Business Events Africa - Vol 38 No 11

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa Vol 38 No 11 November 2018

We came, we saw…

we conquered

Twenty Years of Making Dreams Come True

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Business Events Africa has been the voice of the business events industry in southern Africa

for the past 38 years. This trusted source of information keeps readers up-to-date with the most

relevant news, trends, interviews, destination features, venue showcases and local association

news and resources. Business Events Africa is also known for having the most comprehensive

directory of venues, service providers, speakers and conference organisers in Africa.

Head Office: Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre,

Old Main Road, Kloof 3610

PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

Tel: +27 31 764 6977 | Fax: 086 762 1867

Email: contact@contactpub.co.za

Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa

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BUSINESS EVENTS

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Business Events Africa is known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers

and conference organisers in Africa. We have been a trusted source of information for more than 37 years, and

now offer this valuable resource online.

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Affordable advertising is just a click away.

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

CONTENTS

VOL

38 NO 11

NOVEMBER 2018

18

Special Features

About the cover

Emperors Palace turns

20 and is more fabulous

than ever

Emperors Palace, the

entertainment and leisure

capital in Gauteng, turns 20

this year and has been celebrating in

style since August, with celebrations

set to continue well into the festive

season. Guests can look forward to

a series of birthday surprises taking

place across the property, including

fun birthday installations, exciting

weekend promotions and the chance

to win their share of exciting prizes.

18 CAPE TOWN AND WESTERN CAPE CONTINUES TO SOAR

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade and

Investment Promotion Agency, joined by the City of Cape Town, the

Western Cape government, and stakeholders from across sectors, hosted

its annual review for the financial year 2017/18. It was a challenging year

for the Western Cape and South Africa. The credit ratings downgrades

during this time, coupled with the worst drought to hit the Cape on record,

meant that the agency had to do even more in a constrained economic

environment.

20 CTICC ON AN INTERNATIONAL BID WINNING STREAK

The CTICC has been awarded 15 international conferences, in the last six

months alone. Many of these will be hosted on the African continent for

the first time. We are extremely proud to have won these bids, which are

testament to the CTICC’s competitiveness as a venue and Cape Town’s

attractiveness as a business event destination” said Julie-May Ellingson,

chief executive officer of the CTICC.

22 SPIER FOR CONSCIOUS CONFERENCING

The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is constantly

striving to find innovative ways for its business to have a positive social and

environmental impact. This very much embodies its approach to events,

which it calls Conscious Conferencing.

20

5

The authority on meetings,

exhibitions, special events and

incentives management

Destination: Botswana

24 LUSH COMFORT IN THE HEART OF AFRICA

Features

4 Editor’s comment: There is

always a new chapter.

5 Report back | Africa

Associations Congress:

First Africa Associations Congress

hosted in South Africa.

17 Executive Chef

Abbas Abrahams:

executive chef at Century

City Conference Centre.

19 Company focus

Barmotion: The best things in life

are free.

26 Local perspective

Africa no longer seen as the

‘dark continent’.

28 Exhibitions

2018: What a year for

ExpoGuys.

29 Venue news

Expo Centre: Ending the year on a

high note.

30 Teambuilding

Avianto: A one-stop destination

for conferencing.

31 Event Greening forum

An event greening case study:

Meetings Africa 2018.

32 SAACI news

A potential client isn’t always

worth the risk.

33 EXSA news

What happens in Vegas, stays in

Vegas…

34

South Africa National

Convention Bureau

AAXO news

Create an experience for your

visitors.

35 SITE news

SITE announces 2019 new board

and trustees.

36 Index of advertisers.

37 Calendar.

Business Events Africa, in partnership with the

South Africa National Convention Bureau,

continues to run a series of supplements. In this

supplement we look at Meetings Africa, Africa’s

premier business events trade show.

38 Directory & associations

of interest to the industry.

40 Last word: How government can

work with the tourism sector to

create jobs.

9

Shared Economies

When shared minds

come together,

we advance Africa

When shared minds

come together,

we advance Africa.

25 FEBRUARY 2019 : BONDAY

26-27 FEBRUARY 2019:

EXHIBITION

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

26 FEBRUARY 2018: BONDAY


EXHIBITION



24

An authentic African adventure awaits at Chobe Marina Lodge, situated

on the banks of the Chobe River within walking distance of Kasane

town centre and easy access to the renowned Chobe National Park.

Masa Square Hotel, situated in the cosmopolitan Masa Piazza, offers an

array of luxury accommodation, conferencing, entertainment facilities,

restaurants and roof top pool bar in the heart of Gaborone’s CBD.

www.meetingsafrica.co.za

Published by the proprietor

Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd

(Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

HEAD OFFICE PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

Suite 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main

Road, Kloof 3610

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS:

PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

TEL: +27 31 764 6977

FAX: 086 762 1867

PUBLISHER: Godfrey King

gk@contactpub.co.za

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King

malcolm@contactpub.co.za

EDITOR: Irene Costa

gomesi@iafrica.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN EDITOR:

Hayley Mendelow

hayley@contactpub.co.za

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen

jackie@contactpub.co.za

SALES REPRESENTATIVES:

Pierre Grobler | +27 (0)82 900 4026

pierre@businesseventsafrica.com

Ruth Baldwin | +27 (0)72 897 6752

ruth@businesseventsafrica.co.za

James Seymour | +27 (0)82 925 5508

james@cathkinmanagement.com

PUBLICATION DETAILS:

Volume 38 No 11

Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is

published monthly, with the Yearbook in June.

Printed by

, a division of Novus Holdings

52 Mahogany Road, Westmead

www.paarlmedia.co.za

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE:

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Africa can be obtained on application to the

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publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Learning | Growth | collaboration

Official media partner

Official Journal of the Southern

Africa Chapter of the Society for

Incentive Travel Excellence

aaxo

Official journal of the

Exhibition & Event Association

of Southern Africa


EDITOR’S COMMENT

There is always

a new chapter

Our lives work in cycles. The

longer you are in the industry,

the more people you know,

and sadly this means there is also a

cycle of death. It is a part of living.

This month we said goodbye to three

industry leaders, Ian Cawood, Henk

Bredenoord and Carlo Folchi-Vici.

It is with a heavy heart that I say

farewell to these three people that

touched my work life in a significant

way. I have fond memories of each of

them and I offer my sincere condolences

to their family and friends.

To live life means we need to

understand the cycle of life. There is

always a beginning and an end.

Life is a celebration. With that in

mind, I would like to congratulate

Craig Newman from the Johannesburg

Expo Centre on his appointment as

UFI president. I am sure that you will

fly the South African flag high, and

through your UFI presidency grow

the African exhibitions industry.

While one local leader steps up, another

industry stalwart, Nina Freysen-Pretorius

completes her presidency with ICCA.

Wow, what an amazing presidency it has

been. Congratulations to Nina for her

leadership, dedication and commitment

to industry during her tenure. She has

left big shoes to fill. Nina is an inspiration

to the business events industry locally

and internationally. By no means is this

the end of her chapter – I’m sure this is

just the start of many new chapters.

This year I turned 40, and I’m not sure

if it is an issue of mortality but I have

definitely started to take a closer look at

myself and my various roles as an editor,

mother, wife and friend. Through this

self-reflection stage, I have started to

read books on how to better myself.

Maybe it is a legacy thing, but

what I have come to realise is that

life is really not black and white.

The shades is what makes us different

and as much as we want to find answers

to who we are, the truth is you must

pursue what makes you happy.

Yes, there are a variety of personality

traits but I don’t believe we can box

people into one specific box.

This brings me back to our industry

– it is all about the personalities

and the experiences. Quite simply,

how we make people feel.

We can’t cater to everyone’s likes

and expectations but we certainly

can come close by offering delegates,

visitors and buyers a range of options

from venues to services to suppliers.

What better way to do this, through a

trade show that focuses on just that?

In this edition, we look at Meetings

Africa. This world-class business

events trade platform offers local and

international buyers a selection of

services and products to choose from. It

remains my favourite local trade show

and without a doubt it offers buyers

myriad choices all under one roof.

Meetings Africa offers exhibitors, buyers

and visitors a new chapter of programmes,

experiences and new associates.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

REPORT BACK | Africa Associations Congress

First Africa Associations

Congress hosted in South Africa

More than 140 delegates, including 102 executives representing associations from Pan African,

regional and national African associations, as well as some international delegates from Europe and

USA, attended the first Africa Associations Congress at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria, South Africa recently.

They were captivated by the speakers and talks at the congress, organised by the Association of

Association Executives (AAE).

Delegates heard from some of the

best association speakers in Africa

and were fascinated by the talk

given by Professor Solomon Rataemane,

secretary general of the World Association

of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. There was

also a real buzz about the engaging keynote

address from local motivational speaker

Charlotte Kemp, Futures Alchemist, who

talked about reinventing the association.

Roy Gluckmann’s keynote address

certainly got delegates thinking out of

their comfort zones. He is a diversity &

inclusions specialist at Cohesive Collection.

This much needed engagement left

some delegates hot under the collar,

but the majority left with much food

for thought about the South African

narrative on inclusivity and diversity.

Delegates really appreciated the

sharing of association success story

case studies. This was very popular and

many stayed beyond the end of the

session, talking, discussing and sharing.

“What a pleasure to attend a

conference that is focused on making

associations better and to provide us

with tips and practical advice. I have

certainly learnt lessons that I will be

applying in my own association. Looking

forward to the next one,” said Rianné

Potgieter, chief executive officer at the

Compliance Institute Southern Africa.

Another delegate, Phankha Sakoane,

executive head of the South African

Community Foundation said “Thank you

for giving me the opportunity to learn

about social association entrepreneurship.

I would like to highlight the importance

of this congress and that I have

learned a lot from the two days and

enjoyed it very much, learning about

issues of transformation, effectiveness,

purpose, diversity and many more.”

Exhibitors and sponsors gained

substantial value in being part of a

gathering of such an important group of

association executives, and many positive

relationships have been formed as a result.

Damian Hutt, executive director, AAE said

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of

the inaugural Africa Associations Congress.

Many attendees travelled across the

continent and found the event stimulating

and valued the educational content.

“We achieve success because we take

time and carryout research so that we

deliver the right content via the right format

for association executives. We’ve had very

favourable feedback and this is the first of

a permanent Africa Associations Congress

series and other events. We are very

excited about the programme ahead.”

If you want to benefit from hearing

recorded educational talks or reading

success story case studies or simply keep

up-to-date with how AAE supports

and provides education for association

executives world-wide, you can join their

community free of charge. Go to www.

associationexecutives.org/join.

www.businesseventsafrica.com Business Events Africa November 2018 5

COVER STORY | Emperors Palace

EMPERORS PALACE

TURNS 20

and is more fabulous than ever

Emperors Palace, the entertainment and leisure capital in Gauteng, turns 20 this year and has

been celebrating in style since August, with celebrations set to continue well into the festive season.

Guests can look forward to a series of birthday surprises taking place across the property, including

fun birthday installations, exciting weekend promotions and the chance to win their share of

exciting prizes.

Standing tall in the Entertainment

Emporium, and guaranteed

to leave visitors awestruck,

is a 10-metre wide, three-metre

high artificial birthday cake that

surrounds the iconic Statue of David.

In addition, the Star Walkway, featuring

clay handprint tiles of all the famous

faces who have visited The Palace of

Dreams will adorn the passageways.

The resort is commemorating its

rich and vibrant history spanning two

decades with a coffee table book.

The celebrations continue at Aurelia’s

restaurant where the standard à la

carte menu has been transformed to

include luxurious gold-leaf encrusted

dessert items, including Nutella

filled cronuts and macaroons.

Festive hotel specials mean guests

can extend their weekend and

book a room from as little as R900

on Sundays. Bookings are essential

and can be made by contacting

Peermont Central Reservations on

+27 (0)11 928 1928 and quoting the

promotions code, CELEBRATE.

For those in need of rest and

relaxation, Octavia’s Day Spa offers

a 20 Carat Golden Facial that will

not disappoint. Valid from Mondays

to Thursdays, the facial is priced

at R690 and uses the powers of

gold to restore weary skin. For

bookings contact +27 (0)11 928 1815

or visit www.octavias.co.za.

6 Business Events Africa November 2018


Kick start the festive season with

the 11th annual Garden of Lights, that

promises to light up the Ekurhuleni

skies between 30 November 2018 and

02 January 2019 (weather permitting).

Taking place in the perfectly manicured

gardens of the five-star Peermont

D’oreale Grande hotel, this lights

spectacle was created to spread festive

cheer through mesmerising light

displays, colourful characters, fun fair

rides and delicious food offerings.

Entrance is R25 per person and proceeds

will be donated to Reach for a Dream,

and the Peermont Children’s and

Education Trusts. And in celebration of

the resort’s 20th birthday, a further R200

000 will be donated to 20 charities that

Emperors Palace employees support.

If that’s not enough, for the first time

in South Africa, illusionist Ryan Sharp

will present his show “The Magic of

Christmas” during the same period.

