Meetings Sa Jan/Feb 2012 by 3S Media

meetings • incentives • conferences • exhibitions

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Cuban Mardi-Gras event showca

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Responsible tourism panel discussion

Craig Newman, JHB Expo Centre CEO, looks to the future for SA s exhibition industry P10 R32.00 (VAT incl)

www.saconference.co.za

ISSUE 41 January/February 2012

C O N T E N T S

in this issue Industry Insight Site inspections

For business purposes only EXSA column Join the annual conference in 2012

Compex column Time – the critical factor in business

AIPC column

Site inspections

A focus on Asia’s rise as MICE central

Panel Discussion Responsibly speaking – The essence of

Panel discussion

responsible tourism from the exper ts

Product News Hot topics in business tourism revealed MSA presents new developments in MICE

products and service offerings

Meeting Places Big additions, big conferences Champagne Spor ts Resor t venue showcase

Venues with vooma

Gauteng regional focus Venue focus A look at city, urban, cultural, and

close-to-airpor t venues

Event Management Event showcase One night in Havana Africa at Constitution Hill

Greening focus Saving the planet one event at a time

Gauteng focus

For the love of food A focus on event catering trends in 2012

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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in this issue Cover Story

Reward & Develop

The Pavilion Conference Centre

USB Speakers Corner

Paramount conferencing in Cape Town

Gary Bailey presents his findings on

leadership under pressure Renewed interest in 2012

A focus on incentives and group travel

Venue focus

Regulars 4 56 64 65 66 68 68

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment Subscribe Join the SA Conference community online Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who? People on the move Coming up & Looking back Events diary Index to advertisers

Event showcase

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Catering focus

SA Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Abby Vorster abby@3smedia.co.za

A year filled with promise

+27 (0)11 233 2608

Creative chief executive Frédérick Danton Sub-editor Patience Gumbo Production manager Antois-Leigh Botma Financial manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Subscription sales George Changunda georgec@3smedia.co.za

No. 4, 5th Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/75 www.3Smedia.co.za Annual subscription: R270.00 (incl. VAT) ISSN 1684-9264

NOTICE OF RIGHTS Meetings SA is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vests in 3S Media, January 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

Welcome to 2012! Welcome to better prospects, renewed energy, exciting challenges and new opportunities.

he future of business tourism in South Africa is shining brightly given the formal establishment of the National Conventions Bureau (NCB) by South African Tourism. The bureau will assist destination marketing organisations, organisers and venues in bidding for large international association conferences and major events, marking a major milestone in the industry’s efforts to present a consolidated approach to growing business tourism in South Africa. The official launch of the NCB will take place at Meetings Africa 2012, Africa’s biggest business tourism trade show. If you travel for business, book business travel or organise events, incentives, meetings or teambuilding interventions, Meetings Africa is the ideal trade show for you to attend. Prior to this, EXSA will be hosting its annual conference early in February at the Fairway Hotel & Spa in Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg. Centered on the theme of ‘driving delivery with value’, the conference programme is packed with leading local and international speakers, who promise to ensure forward thinking and innovation among the delegates. Unfortunately, I’ll miss catching up with you all at Meetings Africa and the EXSA conference as I’m heading off on maternity leave at the end of January. My husband and I are looking forward to welcoming our little girl into the world, early in February. But that is enough about me… On more about this issue of your favourite MICE industry magazine, Jan/Feb Meetings SA is filled with loads of exciting content to get things going in 2012. We’ve launched a number of exciting new features, the first being ‘In the Hot Seat’, which sees an intense interview unfolding with Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Turn to page 6 for the full article on his views on establishing a united front in the exhibitions industry in South Africa, for increased growth and development for all.

Our second newbie is the ‘Panel Discussion’ featured on page 18. With responsible tourism being our launch topic, Meetings SA talks to leaders in the field to share their remarkable efforts in promoting sound environmental management practices in the tourism industry. The controversy surrounding site inspections and educationals is also tackled in this issue, with the aim of establishing more control and accountability where necessary. Turn to page 8 for the full article. For your bi-monthly dose of venue news, Meetings SA looks at the latest developments within Gauteng (page 29) and tracks downs the ins and outs at city, urban and cultural venues, as well as those that are located close to airports. On behalf of the Meetings SA team, I wish the industry, all our loyal advertisers and our readers everything of the best for 2012.

Editor

On the cover: The Pavilion Conference Centre In the Hot Seat: Johannesburg Expo Centre Event Showcase: Cuban Mardi Gras at Constitution Hill Panel Discussion: Responsible tourism

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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S T O R Y

Paramount conferencing in Cape Town The Pavilion Conference Centre Situated in one of SA s top tourist destinations against the backdrop of Table Mountain, The Pavilion Conference Centre provides a conference experience combining a beautiful and flexible facility with world-class service excellence.

he Pavilion is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to take their conference experience to the next level given its state-of-the-art facilities, ample parking, access to all the major highways, and the fact that 1 117 hotel rooms are located within walking distance of the venue. Its team offer clients a one-stop, value-added service by organising accommodation, decor, security, transfers, exhibition stands, entertainment and specialised AV equipment to accompany any conference enquiry. “We aim to create a complete and flexible personalised service to bring people and businesses together,” says Johan de Villiers, the new general manager of The Pavilion Conference Centre. “Our conference facilities are flexible in that we offer various sized venues, wherein packages are tailor-made to suit our clients’ needs. We can offer a cocktail party for up to 700 delegates or a small corporate

Exhibition passage

Soweto Sow eto Marathon Marat Ma athon at hon hon

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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Millennium Room

meeting in our boardroom for 10. In total, we large sliding doors enables delegates to enjoy offer five meeting rooms, some of which are break-time refreshments Al Fresco style, inter-leading for bigger groups. We also offer should they prefer. The L-shape configuration a world-class auditorium that can host up to of this room provides an area suitable for 300 delegates. In addition, by using the first displays and branding opportunities. and ground floors, we can accommodate up to n. And Additional rooms Additio 100 shell schemes for an exhibition. ring The bo boardroom boasts a glass we pride ourselves in our AV offering boardr boardroom table with designer with state-of-the-art equipment to furnish furnishings and a magnificent view. complement the experience.” que The rroom offers access to a seaThe Pavilion has numerous unique facing balcony and is suitable selling points that make it an ideall for board meetings and small venue for conferencing. These dinner parties. The room include high-quality AV is very popular among film equipment, flexibility “The Pavilion has numerous production companies for to configure venues unique selling points that still shoots and is bound to to suit client needs, make it an ideal venue” impress any clients you wish natural light in all to entertain. venues with panoramic Johan de Villiers, GM, The Rooms 5 and 7 are views of the V&A Pavilion Conference Centre inter-leading rooms with a Waterfront and Table soundproof partitioning. Mountain, excellent They open onto a large sea-facing balcony technology infrastructure and an auditorium almost as large as the rooms themselves, so that could serve either as a venue for provide a magnificent entertainment area. presentations or product launches. Blinds can be used to block out the sharp light Pavilion Room from the beautiful Table Bay sunsets. One of the most sought-after locations in Auditorium Cape Town, the flagship Pavilion Room boasts The Auditorium allows for comfortable and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, prestigious presentations for up to 300 which never fail to impress. It has a large balcony that spans the western sea-facing perimeter, which is suitable for events ranging from formal corporate presentations and workshops to weddings. Three-phase power, electronic curtains, individually controlled dimmable lighting and basic audio-visual equipment are all part of the package. Outside the room is a large foyer area suitable for displays, registration areas and catering service points.

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Pavilion Room

delegates. The leather chairs each have a writing tablet. The adjacent exhibition floor can cater for up to 350 delegates for a banquet dinner. With its unique shape and plentiful hanging space; this venue is a decorator’s dream.

What’s in store for 2012? De Villiers, joined The Pavilion Conference Centre last year with more than 12 years’ experience in corporate banqueting and hotel management. Looking forward to a very exciting 2012 in the service industry, he comments, “I have always loved Cape Town and The Pavilion gave me the opportunity to move to Cape Town and run the business as my own. We are currently in negotiations with relevant parties to finalise the expansion plan for The Pavilion, which will come into effect between March and August 2012, depending on the architectural guidelines. We have clearly identified a gap in the market, given the need for venues in Cape Town with the capacity to host between 300 and 1 000 guests, at an affordable price. We have therefore aligned our developments with this market requirement.” t +27 (0)21 419 7661 f +27 (0)21 418 4216 info@thepavilion.co.za www.thepavilion.co.za Room 3

Millennium Room Three-fourths of the Millennium Room’s perimeter is glass, so it offers ample natural light. However, this light can be blocked out by thick drapes, or the drapes can be opened to create a fish-bowl feel within the venue. A mountain-facing balcony accessible through In each issue, Meetings SA offers advertisers the opportunity to promote their company’s products and services to an appropriate audience by booking the prime position of the front cover, which includes a two-page feature article. The magazine offers advertisers an ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure for their brand. Please call Caroline Martin on +27 (0)11 454 6051/2 to secure your booking.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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Meetings SA s Abby Vorster speaks to Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, about establishing a united front in the exhibitions industry in South Africa, for increased growth and development for all.

Harmony at home Working together for greater objectives

ewman’s view is that the South African exhibitions industry needs to work smarter together, while the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) needs to fulfill what he believes is a role of industry enrichment and enhancement

for venues, suppliers and organisers alike, to benefit from what would be a much larger and more lucrative market. He explains, “Players in the South African exhibitions industry often operate in their own space yet they seek the benefits of the market as a whole. However, there is no doubt that if we operated collectively, collect we would certainly reap the rewards of ‘the whole’, which in this case, would be thee rest r of Africa. The South African exhibitionss industry i should preside

over the entire Sub-Saharan exhibition market, just as the exhibition organisations in Europe and the US operate as a united front across all countries/states within the continent/ country.” There is substance in Newman’s statements as UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, recorded in its 2011 Global Exhibition Industry Statistics report, that Africa has less than a 6% share in the number of exhibition venues on the UFI World Map of Exhibition Venues (with a minimum of 5 000 sqm of indoor expo space). The report also showed that all global regions except Africa, have significantly increased in their capacity.

MSA What Whaat in your opinion could be the reason for this lack of growth in exhibition n sspace and the industry as a whole in South Africa between 2006 and 20 2011? 01 CN Apart fromm tthe fact that we are not utilising Sub-Saharan Africa as part of our market,

business tourism m in South Africa places far more emphasis on the Southern African Association of the Conference IIndustry nd (SAACI) than it does on EXSA. Yet the industry governed by EXSA, being exhibitions, tradee shows s specifically and events, contributes far more to South Africa’s GDP than conferencing alone. alone For example, an exhibitor’s stay (being between five and seven nights) is always longer than that tha of a conference delegate, hence their spend is more. At the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) (JEEC) we host, among other events and exhibitions, the Johannesburg International Motorr Show(JIMS), S Automechanika and Electra Mining. These three biannual trade sh shows ow bring in thousands of foreign and local visitors, many of whom are exhibitors

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with extended stays and increased spend. In addition, the 2011 JIMS brought in over 4 000 foreign visitors. Vast numbers such as these in international, national and local visitors, should be widespread and enjoyed by all trade shows hosted in South Africa, yet as we do not operate as a unit, and EXSA is not out there creating the synergy for collaboration, public sector organisations place little emphasis on exhibitions as a driver of economy. And so the benefits are not widespread. One should also note that large international association conferences such as COP17 come to South Africa once every five to 10 years, yet trade shows (be they national or international) are scheduled to occur yearly or once every two years, so South Africa is guaranteed the associated economic boost from exhibitions on almost an annual basis.

What role is the JEC playing in growing the exhibition industries of South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa? Four years ago, the JEC started strategising for its sustainability and future development. Out of this came the realisation for the development of an organising arm. The type of organiser we wanted to present took months of brainstorming and we came to the conclusion that we needed to align ourselves with strategic international partners to grow the trade show market in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our partnerships to date include that with Messe Frankfurt (Automechanika) and the introduction of a new b2b show this year with another major organisation from Germany.

What is the JEC doing to attract new business to the venue? Further to securing partnerships for sustainability, as the venue is privately owned, we are continuously pumping huge amounts of funds back into the venue to keep our facilities world class and our standards at an all-time high.

The JEC has twice now been awarded a PMR Africa Diamond Arrow Award in the category Best Exhibition and Events Venue. In comparison to other industry awards of the same nature, what makes these awards so significant? Firstly, the voting and establishment of the

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Another new and refurbished facility at JEC

PMR award criteria is conducted outside of the exhibitions industry, among corporates and the private sector. And they are supported by over 30 top blue chip companies in South Africa, which holds major clout for us as an award winner. At the JEC, it’s very difficult for us to win EXSA’s venue awards as A our facilities are mainly used by non-EXSA members and the awards are internal ones whereby members vote for the ote winners. However, we must note on that the two shows, which won 1 best show awards at the 2011 awards, were both hosted at the JEC.

