no longer a choice if you want

to keep attracting eco-conscious guests.

There is no doubt that astute hospitality

players will treat guests of the future with

personalised attention, aided by AI-infused

granular segmentation and service offerings. In

addition, technology should assist in efficiencies

and automation — which may detract from the

African agenda of job creation. As with other

industries, the hospitality industry needs to be

vigilant to evolving trends and revisit its guest

strategies continuously.

Some of us will always say that the basics

remain the core pillars of hospitality success – a

good night’s sleep, in a comfortable and clean

environment – supported by wonderful dining

experiences and treated with respect by the

hotel staff who interact with guests with

sensitivity and a positive attitude!

Who is Mark Jakins?

Mark Jakins writes for Business Events Africa in his

private capacity. He is the head of advisory for Valor

Hospitality, a global hospitality management company

with offices and hospitality locations in the US, UK,

Middle East, and Africa. He is also the chief executive

officer and founder of Futuredrum, a bespoke branding,

marketing, and business turnaround consultancy.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa August 2024 59


DIGITAL

DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS EVENTS

DIRECTORY

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directory.

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and conference organisers in Africa. We have been a trusted source of information for more than 41 years, and

now offer this valuable resource online.

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