An amazing show featuring grand

scale illusion, ventriloquism, comedy

magic, complimented with dazzling

special effects and costumes will

bring magic to children young and

old. Tickets are R80 per person. For

bookings, please visit www.tixsa.com.

Queen fans are in for a musical treat

when Emperors Palace and Showtime

Australia hosts the world’s premier of

the Queen tribute show, Queen: It’s a

Kinda Magic in the Theatre of Marcellus.

The show, scheduled from 30 November

to 31 December, including a rock-star

worthy New Year’s Eve performance to

ring in 2019, sets to recreate Queen’s

historically famous 1986 World Tour

concert on stage in South Africa and will

feature some iconic hit songs. Tickets

are priced from R180 per person.

Celebrations wrap up with a bang

in December with one of the hottest

events this year, the Monsoon Lagoon

Reunion Party on 13 December in the

Red Roman Shed. From the Big Brother

eviction parties and the FHM Hottest

100 girls, to The Ministry of Sound CD

launches and endless after parties,

relive the heydays of Monsoon Lagoon,

dubbed one of the country’s hottest

nightclubs in the early 2000’s. With

DJ Shawny B spinning the decks and

master of ceremonies, Mark Pilgrim,

get your tickets from R225 per person.

Tickets for the above shows and events

can be booked through the Emperors

Palace Box Office on +27 (0)11 928 1213/1937

or online at www.emperorspalace.

com or www.computicket.com.



Host the

ULTIMATE YEAR-

END FUNCTION

at Emperors Palace

With year-end fast approaching,

it’s time to start considering

how to celebrate the year that’s

gone by in style and good spirit!

Emperors Palace is the ultimate

one-stop destination for hosting

memorable year-end functions

that’s bound to have clients

and employees impressed, and

talking about the fun they had

for years to come.

QUEEN: IT’S A KINDA MAGIC

For a year-end that will rock you,

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, takes place

at the Theatre of Marcellus and will

recreate Queen’s 1986 World Tour

concert, featuring over 20 of the

band’s greatest hits such as ‘We Will

Rock You’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’,

‘We Are the Champions’, ‘Under

Pressure’ and ‘Fat-Bottomed Girls’.

Book show and dinner packages,

which includes a three-course

meal from R430 per person. There

are three shows every weekend

from 30 November to 31 December,

with full buyouts available.

YEAR-END PARTY

Alternatively, treat your employees and

book one of our elegant and spacious

conference rooms for your year-end

party, with packages starting from

R335 per person, including welcome

drinks, a dance floor, and more.

We have a range of options

and venues available, including

the Red Roman Shed, to suit

any type of year end bash.

Applicable to groups of 50 or more,

contact +27 (0)11 928 1103 or email

events@emperorspalace.com

to secure your booking between

Mondays and Wednesdays.

BIG TOP ROCK

Join us for the legendary rock ‘n’ roll

circus show, Big Top Rock, at our very

own Barnyard Theatre, conveniently

located at Emperors Palace.

This hit show, taking place until

9 December, features live music,

aerial acts, funky dance routines

and an electrical atmosphere that

will rock you like no other.

Big Top Rock will mesmerise and

thrill young and old in an action

packed show - featuring rock hits from

artists Def Leppard, ACDC, Kings of

Leon, Aerosmith and Red Hot Chili

Peppers to rock and pop icons; Elvis

Presley, Pink, Elton John, Michael

Jackson, Pitbull and many more.

Tickets are priced from R130 per

person and can be booked on

+27 (0)11 928 1108 or through

www.barnyardtheatre.co.za.

To secure a corporate booking,

contact Cherene Eggar on

cherene@barnyardtheatres.co.za.



Shared Economies

When shared minds

come together,

we advance Africa

When shared minds

come together,

we advance Africa.

25 FEBRUARY 2019 : BONDAY


EXHIBITION



26 FEBRUARY 2018: BONDAY

27-28 FEBRUARY www.meetingsafrica.co.za

2018:

EXHIBITION



SANCB | Meetings Africa 2019

Meetings Africa

By Irene Costa, editor of Business Events Africa

Business Events Africa, in partnership with the South Africa National Convention

Bureau, continues to run a series of supplements. In this supplement we look at

Meetings Africa, Africa’s premier business events trade show.

Meetings Africa has earned

its place as Africa’s premier

business events trade show. The

show attracts quality buyers from around

the world and superior business events

products and services from across the

continent.

With the SANCB’s involvement and

leadership, Meetings Africa has grown

significantly. It has become the preferred

meeting place for the business events

industry on the African continent. It offers

international buyers and exhibitors an

African platform to meet and bring together

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo,

Chief Convention Bureau Officer

of the South Africa National

Convention Bureau:

The meetings industry’s contribution to jobs and GDP is

not just a South African story but an African one too, said

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of

the South Africa National Convention Bureau, which hosts

Meetings Africa on behalf of South African Tourism. “To

advance this sector, the Meetings Africa event is geared to

also enhance the collaboration between African countries

and African associations so as to create more shared

economic benefits for the continent’s business events sector.”

“It is about co-operating first and then competing. This makes the African industry

stronger and better, with an increased economic impact.”

With business events sustaining over 200 000 jobs and the meetings sector alone

contributing R115 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product, the sector has been

identified as key to the country’s and the continent’s tourism growth.

global industry leaders to advance the

business events industry on the continent.

Delegates who attend the show are

treated to a robust event programme

catering to buyers and exhibitors. Certain

classic elements of the Meetings Africa

programme were retained in 2018,

while other aspects will be refined to

make Meetings Africa 2019 better and

more impactful.

Throughout the 13 years that Meetings

Africa has been in existence, the show has

WHO DOES IT

ATTRACT?

The exhibition attracts buyers and

visitors from around the world who

are interested in doing business

in South Africa and indeed

the rest of the African

continent.




Today, the Meetings Africa hosted buyer programme is one of the

best, securing high quality buyers who come to the show with the

commitment to do business in South Africa and Africa. This hosted

buyer programme delivers and ensures a high ROI for exhibitors.

– Irene Costa

MEETINGS AFRICA 2018

FAST FACTS

3 000 delegates.

306 business events

exhibitors – 21 African

countries, with 65 of these

exhibitors coming from

outside South Africa.

154 business and trade

media representatives.

420 buyers (hosted

and non-hosted) from 45

countries in attendance.

ensured that industry leaders

come together to advance

the business events

industry in South Africa.

However, when the

SANCB was formed

in 2012, it made a

call to industry to

find out how it could

improve on the already

successful trade show.

Through a consultation

process with the business

industry, the SANCB undertook the

challenge by implementing the necessary

changes.

Hosted buyers

The first area of concern was the

hosted buyer programme. The SANCB

implemented a qualification process with

a strict criteria that would be adhered to.

A third party company was appointed to

ensure that the selection process would

be impartial.

SHARED

ECONOMIES

When shared minds

come together,

we advance Africa

Connect to one of the fastest growing

and exciting business destinations

in the world, when blossoming

growing global economies

and shared minds

unite.

Furthermore, the SANCB

opened up the hosted

buyer programme to its

exhibitors. Exhibitors

are able to invite

their own buyers

to the show. They

too have to meet

the strict criteria,

but once met; their

buyers are hosted by

SA Tourism. Once in the

country the exhibitor has the

opportunity to host them further.

Show days

The second concern was the length of the

show. The show was cut down from three

days to a two day show. In place of the

one day, SANCB developed a dedicated

educational programme, which is executed

in conjunction with the key industry

associations (SAACI, SITE, EXSA, Event

Greening Forum and ICCA). This addition

adds value to exhibitors and visitors.

6 400 business

meetings were confirmed

– 30% increase over

2017’s figure.

15 South African small

business exhibitors

(SMMEs).

Tourism Incentive

Programme

In support of this 15 South African small

businesses from across the country, through

the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP),

received bespoke training and insights on

accessing the global business events market

and its shared economic opportunities, and

were also given an opportunity to exhibit at

the show.



Hosted buyers

International hosted buyers qualification process

Official hosted buyer partners: convention bureaus, destination

marketing companies, SAT country managers, convention centres

send invitation to apply

Unique codes to reduce rejections and

improve quality:

• Reduce the cost of the qualification process.

• Improve the monitoring of applications.

• Invite to go to pre-qualified buyers.

FILTERS TO

IMPROVE THE

QUALIFICATION

PROCESS

Hosted buyers to apply

Qualification process starts and comments

are provided to the SANCB

Qualification to be

discussed

Qualified

buyers announced

SANCB agrees, or

disagrees with the

outcome.

If consensus is reached

then the buyer gets

a approval/rejection

notification.

Potential hosted buyers would apply using

their unique codes.

Once a code is used, it is deactivated to

avoid sending it to any other buyer.

HOSTED BUYER

NUMBERS

176 International hosted

buyers.

52 African association buyers.

196 Local corporate buyers.

1 527 Visitors.

Hosted buyer qualification requirements:

To be accepted onto the Meetings Africa Hosted Buyer Programme,

all applicants will be required to demonstrate the following:

1. Must not have attended Meetings Africa in the past three years

2. One applicant per organisation from the following categories:

• A recognised incentive travel house executive/senior purchaser

• A recognised international event management company executive

• Corporate meeting director/senior purchaser

• An association president/executive/director of conferences

Applicants representing travel clubs, weddings, sport or vacation packages

should not apply.

Hosted buyer criteria

• Purchasing authority for placing meetings, events, incentive or business travel.

• Organisation consistently books meetings or incentive travel programmes outside of the

buyers geographic region, and proof of these is available on request for verification.

• Africa is a serious consideration in the organisation within the next two years, or the next

two meeting rotations (in terms of associations).

• Must be able communicate fairly well in the English language and have a willingness to

engage with African suppliers (20 meetings in total).

Hosted buyer benefits

• Complimentary economy-class flights and

transfers

• Complimentary 4* and 5*

accommodation

• Access to the VIP Hosted Buyers Lounge

and delicious lunches

• An invitation to attend a complimentary

pre or post tour and explore a

breathtaking South African destination

• A unique opportunity to meet key

industry suppliers from over twelve

African countries

• Invitations to exciting networking events

• A personalised diary of meetings enabling

you to have one-on-one meetings with

key African suppliers, Convention Bureaus

and Tourism bodies

• For Regional Associations, the opportunity

to attend educational events that will

enhance you and your association.

Hosted buyer ROI

INTERNATIONAL

HOSTED BUYERS

AFRICAN REGIONAL

BUYERS

TOTAL

DELEGATES 159 467 25 162 184 629

DAYS 3 255 564 3 819

ROI R3.3 billion R3.2 billion R6.5 billion

HOSTED MEDIA

NUMBERS

16 International

151 Local

167 Total




Where are the hosted buyers from?

7%

6%

5%

10%

6%

26%

9%

17%

6%

8%

Brazil USA UK France China India Germany Poland Ukraine UAE

African countries participation 2018

AFRICAN EXHIBITORS

• Bostwana Tourism

• Malawi Tourism

• Arusha ICC: Tanzania

• Mozambique

• Rwanda CB

• Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

• Seychelles Tourism Board

• Swaziland

• KICC: Kenya

• Uganda

• Yala Safaris: Uganda

• Happy Valley: Swaziland

• UNECA, Ethiopia

* Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia are part of Southern Africa.

* Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia are part of Southern Africa.

** Additional exhibitors fall outside the borders of Africa

** Additional exhibitors fall outside the borders of Africa



Post tours

PROVINCE TITLE NUMBER OF DAYS PAX LIMIT

KwaZulu-Natal Durban, Midlands & Drakensburg 3 6

KwaZulu-Natal Durban and the adventure experience of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast 3 6

KwaZulu-Natal

An introduction to KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, St Lucia and Game

Reserve Experience

3 6

Mpumalanga Mpumalanga post tour 3 10

Northern Cape Rejuvenate the soul in the beautiful Northern Cape 4 12

Limpopo Limpopo post tour 3 13

North West North West post tour 3 10

Western Cape Association tour 3 10

Western Cape Cape Overberg & Cape Winelands 3 5

Nelson Mandela Bay Nelson Mandela Bay post tour 3 9

TOTAL 87

EXHIBITOR

STATISTICS 2018

306 Total exhibitors

142 Main stand exhibitors

164 Sharing exhibitors

18 African exhibitors

(excluding SA)

EXHIBITOR

CATEGORY

BREAKDOWN

Accommodation & Conference

Venues

Rest of Africa

Services

SMME Development Zone

CVB’s & Provinces

Table Top Development Zone

NORTHERN CAPE

WESTERN CAPE

LIMPOPO

MPUMALANGA

GAUTENG

NORTH WEST

FREE STATE

KWAZULU-NATAL

EASTERN CAPE

18%

3%

10%

54%

25%

17%




Business matchmaking

Cancelled:

2 798

22%

Expired: 2 114

17%

Pending: 473 4%

Declined: 686 6%

Total: 12 469 meeting requests

51% of all meeting requests were confirmed.