In terms of uplifting the industry, how does the JEC contribute to promoting transparency and service excellence within South Africa?

one goal for South African trade shows (as b2b shows are the ones with longevity) with a focus on the Sub-Saharan Africa market. The association should be creating and maintaining partnerships with SADC, Nepad and the Department of Trade and Industry, for industrial growth and development vvia ia exhibition exhibitions, which as we know, are leading platforms for trade. It should act as a source of reliab reliable and consistent inform information for organisers look to move into looking the Sub-Saharan market, and ensure that all trade shows

“EXSA should centre on creating opportunity by building a united front with one vision and one goal for South African trade shows”

We have sought to adopt an influential role among service providers, organisers and visitors to the JEC, to ensure that everyone operating within our site operates in compliance with industry standards and towards the best possible outcomes for their clients. We also pride ourselves in having personal relationships with our clients and always provide collaboration and input where possible.

What are your suggestions for the industry going forward? My suggestions for a new and revived exhibitions industry in South Africa is for organisers to focus less on competition and the whittling down of industry sector trade shows, and for EXSA to drop its reputational past and centre on creating opportunity by building a united front with one vision and

hosted are successful, therefore boosting (and not tainting) the reputation of the South African exhibitions industry. Competing companies can work together – if we align our thinking, support each other in our thinking and work together on our thoughts, we would have a much larger market from which to benefit. We need to end the complacency, realising that in South Africa we are only a ‘big fish in a fish bowl’. We should set our sights higher and take the lead in making the exhibitions industry a front for economic growth and development in Africa. Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, is our oyster. It’s time we went back to the basics, what exhibitions have always been about, bringing people together.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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SITE INSPECTIONS

For business purposes only W

hen introducing and proposing both old and new venues/hotels to prospective clients, it is paramount for an event organiser or PCO to have first-hand knowledge of a venue. This sets apart the faceless, web-based venue directories from the consultative event and venue procurement specialists and agencies. It is also an important part of the decision-making process from the clients’ side to attend site visits to experience the venues for themselves, and to make informed decisions on the best-suited venue. Yet there are pros and cons to the site visit, educational or familiarisation trip. And in fact, the negative aspects have for some time overshadowed the very reasons why hotels and venues invite buyers to experience their establishments, as increased talk of buyers seeing the exercise as a freebie or “lekker weekend away”, is rampant. After being involved in the industry from both the venue and agency sides, Graham Upton, from Inspirational Venue Solutions, says he’s experienced the good and the bad of educationals and site visits. He explains, “We are in an industry that breeds a ‘try-before-you-buy mentality’, and justifiably so, because ultimately the decision is an emotive one based on the client’s knowledge and firsthand experience. Yet it is about time agencies stop making a mockery of what the hotels and venues are trying to achieve by arranging educationals for the sake of freebies for self-benefit. It is indeed a grey area and very difficult to track the RIO but ultimately the decision is down to the respective hotel or venue to decide whether there is value in a focused educational visit or trip.”

How valuable are site inspections to hotels? At the Polana Serena Hotel, the understanding of educationals is clear: they constitute an invaluable learning experience for the trade or operators, be it the travel

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

To get site visits and educationals back to their usual level of excellence in providing a valuable way in which venues can showcase their offerings and facilities to prospective business partners, Meetings SA gets to the heart of the matter with various leaders in MICE industry. By Abby Vorster

agent, tour operator, PCO or event organiser. It gives them an opportunity not only to have a much deeper understanding of the product as a whole, but also exposes them first hand to the ambiance within the unit and its surroundings. This, according to the Polana Serena’s executive director, Karim Merali, constitutes the basic foundation to better promote and sell the product in the future. He adds, “It allows the trade to understand why they would recommend/sell the unit, for them to experience the auxiliary services on offer to ensure total guest satisfaction, be it for business or leisure. In addition, educationals provide them with the opportunity to experience the entire service chain from the destination and the venue, from the moment they arrive at the airport or the border, until their departure.” In terms of the actual site inspection activity, Karin Sieberhagen, sales and marketing manager: South Africa, for Serena Hotels, Lodges and Resorts, advises organisers/operators to pay attention when

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a presentation is done. “Take your own notes even if you are given an information pack. And don’t take advantage of the situation/ visit and overstep the line with drinks and free offers,” she adds. At the Protea Hospitality Group, site visits are conducted on a daily basis and are absolutely invaluable. Gary Koetser, GM at African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Convention Centre, explains, “Because no telephonic conversation or even photographs will ever do a property justice, the best way to present a venue to a PCO or a corporate event manager is to meet face to face, show them the various options and facilities and, if it’s for a specific conference or event, create a storyboard for them. It’s a lot easier to visualise a meeting or a conference if you’re actually there, exploring its possibilities.” When asked to share what in his opinion are the makings of a successful site inspection, Koetser says, “A successful site inspection happens when the PCO or event organiser arrives prepared. They will have furnished a property with the client’s information ahead of time so that the activity can be tailored to the client’s particular needs, providing time to do a proper inspection. Arriving with a mere 15 minutes to view a property does not do any justice to the client or the prospective venue.” Cindy Sheedy Walker from Extraordinary Marketing Concepts, which handles the sales and marketing for Mabula Game Lodge and The Cape Milner, says that well-planned educationals and frequent site inspections are one of the most important sales activities for The site visit these properties. She explains, This is an appointment scheduled with the “Conference hotel where there is a provisional booking planners need to already sitting with the venue and the client experience all the wants to view the venues put forward in order offerings we have to make a decision on which is best suited available first hand from, normally, a selection of three options. A to enable them site visit can also be scheduled once a venue has been confirmed in order to run through the logistics of the event.

Polana Serena Hotel

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Polana Ballroom

asked; no test or scrutiny, just back to the desk to continue with standard work stuff,” explains Ingram. Ingram was in no way at fault; the trip merely ended up being a freebie, as there was clearly no system or objectives in place. So, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to conducting site visits and educationals. The right way, it seems, would be to introduce formalisation and control. He explains, “Whether as an operator or the manager of such a site inspection process, one needs to create a level of accountability to ensure there is ROI from the intervention. From the operators’ point of view, you want The organiser’s point of view to know that the agent’s visit at least results There are many PCOs and event managers in an appropriate level of understanding who are true to the essence of site so that you are going to be represented inspections, yet there correctly. How? Test those who do the are definitely those who site inspection, and should the results The educational exploit the system. And be inferior, bill it’s the system (or its the principle This is an event organised by the hotel, hotel negative historical past for the trip. group or venue in order to showcase their thereof) that’s at fault, Okay, this may product/s and offering/s. Value for the agency in my opinion, especially be radical, but is that this provides the opportunity to get to when looking at the case if there is no know your products in order to consult and sell of John Ingram, CEO of accountability, more effectively. For corporate clients, this is the Hiside Group, who what is the the hotel’s opportunity to showcase what they recollects the first time he point? If all have to offer in the hope of securing future was exposed to the world these terms are business. For the hotels and venues, this is a of site inspections and agreed up front, more proactive marketing tool to provide event familiarisation trips. there will be no buyers with a well-rounded experience. “I had just entered the surprises and no industry, been to a couple disappointments of conferences, seen three hotels and for all parties involved. suddenly there I was on a flight to France And as everyone seeks the same outcome, to visit a place I had never been to and what is the problem with a little downside everything was free. It was the most fun to poor performance?” trip I had ever been on. I met heaps of really One corporate event organiser who cool people, all in the same events business makes the most of site inspections is and we drank, ate and partied all day and Amanda Rogaly CMP, MD of Kadoro Events all night long. Ask me what hotels I went and Communications. It is serious business to, what restaurants I had experienced and for her, which is why when attending an what facilities I’d seen – I can’t remember. educational, she expects to be treated in And upon my return, not a question was the exact same way that her client’s guests to propose our properties successfully. Knowledge in any sale is key, and by empowering our clients in this manner we find a win-win situation for all parties concerned. When attending educationals, we expect organisers to participate in the activities, attend a comprehensive site inspection and offer us valuable feedback upon their return. What makes this exercise successful for us is getting the right mix of PCOs and corporates to attend. They must have clients that suit the properties and will find the information useful in closing deals.”

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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Crystal Towers Convention Centre meeting room

lift sizes, Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity throughout, emergency access, security, etc. Venues need to be prepared to have these factors questioned and be able to address them honestly and incorporate them into their renovation/building plans and sales strategies.” Ultimately, all site visits and educationals should be justified or at least at the responsible discretion of both parties

involved. Empty promises of future business will ultimately lead to bribery and corruption and this will totally destroy the MICE industry if legislation is implemented against site visits and educationals. In fact, in Graham Upton’s opinion, the industry isn’t far off from this actually happening. So it’s time that agencies, organisers and venues alike wise up to the fact that these educational and site visits are for business purposes only.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

CAPE TOWN’S EXTRAORDINARY CONFERENCE & CONVENTION HOTEL African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel and Convention Centre is one of the leading and sophisticated conference venues in Cape Town. Perfectly located and easily accessible, a mere 15 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town CBD and the V&A Waterfront. The hotel has been designed with the exacting business traveller and conference delegate in mind with 8 executive boardrooms and a large multi-use convention centre that seats up to 350 delegates, the venue lends itself to meetings, motivational conferences, product launches and social gatherings of all sizes. All venues have state of the art audio visual systems including data projectors, LCD Screens, DVD players as well as electronic drop down projection screens to provide that level of comfort and efficiency within your conference setting. The variety of meeting rooms and large convention spaces within the hotel allows greater flexibility to host a range of different events and break away groups. For cocktail parties and product launches the internal street is ideally suited as it can accommodate up to 400 people within the internal street and adjacent public areas. Why choose an ordinary hotel when you can choose an extraordinary one. Our conference TEAM will assist and guide you to make your event so much more than just a conference – but an extraordinary and memorable experience. “The level of professionalism and service was out of this world and I would definitely recommend this venue to delegates in future” – quote from a leading South African company.

*1, Ê* , / " ÊUÊ*1, Ê 181,9ÊUÊ*1, Ê " , African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa Corner Century Boulevard and Rialto Road, Century City, Cape Town 7441 Tel: +27 (0) 21 525 3888 Fax: +27 (0) 21 525 3889 conferencing@crystaltowershotel.com africanpridehotels.com/crystaltowers

PHDS 24618/11

would be treated. “I do not want special attention or additional service offerings when I am on the site visit. I also expect to be shown everything that the site has to offer and to have my questions answered honestly,” she says. For an ideal, engaging and highly memorable educational experience, Rogaly advises the following: “An ideal site inspection would involve not only showing off the facility, but constantly asking for feedback and evaluation from the organiser and acting on this feedback to improve the site. The site inspection is important, but it is the pre-inspection part that is just as crucial. Find out from the organiser if there are any specific questions/areas that they would like to have covered at the inspection and duly cover these areas. Organisers are no longer looking for a mere pretty venue with good food. Decisions are based on other important factors, such as facilities for guests with disabilities, greening/recycling policies, parking bays, health and safety plans, loading bays and

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXSALLENCE

EXSA30 EXHIBITION & EVENT

ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

The role of EXSA is to serve the exhibition and events industry in Southern Africa. Our core strategy is to actively grow and develop the exhibition and events industry within Southern Africa. This is achieved through promoting the unique benefits offered by exhibitions and events, and raising the profile of our members who include venues, organisers and suppliers. Tel: 011 805 7272 Fax: 011 805 7273 Email: exsa@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za

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The Fairway Hotel RoundAboutBar.

EXSA Delighted to announce the details of its annual conference in February 2012, EXSA provides industry players unique networking opportunities.

Join the annual conference in 2012

he exhibition and event industry has seen some incredible movement over last year and, in order to ensure forward thinking and innovation while providing superior service, the conference programme has been developed around the theme ‘Driving delivery with value',” says Natalie Naude, chair of the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA). The venue for the 2012 conference has been confirmed as the stunning Fairways Hotel, which is set alongside the Randpark Ridge Golf Course in Johannesburg. “We have decided to keep the venue local for our Johannesburg members, but the experience will be nothing short of superb as the venue and its surroundings are five star,” comments Naude. “This will hopefully encourage people to attend – both our members and non-members are welcome.” The programme runs from 5 to 7 February 2012 and includes the following international speakers: • Hans Bruder, Octanorm Germany managing director, whose philosophy is ‘partnership’ and constant dialogue with partners to ensure that the correct services and Darren Leishman products are provided.