Confirmed:

6 398

51%

There will always be declined meetings due to a lack of meeting motivation

and interest or participants being incorrectly targeted. Meeting organisers are

encouraged to communicate strong meeting motivations.

The cancelled meetings would be due to cancelled participants or unanswered

requests which were cancelled to free timeslots for new requests.

Exhibitor

feedback

Ronald Ngabo,

MICE sales

manager,

Rwanda

Convention

Bureau said:

“We have been exhibiting at Meetings

Africa since 2015. It is a great

business events show for the African

destinations. It brings quality buyers

who are looking into venturing into

Africa. The good thing is many of

these buyers are already aware of our

destination offerings.

This year we got some really good,

hot leads, the two that stand out are

two conferences secured from the

show, one for 2018 and one for 2019.

Meetings Africa is without a doubt

the best business events show for

African destinations better than its

international counterparts. It targets

buyers who already do business

in Africa and new buyers who are

interested in doing business in Africa.

This year we got some really good

media exposure and were able to

be interviewed by SABC and this

interview was aired on the SABC

National morning news.

Rwanda will definitely attend

Meetings Africa again and would

recommend it to all African countries

interested in business events.”

Mahmood

Khatib from

MK Tours &

Travel

“Meetings Africa 2018

was very successful. I

exhibited at Meetings Africa for the

first time last year and immediately

found it provided my company with

the boost it needed in the business

events industry. I have since grown my

company from 40 staff members to

115. This is a direct result of attending

Meetings Africa. Last year it was a

learning curve for me, but this year I

was better prepared and organised

for the show, and the spin-off has

been new group business from other

African countries.”



Why exhibit at Meetings

Africa 2019?

• Meet over 500 highly qualified hosted buyers

• Face-to-face meetings with key decision makers

• Targeted business matchmaking (online diary system)

• Network with industry colleagues across multiple sectors

• Launch new product and service offerings

• Update the industry on your existing products

• Participate in networking events and educational

sessions

• Meetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to

present your products, international professionals from the

meetings, events and business travel industry.

Package options

Who is invited to exhibit

at Meetings Africa?

• National, provincial and local tourism authorities

• African Tourism authorities and products

• Convention and visitor bureaus

• Conference and exhibition centres

• Hotel and accommodation providers

• Destination-management companies

• Events-management specialists

• Professional conference organisers

• Transportation companies

• Business events service providers

• Cruise liners

• Spa resorts

• Trade associations

• Travel trade publications

Basic fabric

Walk-on package

Executive standard

package

Executive corner

package

R568.00 per m²

R812.20 per m²

R2192.40 per m²

R1786.40 per m²

• Basic-fabric walling

• Fascia (company name)

• 1 x plug point

• 2 x spotlights

• Tiled carpeting

(colour of your choice)

• Additional Badges: R162.00

• Additional Diaries:

R1080.00

• Sharing Exhibitors: R910.20

• First Time Exhibitors

(Meeting Hubs): R11 426.40

• Basic-fabric walling

• Fascia (company name)

• 1 x plug point

• 2 x spotlights

• Tiled carpeting


• 2 x conference chairs

• 1 x glass or chrome round

table

• 1 x lockable cabinet

• 1 x bin

• Full reusable seamless

fabric walling

• Artwork (3 hours included)

• 1 x plug point

• 2 x spotlights

• Tiled carpeting




table


• 1 x bin

• 1 x executive

brochure holder

• Full reusable seamless

fabric walling

• Artwork (3 hours included)

• 1 x plug point

• 2 x spotlights

• Tiled carpeting




table


• 1 x bin

• 1 x executive

brochure holder

FLOOR SPACE RATES

(Please note all rates exclude VAT.)

Standard floor space:

R3466.80 per m²

Prime/corner floor space:

R3 672 per m²

DISCOUNT STRUCTURE

Regional African exhibitors and first-time exhibitors 10%

Registered TOMSA levy collectors as of 30 June 2016 with all TOMSA levies collected

and paid over to TBCSA

Registered TGCSA members as of 30 June 2018 10%

Maximum discount is limited to 25% irrespective of how many of the above categories an exhibitor qualifies for. The

discount structure will apply to floor space rates only and are not applicable to package options.

EXHIBITORS STAND SALES: Register now by visiting the website or contact

Sales Manager: Carmen Rudd | sales@meetingsafrica.co.za

Sales Team: Rembu Mashapo | Jocelyne Mukendi | Rose Madela | exhibitor@meetingsafrica.co.za

GENERAL QUERIES: info@meetingsafrica.co.za | t: +27 11 476 5104

20%



EXECUTIVE CHEF

Abbas Abrahams

Food is like fashion

Abbas Abrahams, 54,

executive chef at Century City

Conference Centre has just

over 37 years’ experience, and

has an extreme passion for his

heritage and the kaleidoscope

of flavours that make up the

wonderful culinary genre that

is South African food.

He has worked in many hotels

over the years, most recently

heading up the kitchen brigade

at the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel

& Spa, before joining the opening team

of the Century City Conference Centre

as executive chef. He was also part of

the opening team for African Pride

Crystal towers Hotel and Spa as well

as the Table Bay and Westin Hotel.

Abbas was born in Constantia and

grew up on the Cape Flats. After

school he did a three year in service

chef course with Protea Hotels. He

started his chef career at Protea Hotels,

part of its traineeship programme.

His interest for cooking stemmed from

home, when he helped out in the kitchen.

“It inspired me to follow this career path.”

Abbas enjoys meeting guests

and coordinators. “I do my utmost

to exceed their expectations.”

“Some of the defining moments in

my career have been meeting Nelson

Mandela and Michael Jackson in person

and obviously cooking for them.”

“Food is like fashion - it changes on

a daily basis. People are more health

conscious today. However, there are

many that still opt for basic, simple

food that they can relate to,” he said.

His advice to organisers is: “Listen to

your clients, assess the demographics

of the group and communicate

with the food service department as

they have the experience to guide

the event to be successful.

In terms of challenges, he said there

seems to be more chiefs than workers

in the kitchen. “I believe that you

must communicate to your team, and

work together to ensure success.”

“Mentorship is important to me because

you are training the future leaders.

I believe support and giving back to the

community is important because, you will

be blessed, and you can inspire someone

who had no vision to new heights.”

Abbas has been married to Shahiemah

for 28 years. “My family means a lot

to me, I’m married with four sons and

one daughter. My hobbies and extra

mural activities include spending quality

time with my family if the opportunity

arises, and staying healthy by attending

gym when I have the time.”

He also enjoys spending time in the

outdoors, mountain climbing and walking.

His advice to newcomers wanting to

become an executive chef is: “It’s hard

work if you are hands on like me. You are

responsible for your department as well

as feeding the masses. You should not

be arrogant, treat your department as if

you are running your own business.”

His personal message to the

world is ‘live your life to the fullest

as if there is no tomorrow.’

After 37 years in the industry, Abbas

is looking forward to retiring at age

60 and spending quality time with his

family, especially his grandchildren.

What is your signature dish? With

the food trends changing I don’t believe in

signature dishes. In fact all your dishes on

your menu should be signature dishes.

What trends are emerging in the

conference industry in regards to

food? People want value for money with

a twist of healthy options in between.

What has remained constant

in this industry? Food is constant,

whether you stay over, have dinner or

conference, you must eat.

What is your favourite beverage?

Coffee.

What is your favourite food?

People think I am crazy but I enjoy

takeaways like masala steak sandwich, KFC,

Debonairs, Steers and Burger King. Who

wants to cook or dine out with hours like a

working chef?

What is your pet hate? I get easily

agitated or perturbed when people don’t

follow simple instructions.

What is your great love?

Experiencing my first and only

granddaughter and obviously at my age

now, travelling abroad with just my wife

minus kids.

Are you adventurous? Yes I am. I

have bungee jumped and paraglided.


CAPE TOWN

Cape Town and Western Cape

continues to soar

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency -

joined by the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape government, and stakeholders from across sectors,

hosted its annual review for the financial year 2017/18.

2017/18 was a challenging year for

the Western Cape and South Africa.

The credit ratings downgrades

during this time, coupled with the worst

drought to hit the Cape on record, meant

that the agency had to do even more in

a constrained economic environment.

With the clear mandate and support

of the Western Cape’s Department of

Economic Development and Tourism,

the Western Cape Department of

Agriculture, and the City of Cape Town,

the province’s economic ecosystem

responded robustly to these challenges.

It was announced that Cape Town and

the Western Cape’s economy is expected

to receive at least a R10.25 billion boost

over the next five years, helping create

more than 7 925 full- and part-time jobs.

The 2017/18 annual report, which was

presented in the Provincial Parliament

recently, sets out these results in detail.

The full annual review publication

is available to the public. Below is a

look at the business events and leisure

tourism sectors and air access.

Business Events

Wesgro, which is responsible for promoting

Cape Town and the Western Cape amongst

meetings, incentives conference and event

organisers, helped secure 33 bids for the

destination. This had a projected economic

impact of R453 m. These bid ‘wins’ helped

contribute to Cape Town maintaining its

top position in Africa, in the ICCA ratings.

Collectively, the Destination Marketing

Unit generated an economic impact

of R454.4 m and R29 m worth of

advertorial value equivalent media

coverage in the 2017/18 financial year.

Leisure Tourism

The Wesgro team, together with

national, provincial and local government

and partners across the private sector,

responded to the challenges presented

by the drought with a coordinated

messaging strategy. During this time, the

leisure marketing team supported over

47 regional events in small towns across

the province during April to September,

attracting over 350 000 visitors. These

supported over 3 000 temporary jobs and

create an estimated economic impact of

R147 m. These events are key in driving

geographical spread, so that the province’s

rural economy also benefits from tourism.

Cape Town Air Access

The Cape Town Air Access partnership

between Wesgro, the City of Cape Town,

the Western Cape Government, South

African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism,

Airports Company South Africa, and private

sector partners, demonstrates the power

of collaboration in boosting the Cape

economy. In just three years, this initiative

has helped land 13 new routes and 18

route expansions, adding an additional

750 000 inbound seats to Cape Town

International Airport. During the financial

year in review, the economic impact of

the project is estimated to be R2 billion.

Promoting investment

Working hard to combat negative

perceptions caused by the drought

messaging, the Agency together with

the public and private sector partners

have launched several campaigns in

an effort to put Cape Town and the

Western Cape back on the consideration

list for tourism, and to build investor

confidence in our region and country.

Tim Harris, chief executive officer of

Wesgro, elaborated on these campaigns:

“At the beginning of September the

#ItsAllStillHere tourism campaign launched,

consisting of three short videos profiling

the Cape’s top surfing talent, natural

beauty, and world class surf conditions. The

campaign acknowledges that although our

region has suffered its worst drought in

history, we’ve got through the crisis and our

extraordinary destination is ‘all still here’”.



CAPE TOWN

CTICC on an international

bid winning streak

The CTICC has been awarded 15 international conferences, in the last six months alone. Many of

these will be hosted on the African continent for the first time.

“

We are extremely proud to

have won these bids, which

are testament to the CTICC’s

competitiveness as a venue and Cape

Town’s attractiveness as a business

event destination. These wins do not

happen without the concerted effort

of the CTICC team and the dedicated

collaboration between internal and

external stakeholders, including the

Western Cape Convention Bureau and City

of Cape Town,” said Julie-May Ellingson,

chief executive officer of the CTICC.

Here is a list of international bids

awarded to the CTICC:

• The Association of International

Schools in Africa Conference 2019

(AISA) will be held in November

2019 and attended by 300 delegates.

The AISA Conference offers a

unique opportunity for international

school leaders and educators to

come together for deep learning,

networking and inspiration.

• The International Council on Systems

Engineering 2020 (INCOSE) will

be held in Africa for the first time in

July 2020. The event is the largest

annual gathering of systems engineers,

hosting about 800 attendees.

• The International Federation

of Surveyors (FIG) 2022, will bring

2 000 specialists to the CTICC. First

hosted in South Africa in 1999, FIG

will take place in May 2022 and

will bring together specialists in the

fields of global surveying geomatics,

geodesy and geo-information.

• The World Congress of

the International Health Economics

Association (IHEA) will be held in Africa

for the first time in July 2021, and will

bring together 800 health professionals.

• The Congress of the International

Association of Paediatric Dentistry

(IAPD) is another event taking place

in Africa for the first time. The

congress will be held in June 2023

and brings together 1 000 dental

professionals to meet and exchange

information on paediatric dentistry.

• The HIV Research for Prevention

Conference (HIVR4P) for 1 400

delegates is scheduled for October

2020 and is the only global

scientific conference focused

exclusively on the field of biomedical

HIV prevention research.

• The 3rd Ministerial Conference

of the Partnership for Action

on Green Economy (PAGE) will

come to Cape Town in January

2019, and will bring together 550

delegates from the United Nations’

five agencies to assist countries in

achieving and monitoring the emerging

Sustainable Development Goals.

• In another first for Africa, the CTICC

was awarded the bid to host the

World Federation of Paediatric

Intensive and Critical Care Societies

(WFPICCS) where 1 500 delegates will

share their expertise to improve the

outcomes of children suffering from

life-threatening illness and injury.