Fairway curve entrance

The entrance to the Fairway Hotel

• Melbourne’s Kristian Willand from ESG, the leading agency for brand architecture in Australia, offering design, management and execution of exhibitions stands, retail environments, interiors and event experiences. Local speakers include: • Darren Leishman, group executive: creative at PenQuin International, who is passionate about advertising, marketing, media and branding, and The conference will set the tone for 2012 believes that a successful marketing campaign and get the industry moving in is one that delivers the right direction results for the client. The programme is geared towards delivery and excellence in • legal compliance for client data 2012 and covers various • venues – “why not” to “can do” topics, including: • a DIY guide to safety and security compliance • brand activation • skills development – Services SETA – the • international trends dawn of a new era. • evolution in design Various packages are available and all non• the highs and lows of members are encouraged to attend and launching a new show network with us. The conference will set the • demystifying ROI tone for 2012 and get the industry moving in • status of the global exhibition the right direction – so book a place now to industry ensure your kick-start for the New Year. • smart phones and tablets: toys Bookings or an operational advantage? www.exsa.co.za • info@exsa.co.za • Protection of Private t +27 (0)11 805 7272 Information (PoPI) Act

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7-'5 &7 (

Business and Pleasure The V&A Waterfront plays gracious host to 11 conference venues offering 40 conference rooms, state-of-the-art technology and conference management teams to help you. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little extras that make it more than just a location. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the magnificent mountain, endless ocean, fresh sea air, alfresco dining and world-class shopping that make it a destination. For more information on the various conference venue options available, please call the V&A Waterfront Information Centre on 021 408 7600.

living history. natural beauty. a working harbour. and over 450 shops.

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COMPEX COLUMN

The clock is ticking

recently read a news story on whether or not the international community will abolish the leap second, which in a strange way reminded me of the saying ‘When asked to ‘jump’, the only response is ‘how high’’. Time is increasingly becoming one of the most critical factors in the implementation of many projects. As professional managers, I wonder how many of us would yearn

“We are being forced to adapt and evolve processes to deal with these critical short time frames” Nigel Walker CMP, MD, CompleteExhibitions for the capability to add virtual time to our project’s schedule. How many times has a request for a costing, proposal or tender arrived for a job scheduled within a seemingly unrealistic time frame? Contracts are left to the last minute, not only for projects of low value, but also for large ones. And lead times are becoming Complete Ex Show Ad - horiz A5p.ai

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increasingly shorter. As project planners and contractors, we are being forced to adapt and evolve processes to deal with these critical short time frames. ‘Now’ is today’s norm. We are professionals who get the job done, which, in many cases, exceeds the client’s expectations. This cycle re-enforces the perception that projects can be completed within tight time frames. Perception becomes reality, the comfort of yesterday’s time is now gone forever. So, for the next job, based upon the earlier experience, the project planning commences later. The cycle continues, and as time goes by, becomes tighter and tighter. At a recent SAACI Northern Territories Branch meeting, I listened to a presentation by Ryan Hogarth, a professional speaker and social media catalyst. One of his key take-home elements was how, in today’s communication sphere of smartphones and tablets, the expectation is for instantaneous action. The challenge for service-orientated companies, no matter where they are in a supply chain or what their business focus is, is how to meet this expectation and what technologies and work-flow processes to implement. For those who not only meet, but exceed, this norm, the business world is their oyster.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

I N D U S T R Y

I N S I G H T

The realities of a changing world

Asia’s rise

Adding to the list of concerns today are potential security threats and natural disasters. To cope with the realities of a changing world, venues must prepare robust and responsive crisis communication and disaster recovery plans. Critical business functions should be reviewed regularly with partners and public agencies such as the civil defense. Going one step further, venue managers can work towards receiving certification in business continuity management, like BS25999 and SS540:2008, to signify that their centres can resume operations during service disruption within a reasonable time frame and with minimal interruption. This ensures worry-free events for organisers, partners and visitors.

Driven by a focus on quality

sia now hosts more than one fifth of the world’s meetings, while offering a total gross indoor space of over six million square metres. As Asian cities jostle to build more facilities to vie for a piece of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions and Events (MICE) pie, how do existing venues stay ahead of the game and expand their market share? In today’s venue business, capacity is commoditised. Established centres have to reinvent themselves through innovative solutions and good governance to create the defining difference that enhances the event experience and meets the evolving needs of event organisers. Today, organisers increasingly focus on generating higher ROI for all parties in the MICE value chain, where the Confex Model of hosting one or several conferences within an exhibition is becoming commonplace. Global conferences are also rightsizing into decentralised intimate sessions to speak directly to their target audiences. Venue managers therefore need to move beyond capacity supremacy to adopt a strong people-centric approach towards operational excellence and creative solutions, where partnership and customer focus are the priorities. Leading spaces should now focus on developing ancillary services like hassle-free Internet connectivity, delegate-focused concierge services and intelligent technical capabilities like mood lighting systems and video conferencing technology to differentiate themselves. In this ROI-driven environment, quality assurance and smooth event delivery are more important than ever. Venues can demonstrate their commitment to customer-centric quality management systems through the adoption of industry best practices and globally recognised certification from bodies such as the International Organisation of Standards. International standards, like the ISO 9001:2008 achieved by Singex, reflect a venue manager’s longstanding commitment to good governance and 360-degree customer service approach, and assure end users of a fuss-free event experience. These best practices and industry standards must be reviewed annually to maintain relevancy with organisers and visitors.

Asia s rise as MICE central has been nothing short of meteoric. CEO of Singapore s Singex Group, Aloysius Arlando, reveals more.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Greening

Finally, good governance also extends to good citizenship. Green initiatives are becoming less of a flash-in-the-pan trend and more of a business requirement. From energy efficiency to waste minimisation and sustainable goods procurement, venue managers should reflect on the carbon footprint of their properties and incorporate environmentally conscious measures into their daily operations. Replacing artificial light with natural light in walkways and recycling waste after each event are two common ecofriendly practices for venues. At EXPO – the convention and exhibition centre managed by Singex – air-conditioning systems use NEWater to cool chillers, while MAX Atria (EXPO’s enhanced convention wing opening in early 2012) is certified Green Mark Platinum, having integrated innovative sustainability features in its construction. As major Asian economies continue to forecast strong economic growth for 2011 and beyond, Asia is set to be the focal point for trade and investment in years to come. Continued focus on good governance and About the author operational excellence can only be positive, Aloysius Arlando is the CEO of the Singex Group, motivating venue which develops and manages business and players to collectively consumer events, and oversees the management raise industry of Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition standards through Centre, the largest purpose-built MICE venue on healthy competition the island. The centre is a long standing member of and contribute to an the International Association of Convention Centres even more vibrant (AIPC). For more information, email marianne. and dynamic MICE de.raay@aipc.org or visit www.aipr.org. landscape.

Investing now for tomorrow …

by lowering emissions, improving the environment and developing communities

Ì All coaches fitted with C-track units to monitor vehicle performance, driver speeds, engine revolutions per minute, idle time, and fuel consumption. Ì Converting fleet to EURO III rated Low Emission Fuel Vehicles. (All vehicles purchased since 2009 are Euro III rated.) Ì New upcoming developments: Carbon emissions assessment and installation of grey-water wash bays at all the branches.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Protea Hotels CEO, Arthur Conservation on Wheels: Springbok Atlas teamed up with Ezemvelo Gillis

KZN Wildlife to launch Conservation on Wheels in 2010. This project creates better awareness and promotes education of biodiversity and its importance amongst South Africans, especially rural communities and kids. Rural Community Visits on Scheduled Tours Learnership Programme TCD Trust (Tourism Community Development Trust): We are a Platinum Friend of the Trust, and give an annual donation and 5% of the Cape Town Township Tour. Zuki’s Cleaning Company: An enterprise development project set up in 2010

RESERVATIONS & INFO Online: www.springbokatlas.com, Email: coaches@springbokatlas.com HEAD OFFICE JOHANNESBURG 011 396 1053, Fax 011 396 1069 , CAPE TOWN 021 460 4700, Coach Charter Fax 021 447 9472 DURBAN 031 700 2719, Fax 031 700 9624, NAMIBIA +264 61 21 5943, Fax +264 61 21 5932

P A N E L

D I S C U S S I O N

Responsibly speaking This issue launches a new feature, the panel discussion. Calling on the expert opinions of winners and ﬁnalists in the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards, Meetings SA supports the eﬀorts to promote sound environmental management practices in the tourism industry. According to the Imvelo Awards, responsible tourism constitutes the following: • It generates economic benefits for local people and enhances the wellbeing of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry. • It involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances. • It makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage to the maintenance of the world's diversity. • It provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues. • It minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts. • It is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Jeff Rosenberg, GM, Southern Sun Waterfront

he winner in the category Best Single Resource Management Programme – Waste Management, the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town, with its 546 bedrooms

footprint. From initially producing 16.3 tonnes of landfill per month in 2009, to a monthly average of 6.5 tonnes in 2010, and reducing this down to 3.2 tonnes per month in 2011, the

(making it the largest hotel in South Africa) has made tremendous strides over the past two years in its efforts to reduce the hotel’s waste

hotel’s ‘green team’ has made huge inroads into reducing the Southern Sun Waterfront’s carbon footprint. This was achieved through a dedicated waste management policy to reduce the amount of waste being brought onto the property, and to institute recycling practices to best dispose of the waste leaving the property. A prime example of this is the collaboration with Soil

“The Southern Sun Waterfront's goal for 2012 and onwards is to achieve Heritage Platinum Status” Jeff Rosenberg

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

for Life, a food waste composting enterprise and Zero to Landfill Organics, to dispose of all organic waste. The hotel’s revised procurement policy dictates that all suppliers reduce the amount of packaging used, and the little that is used is being recyclable or reusable in nature. These initiatives have resulted in the

hotel’s recyclable total increasing from a lowly 28% in 2009 to 82% in 2010, with the current total being in excess of 90%. These efforts are testimony to Southern Sun’s six cultural or values, being: people-centred; innovation; reliability; integrity; teamwork and respect. The hotel’s team believes, unconditionally, in living to these values and extending its success outside of the workplace. The Southern Sun Waterfront was audited in May 2011 by Heritage SA and has been awarded Gold Status. Based on plans to formalise and enhance the current processes, the Southern Sun Waterfront’s goal for 2012 and onwards is to achieve Heritage Platinum status.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The best set in Cape Town

E: waterfront@southernsun.com T: +27 21 409 4000 www.southernsun.com

P A N E L

D I S C U S S I O N

Rashid Toefy, CEO of the CTICC “any business that is serious about its longterm success must create that success on a foundation of sustainability”. That’s why sustainability and advocating a responsible tourism ethos is a strategic priority of the CTICC. Put another way, rather than striving to include sustainability, the centre strives to be sustainable. And achieving this objective is core to its success, competitiveness and effectiveness. This sustainability commitment is entrenched in the convention centre’s operating model, evidenced in its values and vision, embodied in its triple bottomline approach, and reinforced through the centre’s membership of the United Nations

“Rather than striving to include sustainability, the centre strives to be sustainable” Rashid Toefy

finalist in the category Best Practice – Economic Impact, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) recognises the simple truth that

Global Compact. The CTICC continually sets the benchmark in terms of sustainability and is the first

convention centre in the world that has had it sustainable initiatives aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. GRI is a global network-based organisation that produces a comprehensive international sustainability reporting framework for leading organisations. In 2011, the centre produced an integrated sustainability report, which is currently available on the CTICC’s website as an interactive Flipviewer application, and details its sustainability achievements, challenges and objectives going forward. While the centre has made great strides towards achieving its sustainability objectives, it is the first to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. For the CTICC and its staff, sustainability will always be a journey, rather than a destination. The centre’s commitment to all its stakeholders and clients is to keep on extending its sustainability reach, increasing its effectiveness and influence, and expanding its horizons. The ambition of the entire team at the CTICC to become a sustainability leader and pioneer in the international events and conferences industry drives the convention centre to keep finding ways to have an increasingly positive impact on the environment and the communities in which it operates.

NOW tree planting initiative with Food and Trees for Africa CTICC awards its suppliers with NOW accreditiation

One of the centre’s Nurture Our World initiatives was to create a herb garden on the north terrace CTICC. The Styled of to the the latest from this globalherbs standards, garden are used in Tshwane Events Centre's the food exhibitionsome hallsof boast preparation sheer scale and flexibility at the convention centre

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

The centre accommodated volunteer training days prior to the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup

For perfect exhibitions… watch this space Memorable exhibitions and trade shows require world-class exhibition spaces and facilities. Like the kind you’ll ﬁnd at the CTICC. Offering versatile and highly ﬂexible spaces, an unsurpassed setting, and every service and amenity you could ever need, the CTICC affords you the opportunity to transform your exhibition from an ordinary show into an unforgettable, memorable experience.