• The World Self Medication Industry

2020 (WSMI) will be held for the

first time on the African continent

in October 2020 and will bring 400

delegates. WSMI will bring together

experts, researchers and manufacturers

in the self-medication industry.

• In August 2024, the CTICC will

host the General Assembly of

the International Astronomical

Union (IAU). The event, another

first to be hosted in Africa, will bring

together 2 500 delegates who are

experts in the field of astronomy.

• In 2024, the World Congress of the

International Hepato Pancreato

Biliary Association (IHPBA) will be

hosted at the CTICC in September and

will see 2 400 delegates attending.

IHPBA is a non-profit organisation

that devotes itself to the investigation,

treatment and research of liver,

pancreas and biliary disorders.

• In 2020, the CTICC will host the

Asian Racing Conference (ARC)

2020. The event will look at,

amongst other things, promoting and

facilitating the internationalisation

of racing and will bring an estimated

600 people to the CTICC.

• The General Assembly of

the International Organisation

for standardization (ISO) will

take place in September 2019, with

800 delegates attending. ISO is an

independent, non-governmental

organisation with a membership of

162 national standards bodies.

The CTICC works closely with its

ambassadors and industry associations to

bring international events to the centre

and city. Bringing the General Assembly

of the International Astronomical Union,

which will be hosted for the first time

on Africa soil, was such an event that

brought about an important collaboration.

“Hosting the IAU General Assembly

will bring the world of astronomy to

Africa and to Cape Town. There is a long

and rich history of astronomy in South

Africa, dating back to the establishment

of the observatory in Cape Town in

1820, which will celebrate its 200th

anniversary in 2020,” said Professor

Patrick Woudt, who was instrumental

in bringing the event to Cape Town.

The CTICC has already hosted two of the

events. The International Congress of

Linguistics 2018 took place at the centre

between 2-6 July 2018, and was attended

by 800 delegates. The 500-delegate

ICAO Global Aviation Gender

Summit took place in August 2018.



Everyone went the extra mile

and worked together with our

team as ‘partners’ to ensure

the success of our Annual

Congress event.

Amanda Stops

CEO

South African Council of Shopping Centres

(SACSC)

Nestling in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, and overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, the

CTICC is a magical place where the imagined becomes real, visions turn into strategies, consumers become

customers, and strangers from across the globe become colleagues, partners and friends.

So much more than a multi-purpose event destination, this African icon combines expansive venues, impeccable

service, cutting-edge technology and the finest global cuisine, to transform your convention, conference,

exhibition, banquet or meeting into an extraordinary experience.

For more information, or to book your event at the CTICC, call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or

visit www.cticc.co.za.

CAPE TOWN

Spier for conscious conferencing

The historic Spier Hotel and Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is constantly striving to find innovative ways for

its business to have a positive social and environmental impact. This very much embodies its approach to

events, which it calls Conscious Conferencing.

By hosting your event at Spier, you’ll

be helping to uplift communities,

support local businesses,

contribute to staff wellness and benefit

our environment – all the while treating

your delegates to a great experience.

Just 40 minutes from Cape Town,

and 20 minutes from the airport, Spier

offers 12 different meeting venues that

can host large and small conferences, as

well as business meetings, workshops,

seminars and exhibitions. The venues

include a 430-seater auditorium,

three meeting rooms in the 1822

historic Manor House as well as three

river- and mountain-facing conference

rooms which can be used separately

or combined to seat 250 delegates.

In addition to Spier’s Eight restaurant,

there are a variety of picnic spots

and outdoor spaces for cocktails or

dining. Comfortable, country-style

accommodation is available for delegates

in the four-star, 153-room Spier Hotel.

Award

Spier has won the Future Forward

Thinkers for Environmental Sustainability

category at the inaugural Cape Town

Tourism Member Awards. The category

recognises a member of Cape Town

Tourism that has adopted an innovative

and long-term approach to sustainably

managing energy, water and waste.

Saving water, using energy efficiently

and reducing and managing waste

are Cape Town’s three environmental

responsible tourism priorities.

Enver Duminy, chief executive officer

of Cape Town Tourism, said: “Future

Forward is what will drive our strategic

thinking; not just in building on our

sustainable tourism foundations, but in

addressing inclusivity as we evolve as an

industry. The private and public sector

has, over the past year, collaborated to

produce meaningful results, and, as Cape

Town Tourism, we’d like to acknowledge

and thank each and every industry

representative for standing firm during

this time and acting swiftly to ensure

that our industry has a future, a bright

one that is a beacon on the global stage

of sustainable tourism. Together, we are

living the goal of being Future Forward.”

Since 2007, Spier’s eco-friendly

wastewater treatment plant has recycled

100 per cent of its black- and greywater.

The treated water is used for

irrigation and in some of the estate’s

toilets. By June 2018, Spier had

reduced its consumption of municipal

water by 68 per cent for hotel guests

and by 76 per cent for conferencing

delegates. In its hospitality operations,

industrial water usage has dropped

by 64 per cent as a result of recycling,

re-using and reduction strategies.

Looking ahead

With its recently completed Integrated

Water Strategy, Spier’s water-saving

goals continue to be ambitious. Between

2020 and 2050, it hopes to gradually

phase out using external water supplies

and increase water re-use. The aim is

ultimately to achieve a net-zero water

balance. A net-zero water balance is

defined as the integration of activity or

development into the hydrological system

of the local environment in a way that

limits consumption of water resources

to the natural carrying capacity of the

region. The utilised water is returned to

the local watershed so as not to deplete

or degrade the water resources in that

region in terms of quantity or quality.

Ever greener

While Spier has long offered sustainablyminded

conferencing solutions, it is

setting the bar even higher following a

R1 million refurbishment of its facilities.

The upgrade includes the installation of

temperature-regulating glass sliding doors

at the centre’s entrance and soundproof

double doors for its Tamboers Lounge,

as well as water-saving motion-sensor

taps and waterless urinals – adding to the

farm’s already 400 water-saving devices.

A concerted effort to conserve water

has resulted in major savings: in the last

six months, compared to the pre-drought

period of July – December 2015, the

Hotel saved 58 per cent and Conferencing

55 per cent in water usage. Spier also

recycles more than 97 per cent of solid

waste and 100 per cent organic waste

and black and grey water (the treated

water irrigates the garden and grounds).

Delegates are kept refreshed with

filtered tap water, and Water From Air

machines harness the atmosphere’s

humidity – served in recyclable glass

bottles. Pens and notepads are made

from 100 per cent recycled paper, with

leftover stationery going to deserving

schoolchildren in nearby communities.

As part of Spier’s commitment to a selfsufficient

and sustainable future, a solar

power system was installed in August

2017 on the Spier Conference Centre roof.

The system generates electricity from

the sun and offsets approximately 40 per

cent of the Conference Centre’s annual

power usage. When electricity demand

in the Centre is low and generation is

high, the excess power will be used

by other buildings on the estate. Not

only is solar generated power less

expensive than energy from the grid, it

also substantially reduces Spier’s carbon

footprint. The solar energy generated by

Spier in one year is 50.8 metric tonnes

of CO 2 savings. This is the equivalent of

24.58 tonnes of coal that doesn’t need

be burnt in a coal-fired power station.

Spier supports a number of youth

employment initiatives and is a partner

of the Tree-preneurs project which

encourages members of impoverished

communities to grow indigenous trees

in exchange for essential goods.



DESTINATION FOCUS| Botswana

Lush comfort in the

heart of Africa

Chobe Marina Lodge: an authentic African

adventure

Chobe Marina Lodge is situated in Kasane in the north-eastern

region of Botswana where the African nations of Zimbabwe,

Zambia, Namibia and Botswana meet. This four star lodge,

managed by aha Hotels & Lodges, is spectacularly situated on

the banks of the Chobe River and offers easy access to the

renowned Chobe National Park, yet is within walking distance

of Kasane town centre. Delegates will find a rare balance of

serenity here while enjoying the lodge’s modern and elegant

African hospitality. There are few places that will embrace

with the warmth and ambiance of Chobe Marina Lodge.

Conferencing is done seamlessly at Chobe Marina Lodge. It

has a 100-seater conference venue, with various styled seating

options and conferencing equipment, including Internet. The

lodge also offers two 15-seater boardrooms (breakaway rooms).

The venue is ideal for meetings, incentives, product launches,

conferences, intimate events or team-building events. The lodge

also offers a number of awe-inspiring meet and greet venues

and has a professional banqueting team, equipped to provide

valuable advice and execute any event with style and flair.

The charming thatched Kasane accommodation, built

to maximise the aura of the Chobe River, is unique in

its natural surroundings. The lodge offers 66 beautifully

appointed rooms which include a variety of studios, suites

and honeymoon suites with private lounges overlooking

landscaped gardens and the Chobe River. All rooms are

equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryers, telephones,

ceiling fans, satellite TV, built in safe, tea and coffee making

facilities and mini bar fridges stocked on request.

Chobe Marina Lodge is known for its great food, including

international cuisine and traditional fare. A variety of

destinations have been created to allow our guests to enjoy

a choice of eating experiences – elegant al la carte dining in

Commissioner’s Restaurant, casual buffet meals in Mokoros

Restaurant, alfresco dining at Riverside Under the Stars, light

meals on the Riverside Deck or at the Poolside Diner, romantic

intimate dining on guests’ private patios or in-room dining.

Complementing the various eating destinations are numerous

bars and lounges, including the elevated River Deck Bar, the Pool

Side Bar and the Reading Deck – all strategically positioned to

encourage guests to relax and watch the comings and goings

on the Chobe River, be it magnificent African sunrises, sunsets,

hippos, crocodiles, birds or fishermen in their dugout canoes.

Music and entertainment are provided by Kasane’s

popular dance troops and singers. A TV lounge is located

off the River Deck Bar, available for guests who may like

to watch a ‘can’t-be-missed’ sports game, or play cards

and games. A visit to the spa is a must for guests to

relax after travelling or perhaps just for a pampering.

Game drives, wildlife safaris and boat cruises in this natural

and pristine part of the world are one of a kind, and the

number one reason why Kasane and Okavango Delta safaris

are sought-after destinations. On Chobe Marina Lodges’

doorstep is the renowned Chobe National Park. Famous for

its diverse wildlife species, this area is also home to the largest

concentration of elephant in Africa. Chobe Marina Lodge offers

its guests the best of both of Chobe’s wildlife experiences –

embarking on a game cruise from the lodge’s private jetty

site provides the optimum complement to wildlife viewing

from open 4x4 vehicles. Bird enthusiasts will also be thrilled as

there is a large variety of birds to be found in the numerous

biomes, including the Kalahari sand vlei, the teak forests,

riverine sand banks and on the nutrient rich grass islands.

Other activities include walking tours of Kasane town, cultural

village tours, day trips to Victoria Falls, Namibian village walk,

and fishing. Chobe Marina Lodge is the gateway to the ultimate

getaway, and offers a truly immersive African experience.



DESTINATION FOCUS | Botswana

aha Masa Square Hotel: for work and play

Masa Square Hotel, managed by aha Hotels & Lodges, is

located in Gaborone. It’s designed with comfort and class,

capturing the essence of the elegance of Botswana, and is

ideal for those who are travelling for both business and leisure.

The hotel is located in the iconic Masa Square, and its finelydetailed

accommodation and services are ultimately tasteful.

This four-star hotel has 182 rooms, comprising 30 selfcatering

apartments, eight suites, 85 standard rooms, 44 club

rooms, 13 twin rooms, and two paraplegic rooms. The rooms

also feature en-suite bathrooms, high speed Internet access

and a large work area, perfect for the business traveller.

Planning a conference is effortless with the support

of our highly proficient and qualified conferencing and

banqueting team. Select from customised packages, offering

conferencing in the heart of the CBD with super-fast Wi-Fi

and exceptional food for a maximum of 220 delegates.

For travellers and those who aim to stay at the best

accommodation in Gaborone, delegates will be happy to find

everything one would expect from a first-class Botswana hotel

and more. The Masa Square Hotel caters for every need: from a

gorgeous swimming pool and views over Gaborone to excellent

dining and pristine lodging services that are the definition of

sophistication and urban luxury. Furthermore, Masa offers the

Absolut & Elyx Lounge, a roof top pool bar where entertainment

and drinks make for a great evening with friends or colleagues.

What makes the Masa Square Hotel a promising choice

for the best accommodation in Gaborone? The conference

venues and business centre on site are perfect for business

functions and conferences, made all the more memorable

with the added Masa Square atmosphere – the energy is

infectious. Masa offers a swimming pool and gym as well as a

cinema, health spa, hair salon and beauty boutique all within

the Masa Centre – not to mention the golf course nearby.

The Masa Square Hotel restaurant, Don Carlos, provides fantastic

dining all round. Alongside the cheerful sound of chatting and

laughter, the Don Carlos is also known for its silences, noticeable

moments where each person at the table is enjoying their food so

much that words can wait. Coffee is also a must at the Masa Square

Hotel’s Carlito’s Cafe. Each cup is brewed with coffee beans that

are sourced from renowned coffee bean regions throughout Africa

and is filled with exotic, rich and recognisable flavour. This service

is loved by visitors and is unique amongst hotels in Gaborone.

The Masa Square Hotel is conveniently located in the

central business district of Gaborone, 20 minutes away from

the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, with airport

transport available from the Masa Square Hotel.

LUsh comfort IN THE HEART OF AFRICA

An authentic African adventure awaits at Chobe Marina Lodge,

offering luxury accommodation, conferencing facilities and a myriad

of wildlife and cultural activities. Spectacularly situated on the banks

of the Chobe River within walking distance of Kasane town centre

and easy access to the renowned Chobe National Park.

MANAGED BY

For Bookings: +267 625 2221

res1@chobemarinalodge.com

www.chobemarinalodge.com

business. leisure. luxury

Masa Square Hotel situated in the cosmopolitan Masa Piazza, offers

an array of luxury accommodation, conferencing, entertainment

facilities, restaurants and roof top pool bar in the heart of Gaborone’s

CBD.

For bookings: +267 315 9954

info@masasquarehotel.com

www.masasquarehotel.com

MANAGED BY

Business Events Africa November 2018 25

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Africa no longer seen as the

‘dark continent’

THE African hotel market is evolving rapidly, growing on the back of the positive effects of economic

growth, foreign investment and political stability in a number of countries on the continent. Africans

doing it for themselves is also quickly becoming the mantra of the African hotel market, as the number

of local guests continue to upsurge.

This is according to Tim Smith, managing partner at one

of the largest independent global hospitality consultancy

firms, HVS, following the release of their much-anticipated

2018 African Hotel Valuation Index (HVI) results at Tourism, Hotel

Investment and Networking Conference (THINC) Africa 2018,

held recently at Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.

“The ability to better cater to local guests is becoming

increasingly important for hotel brands and independent operators

across the African continent, with menus, language and culture

all being key to welcoming more African guests. It is in fact an

anomaly that hoteliers are still teaching their staff Mandarin, yet

have not maximised markets closer to home,” Mr Smith said.

The fifth edition of the HVI analysed the hotel values of

26 markets operating in 19 African countries, providing

crucial information for investors. In order to give the

most complete picture of hotel performance and values

across the continent, Mr Smith said the Index surveyed

in excess of 75 000 existing and 11 500 proposed

rooms in the upper mid-market and higher space.

“Over the last five editions,

the Index has steadily

increased in scope from

14 to 26 markets, as a

result of a rapid growth in

availability of data – making

it the most comprehensive

study in the category. This

is a great indication of the

ever-increasing speed at

which the African hotel

market is evolving.”

For the first time, the HVI

has also included growth

forecasts for the hospitality

market. Mr Smith noted

that leisure destinations in

countries such as Kenya,

Morocco and Ethiopia and

the Indian Ocean Islands have

shown significant growth

during the course of 2017,

with even more development

expected in the coming years.

A look at South Africa

Cape Town

The prolonged drought throughout South Africa hit Cape

Town hard as it has an ever-increasing population and up

until now, an outdated infrastructure in terms of its water

source. With the beginning of stricter water restriction levels

towards the end of 2017 and the announcement of ‘Day

Zero’ by the City of Cape Town, the local hospitality industry

experienced a more than 20 per cent drop in arrivals.

RevPAR still grew in 2017, but slowed down towards

the end of 2017, and is forecast to decline this year, due

to a dip in occupancy rates and a stronger Rand.

However, the forecasted REVPAR for 2018 is the second highest

of the past ten years showing the adaptability of Cape Town to

crisis. Despite the drought and drop in occupancy, Cape Town

has shown strong resilience. Cape Town’s room value increased

by almost 25 per cent in 2017 compared to the year before, and

the Cape Town International Airport had a growth of almost

10 per cent in international

travellers from January to

March 2018, compared to the

same period the year before.

The decline in room value in

2018 is projected to rebound

in 2019 and even exceed

numbers from last year in

2020, mirroring RevPAR

performance. Room nights

sold declined during the high

season of 2017/2018 due

to the publicised ‘Day Zero’

and are therefore anticipated

to show an overall low

number throughout 2018.

But Cape Town’s recovery in

the coming years is expected

because of a stronger economy,

the recent announcement

that there would be no

‘Day Zero’ for 2019 if water

restrictions are adhered to and

an anticipated faster growth



A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

in foreign and domestic tourism.

There has been a large amount

of new hotel supply in the city

centre last year which included

the Radisson Red and the Silo

in the trendy Silo District of the

V&A Waterfront as well as the

504-bedroom Southern Sun and

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl.

Marriott International is planning to open 539 rooms

in the Cape Town Foreshore within the next five years:

AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront in November 2018,

Residence Inn Cape Town Foreshore and Marriott Cape

Town Foreshore in February and March 2023.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s international airport O.R. Tambo remains

Africa’s largest and busiest airport with a total of over 21 million

passengers in the financial year of 2017/2018, which represents

a slight decline to the financial year before. In contrast,

occupancy has shown a continuous growth and is the highest

it has been since 2009 in Sandton and the surrounding hotels.

This year, HVI changed focus from the whole of Johannesburg

to Sandton and surroundings as these are the key markets to

both business and leisure guests. Room nights sold increased

by seven per cent during the high season of 2017/2018 and

RevPAR is expected to climb in 2018 and then stagnate in

2019 and 2020 due to a slight increase in new hotel supply.

Rosebank is a fast-emerging area in Johannesburg with

vibrant commercial, residential and retail developments.

New hotel openings for 2021 include the Marriott

Johannesburg Melrose Arch, the Marriott Executive

Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch, which will

add 350 rooms to the city’s supply in 2018.

Durban

Durban experienced a rather meagre growth in room values

last year. 2018 is expected to be a tough year for Durban as

a drastic increase in fuel prices prevent domestic travellers

to travel; however, the devaluation of the rand results in

an increase in ADR in US dollars terms which offset the

decrease in occupancy. Values are flat in 2018 and 2019

and then exhilarate again in 2020 when the values per room

are anticipated to be the second highest since 2009.

King Shaka International Airport experienced the highest

growth amongst SA’s three major international airports, with

passenger numbers increasing by 7.7% to 5.64 million for

the past financial year 2017/2018. KwaZulu-Natal provincial

government authorities met British Airways (BA) in Durban

in February this year to make plans to secure a direct London

- Durban route. With an increase in international flights

through King Shaka airport and the great amount of planned

developments between the airport and Durban, the Durban

hotel market will be positively influenced and is anticipated to

grow as the value per room performance indicates for 2020.

The Radisson Blu Group is currently involved in the R3 billion

Oceans uMhlanga development and Hilton confirmed in April

this year South Africa’s first Hilton Garden Inn as part of the

R1.3 billion uMhlanga Arch, which is planned to open in 2020.

The Radisson Blu Group is currently Mr Smith added that even smaller

involved in the R3 billion Oceans uMhlanga cities in Africa are showing high

growth potential. “Many cities

development and Hilton confirmed in April

with fewer than 1 000 organised/

this year South Africa’s first Hilton Garden branded rooms are also expected

to attract increased interest from

Inn as part of the R1.3 billion uMhlanga

investors over the next three years,

Arch, which is planned to open in 2020 with key factors like urbanisation

and improving infrastructure playing

a significant role in the development of these market players.”

Increase in regional tourism, both business and leisure,

improving air connectivity across the continent, evolution

in politics, increased room night demand and domestic

consumption are all positive steps in the right direction

for the fast-developing continent, said Mr Smith, who

noted that the fall in values for some of the markets in

2017 have been due to temporary setbacks in the politicoeconomic

situation, or a short-term oversupply.

“It is important to note that despite a fall in occupancy and

value level for some markets such as Kampala and Abidjan,

the overall room night demand has increased year on year.

“Based on the data, we believe that many of these

declines in performance are temporary. Africa has only

seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visitors from

regions like China. This largely untapped international

potential, coupled with the growing local market promises

to make the African hotel market even more competitive

on the global front,” Mr Smith concluded.


EXHIBITIONS

2018 What a year for ExpoGuys

The young ExpoGuys is growing up fast. 2018 has been our busiest year yet, and we have proven

that with dedication, discipline and lots of hard work, one can achieve more than what you set

out to accomplish. By Patrick Cronning, joint owner of ExpoGuys

Having had our best and

most successful year in

South Africa, we built 110

exhibitions and events as well

as 438 individually-designed stands.

ExpoGuys also nearly captured

Africa, spreading our wings further

and wider across the African continent.

We’ve had our presence felt in Nigeria,

Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe,

Swaziland, Kenya and Ghana.

ExpoGuys have also taken the next

step and bought a ‘house’. In December

we will move to our new offices and

factory which we have refurbished and

decorated to suit all our requirements.

So look out South Africa!

ExpoGuys, the young kid on the

block, is growing up fast.

OUR EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE

VENUE NEWS

Ending the year on a high note

It has been another busy year at The Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) with a plethora of

events and exhibitions that took place in 2018. But it has also been a significant year

for South Africa and Africa as the continent continues to position itself as a key player

in the business events industry and benchmark for exceptional standards.

Craig Newman, chief executive

officer of JEC, was recently

appointed president of UFI. His

appointment is further testament to both

his commitment to grow and develop

Africa as the ultimate business events

destination and the increasingly important

role that Africa is playing in the industry.

He was previously the vice chairman

of the UFI Middle East Africa Chapter

before being appointed president of UFI.

At the helm of this global

association of the exhibition industry,

Mr Newman’s main objective is to

represent, promote and support the

business interests of its members and

the exhibition industry. UFI directly

represents around 50 000 exhibition

industry employees globally, and also

works closely with its 52 national

and regional association members.

“This is an incredible honour for me

and for South Africa,” Mr Newman

said about his appointment.

“It is evident that the rest of the world

is looking at South Africa as a key player

in the industry. This wasn’t always the

case. But today, from our world class

facilities, exceptional service and thorough

work ethic, South Africa is setting the

standard for best practice, and it is an

incredibly exciting time,” he added.

Mr Newman was first elected

in 2014 onto the main board of

directors of UFI, and then onto

the UFI executive committee.

As the leading global association

of the world’s tradeshow organisers

and exhibition centre operators,

as well as the major national and

international exhibition association

and selected partners of the exhibition

industry, Mr Newman’s involvement

has elevated South Africa’s position

on the global exhibition stage.

On another high for the JEC, the

venue recently won its eighth award

at the annual PMR.Africa Awards.

“A company or Craig Newman, chief

executive officer of JEC

business can put

as much money as

possible into their own marketing efforts,

but anyone in this game will tell you that

nothing compliments a brand like an

authoritative third party endorsement and

winning a PMR. Africa Award affirms again

that our facilities and services remain of

the highest quality,” Mr Newman said.

“No matter how long you have

been in the industry understanding

customer feedback remains crucial for

service consistency and this award is

significant for me and my team.”

In his personal capacity, Craig is the proud

father of three, an outdoors person and a

man who loves to travel. He likes to keep

fit too, and finds the time to run and train.

“I love what I do and I get to meet

interesting people all the time and

work with a fantastic team. But

spending time with family and friends

is really what it’s all about.”


TEAMBUILDING

A one-stop destination for

conferencing

Avianto

Avianto, in Muldersdrift, is a well-established, highly-regarded events

destination that has become one of Johannesburg’s conference,

teambuilding and function venues of choice.

Avianto offers a variety of options

from conferencing workshops to

product launches and gala dinners.

Avianto provides a relaxed environment

with expert assistance, creating a meeting

place that inspires constructive thought,

camaraderie and positive action.

Avianto’s 250 ha property has a vast

array of options for teambuilding activities.

Event Inspirations Teambuilding,

Avianto’s preferred teambuilding

supplier, offers a range of professional

teambuilding exercises and corporate

activities that meet the different needs

of companies, in order to improve

team performance and efficiency.

Backed by years of experience, they

provide value for money, a positive

return-on-investment and confidence

in professionally managed, high-quality

events from beginning to end. The

corporate teambuilding experiences

are specifically designed to activate,

develop and hone crucial inter-personal

skills to improve team productivity and

effectiveness. A highly-professional and

specialised team run the teambuilding

activities, which are suitable for corporate

groups from eight to over 1 000 people.

Structured teambuilding activities can

enhance any business and encourage

creativity and productivity within the

company, giving employees a chance

to think outside the box, let loose and

develop comradeship. Strengthening

work bonds and instilling a little

competitive, yet cooperative energy

can increase performance, motivation

and commitment within a company

and it allows employees to feel more

comfortable around one another in order

to work together better on projects.

Event Inspirations will strive to meet all

expectations and are able to tailor make

packages to suit the client’s requirements.

2018’s trending activities:

Collabor-Art

The group is split into smaller teams

and made responsible for a section of a

large art ‘Masterpiece’. No one is aware

of what this ‘Masterpiece’ looks like,

however teams will need to collaborate

and work together to make sure that

they are all on the right track. Once all

the teams have completed their projects,

there is a short break while we arrange all

the sections to reveal the ‘Masterpiece’.