Featuring: – Up to 11 200 m2 of exhibition space, of which 10 000

is column-free

– Majestic city and mountain views

– Venues designed to maximise natural light

– Comprehensive range of catering,

– Two top-class restaurants

– 2 large auditoria – A magniﬁcent 2 000

– 33 function or meeting rooms

ballroom

– An exquisite roof terrace

AV, and planning services – 1400 parking bays

For more information, or to book your CTICC experience, call us on +27 21 410 5000 today or visit www.cticc.co.za

P A N E L

D I S C U S S I O N

Sewage tank brought down by cable car at night

Mike Williams, operations manager, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company

he overall winner of the 2011 Imvelo management system (EMS) that makes use Responsible Tourism Awards, the Table of leading edge technology and innovative Mountain Aerial Cableway Company engineering, and forms an integral part of (TMACC), operates within a globally recognised TMACC’s corporate management ethos. icon and World Heritage Site. As a tourist As a people-oriented company, the Cableway destination, Table Mountain is a beacon that recognises the value of corporate social attracts a steady stream of over 750 000 responsibility and makes a contribution in local and international visitors to its summit various ways. To this end, it supports over 60 per year to experience sweeping vistas and an underprivileged and non-profit organisations extraordinarily beautiful natural environment. by way of a day out up Table Mountain or as The TMACC, which has been a leading tickets, which may be raffled to raise funds tourism operator for 82 years, is fully for a good cause. re committed to balancing its core The TMACC’s Class in the Clouds sitors business of high volumes of visitors programme draws close on 20 000 he with the sensitive nature of the learners per annum, 80% of whom cated. biosphere within which it is located. are from previously disadvantaged ntal The importance of environmental communities. The programme offers sustainability to the company is schoolchildren the opportunity illustrated by the numerous to learn more about the and diverse measures it has flora and fauna of the implemented over the past few years. “The TMACC's Class in the Clouds However, the management programme draws close on 20 000 of resources in an learners per annum” Mike Williams environmentally sensitive area did pose a range of challenges to the TMACC. Cape Floristic Kingdom and experience Table Given the location (1 068 m above sea Mountain at reduced and sometimes free level), the saying “what goes up must come rates. Class in the Clouds is part of the annual down” is particularly apt in this situation. educational excursion programme for many Hence, this logistical framework and the schools and has seen over 220 000 learners climatic conditions have brought about take part since its inception in 2001. the development of an environmental

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Children participating in the TMACC’s Class in the Clouds programme

GREEN ACHIEVEMENTS The company has achieved the following in its resource management efforts: 1. Water • The introduction of ‘Boeing’ toilets using 0.75 litres per flush as opposed to 9 litres of a conventional toilet, as well as that of electronic taps, waterless urinals and dual flushing systems. • The use of compostable plates, cutlery, cups and straws, resulting in a saving of 1 million litres of water in one year. 2. Energy • The introduction of a power conditioning system, resulting in a 16% reduction in the first year. • The installation of an electrical management system to manage electricity usage proactively. 3. Waste • The removal of the soak-away system resulting in every bit of waste, water/sewerage being stored at the top station and brought down by Bakubung cable car at night. Bush Lodge • The introduction of a recycling programme to reduce waste to landfill.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

P R O D U C T

N E W S

The Emerald Resort & Casino – a place where business is combined with pleasure, action with relaxation, and finesse with frivolity

under the stars in the game park, to a variety of teambuilding offers and indulgent pampering treatments at the Emerald African Spa, there is something for everyone. Emerald Resort & Casino is situated on the lush banks of the Vaal River, a mere one-hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport. The extensive property, along 7km of river frontage, is the perfect location for a business breakaway, corporate or private event, teambuilding activities, conference, or a fun-filled family getaway. Emerald Hotel’s conference facilities cater for 10 to 200 delegates, while the event and exhibitions centre offers the most versatile venue that caters for up to 1 500 guests. The centre is also ideal for larger conferences, product launches, gala dinners and concerts. In addition, the resort boasts a wide range of dining experiences, which include High Stakes restaurant, the alfresco Breeze restaurant and a variety of family take-away options, as well as the option to dine onboard the Liquid Lounge while cruising the tranquil Vaal River. At Emerald Resort & Casino you are spoilt for choice.

The perfect venue to play and stay

or the most memorable of experiences, Emerald Resort & Casino provides the ultimate corporate getaway. From a late-afternoon game drive, sundowners in the bush or dinner

First in Africa SA convention centre aligns its reporting with GRI

he Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the first convention centre in Africa to have its sustainable initiatives aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. GRI is a global network-based organisation that produces a comprehensive international sustainability reporting framework for leading organisations. According to the centre’s CEO, Rashid Toefy, the convention centre, whose values are entrenched around economic, social and environmental advancement, sustainability considerations permeate every aspect of the CTICC’s business.

Cape Town is one of the few cities in the world that boasts a convention centre that has been checked by GRI

“It’s what drives us to innovate, create opportunities and effect change in the meetings and events industry in terms of sustainability. Aligning our reporting standards to GRI was the final step in the centre’s journey to achieving complete sustainability,” he says. The first step was making a commitment to becoming sustainable, then putting international measures, like ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards, in place to achieve these objectives and be able to measure and report effectively on

the progress of these initiatives. The centre has successfully met and exceeded all three objectives, thereby achieving its goal of being a leading environmentally sustainable convention centre. In addition, the CTICC has produced a comprehensive sustainability report that measures the centre’s successes in terms of its sustainability accolades, which include being one of the few international convention centres to belong to the United Nations Global Compact and the Green Meetings Industry Council.

Leading transport

he need to integrate greener practices, particularly for transport service providers, is required to offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated from this sector. In support of this, Springbok Atlas introduced a grey wash bay facility at the Cape Town depot in December last year and will be installing one in Johannesburg later in 2012. Grey water wash bay facilities are an environmentally responsible solution to the recovery and cleansing of wash bay water. They reduce water consumption by up to 90% through reusing water and rainwater harvesting. They also use a natural biological process to break down the soaps and oils, ensuring that the fleet of vehicles maintains its usual shining clean standard. The company has

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

P R O D U C T

N E W S

The superior choice for custom-made furniture

iven the distinct trend among exhibition stand designers to move towards using unique, interesting and often designer furniture items on their clients’ stands at exhibitions ns and trade shows, Expovent Evolutions nss South Africa now offers this hiis exact service to the industry, trry, via its sister company, Majestic e estic Expressions in Furniture. “There’s clearly a growing need for eye-catching furniture pieces for

exhibition stands and at glamorous events. At Majestic Expressions, our skilled and experienced carpenters have the ability to create custom-made items to clients or stand designe designer er specification. From con conceptualisation ce and insp inspiration, pira to the producing the fin final product, our team mh has also successfully cre c created furniture for an number of leading ho h hotels and restaurants,” ssay says Expovent managing

director, Adrian McKnight. “Furthermore, we manufacture furniture for households, including bedroom suites and dining room furniture.” With an emphasis on quality and durability, Majestic Expressions not only creates custom-made items, but also provides reupholstery and restoration services. The company’s proven track record so far in creating beautiful designer furniture for the exhibition’s industry is one of complete client satisfaction, time and again.

Hotel inspires by recycling corks

Celebrating 2011 bid successes

he Vineyard Hotel & Spa’s food and beverage duty manager, David Wibberley, recently implemented a unique idea of recycling corks to provide flooring for underprivileged schools. “Many poor communities are affected by accidental shack fires through paraffin lamps or candles being knocked over, often with tragic consequences,“ says Wibberley. “Cork has excellent fireretardant qualities. It's also durable and hypo-allergenic. I saw potential for it beyond its use in wine making.” The project received enormous support from visitors, guests and conference delegates of the hotel, as well as from the Vineyard’s wine partners, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Boschendal, Anthonij Rupert, and a combined effort by Villiera and Groot Constantia. The hotel has collected over 25 000 corks in three months. Food and The first project benefitting from the recycled corks beverage is the Eerste Rivier Empowerment Centre, a safe house duty manager, for abused children. The recycled corks will cover a 24 m2 David Wibberley playroom for the children.

provider invests now for tomorrow identified and implemented the following programmes and initiatives: • converting its fleet to EURO III-rated low emission vehicles • all oil from its workshops is recycled through the Rose Foundation

• tyre casings are re-cycled • C-Track technology has been implemented to monitor driver speeds, vehicle idling and carbon dioxide emissions • better route planning limits dead mileage and excessive kilometres. In addition, through its programmme Conservation on Wheels – in cooperation with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – Springbok Atlas provides dedicated coach visits to children at schools and rural communities to teach them about biodiversity and ecosystems. Initiatives such as these, as well as Zuki’s Cleaning Company, which is a recent enterprise development project, go a long way to proving that Springbok Atlas has moved with the times and is investing now for tomorrow.

t’s been a bumper year for the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC), as it secured major bids for local and international meetings and events. The winning streak commenced early in January 2011, with the centre being named host venue for the following events taking place in 2012: • International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation conference – May • the 3rd Annual Biological Safety Conference –June • the International Small Business Congress & Expo – September • the 27th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists Congress, and the 2012 Discop Africa Expo, introducing the informative TV Loves Africa programme – October. The bid successes have kept on coming, with The SCC winning tenders to host the following events in 2013: • the One Young World Youth Summit • the 4th World Conference on Doping in Sport – October. The bid accomplishments of the SCC have been so tremendous that it has been named host venue for events taking place in 2014. These include: • the 21st General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association – late August/early September • the 21st World Orchid Conference – September. “It’s thanks to the steadfast dedication of the SCC’s enthusiastic team, along with a focused and strategic drive towards bidding that Johannesburg’s premier convention centre continues to enjoy such remarkable international and local bid presentation successes,” says SCC’s Executive Director, Mati Nyazema.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

C H A M P A G N E

S P O R T S

R E S O R T

Big Additions, big conferences S

triving to make its award-winning resort the perfect place for work and play, Champagne Sports Resort has found that this is a difficult balance to achieve. However, following recent developments, management believes that it has created a truly unique destination, catering for all guest requirements in an absolutely spectacular setting. As a result of the advancements, Champagne Sports Resort can now accommodate up to 750 delegates at the foot of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. In addition, the resort now offers a total of 152 hotel rooms and 91 timeshare chalets, most of which have three bedrooms, with all rooms being en suite. Chalets are subject to availability, although with enough notice in off-peak holiday periods they are readily available, and with each room having its own bathroom, there is very little difference between the chalets and the standard hotel rooms.

The perfect place for work and play

Expanded conference facilities Another proud moment for the resort is the completion of the new Buttress Conference and Exhibition Centre, as well as four additional boardrooms. Champagne Sports Resort now offers a total of 16 conference venues, including the new centre that seats up to 1 350 delegates

View of 18th green and clubhouse

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MEETIN ME MEET MEETINGS ET TIN INGS GS SSA A | JA JJAN/FEB AN/ N/FEB FEB 22012 FE 00112

C H A M P A G N E

S P O R T S

R E S O R T

Mountain-facing hotel rooms

cinema style and can accommodate banquets Magnificent recreational areas and facilities of up to 850. The resort’s other venues But that is not all in terms of recent add-ons, include: • the Sentinel Room, which seats up to 1 000 with an extension to the dining room and an expanded buffet, as well as the new Wellness delegates cinema style and 720 classroom Centre and coffee shop with an adjoining style lounge. The new buffet and dining area • the Monks Cowl Centre, which can can comfortably accommodate up to 700 accommodate up to 550 guests in a fashion that minimises queuing, • the Summit Room, which can and is complemented by an outstanding accommodate up to 400 delegates menu offering that is rapidly gaining a • the more intimate venues, ranging reputable standing in the hospitality industry. in capacity depending on seating Champagne Sports Resort now boasts configurations, with their absolute eight live cooking stations when all buffets maximum capacity being 150 delegates are operational for bigger groups, which • the private boardrooms, which can ultimately makes accommodate a for a memorable maximum of 16 Thee confer rencing dining experience. people eq quip pment available at The Wellness Centre • the recently Ch hamp pagne Sp ports Resort includes an upmarket completed Amplett includees the most-up-tosalon and well-fitted and Turrett gymnasium. The salon conference rooms, da ate techn nology has five treatment which can each rooms, comfortable accommodate up changing rooms and a relaxing rest area with to 90 delegates. strategically positioned cane loungers that “Over the last 18 months at the resort, we have been constantly building and refurbishing look onto the Champagne and Cathkin peaks. The gym is fully equipped for all forms of to ensure our venue is suitable for and exercise, including general cardiovascular capable of comfortably running the bigger and weight training. Since Champagne Sports conferences and large-scale conventions of Resort has a great reputation as a premier up to 800 delegates,” says Champagne Sports holiday destination, the resort offers a Resort’s James Macquet. huge variety of leisure facilities, including World-class technology five swimming pools, five tennis courts, The conferencing equipment available at adventure sports putt, basketball, volleyball Champagne Sports Resort includes the mostand bowling green, as well as kids’ and teen up-to-date technology controlled by Crestron clubs, among many other facilities. There is handheld controls offered throughout the also a large variety of activities on offer in bigger venues and general standard equipment the valley, all within a short 10 minutes drive included in all the smaller meeting areas. from Champagne Sports Resort. Falcon Ridge Delegates have access to high-speed has a spectacular birds of prey show, which is Internet connectivity in the hotel as well as an absolute must-see for all when visiting the in the majority of the venues. They are also valley. The world-renowned Drakensberg Boys welcome to utilise the services of the business Choir performs at its resident auditorium as centre, which is located across from the new well as at the resort’s venues when booked. coffee shop. The valley now also boasts its very own