The groups are invited back where,

with due ceremony, it is revealed!

Cardboard Ragatta

Delegates are broken up into teams

where they need to come up with a boat

building plan. Event Inspirations provide

delegates with all the materials necessary

to make the floatation device, and it’s up

to the group to choose the finest captain,

crew, first engineer and maintenance

manager. Scoring is time based.

The Footloose Amazing Race

This is a great way of getting delegates

outdoors and participating. Sight,

sound, touch, and taste will all be put

to the test, not to mention keeping

eyes open along the route.

With the help of a compass and cryptic

clues, teams have to navigate their way

through the route. Tablets are used as

a tool for audio task identification and

video cameras are provided to film the

various tasks throughout the day. This

ensures not only continuous stimulation

but an entertaining viewing at the end

and insight into other team’s strategies.



EVENT GREENING FORUM

An event greening case study:

Meetings Africa 2018

An introduction to event greening: Part 4 of a 4 part series by the Event Greening Forum.

The best way to understand event

greening is to see it in action.

Therefore, the final part of this

series is a case study of Meetings

Africa 2018, South African Tourism’s (SA

Tourism) annual business tourism show.

Meetings Africa has implemented event

greening since 2011 with the support of the

Event Greening Forum (EGF). Here’s an outline

of what it achieved this year, and how.

1. Transport: Meetings Africa is an international

event, and cannot avoid the long-haul

flights needed for many delegates to attend

it. The organisers minimise this impact in

the following ways: booking direct flights;

choosing to host the event at the Sandton

Convention Centre so delegates flying in can

catch the Gautrain from the airport to the

venue, and can stay at hotels within walking

distance to the venue; and arranging shuttles

for offsite events.

2. Eco-procurement: SA Tourism’s procurement

policy gives preference to local blackowned

SMEs, where possible. For example:

• For the past six years, Future Link (a black

female owned SME) has handled the

onsite cleaning and waste management

for the show. The organisers have supported

them with event greening training

and resources, to ensure their success in

this role.

• For the past two years, the Soweto Sewing

Company (also a black female owned

SME) has manufactured the Meetings

Africa staff uniforms.

• The organisers contracted a new security

company, SGS Solutions, for the event.

The Skills Village is a co-operative that

teaches young people practical skills. They

manufactured wooden certificate frames

from upcycled wood for the various

show awards.

Energy: The organisers purchased eight

Renewable Energy Certificates (8 000 kilowatt

hours) to power the event. This amount

was based on last year’s energy use, and

included a little extra to cover all set-ups

and side activities. Exhibitors were also encouraged

to buy ‘mini’ Renewable Energy

Certificates for a small fee of R30 each. This

was to motivate greater buy-in and create

more awareness around the initiative.

Water: It takes roughly three bottles of water

to produce an equivalent single bottle

of water for the supermarket shelves (while

also requiring energy for manufacture and

transportation for distribution, both of

which have an associated carbon footprint).

To promote more responsible water use,

water coolers filled with free, clean tap water

were available throughout the venue.

Bottled water was still on sale, but with a

R10 surcharge. The money raised from the

surcharge was donated to a co-operative

farming project in the Western Cape to help

them manage the water shortages they

were facing at the time.

Waste: Paperless contracting was used

to manage the registration process for exhibitors

and visitors, reducing the amount

of printing needed. During the show, bins

were provided to separate landfill waste, recyclables

and organic waste at source. The

organic waste was composted. This set-up

allowed for 62 per cent of the event’s waste

to be diverted from landfill.

Exhibition: The organisers encouraged

all exhibitors to create eco-friendly stands.

To help them do this, SA Tourism sponsored

free event greening training sessions

in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban,

which the EGF conducted. Those exhibitors

who excelled in this regard were recognised

with Green Stand Awards.

Social upliftment: For the second year

running, responsible gifting became a fun

activity at Meetings Africa. A Sustainability

Village showcased artisans and their beautiful

handcrafted goods. Instead of gifts, gift

cards allowed recipients to choose their own

special take home souvenirs. This avoids the

risk of unwanted gifts. Aside from direct

sales, the artisans also benefited from the

opportunity to market themselves to an international

audience.

Communication: Meetings Africa consistently

communicated its event greening efforts

to its stakeholders, attendees and the

media. This helped to raise awareness about

sustainable issues, and get everyone’s support

for these activities.

An independent sustainability consultant,

Steadfast Greening, carried out an eco-audit

of the event. This measured how successful

its event greening efforts were. Heritage Eco

Events then used the audit to assess and certify

Meetings Africa 2018 as a Green Event.

It scored 84.6 per cent, with the ‘pass’ for a

green event being 75 per cent.

Positive legacy: The event organisers and

some exhibitors and suppliers purchased a

total of 61 trees, as a partial carbon offset

for Meetings Africa 2018. Food & Trees for

Africa planted the trees in Johannesburg,

and will provide ongoing support to the recipients

to make sure the trees thrive and

give authentic long-term benefits.

About EGF

The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a

non-profit organisation that aims to

promote sustainability within the business

events sector. The EGF was established

through dedication and support of eight

industry associations who are recognised

as founding members. The founding

members are key industry associations

working together to promote South Africa

as a destination for various types of events.

They host educational sessions for industry

and lobby government in an effort to

implement sustainability principles into the

daily operations of the events industry.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about

event greening, visit www.eventgreening.

co.za where you can browse the free

resources, sign up to the monthly

newsletter, or contact them directly with

any queries.


SAACI NEWS

A potential client isn’t always worth the risk

In tough economic times, we are all focused on ensuring we have a strong pipeline of sales and

business coming into our companies. With the volatile nature of event bookings, we find ourselves

being so hungry that we often neglect to vet clients with the same stringent and risk mitigation

procedures as we would suppliers. By Rudi Van Der Vyver, chief executive officer of SAACI

Now we all know in times like these

beggars can’t be choosers, but is

this the right attitude? Often being

a “chooser” may just be the very thing

that saves you and your business from serious

reputational damage, burnt bridges with

suppliers and the financial sustainability of

your company.

It is vitally important that clients are vetted

before simply jumping into a deal. You must

be vigilant before taking on business as your

personal and company brand is directly associated

with the business event and often the

client whom you are representing.

There are various levels of checks to be

done, ranging from simple verifications to

larger scale due diligence checks. Verify that

the company is registered and does operate

as portrayed by the potential client. Just

because someone has a website, it does not

mean they are “above board”. Scamsters often

have the best sites.

You are well within your rights to request a

few documents like a tax clearance, company

registration number and this is nothing new

as most large corporations request this information

when applying to be added to their

vendor database. Ensure you do some background

research on the event in question.

Has it been running for some time or is it a

new event? With new events, be very careful

when it comes to payment terms as well

as deliverables. For example, are you happy

to work on a fee based on a percentage of

sponsorships signed up for the event? What

about the deposits that would need to be

paid to secure the venue and other services

up front – will you be able and/or willing to

fit the bill on risk for these? Another quick

way to establish the validity of a company

and their intentions is to look at other suppliers

to this company and phone one or two

for a reference.

This all may seem a little overboard, but it’s

best to have this information up front in order

to make a risk decision. Rather ensure your

company is protected than just jump in. You

may gain headaches and a huge risk for your

company should the intentions of the client

not be true. It is as important to vet clients

from a risk management perspective as it is

to vet suppliers to ensure the future sustainability

and continued growth of your brand

as a professional within the business events

industry. One bad decision could stick with

you for a very long time and be detrimental

to your future business opportunities.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…

EXSA NEWS

Gill Gibbs, executive committee member of EXSA recently attended Imex America in

Las Vegas where she was involved in the building of a stand for a local client who was

exhibiting at the show.

It is amazing how far the phrase, ‘’first

time to America’’ can get you. It started

before I even left Johannesburg soil

where, while stocking up on toiletries and

necessary travel goodies, pharmacists and

retailers spurred me on to ‘’proudly fly the

flag’’, giving me free vitamins to energise

me on the long journey. I was received

like a VIP and it was wonderful. First stop,

Atlanta. Americans are friendly for days.

As we touched down at Las Vegas

McCarran International Airport, I couldn’t

help feeling like I had arrived on a movie

set – the surrounding mountain range is

breathtaking and perfect, like that of an

artist’s canvas. I soaked this in.

Las Vegas is the mecca for trade shows

and conferences, especially tech and auto

trade shows. Dubbed the ‘City of Lights’, it

hosts around 20 000 trade shows annually,

which is mind-blowing – the biggest being

the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Set in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, Vegas is

a resort city that is world-renowned for

its many and varied exhibitions; entertaining

shows and events; a vibrant nightlife;

24-hour casinos and many diverse entertainment

offerings. The main street, is

known as the Strip, is just shy of 6.5 km.

This boulevard is home to themed hotels

with elaborate displays such as fountains

that are synchronised to music; massive

replicas of an Egyptian pyramid and the

Eiffel Tower, not forgetting the Venetian

Grand Canal at the Venetian Hotel that is

equipped with working gondolas steered

by serenading gondoliers.

Alongside the ‘play’ aspect, the business

side sees many attendees flocking to

the venues to network, gain new business

and acquire knowledge of their respective

industries.

The arrival was seamless, with good, wellpositioned

and logical signage. Steering

the body to the right side of everything was

the most challenging aspect. First off, you

meander through the casino slot machines

and then you find your way on the ‘tram’

to the baggage claim. Easy-peasy signage

gets you to your taxi, which works on a

queue system. Then it’s swiftly on to your

hotel while you are taking in everything on

the way and then, a well-deserved shower.

I thought I would take a nap and I woke

at midnight, wondering, “what happened?’’

The next couple of days comprised

erratic sleep episodes and getting

to know the lay of the land; becoming

acclimatised and having meetings with the

local counterparts.

It was interesting to see that even all those

miles away, the on-site build is much the

same. Aisles are cluttered with infrastructure

and stand collateral, and I felt right at home.

Comparatively, however, there are many

more cherry pickers and forklifts per square

foot than that of our build-ups in South

Africa and one must be vigilant, staying

clear of the busy ‘traffic’ delivering stand

collateral and infrastructure to the respective

booths.

The main difference that I experienced in

the build phase is that there is no sanding of

custom walls and structures. Most custom

structures comprise laminated boards and

modular bespoke click-in boards that are

pressed both sides.

The take on occupational health and

safety is interesting and different. Hard hats

are only required if you are rigging on your

stand. It was said that this is going to be

changing soon.

I kept reminding myself how privileged

I was to fly the flag, experience the learnings

and new beginnings and have a little

taste of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ – but that’s another

tale…

AAXO NEWS

Create an experience

for your visitors

By Leaticia Van Straaten, chairperson of AAXO

Featured as a key topic at this year’s UFI Congress, held in Russia – “Visitor

Experience” refers to creating value for visitors that they can ‘experience’ pre-show,

on-site and post-show.

Think of your experience going to

the movies – you can’t go to the

movies and not have the popcorn,

sit through the previews chewing and

slurping on your slushy! That ‘experience’

is so intertwined with going to watch a

movie, that if you take the ‘experience’

out of it, people will likely not want to

go to the movies anymore!

The same way we

‘experience’ watching a movie

at a cinema theatre, we need

to create an ‘experience’ for

our visitors at exhibitions

that will connect with them

emotionally, leave them

feeling happy, satisfied and

makes them come back

for the same emotional

connection next time!

From the start of your

marketing campaign, give

your brand a personality,

and your marketing campaign a voice

– which the visitor will identify with.

Do your research to clearly identify

your visitor market, and find out

“They may forget what you said,

but they will never forget how you

made them feel.” – Carl W. Buehner

what their biggest challenges are.

Once you know this, help them solve

their business problems by offering

content that helps them find solutions,

like similar case studies from the industry.

Or panels of their peers discussing the

very same challenges they have.

Enhance the experience on-site: from

arriving VIP-style, smelling the

meat on the braai, hearing the

music from their era play in

the background – right down

to customised educational

opportunities, like mentorship

breaks, workshops,

and seminar topics.

Then finish with the

follow-through! Get them

committed to the next

event, related events, ask

their opinion, and don’t

forget to say ‘thank you’.

Make them feel special.

SITE NEWS

SITE announces 2019

new board and trustees

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has announced a distinguished list of experienced

and diverse global incentive travel leaders from 10 countries who will serve on the SITE International

Board of Directors and SITE Foundation Board of Trustees effective 1 January 2019.

“

Continuity is planned and never by accident.

It has truly been a joy to see

such an extraordinary slate of candidates

run for the SITE board. Each and every

one of them deserves to be on the board

and I wish we could have accommodated

everyone that applied.

“I know SITE is in good hands for

years to come and we have people ready

to take on challenges in the future,”

said Rajeev Kohli, CIS, CITP, SITE past

president and 2018 nominations chair.

Philip Eidsvold, CIS, CITP, senior director

client services for One10, will serve as

president of the SITE International Board

of Directors.

“The calibre of

candidates that

applied for the open

positions on our

international board of

directors is testament

to the strength,

power and reach

Philip Eidsvold of SITE’s reputation

as the voice in business events for

incentive travel, the “I” in MICE.

“I look forward to working proactively

with our new and returning board

members to strengthen SITE’s reach

and reputation amongst members,

the industry, the business world and

society at large,” said Mr Eidsvold.

Serving with Mr Eidsvold as officers

and returning directors are:

• Immediate past president: Annamaria

Ruffini, CIS, CITP, CMP, president and

CEO Events In & Out, Rome, Italy.

• President-elect: Jennifer Glynn,

CIS, CITP, managing partner,

Meeting Encore & Intuitive

Conferences + Events, Canada.

• Vice president, finance & business

development: Aoife Delaney, CIS,

director of sales and marketing,

DMC Network, Ireland.

• Vice president education & certification:

Kevin Edmunds, CITP, vice president

sales, AIC Hotel Group, USA.

• Member-at-large: Eda Özden Günyüz,

CIS, CITP, director of business

development, MEP Destination

Business Solutions, Turkey.

• Daryl Keywood, CIS, managing director

and CEO, Walthers DMC, South Africa.

• Ellie MacPherson, CITP, sr. vice president,

Strategic Meetings + Incentives, Canada.

• Anne-Marie Rogers, director meetings

& incentives, Direct Travel, USA.

• Julia Trejo, CIS, CMP, DMCP, director

of business development, Terramar – a

DMC Network Company, Mexico.

• Alicia Yao, CIS, general manager,

IME Consulting, China.

• Carina Bauer, SITE Foundation presidentelect,

CEO, IMEX

Group & Regent

Exhibitions, United

Kingdom.

Two new directors join

the board in 2019:

• El Kwang, CITP,

CEO, Untangled

& Business Events

John Iannini Asia, Singapore.

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

• Rebecca Wright, CIS, director account

operations, Creative Group, USA

John Iannini, CIS, CITP CTC, vice

president business travel meetings

& events Americas, Melia Hotels

International, is serving his second

year as SITE Foundation president.

“The SITE Foundation is pleased to

welcome Amy Riley and Brad Hecht to

the 2019 trustee roster. Their expertise in

the incentive space helps to broaden our

reach and strengthen our mission as we

continue to create compelling content

to inform business professionals of the

bold results incentive travel produces, and

provide industry insights and education

to further the careers of incentive

travel professionals,” said Mr Iannini.

Serving with Mr Iannini as officers

and returning trustees are:

• Immediate past president: Rhea

Stagner, CIS, CITP, division vice

president, sourcing and supplier

relations, Maritz Travel – a Maritz

Global Events Company, USA.

• President-elect: Carina Bauer,

CEO, IMEX Group & Regent

Exhibitions, United Kingdom.

• Vice president finance: Terry Manion,

executive vice president, Meridican

Incentive Consultants, Canada.

• Vice president fundraising &

events: Anne DiGregory, director

global luxury sales, Marriott

International Luxury Brands, USA.

• Vice president research & content: Tina

Weede, CIS, CITP, CRP, president and

CEO, Peerless Performance, USA.

• Lynn Pavony, director of incentive sales,

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, USA.

• Selina Sinclair, CITP, CMP, SMMC,

global managing director,

Pacific World, Singapore.

• Kevin Regan, MBA, global

director charter and incentives,

Azamara Club Cruises, USA.

• Hamish Reid, MICE consultant,

Hills Balfour, Great Britain.

• Jimmy Romo, CITP, general manager

specialty sales, Delta Airlines, USA.

• Dana Weaver, CIS, sr. manager

marketing services, Growmark, USA.

• Chris Wheeler, executive director global

incentive sales, sbe Group, USA.

• Jennifer Glynn, CIS, CITP, SITE

president-elect, managing partner,

Meeting Encore & Intuitive

Conferences and Events, Canada.

Two new trustees join the

foundation board in 2019:

• Amy Riley, CEM, senior director of

business sales, Las Vegas Convention

and Visitors Authority, USA.

• Brad Hecht, vice president, travel,

Motivation Excellence, USA.

Board members and foundation trustees

will be formally introduced to members

during the SITE Global Conference, 11-14

January 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

November 2018 Vol 38 No 11

ADVERTISER PAGE EMAIL WEBSITE

AAXO 34 aaxo@aaxo.co.za www.aaxo.co.za

African Hotels and Adventures 25 cro@aha.co.za www.aha.co.za

Cape Town International Convention Centre 21 info@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za

Exhibition Freighting GSM 18 ef-gsm@ef-gsm.co.za www.ef-gsm.co.za

Expo Centre Johannesburg OBC info@expocentre.co.za www.expocentre.co.za

Expo Guys 28 info@expoguys.co.za www.expoguys.co.za

EXSA 33 exsa@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za

Folio Translation Consultants 27 pziets@folio-online.co.za www.folio-online.co.za

MJunxion 4 yolande@mjunxion.co.za www.mjunxion.co.za

Peermont Global OFC, 6-8 reservations@peermont.com www.peermont.com

Plaslope 37 glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com www.plaslope.com

SAACI 32 info@saaci.co.za www.saaci.co.za

SITE 35 info@sitesouthernafrica.com www.sitesouthernafrica.com

South African Tourism 9-16 convention@southafrica.net www.businessevents.southafrica.net

Spier Hotel & Conference Centre 23 conference@spier.co.za www.spier.co.za

Taj Cape Town 19 res.capetown@tajhotels.com www.tajhotels.com/tajcapetown



CALENDAR

Conferences, workshops and exhibitions of

interest to the conference, exhibition and

special events market

For free entries in this calendar, please supply information to editorial@businesseventsafrica.com

LOCAL: 2019

30-31 JANUARY:

Third Annual Exhibition of Exhibitions

Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Northgate,

Johannesburg

Email: info@aaxo.co.za

31 JANUARY 2019: AAXO Roar Awards

/ EXSA-LLENCE Awards

Montecasino, Johannesburg

Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565

Email: info@aaxo.co.za


Meetings Africa

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre,

Johannesburg, South Africa

www.meetingsafrica.co.za

7-9 APRIL 2019:

International Luxury Travel Market |

Africa

Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical

Garden, Cape Town

Tel: +27(11) 549 8300

Email: megan.oberholzer@

reedexpoafrica.co.za

www.iltm.com/africa

10-12 APRIL :

Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings

Expo Africa

Venue: Cape Town International

Convention Centre, Convention Square,

Cape Town, South Africa

Tel: +27(11) 549 8300

Email: megan.oberholzer@

reedexpoafrica.co.za

www.ibtmafrica.com

10-12 APRIL 2019:

World Travel Market Africa 2019

Venue: Cape Town International

Convention Centre, Convention Square,

Cape Town, South Africa

www.africa.wtm.com

7-9 MAY 2019:

Africa’s Travel Indaba

Venue: Albert Luthuli Convention Centre

(Durban ICC), South Africa

Email: indaba@indaba-southafrica.co.za

www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

5-6 JUNE 2019:

Markex 2019



Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565

www.markex.co.za

5-6 JUNE 2019:

Madex 2019



Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565

www.madex.co.za

INTERNATIONAL: 2018

11-14 NOVEMBER: 57th ICCA Congress

Venue: Dubai, UAE Tel: +31203981902

www.iccaworld.org

27-29 NOVEMBER 2018: ibtm world

Venue: Barcelona, Spain

www.ibtmworld.com

INTERNATIONAL: 2019

11-14 JANUARY 2019: SITE Global

Conference

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

www.siteglobal.com/page/site-2019-

global-conference

18-20 FEBRUARY 2019: AIME 2019

Venue: Melbourne Convention Exhibition

Centre, Melbourne | www.aime.com.au

25-27 MARCH 2019: ibtm Arabia

Venue: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

www.ibtmarabia.com

21-23 MAY 2019: IMEX Frankfurt

Venue: Messe Frankfurt

Tel: +44 1273 227311

www.imexexhibitions.com

26-27 JUNE 2019:

The Meetings Show UK

Venue: Olympia London, United Kingdom

www.themeetingsshow.com

TEL: +27 11 452 1115

FAX: +27 11 452 3609

WEBSITE: www.plaslope.com

EMAIL: glenda.aereboe@plaslope.com

TAMPER EVIDENT SECURITY BAGS

• Debasafe® Tamper Evident Security Bags are used whenever tamper-evident

movement is critical.

• We manufacture to order and assist in tailor-made solutions to suit your security

needs.

• A comprehensive range of security features are standard on the bags and additional

features can be added.

• The sealing strip is used for exacting demands with a heat indicator displaying

attempts to tamper.

• Tampering by means of cold, heat, solvents, liquids & manipulation is clearly visible.

• Bags can be customised according to customer’s requirements with exclusive

numbering & bar-coding.

• Bags are manufactured in either transparent or opaque LDPE film, in various grades

to meet specific requirements.

The bags are used for the safe movement of:

• Government Departments

• Foreign Exchange

• Confidential Documents (Examinations, Elections,

Passports, Visas etc.)

• High Value Items (Diamonds, Precious Metals,

Forensic Evidence, Cellphones, Computer Equipment)

• Cash (Banks & Cash-in-Transit companies)


DIRECTORY

Learning | Growth | collaboration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

National chairperson: Wayne Smith,

Sales Ambassador, Century City

Conference Centre

e: wayne.j@ccconferencecentre.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 448 1324

Vice-chairperson: Kim Roberts,

The Forum Company

e: kim.roberts@theforum.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 652 2008

Treasurer: Glenn van Eck

Chief Executive Officer

Magnetic Storm

e: glenn@magnetic.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 800 2616

Public officer: Denise Kemp

Director, Eastern Sun Events

e: denise@esternsun.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 654 9755

Chief executive officer:

Rudi Van Der Vyver

e: ceo@saaci.org

c: +27 (0)84 580 9882

Directors

EC chairperson: Andrew Stewart

PeriExpo

e: andrew@periexpo.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

KZN chairperson:

Nick Papadopoulos

Eat Greek Caterers

e: nick@eatgreek.catering

c: +27 (0)84 505 0113

JHB chairperson: Lorin Bowen

Lorin Bowen

e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za

c: + 27 (0)82 433 8687

WC chairperson: Jaques Fouche

Gearhouse

e: jfouche@gearhouse.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 607 2046

Tshwane chairperson: Leon Pheiffer

EPH Productions

e: leon@ephproductions.co.za

c: + 27 (0)82 924 9046

C&E forum: Gwyn Matthews

Southern Cross Conferences

e: gwyn@scconferences.com

c: +27 (0)21 683 5106

Government representative:

Nonnie Kubeka

Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau

e: nonnie@gauteng.net

c: +27 (0)83 571 7410

Eastern Cape

Chairperson: Andrew Stewart

PeriExpo

e: andrew@periexpo.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 578 5987

Vice-chairperson: David Limbert

Magnetic Storm

e: david@magnetic.co.za

t: +27 (0)41 393 4800

COMMITTEE:

Mande Bage

Eastern Sun Events

e: speakers@easternsun.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 565 7513

Gill Dickie

Bidvest Car Rental

e: gilld@bidvestcarrental.co.za

c: +27 (0)79 527 7619

Sadie Isaacs

NMBT

e: conference@nmbt.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 990 7652

Coordinator: Wendy Knott-Craig

SAACI

e: ecbranch@saaci.co.za

c: +27 (0)73 201 8699

Loudeaux Minnie

AW Events

e: loudeaux@aweventsza.com

c: +27 (0)82 961 6309

Caro Morgan

Exbo

e: caro@exbo.co.za

Tricia Wood

Cape St Francis Resort

e: tricia@capestfrancisresort.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 506 9565

Johannesburg

Chairperson: Lorin Bowen

Lorin Bowen

e: lorin@lorinbowen.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 433 8687

Vice-chairperson: Michelle Bingham

Tsogo Sun

e: Michelle.Bingham@tsogosun.com

c: +27 (0)82 339 0342

Treasurer: Manuela Gomes

Bidvest Car Rental

e: manuelag@bidvestcarrental.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 065 9272

Coordinator: Letticia Ndhlala

SAACI

e: letticia@saaci.org

c: +27 (0)71 294 6844

COMMITTEE:

Aidan Koen

Compex

e: aidan@compex.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 561 3188

Brendan Vogt

Guvon Hotels

e: brendan@guvon.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 709 0480

Minister Kganyago

ATKV

e: MinisterK@atkv.org.za

c: +27 (0)79 513 8708

Chad Botha

Inspire Furniture Hire & Sales

e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za

c: +27 (0)61 497 2945

John Arvanitakis

Chat’R Experience

e: john@chatr.solutions

c: +27 (0)83 415 2774

Mashudu Sarah Mills

Late Harvest Catering & Events

e: mashudu@Lhce.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 494 3552

Moses Gontai

Namanje Events Solutions

e: moses@namanjeevents.co.za

c: +27 (0)73 407 9322

Zoë Van Niekerk

Scan Display

e: zoe@scandisplay.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 568 9819