Canopy Tour that is run by Four Rivers Adventures, which also offers various teambuilding activities, including archery, quad biking, zip lines and white water rafting for the more adventurous. Should clients want a particular teambuilding activity not already on offer, this can be brought in as and when requested. Cultural activities within the valley include candle making, carpet weaving and pottery. Nestled within Champagne Sports Resort – a spectacular leisure, conference and

Internal hotel room

timeshare establishment – is the magnificent clubhouse that overlooks a hidden golfing masterpiece. The top-30 ranked, 18-hole championship golf course has been rated as South Africa's most beautiful golf course in recent years, with the clubhouse being rated in the top five 19th holes in South Africa. So whether you are wearing your golf cap or your thinking cap, there is no better place to find inspiration than Champagne Sports Resort. t +27 (0)36 468 8000 • f +27 (0)36 468 1072 RESERVATIONS

reservations@champagnesportsresort.com CONFERENCING

conferences@champagnesportsresort.com www.champagnesportsresort.com

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

MEETING PLACES

Venues with vooma

Gandhi Square, Johannesburg

Discovering business tourism in the City of Gold Meetings SA takes a closer look at meeting and events venues in and around Gauteng, and explores what they can bring to the table. By Claire Rencken

auteng, an inspiring province that caters to all your business tourism needs, is equipped with world-class venues, top-class service and a touch of African magic. Not only is it the ideal African location for your next exhibition, conference, incentive function or meeting, it is also the commercial powerhouse of southern Africa, and with convenient transport connections such as the Gautrain and ReyaVaya, offers access to vibrant night life, excellent eateries and accommodation offerings, as well as endless shopping options.

Urban Tree This Sandton-based banqueting and party venue is set right on the edge of the Sandton industrial fringe. Its third-floor roof garden overlooks the forest-like upmarket suburbs of Strathavon and Morningside and the growing modern skyline of Sandton City. Clients can either enjoy it in open-air roof-party style, while experiencing the African sun setting over the modern skyline, or step inside its luxurious interior for cocktails and dinner. This venue further boasts a unique attribute in that most of its interior can

either move around, be hung from different positions or dismantled completely, leaving just a raw carpeted space. This allows one to change the design and layout of every dinner

Offers luxury accommodation, executive meeting facilities and Ă&#x20AC;ne dining at Roots restaurant Forum Homini & roots restaurant

Urban Tree

Letamo Game Estate Kromdraai (off N14 onto R540) Mogale City, Gauteng t 011 668 7000 reservations@forumhomini.com www.forumhomini.com

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

P L A C E S

Gauteng Tourism’s convention bureau services

Market Theatre

The tourism authority offers a host of services to businesses, associations and event planners to assist in the planning and successful execution of an event or conference. Whether you need help with arranging day-tours prior to an event, sponsorships, access to travel agents, accommodation databases or lists of professional event organisers, Gauteng Tourism is on hand to assist. The services include negotiating transport rates, access to local carriers, setting up of media centres and facilitating the provision of bid documents and support letters from local government.

CONFERENCING

TRAINING

FUNCTIONS

TEAM BUILDING 0 11 668 300 0

i n fo @a via nt o.co. za

or party, literally. Its unique hanging facades and monoliths provide for the comfortable accommodate of any dinner event, from eight to 500 VIP guests, while still maintaining a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. Director Bruce van Halderen shares his findings in terms of the shifts he has experienced within the meetings and events sector over the last six to 12 months: “Venues are under pressure to add more value – stylish chairs, ambient lighting, conference equipment, smarter glassware, etc. This has given rise to a new breed of venue, like ours, where you have a ‘fully-loaded’ location that is customisable. The furniture, facades, counters, styling, interiors, and even the architecture in places, are movable, removable and replaceable.”

Silverwood Manor This five-star guest house and conference centre is conveniently situated in Bryanston on a four-acre estate. Boasting two wellequipped conference centres and 32 wellappointed rooms, the venue offers the latest in audio-visual facilities and equipment. For personalised service, great food, reasonable prices and ideal location, Silverwood is your ‘has-it-all’ venue destination. It caters for between 24 and 80 delegates in its two conference centres.

Managing director, Alexander Babich, had this to say about travel and accommodation trends and Silverwood’s continued success under difficult market conditions: “Travel agents and consumers increasingly book their corporate and travel clients into Silverwood Manor rather than hotels, because we offer better value for money, a more personalised service and generous room sizes. This seems to be an industry trend as consumers and companies are becoming increasingly budget conscious, but still want five-star treatment. Recognising the important role of travel agents and their clients, we actively promote incentives to help ensure we are a preferred conference and accommodation venue. We have recently also included an agents’ section on our website. We really get to know our clients, which ensures a high level of client loyalty and retention. This is essential in today’s over-traded hospitality sector were consumers are spoilt for choice.”

Baraka Events and Function Venue Baraka integrates lavish comfort and hi-tech conferencing facilities with an authentic African bush experience. Using the forest as a backdrop, the venue incorporates a magnificent conferencing hall, private dining wine cellar and private deck and plunge pool, while being part of a unique

Silverwood Manor

Image: Gauteng Tourism

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Image: Gauteng Tourism

MEETING PLACES

Union Buildings free-release primate sanctuary. Situated in Hartbeespoort, only 45 minutes from Pretoria and Johannesburg, the venue is nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, offering an ideal facility for tranquil and productive corporate conferences and training sessions, including top-class facilities, superior service and superb cuisine. The venue can accommodate groups of up to 150 people. Baraka is situated in Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary and next door to The Elephant Sanctuary. Packages are tailor-made to include an educational programme and interaction with the gentle giants, and the opportunity to see the Bush Babies and the exotic primates at play. Venue manager Tracy Juleff shares her observations: “Companies are now doing shorter conferences (one to two days) with smaller groups of delegates. Teambuilding experiences have also become an essential part of their conferences due to the current economic trend towards fewer staff with increased workloads. A smaller conference is more dynamic and constructive, especially for brainstorming sessions.”

Com mpaniees are now doing sh horter conferences with smallle er groups of delegates Randburg Hotel Group Randburg Towers, part of the Randburg Hotel Group, offers 114 bedrooms in the Towers and 73 bedrooms in the Inn, all with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There are two comfortable restaurants (one for larger groups with seating for up to 260 people). The venue caters for all conferences, seminars, product launches, functions and meetings. Full-day and halfday conference packages are available. The facilities cater for between eight and 300 delegates and have the capacity to offer both the conference venue and accommodation. Dedicated staff members, who are trained to provide conferencing technical support, are available to attend to delegates to ensure conferences run smoothly. Wi-Fi and telephones are available in all conference

Baraka Events and Function Venue

rooms, and photocopy and fax facilities. The computer room has two computers, printers and Internet access. Standard equipment – overhead projector, TV, VCR machine, DVD player, sound/PA system and microphones – are also provided, as are a flip chart and whiteboard with markers. Additional equipment can be arranged at an extra cost.

Avianto This is a choice that offers a variety of options, from conferencing workshops to product launches and gala dinners, all set in a relaxed environment with expert assistance, creating a meeting place that inspires constructive thought. At night, Avianto’s team works its magic with the use of clay and fire for a meaningful team experience. Here delegates’ days are filled with a choice of activities, including mountain bike and walking trails, tennis and squash, wedge and Qolf, as well as tranquil picnics or archery, all hosted alongside the meandering Crocodile River. In terms of teambuilding, the venue’s preferred partner, Burning Impressions, does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the company meets the personality of your team head-on, offering a teambuilding experience that leaves you energised and motivated at a venue that will soothe your soul.

Leriba Hotel & Conference Centre This establishment is nestled on 12 ha of indigenous forest on the banks of the Hennops River. It is easily accessible from either Pretoria or Johannesburg. The hotel is surrounded by a green belt that boasts five acclaimed golf courses, the Centurion cricket stadium and other leisure facilities. The Leriba Hotel is also less than one kilometer from the Centurion Gautrain Station. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to and from the station, and around the Centurion area. Up to 950 delegates can be accommodated in 16 fully-equipped, air conditioned venues. The well-designed venues, with direct access to, and views of, the indigenous gardens, provide a conference experience with a difference. Teambuilding adventures are also on offer.

Johannesburg Expo Centre Conveniently located in the south of Jozi, the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) boasts flexible conference facilities that cater for 10 to 10 000 delegates, multipurpose halls providing more than 50 000 m² of exhibition space, a multipurpose arena that can accommodate up to 20 000 people and more than 15 000 parking bays. Leading communications-based service providers are

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

MEETING PLACES Avianto

Useful contacts

Leriba Hotel & Conference Centre available on site, including MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom. The JEC also provides conference organisers with an array of service providers for requirements such as security, catering, cleaning and audio visual. Its leading status as an internationally renowned venue and conference facility has been affirmed by the receipt of the PMR Africa Diamond Arrow Award for the best exhibition, conference and event venue in South Africa in 2011. “We were once again honoured when we received two Exhibition and Events Association of South Africa (EXSA) awards for hosting the Johannesburg International Motor Show, which won the

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exhibition of the year 2011, and Auto Mechanika South Africa – awarded the best trade exhibition of 12 000 m² and over accolade,” says JEC CEO, Craig Newman. With organisers on the lookout for better value for money, be it state-of the art facilities or exceptional service at affordable prices, they often seek out venues that can offer something a little out of the ordinary. Perhaps it’s a tranquil setting or an easily-accessible urban venue they’re after. Thankfully, owners and managers are coming to the party in terms of their ability to offer this and more.

Johannesburg Expo Centre

Avianto www.avianto.co.za Baraka Events & Function Venue www.barakaevents.co.za Joburg Expo Centre www.expocentre.co.za Leriba Hotel & Conference Centre www.leriba.co.za Randburg Towers Group www.randburgtowers.co.za Silverwood Manor www.silverwoodmanor.co.za Urban Tree www.urbantree.co.za

Please quote reference when making an enquiry: MSA-01

MEETING PLACES

With Meetings SA bringing you the latest developments from South Africa s world-class conference venues, choosing the right facility for your event has never been easier. By Abby Vorster

Location, location, location! A focus on city, urban, close-to-airport and cultural venues

Mosaiek Lifestyle

es there are suitable options that have become the norm, but how often do you look to hosting a meeting or an event at a cultural venue. These venues, such as theatres, cultural villages and museums, reflect the past and the future of South Africa. It is this and the inspiring atmosphere within that sees such venues providing unique and enticing spaces for conferencing and functions. At Liliesleaf, a venue steeped in South African heritage and history, a hi-tech 80-seater auditorium, large outdoor lawn and Resource Centre, can be found tucked away in the suburbs underneath canopies of old trees in Rivonia, Johannesburg. This ambient and peaceful professional meeting place offers the insightful and interactive

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n For a tour around Walter Sisulu and kliptow Please call (011) 945 2200 or visit www.waltersisulusquare.co.za

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Mosaiek Lifestyle

museum experience as it honours South Africa’s remarkable heritage and the impressive trajectory of our country’s sociopolitical past. Located in Fairland, near Northcliff, Johannesburg, Mosaiek Lifestyle, the cultural precinct that is home to Idols South Africa, is definitely worth considering when planning a concert, wedding, conference, product launch, celebration, or any other type of event. This encompassing campus consists of a variety of venues and facilities, including: • the Mosaïek Teatro, seating approximately 3 000 guests • the Mezzanine, a smaller, more intimate theatre, seating approximately 250

Mosaiek Lifestyle is definitely worth considering when planning an event • various conference venues and packages • one banqueting hall, the Communio, accommodating 200 guests • a charming chapel, called the Klipkerk, with its stained glass windows • a fully equipped kitchen • two coffee-shop areas • a piazza • ample secure parking

• catering, technical, cleaning and security services. The Shangana Cultural Village, which provides an authentic South African cultural experience within a rural bushy environment, is located 5 km from Hazyview, between the Kruger Park and the Panorama Route. The village offers day tours, midday tours, a warrior festival, an evening festival, traditional cuisine meals, a Sangoma service and a Marula craft shop. Unique teambuilding experiences also form part of the village’s service offering. The village is making an enormous economic impact within the community of Hazyview and surrounding areas because it employs locals and trains them. The training and experience

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Delegates trying out SA Tourism's touch table

SETE Exhibition hall

MEETING PLACES

floor plans that can be customised to each event. In terms of its meeting facilities, the InterContinental offers five boardrooms and five conference rooms catering for one to 100 guests. All rooms and boardrooms are soundproofed from airport noise and include a free data projector. Hosting a conference or event at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport minimises delegates’ time wasted in traffic, making it the ideal venue for fly-in-fly-out meetings, reducing the time and expense of an overnight stay. It’s proximity to the Gautrain is also The

Shangana Cultural Village

received at the village empowers them to have a life within the tourism industry, even after Shangana Cultural Village. The local traditional dancers are trained by the chief of the village’s children, providing them with the knowledge to entertain tourists who visit the village, as well as at off-site shows. Local crafters are also encouraged to produce and sell their wares at the village, where the marketing of their products is handled within. This goes a long way in poverty alleviation within the community.

service from the booking to the boardroom. InterContinental Meetings is designed to capture a genuine sense of place that will inspire delegates and get results. The group’s experienced team understands the

Venues located close to airports

demands on their client’s time as a busy event planner and is focused on making sure that the process runs seamlessly at every stage. Whatever the event, the InterContinental Meetings team is there to make life easier for you and to create a rewarding occasion for those attending. Every element of the InterContinental’s service and technology is designed to simplify the event planning process, from fast availability checks and transparent pricing to the latest technology tools such as virtual tours and fully interactive

South Africa’s only luxury airport hotel, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is located 68.7 m from the terminal building at O.R Tambo International Airport. Part of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts group, the InterContinental enjoys the benefits of presenting to its clients the recently unveiled InterContinental Meetings. This new meetings programme is custom-designed for meeting planners and business delegates to guarantee a seamless

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

At Shangana the local traditional dancers are trained to entertain tourists

beneficial, and the conference facilities are open 24 hours per day upon enquiry. At the Polokwane International Airport, there are a range of conference facilities and venues on offer. These venues are situated at different locations within the airport, and provide a modern and aeronautical sense and style. The facilities are air conditioned and well equipped to ensure service excellence, while friendly and professional staff are on hand and will go the extra mile to ensure that organisers’ needs are met. Depending on the type of event and setting, the facilities can accommodate up to 1 500 guests, and include the following: • a conference hall for 500 delegates • Hanger T49 conference hall for 1 000 delegates • Rolihlahla Aerospace Hall for 50 delegates • the Executive Lounge for 13 guests • the VIP Lounge for 13 guests • the Executive Boardroom for 12 delegates.

City and urban venues Hosting an event within the majestic banqueting and meeting facilities of the

Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre Tel: +27 (0) 11 897 0000 | Fax: (0) 11 897 0001 | Email: reservations@birchwoodhotel.co.za Viewpoint Street, Bartlett, Boksburg, 1459 | PO Box 1106, OR Tambo International Airport, 1627

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665 AccommŽĚĂƟŽŶ Rooms 60 CŽŶĨĞƌĞŶcĞ VĞŶƵĞs 3 OŶ-ƐŝƚĞ RĞƐƚĂƵƌĂŶts 10 BaŶƋƵĞƟŶg VĞŶƵĞs &Ƶůů AV ^Ƶppoƌt OŶ-ƐŝƚĞ CĂƌ hŝƌĞ OŶ-ƐŝƚĞ Décoƌ CoƌpoƌatĞ VIP PƌŝvatĞ chĞck- iŶ DŽŶƚhůǇ EŶtĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶt OŶ-ƐŝƚĞ SwimmŝŶg pooů͕ 'Ǉŵ aŶĚ ,ĞĂůƚh Spa CompůŝŵĞŶƚĂƌǇ ShƵƩůĞ to aŶd Ĩƌom OR Tambo /ŶtĞƌŶĂƟoŶĂů Aiƌpoƌt & thĞ East RaŶĚ DĂůů Ύ ͻ AccĞƐƐŝďůĞ Ĩƌom 3 majoƌ highǁĂǇs͕ N12͕ R21 & R 24

ΎWƌovidĞd schĞdƵůĞd ƟmĞs aƌĞ adhĞƌĞd to

MEETING PLACES

InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Taj Cape Town is an absolute must, if your budget allows. The first floor of the BoE building, with its large sash windows looking out on St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, the Company Gardens and the Provincial Legislature, houses the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious conferencing facilities. As well as providing exceptional views, the windows allow in ample natural light. The magnificent interiors are another

throwback to a bygone era when these rooms hosted meetings of the Reserve Bank and BoE. They have been restored to their original opulence, which is now complemented by state-of-the-art technology. There are eight meeting rooms, the largest of which is able to comfortably host a banquet for 110 guests. Two others can accommodate up to 60 delegates each, while the two smaller

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Welcome to

POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONFERENCE CENTRE

trategically located, the Polokwane International Airport Conference centre is a world-class facility suitable for a wide range of events including meetings, weddings,

workshops, banquets, cocktail functions, conferences and seminars Our facilities can accommodate small meetings and large events of up to 1500 delegates depending on the type of eve nt and setting.

OUR FACILITIES INCLUDE Conference Hall (500 delegates in banqueting style) Hanger T49 Conference Hall (1000 delegates in banqueting style) Rolihlahla Aerospace Hall (50 delegates banqueting style) Old Terminal VIP Lounge (8 delegates) Executive Lounge (13 delegates) New Terminal VIP Lounge (13 delegates) Old Terminal Executive Boardroom (20 delegates) New Terminal Executive Boardroom (12 Delegates)

t +27(15) 288 0122 | f+27(15) 288 0125 Nyaku.ramodipa@gaal.co.za

www.pial.co.za

M E E T I N G

P L A C E S Polokwane Inernational Airport

rooms can seat 30 or 50 people respectively. In addition there are two boardrooms and a business centre. A new venue located in the heart of Sandton, The Oxford, offers sophistication and style within a unique space that is perfect for all occasions. Whether you are throwing a fabulous launch event, need the right backdrop for a photo or film shoot, are

looking to hosting an intimate dinner, The Oxford is the right venue for you. A chick, urban hotspot, the venue boasts a prime location in the Sandton business district, as well as secure underground parking, two bar areas, seating booths and a dance floor. The space can also be configured to suit the client’s needs with all tables, sofas and chairs being cleared should the client require a sitdown function. Stylish décor, chandeliers and mood lighting create the perfect setting for the perfect event at The Oxford. For a wide spectrum of venues with competitive packages to suit various budgets, South Africa’s city, urban and cultural options, as well as those located close to airports can certainly provide you with the solution to your upcoming meeting or event needs.

Useful contacts Liliesleaf www.liliesleaf.co.za Mosaiek Lifestyle www.mosaiek.com/lifestyle Shangana Cultural Village www.shangana.co.za InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport www.intercontinental.com Polokwane International Airport www.pial.co.za Taj Cape Town www.tajcapetown.co.za The Oxford www.theoxford.co.za

The Oxford Taj Cape Town

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

Wake up to the sound of a jumbo

jet ﬂying overhead ...

... Just kidding! However, our pristine, four-star hotel is conveniently just minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport. We offer the seasoned traveller a modern, comprehensively equipped environment in which to conduct business as well as quiet, comfortable rooms in which to rest. Among many other facilities, we also offer complimentary shuttles to and from the airport and Rhodesfield Gautrain Stations, giving you easy access to Sandton and Pretoria. Whether you’re stopping over or have an extended business stay ahead, Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport has it all!

Hope to see you soon! Cnr of York & Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park • PO Box 1325, OR Tambo International, 1627 Tel: (011) 977 2600 • Fax: (011) 977 2601 • Fax to e-mail: 086 555 1621 Ext.720 guestrelations@phortambo.com • www.proteahotels.com/phortambo

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A creator of memorable events for more than 10 years, Keith Gonneau maintains the best outlook is never to think of an event as “his event”. It’s always the client’s function and a platform for collaboration. Ensuring his clients are always very much part of the conceptualisation and planning processes, Gonneau brings his fantastic ideas to the fore in association with that of the client’s needs.

Alive with Cuban f l a i r, C o n s t i t u t i o n H i l l welcomed guests on the eve of 25 November 2011 to a Ma rd i G ra s -tth em e d s t r e e t p a r t y.

The event was

the fabulous FNB Forex year-end function organised by Event Horizon Productions according to the client’s brief. For many years now, Keith Gonneau, owner of Event Horizon Productions, has dreamt of doing a real Cubanstyle street party at Constitution Hill. So when the client approached him wanting to host an event of a similar nature, he jumped at the idea and headed straight to Braamfontein to introduce the client to one of Johannesburg’s most historic venues. Plain yet spectacular, Old Fort Courtyards at Constitution Hill provided the perfect setting for Keith Gonneau’s vision for the event. These courtyards were once exercise yards with two-storey high walls framing a view of the Johannesburg skyscrapers and the Hillbrow Tower. Particularly impressive at night, the layers of history reveal themselves in the high walls that enclose the yard, making it an intimate and acoustically appropriate area for small performances and gatherings. To create the real carnival spirit, Keith Gonneau introduced an element of fancy

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dress by distributing masks, feathers and face art among the guests. On arrival at Constitution Hill, guests were met by busking Cuban-styled musicians, beautiful Vintage cars and enticing street performers who set the tone for the magical evening. An outstanding experience was enjoyed by all, thanks to the expert event production skills of Keith Gonneau, his ability to source and work with some of the best suppliers in the industry and of course, the unique atmosphere created by Constitution Hill.

Audio-visual and technical production The technical production aspect of the event was handled by dKss, a modern integrated technical and production management company. Commenting on dKss’ contribution to the success of the event, owner CJ De Klerk had this to say: “It was a challenging week with all the rain, and it being an outdoor function, we had to be ready for the worst. We rigged a 10 m x 8 m Bedouin tent over the stage, so that all the backline and sound equipment would be covered if the heavens opened. Luckily the weatherman was on our side.” dKss commenced with the setup at 06:00 on the Friday morning, while Pure Event Gear built the 6 m x 4 m stage, and by 08:00, Techrig, the lighting crew, arrived. dKss also built the 4 m-high truss towers on Baseplates, with a T-Section at the top of which to rig the lights. De Klerk adds, “We had six Mac 700 Washes, and eight x Mac 250 Entour, which, in the Old Fort Court-

Event Horizon Productions Constitution Hill

dKss is a modern integrated technical and production management company with extensive strategic support services on a national basis. This ensures a holistic and solutions-driven turnkey delivery of services, specifically aligned to each project and production brief at hand.

dKss

Useful contacts Constitution Hill t +27 (0)11 381 3100 f +27 (0)11 381 3108 info@constitutionhill.org.za www.constitutionhill.org.za dKss t +27 (0)11 792 5125 f 086 660 9414 cj@dkss.co.za www.dkss.co.za Event Horizon Productions t 011 679 1910 f 086 516 2688 keith@eventhorizon.co.za

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yards at Constitution Hill with their white walls, looked really awesome. For dKss, seeing the guests dancing in the ‘street’ made this one of our most special functions of 2011.”

Venue

Event Horizon Productions

Image: Peter Morey

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill – Constitutional Square

The various locales throughout Constitution Hill are home to gripping exhibitions that showcase South Africa’s rich heritage, constitutionalism, the transition to democracy and human rights advocacy. It’s this dramatic setting that makes a unique location for conferences, live performances, product launches, cocktail evenings, private functions and corporate events.

Constitution Hill – Remarkable South Africans Exhibition

Image: Kutlwano Moagi

Constitution Hill – Democracy Boardroom

Situated on a hill overlooking the bustling city of Johannesburg and its leafy suburbs, Constitution Hill provides a unique perspective of Johannesburg and its rich history. Nowhere can the story of South Africa’s turbulent past and extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Today it is a city precinct managed by Blue IQ and JDA and anchored by the South African Constitutional Court, the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. As a multipurpose meeting venue, Constitution Hill offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues that may easily be transformed into magical function and event settings. The site boasts 18 venues spread over three buildings ranging in capacity from 10 to 1 200 guests. These include the following outdoor venues: the Old Fort Parade Ground, the Old Fort Courtyards – Mandela and Hillbrow, the Slovo Courtyard; and the following indoor venues: Constitutional Boardroom, Democracy Boardroom, Old Fort Atrium, the Human Rights Conference Room, the Women’s Jail Atrium, Women’s Jail Meeting Rooms, Women’s Jail Lekgotla, Women’s Jail Laundry Courtyard and the SuperBasement.