Ruth Baldwin

Contact Publications

e: ruth@businesseventsafrica.com

c: +27 (0)72 897 6752

Tshwane

Chairperson: Leon Pheiffer

EPH Productions

e: leon@ephproductions.co.za

c: 082 924 9046

Vice-chairperson: Melanie Pretorius

CSIR ICC

e: mpretorius1@csir.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 410 1202

Treasurer: Emily Naidoo

CSIR ICC

e: enaidoo@csir.co.za

c: +27 (0)84 441 1005

Coordinator: Letticia Ndhlala

SAACI

e: letticia@saaci.org

c: +27 (0)71 294 6844

COMMITTEE:

Corné Engelbrecht

SAVETCON

e: corne@savetcon.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 925 9241

Anette Burden

Casa Toscana

e: anette@casatoscana.co.a

c: +27 (0)82 787 6144

Jeana Turner

Avianto

e: jeana.t@outlook.com

c: +27 (0) 83 400 2685

Herkie du Preez

Event Wizards

e: herkie@eventwizards.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 839 3489

Mandie Papendorf

Jukwaa Group

e: m.papendorf@jukwaa.net

c: +27 (0)82 563 0191

Nellie Swart

UNISA

e: swartmp@unisa.ac.za

c: +27 (0)82 771 0270

Nonhlanhla Tshabalala

City of Tshwane

e: nonhlanhlat@tshwane.gov.za

c: +27 (0)71 351 4458

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Chairperson: Tracey Delport

The Hospitality Experience

c: +27 (0)83 293 5190

Vice-chairperson:

Nick Papadopoulos

Eat Greek Caterers

e: nick@eatgreek.catering

c: +27(0)84 505 0113

Treasurer: Kim Jackson

Greyville Convention Centre

t: +27 31 309 1430

Branch coordinator:

Amanda O Mathe

Ndlovukazi Online Media

e: amanda@ndlovukazionline.co.za

Western Cape

Chairperson: Jaques Fouche

Gearhouse

e: Jaques.Fouche@

gearhouse.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 607 2046

Vice-chairperson: Angela Lorimer

Spier

e: angelal@spier.co.za

t: +27 (0)21 809 1101

Treasurer: Thiru Naidoo

Cape Town & Western Cape

Convention Bureau

e: thiru@wesgro.co.za

t: +27 (0)21 487 8600

COMMITTEE:

Esmaré Steinhöfel

ICCA

e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org

c: +27 (0)84 056 5544

Esti Venske

CPUT

e: venskee@cput.ac.za

Cindy Buser

Mirchee

e: cindy@mirchee.co.za

c: +27 (0)72 192 5656

Zimkitha Bavuma

CPUT

e: zim@live.co.za

Zandri Swartz

Century City Convention

Centre

e: zandri.s@

ccconferencecentre. co.za

t: +27 (0)21 204 8000

Andrew Gibson

Magnetic Storm

e: andrew@magnetic.co.za

c: +27 (0)74 588 3054

Adele Martiz

CTICC

e: adele@cticc.co.za

Ansu Colditz

XL Millennium

e: ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za

Alex Wrottesley

Into Africa

e: alex@intoafrica.co.za



DIRECTORY

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter

of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence

President:

Peter-John Mitrovich

e: peter-john.mitrovich@

grosvenortours.com

c: +27 (0)82 318 1889

Daryl Keywood

e: daryl@walthers.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 904 4967

Johan Venter

e: johan@urbanginga.co.za

c: +27 (0)83 558 2349

Kyasha Bhoola

e: kyasha@africanlink.co.za

c: +27 (0)72 614 0069

Barry Futter

e: barry@adventureworks.co.za

c: +27 (0)82 790 9015

Secretariat: Mariaan Burger

e: info@sitesouthernafrica.com

c: +27 (0)82 557 8041

EXSA OFFICE

t: +27 (0)10 300 7907

e: info@exsa.co.za

www.exsa.co.za

Chair

Doug Rix

DK Design

t: +27 (0)82 579 7071

e: dougrix@wol.co.za

Vice Chair

Gill Gibbs

Blu Cube

t: +27 (0)83 260 8035

e: gill@blu3.co.za

Treasurer

Moses Nefale

Scan Display

t: +27 (0)11 447 4777

e: moses@scandisplay.co.za

Board members

Adele Von Well

GL events

t: +27 (0)82 464 8702

e: adele.vonwell@gl-events.com

Patrick Cronning

Expo Guys

t: +27 (0)83 281 5584

e: pat@expoguys.co.za

Aubrey Eloff

Two Way Exhibitions

e: aubrey@twowaysa.co.za

Co-opted

Chad Botha

Inspire Furniture

t: +27 (0)61 497 2945

e: chad@inspirefurniture.co.za

Membership and media enquiries

Mark John Cartmell

t: +27 (0)76 979 7003

e: ceo@brightgiants.com

ICCA –

International

Congress &

Convention

Association

AAXO –

Association

of African

Exhibition

aaxo Organisers

First Floor,

Auditorium

Building

Gate 2, Johanensburg Expo Centre,

Nasrec, Corner Rand Show & Nasrec

Roads, Johannesburg, 2013

t: +27 (0)11 835 1565

e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za

ICCA African Chapter:

President:

Nina Freysen-Pretorius

The Conference Company

t: +27 (0)31 303 9852

f: +27 (0)31 303 9529

e: nina@confco.co.za

Chair: Lindiwe

Rakharebe Durban

International Convention

Centre

t: +27 (0)31 360 1000

e: LindiweR@icc.co.za

Deputy Chair: Nana Gecaga

Kenyatta International

Convention Centre

t: +254 20 326 1000

e: md@kicc.co.ke

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.com

General manager: Wesley Lofstedt

t: +27 (0)11 835 1565

e: wesley@aaxo.co.za

Chairperson: Leatitia van Straten,

Specialised Exhibitions

Vice chairperson: Projeni Pather,

Exposure Marketing

Treasurer: Phil Woods, TE Trade Events

Board members:

Elaine Crewe, Reed Exhibitions

Chanelle Hingston, Spintelligent

Dee Reuvers, SA Confex

Nomathemba Ndlovu, ZITF

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE INDUSTRY

ABTA – African Business Travel

Association

Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123

t: +27 (0)11 888 8178 | c: +27 (0)83 679 2110

monique@abta.co.za | www.abta.co.za

Founder: Monique Swart

ANTOR – Association of National Tourist

Office Representatives

Box 41022, Craighall 2024

info@antor.co.za | www.antor.co.za

ASATA – Association of Southern African

Travel Agents

PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010

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

barbara@asata.co.za

general@asata.co.za

Office manager: Barbara Viljoen

Council of Events Professionals Africa

Email: melanie@cepafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 11 880 5883

Website: www.cepa.co.za

EGF – Event Greening Forum

179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North,

Private Bag X7000, Parklands 2121

t: +27 (0)11 447 4777

info@eventgreening.co.za

www.eventgreening.co.za

Chairman: Justin Hawes

Vice-chairman: Greg McManus

FEDHASA National Office – Federated

Hospitality Association of Southern

Africa

PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157

t: +27 (0)12 771 5568

c: + 27 (0)82 552 9862

ceo@fedhasa.co.za

www.fedhasa.co.za

Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

PSASA – Professional Speakers

Association of Southern Africa

t: +27 (0)11 462 9465

c: +27 (0)83 458 6114

admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za

www.psasouthernafrica.co.za

SABOA – Southern African Bus

Operators Association

Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033,

Rivonia 2128

t: +27 (0)11 511 7641

saboa@saboa.co.za | www.saboa.co.za

SACIA – Southern African

Communications Industries Association

96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent,

Sundowner, 2188

t: +27 (0)11 083 6418

c: +27 (0)82 555 5556

kevan@sacia.org.za

Executive director: Kevan Jones

SATI – South African Translators’ Institute

Executive director: Marion Boers

t: +27 (0)11 803 2681 | office@translators.

org.za | www.translators.org.za

SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism

Services Association

Box 900, Ferndale 2160 |

t: +27 (0)11 886 9996

pa@satsa.co.za | www.satsa.com

SKAL International South Africa

Secretary: Anne Lamb

t: +27 (0)21 434 7023

c: +27 (0)82 708 1836 | anne@yebo.co.za

www.skalsouthafrica.org

STA – Sandton Tourism Association

t: +27 (0)83 558 5445

secretariat@sandtontourism.com

www.sandtontourism.com

TBCSA – Tourism Business Council of

South Africa

Box 11655, Centurion 0046

t: +27 (0)12 664 0120 | f: +27 (0)12 664 0103

comms@tbcsa.travel

www.tbcsa.travel | 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

enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za

TINSA – Interpreters/

Translators Network of Southern

Africa

Co-ordinator: info@interpreter.org.za

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

c: +27 (0)83 249 0010

www.interpreter.org.za

TPSA – Technical Production

Services Association

96 The Bridles, Douglas Crescent,

Sundowner, 2188

t: +27 (0)11 083 6418

c: +27 (0)82 555 5556

kevan@sacia.org.za

www.tpsa.co.za

Executive director: Kevan Jones

TTA – Tshwane Tourism Association

Box 395, Pretoria 0001

t: +27 (0)12 841 4212

secretary@tshwanetourism.com

www.tshwanetourism.com

Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte

Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande

Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen

membership@tshwanetourism.com


Business Events Africa November 2018 39

THE LAST WORD

How government can work with

the tourism sector to create jobs

SOUTH Africa is a country in crisis, having been hit by several waves of bad news for the economy. With

ongoing petrol hikes, a recession, a VAT hike and the impact of the drought, many businesses are now

struggling.

By Brett Hendricks, general manager, Thebe Tourism Group

Unemployment stats in South

Africa are already startling, with

27.2 per cent of the population

without jobs according to Stats SA. And

youth unemployment has reached a staggering

38.8 per cent. As a country, we simply

cannot afford further job losses.

The Jobs Summit, led by President

Cyril Ramaphosa in early October,

saw government consulting with the

private sector, unions and community

organisations regarding accelerating

job creation in South Africa.

During the summit, government

reiterated that it will not retrench

any employee in the public sector as

“you cannot be retrenching while

trying to create new jobs”. So, the

1.3 million people employed in the

public sector are seemingly safe.

At the end of the summit, an

agreement was signed by various

stakeholders outlining a framework

to stem job losses and create

employment opportunities across

sectors. The aim is to create 275 000

jobs annually over the next five years.

The tourism sector in South Africa

is one of the largest supporters of

job creation in the country, a reality

that Government already recognises,

having said that the sector is a

“strategic industry able to help create

much needed employment”.

Figures from Statistics SA demonstrate

that the industry has generated new jobs

over time: around 700 000 people were

directly employed in the sector in 2016,

up from just over 500 000 a decade

earlier. Currently, there are 1.6 million

people directly employed or indirectly

supported by the tourism sector.

Mr Ramaphosa aims for the doubling

of jobs in tourism. But significant help

from government will be needed in

order to achieve this lofty target. There

must be clear policies in place to focus

on boosting the tourism industry,

through financial assistance in the

sector, skills training initiatives, and

supporting and improving South Africa’s

attractions and assets at every level.

The example of the Western Cape

proves what can be done. MEC for

agriculture, economic development,

and tourism in the Western Cape

Province Alan Winde explained that his

department’s growth strategy, Project

Khulisa, strategically focused efforts

in the fastest growing sectors with

Who is Brett Hendricks?

He is the general manager of Thebe

Tourism Group, has served the company in

an executive role since 2012. With extensive

experience in finance and accounting,

he worked in the company’s finance

division prior to taking on the executive

management position.

the most potential for job creation,

namely tourism, agri-processing and

the oil and gas sectors. This strategy

saw the Western Cape creating “40

per cent of all new jobs in South Africa

in the second quarter of 2018, despite

making up less than 15 per cent of the

national economy”.

Government also needs to focus

attention on the skills shortages across

sectors. It must work with various

industries to support skills training

and, ultimately, job creation that is

sustainable for the long term.

If government worked with the tourism

sector, for example, we could train

people in all spheres of the industry

– in hospitality, in various services, in

client facing and management roles,

in tourism technology, to name just a

few areas with potential for growth.

In addition, the tourism sector has

appealed to government to work

towards greater regulatory certainty in

order to achieve the stability needed

for sustained growth and therefore the

creation of further jobs in the industry.

But, it is not enough to say that tourism

can help turn around the country’s

employment crisis. Greater economic

growth is crucial. As Mr Winde said: “The

only way to tackle the unemployment

crisis in South Africa is through economic

growth. An economy that is not growing

cannot create or sustain jobs.”

Tourism can play a role, in particular

since there is a strong desire among

global and domestic travellers to explore

the natural beauty, culture and heritage

that our country has in abundance.

This is aided by our weak

currency, which is a drawcard for

many international tourists.

With government and the private

sector working together, we can use

these elements to drive significant

change on a national level.



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Business Events Africa - Vol 38 No 11 - November 2018

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