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Greening Saving the planet Meetings SA investigates the latest developments in greening at venues, as well as the meetings, events, exhibitions and conferencing sectors. By Claire Rencken

vent greening is the process of incorporating socially and environmentally responsible decision making into the planning, organisation, implementation of, and participation in, an event. It involves including sustainable development principles and practices in all levels of event organisation, should start at the inception of the project and involve all the key role players, such as clients, organisers, venues, subcontractors and suppliers.

Event Greening Forum The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is inviting professionals in the events industry to join the forum. Members will enjoy access to information about the latest event greening practices, obtain discounted prices for EGF courses and events, gain recognition for their greening efforts and have access to networking and promotional opportunities under the umbrella of the association. The forum will also act as a reference for companies looking to appoint staff, consultants and service providers with reliable records of accomplishment in the greening of meetings and events. Applications can be made online.

EGF’s top tips for greening: The procurement of goods and services is a critical aspect of an event, so support products and services from local and reputable suppliers that use sustainable practices. • Reduce, re-use, recycle – consider where

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

one event at a time Tree in a Tube

you can encourage waste reduction throughout the whole process. • Ensure that your event includes a social component, such as giving leftover food to organisations supporting disadvantaged communities. • Consider incentives for the use of public transport, such as providing free public transport on the day of the event or encourage carpooling. • Consider videoconferencing or Skype meetings instead of meeting in person. • Consider the environmental policy of the venue or accommodation provider when making your bookings – this will need to be specifically requested. • Consider the distance between conference venue and accommodation provider in order to reduce the need for additional travel. • Encourage the active participation of the delegates or visitors in the greening process through providing information on what they can do. • Encourage a ‘green corner’ at your event that showcases the greening practices and interventions implemented. Monitor, measure, report – ensure that a monitoring and evaluation process is in place to encourage benchmarking and identify lessons learnt.

Who’s getting it right? Scan Display, in partnership with Interactive Africa, were responsible for the Climate Change and Response (CCR) Expo that took place in Durban, alongside COP17, at the end of 2011. Engineering firm Arup measured eThekweni’s carbon footprint relating to this event, while sustainability consultants, icologie, measured the national and international travel-related carbon footprint. Some of the greening initiatives at the CCR Expo included: • BrandIron (one of the printing suppliers) sourced environmentally friendly products for exhibitors, such as bamboo pull-up banners and chloride-free removable vinyl. They also teamed up with Woza Moya, a project from the Hillcrest AIDS Centre

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Trust, so that Woza Moya could collect exhibition space. water coolers were unneeded branded substrates after the supplied throughout the venue, with cool, expo, which were to be creatively reclean drinking water obtainable from the crafted into various products by people cooler taps. affected by/infected with HIV/Aids. • Plastic cups were supplied and these and • All exhibitors signed a responsible exhibitor the coolers were branded with water charter. There was also green training at conservation messaging, including facts the exhibitor briefing, which empowered about water scarcity and how clean the exhibitors to make greener eThekweni’s drinking water is decisions as they planned for and (the plastic cups were recycled). Bottled water was banned from the managed their exhibition space. Keeping in line with the greening exhibition space and water coolers were • Green stand package options principle of sourcing everything supplied throughout were offered to exhibitors. locally, KwaZulu Natal suppliers These included LED lighting, were used wherever possible. reusable fabric branding and • All plants used in the CCR Expo petrol companies). In order to qualify to biodegradable carpeting. All other were sourced locally and, after the event and be at the CCR expo, each exhibitor had elements of the shell scheme – the with the assistance of the Durban Parks Board, to demonstrate that they are currently aluminium frames, boards and furnishings were donated to the local community. involved in initiatives and projects to – were reusable products. • Go 2 Natural was responsible for keeping minimise their impact on the environment. • Some exhibitors were from industries the CCR Expo space clean. Unemployed • Bottled water was banned from the that are considered culprits in terms of ladies from the local community were

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use, to achieve superior water quality. Pour in tap, borehole or rain water and you get wonderful tasting, safe drinking water for your staff, guests and customers, and the unit is portable. Don’t Waste Services provide waste management and Event greening has to address the triple recycling services at events Recommended green suppliers and exhibitions. The first bottom line – financial, social and Intelligent Marketing was founded and most important tip for environmental costs in 2008 with the purpose of greening an event is to hire providing environmentally reputable waste contractors. sustainable promotional products. It is one Illegal dumping is a direct consequence of The water quality produced is bacteria- and of South Africa’s leading ECO gift providers, not hiring legitimate contractors. virus-free and tastes like mountain water. with an extensive range of exclusive gifts Contractors require the knowledge to Chlorine and chlorine by-products are and promotional merchandise that are correctly manage waste collection on site, removed, as well as hormones and antibiotic affordable and tailored to the client’s needs. as well as a sorting area, where trained staff residues in the water. The water purifier It provides quality ‘green’ alternatives to separate the grades, and arrange collection uses nano fibres, activated carbon and other products commonly used in corporate (Don’t Waste’s collections are arranged via components, developed for NASA space selected to work with Go 2 Natural on this projecy. They received training beforehand, earned money and acquired work experience while at the CCR Expo. Go 2 Natural also committed to using only environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

water purifier. This product is a uniquely sustainable water purifier for the office or any corporate event venue. It does not use electricity, produces no waste water and does not need any plumbing to operate.

Don't Waste Nampak

Don't Waste airport recycling bins

marketing and promotion. Key to its tion, business plan is investing in job creation, skills development and local economy stimulation. Intelligent Marketing offers a widee range of products, from stationary, tote bags me of and T-shirts to indigenous trees. Some its promotional items are imported from international producers, who share their cally mandate of sustainability, and its locally ducts produced range of eco-related products e made is expanding rapidly. All products are ewable from recycled, biodegradable or renewable gin and content and tell a story of their origin re,, the possibility of a sustainable future, while simultaneously marketing yourr company’s brand. nts Crystal Clear Consulting & Merchants -top is the purveyor the NanoKleen table-top

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

NanoKleen table-top water purifier

a national call centre, independent from the process, and are therefore neutral). It is very difficult to achieve, but an iimportant goal for the company is to eencourage the public to try to use the aappropriate bins so that its staff receive g grades that are as ‘clean’ as possible. Pa Paper, for example, needs to be as dry as possible, and food leftovers can be us useful sources of bio-fuel, if they aren’t co contaminated. T The company also tries to collect reg regularly, so that the waste isn’t compacted, and sorts the waste on site. By doing this, it avo av o unnecessary transport, contamination avoids and compaction, again, increasing the recy recycling yield. Don’t Waste Services has per perfected these systems over the past 18 yyears and invites any event organiser

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Useful contacts Crystal Clear Consulting & Merchants www.nanokleen.co.za Don’t Waste Services www.dontwaste.co.za Event Greening Forum www.eventgreening.co.za icologie www.icologie.com Intelligent Marketing www.iamgreen.co.za Scan Display www.scandisplay.co.za

to contact them for assistance, or for a compliance assessment. Apart from the social and environmental benefits, event greening can result in cost savings for the various role players. This is mostly achieved by reducing energy and water costs (through reduction in use and efficient technology), encouraging waste separation and recycling (this contributes to the development of local recyclers, and stimulates local economies) and through

Recycled Gifts

purchasing local products. Event greening has to address the triple bottom line – financial, social and environmental costs. It also raises the profile of the event and provides positive marketing opportunities. So, let’s all practise the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – three great ways to eliminate waste and protect the environment. All the right resources, advice, training and suppliers are out there.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

E V E N T

M A N A G E M E N T

Made to Order

For What s happening in the world of corporate event caterring? Meetings SA explores some novel pressentation ideas and bu udget busters from four of South Africa s leading catering t i comp panies. i

atering for corporatee functions and events can be more cchallenging than restaurant catering. Itt has to be cost ef fective, ef fe and the food keptt fairly simple to be appreciated by everybodyy. Ryan Hartel of Creative Food Concepts ssays the key to corporate catering is the abiility to make basic meals ‘sound’ and look better.

Trends in 2012

By Claire Renccken Made to Order

Keen to share some of the cu urrent trends he has identified, Hartel says, “A At the moment we’re finding that there is a ttendency towards lighter meals, especially in the summer months. People geneerally want something light on arrival, wh hich is where canapés come in, and we then serve minimeals for the main course. W We offer a choice of three or four dishes in min niature portions, for example we’ll serve paellaa in an espresso cup or chicken biryani in a sm mall bowl. The same applies when serving deesserts.”

Pistachio stuffed chicken, Creative Food Concepts

52 2

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Ginger Grape

Clients are becoming more health conscious, opting for lean meat and vegetarian foods, which are not as rich as some other choices. Jacques Muller of The Ginger Grape says, “I have found that many clients look after the health of their guests, no longer serving a ‘smorgasbord’ of fried and fatty foods, but rather healthier, fresher, seasonal and simpler foods. The classics – just done really well.” “We have also experienced a big move towards food stations (or action food stations) as guests want to experience the process of the meal being prepared. The interaction with the chef on duty gives the guest a memorable culinary experience, rather than just another plate of food. “There has also been a huge move away from the traditional plated dessert towards more elaborate cheese and dessert installations – beautifully styled and presented to offer guests the biggest possible variety, both sweet (for example luxury French macaroons, mini raspberry meringues, imported chocolates and delicious favourites like fudge and coconut ice) and savoury in the way of imported French Grand Brie stuffed with roasted nuts and drenched in plump green figs, dried fruits and our Mini veg burgers, Creative Food Concepts

n chilli secret cheese balls covered in flakes/black pepper/parsley or toasted sesame seeds,” he continues.. er Catering, Co-owners of Made to Order Adam and Michelene Rendell,, add, ere “Over the past few years, there

Novel ideas for food presentation presentatio

“We are spoi spoilt in the catering market at th the moment with a ho h ost of clever c host service items, like bamboo boats, b biodegradable serviceware, skewers and “Clients look after their guests' health, no tongs and a fantastic longer serving a ‘smorgasbord’ of fried and array of imported and fatty foods” Jacques Muller, The Ginger Grape local porcelain/glass and Perspex serviceware. The possibilities are only limited to has been a movement towards what we call one’s imagination,” explains Muller. ‘real food’. This is increasing as people are “Over-garnishing has definitely fallen by the interested in knowing where wayside,” adds Hartel. “We let the food do the their food comes from, what it is fed and talking, so we try to use a lot of colour in the how it has grown. This will continue in 2012 actual dish, rather than using a lot of lettuce as we see more free-range and sustainable to make a platter look more interesting. Less products being made available to us. is always more when it comes to garnishing.” Companies need to be aware of the real The Rendells agree, “Food presentation food movement and make sure that they are should be clean and unfussy, with a few serving clients and staff free-range eggs and quality ingredients used. For company meat, sustainably-caught fish and food that celebrations, instead of the usual buffet, go is in season.” Food is also a very important aspect of themed events and catering companies get a lot of requests for themed menus, such as Mexican or oriental-style meals.

Creative Food Concepts ... ... is a fresh and exciting catering company specialising in stimulating flavours, innovative presentation and highquality service. Director, Ryan Hartel, started the company as a vehicle to do was he does best – cook!

Ryan Hartel

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

E V E N T

M A N A G E M E N T

Ginger Grape

for a feast table, where different foods are served to your table, doing away with the frustration of standing in a queue. This is a social way of eating and aids in teambuilding as food is shared, passed around and discussed.”

scones with a selection of teas, which saves on providing a full breakfast or lunch menu. Always serve food on ceramic. If your budget only allows for suppliers delivering on disposable platters, invest in ceramic platters to transfer the food to when it arrives. Bringing in a caterer to provide an inhouse restaurant service, like cooking and serving a three-course plated lunch, is more cost effective than dining at a restaurant. Hartel says, “The secret is to find ways to cater to various tastes within a group, so offer your clients combinations – if they need half sushi and half miniboerie rolls, so be it!”

Useful contacts Creative Food Concepts www.cfc-caterers.co.za The Ginger Grape www.gingergrape.co.za Made to Order Catering www.madetoorder.co.za

Budget busters Fortunately, healthier choices like chicken and vegetarian dishes save money, too. “Red meat has gotten very expensive, so clients request a 50/50 split in the catering,” says Hartel. The Rendells suggest the following alternatives: “Schedule meetings mid-morning or mid-afternoon and serve homemade

Made to Order ...

Mich and Adam, Made to Order

is a name that reflects how the company’s food is prepared. Its menus have a classic feel with modern elements, while the focus lies in the quality of the seasonal, free-range ingredients used, the excellent execution of preparation and cooking technique. As attention to detail and high standards are important, Made to Order chooses to remain small and exclusive.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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ased in Gauteng with satellite branches servicing most of South Africa, this cocktail and catering company is one with a magical touch. Flair Executive Mobile Bar Services is ideal for weddings, corporate events, festivals, expos and private events. Flair provides the following services: • Designer bars Flair can match any theme with diﬀerent bars in various colours. Coffee, sushi and smoothie bars are available. • Bar service From staﬀ, glasses, equipment and stock, Flair will arrange it all to ensure a hassle-free event. • Food The company’s unique synergy with Food with Flair gives it the opportunity to

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serve guests delicious sexy catering. • Entertainment Flair provides a magical atmosphere with its dancers, live music and bar flairing services. • Flair Cafe A new aromatic addition to the company, its mobile espresso and cappuccino bars oﬀer a fully mobile cafe with the perfect mix of class, taste and enjoyment.

group of South African entrepreneurs who have a passion for eventing and an unparalleled understanding of quality and service. Bar stands for. Its mobile bars are a symbol of the company’s innovation and appreciation for detail, encompassing all that Flair strives to achieve.

and visually stimulating decor, professionalism and of course, one great party,” says Robert Laverge, managing director of Flair.

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FLAIR EXECUTIVE MOBILE BAR SERVICES is the brainchild of an innovative

With ‘the bar’ being a primary aspect of any event, at Flair it is the key to create an overall picture that impresses the clients and its guests. The company is able to assist in arranging sponsored bar infrastructure. Flair also owns interactive, VIP and festival bars, as well as full bar equipment such as CCTV, speed pourers, shooter glasses, ice trays, tot measurers and more.

Mobile designer bars Developed through years of research and experience, Flair’s range of mobile cocktail bars have evolved into a pure representation of what Flair

According to Laverge, the interactive bars are the next step in the evolution of cocktail bars. “Customers and guests will no longer be passive consumers of your brand, as they are now able to interact and engage with your product on the bar’s surface.” The iBar is the world’s first commercially available multi-touch, interactive, customisable bar and is taking its place in history as a pioneering example of interactive technology. It has already transformed events, exhibitions, product launches and top night spots all over the world. Installing the iBar at any venue gives you the ability to change the ambience at the flick of a switch, giving guests an experience to remember. t +27 (0)11 022 1562 f 086 538 6793 info@flairbar.co.za www.flairbar.co.za

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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D E V E L O P

Speakers Corner

Leadership under pressure

Gary Bailey uses his experience in playing football under the most intense pressure to outline how to become a better leader and grow one s business in these difficult recessionary times.

ith the economic downturn having placed leaders under greater pressure than ever before, the world of football offers insight into how to deal with recessionary challenges and how to plan for an even greater future. That football is a pressure business is not in doubt, as nearly one-third of all premiership managers get the sack (or resign) in the course of a season. Yet how do those managers cope with producing weekly results (as opposed to quarterly or annual results) and what skills do they use to motivate their teams? The top football managers in the world are able to withstand these pressures and produce results time and time again. Sir Alex Ferguson and many other top managers such as Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, have at least four leadership

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

characteristics in common. The memory tool is the word ‘lead’, which stands for the following four focus areas of top leaders:

are not tough and firm-minded. Can the two be found together? Absolutely. The best example is that of my former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Level 5 leadership (L) I remember meeting Sir Alex the morning In Jim Collins’ book on leadership Good to after Manchester United won the treble Great, it is clear that the most successful in 1999 and gushing about what a great leaders managed to combine two special achievement this was and how wonderful he characteristics, namely professional will and is. All Sir Alex said to me was “Gary, weren’t the players magnificent last night”. He is tough and yet It's no doubt football is a pressure incredibly humble. Compare him with Jose Mourinho, the business, as nearly one-third of all self-anointed ‘special one’. premiership managers get the sack Does that make Mourinho a poor leader? Not in the short personal humility. This might seem simple, term, but perhaps it does when it comes to but in reality it is extremely difficult – building long-term success. leaders who are strong and determined are Emotional intelligence (EI) rarely humble, while those who are humble This is probably one of the most talked about and show great care for those around them

R E W A R D

Uniquely speaking... The Unique Speaker Bureau (USB) is taking the world of professional speaker bureaus and speaker agents by storm with its innovative approach to the business of promoting speaking professionals. The bureau adopts a proactive partnership with a number of our country’s most elite professional business speakers and MCs. Its stated objective is to match, and strive to exceed, clients’ expectations of speakers across the entire range of business-to-business events, from conferences, banquets and seminars to breakaways and teambuilding interventions. Plug USB into your next event and access the who’s who of South Africa’s professional speakers. Visit www.uniquespeakerbureau.com for more information.

skills that is needed in leadership today. Many of the world’s top business gurus believe that it is more important than IQ, especially when one reaches the higher rungs of the business ladder. Most business schools define emotional intelligence (EI) as being empathetic. It involves the following four actions: • observing • evaluating • feeling • responding. The first step is crucial as it involves observing things well. This is a bit of a challenge for men, while women seem to naturally observe their surroundings. Sir Alex however, has an uncanny ability to observe the behaviour of his players and notice their emotional state.

Adapting (A) Change is constant, making the ability to adapt crucial in the success of any business or person, and to do this, one has to be willing to change. David Beckham is an p Todayy he is widelyy excellent example. ne of the greatest recognised as on one our time, yet at one marketers of our m stage he was a media disaster reat material for who provided gr great meedians. Yet to the British comedians. avee to acknowledge change, we have thing we can there is something come learn, and welcome the challenge w of learning new skills to meet thee change.

Destiny (D) The pressure is immense thesee days to achieve immediate results. In football this and business, this

is no different. However, if you want to become a great leader, you have to plan for a great future and not be completely obsessed with day-today activities. Sir Alex proved the wisdom of this approach when he realised that without big money for transfer fees, the only way he

D E V E L O P

more time for future thinking. The research suggests four areas to increase your energy: • Body – are you eating correctly and exercising? Failure to do both lowers your energy levels and makes you less productive. • Spirit – should the task of lending a hand be something that lifts your spirit, use your tea breaks to support someone who is facing difficult times, which will lead to an increase in your energy levels. • Mind – use the latest technology available to manage your life. Switch off your cellphone five minutes before arriving home (pick a regular landmark to remind you), and use the opportunity to focus on your spouse and family

Change is constant, making the ability to adapt crucial in the success of any business or person, could create success was to find his own great players. So he scoured the country for the best talent for his academy in the late 80s, which was not easy to do while he was trying to survive in the top league. But he did it. It’s easy to say “build for the future”, yet it can be difficult to do as leaders have increasingly less time to focus on the future j and need all their time just to survive the present. According to oH Harvard Business School research, thee ssimplest way to increea your energy make time is to increase so that you get more morre done and have

• Emotion – if you get upset then you are very likely to say and do things you will regret, which, in turn, will t ake an inordinate amount of time to rectify. Be mindful of your responses and find out what gets you upset, so that when it happens you are equipped to remain calm.

Facing the challenges

About the author Gary Bailey Baileey is well known as a form former me Manchester United go goalkeeper and Supersport Supers sp TV presenter. H is al He also one of Southern Africa’s Afric ca’ top speakers, andd w was inducted into t eS the Speakers Hall of FFame Fa ame in 2010. Visit www.garybaileyspeaks. w ww ccom co om oor www. uuniquespeakerbureau. uniq un n que com, fo for or more information.

Guaranteed to produce increasingly successful leaders and generally better people, rising to the following challenges is an absolute must: Find one new thing to be grateful for every morning and discover the way in which you are able to be tougher and meet the demands of operating in a recession. Observe one new thing every morning. Embrace the change and learn what is needed to keep up with the latest requirements. Eat better, exercise more often, and follow the rest of the advice from Harvard in order to raise your energy levels and get more done in the time available.

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

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REWARD & DEVELOP

Renewed interest in 2012

o the renewed budgets of 2012 appear larger and is there more to spend on incentive travel? Are more corporates reinstating their group travel schemes that were the first to go when the economic situation turned ugly? Robin McLeod, sales and marketing manager at Dragonfly Africa, says looking at the state of the economy in South Africa over the past two to three years, “I think the worldwide downturn took longer to filter through than we expected”. He explains, “Certainly in South Africa, our attention during 2010 was focused on the Soccer World Cup and of course, with all the massive investment in airports, hotels and general infrastructure,

as well as fantastic sales figures during June and July of that year, it was almost possible to imagine that an economic boom was afoot.” However, things went quite dramatically quiet in South Africa after the Soccer World Cup and 2011 ended up being a very slow and rather poor year for the incoming MICE market in South Africa. McLeod adds, “Throughout last year, from our travels around the globe to our markets, it appears that corporates were doing one of these things: cutting traditional incentive programmes completely; switching to a bi-annual programme; switching to a domestic location; or raising the bar in terms of sales achievement expectation, thereby

It s a new year, which means renewed interest in incentive programmes and prospects for group travel among corporates. Abby Vorster chats to leading incentive travel houses to get their outlook on prospects and trends in 2012.

curtailing the group size of the winning staff or executives.” In addition, the economic downturn left those incentive travel schemes that were on the go in 2011 with flattened out group sizes and per-person spending that was gravely reduced.

Trends in 2012 According to meetingsnet. com’s 2012 incentive travel survey, there’s a growing expectation among corporates that incentive trips should include additional time and opportunities for business content. Hence, the average incentive travel programme participant will now spend more than a quarter of his or her event experience in business meetings. Does this hold renewed confidence for South Africa’s and Africa’s luxury hotel and game lodge establishments, which are home to world-class meeting and

The power of incentive travel

ME M MEETINGS EET ETIN NG GSS SSA A | JJA JAN/FEB AN/ N/FE /FFE EB 220 2012 0122

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REWARD & DEVELOP

Mauritius

Victoria Falls Rovos Rail

Cape Town

Paris

Sun City

events facilities, to attract more business ness from local corporates in 2012? Only time will tell. Looking at the programme mix in 2012 and top destinations, Nicky Bell, company operations manager for Edusport Travel, says clients’ requests are usually four to six nights with a mix of 30% to 40% group activities time and 60% to 70% leisure time. Depending on the clientele, the company is either asked to quote all inclusive or some clients like to see their options broken down so they can pick and choose the optional extras according to budgets. Edusport is also noticing that many corporates, which traditionally chose overseas destinations for their annual incentive

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2012

programme, are now looking at local South African destinations as they are more cost effective and also save on travelling time. She adds, “Mauritius still remains a popular destination for group incentive travel as it’s only a short flight from South Africa, and has a great variety of resorts to choose from (three star to five star) which suit all types of budgets. The resorts can cater for a mixture of group activities from catamaran cruises and themed events, to shopping in Port Louis. However, we have also been asked to come up with fresh ideas as some clients feel the likes of Dubai, London, Thailand and Mauritius have been ‘done to death’. So, new destinations

lilike Argentina, M Malaysia, Croatia an and Zanzibar are em emerging.” O On the local front, sinc since identifying 201 2011 as a particularly bad year for tourism, McLeod says it is notic noticeable that South African suppliers are much m more inclined to negotiate their rates in the desire to get some confirmed business on the books. The suppliers are also seemingly prepared to discuss additional value adds such as upgrades and a complimentary cocktail party on arrival. “I think the tourism industry is now aware that there is a lot of competition worldwide, and we particularly need South Africa to stand out, from an experience point of view and from a value-for-money perspective, especially when it comes to clients having to decide between three or four different global destinations,” he adds. Given the abundance of five-star hotels in Cape Town, McLeod says, it makes the city the place where incentive travel houses are able to sstrike the best deal for their clients. At Dragonfly Africa, the four top d destinations for meetings and incentive travel rremain unchanged. They are: • Cape Town • private game lodges • Sun City • Victoria Falls • Out of Europe. H However, McLeod adds that many incentive h houses are receiving requests for fresh and u unusual experiences, such as the Rovos Rail tto Durban coupled with the beach or bush ccomponent, which sees Phinda Game Reserve aas a favourable choice for the end destination. Does the future appear brighter in 2012? ““Over the last four months in particular, we h have seen a dramatic increase in the number o of requests for incentive proposals coming tthrough from our key markets. And I would say tthat forward bookings for 2012 and 2013 are looking absolutely phenomenal,” says McLeod. “The strong markets are definitely Australia, New Zealand, the USA, UK, South America and Russia. It is interesting to note the increase in bookings and requests from the UK, which is theoretically in dire financial straits, as well as from the USA, which is also still having financial woes. I think this demonstrates the incredible power of incentive travel. It pays for itself in many ways and is an essential and motivational tool that few corporates, operating in competitive markets, can afford to ignore.”

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